will@cvradio.com
Cherie Massey provides prelude music for the Wellsville Literary Club's December 2016 meeting.
Gathered around a table at the Elements Restaurant in Logan on Monday, members of the Wellsville Literary Club shared a meal, sang Christmas carols and celebrated friendships spanning decades. Since its inception in 1935, the club has held regular meetings throughout each year, discussing books, enjoying presentations and sharing life stories.
Not surprisingly, the groups December 2016 meeting centered on the holidays. The table was festively adorned, with miniature Christmas stockings placed beside each plate as party favors. Guests enjoyed a piano prelude provided by a longtime club member, Cherie Massey. And then it was time for business.
The Wellsville Literary Club is part of Wellsvilles heritage. The clubs current president, Laurel Maughan, is a descendant of Peter Maughan, one of Cache Valleys first non-native settlers, and her mother was also a member of the group. Meeting minutes have been kept almost religiously for more than 70 years, and new members receive club booklets, updated regularly with contact information, event schedules and other pertinent information.
I think its a good way, said Maughan, for women, older women particularly, to get out and enjoy one anothers company friends that theyve had for years and years and years. It just seems to be a good way, once a month, to get women engaged in some interesting activity.
Club members range in age from approximately 50 to over 90, and many of them are lifelong residents of Wellsville. The biographies of members include distinguished careers, raising families, extensive community service and an abiding commitment to preserving relationships and traditions.
Wilma Hall has participated in the club for more than 20 years. An avid historian, she presented a slide show during the groups November meeting showcasing memories of Wellsville across several generations.
I enjoy being part of the Wellsville Literary Club because of the association with the other ladies; the friendship that exists among us, Hall said. We have lovely programs, and we always look forward to meeting.
Also a service organization, the Wellsville Literary Club has built many floats for Wellsvilles annual Founders Day parade. Membership in the organization is generally capped at 20 to 30 women at a time, helping the group stay close-knit. Maughan, who returned to Wellsville after a 30-year career in Oregon, has been a member of the club for 13 years.
Its kept me in touch with some of the older women in our community, said Maughan. These are women Ive known all my life, and its just fun to get together to do some of these types of activities.
Teachers in Fresno, California, and Des Moines, Iowa, have come out against their districts efforts to reform how students are disciplined. As weve reported, teachers in Indianapolis and New York City registered similar complaints earlier this year . Teachers are arguing that efforts to change student-disciplinary practiceslargely in an attempt to address big racial disparities in who gets suspended and expelledare making their classrooms harder to manage.
The Fresno Bee reports that at the same time district leaders were touting the results from a restorative justice program at one of their high schools, teachers at that high school were circulating a petition demanding a policy reversal. In all, the newspaper reports that at least 70 of the schools 85 teachers signed the petition against the restorative justice program , a discipline approach that emphasizes having students reflect on their misdeeds and come up with ways to repair the harm theyve caused.
There is not a well-defined plan for dealing with student misbehavior, discipline is not consistently enforced, and there is a lack of communication on disciplinary issues. Students are returned to class without consequence after assaulting teachers, both verbally and physically, the petition declares. When students face no accountability measures, it undermines the authority of all teachers, and creates a negative campus culture.
One teacher at the high school told the newspaper that she called for a school resource officerthose are police officers stationed in schoolsto handle an alleged theft. She said she overheard a student say, Dont worry, they wont do anything.
One of the schools veteran teachers told the Bee that many of the schools educators believe in the ideals of the restorative justice program, but think that the program is being poorly implemented.
District administrators point to drastically lower suspension and expulsion rates and higher graduation rates as proof that the program is in fact working. But earlier this year, Tish Rice, the president of the Fresno Teachers Association, called it all a numbers game.
Our educators are crying out for help and should not have to wait any longer for the district to create an environment free of violence, Rice said at a press conference. The issue is a directive coming from district leadership to get expulsions and suspensions down because theres this comparison and competition. So now folks are chasing after metrics instead of dealing with the root causes of the behaviors.
Union leaders in Des Moines have struck a similar tone. The Des Moines Register reports that teachers and parentsthere say that the discipline changes have resulted in kids screaming at and hitting each other and their teachers .
Theres some really incredible examples, Andrew Rasmussen, the president of the local teachers union, told the newspaper. Thats the struggle. Wheres the middle ground?
District leaders acknowledge the gripes, but are sticking by the goals of the new discipline code.
The line we are drawing in the sand is, unless its for safety and security, removing students from class does not diminish problem behavior, Jake Troja, the director of school climate transformation at Des Moines Public Schools, told the Register. Sometimes it works out well, and sometimes it gets messy. Thats currently where we are at.
India-Afghanistan relations have warmed considerably in recent months. During Afghan President Ashraf Ghanis visit to Delhi in mid-September, the two countries deepened their defense and security co-operation and signed an extradition treaty. India also pledged US$ 1 billion towards capacity building in Afghanistan. A few days later, when the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terrorist group with close links to Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), attacked an Indian Army base at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan came out strongly in support of India. The renewed Delhi-Kabul bonding is likely to have stirred Islamabads anxieties. ISI and its terrorist proteges could step up attacks in Afghanistan and India in the coming months.
BACKGROUND: Ghani began his presidency in September 2014 by reaching out to Pakistan to secure its support for the Afghan reconciliation process. His outreach was based on the hope that Pakistan would bring the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table and refrain from backing terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. Ghani sought to woo Pakistan by addressing its concerns over Indias expanding influence in Afghanistan; he distanced himself from India, even turning down an Indian offer to provide weapons to Afghanistan. Additionally, his government ordered military operations on the Pakistani Talibans hideouts in Afghanistan and despite strong opposition at home to his co-operation with Pakistan, Ghani went ahead to finalize an intelligence sharing pact between the intelligence agencies of the two countries.
However, Ghanis attempted rapprochement with Pakistan proved a non-starter. Not only did the peace talks make little headway; violence in Afghanistan also surged sharply. Several of the major terror attacks were Pakistan-backed. What is more, Pakistani generals are said to have participated in the Talibans brief capture of Kunduz. A Taliban attack in Kabul on April 19 that killed 64 people and injured 300 others proved to be the last straw. In a speech to a joint session of the two houses of the Afghan parliament, the Afghan president announced a major shift in his policy. His government would no longer seek Pakistans support in the talks with the Taliban. We no longer expect Islamabad to bring the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table, he said.
Pakistans obstructionist approach to Afghanistans efforts to expand trade with India and the rest of South Asia further dashed Ghanis hopes that Islamabad would help stabilize Afghanistan. Pakistan allows Afghan goods overland access to India but has prevented the import of Indian goods into Afghanistan via Pakistan. This has restricted trade between India and Afghanistan as well as Indias supply of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
Like Ghani, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi also began his term by extending an olive branch to Pakistan. He invited his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif to his inauguration in May 2014 and also visited the latters Lahore residence on Christmas last year ostensibly to greet him on his birthday. In addition, the Modi government revived the suspended dialogue with Pakistan and although a Pakistani hand was evident in the terrorist attack on the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot in January, it sought to downplay it. However, relations have since frayed seriously, especially after the attack at Uri. The Uri attack prompted the Modi government to launch an international diplomatic campaign to isolate Pakistan and to carry out military strikes on terror launch-pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This has plunged historically troubled India-Pakistan relations to a dangerous new low.
IMPLICATIONS: As their attempts at rapprochement have failed, India and Afghanistan have toughened their approach towards Pakistan. Ghani has returned to the policy of his predecessor, Hamid Karzai, who built strong relations with India. This shift did not happen overnight; months prior to his speech announcing his loss of faith in Pakistan, Ghani reached out to India to take on the responsibility of being a key security provider in Afghanistan. He renewed the request for Indian weaponry, which he had rejected less than a year earlier.
India responded to the request by giving Afghanistan four Mi-24 attack helicopters, the first time Delhi has provided lethal military hardware to Afghanistan. Since both the U.S. and the Ghani government have shrugged off their earlier reservations over India taking on a military role in Afghanistan, and the Modi government is not averse to adopting such a role, India can be expected to supply Afghanistan with more weaponry. In August, Afghanistans army chief General Qadam Shah Shahim visited Delhi with a new wish list of military equipment, which was reportedly drawn up with U.S. input. The military equipment that India will supply remains under wraps.
On the question of terrorism, especially that emanating from Pakistan, the Ghani government has become increasingly strident in its criticism of Pakistan, blaming terrorist attacks on Afghan soil not just on groups linked to ISI but on the Pakistan military itself; for instance, it held the Pakistan military responsible for the attack on the Indian consulate at Mazar-e-Sharif in January. Following the attack on the Indian army camp at Uri, it not only expressed solidarity with India but also described the attack as cross-border terrorism, language that India uses to describe attacks by terrorist outfits based in and backed by Pakistan. The Ghani government took this show of solidarity with India further by joining it in boycotting the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) summit that Islamabad was to host in November. It also supported Indias surgical strikes on terrorist launch-pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir; the Afghan ambassador in Delhi even justified the Indian strikes as bold action that was carried out in self-defense.
Also with regard to trade, the Afghan president has turned more strident. He recently warned Pakistan that it would not be allowed to use Afghan transit routes to reach Central Asian markets if it continued to obstruct overland trade with India via the Wagah border. This new assertiveness is in part an outcome of Afghanistans mounting frustration with Pakistan. But after India, Iran and Afghanistan signed a trade and transit agreement via Irans Chabahar port, Kabul and Delhi also have an overland route that frees them of dependence on the route via Pakistan.
The growing collaboration between Kabul and Delhi has evoked an angry reaction from the Afghan Taliban, who have called on India to halt military aid to Afghanistan, describing aid to the Kabul stooge administration as an act of hostility to the Afghan people. Attacks on Indian projects and personnel in Afghanistan are likely. The ISI can be expected to encourage and support such attacks.
CONCLUSIONS: Undoubtedly, India and Afghanistan have much to gain from bilateral cooperation. However, they should resist the temptation to isolate Pakistan as this would only intensify the latters already deep insecurities. An insecure and anxious Pakistan is in nobodys interest, especially since this would prompt the country to back violent attacks targeting Afghanistan, India and their cooperative endeavors. While India and Afghanistan should not allow Pakistan to curtail their bilateral cooperation they would do well to keep the door open for collaboration with Pakistan, however frustrating and unrewarding this may be.
AUTHORS BIO: Dr. Sudha Ramachandran is an independent researcher / journalist based in India. She writes on South Asian political and security issues. Her articles have appeared in Asia Times Online, The Diplomat, China Brief, etc. She can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Image source: Wikimedia Commons, accessed on December 8, 2016
#Aleppo: Every 10 minutes
Published on December 15, 2016
Story by Sophie Rebmann Translation by: Ella Hicks
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News of the horrors in Aleppo is everywhere. How are we supposed to react to the juxtaposition of everyday life and terror?
Roughly every 10 minutes I click on "new updates." Every 10 minutes I get at least 250 new tweets written in terror, despair, helplessness. United by a hashtag: #Aleppo. The people who stayed behind in Aleppo are posting shocking images of bodies strewn across debris-covered Syrian streets. The rest post their own shock.
267 new updates.
Aleppo is posting its "last updates" - emotional reports, disturbing images, cries for help, appeals to the world to do something. Farewell messages that you probably hear from the dying (I have never witnessed anyone die), who are not ready to go.
The world is posting messages of support: "We are with you," "We are praying for you." It posts comparisons. "Why is #Kanye trending, while Aleppo is dying?" Comparisons to Sarajevo, to Srebrenica, to Rwanda, to Warsaw. It posts: "What happened to 'never again'?" It posts accusations. The EU is to blame for closing its borders. Barack Obama is to blame for allowing Syria to overstep red lines. It is posting, posting frenetically to #saveAleppo. It is posting against voicelessness.
366 new updates.
With support from Russia, the Assad regime successfully wrought back control of the eastern part of Aleppo in November. These few kilometres are now being stormed and bombarded. The UN Human Rights Council reported a veritable execution of 82 civilians. In the middle of the street.
209 new updates.
Lina Shamy, a citizen of Aleppo, writes on Twitter: "Call your MPs and governments, write to them, challenge them to stop the genocide!" There will be some people who will pick up the phone. A young French woman urges people to write to the Russian ambassador in Brussels, posting the ambassadors personal address on Facebook. A Polish woman living in Berlin is so outraged that she calls for a solidarity march from Berlin to Aleppo. In Istanbul, London, Paris and many other cities, people have spontaneously taken to the streets to protest against the massacres in Syria. Others are reposting photos and articles, sharing them with friends - or simply closing their newsfeeds. "Today I feel like a failure," writes journalist Janine di Giovanni. "My war reports over the last 25 years havent been able to change anything."
317 new updates...
Story by Sophie Rebmann
Translated from #Aleppo: Alle zehn Minuten
The messages can't be about 'job retraining.' These folks have heard it a million times and, frankly, they think it's complete and total bulls**t," he continued. "Talk about policies that will incentivize companies to repatriate manufacturing jobs. Talk about infrastructure ... The workers we're talking about don't want to run computers; they want to run back hoes, dig ditches (and) sling concrete block. ... Somewhere along the line we forgot that not everyone wants to be white collar." David Betras, Chairman of the Mahoning County, Ohio (Youngstown area) Democratic party, in a post-mortem on the election, talking about what he said to Hillary Clinton during the campaign, a message he said she ignored. Quoted from the Daily 202 column by James Hohman in the November 22, 2016 Washington Post.
Well, there you have it. Regular readers of my blog will remember me saying that it is not just about the money. The coal miners dont want to come down out of the mountains into the cities. Their dads were coal miners and their grandfathers and their grandfathers fathers before them. And it is not just about how they make their living. It is also about a culture that defines their sense of self.
Those jobs did not need much schooling. Many of the kids who did really well in school did not really fit in or just couldnt find jobs. So they left the area. They might come back for the holidays to see their families, but they left home to find jobs in the new economy. My regular readers will also recall me saying that those jobs are not coming back. If you have forgotten what I said about why they are not coming back, look here .
So what is a politician to do? Both candidates in this election promised to spend a ton of tax money on new infrastructure that will provide exactly the kind of jobs that David Betras was talking about: running backhoes, digging ditches, slinging concrete block. Building new airports, roads and bridges will also require a lot of steel girders, pipe and culverts. Glass walls will be needed and steel guard rails. And when all the old bridges are replaced and the new airports built and the work is done, it will be all over. And we will be right back where we are now; the infrastructure program will only delay the inevitable for a small part of our workforce.
But these folks, according to Betras, dont want to want to run computers. They dont want to be retrained. They dont want to give up their way of life. They dont want to leave the land their family has lived on for generations. To the extent that Betras was talking about the white working class, the data bears him out. Forty-five percent think that life would be better if they had a four-year degree; but 51 percent think that life would be about the same.
The educated in the United States are investing unprecedented sums to get the most education they can get for themselves and their children, because they know that doing so will make an ever-growing difference in their lives. But many of those with much less education dont want to hear it. So, during the presidential election, neither candidate told these voters that their jobs were never coming back, much less why that is so. No one told them that their whole way of life would have to change if they wanted a decent way of life for themselves and their children.
The last time a seismic shift in the makeup of jobs in the economy happened on this scale was in the years between the first and second world wars. That was when the old family farms collapsed and modern high-tech industrial farming came in. The process was memorialized in John Steinbecks Grapes of Wrath and Dorothea Langes haunting pictures of that era. The Great Depression did not start in 1929. It started earlier, in the aftermath of World War I. American farmers had greatly expanded production to meet the needs of people literally starving in Europe and elsewhere, where agriculture had been destroyed. As those countries agricultural capacity came back on line, prices collapsed for the output of American farms and the stage was set for the financial collapse that extended from the farm to the other sectors of the U.S. economy.
No one had to explain to the American farmer that the old days were over and never coming back. Dustbowl economics were explanation enough. The Okies left their withered fields for the California cities. Their sons and daughters became airplane mechanics and built sound stages in Hollywood. Giant corporations bought acres of forlorn farmland for a song and created vastly more efficient farms based on the latest research. Millions of African-American sharecroppers headed to the northern cities in the Great Migration. The sons and daughters of many midwestern farmers who did not head west found that they could not make it on the family farm either, so they got part-time jobs in nearby cities or left altogether for the big cities where all kinds of opportunities opened up. Both the farmers who stayed on the land and their sons and daughters who moved to the cities ended up getting much more education and training than their parents had ever had.
I am willing to bet that if we had asked those farmers what they wanted for themselves as the storm clouds gathered over their family farms in the 1920s and 30s, they would have said, I love it here. I love the big sky and the bird song and the smell of the winter wheat and the feel of the soft earth in my hands and the sight of the corn shoots coming up in the spring rain. I love my church and my friends and our way of life. You bet Id like to have electricity here so we wouldnt have to haul water from the well every day and do our wash by hand. But Im not leaving. The big city is a cesspool. You say you want to train me for the kinds of desk jobs that people do there? Are you crazy?
But the world changed. And they did leave for the city. And they did get more education and training. And they did get desk jobs.
Something like this happened in Sweden in the 1970s. Several industries in which Sweden had had a global leadership position for a long timein some cases centurieshad virtually disappeared from Sweden, leaving many Swedish workers in bad shape. Shipbuilding is a good example. The Swedes hired Boston Consulting Group to advise the government on how to get these jobs back. BCG found out that the Swedish shipbuilders had invested in state-of-the-art equipment to make sure that they would remain competitive. But, despite that investment, they lost the business to other countries like South Korea anyway. BCG told the government that there was no way to get the shipbuilding business back. Though the top global competitors would have to use state-of-the-art equipment, that equipment could be run by relatively low-skill workers. South Korea had bought the same equipment that the Swedish firms had bought, but their workers were happy to work for much lower wages.
BCG told the government that it should stop bailing out the shipbuilding industry and others like it in which Sweden would never again be competitive. Instead, it should find ways to support Swedish firms that were finding markets in which they could succeed by using advanced manufacturing technologies that required highly skilled, not low-skilled, workers; companies that were also investing heavily in the research and development that would enable them to be one step ahead of the competition technologically.
But, BCG told the government that none of this was likely to work in the face of the demands of shipyard workers that the government bring the old jobs back, so they advised the government to literally bulldoze the shipyards first, then offer the land formerly occupied by the shipyards to the new high technology/high skill companies on which the future of Sweden would depend, and, finally, bring job counselors and job training organizations from all over the country to the former shipyard sites to counsel and train the former shipyard workers. The riveters were retrained as robot operators and the teetering Swedish economy got a new lease on life.
So what, now, is political leadership here in the United States? We can easily say what it is not. It is not promising to get the old jobs back. That wont happen. It is explaining why no one can bring the old jobs backthat is, by figuratively bulldozing the old shipyardsand then laying out what the people who used to do them will have to do to earn a good living in an increasingly automated, global economy. That is what no political leader has yet done. Only then will it be both necessary and possible to put together the kind of massive education and retraining program the country really needs.
CAMEROUN :: Cameroon: The Anglophone Problem and a Nations Embarrassment
The odious scenes of police brutality captured on social media, were pathetic, disgraceful and reinforces Cameroons image as a country with highly dysfunctional institutions where bizarre things can happen.
No other event lately, perhaps, dramatizes the growing contradictions of Cameroon better than the brigandage witnessed on the streets of Buea and Bamenda with its trail of violence in which lawyers, teachers, university students and innocent civilians were beaten, arrested, tortured, raped and detained by rampaging soldiers acting on orders from above. The brutality deployed against Anglophones for exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech and peaceful assembly is simply mind-boggling, inexcusable and stand condemned in all ramifications. In the judgment of an average sense of decency, the crude police assault is a moral weakness of asinine proportion that calls into question, the real character of the nations leadership. The lawlessness by security forces was an insult to democracy and constitutional rectitude that neither edifies the country, nor the President, on whose desk, the buck stops. Cameroonians deserve full explanation for this unbelievable shame.
To the utter embarrassment of the nation, the images of police brutality which went viral on social media were pathetic, disgraceful and devoid of any perfunctory exaggeration. By any streak of the imagination, this cowardly and barbaric fury towards life, liberty and civility, is one of the most odious image-battering events that only reinforces Cameroons international image as a country with highly dysfunctional institutions where bizarre things can happen. Cameroonian leaders at all levels must be hiding their heads in shame. Certainly Anglophones must be allowed to examine the basis of their co-existence. To deny them this right for fear that they may disagree to live together is like building on a shaky foundation.
After many false starts, dashed hopes, and perennially low expectation, Cameroon needs a change of direction and Anglophones want to reset the agenda. Government apologists denouncing the ongoing protests as a rally of miscreants must realize that the use of overwhelming force is a very risky strategy that could backfire and, in the worst case scenario, crystallize into the formation of armed groups in legitimate self-defense of Anglophones. Once that line is crossed, the clamors for secession will only grow louder. History is dotted with too many such examples and Cameroon cannot afford to go down this route. The government claims without any evidence that the protests are the handiwork of unseen foreign hands and refuse to acknowledge that the motivations for the protests rest on the skewed nature of Cameroon as a country. For many years, Francophone-led governments from Ahidjo to Paul Biya have maintained a portentous imbalance and inequitable structure that marginalizes Anglophones and disfavours meritocracy. They have glossed over the continuous discrimination of Anglophones in a progressive fashion to a point of assimilation. And by so doing they have foisted a forced unanimity.
With the groundswell of protests, the unity of Cameroon, for want of a suitable metaphor, seems to be held at gunpoint. Obviously, these protests point to issues that have not been resolved. Unfortunately, the government response has been violence and provocative belligerence, instead of finding a midway for which the nations diversity can be respected, and a sense of belonging maintained without making anyone feel any loss of their identity. The government must cease and desist from perpetrating acts of violence against Anglophones as this risk enthroning instability that could dismember the country.
Notwithstanding, it is simplistic to view the demonstrations as an event orchestrated by disgruntled elements reliving an inglorious reverie from some botched re-unification experiment because the deeper import of the protests transcend the Anglophone agenda. Protest is a living philosophy of justice that appears wherever and whenever oppression, impunity, injustice and structural violence rear their heads. In a democracy, the people alone matter; peaceful protests is an integral part of democracy; people should air their views, however jaundiced. What is going on is symbolic of the discontent experienced by many ethno-political interests for whom the Cameroon question remains unanswered.
That Cameroon as a nation is living a lie or its rulers are living in denial is not in doubt. It wants to be a prosperous and politically stable country, yet it is holding down this potential for prosperity and stability by maintaining a supercilious, garrisoned, centralized government, whilst paying lip service to regional decentralization. Nothing is working in the country and the bond that binds the ethnic nationalities appears tenuous, if not snapping, fundamentally threatening the unity of the country. The unity in diversity hitherto advertised as Africa in miniature has been supplanted by diversity in unity, such that Cameroonians see themselves first in the mold of their ethnic nationality. This explains why Cameroon is politically weak and structurally fragile, giving rise to negative and frightening prognostications.
Without equivocation, all is not well with the country. For too long, successive Francophone-led governments have undermined the essential differences in the various interests of the Cameroonian people; and so unresolved matters about the aspirations of Cameroons heterogeneous interests have become a ticking time bomb. To assume that these do not exist, or to gloss over them is to play the ostrich like Fame Ndongo stuck in clannish grand-standing; wearing the garb of an ethnic jingoist and pontificating about a united Cameroon. The truth of the matter is that the current structure of Cameroon today, holds down the levers of development in the country, stunts its growth, truncates its progress and actually threatens its unity. The present political structure with its insensitive centripetal exertions provides vents for sundry injustices in the polity that must be corrected to liberate the nations full potentials.
For the avoidance of doubt, Anglophones have a right to determine whether the political configuration of the country as it stands today should remain as it is in form and in character; whether the structures of the existing order, are suitable for the nations complexities as a bilingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation. Cameroon is a great country waiting to happen and needs men and women who would make sacrifices for her greatness. It is indeed unfortunate that Francophone political leaders seem to wittingly or unwittingly consider Anglophones as enemies in the house rather than as Cameroonians with a different vision of how the country can be run. The Francophone political class needs to learn and understand that leadership is not about ethnic domination or selfish power equation; it is rather a disposition of moral strength and sacrifice to act in the public interest. Rather than exacerbate tension and heat the polity unnecessarily, the government should find answers to the thorny issues that created this monstrosity in the first place.
The ongoing violence does little credit to the image of Cameroons democracy. The depth of suspicion and ill feeling towards Anglophones is unhealthy for a nation in distress. Too much pain has been inflicted and certain pertinent points need to be made. One is that Anglophones have been treated as beasts of no nation in a way that is provocative and vexatious. Besides, if the government thinks brute force is the appropriate response to legitimate Anglophone grievances; that is a huge mistake as history beckons with lessons. Anglophones may have borne the provocation with admirable equanimity, but let the government be under no illusions: Anglophones have been mightily insulted and never again should it happen. The discrimination and marginalization of Anglophones has had its day and must now end in the interest of peace and stability. In the meantime, the government should spare Cameroonians the noise and let Anglophone voices be heard as they cry in agony for better governance.
* * Ekinneh Agbaw-Ebai is a public intellectual and graduate of Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government where he was Managing Editor of the Harvard Journal of African-American Public Policy. A former Research Analyst for Central Africa with Freedom House, he is a consultant and lives in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Talk back at ekinneh@yahoo.com.
Vandalisme a Bamenda: reactions de leaders politiques et religieux
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Il faut le dialogue
Dakole Daissala, senateur, president national du Mouvement democratique pour la defense de la Republique (MDR).
Il faut une vigoureuse reprise en main, tout en etant conscient de la gestion politique dune telle affaire. Il faut le dialogue. Et pour dialoguer, il faut etre deux. Sil y a refus du dialogue, il faut imaginer quel langage tenir. Pour revenir aux evenements que vous evoquez, ce nest pas normal. Cela commence par une greve davocats, puis ce sont les enseignants et les eleves. On passe ensuite a la recuperation politique. A mon sens, il sagit de quelque chose de bien huilee. Ce qui est inacceptable. Accepter la situation telle quelle se presente, cest se suicider. Il faut continuer a tenir a ceux qui sont en face le langage de la raison. Il faut essayer de les amener a comprendre quils sont alles trop loin et que la majorite des Camerounais ne peuvent pas les suivre dans ce type dincartade. Le sujet sur la forme de lEtat revient chaque fois. Je crois que la forme quil faut, cest un Etat unitaire fortement decentralise, surtout en ce qui concerne les parties qui sont susceptibles de creer certaines disparites sociales et economiques. La decentralisation poussee permettra datteindre un equilibre acceptable et respectable pour tout le monde. Sagissant du federalisme, mon experience politique et mon age me permettent den parler. On sait a quel point il est extremement couteux et ne resout pas les problemes .
Peace Is An Uncompromising Commodity
Reverend Mrs Fobang Geraldine, Chief of programmes, CBS Radio, Buea.
Peace, to me, is an uncompromising commodity that people from all walks of life should propagate. The recent civil unrest in our country, especially in the two English-speaking regions leaves no one indifferent. Considering the fact that this is happening during the advent season when Christians expect the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, I strongly advise that peace be given a chance. I call on government to invite all stakeholders for frank dialogue to listen to their grievances and find solutions.
We Need To Unite As One In Prayers
Reverend Genty Ndeley, Pastor, Philadelphia Baptist Church, Bonakanda-Buea.
Our land is sick and needs healing. Therefore, all men and women need to unite as one in prayer for Gods intervention in our nation. Our nation is polluted with occultist practices and we need to humble ourselves and turn to God. Second Chronicles 7:14 reminds us that each time Gods children cry out to Him, He listens to them in love and attends to their needs as a Father. The fathers of our nation need to give a listening ear to their children and answer in love.
Dialogue Remains Supreme
Rev Njini Edward, Senior Pastor, Nkwen Baptist Church, Bamenda
I think it is high time the government resorted to dialogue. Dialogue remains supreme. The government is downplaying issues. If care is not taken, things will get hotter than they are now. It is better the government acknowledged the fact that there is a problem and seek solutions. The government should sit and talk with those concerned, and seek solutions for the betterment of our country.
Views collected by JFB, Nkeze MBONWOH,
LIENGU ETAKA ESONG
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This blog post is dedicated to the vision and memory of Pat Dolan (left), whose extensive work supporting labor-management collaboration undoubtedly contributed to the quality and improvement of schools and districts across the country. Dolan passed away November 29, 2016. I had the privilege of working with Dolan intermittently in the Teacher Union Reform Network (TURN) and its California branch (CalTURN) for about four years (2012-15), and always appreciated his clarity and wisdom. He could explain the ins-and-outs of labor relations in ways that felt simultaneously like a revelation and a self-evident truth, like I suddenly understood something Id long known. As much as he knew and understood, he was always open to new learning, and receptive to other points of view, other experiences. And of course, anyone who ever saw him present or facilitate will fondly recall his illustrations and diagrams, which made his points clearer in the moment, and looked a little nonsensical after the fact, absent Dolans running commentary. Theres no replacing Dolan in our work, so well have to trust that his influence was strong enough to keep us moving in the right direction.
This past Saturday, I put in a full days work, meeting with fellow members of my teachers union executive board. An extended period of collaboration gave us time to take care of some immediate business, and then delve more deeply into a review of where we are and we need to go as an association.
Im not sure what outsiders imagine we might do in a meeting like that. Perhaps they envision us plotting ways to jam the gears of education reform. They see us hunched over some diagrams or peering at our laptops as we hatch all sorts of schemes to build our political power, enrich ourselves at taxpayer expense, and frustrate any effort by our administrators to deal with the bad teachers in our midst!
And after all, we were meeting in secret, behind closed doors. So, as a service to the community, Im going to pull back the curtain and expose some of the inner workings of my own union. Heres the strategizing we engaged in yesterday when no one was listening.
Were going to continue improving communications with teachers. We want to make sure that all of our members are informed about whats going on in our district, and we want to make sure they have every opportunity to communicate back to us as well so that we can represent their teaching needs fairly and accurately. Another decision we madeprivately, without consulting all education stakeholders!was to add more social events to our calendar. We even discussed the merits of different types of events in different locations. But not content to stop there, we then considered how to boost our member recognition and appreciation efforts.
At this point were trying to identify and acknowledge our members who go above and beyond in helping our students and building bridges with our community. (Were sneaky that way.) And speaking of the community, we came up with ideas to try to be more involved in local community organizations, seeking to expand our unions presence in all sorts of groups and settings. If our strategizing leads to success, teachers will be well-positioned to execute our grand plans... to help children, and help other community members to do the same.
Shocking, isnt it?
Sarcasm aside, Im proud of the work of my local union, and I know teacher union leaders around the country whose union participation and leadership are grounded in the firm belief that our collective strength must be put to use in service of our profession and our students.
Beyond whats happening at the local level, my state union is doing more to support and improve education. Nearly all year long there are conferences and trainings going on, including some they can bring to our district. Quite recently, I participated in a two-day training from CTAs Human Rights Department , learning about unconscious biaswhat it is, where we get it, why it matters, how to recognize it, and how to mitigate its effects. Our district is providing the training to all staff, including district and site administrators, certificated staff, and classified staff.
Our state union supports the Institute for Teaching (IFT), a nonprofit organization that promotes strength-based, teacher-driven change. While researching my book, I visited and wrote about some of the many teachers who have used IFT grants to fund projects giving students some powerful learning experiences; they use union backing to promote students family and community relationships, leadership, health, innovation, scholarship, and global awareness.
If they have their way in the courts, union critics will soon create a significant impediment to our ability to carry out this work. They want to eliminate fair share union dues, forcing unions to represent every teacher without compelling every teacher to pay their fair share for that representation. Critics of the current system say that teachers who dont wish to support the union are compelled to be part of an organization they dont support as a condition of employment. Theyre not. A teacher doesnt have to join the union, and teachers can withhold a portion of their dues that would be directed towards political activities they dont support. But I think its reasonable, and so far the Supreme Court has agreed (Abood v. Detroit Board of Ed.) that a union with a legal mandate to represent all teachers can also require all teachers to pay for the services they automatically receive.
Earlier this year, many SCOTUS observers assumed the court would overturn its precedent in the case of Friedrichs v. CTA, but Justice Scalias death left the eight-member court deadlocked ; for now, the precedent stands. Any new appellate case, and a Trump-appointed ninth justice, would likely be enough to reverse Abood. While wed like to think that nearly all teachers would voluntarily pay their union dues, we also know that people in general dont like to pay for something they think they can have for free"especially if they know other people are taking advantage of the free ride. Looking to the Midwestern states where unions have recently suffered major setbacks (Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan come to mind), Im deeply troubled by what may come to California and other strong teacher union states.
This blog post may not do much for teacher recruitment efforts, and we certainly need to address our teacher shortage . I hope this post motivates more teachers to work more with their unions, and I hope it gives pause to union critics to be careful what they wish for: weakened unions are not good for education, equity, or democracy.
Photo: Pat Dolan discussing labor-management collaboration at CalTURN, by David B. Cohen
| BY Lynchy |
CB can reveal that Gavin McLeod, who departed the ECD role at R/GA Sydney earlier this month, has been lured to the plum executive creative director gig at AKQAs San Francisco office.
McLeod will lead the creative discipline within the San Francisco office and joins the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to Simon Jefferson, managing director of AKQAs San Francisco office.
With over 20 years of experience in fostering creative and collaborative cultures, McLeod joins AKQA after many successful years in Sydney. He has held multiple creative positions, where he has developed and implemented award-winning work recognized over the years by Cannes Lions, Clios, D&AD, Effies, One Show, and Spikes Asia.
Says Jefferson: Gavin is passionate, entrepreneurial, highly curious and focused on creating whats next. Hes collaborative and has built strong teams with an incredible work ethic and a proven track-record of creating award-winning work. Gavin joins us at a time when we are partnering with some of the worlds best companies to help define their vision and architect the future-state of their customer experience.
Says McLeod: Ive admired the work that AKQA has been doing for many years. As a company, theyve always struck me as being fearless in pushing the boundaries. I look forward to helping the San Francisco team push these boundaries even further.
Prior to TBWA Sydney, he had four years as creative director of M&C Saatchi/Mark, Sydney where it was consistently the most awarded direct agency in the country, boasting several agency of the year accolades as well as being the second most awarded in the world in 2006 and the third most awarded in the world in both 2007 and 2008, according to the WON report.
| BY Ricki Green |
Ikon Sydney Group has strengthened its core leadership team and content offering announcing the appointment of Maria Casas as the agencys new head of content. Casas joins from Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney where she was head of social media.
Casas key remit is to provide strategic leadership and implementation across all of the content needs of Ikons clients and lead Ikons already strong content and social team of experts.
Natalie Musico, Ikons chief of integrated services said the newly established role acknowledges the increased demand from Ikon Sydneys clients for integration and leadership across multiple communication disciplines. The head of content role balances strategic, creative and commercial requirements in order to drive the most effective content strategies and ideas for the agencys clients.
Says Musico: We are delighted to welcome Maria to the team. Her strong leadership skills and outstanding knowledge across the different content offerings is a great fit in combination with Ikons creative, SEO, social and media offerings.
Marias skillset is another crucial investment by the Ikon Sydney Group since moving to our full service model. Its a reflection of the growing success of the offering and the faith our clients have in the quality and effectiveness of the strategy, creative and content services we provide. With Marias added expertise we further set ourselves up to be a leader across all of their communications needs.
In her previous role at Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney, Casas has honed a unique skillset, drawing from experience on both sides of the client/agency divide. Prior to Saatchi, Casas was social media strategy director at Reprise successfully developing social media and digital presences for some of the industrys biggest brands
Says Casas on her move to Ikon: Im thrilled to be joining the Ikon family. I was attracted to the agencys strong, forward-thinking business ethic and its nurturing culture and I believe Ikon has the right foundation to deliver the best content offering in Australia.
The expertise and brain trust in the agency from an integrated services perspective, offers unique opportunities to build and deliver world-class work for clients, and Im excited to further Ikons success in this area.
Casas is an active member of the advertising community and has been a recurring speaker at leading industry events such as Ad:Tech and both the online and retail media summits.
| BY Ricki Green |
Media agency Initiative is continuing to build its strategy capabilities with the appointment of one of the media industrys brightest stars John Dawson as communications design director, Sydney.
Dawson is one of Australias most awarded young strategists having won the Australian Cannes Young Lions competition, the NGEN Award at the MFA Awards twice, an Emerald Media Cristal from the Cristal Festival, a silver for media strategy at the Asia Marketing Effectiveness Awards and two Media Federation of Australia awards, including the Grand Prix in 2015.
His appointment follows news that Tristan Burrell has joined Initiative as national chief strategy officer. He is formerly global head of strategy and ideas at UMs J3 agency. Originally with UM in Sydney, Burrell won the global Cannes Young Lions Award in 2009.
Dawsons role is a new position at Initiative. He will work with strategy and creative leads to develop ideas that shape the experience people have with brands across owned, earned, shared and paid encounters.
| BY Ricki Green |
CB Exclusive After two years of discussion and planning the MDS Creative Advertising course opens its doors in February next year at the Torrens University Campus at Mountain Street, Ultimo (in ad parlance thats in the same building as DDB Sydney).
Says Kate Humphries, program director for Australia and NZ: Our grads have always done really well in Australia, and feedback from Australian ECDs on our student books has always been overwhelmingly positive, so weve always known there was a market over here for the course but we didnt want to just barge in willy-nilly, we knew that we needed to offer something that could work with Sydneys existing advertising courses, whilst also offering something significantly different in the marketplace.
Weve always operated on the core belief that the only way to learn to work in a creative department is to be in one, so the Sydney course will mirror the creative department simulation of the Auckland course with a full day, five-day week, year-long course that tests the students out with brief after brief; competition after competition; and with constant feedback from industry panels, mentors, guests and a full-time tutor (with at least ten years experience working as an advertising creative) working with the students on the ground everyday. Its a formula that works, because it allows the tutor to take ownership of the course and run the place as its creative director challenging every single student to be fearless and bold, whilst keeping an eagle eye out on how theyre working out in teams. As with the Auckland course, content wont be slavishly divided between traditional and new, but will be grounded in the core principles that underlie both; and art directors and copywriters will not be parceled off into different lectures. In fact there wont be lectures, just lots of learning by doing with art directors that think like writers, and writers that think like art director.
We kept these ingredients the same because we want to ensure the Sydney program is underpinned by the rigor of a well-tested course one thats always got results both in terms of awards and student employment. The focus on getting students into agencies and ensuring they thrive when they get there is what got the MDS course ranked in the 5 most creative schools in the world by Young Guns, and if you look at the 2016 course just completed in Auckland, that success continues with students winning 2 Crystal Awards for Innovation at AdStars; 3 finalist places at Future Lions; 4 finalist places for the Google Student Axis (winners will be announced in March) and, for the 9th year in a row, the NewsWorks Student Campaign of the Year. The course has only just finished but almost all the teams have either jumped straight into employment, are on internships or have been offered internships in Auckland, Wellington and Sydney.
Whats different about the Sydney offering is it will be a post grad qualification; one thats going to be single-minded about pushing the students ability to have genuine insights; and one that acknowledges the need for broader, quicker, craft skills that will enable grads to not only create ad campaigns, but also competition or client-ready decks or case study films that can persuasively present brand purpose in innovative new product and service ideas.
Another reason for it being a postgrad course is because whilst theres plenty of undergraduate degrees in Sydney in graphic design, media design, communications, digital communications, film, animation and the humanities we know from our Auckland experience that those students often emerge at the end of their degrees desperate to get a career that allows them to not only produce but also come up with their own ideas. The role MDS can play in that mix is to put their dreams on steroids by turning them, in a single year, into an oven-ready ad creative. MDS also worked hard to ensure the program is a fully credited one so the students can be funded while theyre working hard.
Its going to be a qualification that grows creative students for immediate employment in creative departments, but its also going to be about nurturing in them the lifelong skills of a commercial creative: a pro-active, problem-solving, nimble individual able to use a brand purpose in a flexible, broader way that changes, as what we know as advertising changes. Were excited by it, and were really looking forward to working with the industry that gave us Nick Law and David Droga.
| BY Ricki Green |
Last night in New York City, UNICEF launched its first rebrand in over a decade with a striking brand film, shot and directed by Nylon Studios co-owner and creative director, Simon Lister. The campaign features the voices of Liam Neeson, Jackie Chan and Shakira, with singing from world-renowned musician, Lisa Gerrard but the films real stars are the faces of the children that UNICEF helps to aid and protect.
Lister is best known in the industry as one of Australias top sound engineers and co-founder of Nylon Studios. His passion for sound and music has created a powerful pairing with his amazing images as they are accompanied by Nylon composer Jesse Watts evocative composition. Collaborating between its New York and Sydney studios, Nylon also created the Sound Design for the campaign.
Says Lister: To be able to have my photos represent such an incredible and iconic brand is immensely satisfying. I think most of us would hope that at some stage of our career we can somehow use our craft to be able to make a meaningful contribution to the world we live in.
Created by Marcel Sydneys founder and creative chairman, David Nobay and produced by Holly Alexander, the brand campaign has since been shared online by the likes of David Beckham and other UN ambassadors reaching over 3.5 million people worldwide. Nobay brought Lister onto the project after their initial collaboration on the ABC Artbreaks caught the eye of UNICEFs chief of brand building, David Ohana.
Says Ohana: Through this re-branding, our goal is to convey, in a powerful and distinctive way, what UNICEF stands for, in everything we do, in every country we work, in a way that is relevant to our audiences. It has been a pleasure to work with David Nobay, Simon Lister and the team on this truly global collaboration.
What started as a passionate hobby, many years ago, has now become an opportunity for Listers stunningly visceral photography to bring awareness to The United Nations Childrens Fund and its cause. Over the span of 2 months, Lister travelled with just a small UNICEF team to film children from developing countries, such as Vietnam, Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon and Mexico. The footage was brought back to Sydney and pieced together with the incredible care and support of Hecklers Will Alexander, Andrew Holmes and Ali Kennedy.
Do you get paid time off to vote? Here's which states allow it, and which don't
Elections
Florida Woman Uses Pet to 'Doctor Shop' at Animal Hospitals
The dog's name was Tony Montana. This guy. That should've been the vet's first clue that Malorie Ruiz might be more than just a concerned pet owner looking to chill her dog out on some Alpazolam, a form of Xanax.
The second clue? Calling back right after getting the prescription and demanding a refill. "She called and said that she was going out of town and they dropped the drugs in the toilet or something," Park Animal Hospital owner Rachel McGlamery told WFLA. "Oh no, she couldn't find the key ... The key to the safe or some sort of crap."
Leaving on a Vet Plane
McGlamery denied Ruiz more pet pills, but that didn't stop this dedicated dog owner. She headed to Alexander Pharmacy, where pharmacy tech Krystal Karcaka also turned her away:
"Oh my God, it was insane. She came in here, called the very next day. Then she called again the following day. Oh yeah, then she said that she had to go ... She was leaving for Europe and she needed it filled right then and there."
Ruiz never made it to Europe, sadly. McGlamery and Karcaka alerted the police, who arrested Ruiz and charged her with doctor shopping and attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud. But what if poor Tony Montana needed some really high dosage to take the edge off? Or Ruiz had other dogs with anxiety issues? After all, her Facebook page allegedly indicated she has worked with animals in the past and may even have training in veterinary medicine. She needs those pills, man!
Doggie Dosage
Getting human drugs for your dog is a fairly common practice, according to Pinellas Park Police Sgt. Michael Lynch. "Sometimes the dosage is a lot less," Lynch told WLFA. "Depending on the size of the animal of course as opposed to a human." But using your dog to get human drugs for you? Not so cool, according to Florida criminal statute 893.13(7)(a)8, under which a person may not:
Withhold information from a practitioner from whom the person seeks to obtain a controlled substance or a prescription for a controlled substance that the person making the request has received a controlled substance or a prescription for a controlled substance of like therapeutic use from another practitioner within the previous 30 days.
Doctor shopping is a first degree misdemeanor in Florida if it's your first offense; after that, you're looking at felony charges.
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Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 1:17AM
The autonomous vehicle market is growing quiet quickly and hoping to join in on the fun is a former Googler. Chris Urmson, the ex-chief technology officer for Googles self-driving car program, is said to be preparing to launch his own company that will compete not just with its former employer but with the many others working on autonomous vehicles. Urmson was approached by a lot of self-driving startups and Silicon Valley companies when he left Google back in August but hes decided to strike out on his own.
Hes reportedly in talks for the past month with engineers from the likes of Uber, Tesla, and Apple in hopes of having them work with him. What Urmson wants to bring to the market is a complete self-driving package, including everything from software, data, to hardware. Hed allow the package to be licensed and altered by automakers, much like what Microsoft does with Windows.
Source: ReadWrite
Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 12:48AM
Looks like the late 2014 hack of over 500 million Yahoo user accounts isnt the only big security issue the company has to deal with. Yahoo just disclosed that more than one billion accounts might have been compromised by a hack of an unauthorized third party back in August 2013. The information stolen from the affected accounts include names, email addresses, birth dates, hashed passwords, encrypted and unencrypted security questions and answers, as well as telephone numbers. The only information believed to not have been accessed by the hackers include clear text passwords, bank account information, and credit/debit card details.
The hack was discovered after law enforcement officials gave the company what looked like user data from an unknown source. Yahoo hasnt been able to identify the specific breach yet but says its likely distinct from the 2014 hack. If youre affected by this hack, Yahoo will be reaching out to you to help secure your account, including implementing mandatory password changes and invalidating unencrypted security questions and answers. Now, is probably the best time for you to change those passwords and use two-factor authentication when you cannot just with your Yahoo accounts but also double up on your other online accounts.
Source: MacRumors
"I think it worked out well in a way because they could tell that I was so fresh from the emotion of Cairo and that the passion was there," she said.
"Often when she gets a lung infection, oral antibiotics don't fix it and she has to come in for two weeks of IV antibiotics and when the symptoms go, finding things for a healthy child in hospital to do is incredibly hard."
Will States Collect Billions in Internet Sales Tax Thanks to SCOTUS?
If you rush, you can probably still order a present for that aunt or cousin you forgot about and have it arrive on time for the holidays. (You have 'til Friday.) That last-minute order will be online, of course. You wouldn't be alone. This holiday season, online retailers are expecting to see double-digit growth in internet sales.
Many of those sales won't be taxed by the states. Some states are trying to change that, adopting laws meant to recover sales tax that would otherwise be paid by shoppers at brick-and-mortar stores. Those laws could become more common now, after the Supreme Court refused to hear a challenge to an internet sales tax law in Colorado.
Online Shopping, State Sales Tax, and Colorado
When it comes to state sales taxes and online shopping, the general rule is that if retailers have a physical presence in a state, say an actual storefront business or a warehouse, they must collect sales tax on goods sold in that state, just like any other business would. If they don't, however, they may lack the necessary physical nexus with the state that would require them to collect sales taxes. Consumers are still required to calculate and pay taxes on their purchases on their own, but few do.
The rule stems from Quill Corp v. North Dakota, a case decided by the Supreme Court in 1992, when the internet was still in its infancy.
Some states have tried to get around Quill and to collect taxes on internet sales for companies without physical presences, through so-called "Amazon laws." Colorado adopted one such law in 2010. Under Colorado's law, online retailers who weren't required to collect sales taxes themselves would have to tell customers and the state, both, how much the consumer owed in taxes. Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Vermont have adopted similar laws.
Opening the Floodgates for Online Taxes?
Colorado's law was halted in 2012, after the Data and Marketing Association sued. The Tenth Circuit eventually upheld the law last February, ruling that Colorado's law did not violate the Dormant Commerce Clause. Quill, the Tenth said, was a narrow decision that applied only to tax collection; it could not be used to shut down Colorado's reporting laws.
Onward to the Supreme Court, the DMA went. But the Court wasn't interested. On Monday, the Court denied the Association's petition for cert, allowing the Tenth Circuit's ruling, and Colorado's Amazon law, to stand.
Of course, the issue isn't completely settled yet. The Supreme Court could take up another challenge to such laws in the future. But for now, it's likely that more states will begin adopting similar laws, as they move to collect taxes lost to internet sales.
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But he still has some firm views on plans for an anti-terrorist fence - which may or may not prevent people from walking on the grass in the future, the details still under wraps.
A 2010 report from The Australia Institute observed that widespread overtime "has significant implications for the health of both individuals and relationships and plays an important role in restricting the opportunities for those who desire additional work". Although some workplaces are improving flexibility in working arrangements, "at an economy-wide level there remains a substantial mismatch between the hours that people want to work and the hours they are working. Unless concerted action is taken by all of those with an interest in this issue workers, employers and policymakers the scourge of time poverty is likely to persist."
The Austrian operator transmitted speeds of 513Mbps over the live A1 network using a mobile route, while it realised speeds of 463Mbps on a smartphone in tests carried out at the university of Klagenfurt.
The trial involved triple carrier aggregation across the 2.6GHz, 1800MHz and 800MHz frequencies. This was combined with 256 QAM modulation, to boost speeds above those normally found using LTE.
The use of different frequency bands that span a wide section of radio spectrum is also very important for 5G transmission speeds. A1 has an excellent frequency spectrum here and is already optimally prepared for the new generation of mobile communications, said A1 CTO Marcus Grausam.
In Austria we will already be making selective use of triple carrier aggregation in 2017. As soon as there are sufficient end devices on the market, we will use the technology in those areas where especially large volumes of capacity are needed in the network - above all in urban areas.
Carrier aggregation is expected to play a major role in the development of the fifth generation of mobile connectivity, which is expected to be commercialised in 2020.
Nokia has carried out a number of tests of technologies that will be key to 5G, including a recent lab test in Italy with Vodafone.
In mobile communications LTE or 4G forms the basis for the future communication standard 5G and will be continuously further developed accordingly. What we saw today was a preliminary stage of 5G, said Peter Wukowits, Nokia country manager Austria and head of the customer business team for Central Europe.
In further steps we will also see even greater bandwidths up into the gigabit range, higher capacities and denser networks and fewer transmission delays. The foundations have already been laid in the laboratory and the technology will now be coming to the live networks. Nokia is a leader in the development of 5G and as an innovation partner we are delighted to be taking this forward with A1.
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 ...
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.
Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.
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You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
There's some truth to the old saying "if you're good at something, never do it for free." However, if you're especially good at doing one thing, then you may not want to do it too often otherwise, that's all you're known for. In Hollywood, that is called "typecasting." Play the romantic lead one time too many, that's the only job you ever get. Play the vile jerk so often that audiences know you only as that guy, don't expect to play the nice guy in a comedy any time soon. For Anthony Perkins, it was playing the mentally disturbed individual with murderous tendencies. Perkins may have been best known for the murderous Norman Bates, but it was his impressive turn in 1968's 'Pretty Poison' directed by Noel Black that would paint Perkins' career into a corner.
Dennis Pitt (Anthony Perkins) has taken the long hard road towards getting his life back on track. Decades ago when he was still a small boy, Dennis burned down his aunt's house not knowing the woman was still inside. After growing up inside an institution, Dennis' doctor Morton Azenauer (John Randolph) believes he's ready to re-enter society. After moving to a small town to work in a chemical factory, Dennis spots the beautiful high school cheerleader Sue Ann Stepanek (Tuesday Weld) in a parade. As Dennis' fantasies about the girl build, he convinces her he is actually a secret agent in hiding. Playing off her own desires for adult affection, Dennis loops Sue Ann into his playful schemes. But small-time pranks soon turn deadly, and Dennis may not be the only disturbed individual in town.
'Pretty Poison' is a slow burn, seemingly innocent little thriller that takes its time building up its central characters before socking the audience in the gut. Director Noel Black and writer Lorenzo Semple J.r smartly play with audience expectation by delaying gratification. As we watch Perkin's Dennis scheme about like a teenage boy playing a spy game, we see Weld's Sue Ann emerge as an even more disturbed character. What is fun and games for Dennis becomes life and death for Sue Ann as she subtly begins to manipulate Dennis into doing what she wants him to.
From the get go, you can pretty much expect things to end badly for Dennis. Naturally, you want a likable young man like him to come out alright in the end, but as the film progresses, you know there's no clean way out for him. Knowing that aspect going in allows the film to take its time and build tension by establishing the relationship between Dennis and Sue Ann. One would think Sue Ann to be a bit smarter than she seems. After all, who is going to believe a yarn that some random guy is actually in the C.I.A. and needs her help to complete his assignment? That would require a bit extra effort to suspend disbelief, except the filmmakers very smartly allow Dennis to "prove" himself to the young girl naturally setting her up as an impressionable victim.
I don't want to give too much away and spoil the show for anyone, but suffice to say, I was very impressed with where this flick takes its characters and story. When Sue Ann's Mother played by Beverly Garland appears, you expect some fireworks, but this film smartly twists and turns these moments in ways you don't altogether expect them to go. Likewise, when John Randolph's supportive and nurturing, even fatherly Doctor Azenauer arrives in town to check in on Dennis, you expect certain plot beats to thump into place, but the film smartly pulls back leaving the biggest twists and shocks to drop at the very end.
Perhaps what I enjoyed most about 'Pretty Poison' is how it had the look and feel of a cheery springtime after school special. When you watch enough thrillers, you expect a sort of visual tone to them and I liked that 'Pretty Poison' bucked tradition by keeping things looking light and carefree. By the time the true nature of certain characters are revealed, it's a stark contrast to the bright and cheery mood that had been established for most of the film's 90-minute runtime. 'Pretty Poison' may not be the greatest, genre-busting thriller of all time, but it's very effective and should keep most audience members guessing. It's unfortunate that Perkin's would get so terribly typecast the rest of his career, but his turn as Dennis is one of the best roles he played. If you're in the mood for a solid little thriller that knows how to turn the plot screws just right, 'Pretty Poison' should keep your attention glued to the screen.
The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats
'Pretty Poison' arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Twilight Time pressed onto a Region A BD-50 disc with a limited pressing of 3,000 copies. Housed in a clear sturdy Blu-ray case, the disc comes with a booklet containing stills from the film with an essay by Film Historian Julie Kirgo. The disc loads directly to a static image main menu with traditional navigation options.
According to a new report, there seems to a rise in students from Indian and Pakistan choosing China as their higher education destination. Thailand topped the list with 19,976, followed by India, 16,694, Russia, 16,197 and Pakistan 15,654.
The reports however mentioned that a sharp increase has been observed from influx of students from India, Pakistan and Kazakhstan while the students from 6 othe countries registered a decline.
According to reports, topping the list there are 8,000 medical Indian students studying in China with an increase of 3,116 compared to 2014. Pakistan followed next with 2,294. Kazakistan posted an increase of 1434.
Also, the student population from countries like Thailand, Russia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Mongolia shows a decline, while that of Malaysia shows very small increase of 5 students with its students totalling to 6,650 last year.
The number of Indian students studying in China is expected to rise after the Medical Council of India (MCI) recognise the MBBS degrees from China. However, medical graduates with foreign degrees will have to undertake the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) is also known as Medical Council of India Screening Test to practice medicine in India.
According to recent reports from India, MCI plans to extend recognition from medical degrees from foreign countries in view of shortage of doctors in the country.
77% Indian Students With Foreign Medical Degrees Fail MCI Test! Read to know why!
However students from India flock to Chinese medical colleges as they cost much less compared to the Indian private colleges and admissions are also relatively easy.
For students from Pakistan, China which has close strategic ties with Islamabad has become a preferred destination of sort, specially in science, medicine, engineering and other high technology courses like nuclear science and technology.
The University of New South Wales, Australia (UNSW Australia) has strengthened its relationship with India with the announcement of a new scholarship program targeting bright Indian students who may not have the financial capacity to attend a top 50 university in the world.
Under the Future of Change scholarship program, 10 lucky recipients will receive $10,000 each and one student will have their full tuition fees paid for. The program is exclusively for Indian citizens, living in India.
President and Vice Chancellor of UNSW Australia, Professor Ian Jacobs, announced the Future of Change scholarship program at the Nehru Memorial Museum. He was on a three city tour of the country to strengthen education, research and knowledge exchange with India.
"India's higher education gross enrolment ratio stands at 18% in comparison to the OECD average of 27%," Professor Jacobs said. "Students are looking for opportunities to study abroad and India is forecast to have the world's fastest growing mobile student outflows by 2020."
UNSW Australia is looking to hear from India's brightest minds. Those interested need to have achieved above a certain academic level and they need to submit a video with their application when entries open 9 January 2017.
The Future of Change scholarship program reflects UNSW Australia's international standing in global education. A top 50 university in the world, UNSW Australia is a leading teaching and research university in Australia. In 2016, it received the most government funding for research (A$150 million) of any Australian university.
Other UNSW Australia scholarships exclusive to Indian students are PhD scholarships for the University's Canberra campus and its Scientia program. Indian and Sri Lankan students can apply for undergraduate scholarships with the UNSW Business School.
This latest offering is part of UNSW Australia's commitment to India's higher education sector. In November 2016, the University launched the Diya ('light') initiative which aims to educate 100,000 Indian students over the next ten years using online and blended learning and classroom teaching.
The University just launched a new online Masters program in public health in Indiatogether with Apollo Hospitals and Medvarsity. They are partnered with Tata Consulting Services in research, and with the Indian Government on SWAYAM and its Smart Cities agenda. In July 2016, UNSW Australia appointed former Indian diplomat Amit Dasgupta as its inaugural India Country Director.
Mon National Party Chairman Nai Ngwe Thein (Photo: MNA) Mon National Party Chairman Nai Ngwe Thein (Photo: MNA)
Since the MNPs former chairman Nai Ngwe Thein has taken leave from the party, he attended the opening ceremony of the new office solely as a party member, according to what he told the reporters.
It is not a choice between senior people or young people. If the older people cannot do it, do not appoint them. If young people can do it, let them lead the party. Just appoint a person who can lead. For me personally, I cannot lead anymore, said Nai Ngwe Thein.
Nai Ngwe Thein, who is now 94, sent his resignation letter to the party on September, 27, citing his age as his reason for leaving.
After the letter was submitted, the top leaders of the MNP including vice-chairman (1) Nai Tin Aung, and Nai Pan Aung, the party affairs official, met with Nai Ngwe Thein as they wanted to find out the true reasons behind Nai Ngwe Theins resignation request.
Starting in 1948, Nai Ngwe Thein began his political life and worked as a high profile leader. Although he requested to leave his position at the MNP, top leaders requested he didnt and he had to remain the leader.
I want to say that he is presented here as the chairman because we didnt let him resign and that party executive members, and all members, see him as the chairman. That was also the decision made by the party commission, said Nai Pan Aung.
However, when former vice-chairman (1) of the MNP, Nai Htet Lwin, who is now Minister of Union Ethnic Affairs, requested for his resignation from the party, the party granted it upon request, according to Nai Layea Tama, General Secretary of MNP.
MNP was first founded as the Mon National Democratic Front (MNDF) in 1988, but it changed to the Mon Democracy Party (MDP) in 2012. Soon after, it changed to its current name, Mon National Party in 2014.
Nai Ngwe Thein first served for the MNDF as vice-chairman (1), while late Nai Tun Thein was the partys chairman.
This blog is looking for wisdom, to have and to share. It is also looking for other rare character traits like good humor, courage, and honor. It is not an easy road, because all of us fall short. But God is love, forgiveness and grace. Those who believe in Him and repent of their sins have the promise of His Holy Spirit to guide us and show us the Way.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to decide whether to limit where patent lawsuits may be filed, potentially threatening a years-long trend that critics say allows frequent and often-baseless litigants to sue in courts friendly to them.
The justices said they will hear an appeal by beverage flavoring company TC Heartland LLC to have a patent infringement suit brought against it by food company Kraft Heinz Co. moved from federal court in Delaware, where it was filed, to Heartlands home base in Indiana. TC Heartland is challenging a lower court ruling denying a transfer to Indiana.
The dispute has been closely watched by high-tech businesses, which are the frequent targets of companies that generate revenue by suing over patents instead of making products, sometimes called patent trolls.
Critics say certain judicial districts, especially the federal court in Eastern Texas, have procedures and rulings that favor patent trolls. Though far from any high-tech center, more than 40 percent of all patent cases were filed there last year.
A decision by the high court in favor of TC Heartland could curtail lawsuits in East Texas even though the case did not originate there.
Pittsburgh-based Kraft, which makes the MiO brand of liquid water enhancers, sued in Delaware in 2014 alleging that TC Heartlands Refreshe-branded liquid enhancers infringed on three of its patents.
TC Heartland, a subsidiary of Heartland Consumer Products Holdings, argued that it has no presence in Delaware and 98 percent of its sales are outside of that state. The court denied a transfer to Indiana. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington upheld that ruling last April.
TC Heartland urged the Supreme Court to take the case, saying the appeals courts precedent on where suits may be filed has produced a plague of forum shopping.
The court will hear the case and issue a ruling by the end of June.
A jury in South Carolina today convicted Dylann S. Roof in the racially motivated killings of 9 black people in a church in Charleston. He faces the possibility of a death sentence.
Roof was found guilty of all 33 federal charges connected to the 2015 massacre at Emanuel A.M.E. Church.
From Reuters:
Jurors also said Roof, 22, was guilty of firearms violations and obstructing the exercise of religion for those he shot and killed during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 17, 2015. The 12 jurors deliberated for a little less than two hours after six days of testimony. Roof showed no emotion as the verdicts were read. The guilty verdicts on all 33 charges he faced pave the way for the penalty phase of Roof's trial. He has indicated he will serve as his own lawyer as prosecutors pursue a death sentence.
The same jury will convene for the penalty phase of Roof's trial, which comes next.
"I did it," Mr. Roof, who is white, said in an FBI interrogation video released 18 months ago.
He further "revealed his purpose in a blatantly racist manifesto that he published online," reports the NYT:
His choice of targets seemed intensely premeditated he scouted the church half a dozen times although he also researched other black churches and a festival elsewhere in South Carolina before settling on Charleston because, he wrote, it is the "most historic city in my state." The Wednesday night attack at the oldest A.M.E. congregation in the South began less than an hour after Mr. Roof unexpectedly entered through an unlocked side door and took a seat at a weekly Bible study meeting. The congregants, including the church's pastor, the Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, were studying the parable of the sower. The session was passing without incident one victim, Tywanza Sanders, even recorded a few moments on his cellphone and posted the video to Snapchat but when the congregants closed their eyes for a familiar benediction, the staccato report of gunfire echoed through the ground-floor fellowship hall.
From the WSJ:
He chuckled while answering questions and describing how he specifically targeted the historic black church. He said he used seven magazines while shooting with a .45-caliber Glock pistol. Mr. Roof also faces another death-penalty trial in state court that will focus on murder charges stemming from the massacre at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in June 2015. () The defense team may not have another opportunity to try to sway jurors deciding Mr. Roof's sentence, since Mr. Roof has said he intends to defend himself during the sentencing phase. He briefly acted as his own lawyer before the trial started, too, but asked U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel to cede control back to his lawyers for the first phase.
Where was Dylann Roof radicalized? Good question.
Iam not okay with the usage of this term here or really ever. https://t.co/f1svwbQbtF pic.twitter.com/9G0wNWwUAV Samantha Powell (@sdpowell1) December 15, 2016
No one "self-radicalizes." In that respect, the convicted murderer Dylann Roof didn't act alone. He had help. https://t.co/uJDEqtNyow pic.twitter.com/RgwBEwVEAl Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) December 15, 2016
As we read of Dylann Roof being found guilty, read this and let it sink in https://t.co/csQ7PDPOGZ Mitchell Stein (@mhstein) December 15, 2016
Aimed at rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS as well as LRs Range Rover, and possibly even Bentleys Bentayga, BMWs new flagship SUV is ready to hold court as the X5s larger brother.
With that sort of unofficial title, wed imagine great responsibility should also follow, as the Bavarian automaker definitely cant afford to let the X7 look or feel underwhelming in any way.
Judging by these spy shots, were looking at a very large and possibly imposing SUV. Its hard to miss those oversized double kidney grilles, which might feature the new upside down design we first saw on the X2 concept.
According to our spy photographers, the X7s front bumper will have a different styling than the one used on the X5 as it should since people will want to drive a car with a unique personality, and not just a longer, taller X5. Speaking of being longer, those rear doors look huge, especially compared to the ones on a GLS, though we obviously cant know for sure yet.
Underneath all that vinyl is a stretched version of BMWs CLAR platform, which is already used on the new 7 and 5-series and will also underpin the new X5 and all-new 3-Series. Basically, BMW will use the same platform on everything from the 3-Series upwards. In terms of engines, the X7 should feature both gasoline and diesel units with six and eight cylinders, plus a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid version.
According to a recent report, BMW is also pondering the addition of an X7 M model to the range, as a direct rival to the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63.
As for its cabin, the BMW X7 will feature all the latest gadgets and gizmos found in the current 7-Series and 5-Series models, which means plenty of semi-autonomous tech and excellent connectivity services. By the way, a report from last year stated that the X7 could come with three possible interior configurations: 5-seats, 7-seats and four-seats in order to further emphasize the luxury factor. As of right now, thats still a possibility.
Production is set to begin at BMWs plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 2018, which means the X7 will hit the streets as a MY2019.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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General Motors has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a ruling on its ignition switch saga that allows the automaker to be sued by customers.
Automotive News reports that the courts decision that GMs 2009 bankruptcy doesnt shield it from ignition switch-related lawsuits hasnt been met well with officials from the conglomerate.
In a petition issued to the court, GM claims that the bankruptcy code allows a purchaser to obtain a debtors asserts and to be free and clear of its liabilities, essentially meaning GM cant be hit with customer lawsuits over its deadly ignition switches.
In the petition, GM said In short, this case presents exceptionally important questions, and the Second Circuits answers were exceptionally wrong. The Court should grant review.
In the courts original decision not to bar customers from suing the carmaker, it concluded that if it did, it would undermine the consumers constitutional rights to due process, as they hadnt been notified of the defect before GMs 09 bankruptcy.
It is reported that since the ignition switch issues came to light, GM has paid approximately $2 billion in criminal and civil penalties and recalled 2.6 million vehicles in the United States.
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General Motors has announced that it will invest $552 million into four of its American plants.
More than half of that investment, $295.9 million to be exact, will be spent at the companys Tonawanda engine factory in New York. This investment will see the retention of 857 jobs and add 67 new positions at the facility.
The Parma Metal Center in Ohio will also receive $218 million in improvements for better presses, sub assemblies and dies while $31.86 million will be funnelled towards components at the Lockport Components facility in New York. Last but not least, $5.9 million will be invested for components at the Rochester Components facility.
Speaking of the investments, vice president of GM North America manufacturing and labor relations, Cathy Clegg said: GM remains committed to investing in its U.S. operations. With these latest projects we have announced investments of $2.2 billion in 2016, allowing us to support the production of future engines and vehicles.
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With their Austrian facility running out of capacity, Magna Steyr are looking into opening a new factory to keep up with the increased production demand.
The companys head of European business, Guenther Apfalter, told AutoNews that they are currently weighing in their options.
Should the Graz plant become overloaded, a new factory nearby might be an option, Apfalter told AutomobileProduktion in an interview, without dropping any names.
Previous reports suggest that the company was looking at Slovenia as a possible location for the new facility, but since an official decision is expected to be taken over the next few months, nothing is certain yet. Magna also had other locations in mind for expanding their operations, from China to North America, according to Apfalter.
Responsible for putting together the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which is due to be replaced by a new generation, Magna Steyr will also replace the production of the MINI Countryman with the latest BMW 5-Series from next March. Additionally, the company will also assemble the upcoming Jaguar I-Pace electric SUV as part of a six-model production from four different automakers, including Toyota, starting from 2018.
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Volkswagen announced today the beginning of series production of the new Atlas SUV in their Chattanooga plant in Tennessee.
This marks the beginning of the process of building inventory for the market introduction of the Atlas later in 2017.
VWs new seven-seater SUV aims to win the hearts of US customers and to contribute in repairing the post-Dieselgate relationship with them.
The Atlas marks a brand new journey for Volkswagen as we enter deeper into the heart of the American market, moving from a small-car brand towards a more family-friendly lineup, said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North America Region, Volkswagen. We are so proud that this vehicle was not only designed for the American market, but we built it in our factory right here in Tennessee.
The new Atlas will be built next to the existing Passat line, with the Chattanooga plant growing its workforce to meet the production demands. Overall, VWs US plant currently employs 2,800 people -up from 2,400 this summer- and will continue to grow throughout the ramp up of the new VW Atlas.
VW has invested an additional $900 million in the facilities, which included the addition of over 665,000 square feet of extra space a 26 percent total increase in production area.
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Classic Ferraris from the 1950s and 60s consistently rank among the highest-ticket items at collector car auctions, where models from the 250 series GTO, LM, Testa Rossa, California Spider often sell for tens of millions. The Superamerica coupe you see here wont sell for that much, but its bound to fetch several million when the gavel drops next month in Arizona.
What youre looking at is a 1961 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Coupe Aerodinamico one of only 32 ever made. It was based on the powerful and elegant grand tourer that Ferrari built specially for the US market, with a 4.0-liter V12 that was larger than the 3.0-liter version on which it was based, smaller than the 5.0 in the 410 which it replaced, and more powerful than either.
With 340 horsepower on tap (at a time when the Jaguar E-Type offered only 265 hp) and more class than a university professor, the Superamerica was the Bugatti Veyron of its day. It also featured disc brakes where the preceding 410 Superamerica got by with drums, and all the luxury and prestige any business tycoon or Hollywood star could ask for.
Lately theyve been selling for big bucks. RM Sothebys alone has sold six of them in the past three years, with prices rising from under $3 million in 2013 to $4.4 million earlier this year, breaking the $4 million recoed for this model set by Gooding & Company the year before. At that rate you might expect this stunning example to sell for even more, but for our part well be content just sitting back and admiring the photos captured by Karissa Hosek for RM Sothebys, which will auction off the car as part of its sale at the Arizona Biltmore near Scottsdale on January 19-20, 2017.
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Following its arrival in the USA last month, the new C-HR is now available at Toyotas dealerships in Japan.
Based on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, which is shared with the fourth generation Prius, the compact crossover is offered in four grades (S-T, G-T, S, and G), with the most basic variant carrying a starting price of 2,516,400 yen ($21,847).
For the money, customers will get their C-HRs equipped with standard items such as keyless entry and push-button start, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, electric parking brake and the Toyota Safety Sense P assist package.
Opt for either the G-T or the G, which can be had from 2,775,600 ($24,097) and 2,905,200 ($25,222) respectively, and the automaker will throw in 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED front fog lamps, high quality fabric + leather seat surface, Blind Spot Monitor, front and rear parking assist sonar, and others.
As far as the engine options go, Toyota offers the C-HR with either a 1.2-liter turbo engine, which achieves a fuel efficiency rating of 15.4 km/l (6.49 l/100 km / 36.24 mpg US), or with a hybrid powertrain, whose fuel efficiency is said to be among the best in the compact crossover segment, with 3.31 l/100 km (71.06 / mpg US). Both versions have been subjected to tax breaks for environmentally-friendly vehicles, after their emission levels have turned out to be 75 percent lower than the 2005 Exhaust Emissions Standards.
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Now that Dreamworks has killed the Croods sequel, the directors of the filmChris Sanders and Kirk DeMiccohave to look for new jobs. The dessert-loving DeMicco (above, left) seems to have found his next gig: directing an animated musical by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda (above, right) at Sony Pictures Animation.
The film, entitled Vivo, was announced today and has been fast-tracked by Sony Pictures Animation president Kristine Belson, who herself left Dreamworks after the film she was producing, B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations, was canned.
According to Deadline, which broke the news, Mirandas Vivo was also set up at Dreamworks around six years ago, before the Pulitzer-winning playwright had hit it big with Hamilton, but was garnering Hollywoods attention for an earlier stage production, In The Heights. The story follows a music-loving capuchin monkey who travels from Havana, Cuba to Miami to become a musical star. The film will contain 11 songs written by Miranda.
We asked Theodore Ushev to discuss the inspiration behind his National Film Board of Canada project Blind Vaysha, an eight-minute 3D short about a girl born with different-colored eyes one that sees only the past, the other only the future, leaving her trapped and unable to live in the moment.
Here, Ushev breaks down his creative process much of which took place in an ancient castle and shares sketches and images from the making of the film.
The story that stayed with me
About six years ago, I read a powerful short story by a young Bulgarian writer, Georgi Gospodinov. I was working on a lot of projects at the time, but his story stayed in the back of my mind as a possible film. It didnt come out until Olivier Catherin, a producer from France, told me about a one-month immersive writing residence at Fontevraud Abbey, in Pays de la Loire. The catch? I had to apply immediately. The only idea in my mind was Blind Vaysha. One Saturday in March 2014, I wrote the synopsis in two hours with the help of my daughter Alex, who was 13 my French isnt great, so we sat down together and I told her the story. She was excited, so I said, OK, if Alex likes it, this could be a nice film. I wanted to make a film for kids aged nine to 99. Vayshas story transcends all boundaries, all cultures and all eras, which is how I see human history in general.
I sent in my application; it was immediately accepted, and I went to develop the story at Fontevraud Abbey.
Isolated from the outside world in a medieval castle
Id made some illustrations, but I had no idea how to visually tell this story. Once I got there in the autumn of 2014, everything instantly came together. Fontevraud Abbey a Benedictine-inspired building from the 12th century is steeped in history, and surrounded by lush landscapes. Its where Eleanor of Aquitaine lived; she ruled all of France and all of England. Shes believed to be the first feminist, and she was extremely intelligent.
All the beautiful castles in the village one of the largest monastic cities in Europe served as my inspiration, along with the stained glass in the lobby of the monastery. The portraits of Eleanor, the engravings, illuminated manuscripts and frescoes all provided a clear direction and style, helping me develop Vayshas face and the texture of the story. All the films visuals come from the sketches I made at Fontevraud Abbey.
Images of the past, visions of the future
The script came together during my residence the butterflies, the trees, the split-screen showing the past and the future. The monastery exemplified the history of the past, and at the same time, there was a huge military base in the village where every day, they were training troops and using cannons. It felt like all the elements of my film were right there. Thats how I got the idea about Vaysha seeing the violent future all those military images. Being faithful to history is important to me.
Recreating techniques from the past
At first, I had doubts about what style I should do my film in, but it soon became very obvious to me that it had to be linocuts. The old linocuts were block prints, a cheap way to distribute popular works of art. I recreated this century-old technique with a Wacom Cintiq graphics tablet, where each color was animated separately on different layers and then superimposed to create a composition that looks like an engraving. Some of the pictures have over 64 layers, animated individually.
Where art meets technology
I dont particularly like working in 3D, but its a very powerful storytelling tool. Ive made three 3D films, but this is the first time that Ive made a film where the 3D is part of the story itself, not just a gimmick or a device. The left and right eyes are crucial to the perception of 3D vision. I thought it would be fantastic to use that in the dynamic of the story to show how Vaysha is looking at the world with split vision. She doesnt see the present. In the film, when we see the world through her eyes, the only notion of the present is this white line in the middle.
I actually see this film in four dimensions. It was designed in 3D horizontality, verticality, depth and the fourth dimension is time, like Einsteins theory of relativity. He was the first to measure time as a physical space. Theres no unity of time and place in this film. Vaysha tries to measure the time, but its not possible.
Hearing things
The other notion of the present is sound, because we hear whats in the present. That was a huge challenge for my sound designer Olivier Calvert, because I told him, You dont have to hear what you see onscreen; you almost have to imagine another story thats going on. In animation, sound usually illustrates exactly what is happening onscreen.
This was a completely different type of storytelling. Vaysha may be blind, but shes not deaf. When a man asks for her hand, we hear two conversations at once in her head, the past with a young fellow and the future with an old man. Thats one of the tragedies of her life, and also in ours, because we have these conversations in our own heads: while we live in the present, were nostalgic about the past, and afraid about what the futures going to bring.
Movement and moments
My biggest challenge was making the animation as simple as I could. Sometimes, animators tend to over-animate. I did some scenes that were extremely over-animated, and when I started editing, they werent working and I deleted them. Too much action or too much movement in the film could destroy the story. I really wanted the movement to stay almost static on the screen, to create the concept of time in a box. I do everything on my own; I dont use animators. I want the work to be as personal as possible. Every frame is like a work of art.
The second challenge was, of course, the 3D and how to play with the stereoscopy and not exaggerate it. I wanted printed sculptures, and to make unrealistic 3D, so we dont forget that this is a fairytale. In my previous films, I tended to make things too philosophical, too complex, with too many references. For Blind Vaysha, I didnt use any references, which is very rare for me.
Aging gracefully
I had this crazy idea I call it the Dorian Gray Effect that entailed constantly changing Vayshas face, without having her age. Dorian stayed young, but his portrait aged. Vaysha is a timeless heroine without roots. As we see many periods of her life, her face changes yet remains beautiful, so I had to redraw her face again and again for every scene so that she could look different. Interestingly, a few weeks ago, I took a picture of my daughter and when I looked at it, I realized that while making this film, I had been drawing her face as a grown-up. My daughter looks exactly like Vaysha!
Layers of meaning with music
For the birth scene, I chose Henry Purcells Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary. Gospodinovs work often refers to there being only birth and death, with nothing in between. I wanted to evoke the past; the funeral music is from the Baroque period. For the middle, I wanted playful music. I worked with another Bulgarian friend of mine, Nikola Gruev, a great composer. Critics call his music Balkan Psychedelic. His work is very contemporary, like it comes from the future. Thats why I juxtaposed both. Its at once very tragic, and yet very joyful.
A gentle voice
I didnt want my narrator, actress Caroline Dhavernas, to be influenced by the rhythm of the film, so I asked her to voice both versions without any visual cues. I love when an actor brings her own rhythm and timing to the film. I asked her to read it very calmly, the way youd read a storybook to a child, without exaggerating or playing. She got it immediately, and did an amazing job.
An interactive ending
The moral of the story is to raise the question of living now, in the present. We dont have to let the nostalgia of the past and fear of the future destroy today. So I created an open, interactive ending: you ask the audience to think, and then decide the ending of the film.
I was thinking of the idea of a box. It came from Bertolt Brecht, the famous playwright and director, who used the distancing effect. He always kept the audience aware that this was theatre, not real life. Thats why I made what the audience sees as a box a square that is 4:3 on the screen. The part Vaysha sees is full-screen, but split. But when the audience watches, its all in a box. The real thing is Vaysha, not what you see. I opened the screen to the audience: the film is over, now its up to you to decide how to end this story and how to see the world today through your own eyes.
Kahrs worked at Pixar for several years and then moved to Walt Disney Animation Studios to animate on Bolt, Tangled, Wreck-It-Ralph, and Frozen. He eventually directed the innovative cg/hand-drawn hybrid Paperman, released in 2012.
Meanwhile, Dart was an art director on Cartoon Networks Steven Universe and Dreamworks The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show before he branched out with some regular collaborators to form Chromosphere.
The origins of June
June was conceived by Lyft creative director Ricardo Viramontes and produced by Gennie Rim via Broad Reach Pictures. Kahrs says Viramontes cold-called him with the idea for a short story about a Lyft drive.
He already had a strong framework of a woman, a single mom who lost her job and was struggling to make ends meet, said Kahrs. That character kept evolving and changing she got older and eventually became from this neighborhood of Bronzeville in Chicago.
That area of Chicago became the centerpiece of the short after Kahrs participated in a research trip there with a few real-life Lyft drivers. The last driver we were with drove us around the Bronzeville area, which is just south of Downtown Chicago, said Kahrs. Its just a very historic, very African-American location, with a very deep heritage to it. It had very specific spatial relationships with the buildings and empty lots next to them, and the elevated train and the skyline in the distance.
Kahrs then sought out Dart specifically for June after following his work for a number of years, particularly a piece called Forms in Nature, which was a nod in general to mid-century illustration styles, and in particular, the work of Charley Harper.
Kevin was totally into June right away, recalled Kahrs. He saw my pitch and it wasnt even completely boarded yet. I think he really loved the idea that the camera was very alive and there was a looseness to it, and it can have all this geometric design and can live in a world of paintings that are flat, but can also have a live real camera dimensionality. And a sense of photographic light and shadow.
When Dart was asked to come on to June, originally as art director, he was just transitioning to running Chromosphere full-time. He then ramped up to a crew of around 25, mostly made up of freelancers working remotely from locations including Australia, France, and the United Kingdom.
We spent a month and a half doing early development work and designs, said Dart. There was an animation test that we produced early on as a proof-of-concept. Then full production lasted a little over three months.
Adding dimension
One of Darts main attractions to working on June, for which Chromosphere was ultimately responsible for design and animation, was the opportunity to work on a film that appeared at first to have a 2D aesthetic but in fact was full of dimension.
Thats something weve always been interested in as a group of artists, he said. One of my main collaborators is Stephane Coedel and Ive been working with him since some of my earliest films. Weve always been interested in this idea of taking really graphic 2D designs, but then applying photographic semi-realistic treatment to them in the way they are composited and filmed. I feel like we keep pushing that feel.
We also did a bunch of 3D work on the film, added Dart. A lot of the characters are 3D and the sets are 3D, and we would do some hand-held camera movements in 3D that really helped lend to the dimensional feeling. Even on shots that are just 2D backgrounds, we would try to do things with subtle parallaxing and skewing of the elements in Photoshop to bring that depth to it.
For Kahrs, this was both an intended design element and one of the many reasons he brought Dart to the project. Those are all the things I feel very strongly about, he told Cartoon Brew. During Paperman, for instance, I loved the idea that its just in black and white, but the tones are picked so carefully and accurately that theres almost a photographic Gestalt to it, for lack of a better word. I think Kevins color sense is fantastic, and it was kind of like moving in Kevins world and letting him run with that color and his own amazing design sense.
Drive away
In the end, June feels like one of those unique commercial films that will have wide appeal, owing to the talented artists behind the work. For Dart, in particular, it is still early days in Chromospheres life and he is looking at every available project to find the right mix.
Were still trying to find our real identity as a studio and the most desirable projects. This project with John and Lyft was a really perfect scenario. It had all the stuff we like to do, a really interesting graphic style mixing in a lot of new technology and giving us the freedom to work with different artists.
Thomas writes, "Shortly after closing a post-election special session to fund relief for counties afflicted by flooding from Hurricane Matthew or mountain wildfires, North Carolina GOP legislative leaders announced a second special session to begin the same day with an open agenda. The docket was filled with 21 House bills, some of which stripped Democratic Governor Elect Roy Cooper of substantial control over the executive branch. This is a coup attempt, an effort to undermine the results of a highly scrutinized election."
Also worth noting: these things cost North Carolina taxpayers $42,000 per day. Assuming the session extends into tomorrow, that's $42,000 (or $84,000, if this session lasts until Friday) that could be going towards direct assistance for people affected by Hurricane Matthew; Senator Angela Bryant argued for more money dedicated to this during committee and floor speeches this morning.
Rep. Larry Hall said in a press conference that it's his understanding that the Senate and House are having a joint caucus meeting right now to put together an omnibus bill. Hall also said that whatever we come out of here with, would almost assuredly result in a court battle; Rep. Darren Jackson said he'd file a constitutional protest of the entire session itself.
"In the days of 1898, they had something called the Wilmington riots," Hall said. "In those days, it was by physical violence. We're in a new era today where the vote of the people of North Carolina is sought to be rendered meaningless by elected officials that are using legislative tactics. This is as serious as it gets in the history of North Carolina."
Photo: Vernon Teach & Learn
Vernon Teach and Learn Ltd. on 30th Avenue is among the top ten finalists for a Small Business BC award for best company of the year. The annual awards are chosen by an expert panel of judges.
The awards recognize the achievements of British Columbia's entrepreneurs and celebrate the contributions new and existing businesses registered in B.C., with fewer than 50 employees, make to their local communities and the global economy.
"This year, we saw an incredible level of participation in the Small Business BC Awards with 699 nominations from 72 communities across the province, said George Hunter, CEO of Small Business BC. Their efforts to build a vibrant economy in B.C. deserve the respect of all British Columbians and the Small Business BC Awards are the best way to celebrate and acknowledge their success and contribution."
Kelowna's Yeti Farm Creative is the only other Okanagan company among the top ten in the same award category as Vernon Teach and Learn.
Photo: Google images
North Westside Fire Rescue did everything they could to save three dogs from a house fire on Dec. 4, but only one survived.
The three dogs were pulled from the flames and CPR was performed, but crews were unable to revive two of them.
Molly, one of the three pugs, was saved and spent a few days in the hospital. She's now back in the care of her owner.
Shelly Jackson, the tenant of the home, lost everything in the fire. She doesn't have insurance.
"The community has come together to support Shelly during this tragic time," said Valerie Zimmer, a North Westside firefighter. "Donations, including clothes, blankets and food, have been made to help get Jackson back on her feet."
Donations for Jackson are being collected at the North Westside fire and rescue station.
Photo: Contributed
The UBC community is in mourning after former university president David Strangway died.
Strangway, 82, played a key role in setting the framework for the university's expansion into the Okanagan, said Martha Piper, who was UBC president from 1997-2006 and 2015-2016.
"It's a sad day for the country and it's clearly a sad day for UBC," she told Castanet.
"While he wasn't directly involved in the establishment of UBC Okanagan, I think it's probably a result of the strength of the UBC that he created here in Vancouver that we were able to and it would have certainly been part of his vision for the university to reach out and become an integral part of the Okanagan region."
Strangway, who moved to the Okanagan after retiring, died in Kelowna.
Piper said he transformed UBC into a globally renowned university. "And what's happened in the Okanagan in 10 years is just truly remarkable," she said.
Strangway, a geophysicist, served as president of the University of British Columbia from 1985 to 1997. He also worked for NASA during the Apollo space missions.
Piper said he set the course for the university and it was her job to move it in the trajectory he developed.
"He and I had talked many times about how important it was that UBC have a presence throughout the entire province, whether it be in freestanding campuses or in attracting students across the entire province," she said.
That presence further came to fruition in 2004, when Piper alongside then-B.C. premier Gordon Campbell announced Okanagan University College would be dissolved and UBCO would take its place.
Premier Christy Clark issued a statement Wednesday saying that men of Strangway's calibre do not come along every day.
He was so well-respected that former prime minister Jean Chretien appointed him to work with United States' authorities to resolve a dispute over Pacific salmon fishing rights, she said.
"David's tenure at UBC is widely recognized as a turning point, transforming the university into a world-leading centre of research, development and learning," Clark said.
"For his contributions to UBC and Canada, we owe David an enormous debt of gratitude. He will be missed."
Strangway was invested as an officer of the Order of Canada in 1997.
with files from the Canadian Press
Photo: Ashlee Chartrand
A cougar that was found dead in Coldstream Park earlier this year died of natural causes.
The big cat was caught on video wandering through the green space on Nov. 7, but the next day park staff found the animal dead in the bushes.
A necropsy was conducted and Conservation Officer Mike Richardson said the cat was not poisoned as some had speculated.
The cat was sick. It had a gastrointestinal condition which also caused a mild heart condition which caused fluid to build up in its lungs and it succumbed to that, said Richardson.
It's just like humans I guess. They get sick every once in a while.
Candles may be pretty to look at, but they are a cause of fires in the home, especially during the Christmas season, according to Vernon Fire Rescue.
December is a key month for candle fires for the entire year, said deputy fire chief David Lind. What we find is almost half of those candle fires occur when the candle or the flame is left too close to something that can burn.
Lind asks people to keep candles away from decorations and clutter and ensure a lit candle is never left unattended.
A really good idea are the flameless candles that are out there right now. You can get them, they look real, they smell like a real candle and they're completely safe.
For those who love a real tree in the house at Christmas, Lind has more advice.
It's not that they go up (in flames) that often, but when they do, they go up with a lot of intensity. They create a lot of heat and the fire spreads very quickly.
Lind recommends the trees be kept fresh through regular watering and at least three feet away from any heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators and lights, and that the Christmas lights going on the tree are in good condition with no worn or broken cords.
Photo: The Canadian Press
A decade after hundreds of Americans got sick from eating Peter Pan peanut butter contaminated with salmonella, the company that sold it made an embarrassing courtroom guilty plea and agreed to pay the largest criminal fine ever in a U.S. food safety case.
The president of a ConAgra subsidiary entered a guilty plea on behalf of his company Tuesday to a single misdemeanour count of shipping adulterated food. A U.S. District Court judge then approved a deal ConAgra reached with prosecutors to pay an $8 million fine plus $3.2 million in cash forfeitures.
"Obviously they're able to absorb an $11 million penalty much more than a smaller company," said Bill Marler, a Seattle-based attorney who specializes in food safety cases. "But it still sends a pretty significant message."
The plea deal resolved a long criminal investigation into a nationwide salmonella outbreak blamed on tainted peanut butter that sickened at least 625 people in 47 states.
Disease detectives traced the salmonella to a plant in rural Sylvester, Georgia, that produced peanut butter for ConAgra under the Peter Pan label and the Great Value brand sold at Walmart. In 2007, the company recalled all the peanut butter it had sold since 2004. By then, most of it had been eaten.
Leo Knowles, president of ConAgra Grocery Products, offered no testimony as he entered the misdemeanour plea on behalf of the Chicago-based corporation's subsidiary.
"It made a lot of people sick," prosecutor Graham Thorpe said as he described ConAgra's decision to continue shipments from the Georgia plant in late 2006 despite lab tests that had twice detected salmonella.
"The industry has taken notice of this prosecution," Thorpe said.
The fine represents just one tenth of one per cent of ConAgra's current $8 billion market capitalization. The company also will pay $3.2 million in cash forfeitures to the federal government.
U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands waited more than 18 months after ConAgra agreed to the plea deal so that victims could be contacted before he approved the settlement.
The case began in 2006, as doctors around the country reported severe gastrointestinal illnesses caused by salmonella. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health officials traced the common factor peanut butter outbreak to the plant in rural Georgia.
In February 2007, ConAgra recalled its previous three years of peanut butter production, and Peter Pan vanished from store shelves for about six months. Despite the widespread illnesses, no deaths were ever confirmed to be caused by the salmonella outbreak.
"The company has behaved in a model way, as a model corporate citizen, ever since that time," Douglas Fellman, an attorney for ConAgra, told the judge. "Since that time, we have an unblemished record. Peter Pan peanut butter is wholesome and it's safe."
Photo: The Canadian Press
A Pennsylvania judge says he'll take some time before deciding whether to allow more than a dozen women who accuse Bill Cosby of sexually assaulting them to testify at his trial next year.
Montgomery County Judge Steven O'Neill heard arguments Wednesday from Cosby's lawyers, who say the 79-year-old comedian's accusers should be barred from taking the witness stand.
Cosby is charged with sexually assaulting a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004. Prosecutors want to call 13 other accusers to show that Cosby had a history of drugging and molesting women.
Defence lawyer Brian McMonagle says prosecutors are dredging up assault allegations dating to the 1960s to try to breathe life into a weak case.
The two-day hearing has adjourned.
Cosby's lawyers attacked what they're calling "vague, remote and often inconsistent" allegations from a slew of accusers that prosecutors are seeking to call as witnesses at his sexual assault trial next year.
The defence portrayed the potential witnesses as "bandwagon" accusers who came forward last year because they sought to cash in.
The 79-year-old actor and comedian is charged with sexually assaulting a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004.
Prosecutors are asking a judge to permit testimony from 13 other women who also accuse Cosby of sexual assault. Prosecutors want to show that Cosby had a history of drugging and molesting women.
Cosby's lawyers say the women's stories aren't similar enough to warrant their testimony.
Photo: The Canadian Press NDP ethics critic Alexandre Boulerice
The Liberal Party of Canada temporarily expanded its campaign headquarters during the federal election last year by renting office space from Canada 2020, a not-for-profit organization founded by long-time partisans with close personal ties to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
According to documents filed with Elections Canada, the Liberals subleased office space from Canada 2020 at 35 O'Connor St., in downtown Ottawa now occupied by the think-tank from Aug. 13 to Oct. 19, 2015, so that the party could set up a "volunteer hub" that was up and running 12 hours a day.
The documents show the Liberals paid a total of $13,833 to Canada 2020 over that period.
There is nothing in the rules that would prohibit the arrangement, as both the Liberal party and Canada 2020 say the agreement involved paying full market rent.
But it is another example of the close connections between the Liberals and Canada 2020, an organization that styles itself as an independent source of progressive ideas and policies but whose people are also intertwined with the governing party and the prime minister.
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair cited the arrangement Wednesday during a question period dominated by the cash-for-access fundraising controversy that has dogged the Liberal government for months.
He described it as "evidence" that the think tank is "simply a wing of the Liberal Party of Canada."
"Access to the prime minister shouldn't be based on financial donations to the Liberal party, or Liberal organizations," Mulcair told the House.
Government House leader Bardish Chagger responded with a similar message to the one Trudeau delivered Tuesday when pressed on the $1,500-per-ticket fundraisers: the events are about working for the middle class, she said, provoking much mockery from the opposition benches.
"Just imagine the middle-class problems the Liberals try to solve over champagne and caviar," said Conservative interim leader Rona Ambrose.
The think tank is conscious of the optics.
Canada 2020 has recently been trying to insulate itself from the cash-for-access inferno by bringing in new policies related to lobbying.
The close relationship also came up during the U.S. presidential election campaign, when Wikileaks published purportedly hacked emails that suggested Hillary Clinton's entourage was annoyed the Liberal party had used a Canada 2020 event she appeared at in 2014 as a fundraising opportunity.
Photo: Flickr - Canadian Forces
Internal Defence Department records show post-traumatic stress as the top diagnosis for hundreds of troops at risk of being forced out of the military because they are too sick or injured for duty.
The documents, obtained by The Canadian Press through the access to information law, underscore the toll the mental-health injury is taking on the Canadian Forces and those who serve in uniform.
They also highlight the importance of proper mental-health services for those still serving in the military, as well as those forced to leave for medical reasons.
Military personnel are required to be physically able to perform their duties and deploy on missions at any given time as a condition for continued employment in the Forces.
Anyone who is unable to meet this so-called Universality of Service principle for medical reasons is given time to recover. If recovery is not possible, they are released from the military.
According to the records, produced by the military's health-services branch, more than 1,300 troops assessed between June 2014 and July 2015 were "at high risk" of never returning to duty.
Of those, PTSD was by far the most common diagnosis, with 290 cases, or about one in every four. That compared to 150 military personnel with back injuries and 124 with knee injuries.
Military health officials saw the same results between January and December 2013, when just over 20 per cent of the 1,217 military personnel at risk of being released had been diagnosed with PTSD, versus 12 per cent with back injuries.
The documents do not provide any explanation for the results, but the question of whether Canadian military personnel are receiving adequate mental-health supports has been a constant theme since the war in Afghanistan.
There have also been concerns about the difficulties which injured troops who are forced from the military face as they attempt to transition into civilian life, particularly if they have a mental-health injury.
National Defence spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier said in an email that caring for military personnel is a top priority and that the Armed Forces are committed to providing the care and support they need.
"Great efforts are made to identify members at risk for mental-health problems and to provide them with assistance in the form of treatment, counselling, and other types of support," he said.
"We have an expert health-care system, but in order for us to help each other, it is essential that all military personnel, like all Canadians, recognize mental-health issues as they develop."
Photo: Contributed
Some Kelowna residents near the mouth of Mission Creek are concerned ice accumulating in the area could cause problems soon.
According to some in the area, ice from further up the creek recently broke away and flowed downstream, creating a partial ice jam near the Water's Edge condominium.
The complex is about 100 metres from the mouth of the creek.
It's feared dropping temperatures over the next few days could create a complete ice blockage by week's end.
The Kelowna Fire Department is monitoring the situation but, at the present time, are not concerned.
"I sent an engine down to check it out, and there is lots of room on the banks. From Lakeshore Bridge down is completely clear," said Platoon Capt. Scott Cronquist.
"Water is flowing freely. We'll monitor it over the next while, but there are no problems right now."
It's been more than a decade since Mission Creek has frozen significantly enough to cause problems.
Germany's DEAL project, which includes over 60 major research institutions, has announced that all of its members are canceling their subscriptions to all of Elsevier's academic and scientific journals, effective January 1, 2017.
The boycott is in response to Elsevier's refusal to adopt "transparent business models" to "make publications more openly accessible."
Elsevier is notorious even among academic publishers for its hostility to open access, but it also publishes some of the most prestigious journals in many fields. This creates a vicious cycle, where the best publicly funded research is published in Elsevier journals, which then claims ownership over the research (Elsevier, like most academic journals, requires authors to sign their copyrights over, though it does not pay them for their writing, nor does it pay for their research expenses). Then, the public institutions that are producing this research have to pay very high costs to access the journals in which it appears. Journal prices have skyrocketed over the past 40 years.
No one institution can afford to boycott Elsevier, but collectively, the institutions have great power. The high price-ticket on journals means that the entire customer base for them is institutions, not individuals, and the increasing prices have narrowed the field of institutions that can afford to participate but that has also narrowed the number of institutions that need to cooperate to cripple Elsevier and bring it to heel.
Even so, this kind of boycott was unimaginable until recently but the rise of guerrilla open access sites like Sci-Hub mean that researchers at participating institutions can continue to access Elsevier papers by other means.
All participants in this process are aware of the imminent effects this has on research and teaching. However, they share the firm conviction that, for the present, the pressure built up by the joint action of many research institutions is the only way to to reach an outcome advantageous for the German scientific community.
No full-text access to Elsevier journals to be expected from 1 January 2017 on
[Gottingen State and University Library]
Photo: Castanet Staff
A series of car thefts in the Grand Forks area appear to be heading to the Osoyoos area.
The Grand Forks Gazette is reporting three RCMP detachments have been investigating the crime spree impacting multiple vehicles.
At approximately 6:30 a.m. this morning members from Grand Forks RCMP responded to a report of a vehicle collision in the Christina Lake area. When they got there they found the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Cranbrook, and there was no one [at the scene], Cpl. Philip Crack told the Gazette.
Later that morning, officers were called to the Petro Canada in Rock Creek where a man had his car stolen by hitchhikers while he paid for gas. The man had picked up the group of people from the collision scene.
While there is no danger to the public at this time, the Osoyoos RCMP is asking people in the area to be cautious and avoid picking up hitchhikers, especially at accident scenes.
Castanet has placed several calls to the impacted RCMP detachments and the Southeast District. More information is expected to be released tonight or early Thursday morning.
Photo: City of Vernon
With record numbers of visitors three months in a row over the summer, the City of Vernon could see $700,000 added to its tourism coffer by the end of the year, due to the city's two per cent tax on hotel rooms.
That two per cent tax translates to $30.8 million (in hotel room rentals) last year, Kevin Poole, the City of Vernon's economic development manager, told council this week. We do have enough support to move to a three per cent tax (but) there is legwork to do.
Destination BC has informed city staff applications to bump up the tax take a long time, he added.
Between January to September, the city made $570,592.56 from the two per cent hotel tax, an increase of 15.3 per cent over last year.
The money is used to promote Vernon as tourist destination.
Poole said that Vernon has had the strongest tourism growth in the Thompson Okanagan region five years running.
I feel as if we've expanded our profile to the whole world, said Coun. Catherine Lord.
Photo: Contributed
UPDATE 1:30 p.m.
Kelowna city council has trimmed a little more than half of one per cent from the provisional 2017 budget.
During all-day deliberations Thursday, council eliminated $640,970 from the budget by delaying for one year the renovation and staffing of a firehall in Glenmore.
That brings a proposed tax increase down to about 3.9 per cent.
Budget deliberations are underway in Kelowna City Hall. Reporter Wayne Moore will bring you live updates.
You can also listen live here. Just click on one of the audio player options next to 'Listen live.'
UPDATE 9:10 a.m.
Prior to the start of Thursday's budget deliberations, Mayor Colin Basran asked his council colleagues to remember who they are building the city for.
Not the few critics but for all the citizens who expect their tax dollars to be used wisely.
"We are one of the fastest growing communities in the country and there is a lot of pressure to increase and improve services," said Basran.
He said there will be items that may have to be delayed or cut with good reason, but, he suggested council make sure it's not cutting services just to keep taxes down and pat themselves on the back.
Kelowna city council will spend the better part of the day today determining how the city will spend your hard earned tax dollars in 2017.
Council will review, line-by-line, a provisional budget that includes an initial tax increase of 4.4 per cent.
Broken down, that's a 1.56 per cent increase to pay for the new RCMP building, 0.38 per cent for the fire department's strategic plan and 2.46 per cent general increase.
In all, city departments are asking for a total of $127.5 million in tax revenue to run the city in 2017, that's $7.5 million more than in 2016.
This is the third budget presided over by the Basran administration.
The previous two years, taxpayers have been hit with increases of 3.2 per cent in 2015 and 4.11 per cent in 2016.
Castanet will have complete coverage of the budget deliberations from start to finish.
Photo: SPCA
The trial of an Armstrong man facing animal cruelty charges got underway in a Vernon courtroom Wednesday, but the first day of the proceedings was spent arguing over the validity of the search warrant.
Gary Roberts is charged with causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal and failing to provide the necessities of life. He also faces one count of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
The charges were filed more than a year ago and after several delays the case finally came to court.
However, before the actual trial could begin, defence lawyer Julian van der Walle argued the BCSPCA warrant used to seize 16 of Roberts' more than 100 horses, was not valid because some information was kept from the judge who approved the warrant.
BCSPCA Special Const. Dan Chapman was questioned about the information and van der Walle argued that key pieces of information were omitted that could have altered the judge's decision.
Van der Walle said the document presented to the judge was one sided and information beneficial to Roberts was not included.
Chapman, who had visited Roberts property several times prior to the search warrant being executed, said he submitted all pertinent information to the judge.
The SPCA initially received complaints about Roberts' animals from a neighbour in 2013. The tipster told the SPCA Roberts was putting emaciated horses in a hidden corral and that her dog had brought home parts of horses such as legs and even a skull.
Chapman acknowledged he found no evidence to validate the claim, but did find several skinny horses that appeared to be in need of care.
Chapman said Roberts was ordered to provide more and better feed for the animals; to separate the foals from the mares and have some of the horses seen by a vet.
Chapman did say Roberts had complied with some of the orders, but not all of them.
On March 11, 2014, following several visits by the SPCA, Roberts told officials they were not allowed back on his property without a warrant.
Crown counsel Alexandra Janse said based on what Chapman saw, and not on what the tipster claimed, there was enough evidence to justify the warrant.
Justice Mark Takahashi ruled the warrant would stand.
However Takahashi said the grandiose claims by the tipster could not be proven, casting doubt on the reliability of the tipster, but he believed Chapman did not tilt the search warrant request against Roberts.
Takahashi noted some of the earlier compliance orders had been carried out, but others had not, justifying the need for the search warrant.
The charges stem from December, 2014 when the SPCA executed a search warrant for Roberts' address where they seized 16 horses.
The horses were in distress, as defined in our Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, so they were taken into our care, said Kathy Woodward, SPCA, senior animal protection officer, at the time of the seizure.
Woodward said the animals seized "were in very poor condition.
The trial is expected to last three days.
Pearson looks to ease stalls Toronto - 6:54 am
Photo: Charles Maskell
A man accused in a West Kelowna shooting was released on bail Wednesday morning.
Charles Maskell, 59, is facing an attempted murder charge following an altercation at a Glenrosa home on Granada Crescent in the afternoon of Dec. 2.
A man was shot during the incident and rushed to Kelowna General Hospital.
Police said they arrested a 59-year-old man and a 33-year-old man in connection to the incident. The 33-year-old man has yet to be identified, and it is unknown if charges have been laid against him.
Police say they also found evidence the home was being used in the trafficking of illegal drugs.
Maskell left the Kelowna courthouse Wednesday afternoon with family members, wearing a prison-issued red sweatshirt and sweatpants.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 19.
Photo: Dustin Godfrey
The South Okanagan Women In Need Society got a boost in their funding for Christmas.
A $3,700 cheque was handed to the organization at the Home Hardware location in Penticton. Half of that money came from Home Hardware, while the other half came from the employees at the location, through a Christmas party fundraiser.
At the Christmas party, employees normally would pull a gift out of a bag at random, with a chance determining what each person gets. This year, those gifts were then put up for a silent auction, and employees bid on each gift.
The funds raised through the auction were matched by the store, and were presented to SOWINS in a cheque, Wednesday afternoon.
"I know that my mom had used SOWINS's services for about four years or so," said Crystal Baker, the retail manager who spearheaded the fundraiser. "I saw how amazing it was for her."
That money will be going to any number of services SOWINS provides for women, according to executive director Debbie Scarborough.
"If they need gas to get out of dodge, if they need a food voucher, if they're hungry if they need quick food, groceries, whatever. Sometimes women come in and they don't have socks and it's cold out."
If a woman is in need of something in particular, like food or socks in sub-zero temperatures, this cheque could help to pay for a trip to the store or a nearby restaurant to pay for that woman's needs.
"It's those last minute and often life-saving things."
Photo: The Salvation Army
Kelowna firefighters donated funds to the Salvation Army after items were stolen during a break-in.
The Salvation Army Emergency Response Truck and Trailer were broken into Sunday evening, and several items were stolen, including their generator, fuel cans, canopy tents and lighting.
On top of the stolen items, the truck and trailer were vandalized, costing an estimated $5,000 with damage and lost items.
Kelowna firefighters donated funds to fix the truck and replace the equipment the Salvation Army lost.
The Salvation Army says they are grateful for the firefighters' generosity.
Photo: The Canadian Press
An 80-year-old former associate of ex-Boston crime boss James "Whitey" Bulger pleaded not guilty Wednesday in the 1991 fatal shooting of an armoured truck guard.
Ralph DeMasi also was ordered held without bail during his arraignment on murder and robbery charges in Worcester Superior Court.
Edward Morlock, of Athol, was shot while carrying bags of money from a Shaw's supermarket in Worcester. DeMasi and three other men, who have since died, robbed the 52-year-old Morlock and escaped in a waiting car, prosecutors said.
DeMasi's lawyer, Michael Hussey, said he didn't have information about evidence in the 1991 killing.
DeMasi, of Salisbury, served more than 21 years in prison for a different armoured car robbery in Newburyport and later testified at Bulger's 2013 racketeering trial.
Bulger, once one of the nation's most wanted fugitives, fled Boston in 1994 following a tip from an FBI agent that he was about to be indicted and finally was captured with his longtime girlfriend in Santa Monica, California, in 2011. He's serving a life prison sentence on convictions for a litany of crimes, including playing a role in 11 murders. He has called his trial a "sham."
DeMasi testified, under orders from a judge, about how he was shot eight times while riding in a car in Boston in 1973, in an attack that killed the driver. He said he didn't see who pulled the trigger.
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said Bulger had nothing to do with Morlock's killing and the robbery. Early also declined to name the three other men.
After Wednesday's arraignment, Morlock's widow, Jeannette Morlock, had angry words for DeMasi.
"I hope he burns in hell," she said. "I have no sympathy for him."
DeMasi's daughter, Susan DeMasi, also attended the court hearing and said she did not believe the allegations against him.
"He's always been such a loving person," she said. "I can't imagine him killing anybody."
Photo: Twitter
An independent autopsy on a man who had a fatal encounter with Baltimore police says he died of asphyxiation while being restrained, not of a heart condition as the state's autopsy found.
Tyrone West, 44, died after a struggle with police following a July 2013 traffic stop. The Maryland Office of the Medical Examiner had ruled that he died of a heart condition in extremely hot weather.
His sister, Tawanda Jones, who holds a weekly vigil seeking justice in West's death, commissioned the new autopsy. Jones has urged Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby to reopen the case, but Mosby has said that without new evidence, she won't.
West, who is African-American, died after being arrested on July 18, 2013. Police said they pulled the man over for backing down a street into an intersection. After officers asked West to get out of the car and sit on the curb, they spotted a bulge in one of his socks and suspected drugs, police have said.
Six officers were involved in restraining West, officials said.
Authorities said a bag recovered at the scene contained cocaine. The officers said West ran, but officers chased him and tackled him to the ground. When West died, he was in handcuffs, according to police.
West's official state autopsy revealed no serious injuries or signs of asphyxia, and the officers were not charged.
Jones and her family weren't satisfied; the new autopsy report is their latest attempt to draw attention to West's case, and to provide support to other families whose loved ones have died at the hands of police.
Mosby's office and the police department did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the new autopsy.
"I never miss a Wednesday," the prekindergarten teacher said in an interview with The Associated Press last year. She describes her brother as a kind, gentle and law-abiding father.
According to the state medical examiner, another contributing factor in West's death may have been "the extreme environmental temperatures, which were reported in the high 90s" the day of his arrest.
The independent autopsy was conducted in June by Dr. Adel Shaker, a former medical examiner in Alabama and Mississippi. Shaker concluded West died of so-called positional asphyxia from being restrained in a prone position.
In 1944, a bizarre criminal assaulted the small town of Mattoon, Illinois. Victims reported smelling a strange odor in their bedrooms before being overcome with nausea and paralysis. In this week's episode of the Futility Closet podcast we'll pursue the mad gasser of Mattoon, who vanished after ten days, leaving residents to wonder whether he had ever existed at all.
We'll also ponder the concept of identical cousins and puzzle over a midnight stabbing.
Show notes
Please support us on Patreon!
Photo: The Canadian Press
Growing up, Cathy Hinz and her five siblings would run up and down the stairs at their Minneapolis home, one hand on the banister, the other skimming a memento hanging on the wall that their father had brought back after fighting in World War II: a 16th century tapestry that once graced Adolf Hitler's retreat perched high in the Bavarian Alps.
On Friday, that tapestry, purchased for Hitler's Eagle's Nest the year before the war began from a Munich art gallery owned by a Jewish family, will be formally returned in a ceremony in Germany. It will eventually be displayed at the Bavarian National Museum in Munich.
"The tapestry has been on a journey, and now it's going home," Hinz said.
The tapestry's trip back to Germany began when Hinz gave it to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Enough was known about its past that Gordon "Nick" Mueller, president and CEO of the museum, and Robert Edsel, a board member and founder of the Dallas-based Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art, knew it needed to be returned to its rightful owner.
So Edsel began untangling the mystery.
Hinz's father, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Paul Danahy, often told the story of taking the tapestry after being struck by the historical significance of the moment after his 101st Airborne Division made it to the Eagle's Nest above Berchtesgaden and began interrogating German officers. Danahy, who served in the war as an intelligence officer, died in 1986 at the age of 71, and the tapestry eventually landed on the wall of Hinz's dining room.
Seeing carefully preserved tapestries on a trip to Italy in 2000 gave Hinz pause about continuing to keep the 7-foot-by-7-foot tapestry depicting a courtly hunting scene. She knew it was time to let go of it, she just wasn't sure how.
Edsel said the key was determining whether the September 1938 sale of the tapestry would have been considered forced. His foundation endeavours not only to honour but also continue the work of the Monuments Men, a group of art experts from more than a dozen countries who worked with Allied forces to protect cultural treasures during the war, and afterward to return works stolen by the Nazis.
Thomas R. Kline, a Washington D.C.-based attorney who specializes in art restitution, said multiple factors can go into determining if a sale was forced. For instance, some gallery owners decided to sell collections for fear the Nazis would confiscate them anyway.
It was the family of Konrad Bernheimer, a present-day Munich art dealer, who owned the gallery that sold the tapestry.
"My first reaction was, if you have the invoice then let's have a look at how much they paid," Bernheimer said. "There are two possibilities: Either it was sold below the actual value then it would indicate that this was a false sale. Or it was sold at the full price then I would not be able to say it's a false sale."
Bernheimer said he didn't consider it a false sale because the full price about $10,000 U.S. dollars at the time was paid. "Not everything that was sold between 1933 and 1945 could be considered a false sale," he said.
Photo: The Canadian Press
Bill Cosby's lawyers on Wednesday attacked what they called "vague, remote and often inconsistent" allegations from a slew of women whom prosecutors are seeking to call as witnesses at his sexual-assault trial next year.
Lawyers for the 79-year-old actor and comedian asked a judge to block 13 accusers from taking the witness stand, saying uncertainty about where and when some of the sexual encounters took place made them impossible to defend against.
Cosby, who was known as America's Dad for his top-rated family sitcom, "The Cosby Show," which ran from 1984 to 1992, is charged with molesting a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004.
Prosecutors are seeking testimony from the other accusers to show Cosby had a long history of knocking out women with drugs and drinks and sexually assaulting them. Cosby has pleaded not guilty.
At a hearing, the defence portrayed the potential prosecution witnesses as "bandwagon" accusers who came forward because they sought to cash in on Cosby's fame and wealth.
The women went public at the urging of "clever, cunning lawyers who had the agenda of bringing down an American icon," Cosby lawyer Brian McMonagle told Montgomery County Judge Steven O'Neill, who must determine whether some or all of the accusers will be permitted to take the witness stand.
The two-day hearing closed without a decision, with the judge saying he'd take some time before ruling.
McMonagle argued prosecutors dredged up unsubstantiated assault allegations dating to the 1960s to try to breathe life into a weak case, and he urged the judge to "follow the money" when examining the motives of the accusers.
"There's no good reason in this world for these uncorroborated, unconfirmed, unreported, ancient allegations to be brought into this courtroom or any courtroom in this country," he said afterward.
Cosby is charged with assaulting Andrea Constand, then a Temple University employee. She filed a police complaint against Cosby, a long-married father of five and her friend and mentor, but a prosecutor at the time declined to file charges.
Authorities reopened the investigation last year after scores of women raised similar accusations and after Cosby's damaging deposition testimony from Constand's lawsuit became public.
The judge ruled last week the deposition may be used at Cosby's criminal trial, arming prosecutors with Cosby's testimony about his affairs with young women, his use of quaaludes as a seduction tool and his version of the sexual encounter with Constand.
Photo: Getty Images
A 73-year-old man with dementia fatally shot by police had a crucifix not a gun, as officers were led to believe, Bakersfield police said Wednesday.
A coroner found the plastic crucifix on Francisco Serna well after an officer fatally shot him near his home just after midnight Monday, Sgt. Gary Carruesco said.
It's unclear if a 911 caller who had reported a man with a gun may have mistaken the crucifix for a weapon, as Serna's family speculated.
Officer Reagan Selman fired at Serna seven times after the grandfather refused repeated commands to take his hand out of his pocket and stop walking toward police, incoming Bakersfield police Chief Lyle Martin said Tuesday.
In addition to the 911 caller, Martin said two people who had encountered Serna hours before the shooting thought he was armed.
Serna's family is calling his death murder. They say they want an independent investigation into the shooting and for the U.S. Justice Department to look into whether police violated Serna's civil rights.
"It's difficult to accept that our dad's life ended so brutally, abruptly and with such excessive violence," according to a family statement. "Our dad was treated like a criminal, and we feel like he was left to die alone without his family by his side."
Officer Selman, who had been on the force about 16 months, was placed on administrative leave.
Martin said it was an extremely difficult set of circumstances for an officer fearing a man with a gun. The police chief expressed his condolences.
"It's tragic when a family loses a family member at any time, but when you lose a father, a grandfather, during the holiday season, that makes it that much worse," Martin said.
The shooting came roughly 30 seconds after a woman who had encountered Serna pointed him out to police as he walked out of his house across the street and toward them, Martin said.
Serna's son, Rogelio Serna, posted on Facebook that his father had dementia and would go on small walks when he had trouble sleeping.
"Last night he took his last walk," he wrote.
Photo: The Canadian Press
Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana made no secret of his ambitions to join a Donald Trump Cabinet, and yet his nomination as interior secretary is in some ways an unlikely fit for the retired U.S. Navy SEAL.
Zinke, 55, was an early supporter of the president-elect and publicly expressed his interest in a Cabinet post when Trump visited Montana in May.
Like other Western states, Montana's wide-open, rugged landscape has a huge federal presence. The Interior Department and other U.S. agencies control almost a third of its land and even more of the underground "mineral estate" that holds vast amounts of coal, oil and natural gas.
As with several other Trump Cabinet nominees, Zinke has advocated for increased energy drilling and mining on those lands and expressed skepticism about the urgency of climate change.
The Republican lawmaker, who describes himself as a "Teddy Roosevelt Republican," also has been a vocal supporter of keeping public lands in the government's hands. That's a central political issue in Montana, where hunting and fishing access is considered sacrosanct.
The president-elect's son Donald Jr. is an avid hunter and was in Montana on a hunting trip last month, during which Sen. Steve Daines recommended Zinke for Interior. That and Zinke's stance on public lands may have given him an advantage over another lawmaker Trump was said to have considered for the post, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash. She wrote on Facebook Tuesday that it had been an "honour" to be invited to meet with Trump.
Zinke was offered the job after meeting Monday with Trump in New York, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. A person close to Zinke confirmed the offer. All three spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the transition process publicly.
Zinke had not yet announced Wednesday whether he would accept.
Energy development, land management and hunting fall under the Interior Department's jurisdiction. However, those were second-tier issues for Zinke during his successful re-election campaign this fall against Democrat Denise Juneau.
In interviews with The Associated Press during that campaign, Zinke repeatedly identified his top priorities as national security, more thorough vetting of refugees to screen out terrorists, the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and improving the U.S. economy.
Only after listing those did he list his desire to increase coal mining and oil and gas exploration, protect public lands and provide more resources for American Indian tribes, another Interior responsibility.
Photo: File photo
Pregnant women should consider postponing travel to Brownsville, Texas, because of concerns about mosquitoes there spreading the Zika virus, federal health officials said Wednesday.
The warning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises doctors to tell pregnant women and their sex partners to take precautions and to consider putting off travel to the city while the advisory is in place. It comes after five cases of Zika virus infection spread locally were recently diagnosed in people living near each other in the city located on the state's border with Mexico.
"We're recommending pregnant women not travel to Brownsville, and if they do travel to that area, to ensure that they avoid mosquito bites and they avoid the risk of sexual transmission," the CDC's Dr. Denise Jamieson said. "And that when they return from the area, that they undergo testing for Zika virus infection."
Florida is the only other state in the U.S. that has had homegrown Zika cases. The CDC has issued a similar warning there in Miami-Dade County.
The CDC notes that temperatures in the Brownsville area are still conducive to mosquito breeding, so the risk of more cases can't be ruled out.
Zika is primarily transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have previously bitten an infected person, though sexual transmission can also occur. Most infected people don't have symptoms, but for those who do, it's usually a mild illness with fever, rash and joint pain.
But the disease is especially dangerous to pregnant women because it can cause severe birth defects, including babies born with unusually small heads. None of the people with homegrown Zika cases in Texas is pregnant, officials said.
Texas Department of State Health Services officials on Wednesday recommended that all pregnant Brownsville residents and those who have travelled there on or after Oct. 29 be tested for Zika.
"The recommendation is now to test pregnant women more broadly in that area," department spokesman Chris Van Deusen said.
The CDC says that people living in the Brownsville area should be counselled on the possible risk of Zika before getting pregnant.
The locally transmitted Florida cases were detected over the summer. Until then, all U.S. cases had been connected to people travelling to countries with outbreaks, mostly in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Health officials note that because areas of active Zika transmission have been reported in Mexico near the U.S. border, they've been recommending since last year that pregnant women shouldn't travel to any low-elevation area in Mexico, where the virus-spreading mosquitoes thrive.
Dustin Godfrey
This week's edition of Mayor's Minute looks at topics ranging from the Trio Marine Group development to the marijuana dispensaries in Penticton.
One of two lawsuits against the city has been dropped, while the complainant in the other says he's ready to continue his legal fight. Mayor Andrew Jakubeit talks about what's next for the city.
The Penticton Fire Department's boat is unfit for Okanagan Lake's rough waters, but the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen doesn't appear to have much appetite to help pay for a new boat. Jakubeit outlines some of the other avenues the city can take to raise the last $80,000 to pay for it.
After city council approved two medical marijuana dispensaries, an operator of one that wasn't approved says he felt blindsided by the decision. But Jakubeit says he doesn't believe the dispensary has a fighting chance in a legal battle at this point.
Finally, a look ahead at next week's council agenda, which will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. As always, Castanet will be live streaming that meeting.
You can send your questions for the mayor to [email protected]
Photo: Dustin Godfrey
The city needs to take a stand against a medical marijuana dispensary operating without a business licence, according to Mayor Andrew Jakubeit.
Jukka Laurio, operator of the Herbal Green Apothecary, told Castanet he felt "blindsided" by a city council decision not to approve his application for a temporary use permit to operate the dispensary, saying an agreement between him and the city was all but signed.
But Jakubeit said in this week's Mayor's Minute on Castanet council still had discretion on which to approve and which to decline.
"We were quite clear, they're temporary use permits, they still have to get authorized by council and council has discretion. There were seven applications, council approved two of them."
That means Laurio may have to wait until spring, or longer when the federal government is expected to introduce legislation to legalize marijuana for recreational use before he can legally operate a dispensary in the city.
"When a bit more legislation comes from the federal government and the province, we'll revisit it," Jakubeit said. "But in the meantime, there's two, and that was really to address the real problem of access to medical marijuana, and so we wanted to make sure that avenue was there."
Part of the process, according to Jakubeit, was a bit of population control on the dispensaries, which appeared to grow in numbers over the months.
"We had two, and then we had four, now we had seven, and everyone started jockeying in position. So, we wanted to make sure it doesn't proliferate and grow out of control without trying to put some controls in place."
With that in mind, Jakubeit said it was the city's "obligation" to bring about action against Laurio if he continues to operate his business.
"It's not just that one industry ... If others say, 'Well, why should I get a business licence, why should I pay this, why should I do that, because you're not going to do anything about it, or this guy did it,' you really have to take a stand."
Photo: Contributed
Firefighters in the Joe Rich area collected 1,200 pounds of food and $1,100 in cash during their 12th annual food drive.
They braved the snow, going door to door throughout the community last Sunday.
"Joe Rich Fire Rescue members thank the community for its ongoing support of this important effort to help those in need during the holiday season," the department said in a statement.
All the donations were given this week to the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
Photo: Twitter
Marieze Tarr will remain chair of the School District 53 board of trustees in 2017.
While Tarr was reelected at Wednesday night's board meeting, she will have a new vice chair in Robert Zandee.
"I announced last night that this will be my last year as chair and I asked the board to bring in someone as the vice chair who could take over as chair when I leave," said Tarr. "So we made a bit of a succession plan for when I leave so he can take over in a year's time."
Sam Hancheroff, who was serving as vice chair, was not interested in serving as chair. He remains a board member.
Despite the difficult year, Tarr said she is staying on as chair because she believes in the work the board does and it was the best plan moving forward.
A funding shortfall leading to the announced closure of Osoyoos Secondary was certainly a dark spot for the board.
"This was really challenging because of the fact we told the ministry this was our position and then at the 99th hour they came through with the money," she said. "It was also a challenge because we had to put the community on a roller coaster ride with one minute the school was closing and the next it was open."
Looking forward to 2017, Tarr said she they will be refocusing on strong governance needed to provide a good education for children.
Zandee agreed saying the board's goal is to provide students in the district with as many educational opportunities as they can, as well as advocating on their behalf to the provincial government to follow through on their promises of the past months.
"It certainly has been a challenging time, but if the province fulfills its promises, it would appear that we will for the near, forseeable future, have some financial stability within the district," he said. "It appears that the ministry has heard the calls from boards for stable, predictable funding that recognizes the challenges that rural districts face. I believe that it is part of our job to try to keep the ministrys feet to the fire on this issue."
Photo: Contributed
The Penticton and District Society for Community Living is making holiday shopping for low income families a bit easier this year.
The group is holding a one day sale at their bike shop, which will see all kids and youth bikes 50 per cent off.
PDSCL Executive Director Tony Laing said the event is new this year, and aims to provide bikes to low income families for Christmas gifts. There will be more than 50 bikes for children of all ages with prices starting as low as $10.
Some will be quite used, while others will be almost new, Laing said.
The sale runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday Dec. 16.
Photo: Castanet File Photo Fire Chief Jeff Carlisle
Despite an impassioned plea from Kelowna Fire Department Chief Jeff Carlisle, city council has delayed renovation of the Glenmore firehall for one year.
Renovation of the current unmanned hall would have allowed for better coverage to the Glenmore area until a new hall is constructed over the next four to six years.
Council voted 5-4 to delay the project by one year, mainly due to the delay in construction of John Hindle Drive.
"I actually believe our city is safe and well served by our fire department," said Coun. Luke Stack.
"This is a timing issue, not a kill the strategic plan issue. I think our citizens overall are better served to hold this back one year when it aligns more effectively with the expansion of our road network."
Carlisle said the area of Glenmore is underserved when it comes to fire coverage. He said response times with the paid-on-call system in Glenmore is 9:31 in the urban area and 14 minutes in the rural area.
"From an industry standard, that's more than double what would be recommended," said Carlisle.
"I would say the response time out there is not what it should be. That's what our analytics are telling us, and as a fire chief, I'm saying the same thing."
During a passionate debate, Coun. Mohini Singh implored her colleagues to support the fire chief.
"I would urge to have the political courage to stand by the request made by our fire chief," said Singh.
Coun. Singh, Gray, Hodge and Sieben voted in favour of staying with the plan.
The decision by council means the city will not require $640,000 in taxation for the renovation of the current hall plus the hiring of 12 new firefighters.
Purchase of a new fire engine to support the hall will also be delayed. That cost of nearly $1 million would have come from reserves and not direct taxation.
Photo: Contributed
A converted motel will provide 39 much-needed units of affordable housing in Vernon.
The former Journey Inn Motel has been renovated and converted to a rental property the Blair Apartments. It's now expected to provide a safe and secure place to stay for low-income people that require stable housing.
"The Blair Apartment is an example of what can be achieved when local government and non-profits work together to solve an issue that impacts us all," said Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund.
It will offer immediate relief for shelters in the area, helpful with the current cold snap.
The building is located at 3000 28th Ave. and is walking distance to services in the downtown area.
Purchased and renovated by BC Housing, the building is operated by the John Howard Society of the North Okanagan/Kootenay Region.
The building is named after Blair Peden, a retired probation officer in Vernon who has held many roles, including president, over the last 40 years.
"Blair Peden, a representative of the provincial board of directors for the society, has volunteered his services since the mid-70s. In this time, he has always been, and continues to be, a strong advocate for our organization, even in the worst of times," said Barbara Levesque, executive director of the John Howard Society of the North Okanagan/Kootenay region.
"We think he s quite a remarkable man and is deserving of this special honour."
Photo: Google Street View
Perhaps he should have ordered better life choices.
A drunk driver is facing charges after passing out behind the wheel early Thursday while at the window of a drive-thru restaurant in Kelowna.
When police arrived, they found the 25-year-old man still snoozing in his GMC Sierra pickup truck just before 2 a.m. at a fast food restaurant on Hollywood Road and Highway 33 in Rutland.
Cpl. Jesse ODonaghey said the driver was not co-operative with police, adding he refused to identify himself and wouldn't follow police directions.
As a result, the officer entered into an impaired operation care and control investigation and provided the driver with a demand who was subsequently taken to the Kelowna RCMP detachment where he provided breath samples almost twice the legal limit, said ODonaghey.
The arrest comes a day after Statistics Canada found Kelowna has the second highest number of drunk drivers in the country.
Photo: File photo
A Kelowna judge decided Thursday that a $750 fine and probation was not an appropriate sentence for a man who sexually touched an eight-year-old girl while she slept.
Danny Shaw was originally charged with sexual assault and sexual interference of a person under 16 after a Sept. 13, 2015, incident at the victim's home.
Shaw had known the victim's father since they were young, and he was staying over at the house in Kelowna.
Shaw had been drinking alcohol all day and stayed up until 3:30 a.m. with the victim's father. He said he had polished off a half of a bottle of tequila and 10 to 15 beers throughout the day.
The two men went to sleep, but Shaw awoke at 6 a.m. and ventured to the living room, where the eight-year-old girl was sleeping. He touched her in a sexual manner as she slept.
(The victim) indicated that some of that inappropriate touching included touching on her private parts, said Justice Wyatt to the court. There is indication that most, if not all, was done over top of her clothes, and there was an attempt at some point by this male to try and pull down her pants unsuccessfully.
The victim pretended to be sleeping during the assault, but had her eyes open slightly and identified the man as Shaw.
As Wyatt read the details of the case in court, the victim's mother cried.
Shaw, who has no previous criminal record, told an officer after his arrest that he was disgusted by his behaviour.
Shaw had been fired from a previous job for sexual impropriety with a coworker and his marriage had broken down due to his sexual proclivities.
Shaw had contended that he had thought the person sleeping on the couch was someone else.
I'm told he thought the person on the couch was a woman he was dancing and flirting with the night before, Wyatt said. He clearly intended his actions and whether the sleeping person was a woman or a child it was still an assault.
While Shaw originally faced the two sexual assault charges, he pleaded guilty to common assault in April, a plea the Crown prosecutor, Cory LaBoucane, accepted.
The victim's mother called the acceptance of the plea to a lesser charge mind boggling."
They had his confession of doing this on video at the police station, she said.
Laboucane and Shaw's defence, Jeremy Jensen, came to an agreement over what they thought was an appropriate sentence for Shaw a $750 fine and 12 months of probation.
In a rare move, Wyatt rejected the two lawyers' joint submission.
I conclude that reasonable people aware of the circumstances of this case would view a $750 fine and a 12-month probation order as a breakdown of the proper functioning of our criminal justice system, Wyatt said.
Shaw received a four-month conditional sentence, a type of incarceration that can be served outside of jail, under certain conditions. He will be required to follow a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. while under the conditional sentence.
Shaw was also given a 14-month probation sentence and will be required to provide a sample of his DNA.
The victim's parents were relieved Justice Wyatt went against the joint submission.
It gives you a little bit of faith in the justice system when you think it's all gone, the victim's mother said.
The victim's father has known Shaw for the past 33 years.
He's come to visit us a few times and made a point of making buddies with (the victim) and we just thought great, not seeing the red flags, the victim's mother said. You think you know someone.
The victim in the assault continues to go to regular counselling, and her mother says she still has her moments, but she's a strong little girl.
Photo: Castanet
City manager Ron Mattiussi fought back tears as he presented the 2017 budget to Kelowna city council Thursday morning.
Mattiussi, who has presided over 12 budgets in his position, said this could very well be his final budget.
And as he has stated many times during his budget preamble, Mattiussi didn't apologize for the financial request or tax increase presented to council.
"I want to remind council taxes were two per cent for a very long time, but they were also 13 per cent during the last boom," said Mattiussi.
"There was this notion they should be around two per cent. But the city then thought sidewalks were gold-plated standards. We accepted a water system in this city that people in Kazakhstan would laugh at. Those were types of things that made up the two per cent because we didn't spend money."
Now, he said people demand sidewalks, sewers, bike paths and roads.
In many respects, he says Kelowna, one of the fastest growing cities for more than two decades, is playing catch-up.
Mattiussi also stated he never listens to what he called voodoo economics purported by pseudo-grassroots groups that purport to represent taxpayers.
"What I do listen to is this council, I listen to the public, (choking up) and to echo your words, we're trying to build a great city, and that takes money. Some years it takes more than two per cent. Sometimes, it's less. It takes what it takes, and it takes the kind of city you want build, not the two or three critics.
"Not people who work for Conrad Black, it takes what you want built, based on what your citizens are telling you."
He said that number will always change, "and I will never apologize for that."
Photo: Contributed
Greater Vernon Water rates will be going up 3.7 per cent each year for the next three years.
The plan got approval Thursday from members of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee.
Vernon director Bob Spiers was opposed, believing rates for water consumption should be based on the budget needed for that year to meet the operating costs of the water utility.
A 3.7 per cent increase across the board for rates would not acknowledge the new customers each year that are added to the system that would bring added revenue to the water function, Spiers said. The base fee for each new customer is $95 per quarter ($380 annually) plus revenue from their consumption.
The three year rate increase should be based on the budgeted operating costs over the next three years only, not an across the board hike.
Spiers said the money will just build up reserves and ultimately be used for capital projects, such as filtration at Mission Hill, so the amount of borrowing will be reduced in an effort to persuade the public to okay the project in a borrowing referendum.
All major capital projects should be financed only through grants and/or borrowing so the people who benefit over the next 20 years are the ones who will still be using the water system.
My money is being built up in the reserves and if it is used for large capital works projects then I hope to get a thank you if I move or pass on in the next 20 years.
GVAC's recommendation will be presented to the North Okanagan Regional District board for approval.
It reads: that it be recommended to the Board of Directors that the Greater Vernon Water Rates be increased annually over the next three years based on 1.7 per cent CPI and two per cent to meet the O&M and Capital Improvements resulting in an overall annual increase of 3.7 per cent in the GVW budget.
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A Bulawayo-based pressure group - Ibhetshu LikaZulu (Likazulu) - has appealed to Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko to intervene in their elusive bid to get police clearance to commemorate victims of the Gukurahundi massacre.This comes after police on Monday once again barred the group from conducting the ceremony meant to remember an estimated 20 000 innocent civilians who perished during the Fifth Brigade-led onslaught.Likazulu has vowed to conduct the event, set to take place at Stanley Square on Unity Day, despite the police order.For about five years now, the pressure group has failed to get police clearance to hold events to do with the massacre, with the law enforcement agency giving "flimsy" reasons like the shortage of manpower."The office regrets to inform you that your intended venue has already been booked by Ibumba Arts Festival from December 16 to 22," the police said in a letter to Likazulu, adding that "since your intended venue will be occupied, therefore, for security reasons, the two events cannot be held at the same venue on the same day".This is despite the fact that the Likazulu booked the venue and paid for it six months back."I booked the venue six months ago, knowing very well that I might get such excuses from police," the group's secretary-general, Mbuso Fuzwayo, told the Daily News."I checked . . . and I was told the venue is still reserved for us, but surprisingly, on Monday the police told me that the venue is now booked," said Fuzwayo, who produced a receipt to confirm payment done on July 2."I think it's high time that the minister responsible for National Peace and Reconciliation (Mphoko) intervenes. He should just call these police to order. All we are saying is Unity Day should be celebrated as the end of genocide and as such, we need to heal and reconcile but how is that possible with such behaviour from the police," Fuzwayo said.
Dr. Matthew Aboudara Dr. Patrick Koo Dr. Matthew Kreth Previous Next
Erlanger Health System has added three pulmonologists: Drs. Matthew Kreth, Patrick Koo and Matthew Aboudara, to its network of specialists.Dr. Matthew Kreth, board certified pediatric pulmonologist, has joined Childrens Hospital at Erlanger. Dr. Kreth is passionate about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome research and national marketing of infant cribs and sleep related products. His clinical expertise is in severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, technology dependent children with chronic health conditions, tracheostomy and ventilator dependent children, end of life care, and bronchoscopy.He also provides treatment for children with chronic cough and other general pediatric pulmonary conditions.Dr. Patrick Koo, fellowship trained pulmonologist, is now accepting patients at UT Erlanger Respiratory and Critical Care. Dr. Koo received his medical degree at Ross University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center before completing Pulmonary and Critical Care fellowship training at Brown University. He specializes in research and treatment of sleep disorders, lung cancer, diaphragm disease, asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, (COPD).Dr. Matthew Aboudara, board certified pulmonologist and intensivist, has joined UT Erlanger Respiratory and Critical Care. Dr. Aboudara completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Pulmonary and Critical Care fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He did his Interventional Pulmonology training at Franklin Square Hospital Center in Baltimore, MD. His clinical focus includes the diagnosis and management of lung cancer, lung cancer screening, pleural disease, asthma, and interstitial lung disease.For more information about these physicians, call 423-778-DOCS (3627).
Bradley County Assessor of Property Stanley Thompson was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Association of Assessing Officers at the annual winter meeting. The award was presented on behalf of the Tennessee Association of Assessing Officers by the Executive Director, Will Denami.
The Tennessee Association of Assessing Officers recognizes with deep appreciation the accomplishments of Stanley Thompson whose career of service to Bradley County in the profession of property assessment within the state of Tennessee is marked with distinction, honor and excellence, said Mr. Denami. Stanley Thompson is a prime example of what citizens want in a public official. Stanley is humble, dedicated, experienced and is a true leader. He has assembled a terrific team and makes them available to answer questions so other counties can benefit from their knowledge. He has mentored many assessors across the state and has earned a stellar reputation for his professionalism. It is an honor for me to be able to present the highest award we have to Stanley.
Well, I really dont know what to say," said Mr. Thompson. "I didnt expect to receive this award, I can tell you I am humbled and honored to receive this award. I am lucky to have such a good team and we are lucky to be able to work the people in Bradley County. We dont try to win any awards, we just try to do the best job we can and treat everyone fairly. I appreciate being recognized for this award, it means a lot to me, thank you.
The Tennessee Association of Assessing Officers is a professional organization composed of the elected officials serving as Assessors of Property in Tennessee.
It may be one of the most worn out cliches around, but the line from The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance bears repeating here: When the legend becomes fact, print the legend. Why? Because everyone especially gearheads loves a good legend. Like how the Ford GT40 happened because Hank the Deuce was livid after being jilted at the automotive altar by Enzo Ferrari. Or how the original Acura NSX is the sole reason why the Italians decided to clean up their act and build exotics that actually started every morning. It doesnt matter that it may not be entirely true, but its close enough, and you just choose to believe that it is.
Well, Lexus has a new flagship on the way, and believe it or not, theres already a legend developing behind it thats too good not to repeat.
Remember the LF-LC of 2012, the jaw-dropping concept that showed Lexus could do fast and sexy as well as anyone? According to legend, Akio Toyoda, the President of Toyota Motors, was sick of his prestige brands stodgy image. Lexus the boring luxury brand. Lexus the conservative one, the predictable one; the company thats too safe for its own good. After the LF-LCs launch at the Detroit Auto Show, the boss issued a decree: No more boring cars. Lexus needed to show that after nearly 30 years of being this close, it could build a world-class grand tourer that couldnt be ignored. The days of good for a Lexus were officially over.
Four years later, thats why Im outside Seville, Spain about to track the production-ready LC500. According to the myth, LC stands for Lexus Challenge, after Toyodas order to his engineers to build the car he saw on the podium by any means necessary. In reality, LC is short for Luxury Coupe, and existential moonshot or not, the car is no less of a milestone for the brand. In fact, its the most impressive performance car to wear the big L badge since the LFA supercar. Unlike that halo car, this one could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the entire Lexus lineup.
When it was introduced in 2010, the LFA was a major coup for the brand. Yes, it was a V10-powered, carbon fiber-intensive supercar that could hit speeds of over 200 miles per hour. But it also took a decade to develop, cost close to half a million dollars, and had little effect on the rest of the Lexus lineup. You can see a family resemblance between the LFA and LC500, but in practice, the LC is much closer to another Lexus legend: the 1992 to 2000 SC300/400. And thats incredibly promising.
Like the SC cars, the LC will be a little cheaper than most of its competition (starting under six figures), and is available with a V6 or a V8. In this case, the V6 is a 3.5 liter mill mated to an electric motor for a total of 354 horsepower. The V8 is the naturally aspirated 5.0 liter from the GS F and RC F thats been massaged to make 471 horsepower here. Other than their powertrains, the 500h and 500 are visually identical, save for a few discreet badges. The LCs styling is front-and-center here, and thankfully Lexus has refrained from anything that could distract from that, regardless of whats under the hood.
Up front, the LC wears the companys spindle grille better than any other production car to date. Out back, its aggressive, complex taillights dominate an angular rear fascia call us crazy, but we even see a little of the old SC back there. In between, the wheels are aggressively flared and pushed to the outer corners, giving the LC a concept-car-come-to-life look. Compared to rivals like the Mercedes SL-Class, BMW 6-Series, and Audi S5, Lexus has made everything else in the segment feel old, and set a new benchmark in the process.
That carries over into the interior, where the LC has maintained its concept car wow factor. Some of the leather trim is hand-stitched, and virtually every surface you touch (save for switchgear) is either leather or metal. My favorite interior offered hell, possibly my favorite interior offered anywhere is the tri-color white interior (pictured above), though really you cant go wrong with any of the interior colors.
My morning in the LC began in a 500h, on a drive from downtown Seville to the Monteblanco Circuit in the rolling countryside. On Spains wide, well-maintained highways, the 500h is smooth, quiet, and comfortable, effortlessly eating up miles while switching seamlessly between Normal and EV mode, which can be activated at speeds up to 87 miles per hour. In the hybrid, power is routed to the rear wheels via two transmissions. The first shifts and combines with three fixed ratios for nine forward gears, while a final 10th gear behaves like a CVT. Overall, the clever setup does an admirable job of mimicking the 10-speed auto in the V8 model.
The 500h is a fine luxury cruiser, but I had some issues with the hybrid namely, that it feels like its writing checks the car cant cash. Its quiet, smooth, and comfortable on the highway, but under heavy acceleration in anything below Sport S+ mode, it feels hesitant, and you feel every pound of its 4,300-plus curb weight. Whats more, the 3.5 six isnt an engine you dont want to spend much time listening to, and in Eco mode, switching between the gas engine and EV mode felt a little too much like something out of the Prius family for my liking; far too unrefined for such a nice car.
On Monteblanco, the 500h wasnt the star of the show, but the hybrid powertrain did highlight the cars chassis and suspension, which is fantastic. Built on the all-new GA-L platform (the same architecture that will underpin the next-generation LS sedan), the LC500 feels every bit the world-class grand tourer it looks. That curb weight is on the high side, but its carbon fiber reinforced bits, and a healthy dose of lightweight, high-strength steel make for an extremely rigid chassis and keep the center of gravity low.
The V8 is another story. In an age when forced-induction is the name of the game, the 5.0 liter mill is naturally aspirated, and with good cause. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the car keeps the power on as you accelerate, shifting gears at an interval that Lexus calls rhythmic shifting. Hammer down, and in automatic mode, the gears come like clockwork. Boom. Boom. Boom. And so on.
In manual mode, those 10 gears are controlled by magnesium paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. With so many to choose from, you can forget which gear youre in (especially on a twisty track), but downshifting produces a loud crackle from the engine that makes any frustration a moot point. Overall, the engine, transmission, and chassis are a match made in heaven, and with the throttle down, it lets out a bark that sounds better than some GT cars twice its price. Throttle response is fantastic, and while the V8 makes the car slightly nose-heavy (54/46 weight distribution for the V8 versus 52/48 for the hybrid), its mitigated by big powerful brakes progressive and not too grippy communicative, nicely-weighted steering, and a suspension that features a double ball-joint multilink setup up front, and a five-link setup at the rear.
On the track, even the V8 couldnt mask the fact that the LC500 isnt really a track car, but thats OK, neither is the Aston Martin DB11. Like the Aston, the LC came alive on a long drive through the rolling hills of southern Spain. The LCs cabin is a place youll want to spend all the time you can, and when you stomp the gas on straightaways or while passing on the narrow two-lane highways, it fills with the V8s sonorous bark. Of course, this extends to the exterior too, where Lexus has engineered the exhaust note so its not just enjoyable to you, its as one engineer put it: Pleasing to people who enjoy your car as you pass by. Judging from the response of the people in the villages we passed through, Id say it worked.
Lexus has spent its entire existence trying to maintain a spot at the table with the Germans. With the LC, its now seated at the head of it. Before you get into serious exotic territory, the LC500 is probably the best grand tourer money can buy. And even once you get into the exotics, it still makes a pretty convincing argument. There may be more powerful, or more exclusive models out there (Lexus plans on selling 400 LCs a month in the U.S.), but as far as style, comfort, and power go, you wont find a better GT out there. Its fitting that theres already a legend behind the LC. Thats only going to grow as Lexus reputation for boring cars becomes a thing of the past.
Synthetic organic chemistry consists of transforming existing molecules into new molecular structures or assemblies. These new molecular systems are then used in a myriad of ways in everyday life - in a wide range of sectors, such as public health, energy and environment, for use in drugs, solar cells, fragrances, and so on. The active element in the molecule that initiates these transformations, known as the catalyst, is often hydrogen. However, a research team at the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, has found that a sulfur atom, if carefully inserted into a molecule, can not only become an extremely effective catalyst but can also operate with greater precision. This discovery, published in Angewandte Chemie, has the potential to revolutionize the world of synthetic organic chemistry. It paves the way for the creation of new molecules that can be used in our daily life.
Creativity in fundamental research in chemistry consists of finding new ways to transform molecules and to build new molecular structures. To achieve this, the starting molecule needs to undergo a series of transformations until the molecular architecture of interest is achieved. However, a molecule does not just change by itself - it has to be pushed by another molecule, the so-called catalyst. In nature, enzymes play this catalytic role. In chemistry and biology, the active element in catalysts is often the smallest possible atom - hydrogen.
"When we want to carry out a molecular transformation, we frequently use the hydrogen bond," explains Stefan Matile, Professor in the Department of Organic Chemistry in the Faculty of Science at UNIGE, and director of the research project. "More precisely, we place the molecule that we want to transform, known as the substrate, in contact with hydrogen. The catalyst then attracts negative charge from the substrate, to the point where the molecule is so poor in negative charges that it is forced to seek contact with another substrate and, in order to maintain itself, to transform." Hydrogen can be thought of as a vacuum cleaner that aspirates negative charges until the molecules are forced to come together and transform to compensate for the loss.
Sulfur increases precision
Professor Matile's team is interested in using bonds other than hydrogen bonds for catalysis and other activities. Most chemists consider these to be rather esoteric with little importance in the area of molecular transformation. However, when looking more closely at the sulfur atom in certain molecules, the UNIGE research team realized that the atom has a very localized area where it is extremely deficient in electrons, a sort of 'black hole'. The team wanted to know whether this hole could act as a 'vacuum cleaner', like hydrogen, if it were placed in contact with a substrate. If this were the case, sulfur could be used as a catalyst, causing molecules to transform themselves. This somewhat unorthodox bond, known as a chalcogen bond, would thus replace the conventional hydrogen bond.
As Professor Matile further explains: "To test our hypothesis, we created and tested a series of molecular structures using chalcogen bonds of gradually increasing strength. We noticed that they not only work, but that they increase the speed of the transformation by more than a thousand times, as when there is no catalyst. Additionally, we achieved a degree of precision that is impossible with hydrogen bonds." In fact, hydrogen's entire surface is 'electron poor'. Thus, when it is playing the role of catalyst, the entire atom can come into contact with the substrate and suck up negative charges all over. However, with sulfur, only a small area can act as catalyst. This will enable chemists to be more precise in bringing the catalyst and substrate into contact, and thereby to exercise increased control over the transformation. This has the potential to revolutionize synthetic organic chemistry.
This discovery puts a new tool in the hands of chemists. It proves that it is now possible to use different approaches to carry out molecular transformations, and it opens up entirely new perspectives to the world of synthetic chemistry. Professor Matile's group will now attempt to build molecules that are not accessible with conventional hydrogen bonds. This opens the door for the creation of new materials.
BASF has completed the sale of its global industrial coatings businesses to AkzoNobel. The transaction includes technologies, patents and trademarks, as well as the transfer of dedicated production sites in Deeside, United Kingdom, and Vanderbijlpark, South Africa.
As a result of this transaction, AkzoNobel will now operate the global coil, furniture foil and panel coatings, wind coatings and general industry businesses acquired from BASF, as well as the commercial transport business in EMEA. These businesses generated sales of approximately 300 million in 2015.
The remaining portfolio of the Coatings division consisting of the automotive OEM and automotive refinish coatings businesses, as well as the decorative paints business with the leading brand Suvinil in Brazil, had sales of approximately 2.9 billion in 2015. The Coatings business has been further strengthened with the acquisition of Chemetall which was closed this week.
News / National
by Staff reporter
Zimbabwean music legend, Oliver Mtukudzi - who like President Robert Mugabe has been falsely reported as having died many times - was once again left fuming yesterday after a dubious overseas-based website and social media claimed that he had passed on.But despite the crass claims, the superstar was due to travel to South Africa today where he will hold a sold-out show in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.When the despicable news about his alleged death began spreading on social media like wildfire, after the dodgy website that masquerades as the Daily News carried the false report, this caused serious panic among Tuku's local fans as well as the South African organisers of the Boksburg show, in addition to unsettling his family and friends.Scores of distressed fans also jammed the Daily News' switchboard yesterday seeking confirmation of Tuku's so-called death, with the usually undiscerning social media geeks going into overdrive with the drivel, as the false claims spread far and wide.Tuku's spokesperson and manager, Sam Mataure, confirmed to the Daily News that the celebrated artiste was preparing for his South Africa gig, where he will perform with the Pakare Paye Ensemble."This is the work of people who have nothing to do. They are always saying this and it's tiring. It is really uncalled for," the angry Mataure told the Daily News."I do not understand how sane people can wish death upon someone. Tuku is not sick. He is in very good health and we are wondering what the basis of these rumours is."In fact, we are leaving the country for a gig in Boksburg. Tuku will perform with three members of his band as well as Donald Kanyuchi, Innocent Mpemba and Fiona Gwena. These three are part of the Pakare Paye Ensemble."Tuku felt that it is high time he took the young ones out of the country on official tours. This will be Pakare Paye Ensemble's first official regional tour which is good for them. They will perform with him and the trio at the same time. The youngsters have always performed in and around Harare but never outside," Mataure added.In its false report, the dubious website claimed that Tuku had died on Monday.The veteran musician has an impressive discography in a career spanning more than four decades. He remains one of the most consistent performers whose music remains among the most loved by Zimbabweans.
The Mitsubishi automobile plant in Normal, Ill., is seen in 2006. The plant, which closed in mid-2016, could be purchasd by Rivian Automotive as part of the startup's plans to become a car manufacturer. (John Smierciak / Chicago Tribune)
The town of Normal, Ill., which desperately wants to reopen its massive and shuttered Mitsubishi auto plant and create needed jobs, is hitching a ride with a mysterious carmaker that, right now, is raising more questions than it's answering.
Nonetheless, Normal's Town Council took a leap of faith this week by conditionally awarding Rivian Automotive a five-year property tax incentive pact and a $1 million grant that will help the Michigan-based firm acquire the car factory and hopefully start hiring within a few years.
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While Normal's taxpayers will bear most of the risk, we could all have a stake in this deal should Rivian succeed in winning state tax credits or incentives. Rivian and state officials will be discussing the matter, according to the state's commerce department, so expect some sweeteners.
Rivian Automotive's CEO is R.J. Scaringe, inset, who founded the company in Florida. In 2011, it teased an affordable coupe. (Rivian Automotive / Handout)
It would be exciting to cheer the debut of a dynamic new automaker, especially in central Illinois, which is reeling from Mitsubishi's midyear exit and the loss of over 1,000 good-paying jobs. But let's hold the applause until Rivian emerges from behind its curtain and becomes more forthright with the taxpayers who are now its partners.
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Presently, this company is a master of disguise.
For starters, Rivian has virtually no internet presence, having shut down its previous web page a while back. Now it only floats a bare bones "place holder" with no information or data. In this communications era, who does that? Especially when going to a community to ask for tax abatements and 1 million bucks.
Moreover, Rivian has not disclosed important governance and financial information to the public. This includes: Who is on its board of directors; names of major investors; the amount of money raised to finance operations; and its access to capital, which is essential to building a car manufacturer.
Then there are some nagging operational alarms, even for an upstart. For instance, its "leave a message" phone response at the Michigan headquarters sounds like it was recorded in an echo chamber or someone's basement. And no one returned my calls.
What do we know about Rivian?
Not very much, but here's some basic background assembled from various company, trade and government reports.
Rivian is a small automotive engineering and technology concern that started in 2009 as Mainstream Motors. The firm became Rivian in 2011 and relocated from Florida, where in its early days it talked of expanding operations, to Livonia, Mich., just west of Detroit.
Robert Joseph Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian, has a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, according to biographical information listed by Bloomberg News. A few years ago, Scaringe was heralded by the White House as one of its "Champions of Change," a designation which recognizes emerging community and business leaders.
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To date, Rivian has worked on prototypes but has never produced a single car.
In comments this week before the Normal Town Council, Scaringe conceded that Rivian is going through an ultraquiet period after suffering some startup snafus.
It went dark after Rivian had made predictions about the timing of when it might enter parts production. The prediction didn't pan out, he said, and the company decided it would be better to say nothing than to keep backtracking.
Moreover, the company, which now has about 100 employees, was relocating its headquarters from Florida to more autocentric Michigan, he added.
Rivian is refining its technologically advanced prototype car that's geared toward serving the emerging ride-sharing and driverless car markets, Scaringe said.
The CEO also said he'll be talking more openly about Rivian's business in the days ahead.
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"Over the next 12 months, you'll see a lot of information coming out," he assured Normal's council members.
Normal's staff and the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, which recommended the tax abatement deal, are apparently already comfortable with what Scaringe has told them in private.
After doing some independent due diligence, they concluded Rivian has the financing prowess to get production rolling, make capital improvements and bring back some good-paying jobs to the old Mitsubishi plant within a couple of years.
Speaking of finances, Securities and Exchange Commission documents show the company raised only $1.2 million over the past few years. That reported amount does not reflect the company's deeper financial resources, Scaringe told the council.
In its heyday the Mitsubishi site, which opened in 1988 as a joint venture with Chrysler, employed nearly 3,000 people. It's also no stranger to government-backed inducements, having received state and local incentives totaling nearly $250 million over its life span.
Still, it doesn't look like Normal, or the other area taxing bodies involved in the Rivian transaction, are giving away the keys to the city.
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This is a qualified deal calling for the auto company to acquire the Mitsubishi site, with over 2 million square feet, from the current owner, a business liquidation firm.
Rivian also must meet an agreed-upon timetable over a couple of years, to make significant capital improvements and achieve certain hiring levels before the tax abatement kicks in or the $1 million grant check is cut.
The town's agreement also requires Rivian to invest $40.5 million in the project's first five years.
"I do believe they are a credible organization," said Normal Mayor Chris Koos.
That's encouraging to hear.
Now it's up to Rivian to prove to the rest of us that it's the real deal.
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roreed@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @reedtribbiz
More than 100 Illinois health care advocacy groups, medical providers and social service organizations are urging Gov. Bruce Rauner to tell Congress that proposed changes to Obamacare and Medicaid could result in "grave harm to our communities and the financial well-being of the state."
The groups sent Rauner a letter Thursday outlining their concerns and imploring him to pass them on to Congress.
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In coming weeks, Congress is expected to pass a bill rolling back parts of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. It's unclear, however, whether congressional Republicans will have a replacement for the law ready to go right away. Many believe they'll more likely delay the effects of the rollbacks for a year or two while they work on a replacement.
Congress also likely will consider, as part of those changes, erasing the part of the law that allowed expansion of Medicaid an insurance program for the poor in Illinois and many other states. Congress also may consider President-elect Donald Trump's proposal to fund Medicaid through block grants to states.
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In their letter, the groups told Rauner he must oppose such efforts for the good of the state. About 645,000 Illinoisans have benefited from Medicaid expansion, according to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
"These individuals and families can now address their health care needs without fear of financial ruin," the letter said.
A Rauner spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday morning.
Medicaid expansion also has helped Illinois hospitals by reducing the numbers of uninsured people they have to treat for free, according to the letter.
It was a point Dr. Jay Shannon, CEO of Cook County Health and Hospitals System, also emphasized at an event Thursday with Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Illinois Health and Hospital Association President and CEO A.J. Wilhelmi about the same topic. The event, the letter and a push by the organizations to inundate Rauner on Friday with calls about the issue are all part of a the national "Week of Action to Protect Our Care," by Families USA, a health care consumer advocacy group.
"It's brought in substantial dollars that have helped stabilize our health system," Shannon said of Medicaid expansion. Before the Affordable Care Act, in 2011, about 42 percent of patients at Cook County Health and Hospitals System were insured a figure that's now risen to 67 percent, he said.
He said hospital systems across the country have had similar experiences.
Roberta Rakove, a senior vice president at Sinai Health System, said Medicaid expansion has allowed Mount Sinai and Holy Cross hospitals to offer more, sorely needed behavioral health services on Chicago's Southwest Side.
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"We don't know what would happen to that if Medicaid expansion went away," Rakove said. "That would be a tragedy."
The letter and speakers at the event also railed against funding Medicaid through block grants to the states.
Proponents of block-granting Medicaid funding say doing so will give states more flexibility to meet their residents' health needs without federal overhead.
But opponents of block grant Medicaid funding say it would mean less money for states.
"The first thing it is, is a cut, and a huge cut," said Carrie Chapman, with the Chicago-based Legal Council for Health Justice.
The groups argue in the letter that the loss of funding would hurt Illinois and outweigh any advantages that could come from increased flexibility. The Illinois Health and Hospital Association also recently has sent a letter to all the members of Illinois' congressional delegation asking that any changes to Obamacare or Medicaid preserve coverage and access to care for patients.
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Durbin said at the event Thursday he expects Congress to act in the next few weeks.
lschencker@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @lschencker
Goldman Sachs. The name feels like the bob of a yacht in Biarritz and tastes like the marbling of a Wagyu steak. It sounds like money being moved, invested, tripled, then moved again to avoid taxes and bubbles and crashes. Its headquarters on Lower Manhattan's West Street smells like wealth, from the handsomely kitted-out coffee station on the 11th floor down to the $5 million, 1,800-square-foot painting commissioned for its lobby.
Goldman Sachs. Again with Goldman Sachs! Always Goldman Sachs. An alien race could invade Earth, create an economy based on quasars and dark matter, and our new six-eyed overlord would still hire someone from Goldman Sachs.
The investment bank gave George W. Bush one of his treasury secretaries, and Bill Clinton one of his before that. It was the largest private donor to Barack Obama's 2008 campaign. Throughout 2016, Donald Trump hammered Hillary Clinton for giving paid, closed-door speeches to Goldman Sachs, and he spat its name like it was the embodiment of evil. Goldman Sachs has "total control" over Clinton, he charged again and again.
And now? Trump has plucked his treasury secretary from Goldman. Trump's senior adviser is a former Goldman guy. On Monday, Trump officially named his choice for director of the National Economic Council: the president of Goldman Sachs, Gary Cohn.
What gives? Why does this white-shoe investment firm always turn up, a tuxedoed stowaway, in the White House?
The Goldman mystique has been honed over 147 years, since the day a German immigrant named Marcus Goldman left the tailoring business to trade debts, via slips of paper he stacked under his silk top hat. Goldman's first office was a block from Wall Street, in a basement, by a coal chute.
Now it's a publicly traded behemoth with deep roots in Washington and branches reaching into economies all around the world.
"We've got Goldman Sachs people in every major market," Cohn said in an in-house podcast recorded Monday after his departure for Washington was announced. "You know, you look at the size of our capital, you look at the size of our balance sheet, you look at the size of our people - it's just enormous."
Goldman's omnipresence inspires anxiety in both regulators and conspiracy theorists. It makes it easy to imagine the type of rigged system that both Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump campaigned against.
"Next year, four of the 12 presidents at the regional Federal Reserve Banks will be former executives from one firm: Goldman Sachs," Sanders tweeted a year ago.
Goldman has been a dark punchline as far back as the 1930s, when vaudeville superstar Eddie Cantor - who lost a fortune in a Goldman shell game on the cusp of the Great Depression - worked the firm into his act.
"They told me to buy stock for my old age, and it worked perfectly - within six months, I felt like a very old man," Cantor joked onstage, according to Charles D. Ellis's Goldman history "The Partnership."
Cut to 2008, when Goldman made money off the economic collapse by shorting the housing market. The firm was charged with fraud in 2010.
"When you've had a financial calamity like we'd experienced [in 2008], symbolism and symbols become very important - and Goldman is the perfect cultural touchstone of greed and avarice," says author and former Wall Street banker William D. Cohan, who wrote "Money and Power: How Goldman Sachs Came to Rule the World."
In 2012, internal Goldman emails were leaked that suggested its traders referred to clueless investors as "muppets," an unflattering bit of British slang. The comedy site Funny or Die retaliated with a skit featuring three irate "Sesame Street"-style Muppets who crash a meeting of conniving Goldman executives.
"Sure we advise them against their own best interests to make us richer, but does that make us bad guys?" asks the actor Kyle MacLachlan, playing a pinstriped executive.
"Yes!" says a Muppet.
Its occasionally dodgy reputation among the public, though, is outweighed by the deference it commands in circles of power. "That's why Trump is going to these Goldman people," Cohan says. "Because it's so easy to claim instant financial respectability by tapping into the Goldman network."
The network.The platinum Rolodex. Rich people who help powerful people get rich, and powerful people who make rich people powerful. It all stems from a culture of backbreaking work and breathtaking exclusivity, to which Goldman recruits are exposed as soon as they walk in the door.
"Those candidates who do not evince a scorching ambition, total commitment, and an inclination for teamwork are quickly weeded out," wrote former Goldman trader Lisa Endlich in her book "Goldman Sachs: The Culture of Success."
Everything - individuality, ego, feelings - is subordinate to the firm. "If you say 'I,' you are being abrasive," a veteran partner told Endlich. And yet: "The firm is special, and you are special or you would not be here," she quotes a former vice president as saying.
The legend of Goldman Sachs is such that business blogs chatter obsessively about what it's like to work there: Having a tan means you're not working hard enough . . . Only partners can wear Ferragamo loafers . . . Women are conditioned to avoid makeup and keep their hair pulled back.
"Partners were always looking to see whether an intern had the makings of a 'culture carrier,' Goldman-speak for someone who is able to deal with clients and colleagues in a way that preserves the firm's reputation - one that has made it an incubator for senators, treasury secretaries and central bank governors," wrote Greg Smith, a former executive director, in "Why I Left Goldman Sachs: A Wall Street Story."
The reason Trump is stocking his White House with Goldman Sachs is because it's tradition. And who started that tradition?
A 5-foot-4 clerk named Sidney Weinberg, who in 1909 lugged an eight-foot flagpole onto the New York subway.
Weinberg - "a dumb, uneducated kid from Brooklyn," he would later call himself - accompanied the pole from Wall Street to the 138th Street home of Paul Sachs, a partner in the firm who wanted it installed there. As the industrious clerk raised the American flag, Sachs told him he should go to night school and perhaps advance from a gopher to something grander.
A gifted networker, Weinberg rocketed up the Goldman ladder and made friends with New York Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt. When his pal moved into the White House, Weinberg helped create the Business Advisory Council, a conduit for corporate execs to nudge and sway the policymakers in the capital.
As a Goldman partner, Weinberg helped ramp up private industry for the war effort during both World War II and the Korean War. He raised money for Dwight D. Eisenhower's campaign and then handpicked his treasury secretary - cementing the notion that our government had much to learn and gain from our financial titans.
"The people that know the industry better than anybody are the people who work in the industry."
That was Hillary Clinton, some 60 years later, at Goldman's headquarters in New York, where she reassured financial titans of this special relationship in one of those pricey speeches that would later give her such grief.
Goldman in mergers (RCA and GE). Goldman in acquisitions (one of the world's largest coffee-bean suppliers). Around 1900, Goldman imported and exported gold across the Atlantic. In the 1950s, it took the Ford Motor Co. public. It has recently invested in Spotify and Uber.
Currently, Goldman alumni are:
- At the top of the New York Fed (President William Dudley).
- In the studios of CNN (anchor Erin Burnett).
- Married to once and future presidential candidates (Heidi Cruz).
- Running entire nations (Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull).
The firm has expanded its philanthropy in recent years to rehabilitate its image and is considered by some insiders to be one of the more ethical Wall Street firms. Goldman sees the number of top staffers it has sent to Washington as a feather in its cap.
"Throughout its 147-year history, Goldman Sachs has encouraged its employees to give back to the community while they are working here and after they leave," says Jake Siewert, the firm's communications director - and former top aide in the Clinton and Obama administrations, as it happens. "We are proud that many have gone on to serve their country and their communities after they have left."
Turn your gaze up the street from the White House: Weinberg's Business Advisory Council still exists after all these years, under a slightly different name, in a seventh-floor office on Pennsylvania Avenue. Current Goldman CEO Lloyd Blankfein is a member, along with other captains of industry and finance - including ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson, Trump's nominee for secretary of state. (The council's outgoing chairman is Jeffrey P. Bezos, the found of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post.) In his first year in office, Obama invited the council to the East Room. Early next year, the council will meet in Washington for at least two off-the-record schmooze sessions with lawmakers. President Donald J. Trump will be at the top of the invitation list.
Despite favoring Clinton, Blankfein is optimistic about Trump.
"He's a very smart guy, a businessman," Blankfein told German newspaper Handelsbatt recently. If his policies "are more stimulative, our fortunes rise along with that."
Starting next year, Blankfein's former Goldman colleague, Steven Mnuchin, will be running the Treasury. Blankfein's current deputy, Cohn, will be Trump's economy whisperer. And once again, that Goldman Rolodex could come in handy.
"You think about, Who is [Apple CEO] Tim Cook going to call in this administration if he has a problem? I think his first thought would be Gary Cohn," says a former Treasury official who's familiar with Cohn's leadership style (and requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the topic). "Who else on that [Trump] team could tell you: How's the Bank of Japan going to react to some announcement you're going to make? At this point, I think he's your only game in town."
In both towns, really. New York and Washington. Since Election Day, stock in Goldman Sachs is up more than 30 percent.
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Jason Takeda polishes steel to a diamond finish Nov. 30, 2016, at A-1 Tool in Melrose Park. The company, which manufactures steel molds to make plastic parts, hired Skill Scout, a startup that helps manufacturers hire from overlooked talent pools. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
Felsomat, a German manufacturer that makes automation equipment for the automotive industry, has a talent problem that's become a growth problem.
Plans to triple the size of its Schaumburg facility, to 100,000 square feet, have stalled in part because it is difficult to find skilled technicians to design, build and service the automated systems that have allowed U.S. carmakers to produce more than ever before with fewer people, said Richard Gilchrist, chairman of Felsomat USA.
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Despite the national hand-wringing about manufacturing jobs lost to automation and cheaper foreign labor, and President-elect Donald Trump's threats of penalties against companies that offshore, some manufacturers say the industry's health relies more on training people for the jobs that will keep their companies competitive in the future.
The low-paid assembly-line jobs "will never come back," Gilchrist said. "The jobs that can come back are high-tech jobs, if we have the industry to support it."
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The jobs that can come back are high-tech jobs, if we have the industry to support it. Richard Gilchrist, chairman of Felsomat USA
Those jobs are within reach of working-class populations that traditionally found solid pay in manufacturing.
Gilchrist, who employs 60 people, said about 70 percent of his jobs do not require a four-year college degree. Among the hardest positions to fill are mechatronics engineers which are essentially mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineers rolled into one. The job calls for an associate's degree and on-the-job training plus, in some cases, a willingness to spend long stretches away from home on service missions. It pays about $25 to $30 an hour.
Recruiting has been an uphill climb as an increasingly high-tech manufacturing sector battles the image of a dirty, dying industry and a mindset that idealizes a university education. Many manufacturers are bringing workers back from retirement to fill positions.
"Unfortunately, there hasn't been enough effort and activity by employers to really set themselves up for long-term success," said Jeannine Kunz, vice president of Tooling U-SME, a Cleveland-based company that helps manufacturers develop in-house training programs.
Many companies that are expanding their buildings and upgrading technology are not balancing their capital investments with training investments so people actually know how to meet the new demands, Kunz said. Her organization, which gave the manufacturing industry a C-minus for talent development, found in a survey that 9 in 10 manufacturers have a hard time finding workers.
As a result, productivity, quality, innovation and safety suffer, she said.
Some Chicago-area manufacturers have responded by partnering with local high schools and community colleges to train a new generation of workers excited for a career in advanced manufacturing.
Carlos Mojica, from left, Curt Nikula and Sergio Sosa work on a molding press Nov. 30, 2016, at A-1 Tool in Melrose Park. The company has made promotional videos to help show job applicants what working there is like. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
The Golden Corridor Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, an organization of about 20 manufacturers along Interstate 90 between O'Hare International Airport and Rockford, works with Palatine and Arlington Heights school districts to create a sustainable talent pipeline. The companies host students in internships, sponsor robotics contests, donate equipment and hold open houses to give kids an inside look at their modern facilities.
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Developing a pool of skilled young people not only helps current employers but also could attract new employers to the area, said Gilchrist, chair of the group.
"Companies will locate where there is a ready-trained labor force," he said.
At Wheeling High School, which works with the Golden Corridor manufacturers, plans to create an engineering program a decade ago took on a heavier manufacturing focus after employers complained of a dearth of skills on the factory floor.
Convincing kids and most of all, their parents to consider factory careers was difficult at first because of the blue-collar associations, said Tom Steinbach, a technology engineering instructor at Wheeling. The classes are labeled "manufacturing engineering" to make them sound more highbrow, just as the terms STEM and maker movement have lent sex appeal to the industry.
"Now we've seen a total 180, where parents are excited," Steinbach said, in part because huge college bills aren't always translating to students being prepared for good-paying jobs.
Given higher unemployment rates among people without college degrees, it would seem like there should be an eager manufacturing talent supply.
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But weak programs to support new employees lead to a revolving door of workers who don't last longer than six months to a year, said John Hindman, learning and performance improvement leader at Tooling U-SME.
And there are knowledge-transfer concerns. Manufacturing workers tend to be either veterans on the verge of retirement or newbies fresh out of school, as the generation in between for the most part Generation Xers who should be in management came of age when parents and teachers were steering kids away from what appeared to be a sputtering industry, Hindman said.
Illinois' manufacturing sector has been shrinking for some time.
The state counted 568,500 manufacturing jobs in October, down from 877,000 at the start of 2000, when manufacturing was the second-largest employer in the state behind only the trade, transportation and utilities category, which remains the state's jobs leader. Manufacturing has since been eclipsed in jobs by professional and business services, education and health, government, and leisure and hospitality.
The state's manufacturing job losses have stabilized since 2010 and the industry remains an economic powerhouse, with total output of $100 billion in Illinois in 2014, about 13.4 percent of the state's GDP, according to the National Association of Manufacturers.
High turnover stemming from retirements is leaving employers scrambling to fill positions, said Jim Nelson, vice president at the Illinois Manufacturing Association.
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This summer City Colleges of Chicago announced construction of a $75 million manufacturing center that will accommodate another 3,800 students at Richard J. Daley College, which houses the community college system's manufacturing program in the West Lawn neighborhood near Midway Airport.
But an even greater challenge than training workers on technical skills is finding people with basic professional skills, Nelson said. He recalled that when applicants to a state manufacturing training program were told they would be drug tested to qualify, nearly half of them failed to return.
"Getting people to work on time and drug-free and alcohol-free is a big challenge," he said.
Owner and President Geoff Luther is seen Nov. 30, 2016, at A-1 Tool in Melrose Park. Luther's company built a kitchen and gym to help retain talent and created a process map that shows workers how to move up the career ladder. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
Some research suggests that worries about a manufacturing skills gap are overblown.
In a nationally representative survey of 900 manufacturers, researchers found that just 16 to 25 percent of companies had hiring difficulties connected to a skills shortage, much less than the numbers provided by trade groups, said Andrew Weaver, assistant professor in the School of Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, who co-authored the study.
Jobs that demanded higher-level reading and math skills, not computer and tech expertise, were most predictive of extended job vacancies, said Weaver, whose findings were published in the July issue of Industrial and Labor Relations Review.
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Hiring challenges also came into play among small firms located in clusters during times of changing demand. That's because those clustered firms rely on community colleges or other external sources to cultivate a talent pool, rather than large internal training departments, and it can be hard to efficiently coordinate and communicate their needs, Weaver said.
But employers should be heartened that today's workforce is much more educated than that of 40 or 50 years ago.
"If anything, retiring workers should be an opportunity to vastly upgrade the skills," Weaver said.
Manufacturers keeping a close eye on margins as they grapple with global competition often are reluctant to make a long-term investment in creating their own talent pool.
But strong growth plans and a looming wave of employee retirements pushed Woodward, which makes airplane fuel systems and controls, to take steps to home-grow its own workforce.
Mechanical engineer Rafal Kras measures a mold with a laser Nov. 30, 2016, at A-1 Tool in Melrose Park. Some workers at the plant earn more than $30 an hour. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
A quarter of its employees, or about 412 people, are over 55, and the so-called silver tsunami of baby boomer retirements is just starting to crash, said June Hazzard, vice president of human resources for the Aircraft Turbine Business Group at Woodward, which has a plant in Niles and two plants in Rockford.
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Woodward calculated that over a short period it would need to hire 500 new employees, and it made a conscious decision not to poach workers from other manufacturers, which wouldn't be enough and often isn't effective because people are loyal, Hazzard said.
Instead, the company partnered with the Rockford School District to create a summer manufacturing program for high school students at Rockford Valley College, to sow interest and create a foundation of knowledge that would make them hire-ready. Woodward, a client of Tooling U-SME, then trains new hires through a set of in-house classes that combine classroom work, online classes and applied work on the floor, plus regular skills assessments to track progress.
Employees start at $14 or $15 an hour and those wages go up to the high $20s and $30s after several years as they become fully skilled.
Positions haven't gone unfilled and the company has exceeded its goal of retaining 95 percent of its workers for at least a year, making the return on investment "a no-brainer," Hazzard said.
"When a position is posted, most leaders want to find someone who already has experience," Hazzard said. "We made the fundamental shift away from that concept that we will find someone who is a good fit for the organization and we will teach them to make our products."
Elena Valentine, co-founder of Skill Scout, a startup that helps manufacturers hire from overlooked talent pools, agreed that company hiring practices remain stuck in the past. Many employers still put bland job descriptions on yard signs or "post-and-pray" job boards.
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To appeal to the new generation, Valentine's company helps manufacturers tell their story through behind-the-scenes videos that show what working there is like. To get away from relying on resumes that focus on number of years worked rather than ability, Skill Scout incorporates hands-on work samples into applications.
At A-1 Tool in Melrose Park, one of Valentine's clients, promotional videos are one of several efforts to attract a skilled workforce.
Metal parts are seen at A-1 Tool in Melrose Park. The company hires many workers from East and West Leyden high schools, which have longtime metals programs. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
The company, which manufactures steel molds to make plastic parts, built a spacious kitchen and gym to help retain talent and created a process map with detailed steps and goals that not only improves efficiency but shows people how to move up the career ladder, from sweeping floors to running grinders to fitting molds.
"What I've recognized is that most companies are failing at providing a path for success," said Geoff Luther, A-1's owner and president. Entry-level jobs start at about $12 to $13 an hour and those who move up to become mold-makers can earn more than $30 an hour, he said.
Luther estimates nearly a quarter of his 85 employees come from East and West Leyden high schools, which have longtime metals programs. Among them is Gregory Zaucha, a 25-year-old mechanical engineer who started working at A-1 as a summer intern when he was 16. Zaucha started sweeping floors and cleaning machines making $8 an hour "a character builder," he said and kept working at the plant through community college and then a bachelor's program at University of Illinois at Chicago, where he got his mechanical engineering degree last year.
Zaucha said he initially dreamed of being a police officer but his factory colleagues persuaded him that manufacturing was a better route, in part because he gets holidays and weekends off. He is glad he got his hands dirty on the floor because "it makes me a better designer, I understand how things actually work," and expects to keep climbing at the company, perhaps to a job in sales.
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aelejalderuiz@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @alexiaer
The vacant former Waubonsee Community College building at Stolp Avenue and Galena Boulevard in Aurora would have an arts center with a performing arts school and artist-preference housing. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News)
The Aurora City Council this week approved agreements that will jump start the $35 million downtown arts center project.
Aldermen voted 11-1 to approve two development agreements between the city and corporations set up by the Community Builders Inc. to turn the former Waubonsee Community College building at Stolp Avenue and Galena Boulevard into an arts center . It also adds in renovations of an existing Joseph Corp. residential and office building at 32 S. Broadway.
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In approving the agreements, as well a third adjustment in the project financing, aldermen said the center will fit in well with Aurora's dedication to the arts, as well as residential redevelopment as part of its downtown revival.
Alderman Michael Saville, 6th Ward, the Planning and Development Committee chairman, said it dovetails with the redevelopment of historic downtown residential properties Leland Towers, the Graham Building and the former Elk's Club building by Karademas Management, the growing popularity of River Edge Park's music venue and the Paramount Theatre's Broadway series, and such events as First Fridays, sponsored by Aurora Downtown.
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"The physical part of downtown looks better than it has in three decades," Saville said. "It's fair to say we are a happening city."
The details of the project even turned around the opinion of Alderman Richard Irvin, at large, who had opposed it in its early stages. He noted that he first viewed one of the components of the project the 38 artist-preference apartments in the upper floors of the former Waubonsee building as subsidized housing. But he praised Will Woodley, development director for the Chicago office of The Community Builders, for thoroughly explaining the project and pointing out that it is not traditional subsidized housing, and does not have a sliding scale. Renters will be required to pay a base rent no matter what, but be capped at earning $32,000 a year.
He also pointed out that the complicated funding plan for the project "will never come out of the general fund."
"Although I did have pause, it makes sense," Irvin said. "So I will be supporting the project."
The center would include a school for performing arts using the first floor and lower level, as well as 38 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments rented with a preference for practicing artists on the upper floor.
The school part of the center also would have new rehearsal space for the Paramount Theatre and its locally produced Broadway series and would have about a 5,000-square-foot space for a restaurant. It also would have some residence space for artists who come in from out of town to perform at the Paramount, as well as a small performance space likened to the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.
One of the agreements covers the school and is between the city, Community Builders and the Aurora Civic Center Authority because the authority would run the school and the rehearsal spaces.
The artist apartments floor would include a sound-attenuated room for rehearsals and other common space. The apartments themselves would be a variety of sizes with different amenities that cater to the arts - higher ceilings, utility sinks, reinforced walls to hold heavier art pieces and two bedrooms that can turn into a one-bedroom with a studio.
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This is the gist of the second agreement, between the city and the Community Builders, which will continue its involvement as manager for at least a 30-year period.
The third item aldermen approved was a reconfiguration of the city's Community Development Block Grant program, which is federally funded, to provide some of the up-front funding for the project. The money is held-over, available money in the program and does not involve the grant program for low- and moderate-income housing renovation.
In promoting the arts center project, organizers have pointed out that it is estimated to bring in 80 new jobs, more people living downtown, more visitors to downtown Aurora and a quality restaurant, and it puts an 88,000-square-foot building that has been off the tax rolls for 30 years back on the tax rolls.
The lone vote against the agreements came from Alderman Lynne Johnson, 10th Ward. Although she said nothing about it this week, she had previously said she feared taxpayers would get stuck holding the bag for the finances, if something went wrong with the project.
slord@tribpub.com
WASHINGTON The CIA has "high confidence" that the Russian government helped the campaign of Donald Trump. The assessment is based on intelligence suggesting that the Kremlin's hacking efforts were disproportionately aimed at the Democratic Party. Here's what you need to know:
The U.S. intelligence community previously only said that Moscow's goals was limited to disrupting the election, undermining faith the U.S. electoral system.
Donald Trump has called the CIA's findings "ridiculous" and said he doesn't believe it. "I think it's just another excuse. I don't believe it . . . No, I don't believe it at all," Trump said on "Fox News Sunday" of the CIA assessment. Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway echoed her boss on CBS's "Face the Nation," saying that such allegations from the intelligence community were "laughable and ridiculous."
Russia has not publicly commented on the new assessment. It has previously denied allegations of hacking.
The FBI is not sold on the idea that Russia had a particular aim in its meddling. Officials think the Kremlin may not have had a particular target at all, or had a mix of goals.
The CIA and the FBI have been giving briefings of differing tenor to lawmakers. Some say the differences can be attributed to culture: The bureau seeks tangible evidence to prove something beyond all reasonable doubt, while the CIA is more comfortable drawing inferences from behavior.
The CIA has briefed the administration that it believes the Russians "breached" the RNC's computer systems. Officials are less certain whether the hackers were able to extract information. The RNC denies it was hacked.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Monday that a Senate intelligence panel plans to investigate Russia's suspected election interference.
The Obama administration has ordered a "full review" of the Russian hacking during the campaign. The investigation is headed by Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. The administration promises to make the report public.
What to look for in the next few weeks and months:
If the wisdom of age helps you reconcile with an abandoned love or merely meet up again with a long-lost friend or family member after many years of estrangement or absence, two emotions tend to present themselves. One is relief that there still were moments left in life to make this happen and assuage the stupidity of youth. The other is the sense of loss at all the wasted time.
William Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale," which you can now see on Navy Pier in a visiting production from the distinguished and envelope-pushing British company known as Cheek by Jowl, is one of the Bard's trickiest and most eclectic dramas, veering from intense psychological drama around the common Shakespearean theme of a false accusation of adultery, to broad Bohemian rustic comedy, to an emotional ending that seems to cheat death itself. You could reduce the play to "Othello" with a happier ending, I suppose, but this also is a drama about the paradox of how we spend many of the years in which we are old enough to know better paying the price for things we did when we were not. And sadness pervades.
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The weakness of director Declan Donnellan's production is that it does not engage sufficiently with that macro sense of the play, its remarkable, truth-telling takeaway about life as it still is lived, and still will be lived, assuming we do not all destroy ourselves and our planet. This is not a production that makes you feel a great deal, partly because the actors rarely are allowed to plumb the depths of emotional vulnerability, or make connections with each other that transcend time and place, youth and age and partly because its emphasis is not especially on the empathetic.
Which is fair enough, I suppose. This is a brilliantly designed piece by Nick Ormerod which is not surprising, given his previous work for this company and his partner, Donnellan, has so many ideas for the moment-by-moment trajectory of the work that it is consistently compelling. If you think of "The Winter's Tale" as an intellectual and aesthetic puzzle, as a play that resists all attempts at unification and demands full and unapologetic embrace of its wild shifts of time, place and mood, which is not an unreasonable depiction of our actual lives, then you'll not want to miss this production. If you are seeking, in this season of goodwill, its deep and abiding belief in the power of reconciliation, you might feel otherwise. Love and sex in the play are played cold, even that of Perdita (Eleanor McLoughlin) and her Prince (Sam Woolf), which is typically the source of a lot of hope. I suspect Donnellan was anxious to avoid the many cliches of familial reconstruction in the theater, but never fully figured out what he wanted to replace all of that. Who has?
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Ormerod has built a large, plain wooden box (plywood is very much in vogue, it seems, given the acclaim over the current "Othello" at the New York Theatre Workshop). This crate roughly the size of a container you might see pulled behind a train or stacked on a ship functions variously as a backdrop for the human actors, a projection screen, a transporter, a party prop, a revealer of horrors. You get to see it on all sides. At moments, it puts you in mind of migrants or refugees or human cargo. At other times, it seems like a coffin. Or nothing more than a self-contained stage. You get my point. It morphs. It is a quite astoundingly effective metaphor for a piece of Shakespeare, especially when combined with lighting (by Judith Greenwood) that favors jolting transitions of time, place, power and love. It is no accident, I think, that the coming to life of Natalie Radmall-Quirke's statuesque Hermione occurs outside of the box. Where everybody can breathe.
And breathe they do.
Donnellan is a global thinker about the art of the actor and the ensemble-driven performances here from the likes of Joy Richardson, David Carr, McLoughlin, Edward Sayer and, especially, Woolf, among many others are rich in expression. Donnellan has a truly unique way of exploring how humans blend together and rip each other apart and his shows tend to explore the outer edges of individuality and community. This one is no exception. There is no emotional anchor, and I, alas for me, remain stuck on my perception of how this play really needs one to carry you along on its deep and mostly unsuccessful search for unity. But there are, of course, many different kinds of winterly tales, and I don't mean to imply that there is no comedy here, for there are such moments and an embrace of the audience. And at other times, this consistently fascinating production begins to touch on how, this winter, so many of us, so many of the young of us, have been either alienated, deadened or consumed by panic.
Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.
cjones5@chicagotribune.com
Twitter@ChrisJonesTrib
REVIEW: "The Winter's Tale" (3 STARS)
When: Through Dec. 21
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Where: Chicago Shakespeare Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier
Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Tickets: $58-$88 at 312-595-5600 or www.chicagoshakes.com
The ride-share wars are raging in Chicago, with both Uber and Lyft making moves this week to take a bigger share of the market.
On Wednesday, Metra announced that it will get $900,000 over three years in exchange for allowing Uber to post advertising in stations, trains and on the transit agency's website. Meanwhile, an official for Uber rival Lyft said that the company has been expanding rapidly in Chicago and will be rolling out a new customer safety feature beginning next year.
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Uber will serve as Metra's official ride-share partner, which means the commuter rail service will use ads to persuade riders to use the Uber app to get to their destinations, either on the way to a train station or once they leave Metra trains.
This is the first such partnership between Uber and a commuter rail service, Metra officials said. Metra riders will get a $10 discount on their first-ever Uber ride, and Metra will get $300,000 a year with two one-year extensions. The partnership launches in February.
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"Now more than ever, it's essential that we look for creative ways to generate revenue that can impact our agency's bottom line," Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno is quoted as saying in a statement. "In addition to generating much-needed revenue for Metra, we believe this partnership with Uber will help address the 'first mile/last mile' challenge for customers who need a quick and easy way to get to and from a Metra station."
Marco McCottry, Uber general manager in Illinois and Indiana, said in a statement that Uber hopes the partnership will encourage more Chicago residents to opt into multimodal transit options, instead of driving alone in their cars.
"When more people choose to share the ride instead of driving themselves, we can reduce congestion and pollution in our city," McCottry said.
Lyft, meanwhile, is trying to take on Uber with discounts and more marketing, while attracting drivers through a system that allows tipping.
Lyft's Chicago general manager, David Katcher, said in an interview that the company's full-time employee presence in Chicago has grown in a year from just himself to 22. The company is also working on signing a lease for a driver's hub on the city's Northwest Side that will offer new driver training and support.
Uber already has three driver hubs in the city.
Katcher also said Lyft has completed four times the number of rides in Chicago in the year to date than it booked in the same period for 2015, and that it doubled its market share in a little more than a year. He would not give specific numbers.
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Lyft also this week introduced a new feature that ensures you're getting into the right car. The service used to identify its cars with a large pink mustache, mounted on drivers' front bumpers. This was replaced by a glowing pink mustache inside the cars. This week in Chicago, Lyft introduced a new feature a lighted box called an "amp."
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The device, which sits inside the car's windshield, will turn a specific color that matches the color on a rider's smartphone application. This will be helpful if there are numerous Lyft cars in an area, and a rider needs to figure out which is the right one without asking the drivers, Katcher explained.
"It's about safety and improving the customer experience," he said.
When the rider enters the car, a scrolling message will appear on the back of the amp that will greet the rider by name. The amp is expected to be in qualifying Chicago Lyft cars in the first quarter of 2017.
This story included incorrect details about a discount being offered. A Metra spokesperson says that Metra riders who use Uber for the first time will get a $10 discount on their first ride.
mwisniewski@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @marywizchicago
Former NIU Police Chief Donald Grady speaks at a news conference Feb. 15, 2008, about shootings at the university. (Chicago Tribune archive photo)
Northern Illinois University on Thursday agreed to pay more than $1 million to end a lawsuit brought by controversial former police Chief Donald Grady.
The university's board of trustees approved the $1.025 million payout to Grady and his attorney as the case was nearing a Jan. 9 trial date.
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Under the deal, Grady, 63, will be reinstated to his job and then will immediately resign. He will receive $450,000 under the terms of the settlement, and his attorney will receive $575,000. The payments, $1 million of which are to be paid by the university's insurer, are to be completed by Jan. 10.
Grady also will be allowed to say he retired "in good standing," according to the settlement.
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"University officials and Dr. Grady have determined that it is in their best interests to move past their differences," NIU said in a statement.
Neither Grady nor his attorney, Michael Fox, could be reached for comment. The settlement prohibits Grady and school officials from commenting on it, beyond the statement released by the university Thursday.
Grady, the police chief from 2001 to 2013, had a roller-coaster relationship with the campus. He was praised for saving lives during the 2008 campus shootings that killed five students, but he was criticized for his sometimes brusque leadership style and refusal to share information about investigations.
He was fired in February 2013 for his department's alleged misconduct in a high-profile rape case, which, coincidentally, was tried in court this week.
The dismissal letter sent to Grady stated that the chief "ordered, encouraged and/or condoned" the withholding of evidence that could have cleared an NIU officer accused of sexually assaulting a student. Grady has denied the accusation.
That officer, Andrew Rifkin, was found not guilty Thursday by a DeKalb County jury.
Grady sued the university in 2014, accusing school officials of racial discrimination and violating his due process rights. He sought reinstatement, financial damages and a public apology.
The lawsuit alleged Grady was fired in retaliation for his 2012 investigation into the alleged misuse of some school money the so-called Coffee Fund case which resulted in the indictment of several university officials and employees.
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The university, however, publicly blamed Grady for withholding evidence that could have helped Rifkin's defense. Grady, who is black, said he faced a harsher punishment than those involved in the Coffee Fund scandal, all of whom were white.
U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber denied the university's request to dismiss the case in 2015, saying school officials did not follow the proper procedure in firing him. The judge noted that an NIU official told the Chicago Tribune that Grady who had just been suspended was not expected to return to his job before telling Grady about the formal charges against him.
"In the end, NIU never laid out its full case against Grady until after it already had rendered a final decision," Leinenweber wrote. "Compounding that problem is the fact that Grady did not receive a post-termination hearing, which NIU was required to provide under law."
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Grady drew a salary of about $206,000 and had a year left on his contract when he was fired.
His annual pension is about $90,300, according to the State Universities Retirement System.
Grady was hailed as a hero on campus when an NIU alum opened fire Feb. 14, 2008, in a large lecture hall, killing five students and injuring 21 others before killing himself. When the first reports of the shooting came into his office, Grady, a former track star, ran the near-quarter mile from his office to the scene.
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Convicted in the 1960 Starved Rock slayings, Chester Weger makes his plea for parole. He is one of llinois' longest-serving inmates. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)
SPRINGFIELD The man convicted of the infamous Starved Rock State Park triple murder has been denied parole again.
Chester Weger, 77, is Illinois' third longest-held inmate in a state prison, having served a life sentence since 1961.
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On Thursday, in an 11-2 vote, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board opted to keep Weger incarcerated.
The March 1960 murders of Lillian Oetting, 50, Frances Murphy, 47, and Mildred Lindquist, 50, all of Riverside, were considered at the time the crime of the century. The women were bound and bludgeoned to death.
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Weger, then 21 with an infant son and toddler daughter, worked as a dishwasher at the lodge in the state park. A jury convicted him in 1961 of Oetting's murder. He also is considered responsible for the deaths of the other women and is being held at Pinckneyville Correctional Center in downstate Illinois.
Weger was not present at Thursday's parole board hearing. Instead, a member of the board interviewed him a couple of months ago at the prison. In a Tribune interview this month, Weger said he would like to spend his remaining years with his family, which includes three grandchildren. Although in relatively good health, his list of ailments include rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and emphysema.
Authorities described him as a well-behaved inmate. But, given the brutal nature of the crime, the board has denied him freedom in the many times he has requested parole, dating to 1972.
In emotional testimony Thursday, Diane Oetting, a granddaughter of Lillian Oetting, urged the board to deny parole.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 34 Frances Murphy, 47, from left, Mildred Lindquist, 50, Lillian Oetting, 50, left their Riverside homes in suburban Chicago for a mini vacation to Starved Rock State Park near Utica, Ill., on March 14, 1960. The women were never seen alive again. (Family photos)
"Each year as we prepare our statements for this board, we try to come up with something new to say or a better way to convey how his (Weger's) actions affected our family, and it's tough," said Oetting, 53, of Alabama. "How do you explain what it is like growing up and not being able to ask about your grandmother, because talking about her was just too painful for your parents?
"How do you explain the sadness in your father's eyes each year when the letter from the prisoner review board arrives and how it lingered until he received the decision months later?"
Recently elected LaSalle County State's Attorney Karen Donnelly joined Oetting in protesting Weger's release. She argued Weger still poses a threat to public safety.
"This is not a man who deserves to be walking the streets of LaSalle County," she said.
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No one appeared on Weger's behalf at the parole hearing, and board member D. Wayne Dunn told the panel it was his opinion after interviewing Weger recently in prison that the inmate had lost hope of ever being freed and has no concrete plans for housing should that ever happen.
The only two board members to vote in his favor were Edith Crigler and Vonetta Harris.
In 1960, three women from Riverside were killed while visiting Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Ill. Chester Weger, who was convicted of the crime, is due to have his case heard before the Illinois Prisoner Review Board on Dec. 15, 2016. (Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)
"For me there's just a lot of gaps in this case," Harris said of the evidence. "It was a very brutal case and my heart goes out to the (victims' families). At the same time, I can't wrap my head around it. For years he's represented he's innocent. I do believe he's given up hope. I believe he's a 77-year-old man that truly believes he's going to die in prison. I do not feel he will be a threat to society."
Weger told the Tribune this month he is innocent, as he has maintained since his 1961 trial. He said his detailed confessions the night of his arrest were coerced and his re-enactment that next morning at the state park in front of several reporters and photographers was choreographed by the now-deceased police detectives who he said framed him.
The only juror known to be still alive told the Tribune she regrets her decision to convict Weger. Nancy Porter, 92, said she found the confession implausible and the idea that an unarmed Weger who stood a thin 5-foot-8 could overpower three women, unlikely. Still, after a six-week trial and hours of deliberations, Porter said she gave in to the will of the other 11 panelists.
Weger came within one vote of parole a few years ago. But the board's most recent votes have been far less split, with 9-4 last year in favor of denying parole. With vacancies and term expirations, the makeup of the board fluctuates, and 2017 may have several new faces.
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The victims were wives of corporate executives, mothers and active in local schools and civic groups and joined in faith through Riverside Presbyterian Church.
After they arrived at Starved Rock on March 14, 1960, and checked into their rooms, they ate lunch in the lodge restaurant and headed out for an afternoon hike through St. Louis Canyon, a popular attraction framed by a scenic waterfall and 100-foot rock walls.
They were never seen alive again.
A search for the women was organized, and a local youth camp supervisor and four teenagers discovered the badly beaten bodies March 16 in a small cave within the canyon. The victims' hands were bound with twine. Authorities believed the killer or killers caused catastrophic head injuries by swinging a frozen tree limb found nearby and stained with blood.
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The case baffled authorities for months. They focused on Weger early on after lodge employees reported seeing scratches on his face, but he passed several lie-detector tests. Authorities believed the twine used to bind the women came from the lodge kitchen, where Weger worked. His sketchy past also gave police pause, and he fit the description of a young man who bound and raped a teenage girl in a nearby park in 1959. He was charged with the 1959 rape, but prosecutors declined to pursue a conviction after Weger was sentenced to life in prison for the murder case.
For months, police followed Weger, who by then they said had failed a more recent lie-detector test. They interviewed him several times, including during an all-night interrogation. Weger confessed early Nov. 17, 1960.
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Diane Oetting, center, granddaughter of victim Lillian Oetting, and Karen Donnelly, right, LaSalle County state's attorney, present statements during the parole hearing for Chester Weger, 77, at the Capitol in Springfield on Dec. 15, 2016. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
Prosecutors said Weger knew things only the killer could have known, such as the fact that a red-and-white airplane flew over the canyon the day of the murders. Detectives confirmed the detail by checking the flight logs at a local airport. Weger also has offered various conflicting statements about his alibi over the years.
There have been many twists and turns in the infamous case. Weger's request for DNA tests on hair found in the victims' fists and blood on Weger's fringed leather coat was stymied in state court in 2004 after it was learned the items had not been properly preserved and, thus, no longer held evidentiary value. In 2007, then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich denied Weger's request to either pardon him or commute his sentence to time served.
Weger is up for parole again next year.
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A former campus police officer denied using force during a sexual encounter with a Northern Illinois University freshman as the presentation of evidence concluded Wednesday at his sexual assault trial in DeKalb County.
Closing arguments in the trial of Andrew Rifkin, 28, are scheduled for Thursday morning in the courtroom of Judge William Brady. Jurors heard Rifkin deny that he used force during sex with a freshman at his Cortland residence in October 2011.
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The woman, now 24, testified Rifkin forced her into anal intercourse for a minute or less during what had been a consensual sexual encounter. The former rookie campus cop said Wednesday that he initiated anal sex but stopped immediately when the woman said it was painful.
Rifkin denied using any force and said he and the woman resumed having sex a few minutes later. The woman, he said, texted him in the following days in an attempt to see him again, but he said he had decided to end things because having a relationship with a student violated NIU police policies.
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The woman, who Tuesday described the incident as extremely painful during testimony that became emotional, came into the courtroom midway through Rifkin's testimony and was shaking visibly as she sat in the gallery. Before Rifkin could be cross-examined by DeKalb prosecutors, the judge ordered jurors out.
He then told the attorneys that he had seen the woman trembling and apparently shaking her head in disagreement with parts of Rifkin's testimony. Brady said he was worried about the woman's health and also concerned jurors could be prejudiced by seeing her reaction.
The woman left the courtroom to talk with prosecutors and did not return for Rifkin's cross-examination. Afterward, Rifkin attorney Bruce Brandwein asked the judge to bar the woman from attending closing arguments because it could imperil a fair trial. Brady said he wouldn't ban her, but also said he would not allow any overt shows of emotion in the jury's presence.
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Earlier Wednesday, two women who were friends and fellow students of the woman described how the woman and Rifkin had met while he was serving as the officer assigned to their residence hall. Aesha Duncan, who in 2011 was a sophomore, said the woman described her first sexual encounter with Rifkin as "kind of rough and she enjoyed it."
But in ensuing days, Duncan said, the woman seemed upset because Rifkin was not responding to her texts. After Rifkin's arrest, Duncan said she asked the woman if Rifkin had done something to her.
"She said 'yes,' weakly stated," Duncan testified.
Duncan and her roommate went to NIU police and filled out reports in which Duncan said she believed the woman's assault allegations were motivated by jealousy.
Duncan and her roommate later asked the NIU police to pull their reports, Duncan said.
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"We were nervous about court. We didn't know what the process entailed," she testified.
Clifford Ward is a freelancer reporter.
Kim Foxx, the newly sworn in State's Attorney speaks to the Tribune in her Chicago office Monday Dec. 5, 2016. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
In her first major policy move since taking office, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx is dramatically raising the bar for charging shoplifters with a felony crime.
Prosecutors were told Monday that retail theft charges should remain a misdemeanor unless the value of the stolen goods exceeds $1,000 or the alleged shoplifter has 10 prior felony convictions a significant leap from the current standard of a single felony conviction.
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Illinois has long had one of the lowest thresholds for filing felony retail theft charges in the Midwest, leading critics to argue that too many nonviolent offenders many of them older and with significant mental health or addiction issues were locked up at taxpayer expense for months or even years.
State legislators in 2010 raised the standard for felony shoplifting charges from the theft of goods worth $300 to $500, but have not acted on efforts by politicians including Foxx's predecessor, Anita Alvarez, to raise the bar to $1,000.
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Under the new standards, prosecutors in the felony review unit remain free to approve felony charges if they believe the circumstances call for them.
"The move clarifies guidelines for how felony retail theft cases will be handled to ensure consistency in charging and to prioritize limited resources," spokeswoman Tandra Simonton said in a statement. "Prosecutors will retain the discretion to review cases and take appropriate action on a case by case basis."
It remains to be seen what the practical effect of the shift will be, but supporters of the move have predicted it will lead to a significant decrease in the number of shoplifters locked up in Cook County Jail. Nearly 80 percent of felony retail theft cases charged in Illinois between 2010 and 2012 were for a loss of less than $1,000, according to an analysis by the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council.
As of Wednesday, there were 101 people at Cook County Jail on felony retail theft charges, many of whom have spent months locked up because they can't afford even a low cash bail, said Cara Smith, policy chief for Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.
Last year, 76 defendants charged with felony shoplifting spent more time in jail than their eventual prison sentence, serving a total of 4,159 "dead days," she said.
The extra cost to taxpayers? Nearly $674,000, according to county estimates.
"They're a population we've long advocated should not be in the jail," Smith said.
A representative at the Illinois Retail Merchants Association could not be reached Wednesday. Some prosecutors and police wondered how the new procedure would play out and if storekeepers would call police knowing the alleged shoplifters likely won't be charged with a felony.
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Illinois law now allows for Class 4 felony shoplifting charges even in cases in which the loss is less than $300 if the suspect has a prior conviction. Class 3 felony charges are filed in cases with a loss of $500 or more.
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A study this year by the Pew Charitable Trusts that reviewed crime trends in 23 states that loosened felony theft thresholds found that crime dropped, on average, roughly the same in those states as in other states, and that there was no correlation between the felony threshold and property crime or larceny rates.
In Wisconsin, the felony threshold is a $2,500 loss, and the figure is $1,000 in Michigan and $750 in Indiana.
"I think this is a really positive step," said Ali Abid, staff attorney at the Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice, who said keeping nonviolent offenders locked up only increased their chances of drug abuse and committing another crime.
Public Defender Amy Campanelli also welcomed the new procedure, saying it was a step toward achieving a larger social goal of providing nonviolent offenders with treatment to keep them from re-offending.
Freelance reporter Nick Swedberg contributed.
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An Elgin man has been charged with shooting another man in the face after stealing a shoe box of marijuana from him at gunpoint, prosecutors said.
Ryan Ratliffe, 27, was arrested on a warrant at his cousin's home in Chicago this week following the Dec. 1 shooting in a shopping center parking lot in the 4600 block of West Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates, authorities said.
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He appeared Wednesday in Cook County Circuit Court in Rolling Meadows on charges of attempted murder, armed robbery and aggravated battery with a firearm, and he was ordered to be held without bond.
Assistant State's Attorney Caitlin Casey said Ratliffe was one of three men the other two were arrested earlier and are also in custody who arranged for a marijuana buy in the parking lot that night. When Ratliffe approached the seller's car, Ratliffe pointed a gun at the man, grabbed a shoe box full of marijuana and ran, she said. The man chased Ratliffe, who the prosecutor said fired one shot from a 9-millimeter handgun.
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Casey said the bullet shattered the teeth of the victim, a 26-year-old man from McHenry, and damaged an artery and his vocal cords. He has undergone multiple surgeries at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and as of Wednesday remained in critical by stable condition after the insertion of a feeding tube, she said.
In denying bail to Ratliffe, Judge Joseph Cataldo said that Ratliffe was on probation for a criminal damage to property conviction at the time of the alleged robbery and shooting and faces a possible life sentence if convicted of the new charges.
Ratliffe's alleged accomplices Luis Segovia, 18, of West Chicago, and Rasool Haleem, 31, of Streamwood were arrested last week and charged with the same offenses as Ratliffe, authorities said. Casey said both men implicated Ratliffe as the shooter and Segovia admitted he drove Ratliffe to the scene. Segovia and Haleem are both being held on $2 million bonds.
George Houde is a freelance reporter.
A judge Thursday denied bail for a 19-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a man and wounding a woman over the summer.
Devontay Murray appeared in court before Judge Maria Kuriakos Ciesil who ordered him held without bail. Murray is charged with murder and attempted murder in the attack, which happened July 25.
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Vincent Davis Sr., 43, was pronounced dead at the scene in the 6600 block of South Michigan Avenue in the city's Park Manor neigborhood, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.
Davis was in the front passenger's seat of a car when Murray approached about 4:25 p.m. and opened fire into it, hitting Davis five times and hitting a 22-year-old woman behind the wheel three times, prosecutors said.
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Another person who stood by the front passenger side door, punched Davis after he was shot. That person and Murray fled after the attack, according to prosecutors.
One bullet still remains lodged in the woman's kidney, causing her to have to wear a colostomy bag, prosecutors said. She was treated at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn at the time.
An autopsy determined Davis, of the 7500 block of South Evans Avenue, died of multiple gunshot wounds and his death was ruled a homicide, prosecutors said.
Two witnesses including one who was in the back seat of the car, identified Murray as the shooter, prosecutors said.
On Wednesday, Murray was taken out of custody from the Illinois Department of Corrections where he was serving time for an unrelated robbery conviction and was arrested and processed on the new murder and attempted murder charges, records show.
Atheist activist Rob Sherman was flying at night in apparent violation of his pilot's license when his plane crashed, according to a federal report.
Sherman was flying Friday night from his home in Poplar Grove to a holiday party at Schaumburg Regional Airport, but he never made it, according to a preliminary report on the crash released Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board.
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He died after his plane crashed in Marengo about 6:20 p.m. Friday, though his body and the wreckage weren't discovered until the next day, the report states. There were no witnesses, but the time of the crash was based on preliminary air traffic control radar data.
A passerby found the wreckage of Sherman's plane, a Zodiac CH-601XL SLSA on Saturday morning in a farm field in rural Marengo, about 13 miles from where he took off.
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Federal Aviation Administration records show Sherman, 63, had a sport pilot certificate.
Sport pilots are prohibited from flying at night, an FAA official confirmed.
If Sherman was flying in violation of the limits on his license, he could have been subject to disciplinary action by the FAA, which typically can range from a reprimand to revocation.
But since the NTSB report does not yet address possible causes of the crash, and it appears Sherman's plane was equipped with lights to fly at night, there is no indication that Sherman's license status had anything to do with the crash, said Dick Knapinski, spokesman for the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 6 Investigators work Dec. 10, 2016, at the scene of a plane crash at Meyer and Pleasant Grove roads in Marengo, Ill. The pilot was killed. (Joe Shuman / for the Chicago Tribune)
Sherman was known in the Chicago area, particularly in the 1980s and '90s, for filing lawsuits to oppose the use of religious symbols and language by municipalities and school districts. He forced the city of Zion to stop using its city seal, which bore a Christian cross and the words, "God Reigns."
Sherman was also a frequent political candidate and had run unsuccessfully this fall as a Green Party member for Illinois' 5th Congressional District.
A longtime resident of Buffalo Grove, Sherman had recently moved to a neighborhood near Poplar Grove Airport where many homes, including his, have their own airplane hangars and taxiways that connect to the airport runways. Poplar Grove is in Boone County, northeast of Rockford.
Sherman also had a mishap with his plane earlier this year. This past spring, his Zodiac went off the runways while taxiing at Clow International Airport in Bolingbrook. The plane was not damaged and Sherman was not injured, said John Tatro, past president of the Schaumburg EAA chapter.
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FAA regulations state that if someone holds a sport pilot certificate, "You may not act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft at night."
Other restrictions include no more than one passenger, and not flying in airspace for bigger planes or at larger airports like O'Hare International Airport.
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The model of plane Sherman was flying had a troubled history.
In 2009, the NTSB asked the FAA to prohibit further flights of the Zodiac CH-601XL, a low-wing, single-engine, two-seat craft, citing six accidents in which "catastrophic structural failure" killed 10 people.
The NTSB suspected that the accidents were caused by aerodynamic flutter, a vibration of the wings that could have caused them to fold up or break the plane apart. The FAA did not ground the planes indefinitely, but required manufacturers to reinforce the wings before flying. The plane is also sold as a home-build kit, and the NTSB raised concerns at the time that home-builders only received a recommendation to make the fixes.
The NTSB raised several other concerns, including the aircraft's speed indicator, but later reported that its concerns were addressed.
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Chicago Tribune's Tony Briscoe contributed.
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CORPUS CHRISTI A harmful chemical from an industrial plant leaked into the water supply in Corpus Christi, forcing school closures, disrupting commerce and causing a run on bottled water at supermarkets in the Gulf Coast city.
The spill happened Wednesday at a plant that didn't have the equipment or infrastructure needed to prevent it, though the owners of the property and plant claim it does, city spokeswoman Kim Womack said at a news conference Thursday.
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"In the simplest terms, someone was careless when they were injecting chemicals with a pump and ... when the injection occurred it crossed over into our water system," she later told KRIS-TV.
Womack told the station that they were not releasing the name of the company leasing the plant because they are still trying to work with it.
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"We feel like if we release their name, they will shut down and not work with us," she said.
Anywhere from three to 24 gallons of the chemical got into the water system. It is an asphalt emulsifier that can burn the skin in concentrated amounts.
During a short news briefing, angry residents scolded city leaders for not fully explaining how the water supply might have been contaminated.
After Womack briefly spoke and talked about an anonymous donor providing the city 27,000 cases of bottled water, a group of residents began chanting, "What do we want? Clean water! When do we want it? Now!"
City officials warned in a statement that "Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting the water stand will not make the water safe." They didn't indicate when they might lift the order not to use the water.
City councilman Michael Hunter told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times early Thursday that it was unlikely that the leaked chemicals were concentrated enough to do harm, but that officials must take every precaution.
He said the problem was first reported by a local company that said the water coming from its faucets had a sheen. He did not identify that company or the nature of its business.
The discovery of the leak led to the closure of schools, disrupted businesses and led to long lines at grocery stores, as residents stocked up on bottled water. At least two large retailers, H-E-B and Wal-Mart, sent for more bottled water to be shipped in.
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The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said Thursday it is working with officials in Corpus Christi. TCEQ said it has initiated "multiple measures," including sampling "to determine the extent of potential impact." TCEQ said agencies it's coordinating with include the Environmental Protection Agency.
Meanwhile, Gov. Greg Abbott said his office is coordinating with the TCEQ, the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Department of State Health Services on the issue. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is coordinating shipments of drinking water to the city.
It is just the latest in a string of water scares for this Gulf Coast city of 320,000 people.
In May, Corpus Christi officials issued their third boil-water advisory in a year. That notice lasted two weeks and officials at the time said it was largely a precautionary measure taken after nitrogen-rich runoff from rain flowed into the water system, resulting in low chlorine disinfectant levels in the water supply.
Boil-water notices were issued last year because of elevated levels of E. coli and another for low chlorine levels, the Caller-Times previously reported. The notices mirrored two others that were issued in 2007.
City crews have worked to reconfigure some water mains to ensure that water keeps circulating and to prevent bacteria growth. But an overarching concern is an old water system where more than half of 225 miles of cast-iron pipe needs to be upgraded. Many of the pipes were installed in the 1950s and when they decay they're prone to collapse or to slow water flow, allowing bacteria to fester.
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Civic leaders have expressed concern that recurring water advisories and warnings could cause long-term harm to the area's vibrant tourism business.
Associated Press
Reporting from Washington It wasn't so much a reckoning as a reboot.
The nation's top tech executives couldn't know what to expect when they headed to Trump Tower in Manhattan on Wednesday for what President-elect Donald Trump's transition team had billed as an innovation "summit." They had reason to fear an ambush.
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But if Trump holds grudges against Silicon Valley for the way that many of its denizens maligned and ridiculed him at every step of the presidential campaign, he worked hard not to let them show.
If Trump's opening comments were any indication, this was no repeat of that ill-fated meeting he called with broadcast and cable TV news executives days after the election, during which he mostly dressed them down.
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If any grudges were in the air, they were over who was not in the 25th floor meeting room Wednesday.
Trump's favorite social media platform, Twitter, was absent, for example. Politico attributed it to retribution for the company refusing during the campaign to abide Trump's request to generate a #CrookedHillary emoji.
Twitter's refusal to create a digital running stick figure holding a money bag is a grievance that his director of digital advertising aired on Medium a few weeks ago.
Trump representatives denied that was why Twitter was left out of the high-tech confab. They said Twitter didn't make the cut because it wasn't a big enough company. It has a market capitalization of about $13.8 billion, less than half that of Tesla, which was included in the meeting.
Trump himself boasted at the top of the meeting about the deluge of requests to attend.
"I won't tell you the hundreds of calls we've had, asking to come to this meeting," Trump said. He looked to Pay Pal co-founder Peter Thiel, an eccentric billionaire who was among the lone tech giants to back Trump's campaign and who now is seen by many tech executives as a potential lifeline in the new administration as he sent out invitations.
"Peter would sort of say, 'You know, that company's too small.'"
Those executives that did make the cut, Trump declared, led "monster companies." They included Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Elon Musk of Tesla, Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, and Larry Page and Eric Schmidt of Google's parent company, Alphabet.
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"I'm here to help you folks do well," Trump said, before taking credit for the bump in the stock market that followed his election. "And you're doing well right now and I'm very honored by the bounce. They're all talking about the bounce. So right now everybody in this room has to like me at least a little bit."
It was the get-along side of Trump on full display. The meeting was to be a symbol of an administration that would not hew to ideology but the best ideas.
Trump's representatives spent the hours leading up to the meeting talking to the press about how good Trump is at listening, even to the people who despise him.
Plenty of folks back in Silicon Valley weren't buying it. The executives who flew to New York found themselves confronted with letters, petitions and public scoldings from colleagues who reminded them that Trump has yet to disavow any parts of his agenda that most appalled Silicon Valley during the election.
"Now, more than ever, tech leaders must stand up for human dignity, and examine their role in public discourse," EBay founder Pierre Omidyar wrote as he retweeted an article that pilloried tech leaders for going to Trump Tower.
Nearly two dozen advocacy groups, including Amnesty International USA and Democracy for America, demanded to know why most of the companies at the meeting are refusing to pledge not to help Trump build any type of registry for Muslims, as he suggested during the campaign.
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More than 640 tech workers, many of them from firms represented at the Trump Tower meeting, vowed to undermine any "creation of databases of identifying information for the United States government to target individuals based on race, religion, or national origin."
Reports from inside the meeting room suggest that the tech leaders did not heed the call for confrontation. Amazon Chief Executive Bezos, whose ownership of the Washington Post made him an occasional focus of Trump's ire during the campaign, declared the meeting "very productive."
"I shared my view that the administration should make innovation one of its key pillars, which would create a huge number of jobs across the whole country," Bezos said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, Trump added Uber CEO Travis Kalanick and Tesla's Musk to his business advisory council, which previously had only one representative from the tech industry: Ginni Rometty, chief executive of IBM. Both Kalanick and Musk were bitter critics of Trump during the race.
Kalanick said last year that he'd move to China if Trump won the election. Musk had called Trump "not the right guy" for the presidency in a November interview with CNBC.
The Tesla leader's companies are heavily invested in green energy, setting him up for a possible clash with Trump over climate change policy and subsidies for renewables. But Musk can be a nimble political player, building strategic relationships with others who share many of Trump's views, such as House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a fellow Californian.
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Trump showered the group with praise. And before reporters were ushered out of the room, he made a point of assuaging the tech leaders' concerns about his threats to slap tariffs on companies that manufacture their products abroad, as most big Silicon Valley firms do.
"We're going to make it a lot easier for you to trade across borders," Trump told them.
"There's nobody like you in the world," he added. "There's nobody like the people in this room. And anything we can do to help this go along we're going to be there for you. And you'll call my people, you'll call me. It doesn't make any difference. We have no formal chain of command around here."
Halper reported from Washington and Pierson from Los Angeles.
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A holiday card is seen among letters at the on the busiest mailing day of the year for the U.S. Postal Service on Dec. 14, 2015 in Miami, Fla. (Joe Raedle, Getty Images)
There are two things I hate about this time of year: out-of-tune caroling and bad Christmas cards. Or rather, holiday cards bad taste isn't limited to Christmas.
Why? I'll get to that. But first, a little history: In the winter of 1843, Sir Henry Cole, a well-known English activist who helped reform the British postal system, found himself with a very large stack of letters and very little time. Rather than spend his days laboring over each response, the industrious Cole hit upon a new idea: Why not send a small, decorated card instead? He enlisted the help of a friend to create an illustration for the front of the card and then had a London printer make a thousand copies. Cole simply had to fill in the "to" and "from" lines, and ta-da! the first Christmas card was complete.
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So there you have it, a tradition born out of laziness. And not much has changed in the roughly 170 years since, which brings us back to my beef with holiday cards.
See, I'm a bit of a card snob. I make almost all my cards by hand and take time to write at least a few thought-out paragraphs inside each. It's a lot of work, but there's a big payoff. These are cards you save for a rough day when you need a kind word. There's a reason that it's considered polite to open a card before a gift: Cards should add depth to a present. And, if you're doing it right, the words themselves are a gift.
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If I scale back my more-thoughtful-than-thou attitude for a second, what really bothers me and many others about holiday cards is that they don't add any value to our relationships. We live in a digital age. We can call, text, share, post, tweet, snap and email photos and updates to friends and family. The annual check-in a holiday card used to provide isn't necessary any more.
For Cole, his Christmas card was a quick, easy and polite way to let his friends know that they were in his thoughts during the holidays. And, to some extent, today's holiday cards serve the same purpose. But more than that, they've become a sort of status symbol. They're a shiny veneer that allows families to gloss over the hardships and embarrassments of the past year; they're an outlet for parents to unabashedly brag about their children's achievements; and they're an excuse to dress up the family in matching sweaters. To me, they scream insecurity and falseness.
Here's my proposal: Instead of sending a Walgreens-generated, grumpy teenager-filled, photo-edited holiday card, why not mail a simple, handwritten note to those you care for but haven't spent enough time with in the past year? It doesn't need to be filled with a 2016 highlight reel. We've got Facebook for that. It only needs to tell friends and family that you miss them, you care about them and you're thinking of them. That's it. And trust me, that little note will mean so much more to them than the typical mass-produced glorified selfie with "Happy Holidays" scrawled across the bottom. Throw in a family photo if you must but nix the matching sweaters.
If you can't change your ways, then at least take a cue from my Grandma Lilas: Commit. Own it. Each year, she and my Opa used to send out a ridiculous holiday card. One year, they were ice fishing in their bathing suits. The next year, Grandma Lilas was up a tree, trying to escape a bear. Another, pictures of their heads were edited onto a pair of loons floating on the lake behind their Wisconsin home because that's exactly what they were, a pair of loons. When Grandma Lilas died in February, we hung her holiday cards at the wake. They were a reminder of her wacky sense of humor, her best quality.
I won't get one of those cards this year, but at least, if I've persuaded anyone, I can hope for a few kind words.
Elizabeth Greiwe edits the Tribune's Voice of the People.
Some GOP senators have said they want a probe into the extent of Russia's cyber interference of the 2016 presidential election. Dec. 11, 2016. (CBS Miami)
The Trump-Russia scandal continues to widen, with revelations that are making it increasingly clear that not only do we need a full investigation, but that investigation needs to be independent and bipartisan, and include public hearings. Some Republicans, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have suggested that the Senate Intelligence Committee can handle it.
But let's make no mistake: that's a way of sweeping it under the rug. The Intelligence Committee's hearings are closed to the public and press, and while there will certainly need to be parts of this investigation that are kept behind closed doors lest "sources and methods" be compromised, we need to learn as much as possible about this scandal. A dusty, redacted report released a year from now will not be enough.
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If this keeps going in the direction it's headed, this could stand alongside Watergate and Iran-Contra as one of the most important scandals in modern American history. It's increasingly looking like a hostile foreign power run by a murderous thug tried to swing an American election, and may have succeeded at least, in helping to tip it.
The latest revelation comes from William Arkin, Ken Dilanian and Cynthia McFadden of NBC News:
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"U.S. intelligence officials now believe with 'a high level of confidence' that Russian President Vladimir Putin became personally involved in the covert Russian campaign to interfere in the U.S. presidential election, senior U.S. intelligence officials told NBC News.
"Two senior officials with direct access to the information say new intelligence shows that Putin personally directed how hacked material from Democrats was leaked and otherwise used. The intelligence came from diplomatic sources and spies working for U.S. allies, the officials said.
"Putin's objectives were multifaceted, a high-level intelligence source told NBC News. What began as a 'vendetta' against Hillary Clinton morphed into an effort to show corruption in American politics and to 'split off key American allies by creating the image that [other countries] couldn't depend on the U.S. to be a credible global leader anymore,' the official said."
Now we should caution that it's possible these reports are mistaken. The sources are anonymous, and the information could be erroneous. But that makes it even more important that we learn everything we can about what exactly happened and what Putin's involvement was.
There's also a report by Eric Lipton and Scott Shane in The New York Times about how Russian hackers targeted Democratic candidates for the House of Representatives, penetrating their systems, finding documents describing their campaign strategies or other damaging information, and then released that information with the help of anonymous local American bloggers. That information was then used against them by these candidates' opponents, and by groups like a super PAC tied to House Speaker Paul Ryan. The candidates in question were well-chosen to include those in key swing districts. How did Russian hackers know who to target? Who were the American bloggers working with them? Those are only a couple of the questions that this report raises.
And this is critical to understand: There is reason for serious skepticism about whether the Republican Congress can be trusted to investigate this scandal. Their response to Donald Trump's copious and appalling financial conflicts of interest has essentially been, "eh, no biggie." That response is part of a broader pattern in which Republicans are effectively looking the other way while Trump assaults our norms and democracy, and given that, there's no reason to assume Republicans will investigate the allegations of Russian interference with the seriousness they deserve.
For the sake of completeness, here's a list of all the different strands that connect Donald Trump to Russia and the Kremlin. Some of these are relatively benign and others less so, some of them relate to the hacking scandal and some don't, but it's helpful to see them all together:
- Hackers connected to the Russian government penetrated the systems of the Democratic National Committee and the email of Hillary Clinton's campaign chair John Podesta, then passed what they found to Wikileaks, which released it over an extended period of time in order to maximize the political damage to Clinton. The American intelligence committee has concluded that this was done for the purpose of helping Donald Trump get elected.
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- As of now it is unknown whether Russian hackers also penetrated the systems of the Republican Party or Republican officials, or what they might have found and are now holding if they did.
- We now have reports that Vladimir Putin was personally involved in directing the hacking.
- Russian hackers, with the cooperation of at least some Americans, obtained private information on Democratic House candidates and released it in order to damage them.
- Roger Stone, a longtime friend and adviser to Trump, admitted in October that he had "back-channel communications" with Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, about the release of the hacked emails.
- Again and again, Trump has offered public praise for Vladimir Putin's leadership, his strength, and his popularity. "I will tell you that I think in terms of leadership, he's getting an A," Trump said.
- Trump has also defended Putin against charges that the Russian president has had his political enemies and critical journalists murdered, something that has been extensively documented. "It's never been proven that he's killed anybody," Trump claimed last December. "So, you know, you're supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, at least in our country. He has not been proven that he's killed reporters."
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- On one occasion Trump read to a rally a distorted version of a hacked John Podesta email which he apparently got from Sputnik News, a site created by the Russian government to disseminate propaganda.
- At the same time, Trump was denying that Russia had anything to do with the hacking and even denying that any hacking had taken place. "I notice, anytime anything wrong happens," he said during one of his debates with Clinton, "they like to say the Russians are she doesn't know if it's the Russians doing the hacking. Maybe there is no hacking."
- Paul Manafort, who served as Trump's campaign manager, acted as an adviser to former Ukrainian prime minister and Putin ally Viktor Yanukovych, who fled to Moscow in 2014 when Ukrainians revolted against his rule. After it was revealed that "Handwritten ledgers show $12.7 million in undisclosed cash payments designated for Mr. Manafort from Mr. Yanukovych's pro-Russian political party," Manafort left the campaign but continued to advise Trump informally.
--Michael Flynn, Trump's pick for national security adviser, has made a paid speech to Russia Today, a Russian state media outlet, and sat next to Putin at a dinner celebrating RT's anniversary. Flynn claims that RT which exists in order to promote Putin and his government is no different from CNN or MSNBC.
- In March, Trump cited Carter Page as one of his principal foreign policy advisers. Page is a controversial figure with shadowy connections in Russia; the Trump campaign later insisted it had nothing to do with him.
- While much of Trump's finances are opaque because of his refusal to release his tax returns, we know that he has long sought business opportunities in Russia. "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets," Donald Trump, Jr. said at a real estate conference in 2008. "We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia."
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- In July, Trump invited Russia to hack into Hillary Clinton's email. "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," he said.
Donald Trump challenged Russia on July 27, 2016 to find Hillary Clinton's "30,000 emails that are missing" in response to intelligence claims that Russia hacked the Democratic National Committee's emails to help get Trump elected. It is now the concensus of cybersecurity firms and the U.S. intelligence community that "the Russia Government directed the recent" hacks of the D.N.C and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. (C-SPAN) (Chicago Tribune)
- Trump's pick for Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, has extensive dealings with the Russian government in his role as CEO of ExxonMobil. The Russian government gave Tillerson its Order of Friendship award in 2013, and Tillerson has been critical of sanctions on Russia.
- Trump has suggested that if Russia attacked a NATO country, he would not automatically come to that country's defense, but would consider whether he felt they were contributing enough to the alliance.
To repeat, some of these items have nothing to do with the scandal and some are defensible. But they all relate to how the next administration is going to deal with Russia. What's important now is that we get an independent, unconstrained, public investigation, so Americans can know exactly what happened in 2016. Anything less will be a betrayal of the public trust.
Washington Post
Paul Waldman is a contributor to The Plum Line blog, and a senior writer at The American Prospect.
Not long ago, I found myself in the company of some New England teachers who, like me, were experiencing a wind-swept weekend at the weather station on the region's highest peak. I shared some of my chili. They shared some beer.
As the night wore on, we started talking schools. Public and charter, elementary, middle and high. A children's book author and a sometime school visitor, I told them about the chaotic classrooms I'd been walking into more and more frequently. Not one of the teachers seemed surprised.
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Was this about teaching to tests? I asked. A mandated curriculum? A lack of student focus? What did they think was going on?
There was a silence. A long one.
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"We're pretty good at my school at making our customers happy," a chemistry teacher offered.
The room went quiet again, aside from the rattling of spoons and bowls, until an English teacher added this: "In my district, moms and dads rule. When they complain, the superintendent jumps."
Out roared a conversational river of stories about pressures from parents, of all people. Parents who, they felt, were more interested in having "happy kids" than kids who achieved. In many cases, they said, parents actually discouraged academic rigor because "academics are hard." Because standards inevitably left some kids behind.
Although I don't have children, my instinct was to question this. But then I started to wonder. Were schools becoming more about customer satisfaction than about meeting benchmarks or goals? Was the comfort of parents now somehow paramount? At the end of the day, who was really driving the educational bus?
Back at home, I thought I'd try to test what the teachers had told me. I created an ultra-simple survey with a single question: "What is your top priority or concern at your child's school the issue you focus on when talking to teachers and administrators?"
For more than a year, I asked this question of every parent I came in contact with following school visits and talks at libraries in the region. Every parent, that is, who didn't run away when they saw my clipboard. The following were, by far, the most-cited parental concerns:
Schools should be "child-focused." This was a phrase I heard again and again from parents. "Child-focused." Or "Child-centered." I asked one Massachusetts mom to explain. "My child learns differently," she said. "She's unique." A dad of twins from Connecticut added this: "It's important that schools and teachers focus on individual needs instead of some slate of cookie-cutter benchmarks."
Students need to move around. A number of parents said it was important for the classroom to be "an active place" that captured student energy, "not rows of silent desks." "My son is a very physical kid," a dad from Rhode Island said. "That's just the way he is. The teacher used to more or less chain him to a chair. It didn't work."
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Discipline is "too harsh" or "targeted at the same kids" over and over. Several parents from towns in Connecticut and Rhode Island told me they had visited a principal or assistant principal to complain about disciplinary action that they felt was unfair. One said this: "I will defend my child, right or wrong."
There's too much testing. Not a single parent I spoke with in Rhode Island or Connecticut defended standardized tests, such as the NECAP (New England Common Assessment Program). Some in Massachusetts felt they were important and necessary, but this was a small minority. Tests were given "too frequently," I was told. They "rewarded only certain types of students," and "didn't reflect what had been learned."
Homework needs to be less time-consuming. Homework assignments were an issue for many of the parents I talked to. "My daughters have more than an hour a night," a Connecticut mom said. "It takes time away from family activities." One Rhode Island parent told me that she'd "complained to her son's teacher several times" but that the teacher continued to "take points off" when homework wasn't completed.
I didn't try to argue or agree with what I was hearing during these chats. I listened, and I jotted down notes. Because I didn't have a kid in school, I didn't feel qualified to comment. But I couldn't help wondering about issues that hadn't come up. Issues such as academic excellence. Such as how should I say this? making sure that students were actually learning something during their school day.
I was thinking back on my top-of-the-mountain weekend more and more. Snippets from the teachers' comments rattled around in my head. "We're pretty good at my school at making our customers happy." "In my district, moms and dads rule."
I was wishing, in a way, that I could go up and find the teachers once again. We'd talk, and I would tell them about my parent survey. We'd share some bowls of chili. And this time, I would be buying the beer.
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Peter Mandel is the author of "Jackhammer Sam" and other books for kids including "Zoo Ah-Choooo" and "Bun, Onion, Burger."
I recently left New York, where I was a fashion editor for nearly a decade, to attend graduate school in the suburbs of D.C., where I grew up. I'm happy to be home in most ways, but there's one suburban habit that I can't get used to: yoga pants.
Women in my neighborhood go about their entire day in yoga pants and running shoes. Moms with strollers, undergrads on campus, girlfriends meeting up for coffee dates or errands I have even seen women dressed this way for cocktails.
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At first I thought this must be a suburban thing. In New York, I didn't know anyone who left the house in gym clothes, unless he or she was actually going to the gym. In fact, I once had a roommate who was the director of a fancy children's gymnasium down the street from our apartment in Brooklyn. She would get fully dressed each morning, including hair, makeup, and heels, just to walk the 10 blocks to work and then get undressed again. I loved her for this. I loved all of New York for this for always putting in a little extra effort, for never taking the easy way out. In New York, after all, 10 million people are always looking.
But yoga pants aren't just a suburban trend. Athleisure is the name given to a class of street clothes that adopt the look and comfort of gym wear but are not designed for any actual sweating. It's been a trend on the runways and in retail over the past few years, with forecasters predicting it to be one of the biggest sellers this holiday season. And I'm against it.
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Lululemon, the activewear company, is the fairy godmother of athleisure. Though the company might be best known for its ubiquitous black yoga pants, founders Chip and Shannon Wilson acknowledge that they always intended to make garments so flattering and stylish that women would want to wear them all day. The Wilsons take full credit for the current yoga pant craze: "I walk down the street, and I see women in their tights and their running shoes and a jacket, and I think, 'We started that!' " Shannon Wilson said in an interview.
Yoga pants make a statement about comfort and modernity. ... We are expressing a new kind of modern vanity where dressing down, rather than dressing up, is the power move.
Why have black leggings become the uniform of my generation? At least part of the appeal is our increasing interest in everything high-tech. As our lives become more fast-paced, we seem to want everything sleeker, smaller, smarter and more efficient -- in a word, easier. This includes our clothing. Jeans used to be the American woman's most versatile wardrobe staple, but, as Nike chief executive Mark Parker recently announced, "leggings are the new denim," giving credence to the otherwise ridiculous sci-fi hypothesis, embraced by Hollywood costume designers since the 1950s, that the humans will someday uniformly dress in slick, Lycra unitards. Welcome to the future.
As someone who cares about fashion, I vote for jeans over yoga pants (or Lycra unitards) any day, but my stance isn't just about aesthetics. It's about manners.
There is a photograph I love of my grandmother and her family at the 1948 Macy's Day Parade in New York City. She's dressed smartly for November weather in a black wool coat and a hazel circle skirt. With her red lipstick and hair set in waves, she looks comfortable but elegant. Her sons, holding balloons, are dressed casually but appropriately in navy pea coats and argyle sweaters. There's a simplicity and a dignity to the image that speaks to the core values of my grandparents' generation. Getting dressed wasn't about vanity (or, rather, it wasn't just about vanity); it was good manners.
What we wear sends a message to the world. An Hermes handbag makes a statement about wealth and luxury. A pair of four-inch Louboutin heels makes a statement about sex and power. Yoga pants make a statement about comfort and modernity. When we board a flight or run to the grocery store swaddled in cotton-lycra, we are saying to the people around us that our own comfort is our first priority. We are expressing a new kind of modern vanity where dressing down, rather than dressing up, is the power move.
And I confess, I'm just as guilty of wearing yoga pants as anyone else. There have been plenty of occasions since I moved back to the suburbs that I've thrown on a pair of black leggings and gone about my day. Recently, I wore yoga pants and sneakers to tutor a student I regularly work with. He is from China, a single father raising a son while studying for a master's degree in a second language. He comes to see me for tutoring twice a week because, though he is bright and he understands the concepts he studies, articulating his ideas in written English is a struggle for him. He has to work even harder than his classmates to complete his assignments. He took notice of my outfit.
"You look comfortable today!" he said to me.
He was right: I was comfortable. I also wished immediately that I was wearing real clothes. It felt disrespectful elitist, even to approach our tutoring session with my own comfort so obviously on display.
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The moment shook me up. When did I stop bothering to get dressed every day, I wondered? I lived in New York, where everything is hard, for almost a decade; at what point did I start buying into the idea that easier and more comfortable necessarily means better?
And that's when I realized that my gripe with yoga pants goes beyond bad manners. Like many pet peeves, this one is rooted in a private fear: I'm afraid of getting too comfortable.
Part of the reason I love the way New Yorkers dress is that I see it as a metaphor for everything else I loved about the city the work ethic, the energy, the specific kind of community that comes from collective ambition. Maybe it's precisely because I love those elements of city life that I am wary of the seductive promise of suburban comfort: Why walk when I can drive? Why go shopping when I can order online? Why go out at all when I can lie on my giant couch and watch my giant TV? Why even get dressed today?
Without the external energy of the city urging me on every day, will I find my own internal reasons to keep working harder than I strictly have to? Or will I soften, get lazy? Will I spend the rest of my life going about my day in comfort, coming home in the evening to nurse a bottle of wine until it's time to go to bed on the quiet second story of my house, only to wake up and do it all again, wearing the same black yoga pants as the day before?
It's possible that I will. But one way I know to fight that fate: Get dressed each morning.
Washington Post
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Kerry Folan is a writer and teacher living in the Washington, D.C., area.
Ald. Willie Cochran (20th Ward) faces an FBI criminal investigation into whether he improperly used campaign funds for personal expenses, say sources with knowledge of the probe. Meanwhile, protestors in Woodlawn were calling for Cochran's resignation on Oct. 19, 2016. (CBS Chicago)
Another day, another politician indicted in Chicago. This time it's Ald. Willie Cochran, 20th, accused of extorting money in exchange for supporting two real estate projects and a liquor store in his ward. Federal prosecutors say he also dipped into a charity fund to pay for his daughter's college tuition costs and to cover his gambling expenses. The money was supposed to be spent on ward activities, such as a back-to-school picnic, a Valentine's Day party for seniors and holiday season events.
A retired Chicago police sergeant, Cochran was elected in 2007 to represent the South Side ward, which includes parts of Back of the Yards, Washington Park and Englewood. The previous alderman, Arenda "What do I get out of it?" Troutman, pleaded guilty in 2008 to corruption charges for shaking down developers.
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Cochran is charged with multiple counts of extortion, bribery and wire fraud. Prosecutors say he misspent tens of thousands of dollars, including $25,000 withdrawn from ATMs near casinos where he was gambling.
Federal prosecutors are never underemployed in Illinois. Last month, former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock of Peoria was charged with spending campaign money on concert tickets, luxury hotels and private plane rides. He pleaded not guilty on Monday.
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U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife, former Ald. Sandi Jackson, served tag-team prison terms after spending hundreds of thousands of dollars from campaign accounts on celebrity memorabilia and jewelry. Before that, former Cook County Commissioner William Beavers, the self-described "hog with the big nuts," went to prison for spending his campaign fund on gambling debts. And before that, former Ald. Isaac "Ike" Carothers was indicted on bribery and tax charges. Since 1972, 29 Chicago aldermen have been convicted of crimes related to their official duties.
(Scott Stantis)
Fun fact about the Cochran case: It grew from an investigation begun by Faisal Khan, the Chicago City Council's former watchdog. Remember him? The City Council created the position of legislative inspector general in 2010, with Carothers' bribery conviction fresh in voters' minds and municipal elections approaching. Khan, a prosecutor from New York City, was the first and last person to hold the job, which was all for show, anyway.
Aldermen undermined Khan at every turn. They limited his investigative powers, openly mocked him and eventually squeezed him out of the job by refusing to fund his office. Ald. Joe Moore, 49th, called him a bozo. Ald. Patrick O'Connor, 40th, called him an idiot. Mayor Rahm Emanuel watched from the sidelines and at one point said he had neither the time nor the interest to read reports from Khan's office.
Funny thing, though. Before Khan left the job last year, he turned over boxes of documents to the FBI. On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon credited Khan for tipping off the feds in the Cochran case.
What do you suppose aldermen think now? We know what the rest of us are thinking:
What else is in those boxes?
The Tribune reporter walked into an Evanston CVS pharmacy carrying two prescriptions: one for a common antibiotic, the other for a popular anti-cholesterol drug.
Taken alone, these two drugs, clarithromycin and simvastatin, are relatively safe. But taken together they can cause a severe breakdown in muscle tissue and lead to kidney failure and death.
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When the reporter tried to fill the prescriptions, the pharmacist should have warned him of the dangers. But that's not what happened. The two medications were packaged, labeled and sold within minutes, without a word of caution.
The same thing happened when a reporter presented prescriptions for a different potentially deadly drug pair at a Walgreens on the Magnificent Mile.
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And at a Wal-Mart in Evergreen Park, a Jewel-Osco in River Forest and a Kmart in Springfield.
In the largest and most comprehensive study of its kind, the Tribune tested 255 pharmacies to see how often stores would dispense dangerous drug pairs without warning patients. Fifty-two percent of the pharmacies sold the medications without mentioning the potential interaction, striking evidence of an industrywide failure that places millions of consumers at risk.
CVS, the nation's largest pharmacy retailer by store count, had the highest failure rate of any chain in the Tribune tests, dispensing the medications with no warning 63 percent of the time. Walgreens, one of CVS' main competitors, had the lowest failure rate at 30 percent but that's still missing nearly 1 in 3 interactions.
In response to the Tribune tests, CVS, Walgreens and Wal-Mart each vowed to take significant steps to improve patient safety at its stores nationwide. Combined, the actions affect 22,000 drugstores and involve additional training for 123,000 pharmacists and technicians.
"There is a very high sense of urgency to pursue this issue and get to the root cause," said Tom Davis, CVS' vice president of pharmacy professional services.
CVS, which filled about 1 billion prescriptions last year, said the company would improve policies and its computer system to "dramatically" increase warnings to patients.
Walgreens said it would, among other changes, increase training for pharmacists. "We take this very seriously," said Rex Swords, Walgreens' vice president of pharmacy and retail operations and planning.
Dangerous drug combinations are a major public health problem, hospitalizing tens of thousands of people each year. Pharmacists are the last line of defense, and their role is growing as Americans use more prescription drugs than ever. One in 10 people take five or more drugs twice the percentage seen in 1994.
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Some pharmacists who were tested got it right, coming to the counter to issue stern warnings. "You'll be on the floor. You can't have the two together," said one pharmacist at a Walgreens on Chicago's Northwest Side. Said a Kmart pharmacist in Rockford: "I've seen people go to the hospital on this combination."
But in test after test, other pharmacists dispensed dangerous drug pairs at a fast-food pace, with little attention paid to customers. They failed to catch combinations that could trigger a stroke, result in kidney failure, deprive the body of oxygen or lead to unexpected pregnancy with a risk of birth defects.
Tribune reporters presented pharmacies with prescriptions for drugs that are known to be harmful or even fatal if taken together, but 52 percent of the time the prescriptions were filled without warning. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)
Location didn't matter: Failures occurred in poor neighborhoods on the South Side as well as in affluent suburbs and the Gold Coast. Even the Walgreens at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago failed its test.
The newspaper also tested independent pharmacies, many of which take pride in providing personalized care. As a group, they had a higher failure rate than any retail chain, missing risky drug interactions 72 percent of the time. Chains overall failed 49 percent of their tests.
The Tribune study, two years in the making, exposes fundamental flaws in the pharmacy industry. Safety laws are not being followed, computer alert systems designed to flag drug interactions either don't work or are ignored, and some pharmacies emphasize fast service over patient safety. Several chain pharmacists, in interviews, described assembly-line conditions in which staff hurried to fill hundreds of prescriptions a day.
Wal-Mart, operator of 4,500 U.S. pharmacies, failed 43 percent of its tests. The company said it would update and improve its pharmacy alert system and train pharmacists on the changes.
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Kmart failed 60 percent of the tests. Phil Keough, pharmacy president for Sears Holdings, which owns Kmart, said he was disappointed with the results. "While not happy, we also take this as an opportunity to look in the mirror and see where we can get better," he said.
Costco, a membership warehouse club whose pharmacies are open to the general public, failed 60 percent of the tests; the company declined to comment.
The Tribune also tested two Chicago-area chains: Jewel-Osco, which failed 43 percent of the time, and Mariano's, 37 percent.
Jewel-Osco declined an interview request and instead emailed the Tribune a one-sentence written statement: "Osco pharmacists have a history of providing knowledgeable, exemplary care to our customers and their health, well-being and safety is our primary concern."
Mariano's also declined to answer questions. The chain said in a written statement: "None of our pharmacists are intentionally disregarding drug interactions or patient safety."
The chain wrote, "Our pharmacists look at each patient profile which includes patient history, allergy profile, pre-existing conditions and other factors such as age, all of which must be considered when assessing the potential for a drug interaction."
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But in the Tribune tests, pharmacists at Mariano's stores rarely asked for all of that information.
Last line of defense
In the fight to protect patients from dangerous drug interactions, doctors shoulder significant responsibility. They are the ones who write the prescriptions.
But one physician may not know what another has prescribed, and research has found that doctors' knowledge about specific interactions is often poor.
In filling prescriptions, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to detect potential drug interactions, warn patients and prevent harm. Pharmacists themselves say that is one of their primary duties.
Yet little data exists about how well they perform in real-world situations.
The Tribune set out to find the answer. To select drug pairs to be used in the tests, the newspaper enlisted the help of two leading experts on drug interactions: pharmacy professors Daniel Malone of the University of Arizona and John Horn of the University of Washington. Five pairs were chosen, three of which posed life-threatening risks. Another could cause patients to pass out. A fifth included an oral contraceptive and could lead to unplanned pregnancies.
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According to the two experts, all of the drugs had been on the market for years, and the pairs presented well-established interactions that pharmacists should easily catch. "No-brainers," Horn called them.
Writing the prescriptions was Dr. Steven C. Fox, a Chicago physician who treats many elderly patients on multiple medications. He knew the risks of interactions firsthand.
Fox wrote the prescriptions in the names of 18 Tribune journalists, 15 of whom conducted tests in the field. They presented the prescriptions written in their names or, in some instances, their colleagues' names. The reporters tested 30 stores at each of seven leading chains as well as numerous independent pharmacies. Most stores were in the Chicago area; some were in Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Reporters presented the prescriptions together or a couple of days apart, then waited to see if the orders would be filled.
Deepak Chande, a former head CVS pharmacist in southwest suburban Worth, says pressure is intense to fill prescriptions quickly. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)
In Illinois, pharmacists who detect a serious interaction must contact the prescribing doctor to see if the order is correct or if an alternative therapy is available, according to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Pharmacists are then supposed to alert the patient.
Carmen Catizone, executive director of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, said the professional standard is clear. "Anytime there's a serious interaction, there's no excuse for the pharmacist not warning the patient about that interaction," he said.
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In the Tribune study, a test was considered a pass if the pharmacist attempted to contact Fox about the interaction or warned the reporter.
Drug information leaflets placed inside the bag or stapled to the outside were not considered sufficient to warrant a pass. Illinois regulators said these materials typically are not adequate replacements for verbal warnings; some of the materials don't warn about specific interactions, and experts say patients frequently throw out the leaflets without reading them.
After the tests, reporters called many of the pharmacists to inform them of the results and to discuss the findings.
Why were so many pharmacies missing dangerous drug combinations?
Speed vs. safety
Mayuri Patel, a pharmacist at a Wal-Mart in west suburban Northlake, said she typically fills 200 prescriptions in a nine-hour shift, or one every 2.7 minutes.
At another Wal-Mart where she was trained, it was even busier, she said: "We were doing 600 a day with two pharmacists with 10-hour shifts." That works out to one prescription every two minutes.
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In the Tribune tests, she caught a potentially deadly drug pair, warning the reporter at the counter: "This is a common interaction."
It is difficult to say why so many pharmacists failed the same test, but interviews and studies point to a possible explanation: the emphasis on speed.
Several stores dispensed risky drug pairs with no warning in less than 15 minutes. At a Kmart in Valparaiso, Ind., it was 12 minutes. At an independent pharmacy on the North Side, it was five.
The Tribune found that pharmacists frequently race through legally required drug safety reviews or skip them altogether. According to Illinois law, pharmacies are required to conduct several safety checks, including whether the dose is reasonable and whether the medication might interact with other drugs the patient is taking.
But in the Tribune tests, pharmacies rarely asked what other medications testers were using.
"They're cutting corners where they think they can cut," said Bob Stout, president of the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy, which sampled data from two retail chains in the state and found that pharmacists spent an average of 80 seconds on safety checks for each prescription filled.
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"What happens, I found on the board, is people stop doing (safety) reviews," Stout said. "They're not going in looking at patient records."
Pharmacist Audrey Galal recognized the danger when presented with a pair of prescriptions at the independent Mexicare Pharmacy in Chicagos Pilsen neighborhood and did not dispense the drugs. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)
Most pharmacies use computer software designed to flag drug interactions. But experts say computer alerts are so common that pharmacists can get "alert fatigue" and ignore many of the warnings.
At the same time, chain pharmacies are increasingly promoting quick service. Drive-through windows are now common, and services like CVS' walk-in MinuteClinics appeal to consumers' preference for speed.
These efforts may send a message to patients that speed is more important than quality health care. Patients have internalized that message and feel entitled to short wait times, pharmacists said.
"The patient will get mad if you call the doctor and take time," said Sadia Shuja, a pharmacist at Skypoint Pharmacy in Schaumburg who caught a dangerous drug pair in the Tribune tests. "Sometimes they think it is fast food."
To ease workload, most pharmacies employ technicians to manage tasks that require less medical expertise.
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Arsen Mysllinj, a Kmart pharmacist in Rockford who passed the Tribune test, said technicians at his store and others often screen for drug interactions after entering patients' drug orders into a computer. If interactions appear, he said, the technicians are trained to print out the warning on the screen and hand it to a pharmacist. It would be better, he said, for pharmacists to do the screening.
Kmart said that in light of the test results, it would review its relevant policies, computer systems and training programs.
Unionized pharmacists, including those in Illinois, have periodically pushed for minimum staffing rules, but those efforts have not gone far. Some pharmacists say time spent pitching company promotions could be better spent on patient safety.
In the Tribune tests, the majority of Kmart pharmacists dispensed risky drug combinations without warning testers. But several did take time to try to enroll the reporters in the company's savings program.
'Scorecard' pressures
At CVS, prompt service isn't just a vague goal. It is a carefully measured metric that the chain uses, along with other assessments, to grade its pharmacies and rank them against one another, records and interviews show.
Several current or former CVS pharmacists criticized the practice, saying it pressures them to focus more on corporate criteria than on drug interactions and other safety checks.
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"You get stressed, and it takes your mind away from the actual prescriptions," said Chuck Zuraitis, head pharmacist at a CVS in south suburban Park Forest and a union steward for Teamsters Local 727, which represents 130 CVS pharmacists in the Chicago area. His pharmacy was not among those tested.
Performance and business metrics are common at big chain pharmacies and in other industries. Supporters say they make companies more efficient and responsive to customers.
In 2012, the nonprofit Institute for Safe Medication Practices conducted a national survey of 673 pharmacists and found that nearly two-thirds worked at stores that track the time it takes to fill prescriptions. About 25 percent worked at companies that guaranteed short wait times.
Of the pharmacists at stores that advertised quick service, 4 in 10 said they had made a medication error as a result of hurrying to fill a prescription within a set time.
In 2013, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy called on states to prohibit, restrict or regulate company policies that measure the speed of pharmacists' work. But, the association says, little has changed in state law.
Internal CVS records obtained by the Tribune show that the company tracks numerous pharmacist tasks, including whether prescriptions are filled in the time promised to customers and whether voicemails are retrieved in a timely fashion.
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"Every prescription is timed," said Deepak Chande, a former head pharmacist at a CVS in southwest suburban Worth, "and this is the worst of the pharmacist's nightmares."
If pharmacists fall behind, the backlog pops up in color on their computer screens, said Chande, also a former union steward. "It's an unreal pressure," he said. "Your mind is kind of frantically trying to obey it."
CVS officials declined to be interviewed about metrics but issued a statement and answered questions in writing. The company said prescriptions do not have to be filled quickly, but it expects pharmacists to have medications ready by the time promised to the customer.
Records show that head pharmacists receive a monthly "WeCARE Scorecard" that tracks the percentage of prescriptions filled by the times promised. The pharmacies are ranked by district, by region and nationwide.
CVS' computer system prioritizes prescriptions based on patients' requested pickup times, with preference given to customers with urgent needs for instance, someone on his way home from the hospital after surgery. Pharmacists can reset a promised pickup time if they think it cannot be met, the company wrote.
The color indicators on computer screens are meant to help pharmacists with prioritizing their work, CVS said. The company also wrote that several years ago it removed a red indicator for prescriptions that had gone beyond the promised pickup time because pharmacists "felt the color red denoted something negative or alarming."
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"We switched to an 'orange' indicator to inform a pharmacy team which prescriptions may not be ready before a customer's expected arrival time," CVS wrote.
Another CVS metric, documents show, tracks how many patients sign up for automatic refills. Zuraitis said posters on pharmacy walls record how many flu shots have been administered. "You feel like you're trying to sell people something," he said.
CVS said automatic refills help patients stay on schedule with the drugs they need to treat chronic conditions. The company said it measures the number of flu vaccinations offered to customers to help support the recommendation by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that people receive a flu shot annually.
At Walgreens, officials said the company collects business metrics as a way to monitor staffing levels and service. The firm said it does not use them in a manner that emphasizes productivity over patient safety.
Alethea Little, a Walgreens pharmacist in west suburban Forest Park who properly warned a tester, said metrics are no excuse for missing drug interactions.
"Our flu shot goal is 10 a day, 12 a day, 50 a day," she said. "And the phone rings off the hook. You just got to do what you got to do, essentially."
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Squeezed by chains
Independent pharmacies face a different kind of pressure: intense competition from the big chains.
B.M. Patel, a pharmacist for 40 years who owns Riteway Pharmacy on Chicago's Northwest Side, missed the test interaction but didn't make excuses. "It was a mistake," he said. "Maybe I should be paying more attention."
But he also said small pharmacies know that if they don't fill a prescription, the customer might simply go to a nearby chain store. Business at his store, he said, "is not good. I can still survive, but not too long. We don't really know how long it's going to last."
The number of independent stores has been shrinking nationwide. In Illinois, the number dropped about 9 percent from 689 in 2013 to 624 last year, according to the National Community Pharmacists Association.
Several independents tested by the Tribune looked like classic drugstores, offering medications alongside greeting cards, stuffed animals and candy bars. Others were less inviting. One dispensed drugs behind a thick window; at another, a reporter had to knock several times to gain entry.
In Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, independent pharmacist Audrey Galal passed her test while working at a Mexicare Pharmacy, a small storefront on a block of brick buildings. The store is in the process of closing, she said, in part because of competition from chains.
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Galal said she did not think small drugstores would knowingly sell harmful medications, but they might be reluctant to turn away business.
"These pharmacists are acting like businesspeople, just trying to keep their pharmacies afloat instead of being clinicians," said Galal, who now works at a Mexicare in Little Village.
Andy Politis, a pharmacist and part owner of Oakmill Pharmacy in north suburban Niles who passed the test, said he was surprised how many independents failed. "The independent guys should be better because they don't have the same pressure as the big stores with so many prescriptions," he said.
B. Douglas Hoey, chief executive of the national community pharmacists group, said the results were alarming. "It's something that shouldn't happen both for chains and independents," he said. "Even one is too many."
Several independents said the findings prompted them to make changes. After failing its test, Summit Medical Pharmacy in the southwest suburbs beefed up internal checks and worked with a software company to ensure that even minor drug interactions are detected.
Since then, the new system has flagged several interactions that led to consultations with doctors and patients, head pharmacist Pankaj Bhalakia said.
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"We changed the whole system," he said. "I don't think there could be a problem in the future."
sroe@chicagotribune.com
rlong@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @SamRoe
Twitter @RayLong
Major pharmacy chains vow safety improvements
In response to the Tribune tests, some of the nation's largest pharmacy chains said they would take significant steps to improve patient safety.
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CVS
CVS said it will change its policies and computer system to require pharmacists to call the prescribing doctor or warn the patient when a serious drug interaction is flagged. Those changes will apply to the chain's 30,000 pharmacists at its 9,600 drugstores.
Currently, CVS allows pharmacists to override computer alerts if they review the warning and accompanying medical literature and conclude the prescription is appropriate. In the future, the system will not allow pharmacies to dispense certain flagged medications unless the pharmacists document in the computer that they have called the doctor or counseled the patient.
CVS said its pharmacists will undergo a comprehensive training and certification program on the new rule, to be implemented early next year. The rule will apply to other safety issues, such as drug-allergy interactions, duplicative therapies and orders involving unusually high or low doses, later in the year.
To reduce "alert fatigue," CVS said it will work with its database providers to streamline alerts to help ensure that pharmacists are presented with the most important warnings.
In addition, CVS said it will change its approach to the "offer to counsel." Throughout the industry, pharmacists often address a legal requirement that pharmacies must offer to counsel patients by having staff ask customers at checkout, "Do you have any questions for the pharmacist today?" or sometimes simply, "Any questions?" CVS said it will require a more robust and explanatory communication.
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CVS said the new wording has not been finalized but that the company's 50,000 technicians will be trained in the new policy.
Walgreens
Walgreens said it will provide additional training on drug interactions for its 27,000 pharmacists at its 8,175 U.S. drugstores, including the 222 pharmacies in the New York metropolitan area under the Duane Reade banner. A pharmacy staff meeting on drug interactions will be held chainwide.
To give pharmacists more time to help patients, Walgreens said it is accelerating efforts to move administrative tasks out of stores and to a centralized office.
Walgreens also said it has notified staffers of relevant policies and procedures, including that pharmacists should always counsel patients on new prescriptions.
Wal-Mart
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Wal-Mart said it will update and improve its pharmacy alert system. Once that process is completed, the company's pharmacy operating manual will be amended accordingly, and Wal-Mart's 16,000 pharmacists at 4,500 stores will be required to undergo computer-based training on the changes.
The company also said it will send a notification to all of its pharmacists reminding them of best practices in terms of identifying drug interactions and warning patients. Wal-Mart said it will reinforce that pharmacists should counsel all patients filling new prescriptions.
Kmart
Kmart said it is reviewing its policies, computer systems and training programs relevant to its 528 pharmacies.
The company said it is also studying whether to bolster the way it approaches the "offer to counsel" and whether to require new customers to fill out medication forms to help staff detect drug interactions.
A 28-year-old Aurora man has been charged with two counts of felony theft after an undercover operation by Aurora Community Policing Officers targeting packages swiped off porches after they were delivered by commercial delivery companies or the U.S. Postal Service, police announced Wednesday in a news release.
Moses V. Williamson, of the 1100 block of South Fourth Street, is in Kane County Jail, where his bail has been set at $15,000.
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Police arrested Williamson without incident about noon on Monday after officers who were tailing him saw him allegedly take packages off porches in the 100 block of North Root Street and the first block of South Fourth Street on the city's Near East Side, according to police.
Police said they believe Williamson is connected to several similar incidents. He surfaced as a suspect when a witness saw someone committing similar thefts Dec. 5 on the Near South East Side and took a photo of the car the suspect was driving, capturing the license plate number, according to the news release.
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When Williamson was arrested, he was driving the same car as the one in the witness' photos, according to police.
In 2014, Williamson pleaded guilty in Kane County to felony possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to 18 months in the Illinois Department of Corrections, records show. In 2013, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft valued at $500 or less and was sentenced to 120 days in Kane County Jail, records show. In 2012 in Kendall County, he was convicted of resisting a peace officer in 2011 and was sentenced to 12 months of probation with reporting to court services and returning to court, plus 150 hours of public service, records show. In 2013, his sentence was amended to 10 days in the Kendall County jail plus 10 days of conditional discharge with reporting to court services and returning to court.
Police say they are continuing to investigate other thefts as possibly being connected. However, police also believe there may be several thieves perpetrating similar crimes and plan to conduct more undercover details throughout the holiday season in association with delivery companies and the U.S. Post Office, according to the news release.
There has been a "spate" of packages stolen across the city in recent weeks, police said.
It's not unusual for such crimes to spike during the holidays, when the supply of delivered packages greatly increases, police said in the news release.
Police said they are applauding an increasing number of witnesses who have been taking photos of suspicious people or vehicles before calling 911. As long as witnesses don't put themselves in danger when they see someone committing a crime, photos can close the gap of response time because frequently criminals are gone by the time police arrive, police said.
hleone@tribpub.com
Twitter @hannahmleone
Oak Forest municipal officials said Tuesday they do not believe they should have to comply with a minimum wage increase and a sick leave policy the Cook County Board enacted earlier this year.
The City Council voted 7-0 to approve an ordinance that says Oak Forest will opt out of the measures that would gradually increase the minimum wage to $13 and also require companies to provide up to five days of sick leave per year to their employees.
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The Chicago City Council approved similar measures during the summer, causing the Cook County Board to act back in October and November so that similar provisions would be in place for suburban-based companies.
But Troy Ishler, the city administrator for Oak Forest, said attorneys have told him that because Oak Forest is a Home Rule community, it has the authority to set its own policies and should not be required to have local companies comply with the measures.
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Ishler said that the Oak Forest Chamber of Commerce in particular had asked the city to pass an ordinance to opt out of the two measures.
Ishler said Tuesday he believes the two measures would place financial burdens on local businesses although he would not specify exactly how much the burden would be.
On Tuesday before a vote was taken, the lone bit of comment was from Ald. James Hortsman who questioned whether provisions in law concerning the paying of a prevailing wage would be impacted. Ishler said the ordinance would not affect prevailing wages.
Frank Shuftan, a spokesman for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, said he couldn't comment on the Oak Forest measure because he hadn't yet reviewed it.
With regards to the minimum wage, Illinois already has a higher-than-the national rate minimum wage of $8.50 per hour. But under the measure that narrowly passed the county board Oct. 26, it would increase gradually each year until 2020 when it would reach $13 per hour.
In Chicago, the minimum wage will increase gradually until it reaches $13 per hour by 2019.
Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >
With regard to sick leave in the suburbs, the county's measure would require employers to provide workers with one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, with employees being allowed to gain up to five full days of sick leave per year.
Ishler, who previously said he does not think suburban businesses ought to be required to compete with Chicago for salaries and sick leave benefits, said he thinks that for such measures to be valid, they would have to be approved by the Illinois General Assembly and the governor.
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He also cited comments by Cook County commissioners who said at the time they approved the minimum wage boost that they hoped their action would motivate the Illinois Legislature to act on the issue, although thus far there has been no such action taken.
In other business, the council approved without opposition a property tax levy that will be used when calculating the city budget for the fiscal year that begins in May.
The levy will raise $10.02 million for the city, a 3.84 percent increase.
City Finance Director Colleen Julian said officials estimate that will be about a $30 annual increase for the average Oak Forest property owner, that will cover increases in pension contributions, municipal salaries, health insurance and a $1.2 million capital projects plan the city hopes to enact.
Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Will County residents seeking to install temporary housing for elderly and disabled relatives once again will need a special use permit.
In amending its ordinance on Thursday, Will County officials also decided to ban such units in smaller residential zoning districts and restrict them to a maximum of 1,000 square feet, down from 1,200 square feet.
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The board voted, 22 to 2, to limit what is known as Elderly Cottage Housing Opportunities (ECHO) to agricultural and estate zoning, and large residential lots of at least 43,560 square feet, and prohibit them on smaller residential properties.
The county board previously required a special use permit for these units, but when it revised the zoning ordinance in 2012, the special use permit was eliminated, because the permits were nearly always approved.
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After residents in Wesley Township complained about a neighbor who was allowed an ECHO unit, the incident prompted a discussion by the board on reinstating the special use permits to allow residents to have input. Some board members felt that the $675 permit fee was a financial burden.
Board member Steve Balich, R-Orland Park, proposed another amendment, to allow ECHO units in all zoning districts, with a special use permit but the proposal failed to pass.
Len Vallone, chairman of Will County's planning and zoning commission, told the board allowing such units on smaller residential lots "could cause problems."
ECHO units must comply with all zoning requirements, such as being placed 30 feet from an adjoining property line and connected to water and sanitary sewer or septic fields and approved by the health department and building department.
Balich acknowledged that smaller lots would not be able to meet these requirements.
Board member Mike Fricilone, R-Homer Glen, said he did not want someone to spend money to go through the permitting process only to be told 'no.'
Currently, there are 21 ECHO units in the county 19 in agricultural areas, one in an estate zoning, and one on a large residential lot.
Landowners must renew their eligibility annually, and remove the unit when it is no longer needed.
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In other matters:
It was announced that the board's chief of staff, Bruce Friefeld, was retiring at the end of this year after serving the county for 28 years. In thanking him for his service, board Speaker Jim Moustis, R-Frankfort Township, called Friefeld a "great advisor to me and the board." Prior to working for the county, Friefeld was Frankfort Township supervisor.
The board unanimously approved an amended agreement with Centerpoint Intermodal Center, Illinois Department of Transportation and the city of Joliet which are partnering to construct the Houbolt Bridge from I-80 over the Des Plaines River to the intermodal facilities. The amendment more accurately defined the geographic area in which the county agreed not to create new truck routes that would divert truck traffic from the proposed new toll bridge, which will be financed and operated by CenterPoint. The purpose of the proposed bridge is to keep truck traffic off residential streets.
That area lies south of I-80, east of Route 53, west of I-55 and north of the village of Elwood.
Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >
Knight Engineering of Chicago was hired for $2.5 million for engineering work for the reconstruction and widening of Weber Road, from 135th Street to Normantown Road, near the I-55 interchange. The Illinois Department of Transportation will be improving that interchange.
The board approved an intergovernmental agreement with the village of Monee, allowing the village to install and maintain new traffic signals at the intersection of Manhattan-Monee Road and Ridgeland Avenue, at the entrance to the new Amazon fulfillment center.
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Fees were adjusted for sheriff's department services, such as serving warrants, subpoenas, or summons, providing eviction enforcement, taking bail, and transporting inmates to court, the doctor, or other counties. Higher fees were approved for most services, based on a study of the actual costs.
Currently there is no charge to escort inmates to medical appointments. The sheriff now will charge $43 for an in jail doctor visit, and $58 for a medical appointment outside the jail.
Increased fees for other services were generally less than $20, and fees for serving an arrest warrant dropped by $2 to $114, plus mileage.
The board agreed to increase fees to Mack Communications, its public information and media relations consultant, to $5,333 per month, up from $3,750, but not to exceed $64,000 per year.
slafferty@tribpub.com
A group of state workers represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees demonstrates on Aug. 4, 2015 in Waukegan. (Frank Abderholden / Lake County News-Sun)
Five men and women depend on Jim Anderson. Each of the five has a severe mental illness, which is why they live at the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna.
Throughout the day, Anderson ensures they are fed. He helps them go to the bathroom. He makes sure they stay safe and as comfortable as possible. This is typically thankless work.
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But Anderson's union does not reflect his level of care and selflessness.
In fact, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME, is clinging to a list of outrageous demands regardless of cost to taxpayers even at the expense of its own membership.
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The union, House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton are now crying foul over negotiations with Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration. "Don't Dictate, Negotiate" is the common chorus.
That's an absurd framing of the historical power dynamics in Springfield, where AFSCME typically demands and receives whatever it wants with little friction.
The length and cost of negotiations thus far is already insulting to Illinoisans. And AFSCME has acted like a spoiled child at the bargaining table.
The union and the state met in 24 bargaining sessions for a total of 67 days over the course of the current contract negotiations. Throughout, AFSCME stuck to demands that would cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $3 billion over the course of the contract, despite the following:
Illinois state workers are the highest paid in the nation when adjusted for cost of living.
They pay bronze-level prices for platinum-level health insurance.
Many retirees receive free health insurance for life.
Their contract already includes a 37.5-hour workweek for many employees and lax disciplinary procedures.
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Surely there's some wiggle room for negotiation. But AFSCME doesn't want to budge.
"I have nothing else to say and am not interested in hearing what you have to say at this point carry that message back to your principals," AFSCME's chief negotiator said at the close of one bargaining session.
Does that sound like someone willing to compromise?
Rauner requested the contract talks be declared at impasse, so negotiations could finally be brought to a close. Administrative law judge Sarah Kerley ruled impasse existed on several issues, writing, " ... the [u]nion's conduct calls into question its commitment to reaching an agreement through bargaining."
After that ruling, Rauner moved to implement some parts of the state's last, best offer, such as $1,000 performance bonuses and bereavement leave. But the union began filing lawsuits across the state to block those actions. St. Clair Circuit Judge Robert LeChien promptly issued a temporary restraining order preventing the governor from imposing those reforms.
Anderson, for one, is fed up with the stalling tactics. And he thinks fighting for richer benefits is disrespectful to Illinoisans who don't work for the state.
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"I think AFSCME has anything but the health of its members' state at heart," he said. "I'm not one to stick by all these added benefits people have gotten from the union, because it's unfair to all the other citizens who pay taxes through the nose so I can sit pretty. I don't want to be selfish, but here's a union that wants to hold the state over a barrel."
If only he had a seat at the bargaining table.
Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >
Anderson formerly earned a living making signs, and understands the difficulties Illinoisans are facing in the private sector. For instance, Illinois manufacturing workers are experiencing the worst jobs recovery in the entire Midwest, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And Illinois' unemployment rate remains the highest in the region.
Still, Anderson is witnessing a growing uneasiness among his AFSCME-member co-workers, who naturally are eager to receive $1,000 checks before Christmas, but instead hear talk of the union's fight against those bonuses, and of a potential strike.
Anderson said a strike could be harmful to the men and women he cares for at Choate. In his line of work, success requires strong relationships and consistency of care.
"The impression I get is that most people don't want to strike," he said.
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"But we have union reps ramping up the pressure. I don't think that's fair to us. We're all in this together, and if we don't act like we're all in this together we'll never get out of it."
Carry that message back to your principals.
Austin Berg is a writer for the Illinois Policy Institute. He wrote this column for the Illinois News Network, a project of the Institute.
A 32-year-old Chicago man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to murder in connection to the September robbery of a Carpentersville computer store, according to court documents.
Bobby Heard, formerly of Carpentersville, also denied armed robbery, robbery and armed violence charges included in a Kane County grand jury indictment issued in November. Heard, held in Kane County Jail on $3 million bail, is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 26 for a pre-trial hearing before Judge John Barsanti.
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Prosecutors charged Heard with murder by way of the state's accountability statute because a second man involved in the robbery, Kenyon Slater, died while the pair were committing a forcible felony the armed robbery of Oscarin's Computers.
According to authorities, Heard and Slater entered the store the night of Sept. 7 and, armed with handguns, confronted the store's owner and an employee. They used nylon zip ties to restrain the workers while demanding money, court records state, noting the pair grabbed "some phones and approximately $15,000 cash" during the robbery.
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One of the men it is not stated in the documents whether it was Heard or Slater struck the store employee in the head with a gun.
The employee was able to free himself and retrieve a gun he legally had in the store. He followed Heard and Slater as they fled and, after they pointed their guns at him, opened fire, fatally wounding Slater who later died at a nearby hospital, according to authorities and court filings. Carpentersville police responded to a 911 call of shots fired around 7:30 p.m. that night. Heard, who fled in a van driven by a third man, was captured by U.S. Marshals in Missouri two weeks after the robbery.
Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Three generations of the McGreevy, Zimmerman and Koval family in the Fox Valley area attended the program held in Hampshire. (Denise Moran / The Courier-News)
Nearly 60 area residents attended a free program recently in the Hampshire Township building, 170 Mill Avenue, to learn how dementia could affect their lives and the lives of loved ones.
Hampshire resident Maureen McGreevy came up with the idea of holding the workshop. McGreevy's mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In addition, as a township bus driver transporting seniors, McGreevy realized the community's need for a better understanding of the disease.
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"Maureen convinced me to hold this program," said Jody Remakel, Hampshire Township supervisor. "She reached out to Sue Sklar, education and outreach manager at the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in Rockford."
"There are 220,000 people in Illinois who have dementia," McGreevy said. "Some know it and some don't. I am an advocate for people with dementia."
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Sklar defined dementia as "a progressive disease of the brain that destroys brain cells and causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Dementia is an umbrella term that is used to describe a wide range of symptoms including memory loss and mental decline. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia."
Sklar discussed the 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease:
1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life. Forgetting something they recently learned, asking the same questions repeatedly, or relying on memory aids.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Experiencing problems in developing or following a plan, working with numbers, following a familiar recipe, keeping track of bills, and trying to concentrate.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. Forgetting the route to once familiar places or the rules of a favorite game.
4. Confusion with time or place. Losing track of dates, sessions and the passage of time. They forget where they are and how they got there.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. Their ability to track visual surroundings is diminished. They have trouble reading, judging distances, and determining colors or contrasts.
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. Having difficulty in following or joining a conversation. They might repeat what was already said or call something by the wrong name.
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7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. They might put their keys in the fruit bowl or accuse someone of stealing.
8. Decreased or poor judgment. Giving large sums of money to telemarketers or wearing clothes inappropriate for the weather or season.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. Avoiding once favorite hobbies, work projects or family gatherings.
10. Changes in mood and personality. Increasingly showing signs of confusion, suspicion, fear, anxiety and agitation.
The spouse of an Alzheimer's disease patient said on a video, "If we could have had a correct diagnosis even two years earlier, it would have given us more time to plan, to do the things that can result in a good quality of life and to accomplish things we always wanted to do that got put off for this reason or that."
While Alzheimer's disease is not curable, early diagnosis allows a person to identify and complete legal documents, make plans for finances and property, and name a person to make decisions on their behalf when they no longer can.
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McGreevy would like Hampshire to become a dementia-friendly community where residents with dementia still feel they are a part of society.
"We need to be comfortable around people with dementia," said Sklar. "The stigma needs to be lessened."
If a person with dementia becomes lost, it is important to find them as quickly as possible especially in rural areas.
"They will hide from police," McGreevy said. "They might hide in the woods or go toward water."
The Hampshire Police Department and Hampshire Fire Protection District are participating in the "Bring Me Home Safe" program. Families with members who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, autism, Down Syndrome or mental illness are asked to fill out an enrollment form and turn it in so that first responders have the information they need to find lost persons.
"We have iPads in our rigs where we can keep the information," said Hampshire firefighter Sheri Stadie. "The enrollment forms will also be at the station."
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Remakel said Hampshire Township will hold another free workshop on Jan. 14. The "Live Dementia" program will allow people to physically know what it feels like to have dementia.
"Our intent is to have more of these sessions," Remakel said.
McGreevy would like to create a support group for caregivers in Hampshire. One out of three caregivers reportedly die before the person they cared for.
"We could meet once a month and bring in speakers," McGreevy said. "It's important for caregivers to know they are not alone."
For information, contact Hampshire Township at 847-683-9464; HampshireTownSupervisor@gmail.com.
Denise Moran is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Right to protest: I want to comment about the caller who was venting about protesters. This is the United States. If you do things peacefully, you have the right to speak out and the right to protest. If you don't like it, move to another country where it's not all right to protest.
Gauging age requirements: Here's something I don't understand. You must be 25 years old to rent a car, but you only need to be 21 to drive a school bus with all those lives under your control. Does that make sense to anybody?
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Oxygen delivery cut off: Claiming cutbacks in Medicare, companies that supply oxygen and supplies to the elderly and disabled have stopped delivering oxygen on a regular basis. This requires people to pick up their own oxygen. They won't deliver even if you offer to pay. With store hours so limited and being closed on the weekends, it's almost impossible to find someone who is free to pick up oxygen. I've seen elderly and disabled people who could hardly walk or breathe, let alone drive, have a hard time getting into the stores. If this isn't abuse of the elderly and disabled, what is? We need help.
In the dark: Sleepy Hollow has to beg for funding for streetlights because their residents don't want to pay for them. Let them live in the dark, I say.
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Irked about illegal immigrants: This is for all the illegal immigrants in the United States. What part of illegal do you not understand? I don't have a problem with immigrants coming in, becoming citizens and paying taxes just like I do. But when you come here illegally, stay illegally and take the benefits of our country while sending money back to the country where you came from, I have a problem with that. Illegal immigrants need to become legal.
West needs rest: Entertainer Kanye West was rushed to the hospital in a state of exhaustion. If I was married to Kim Kardashian, I would also suffer from exhaustion.
Fake new effect: How many people voted for Trump based on fake news?
Hate lingers: To the person who calls people stupid for voting for Donald Trump and won't talk to some people, including relatives, because they like Trump, that person is losing twice. Not only are you losing because Hillary Clinton lost, you also lost loved ones because of a four-year presidential term. The four years will be over, but your hate will linger. You should seek help.
Seek the truth: What really gets me are the people who keep complaining about this election. To the people who said Donald Trump was offensive, he was offensive, but he said it like he believed it. Our politicians think it but don't say it. They tell you what you want to hear so they will get elected. At least Trump told the truth about what he felt.
Curious about comment: I don't understand why somebody bothered to call in to correct the comment that money is the root of all evil but then clarifies that it's the love of money that's the evil. It's the same thing. Apparently, the caller just wanted to show he or she was smarter.
Filling the Cabinet: It looks like Donald Trump is filling his Cabinet with all white people, but he tries to make it look good with two women. One of the women during the election said she despised him yet voted for him. So much for morals. Sweep them under the carpet or out the window. If you're talking about Ben Carson, he's an android. Where is this all going? Stay tuned.
Close open borders: The presidential election was won by the silent majority who want to put a stop to open borders, whether south of Texas or from the Mideast. The people who fought for this nation do not want to give it away.
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Popular vote versus Electoral College vote: I find the results from the election a little on the shady side. How can you have someone win the popular vote by over 2 million votes but still lose the Electoral College vote? That is very strange. The popular vote is hard to manipulate, but the Electoral College vote is not. I don't think the outcome will change with the recount, but I think things in the future will change. I think there was some hanky-panky.
Need for diplomacy: I understand the Cuban people's joy with Fidel Castro being gone, but I don't understand the Republican politicians being so critical of President Obama. We need to have a diplomatic relationship with Cuba even though they have a dictator. We had a relationship with Saddam Hussein. That's the way of the world. We need to get our country in order before we criticize other countries. How soon we forget what we do. We are a nation of hypocrites.
Stay alert in Sleepy Hollow: This is about the perturbed person who almost got a ticket in Sleepy Hollow. Same thing happened to me. I pulled over to a little spot by the police station to get directions. A police car came up behind me and turned on its signal. I'm handicapped. I had to get out of my car and walk over to him to ask what was wrong. He was going to write me a citation because I pulled over in a no-parking zone. I was just getting directions. The police are either hiding behind bushes or hiding in driveways to ticket you. What's with them?
Cleaning up: Mike Pence cleans up all of Donald Trump's messes. He is like a street cleaner following after an elephant.
Editor's note
Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-2460 or email couriernews@tribpub.com. Please include "speak out" in the subject line.
Mark Cohen will start in July 2017 as assistant superintendent for innovation and growth in Elmhurst Unit School District 205. (Graydon Megan / Pioneer Press)
Mark Cohen, associate principal of Lincoln Way East High School in Frankfort, will join Elmhurst District 205 July 1 as assistant superintendent of innovation and growth.
Cohen will be paid a salary of $145,000.
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In his 17 years with Lincoln-Way High School District 210, Cohen has worked as a science teacher, science department chairman, dean of students, assistant principal and principal. District 205 Board member Jim Collins called him a great addition to the staff.
Cohen has a bachelor's degree in physics from Illinois State University, a master's degree in educational administration from Governor's State University and a doctorate in administration and supervision from Loyola University, Chicago, according to District 205.
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"I am incredibly excited to become a part of the Elmhurst 205 family," Cohen said in a statement. He cited the reputation of Elmhurst schools for their academic intensity and extracurricular excellence.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the students, staff and the leadership team in such a fine district," Cohen said.
District 205 Superintendent David Moyer described Cohen as a man of the highest integrity who came highly recommended.
"He is known first and foremost as a 'students-first' administrator. He is a relationship-builder and strong communicator. He will be a great addition to our District 205 team," Moyer said.
District officials said the duties of the newly created position are wide-ranging, including support of school improvement work at the secondary level, work with the science, technology, engineering and math coordinator and oversight of student activities from early childhood through high school.
Graydon Megan is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
I wasn't old enough to understand the significance of Bruce Springsteen's powerful song and album "Born to Run" in 1975, but he was certainly part of my playlist by the time "Born in the USA" came out. Imagine my surprise one day when I was loudly humming along to "Born in the USA" and one of my kids said, dumbstruck, "You know Bruce Springsteen?"
Heck yeah. Of course his eponymous autobiography "Born to Run" is already wrapped and under the tree addressed to my husband from SC (Santa Claus, but go ahead and compare those initials to my own).
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I like Bruce Springsteen, but my husband is a huge fan of Springsteen's energy, honesty and integrity as well as of the story his songs tell. All of those qualities are evident in his autobiography, too. Before wrapping it, I carefully flipped through the book and then several hours later put the paper on it. It is going to be good, and the critics have generally loved it.
I have "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of Family and Culture in Crisis" by J.D. Vance for my mother who is interested in all things political and sociological. Vance and his family hail from Kentucky, a town called Jackson in the Appalachian Mountains, though he grew up in Middletown, Ohio. Poor, like generations before him, he sought to improve his lot and enlisted in the Marines after high school and later ended up going to Ohio State University before earning his law degree from Yale. His memoir is engaging and informative, and his point of view valuable in a time of increasing divide between the haves and the have-nots.
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For my youngest sister who likes Russia and only wants to read fiction, I am getting "A Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel" by Amor Towles. Towles' first published novel was "The Rules of Civility" in 2011, and while I thought it was going to be a philosophical etiquette book, it was instead a page-turning novel of manners and social achievement in 1930s New York City.
Towles' newest work is set in The Metropol Hotel, a luxurious beacon in 1922 Russia. There Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov is essentially under house arrest and comes to rely on a girl named Nina who has a skeleton key to the all the hotel rooms. The novel has been compared to a cross between "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Eloise." Sounds like good winter reading.
Pay attention Santa, I have my own list. Please bring me "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah. Noah replaced Jon Stewart on The Daily Show, so right off the bat Noah has a point of view, and just as I like Stewart's wit and acuity, Noah has his own biting wit and acuity. I particularly like the fact that he is a foreigner commenting on what he sees here in the U.S.
As someone who lived outside the United States for nine years, I appreciate an outsider's point of view, especially from someone who was raised in "post-Apartheid" South Africa. He still grew up amid a kind of racism we can't even imagine, and I rather like his outrage.
I also admit to liking his South African "accent," and in his memoir he talks about how and why his mom emphasized how important it was to for Noah not just to learn to speak English but to speak it correctly, eloquently and with distinction. Language would be a tool for his advancement. That is not something we in our Blue Ribbon School district and access to books and media think about often.
I have also asked Santa Claus for "Commonwealth" by Ann Patchett. "Bel Canto," one of her earlier novels, is one of my top 20 books, so anything Patchett writes from to essays to soup labels is something I am going to read. Patchett can tell a story and create compelling characters, and I believe that is what happens in this story of a family and its relationships over time.
Bibliophile or not, God bless us, every one!
After several loud and profanity-laced outbursts, a man convicted of making a terrorist threat involving the Lake County Courthouse was sent back to jail Thursday morning in the middle of a hearing to determine his mental status.
Daniel Pederson, of Calabasas, Calif., was convicted in May of making a terrorism threat, a felony that carries a potential sentence of six to 30 years in prison, after authorities said he threatened in 2014 to "light up" the courthouse.
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After one of his final outbursts Thursday before Judge Mark Levitt remanded him to jail and said he would reschedule the hearing, Pederson said, "You guys (expletive) with the wrong person. Oh, is that making a terrorist threat?"
Pederson, 33, was sent to the secure Elgin Mental Health Center for evaluation and treatment in August when Levitt found him unfit for his sentencing hearing, which is still pending. He was returned from Elgin to Lake County for Thursday's hearing.
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After warning Pederson several times and giving him a five-minute break to compose himself, Levitt told Pederson, "You have made it impossible for this hearing to continue," and sent him to Lake County Jail until Friday morning, when Levitt said he will schedule a new date to finish the fitness hearing.
Pederson's comments began after he tried to make an objection while a psychiatrist from the Elgin Mental Health Center was testifying under questioning by Assistant State's Attorney Ben Dillon.
When Levitt told Pederson he was not an attorney and not representing himself, Pederson began loudly questioning his attorneys' competency and saying they were not asking the right questions.
When Pederson kept making comments from the defense table, Levitt called the five-minute recess and left the courtroom, at which point Pederson turned to the audience gallery and began venting his anger.
"The circle of collusion around here makes me sick to my stomach," Pederson said from the defense table. "Lake County is corrupt as (expletive)."
When Levitt returned from the recess, he told Pederson he had heard some of what he had said from the hallway and at that point stopped the hearing. Attorneys indicated the rescheduled fitness hearing would probably take place some time in January.
Pederson is being represented by public defenders Keith Grant and Jack Idlas.
"I have no comment at all," Grant said after the fitness hearing was halted.
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The case against Pederson began Sept. 12, 2014, when prosecutors said Pederson called the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and said he was going to "kill people" and "light up" the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan, as well as the Gurnee Police Department.
Authorities said they traced the call to Pederson, who is a former Lake County resident.
Pederson has other active cases in Lake County as well. He has previous indictments for violating an order of protection in Vernon Hills in 2013 and five counts of telephone harassment involving an alleged threat to kill in 2012 in Round Lake. He was extradited to Lake County from California in October 2014 due to the telephone threats to Gurnee police and the county.
At that time, Pederson had two outstanding warrants in Lake County, a 2011 failure-to-appear arrest warrant for a charge of criminal damage to property and a 2013 warrant for the charge of violating an order of protection, according to court records and a news release from the Lake County sheriff's office.
jrnewton@tribpub.com
Twitter @jnewton5
Gurnee is one of the rare municipalities that do not have a property tax, and former Village Board trustee Michael Jacobs would like to keep it that way. Jacobs is one of five people who filed election petitions in Gurnee Monday, permitting them to run for office in spring 2017.
"The village itself does not impose a tax," Jacobs said. Gurnee residents pay sales, school and other taxes, but not property tax to the village.
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Jacobs is running for a two-year trustee position. He served on the board from 2007-2011, stepping down for personal reasons. Now that his kids are older, he said, he can run for trustee again.
"I do have some time that I can give back to the village," he said.
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Jacobs, an attorney who works in health care management, has lived in Gurnee since 1991. He said he approves of Mayor Kristina Kovarik.
"I think she runs the ship very well," Jacobs said.
Kovarik filed papers Monday to run for re-election, according to Deputy Clerk Donna Dallas. Residents have until Dec. 19 to file as a candidate for either mayor, village clerk, one of three open four-year seats on the board or an unexpired two-year board term in the April consolidated election.
Karen "KT" Thorstenson is running for re-election to a four-year trustee position. She was appointed to the board in October 2015 after Steve Parks resigned. Before that, she served on the village's economic development committee and the planning and zoning board.
Thorstenson, who works in financial services, has lived in Gurnee for more than 25 years. She said she shares the goal of avoiding a property tax. To do this, she said, the village needs to "keep our businesses vital." In particular, she wants to encourage business growth on Grand Avenue east of Route 41.
Thorstenson said the village has "exceptional emergency services" and approves of its current government.
"They have a vision for the future," she said.
Incumbent Trustee Thomas Hood said he also believes the village is on the right track. He filed a petition for re-election to a four-year trustee spot Monday.
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Hood participates in the Village's LEAN program, which aims to streamline village services and lower costs.
"Hopefully that can pay dividends for the residents," he said.
Hood, an attorney, has lived in Gurnee his whole life. He also said he approves of Kovarik and the village's leadership.
"I support her, and I think the village is in a really good place," Hood said. "The village administrator is awesome at what he does."
Regarding Gurnee's government in general, Hood added that "from my standpoint, it's not something that needs a lot of change. It needs continued improvement."
Hood said the village must continue to streamline services to avoid needing a property tax.
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"As a village," he said, "we're trying not to add to that burden."
Trustee Jeanne E. Balmes also filed for re-election to a four-year seat.
As of Wednesday, no one had filed to run for village clerk.
Mary McIntyre is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen speaks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump through a speaker phone in Taipei, Taiwan, on Dec. 2. (AP)
The telephone conversation on Dec. 2 between President-elect Donald Trump and President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan was relatively brief but continues to reverberate prominently in news, diplomatic and political dimensions.
Relations between Taiwan and mainland China have been convoluted since 1949, when communist forces under Mao Zedong achieved victory in the long civil war. Remnants of the Nationalist China army under Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan.
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In order to maintain established working relations with Beijing, Washington has generally respected the diplomatic fiction that Taiwan does not exist as a separate entity. President Richard Nixon's historic 1972 visit to China began the process of improving relations. Formal diplomatic relations were developed in 1978.
Tsai was elected with 56 percent of the vote in January. She is the first woman chief executive of the island, which is extremely important but submerged in the current media noise. She is the second president from the Democratic Progressive Party, which has been formally committed to independence for Taiwan, an act that Beijing has regularly declared would mean war.
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The rival conservative Kuomintang Party has taken a more flexible, pragmatic approach. Tsai's immediate predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou, is from the Kuomintang Party. He emphasized and effectively pursued rapprochement, greatly expanding economic ties with mainland China.
In a 2006 visit to New York, Ma emphasized the agreement with Beijing to accept the concept of "one China" but differed on features of that China. That accord was fundamental to the comparatively effective dialogue which followed. Tsai has refused a formal public commitment to a "one China, two systems" formulation.
Pragmatism nonetheless has been Taiwan's overall approach. Following Washington's formal diplomatic recognition of Beijing on Jan. 1, 1979, Taipei launched a comprehensive, essentially nonconfrontational strategic response.
Consular offices in American cities were greatly expanded. Local and state government officials, along with members of the U.S. Congress, were assiduously courted. Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton was among those who visited Taiwan.
During the mid-1990s, the Clinton administration acceded to a demand by Beijing that Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui be prevented from visiting the United States. This decision was reversed through skillfully conducted direct appeal to the U.S. Congress. The experience remains a powerful reminder of the substantial influence the small island has astutely developed in the U.S. despite and to some extent because of absence of formal diplomatic ties.
Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday >
Taiwan is banker to the enormous industrial revolution taking place on the mainland. Commercially successful, generally well-educated overseas Chinese are a vital source of investment capital. Expatriate Chinese also vote in Taiwan elections.
China and the United States were directly involved as combatants in the Korean War of 1950-1953. Newly inaugurated President Dwight D. Eisenhower successfully halted the war and also drew Taiwan tightly into a new security agreement.
That was particularly important because Republican rhetoric of the era promised to "unleash" the nationalists on the mainland. Eisenhower indirectly neutralized the hot rhetoric while controlling Taiwan. In 1955 and 1958, tense confrontations occurred between Beijing and Washington, but Eisenhower averted war.
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China supported communist revolutionaries in the Vietnam War, despite deeply rooted enmity with Indochina. Ideological solidarity triumphed. Yet Beijing also tolerated approximately one-half million American forces, plus allies, near their border without intervening directly.
President Eisenhower visited Taiwan during the height of the Cold War. President Ronald Reagan included a Taiwan delegation in his inauguration. Trump's gesture is clumsy and disruptive but not likely to lead to war.
Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen distinguished professor at Carthage College and author of "After the Cold War" (NYU Press).
acyr@carthage.edu
A freakshake takes a shake to epic proportions, in this case one made with bananas and peanut butter and skewered bacon, mini cupcakes, peanut butter cookies and brownies. (Melissa Elsmo / Pioneer Press)
It's that time once again I've gazed into my culinary crystal ball in search of discovering the hottest food trends for 2017. Obviously I have no guarantee if I'm on the right track, but I have high hopes I'll be proven right over the next 12 months. Look for my 2016 trends of fried chicken sandwiches and Korean Gochujang to continue growing in popularity in the New Year, but leave a little room in your belly for gluttonous freakshakes, lovely Filipino lumpia rolls and an Israeli inspired brunch dish. While you're at it, you can help prove me right by dining-in at your local butcher shop and washing your meal down with something other than soda...preferably a tasty beer brewed by a woman!
The root to leaf movement: Just like the beloved meat-focused nose-to-tail movement, waste conscious cooks are embracing whole vegetable cookery. Root to leaf eating forces cooks to make use of delicate herb flowers, tough vegetable stalks and often discarded leafy greens like beet, carrot and turnip tops. While this financially sound and environmentally friendly practice is already favored by restaurant chefs, look for recipes geared toward home cooks to make the most of vegetables in 2017.
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Female brewers: Brewing didn't become the male dominated industry it is today until the start of the industrial revolution in the late 1700s. Long before our image of a beer-maker became a bearded, flannel-clad, boot-wearing hipster-dude, women brewed beer as part of their daily chores. The craft beer movement, with its array of brew styles and complex flavor profiles is drawing more women into the field. Look for female brewers to gain more recognition than ever in 2017.
Keep your fork: The stuffy formality of fine dining will relax even more in the new year. Look for restaurants to suggest you hang onto your fork between courses by offering a place for you to rest it on the table. Tiles, wooden boards, small dishes or proper fork rests will keep your used silverware from touching the table after use.
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Butcher to table: Knowing your butcher is even more important as less familiar meats like goat and rabbit gain popularity. To help carnivores navigate the world of meat look for savvy butchers to create welcoming and delicious dine-in experiences in their shop.
Doner kebab: First served in Turkey, Doner kebab is a well-known German street food and beloved late night snack. Similar to gyros, kebab sandwiches feature beef, chicken or lamb spiced with loads of salt, cinnamon and cumin. Shaved from rotating spits the meat is piled on flat bread before being garnished with sauces, lettuce and tomato. Look for kebab shops to pop up in 2017.
The rise of Filipino cuisine: This lesser known Asian cuisine is gaining in popularity. Filipino dishes are a blissful marriage of Chinese, Spanish, Mexican and even American influences. Look for heavily marinated pork dishes cooked in adobo, flavorful garlic rice, ube (purple yam) and lumpia (spring rolls) to tantalize your taste buds in 2017.
Freakshakes: These crazy milkshakes of Australian origin are getting loads of attention in London at the moment. Topped off with cookies, brownies, sprinkles and fruit, I predict these elaborately garnished super messy milkshakes will make big waves in the United States in 2017.
Down with soda: 2016 marked a 30-year low in soft drink sales nationally and in November Cook County passed a new tax on sugared beverages including soda. Health aware consumers will continue to snub sugary pop in exchange for fruity agua fresca and carbonated water alternatives.
Shakshuka: Israeli brunch fare at its best. I've had this Middle Eastern egg dish on my trends radar for a couple of years now and I think it's bound to make a breakthrough in 2017. Eggs gently poached in a robustly flavored tomato sauce beckons restaurant chefs and home cooks alike to create their own riffs on this lesser known breakfast dish.
Turmeric 2.0: Spices contain essential oils, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that are essential for overall wellness. Look for health conscious foodies to tip their hat to turmeric as they begin exploring the health benefits of other spices. My money is on the rise of cardamom (potassium rich), fenugreek (respiratory health) and mace (mood booster) as natural flavor boosters with notable health benefits.
An 'All Shook Up' American Freakshake
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Inspired by the dubious culinary dabbling of Elvis Presley, this freakshake celebrates bananas, peanut butter and bacon. Be a trendsetter and whip one of these bad boys up at home. (Makes 2 very generous shakes.)
For the freakshake garnish skewers:
Peanut butter cookies
Sliced banana
Chocolate brownies cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
Cooked bacon strips
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Mini cupcakes
4 10-inch wooden skewers
For the glass:
Creamy peanut butter
Praline bits, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts
Banana chips
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For the banana peanut butter shake:
1 1/2 banana, sliced
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups all-natural vanilla ice cream (about 4 scoops)
1 cup cold milk
Additional garnishes:
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4 pretzel rods
Chocolate sauce
Whipped cream
2 straws
Assemble the skewers: Place the skewers in the mason jars or glasses you are building your freakshake in and mark the skewer where it meets the lip of the glass. Thread your cookies, banana slices brownies, bacon and mini cupcakes onto the skewers taking care not to go below the mark you don't want the garnishes to sink into the shake. Set the skewers aside.
Prep the glass: Spread some creamy peanut butter on the rim of each glass. Sprinkle the praline bits onto the peanut butter pressing gently to adhere. Using additional peanut butter as glue and stick some banana chips around the rim of the glass. Set aside on a plate to catch any freakshake drips.
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Mix the shake: Combine the sliced banana, peanut butter, ice cream and milk in a blender. Start on low speed and increase to high after ice cream is incorporated. Add more milk to adjust consistency as desired. Pour the milk shake into the prepared glasses.
Garnish: Place two skewers in each shake filled glass. Insert 2 pretzel rods and one straw into the shake. Drizzle the shake with chocolate sauce and top with whipped cream. Serve at once and get your freak on!
Tony Kircher, assistant cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 229 in North Barrington, explains how the group is incorporating dads into the annual Pinewood Derby. (Julie Kircher)
Cub Scout Pack 229 in North Barrington will host its annual Pinewood Derby, featuring races with wood-crafted cars, from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 15 at North Barrington Elementary School, 24175 N. Grandview Drive.
The event is open to the public, but organizers added a new race category this year for fathers who helped build the cars with their children.
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Assistant 229 Cubmaster Tony Kircher recently explained what the new "Pinewood Daddy" category is all about. He said as many as 100 people attend the derby each year to participate and watch.
Kircher was a Scout while growing up in St. Louis, having achieved "Life Scout" status. His two boys, Spencer and George, also are in Cub Scout Pack 229.
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Q. Why was the "Pinewood Daddy" formed?
A. It's always been a joke among the dads about who really built the cars. So this year, we're giving them a chance to build and race their own. The regular 'Pinewood Derby' teaches boys craft-building skills, rules of fair play and good sportsmanship. The point is not competition so much as it is to live the Cub Scout motto of "Do Your Best."
Q. Why do you think Cub Scouts are special?
A. Cub scouting is also all about family. We try to include parents, siblings and everyone who wants to become involved with us.
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago.
tshields@pioneerlocal.com
Twitter @tshields19
A man was arrested Wednesday for threatening to kill a former DuPage County judge who lives in Naperville as well as the Westmont police chief and a Westmont police officer, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.
Michael A. Kirollos, 30, of the 0-99 block of East Clinton Street in Joliet, was charged with three felony counts of threatening to kill a public official in connection with messages he left for retired Judge Mary Beth O'Connor, police Chief James Gunther and an unidentified Westmont officer, the state's attorney's office news release said.
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O'Connor is married to Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom, who also had his life threatened recently in an unrelated incident.
Kirollos allegedly called the police department on Dec. 9 and left a message in which he said he would kill Gunther and the officer and blow up police headquarters, the release said.
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"It is alleged that, on the same day, Kirollos left a message with the misdemeanor division of the DuPage County courthouse in which he threatened to kill" O'Connor, the release said. Both recorded messages were discovered Monday.
Kirollos was found at his father's Joliet home Wednesday and taken into custody after a "brief scuffle" with police, the release said.
"Public servants have a difficult enough job to do, and should not have to worry about their own personal safety," State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the release. "Any threat, real or perceived, made against a public employee or elected official, will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
On Feb. 27, 2015, Kirollos was arrested by Westmont police in a relative's apartment following an incident in which he "punched (a family member) in the head numerous times" and later kicked a police officer in the shin, according to records. He was charged with misdemeanor charges of domestic battery, battery and resisting or obstructing a police officer, but found not guilty by reason of insanity by O'Connor on Jan. 27, 2016, court records showed.
Schillerstrom, a former DuPage County Board chairman and gubernatorial candidate, had similar trouble of his own last year and again in September, after a 58-year-old man threatened his life.
James P. Conroy, whose last known address was in the 500 block of Chesnut Drive in Oswego, made the first call Dec. 1, 2015. Conroy made a similar threat that day in a call to the Naperville police station. He was sentenced March 29 to six months in jail in those matters.
Conroy was arrested again in June for threatening the lives of Naperville police officers at their headquarters, and on Sept. 24 for yet another threat to kill Schillerstrom. Those court cases are pending.
Conroy was declared mentally unfit to stand trial five years ago in a May 2010 case of aggravated driving with a revoked license in Naperville.
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Schillerstrom is a partner in Ice Miller's Public Affairs Group, and was appointed chairman of the tollway board by Gov. Bruce Rauner. He and Conroy apparently have a history, although the nature of their relationship is not known.
Neither Schillerstrom nor O'Connor could be reached for comment on the most recent threat.
Kirollos is being held in DuPage County jail on $250,000 bail.
wbird@tribpub.com
Voters in Naperville Township and Lisle Township could get to vote in April on consolidating the townships' road maintenance responsibilities, including snow removal. (www.naperville.il.us)
A binding referendum question asking voters if they support the consolidation of the Naperville Township and Lisle Township road districts could be on the April 4 election ballot if approved by a DuPage County judge.
Naperville Township Supervisor Rachel Ossyra and Naperville City Councilman Kevin Coyne submitted the request to the DuPage County Circuit Court Thursday. The proposed question reads: Shall the Naperville Road District and the Lisle Township Road District of DuPage County, Illinois be consolidated into one consolidated township road district?
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If approved, the question would be on the ballot for voters in both Naperville Township and Lisle Township.
The effort comes a little more than a month after nearly 90 percent of Naperville city and township voters said they were in favor of the City of Naperville taking over Naperville Township road maintenance services.
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The proposed question is different from the nonbinding referendum question on the November ballot, which asked whether the city should take over Naperville Township road services.
Coyne said the initial effort to consolidate didn't strictly hinge on the City of Naperville taking over Naperville Township's road maintenance. The goal was to find a way to save taxpayers money. If the question is placed on the ballot and voters approve it, the two township road districts would become one without sacrificing services, Coyne said.
"I don't think there's much for anyone to push back on here," Coyne said. "It's less government and lower taxes."
Naperville Township Highway Commissioner Stan Wojtasiak says he is in "total support" of the proposed referendum question. "I know it's a good deal," he said.
Wojtasiak did not support the November nonbinding referendum question, which would have put the city in charge of township road maintenance.
The original consolidation idea was conceived by the city of Naperville, which approached Naperville Township earlier this year about creating an intergovernmental agreement under which the city would take over responsibility for maintaining 16 to 20 miles of township road in a merger that could have saved as much as $800,000 a year by city estimates.
Wojtasiak balked at the proposal, saying he did not think the city's numbers were accurate. He eventually agreed to strike a similar deal with Lisle Township in August.
Wojtasiak said Thursday he supports the new referendum question because it would further the agreement he already has with Lisle Township and not throw the city into the mix.
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"It's been working out well with the last two snow storms," Wojtasiak said.
Coyne said the consolidation is estimated to save taxpayers more than $1 million annually.
A court hearing date on the referendum question is scheduled for Jan. 8. The final day to certify the April 4 ballot is Jan. 26.
ehegarty@tribpub.com
A woman makes a donation into a Salvation Army kettle outside a Virginia grocery store in this 2012 photo. Shifts are available for those willing to perform bell-ringing services during the holiday season. (PAUL J. RICHARDS / AFP/Getty Images)
The temperature hovered around zero, and it felt a lot colder, as I spent about three hours standing next to a red kettle with a small bell in my hand.
It was Dec. 24, 2013, and I had signed up for a shift as a Salvation Army bell ringer, working in front of a popular meat market in Elburn. Despite the frigid conditions, the store was a busy place. At times, the line to get into the place extended out the front door. And many patrons needed no more than one look at the guy in the bright red apron before hustling over to drop money into the kettle.
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It was a day filled with high-fives, handshakes and smiles. Many people pushed multiple bills into the kettle's small opening. It felt like a party, and the hours flew by.
I don't remember ever having more fun on a Christmas Eve. And though I already had volunteered a few times as a bell ringer during previous Christmas seasons, I decided I wouldn't want to experience another Dec. 24 without a kettle shift.
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As a first-year resident of Oak Park, I'm ready to continue the tradition, and I'm excited to have the opportunity to get more in touch with the communities I've been charged with covering as your news editor. This year, I'll be doing my Christmas Eve bell ringing at the Walgreens location in River Forest, from 10 a.m. to noon.
It's an experience I would highly recommend. It'll likely be at least a little chilly, and there will be hustle and bustle. People who are out shopping on the day before Christmas can tend to be a bit stressed out. But I'm counting on a few magic moments, such as the time a man dressed as Santa Claus paid a visit and stood nearby for a few minutes. Or one of the times an entire family stopped at the kettle and, one by one, put in a donation.
Ringing the bell for The Salvation Army isn't a complicated job. At almost every shift, at least a couple of people will stop in front of the kettle and say thank you for ringing, or suggest that I'm a good person for performing such a service. But except for the cold weather, there really isn't much hardship to it.
It's simple. First, sign up online at www.registertoring.com. There are all kinds of times and locations available, mostly in front of nearby stores. There still are shifts available to fill. In the area, the shifts last two hours, and you can sign up for multiple time periods.
When you register, you will be able to show up at the assigned time and stand near the large Salvation Army sign. You might take over from the person or people in the previous shift. Sometimes, you'll be the first one there. Either way, a Salvation Army representative soon will arrive with a fresh kettle. You can get a new apron as well. You also will be handed the bell. You can sign up as a group, and you'll each get the apron and bell.
The organization helps those who need food, shelter and other services, and there are many people in the suburban area who need that help. It's a worthy organization, and I can raise more with a bell and a kettle than I would be able to donate. That feels good.
The best part about it, the kind of thing that makes it feel like a Christmas party, is the opportunity to create a greater connection with my new neighbors. I look forward to meeting some people for the first time, and hopefully seeing some familiar faces. In the past, deep friendships have been formed with people who stopped by to donate or even just to chat. It's allowed me to do my part to help make the community a better place, and I look forward to doing the same in this area as well.
If you're out and about and just happen to be in the River Forest area on Christmas Eve, I'd be thrilled if you stopped by to say hello.
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Al Lagattolla is a news editor in the Chicago Tribune's Pioneer Press local news network. You can reach him at alagattolla@chicagotribune.com or 312-222-7833.
The Illinois Department of Transportation is proposing to add a free car pool lane to the Eisenhower Expressway between Interstate 88 and Racine Avenue. Non-car-pool drivers could also pay a toll to use the new lane. (IDOT)
A plan to add one car pool and express toll lanes to Interstate 290 has been identified as the Illinois Department of Transportation's preferred option for the roadway, officials announced.
During an advisory group meeting Wednesday at the Carleton Hotel in Oak Park, IDOT officials provided an update on their proposed reconstruction of the Eisenhower Expressway.
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According to the proposal, IDOT hopes to add a fourth lane to I-290 in each direction between Mannheim Road and Austin Boulevard, which would bring the entire expressway to four lanes in each direction between Interstate 88 and Interstate 90/94.
IDOT would then convert the two center lanes, between I-88 and Racine Avenue, to a "Hot 3+" lane, which would allow car pool vehicles and buses to ride for free. Other commuters could also use the lane but would be charged a toll. Three traffic lanes in each direction would remain free for drivers.
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"If you're in a car pool of three or more, you ride in (the lane) for free," Pete Harmet of IDOT said. "Everyone else has to pay a toll. The idea is to set a toll rate so you have a 45 mile-per-hour speed through there, minimum, so that is then a reliable trip. As we know, there's days when the Eisenhower is quite unreliable."
When asked how the agency would enforce the lane, Harmet said Florida residents are required to register their cars as car pool vehicles, while California drivers have a switch on their transponder that they can activate while carpooling. Harmet added no final decisions have been made on how to charge the proposed tolls.
"This is analysis that needs to be done," Harmet said. "With an eight-year construction schedule, that infrastructure is the last thing that's going to be built so there is some time to think about that."
According to IDOT officials, the proposed tolls for ineligible cars using the HOT 3+ lane could run between 12 cents and 25 cents per mile, depending on the time of day. Harmet said the agency has identified three toll rates: peak hour, peak shoulder and off-peak.
"We're not going to wipe out congestion as we know it on the Eisenhower, but we're going to provide a reliable trip," Harmet said.
A plan to make the Eisenhower Expressway a tollway with three toll lanes in each direction as well as the carpool lane will not be pursued, Harmet said.
"It was not a popular idea," Harmet said. "What we found is it would push traffic onto the arterial (roadways)."
According to Harmet, plans to increase capacity and to rebuild the expressway began in October 2009, and eventually led to the current proposal. Though no funding has been secured, Harmet estimated it would take four years of advance work and four years of mainline construction to complete the project.
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Another component of the expanded and rebuilt expressway is the possibility of noise walls being constructed along the corridor. Earlier this year, only those residents living along the expressway who were deemed to benefit from the construction of the walls were allowed to vote for whether or not they'd be in favor of the walls.
In February, Oak Park residents living in seven of the 12 proposed sections along the expressway were voting against the walls, village officials said at the time. With construction not expected to begin for several years, Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb has been pushing for another round of voting closer to the project's beginning.
"I just want to be sure again, with the noise walls, that Oak Park is going to have another shot at it," Abu-Taleb said.
In response, Harmet simply said "Yes."
IDOT is expected to release an environmental impact study regarding the project on Dec. 30, which will also kick off a 45-day comment period.
The agency will also hold two public hearings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Proviso Math & Science Academy, 8601 W. Roosevelt Road in Forest Park, and Jan. 26 at the Marriott Chicago, 625 S. Ashland Ave., in Chicago. IDOT representatives will be on hand and answering any questions about the proposed project.
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sschering@pioneerlocal.com
Twitter @steveschering
Three Gary men have been charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder in a contract killing of a witness who had been expected to testify during an attempted murder trial for one of the men, according to court documents.
Antoine J. Gates, 39; Ronnie Major, 46, and Michael Rivera, 60, are charged in the killing of Jocelyn "Pie Face" Blair, who was shot several times and died at about 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 19, 2010, at the Coney Island Restaurant at 2490 Broadway in Gary.
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Blair is described in court records as an eyewitness in the Oct. 5, 2008, incident in which Major was ultimately convicted of battery and sentenced to six years in 2011.
Nearly six years ago, police had received an anonymous tip that Major had put out a hit on Blair, according to court documents. In a statement to investigators in April, Gates' stepson, Jamell Brooks, 26, identified Gates as the person who killed Blair, documents said. Brooks also identified Major, his uncle, as the person who put out the hit on Blair to prevent her from testifying at Major's attempted murder trial, court records state.
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Brooks, Gates, Robert Earl Jonson III, 26; Rashaad McNair, 28, Diana Veal, 26, and Dontaye Singletary, 24, are charged with murder, murder in perpetration of robbery and robbery in the August 2010 killing of Franklin Simmons, 61.
Singletary was convicted in the murder-for-hire of tow truck operator Carl Griffith, 72, in Portage, whom Major's wife, Sheaurice Major, allegedly wanted killed because Griffith helped Major after his release from prison and fired her from Ronnie Major's Affordable Towing firm, court documents said. Antoinetta Johnson, of Hammond, was killed in Dec. 13, 2012, at her Gary hair salon. Evidence at Singletary's trial in Porter County showed that Johnson told police she was the intermediary between Sheaurice Major and Singletary for the $2,500 hit on Fisher, documents said.
In a statement to detectives that was outlined in court documents, Brooks told police he was informed that the plan was to get Blair at the Sin City Disciples Club at 8th Avenue and Virginia Street and take her to a hotel, where Gates wanted Brooks to kill the woman. Rivera, who was tending bar, told Major that Blair was on her way.
A few minutes later, Blair walked in with other women. Blair stayed as the club was closing, documents said.
Blair walked out of the club and got into a gold or tan car, documents said. Brooks told police Gates came out of the club with two other men and Rivera. Rivera got into the car with Blair, and Gates got into the car with Brooks and the other man, documents said.
Rivera pulled into Coney Island and the car with Brooks and Gates parked to the side, documents said.
When they arrived at Coney Island, Gates told Brooks to get into the driver's seat and leave the passenger side door open. Gates went into the restaurant, and Brooks told police he heard seven or eight shots. Gates came back to the car and told Brooks to leave, documents said.
"I think I accidentally shot Puerto Rican Mike," Gates told Brooks, referring to Rivera, one of the co-defendants who was wounded in the thigh at the restaurant.
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When Brooks asked Gates what happened, Gates said he shot Blair in the head, documents said.
Ruth Ann Krause is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Hospital offers community programs, classes
Community Hospital has a variety of upcoming and continuing classes, seminars and support groups. Freedom From Smoking will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 9 and Feb. 20 at the Community Hospital Fitness Pointe, 9950 Calumet Ave., Munster. Led by a registered nurse and smoking cessation facilitator trained by the American Lung Association, the cost is $25, which will be returned upon successful completion of the program. Registration is at 219-836-3477. Taking Care of Baby covers the basics of baby care for new parents from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Community Hospital Outpatient Centre, 9660 Wicker Ave., St. John. The program is free, but registration is required at 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477. TLC: The Lactation Clinic is from 4 to 8 p.m. Jan. 11 at Community Hospital, 901 MacArthur Blvd., Munster. Drop-ins are welcome anytime during the four hours for a lactation consultation or a baby weight check without an appointment. Information is at 219-836-4574. A Health Insurance Marketplace Seminar will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 11 at Community Hospital Fitness Pointe, 9950 Calumet Ave., Munster. Certified navigators will discuss options and help set up appointments to complete applications. Registration is required for this free seminar at 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477. Exercise is Medicine - The MedFit Way for those with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Community Hospital Fitness Pointe, 9950 Calumet Ave., Munster. The presentation is free, but registration is required at 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477. The next free Stroke Support Group for survivors, caregivers and family is from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Jan. 18 at Community Hospital, 901 MacArthur Blvd., Munster. Registration is at 219-836-6753. More information on all programs is at www.comhs.org.
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Lutheran Hospital to add third helicopter
To further expand patient access to critical and specialty care, a third Lutheran Air helicopter has being added to Lutheran Hospital's critical care transport fleet. The home base for Lutheran Air III will be Starke County Airport in Knox, where a crew will be stationed 24 hours a day. The new helicopter will provide patients, hospitals and first-responders in northwestern Indiana with greater access to lifesaving care, the beneficiaries of which will be Starke Hospital in Knox, La Porte Hospital, Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso and Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw. More information is at 260-435-7122.
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Tax service volunteers sought
The Northwest Indiana Asset Building Coalition is seeking volunteers to help moderate-to-low income residents file their federal and state income taxes during the 2017 tax season. The coalition, in partnership with the IRS, provides a free tax preparation program called the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The service is available to qualifying individuals with household incomes of less than $54,000. The program relies on community volunteers from mid-January through the April 18 tax filing deadline to schedule appointments, prepare tax forms and provide quality control at a tax preparation site. Services are available at locations throughout Lake, Porter, Pulaski and Starke Counties. Volunteers will receive all training necessary to participate. No experience is necessary. More information is at UnitedWayPC.org/VITA.
Staff report
Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura answers a question about the particular challenges of Northwest Indiana drug control and its proximity to Chicago during a press conference/roundtable of the Governor's Task Force on Drug Enhancement, Treatment and Prevention. (Post-Tribune)
INDIANAPOLIS Indiana Republican Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb has reappointed Mary Beth Bonaventura as director of the Indiana Department of Child Services.
Holcomb announced the reappointment of the former Lake County juvenile court judge to lead Indiana's child protection efforts, a post she has held for nearly four years.
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Bonaventura, 62, said Thursday she was "walking on cloud nine" after her reappointment. She took over the helm at DCS in March 2013 when Gov. Mike Pence appointed her to the post.
In three decades as a judge and magistrate in Lake Superior Court's Juvenile Division, Bonaventura handled nearly 50,000 abuse and neglect cases.
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In a 2014 profile, she told the Post-Tribune that her experience as a judge was essential to her current role.
"I don't know how anybody could do this job and not have been a judge first in the juvenile court," she said. "In any court, you're listening to all sides, which is so important to making a good decision. You've got to hear all sides, otherwise you're going to make a lopsided decision."
In her next term, her agency would focus on providing better services to families dealing with addiction, targeting children with mental health disorders and continuing to hire and retain quality caseworkers, she said.
She also wants to incorporate technology for caseworkers "like a dashboard" that could include case reminders and profile information to help them aid clients faster, she said.
Holcomb also announced he's reappointing three other state officials who have served under outgoing Gov. Mike Pence.
He reappointed Jessica Robertson as commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration, the state's central management and procurement agency.
Holcomb also is keeping Jim Brown as director of veterans affairs and Stewart Goodwin as executive director of Indiana War Memorials. Goodwin also served in the position under former Gov. Mitch Daniels.
Post-Tribune reporter Meredith Colias contributed.
A second attempt to site a Pita Pit franchise in Crown Point had planners balking after developers failed to meet the Broadway corridor design standards.
Concern also surfaced regarding the required land needed to accommodate parking and the entrance and exit at the proposed location at 107th Avenue and Broadway in the Beacon Hill shopping center.
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The Crown Point Plan Commission deferred consideration of the site development plan Monday for a Pita Pit restaurant asking DVG Inc. to go back to the drawing board and redesign the Mediterranean-themed and colored restaurant to fit the Colonial Williamsburg-style design of the corridor.
Russ Pozen, director of engineering for project designer DVG Inc., presented the plan for the 2,000-square-foot building with 33 parking spaces and a monument sign. The initial design included a light reddish brick with a Mediterranean greenish-blue color on the awnings and roof. The exterior included wooden supports holding up a canopy.
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Commission member Laura Sauerman asked if the green trim on the building is trademark and non-negotiable.
"If we are going to have design standards, this doesn't fit," Sauerman said. "I love it, but not on our Broadway. I don't want it to be green. It has a Mediterranean look to it. There is not anything Williamsburg about it."
Commission member Michael Conquest said whose stance on the design standards is often less stringent than other commission members said he, too, did not believe the project as proposed fit in the Broadway corridor.
"It looks like a roadhouse you would find along Route 66 (somewhere) in Missouri," Conquest said.
Pozen said the color scheme is part of the corporate branding. He said he would have to bring the commission's comments to the corporate office before agreeing to any changes other than the brick color. Pozen said he did have authority to agree to a darker red brick for the structure, a color more in line with the corridor design standards.
It was the second attempt to find a suitable location for the restaurant in the city. Mari and Matt Davis received a special use permit in December 2015 from the city council to locate the restaurant at the site of the vacant Firestone Complete Auto Care Center at 142 N. Main St.
Anthony Schlueter, city planning director, said that deal fell through and the company began working with the city on this site several months ago.
Member Dan Rohaley said the design problems were only one of his concerns. The plan as presented has the restaurant sharing an entrance and exit with an undeveloped adjacent lot.
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"So this whole thing doesn't fit on the lot as planned," Rohaley asked. He said he is not sure the commission has the authority to approve plans for an entrance and exit on land the restaurant will not own.
Pozen said the plan has always been for the two lots to share an entrance and exit.
Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Gary Common Council member LaVetta Sparks-Wades Finance committee studied a way it can raise some $13.8 million to be used during 2017 to pay for road repairs to all major streets around the city. (Gregory Tejeda / Post-Tribune)
The Common Council in Gary approved a "wheel tax" on local automobile owners earlier this year to raise money for local road repairs, and city officials said Tuesday that repairs will begin some time in 2017.
Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson appeared before the council's finance committee, where she explained a plan to use the wheel tax money Gary receives from Indiana state government to issue revenue bonds that could raise as much as $13.8 million for road repairs during 2017.
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The city expects to receive about $1.2 million in wheel tax revenues from the state, which Freeman-Wilson said would be enough money to take on one or two road repair projects.
But with the larger sum, she said it would be possible for Gary to do some work on every major thoroughfare through the city.
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The committee reviewed an ordinance calling for the issuance of revenue bonds, which could come up for a final vote of approval when the council meets again Tuesday.
But municipal attorneys said the key is to have an ordinance in place by January, which could allow for the bond sale that would raise the money by March. That time frame would then allow city officials to know exactly how much money will be available and which road projects can be done.
City Controller Celita Green said Gary officials would definitely have to act by March if construction work is to proceed during the upcoming year.
Freeman-Wilson said she expects much more road repair work to be done during 2017 comparing it to 2014 when some $6 million in repair projects were done and 2016 when $4 million were done.
Although the mayor also said she expects to hear frustration from local residents, some of whom have been complaining about the streets in their neighborhoods for some time.
"The more roads we repair, we're going to get people asking, 'When will you get to my street'," she said. "We'll be looking at the worst of our present roads."
Corporation Counsel Niquelle Allen said attorneys from the law firm of Chicago-based Ice Miller, which also has offices in Indianapolis, helped the city to craft the ordinances calling for the revenue bond sale.
Bonds to be sold will be repaid during the next decade, and the mayor said the mechanism by which they're raising the money is similar to how the city has used its share of proceeds from casino revenues to raise money for municipal projects.
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"We're asking for some flexibility, this will give it to us," Freeman-Wilson said.
She also said that the wheel tax money is in addition to some $3.8 million the city expects to receive from the state for existing programs that help pay for local road repair projects.
The wheel tax was approved by the Gary Common Council in June. It charges automobile owners, motorcycle owners and trucks with a gross weight of under 11,000 pounds a $25 annual fee, with truck owners weighing more would pay up to $40 per year.
The Indiana General Assembly and Gov. Mike Pence approved a measure last year giving municipalities with 10,000 or more residents the authority to charge such a fee. In some communities, local residents were vocally opposed in being required to pay a fee to be legally able to operate their cars, although few Gary residents expressed opposition at the time of the wheel tax' approval.
Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Elmhurst, Ill.-based Superior Ambulance Services was named Merrillville's new ambulance provider, effective Feb. 1, provided it can meet the town council's response time requirements.
Councilwoman Marge Uzelac, D-4th, said a committee interviewed three potential companies before recommending Superior.
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Council President Richard Hardaway, D-2nd, said Superior currently has a garage at 90th and Mississippi Street and is looking for additional sites, one north of the Grand Trunk Railroad tracks and one in the vicinity of 73rd Avenue and U.S. 30.
"A plus for them is they're interested in being a stakeholder in the town," Hardaway said.
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Superior's Vice President, Mary Franco, said the company has been in Merrillville for about 15 years. She said the company provides services in Chesterton and Burns Harbor as well as 15 municipalities in Illinois.
Franco said it will need two more locations to meet the town's response time demands.
Hardaway said Superior will have to be able to respond to any emergency call in town within six minutes, the same requirement it gave its former ambulance provider, Prompt Ambulance Service.
Prompt did not submit a proposal, officials said.
Other companies submitting proposals were Lakeshore EMS in Merrillville and Kurtz Ambulance Service of New Lenox, Ill.
Franco said Superior has a wide range of services, including non-emergency transport from hospitals and nursing homes and will have three advanced life support ambulances in Merrillville.
"Our vehicles will be dedicated to the town of Merrillville and will not go out on other calls," she said.
In other matters, former Lake County Surveyor George Van Til spoke in favor of the town forming a park board, calling it a quality of life issue.
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"It really can add to the town. It can be an asset," said Van Til, who said he previously served on the park board in Highland.
Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
The Valparaiso bus is shown on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. (Joe Puchek / Post-Tribune)
Valparaiso's bus service to Chicago got a $6.8 million boost Thursday from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.
The RDA board voted unanimously to allocate $6,847,000 for the ChicaGo Dash commuter bus service between Valparaiso and downtown Chicago.
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Bill Hanna, the RDA's president and CEO, said support for ChicaGo Dash had been one of the RDA's first projects. But the bus service's success has meant its parking lot behind the Franklin House in downtown Valparaiso is filled to capacity every day.
The RDA's grant will help Valparaiso develop a larger parking area and build a new transit center, including a ticket office, waiting area, restrooms and retail space; the city will acquire the site, which also will serve the city's V-Line buses.
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Valparaiso began looking last year for a site between its downtown and U.S. 30.
"We're extremely excited about moving forward (with the expanded parking) and hope to put a shovel in the ground next year," said Tyler Kent, Valparaiso's planning and transportation director.
He said ChicaGo Dash carries between 120 and 140 people a day now; when it started, only 26 rode it. The service has four buses now and plans to add another one next year.
The RDA also allocated $4.5 million for planning to coordinate with the Indiana Department of Transportation's plan to close a section of the current U.S. 12 route in Miller and move that highway's merger with U.S. 20 to the east of Lake Street.
Hanna said the RDA's money would be used for plans to improve access to Miller's business district and create safer pedestrian crossings on U.S. 20.
The U.S. 12 route change would accommodate the South Shore Line's plan to build a second set of tracks between Gary and Michigan City to improve its commuter service; the railroad is seeking a federal grant to pay half of the project's cost.
However, an INDOT spokesman said the highway realignment project for which planning is still in its early stages is not influenced by the South Shore's plans. The highway department plans to get bids for its project in 2019.
The RDA authorized spending up to $25,000 for a "scoping" study on creating a Lake County convention center.
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Hanna said Barnes & Thornburg, a law and consulting firm, would develop the parameters for a later, in-depth feasibility study for a convention center. The preliminary study will be completed by the end of March and probably sooner, Hanna said.
The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority has advocated for a Lake County convention facility, particularly since the owners of the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville, which has hosted conventions and large events, announced that it would close in January.
Tim Zorn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Roger Archey of Valparaiso fills his cart at the Porter Township Food Pantry, collecting food for himself and his disabled 21-year-old daughter. (Jerry Davich / Post-Tribune)
Christine Wallace was interrupted by an older woman handing her a Christmas gift.
"What's this?" asked Wallace, the 67-year-old director of the Porter Township Food Pantry.
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"It's for you," the woman said shyly. "Merry Christmas, and thank you."
"Oh, thank you!" Wallace replied before disappearing in a back room of Salem United Methodist Church in Hebron.
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Away from the hubbub of the pantry's busiest day of the year just before Christmas Wallace unwrapped her surprise gift, a pair of hand-knitted slippers.
"How sweet," she said to herself.
In the main area of the church, a woman yelled "Number 16!" to clients waiting their turn to fill makeshift shopping carts. Wallace hustled back through the assembly line of tables loaded with canned goods, cereal boxes, fruits, vegetables and dozens of other items, including toiletries.
Every two weeks, more than 20 volunteers transform the rural church into a well-organized food pantry. Just past the stacked jars of peanut butter is the church's altar, where clients can pray while waiting for their number to be called.
"Number 21!" the woman yelled.
For nearly 15 years, this pantry has been a godsend for clients who depend on it to put food on their table, literally.
"I don't know what I'd do without this place," said Roger Archey of Valparaiso, who's been coming to this pantry twice a month for two years without fail.
Archey, who's unemployed and dependent on Social Security disability checks, cares for his 21-year-old special needs, non-verbal daughter, Sarah.
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"It's like one big family here," Archey told me, waiting his turn. "Everyone is so welcome here, not only during the holidays. And Christine is like everyone's mom."
Wallace has a determined passion for helping others. She calls it part of the church's outreach ministry but it has more to do with her personal faith than public service. I shadowed her Tuesday during the pantry's two-hour service time. She barely stood still.
"It's more than just receiving food here," she told me. "It's about receiving fellowship too."
"It's about receiving food for the soul," Archey said before filling his shopping cart.
"Number 24!"
Pantry volunteers don't ask too many personal questions unless clients want to chat. Pantry officials also don't ask for income verification from clients who range in age from young children to seniors.
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"We feel that if you're walking through our door, you need help," Wallace said.
Each month, roughly 125 families flock to the church for free food, fellowship and other unspoken needs. On the day I visited, volunteers prepared for more 100 families. The clients run the gamut of social demographics and personal circumstances.
There's the woman undergoing cancer treatment who now comes here for used clothing.
"She didn't know her size because it's been so long since she bought new clothes," Wallace whispered.
There's the retired restaurant cook who was paid under the table for too many years, drastically cutting his monthly Social Security checks.
"I never understood why he was so angry," Wallace said. "I understand now."
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There's the middle-aged man who stopped talking one day, to anyone, even his caregiving sister.
"But we know he loves potato chips, so we always have some ready for him," Wallace said.
And there's the older woman named Donna who takes care of her special needs adult son in their mobile home near the church.
"We wouldn't have eaten last week if it wasn't for this pantry," she said. "We've been getting by on rice and oatmeal. You do what you got to do."
Wallace noticed one newcomer walk inside the pantry and wander away quietly. She caught up to him in the parking lot, returning to his car without saying a word. Wallace found out, gently, that he's a laid off millworker with three kids who couldn't get up the nerve to ask for help.
She asked him, if he came back into the pantry, would he someday help others after he gets back on his feet.
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"Will you do that for me?" she asked him.
"I can do that," he replied before walking back inside to fill a cart.
"Number 30!"
Many of the clients also hunger for a sense of community.
"They look forward to our hugs, smiles and conversation as much as the food," Wallace said. "People who come here are our neighbors, and maybe your neighbors. No one advertises the fact that they're in need, or that they're going hungry this month."
Wallace works as a school bus driver, where she does her best to raise awareness for food pantries across Northwest Indiana. She once asked her young bus riders who they thought needs food pantries.
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"'Hobos in Chicago,' they told me," Wallace said, shaking her head.
"This is part of the problem," she said. "You wouldn't believe how many people in this region are just one paycheck away from needing this pantry, or any food pantry."
"Number 35!"
The pantry relies on donations from the community, most notably its "Stuff the Bus" donation drive through Porter Township schools.
"We have no major company sponsors here. Our donations come from individuals, including several farmers," Wallace said.
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One elderly woman walked up to Wallace and secretly handed her a crumpled $20 bill, a quiet donation to the pantry.
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"She does that every time," Wallace said.
The pantry, located at County Roads 756 West, 350 South near Hebron, is open 10 a.m. to noon the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, serving specific areas in Hebron and Valparaiso.
"Everybody is capable of keeping a food pantry open in their community," Wallace said. "Even if it's donating only a couple dollars here and there. People need to know this."
Wallace will be a guest on my Casual Friday's radio show. Tune in Friday at noon on WLPR, 89.1-FM to hear her in her own words. It's a treat, trust me.
jdavich@post-trib.com
Twitter@jdavich
What's Quickly? It's where readers sound off on the issues of the day. Have a quote, question or quip? Call Quickly at 312-222-2426 or email quickly@post-trib.com.
Why were Trump's adult children allowed to sit in on his meeting with Tech Titans? He uses them like people use dogs for emotional support.
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The last time the electorate was blown up was in 1876. And it looks like the CIA is going to have to show some proof of Russia's involvement in the election before things can move forward, or should we just take their word for it?
What does it tell you that Trump calls the intelligence community a bunch of liars and opposes any investigation of Russian ties to his election? Does it tell you that the intelligence community is a bunch of liars and there is no connection? I didn't think so.
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You are wrong, people are not sore losers, they have accepted the reality of having Trump for President. That is the problem, that is what is scaring everyone to death. Even though he won, he continues with his childish, idiotic games. Everyone, not just liberal democrats, should be very afraid of what is before us.
Donald Trump is getting all sorts of credit for saving a handful of jobs here in Indiana, while Obama, whose General Motors "bailout" saved 150,000 Indiana jobs, got no credit at all. Well, that's not quite true. He was credited with being "a socialist."
To the naive liberal commenter who says the reason for Quickly being mostly liberal comments is because conservatives do not send in comments. I can tell you first hand that this is absolutely not true. It is extremely difficult to get conservative comments published.
Republicans are already scoffing that Joe Biden will be "too old" to run for President in 2020. It didn't bother them that Donald Trump, who is only four years younger than Biden, was too stupid and too unqualified.
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The workers at United Technologies shouldn't be worried about losing their $17 an hour jobs. As soon as the bleeding hearts have their way, they can make $15 an hour at McDonalds.
I may not have anticipated a Trump presidency, but at least I know the difference between "there", "their", and "they're".
Funny how people are making comments that we should respect and accept our president elect when the last eight years all you heard most likely from the same people were hateful racist comments toward our President.
I refuse to let that one person wreck my day. Working with the public can be challenging at times 98 percent are nice, it's that 2 percent that should stay indoors, get manners and a touch of patience!
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If Trump's simple rules to make America great again are "Buy American and hire American," then why is he hiring 64 foreign workers at his Mar-A-Lago resort?
I see the US is selling 50 of our newest state-of-the-art fighter planes to Israel, so they can use them to rain bombs and missiles on Palestinian schools and hospitals. That's just wonderful.
Read more at www.post-trib.com/quickly
Judy Klem, director of new business development at 88 Brand Partners, left, speaks with Suzen Riley while preparing sweet potato bisque for a cooking demonstration at the Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry on Dec. 9, 2015, in Oak Park. 88 Brand Partners gave employees $500 to do good for others during the holiday season, and Klem used her $500 to conduct healthy cooking classes at the food pantry. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
What's star on your Christmas dinner menu?
Turkey?
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Ham?
How about nothing?
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That many Americans face each day unsure of where their next meal is coming from is a national disgrace.
One in seven Americans is food insecure; that is, they can't be sure when they next will eat.
And hunger doesn't just happen to someone else in some other place. In Oak Park alone, there are an estimated 7,000 food insecure persons, according to the Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry.
Alleviating hunger is the goal of the pantry, not just during the holidays but all year because hunger takes no holiday.
Last year, the Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry provided groceries, meat, produce and dairy products to 15,000 local families in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, River Grove, Elmwood Park, Schiller Park, Berwyn, Stickney and the Austin and Humboldt Park neighborhoods of Chicago.
Operated primarily by volunteers, the nonprofit pantry is located in the lower level of First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St.
It distributes food to clients from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month and from 3:30 to 5 p.m. the second, third, fourth and fifth Wednesday of the month.
Donations can be brought to the food pantry from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.
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The Oak Park-River Forest Food pantry also welcomes monetary donations. Volunteers are needed. And organizing a food drive for the pantry is a worthwhile activity for community and youth groups.
To find out more about the food pantry, call 708-386-1324 or visit www.oprffoodpantry.org.
There is no more basic need than food.
There is no better way to help those who hunger than by helping to feed them.
The Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry offers the opportunity for those who need to receive help.
And it offer the opportunity to those who can help to help.
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Help if you can.
Paul Sassone is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.
A Joliet man threatened to blow up the Westmont police station and to kill two officers and a former DuPage County judge, prosecutors alleged Thursday.
Bail for Michael Kirollos, 30, was set at $500,000 by DuPage County Judge Richard Russo on three felony counts of threatening a public official, according to prosecutors.
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Authorities said that on Friday, Kirollos called the Westmont Police Department and left a message threatening to kill the officers and to blow up the police station. Kirollos then left a threatening voice message aimed at a former judge with the court's misdemeanor division.
According to prosecutors, the judge heard a 2015 case out of Westmont that involved charges against Kirollos. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
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Kirollos was taken into custody Monday at his father's residence in Joliet after a brief scuffle with police, authorities said. In bond court, the judge granted a prosecution request that Kirollos undergo a psychological examination.
"Public servants have a difficult enough job to do and should not have to worry about their own personal safety," State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. "Any threat, real or perceived, made against a public employee or elected official, will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter.
Kristin Ziv, shown here at the far right during a February 2016 candidate forum, was one of three independent candidates for village trustee. She was elected in April; fellow independents Marilyn Prodromos, left, and Carol Fessler, center, did not. (Lee Gaines / Pioneer Press)
Winnetka's downtown development, the village's continuing fight against flooding, and school overcrowding were top stories in Winnetka in 2016.
Village officials entered the year knowing they had rejected one flood control strategy, the $81.3 million eastward-focused Willow Road tunnel project, and had hired Wisconsin-based Strand Associates to instead find ways to move and store flood and stormwater west of the village.
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The consultants presented their study in June. Their four-phased, multi-year $57.7 million plan depended in large part on successful negotiations with the Cook County Forest Preserve to create water storage on county property, and on similar negotiations with New Trier High School District 203, the Winnetka Park District, and Winnetka Schools District 36.
Officials then asked for short-term storage ideas; they included buying village pumps to temporarily deposit floodwater in places like New Trier's Duke Childs field. In October, Strand provided a $9.8 million "early action" project that would create permanent stormwater detention at the field, but winning District 203 approval for that could take until March 2017, Trustee Andrew Cripe estimated at the time.
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Short-term help for flood-embattled residents became even higher profile after storms on July 23 and 24 drenched the village. By the end of August, the council resurrected a village program to subsidize residents who put sewage backflow prevention systems in their home to help cut sewer flooding, eventually budgeting up to $100,000 for the project.
At the time, residents pleaded for quick action on flood control.
"We need to make this our Manhattan Project," Ash Street resident Seth Reatherford said at the council's Aug. 2 meeting, after saying his basement took about 32,000 gallons of water following the storm.
On Aug. 29, Village President Gene Greable backed a newly-minted draft downtown master plan, telling the steering committee tasked with developing the plan that it shouldn't gather dust on a shelf, but should be used: "I'm going to stake my reputation on this, that this will be done and it will not take 17 years."
In another development decision, the council preliminarily approved a revamped One Winnetka plan in September after three hours of debate. Developers David Trandel and Stonestreet Partners agreed to shrink its size, dropped their request for village financing, and agreed to pay about $6.7 million for public amenities, including landscaping and Lincoln Avenue reconstruction. They also gave Winnetka ownership of one of the project's two parking garages.
The council was expected to take up One Winnetka's approval ordinance and development agreement in January.
Despite the changes, first announced at a July 27 council meeting, some residents and neighbors still opposed One Winnetka. In July, Provident Avenue resident Steve Miller said, "It's still to high and too dense."
At the same time, other residents told trustees it was time to put an end to more than a year of consideration and approve the project.
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"Winnetka is not a post card, it's not Brigadoon," Edgewood Lane resident Jeffrey Liss said. "It seems to me that this is a really good (plan) and we should take it."
In November, village trustees adopted an ordinance officially making One Winnetka part of the Winnetka 2020 comprehensive plan.
On the education front, officials, parents and other residents of Winnetka Public Schools District 36 wrestled in 2016 with overcrowding issues, both at Crow Island School and, more generally, as a symptom of overall enrollment imbalances across the district.
In March, the school board voted to install one two-classroom trailer at Crow Island School for use in 2016-17.
"I don't think anybody has disputed the fact that there is a space issue," Supt. Trisha Kocanda said at the time, adding that the district needed further demographic studies to come up with a long-term solution.
In July, the board hired Ohio-based Cropper GIS to study demographics and capacity at all three elementary schools. Kocanda said the May decision to start extended-day kindergarten classes in 2017-18 could affect Crow Island enrollment. However, members of the enrollment balancing committee working with Cropper said in November that imbalances were neither caused by the kindergarten decision, nor limited to Crow Island.
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By the end of 2016, the committee struck redistricting off the table, at least as a short-term solution for 2017. The committee is expected to meet again in January and recommend a final short-term solution to the district that month.
Not all education news was contentious. In September, Todd Burleson, Hubbard Woods School's resource center director, was named 2016 School Librarian of the Year by the School Library Journal and Scholastic. The school itself celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2016.
In November, the New Trier Township High School District 203 board named Paul Sally, its associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction, to succeed retiring Supt. Linda Yonke. Sally, who starts in the post July 1, 2017, promised he would "work hard, and won't let you down."
One other change marked 2016 in Winnetka: following April's municipal election, Kristin Ziv, Penny Lanphier and Chris Rintz replaced Marilyn Prodromos, Carol Fessler, and Stuart McCrary on the council.
kroutliffe@pioneerlocal.com
Twitter: @pioneer_kathy
By Dezan Shira & Associates
Labor disputes often arise due to companies underestimating Chinas strict labor laws, or even being unaware of them in the first place. Keeping up to date with Chinas labor regulations and taking the proper precautions to prevent any disputes from occurring can save employers immeasurable hassle and stress.
When companies first arrive in China, they are eager to hire staff and start their business operations. Unfortunately, this eagerness for hiring staff can lead to the company not taking the correct measures when drafting their employment contracts. Provisions that should be included in employment contracts that are often overlooked include proper overtime rules, codes of conduct, performance standards, promotion standards, KPI, etc. Ensuring that the contract includes all the relevant information will go a long way in clearing up any misunderstandings between the employee and the employer, and can prevent costly labor disputes from occurring. It is important to remember that in China, in the event of a conflict, the burden of proof always lies with the employer.
Considerations for labor dispute mitigation
An effective way of stopping disputes before they appear is by preparing a staff handbook that contains the business codes of conduct and regulations. Staff handbooks, while not legally required, can provide companies with an excellent layer of protection. If written in a clear and concise manner, in addition to being signed by the employee, it will help make the employer not liable for any issue that is covered by the handbook. It should include regulations concerning NDAs, work hours and overtime rules, behavior standards, discipline procedures, etc.
Implementing a system that keeps track of work hours and overtime as well as keeping in compliance with Chinas labor laws concerning work hours will help eliminate liabilities facing an enterprise. In addition, keeping track of staffs taken and untaken leave is imperative to ensure that there are no blind spots if a legal case arises.
Terminating a contract in China is no easy task. If a manager wishes to end a contract, it is important to strictly keep in accordance with Chinas labor policies. Before terminating an employees contract, disciplinary measures must be given out so that the employee understands not to commit another infraction, and in cases of incompetence, are to be given time to correct their performance. If and only when repeated offenses occur can termination be an option. Dismissal of an employee must be executed in compliance with Chinas labor laws, otherwise not only will the employee have legal ground to file a lawsuit, but the company may also be fined by the Chinese government. From 2017 onwards, any enterprise that violates Chinas labor regulations will have their offences made public.
This information and more was covered in our How to Avoid Labor Disputes webinar hosted by Senior Associate Stephen ORegan, which can be heard here.
Additional questions from the webinar are:
Q: How is compensation calculated for terminating an employee?
A: The compensation/severance amount is calculated as one months payment per year of employment (calculated as the average salary over the past 12 months). Severance payments are capped at three times the average monthly salary in the given location. It is important to check with your local bureau to be aware of what the regulations are for this issue in your specific region.
Q: Can we agree that the notice period for the probation term be one month?
A: Yes, if both parties agree on the probation term being one month and have it included in the initial employment contract, then the notice period can be one month. Please make sure when drafting your employment contracts that the notice period for the probation term be clearly stated so as to avoid any disputes from occurring.
RELATED: Payroll and Human Resource Services
For more information on probation periods, please click here.
Q: When you talk about documenting efforts to retrain employees and provide them with feedback when someone is performing poorly, can this all be done via email, if there is a read receipt included?
A: Email can be used but official written letters addressed to the employee are easier to enforce. The employee would be able to argue that he or she misunderstood the email, or was not aware of it due to technical issues with their computer, but if done with an official document requiring their signature, then the employee will have no legal recourse.
Q: Annual leave: are working years counted as (i) working in the company or (ii) general working experience?
A: It is counted as general working experience. If an employee has worked at a company for 20 years, and wishes to switch companies, they should be able to apply for annual leave according to their general working experience. We advise the employee to clear this issue up with their new employer before signing the employment contract.
For more information on statutory leave, please click here.
Q: Is the annual leave different if the contract is a secondment contract?
A: It will remain the same, because the same laws apply to both contracts.
Q: Can I provide monetary sanctions in the employees handbook (e.g. by deducting amounts of money from the employees salary in case of a minor violation)?
A: Sanctions can be implemented. E.g. if you are frequently late, pay gets docked five percent. It is important that the infractions be clearly defined to avoid confusion, and that the details of the sanctions be explained so that the employer is protected.
For more information on how to have staff handbooks define offences, please click here.
Q: For terminating a contract, would it be deemed acceptable if done through a mutual agreement between the employer and employee?
A: Mutual agreements are acceptable if both parties are in agreement and if the content is fair to the employee. The mutual agreement should be written on an official document and be signed by both parties stating that they understand the agreement.
For more information pertaining to these questions, please view our HR guides, which can be found here.
About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email china@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight.
Human Resources and Payroll in China 2016-2017
A firm understanding of Chinas laws and regulations related to human resources and payroll management is absolutely necessary for foreign businesses in China. This edition of HR and Payroll, updated for 2016/17, navigates Chinas laws and regulations related to HR and payroll management essential information for foreign investors looking to establish or already running a foreign-invested entity in China.
An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2016
Doing Business in China 2016 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in China. Compiled by the professionals at Dezan Shira & Associates in June 2016, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Chinese market, but also for companies who already have a presence here and want to keep up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes
How IT is Changing Payroll Processing and HR Admin in China
In this edition of China Briefing magazine, we examine how foreign multinationals can take better advantage of IT in the gathering, storing, and analyzing of HR information in China. We look at how IT can help foreign companies navigate Chinas nuanced payroll processing regulations, explain how software platforms are becoming essential for HR, and finally answer questions on the efficacy of outsourcing payroll and HR in China.
China's foreign exchange regulator said on Wednesday it will continue to crack down on underground banks to improve foreign exchange management and safeguard economic and financial security.
The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) said it will maintain intense pressure to clamp down on illegal banks, among other unlawful activities, according to a statement posted on its website.
The statement was published after a SAFE meeting with the Ministry of Public Security, the third this year, vowing to work closely together to disrupt illegal foreign exchange activities.
The total sum of overseas investments has grown rapidly, with some using capital with ambiguous origins, the regulator said, noting that concerns about capital outflow have also been on the rise.
The government will continue to support capable and qualified businesses to carry out outbound investment activities in accordance with regulations, an official statement said last week.
The principle in investment management policies has not changed, it said.
Outbound investment has grown quickly in recent years and played an important role in deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and other countries.
The number of people in China of working age is expected to have shrunk slightly to 958 million by 2030, the Family Planning Association (FPA) announced Wednesday.
Wang Pei'an, vice president of the FPA, said the country had 1.003 billion people of working age in 2015, which will gradually decline to 958 million in 2030 and 827 million in 2050.
"Though China still has a healthy labor force at this moment, the decreasing number of women of childbearing age means we should not wait any longer to fully implement the two-child policy," Wang said.
There were 826 million people of working age in Western developed countries in 2015, thus, while boasting a huge population, China's overall labor productivity is just one eighth that of the developed countries, said Wang.
The FPA will improve its family planning services, such as reproductive health consultation, Wang said.
Wang added that the FPA will also pay special attention to protecting the rights and interests of the nation's migrant population, and will provide health services to "left-behind" women and children in rural areas.
Since Jan. 1, all married couples have been allowed to have two children. This follows an earlier easing of the policy in 2013 allowing couples to have a second child if either parent was an only child.
The latest change ended the "one child" policy that had been in place since the late 1970s.
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Qiu He, a former senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Yunnan Province, was sentenced to 14 and a half years in prison for accepting bribes totaling over 24 million yuan (around 3.46 million U.S. dollars) on Thursday.
Personal assets worth 2 million yuan held by Qiu, former deputy chief of the CPC's Yunnan Provincial Committee, were confiscated, according to a statement from Guiyang City Intermediate People's Court in Guizhou Province.
His ill-gotten gains must be turned over to the state, the court ruled.
Qiu was found guilty of taking advantage of his positions, once as the CPC chief of Kunming, capital city of Yunnan, to seek profits for others in project development, acquiring bank loans and job transfers between 2008 and 2015, it said.
He accepted bribes worth about 24.34 million yuan either by himself or via his staff.
The court issued a lesser punishment as Qiu admitted his crimes and voluntarily turned over his illicit gains.
Protesters hold slogans during a rally against South Korean President Park Geun-hye in central Seoul, South Korea Dec. 10, 2016. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)
For a politician to be successful and inspiring, the virtue of honesty is critically important. A leader should be a model for society and its citizens. South Korean President Park Geun-hye decided to follow a different way. In October 2016 she was accused of letting old family friend Choi Soon-sil become involved in several government affairs. Prosecutors started to investigate the case, and hundreds of thousands of people subsequently marched against her. As a result of Park's unwillingness to resign, the South Korean National Assembly voted overwhelmingly by a margin of 234-56 on a motion to impeach her.
The current period is transitory for South Korean politics. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn will be the acting president until the Constitutional Court renders its judgment. A new presidential election is a likely outcome, but no scenario should be definitively excluded. In a relevant case 12 years ago, the court overturned the decision of the National Assembly, allowing Roh Moo-hyun to return to power.
But the current situation seems different, not only because the charges are more solid but also because so many people actively demonstrated against her.
Until the judgment is announced, domestic politics will be relatively fragile. Although an acting president, Hwang will principally have administrative duties due to his limited support by the opposition. Expectations are low for Hwang's interim administration to be a breakthrough against problems such as unemployment and slowing economic growth. Above all, he is widely regarded as a loyalist of Park.
During Hwang's tenure, it will perhaps be more interesting to observe how the South Korean political landscape will be shaped and whether transparency will play a bigger role. Old politicians will seek political alliances in view of the early presidential election and new ones will test their chances. Additionally, figures such as former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will possibly return to the domestic political scene. A recent poll shows that former chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea Moon-Jae-in and Ban Ki-moon come first with 20 percent.
As far as foreign policy is concerned, three main issues are on the agenda. The first is the evolution of the relationship between Seoul and Pyongyang. Some American analysts predict that the former will be more vulnerable to the latter during the ongoing interim period. Nonetheless, Hwang is aligned with Park's security strategy on the matter. It is not a coincidence that one of his first moves was to bolster readiness for a possible provocation by North Korea. His lack of a mandate to adopt new foreign policy initiatives does not mean that his power of maintenance is limited. From another perspective, North Korea will possibly keep a wait-and-see stance until Donald Trump clarifies his policy vis-a-vis the country.
The second theme is the future course of bilateral relations between South Korea and the U.S. Park had closely cooperated with Barack Obama. Specifically, under Washington's pressure, Seoul agreed with the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. Hwang will not alter Park's commitment.
It is unclear how Trump will approach South Korea. In his election campaign he seemed rather ignorant of Washington's traditional partnership with Seoul but in a recent phone-call with Park he pledged to keep the existing security alliance. All in all, U.S. journals such as The American Interest talk about Trump's dilemma in relation to THAAD.
The third issue, which is closely linked to the second one, is the impact of South Korean politics on relations between Seoul and Beijing. Only a few days ago, the Democratic Party of Korea urged the government of the country to reconsider the deployment of THAAD. Although a reserved stance is required, China will certainly welcome such a stance by a new government of South Korea, especially if it comes during a period of indecisiveness by Trump on the matter.
Before long-term policies are examined, however, attention should also be turned towards current developments in Asia. On the initiative of Tokyo, the trilateral summit between Japan, China and South Korea scheduled for December 19 has been postponed for 2017. The domestic turmoil in South Korea is widely regarded as the reason for the decision. Perhaps Tokyo is also concerned by the position of the South Korean opposition party against the bilateral exchange of military intelligence and the issue of wartime "comfort women." Of course, all these factors should not prevent the functioning of a good communication mechanism like the trilateral summit. South Korea can have a future after Park.
George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:
http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Flash
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday urged the United States to keep its promise not to take a position on the South China Sea issue and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability.
Spokesperson Geng Shuang's comment at the daily press briefing came after U.S. Pacific commander Harry Harris's provocative remarks about readiness to "confront" China in the South China Sea.
Referring to the situation in the South China Sea as "tending toward stability" and "moving in a good direction," Geng called on the United States to keep its promise to not take positions, respect the efforts of countries in the region and do more to contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Geng also slammed back against a senior U.S. defense official's remarks that Taiwan should increase its defense spending, urging the United States to keep its promise to stick to the one-China policy.
China opposes official and military relations between the United States and Taiwan in any form, Geng said.
"We urged the United States to stick to the one-China policy and three Joint Communiques between China and the United States, and to deal with the Taiwan issue in a prudent and discreet manner to prevent China-U.S. ties from being disturbed," Geng said.
Flash
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir on Wednesday launched an initiative aimed at ending violence and boosting national healing, peace and reconciliation in the country torn apart by war and ethnic divisions.
Kiir told members of the national transitional assembly in the capital Juba that the campaign seeks to provide a forum for the people of South Sudan to end violent conflict, reconstitute national consensus and save the country from tearing apart.
"In light of this national endeavor, I am calling upon all of you to forgive one another, enter dialogue with one another in your personal capacities, embrace one another and consider yourselves as equal citizens of this country," Kiir said.
He also asked the people of South Sudan "to forgive me for any mistakes I might have committed."
He said a national committee of eminent personalities drawn from think tanks, academia and religious groups will be instituted to develop an agenda for implementation of the project at community and regional levels.
The South Sudan leader assured citizens that the process will be inclusive to all South Sudanese.
He said ongoing economic crisis and a fragile political situation in the country threatened to tear the country apart, urging all armed groups fighting his government to renounce violence and embrace dialogue.
South Sudan descended into civil war since December 2013 after Kiir accused his sacked deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup.
A peace deal signed in August 2015 under international pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was devastated by renewed fighting between the rival army factions in early July.
Machar left South Sudan and was sacked again following the July fighting. He has called for armed resistance against Juba.
President Kiir on Wednesday expressed concerns about rising cases of hatred and ethnic divisions in the country and alleged spread of negative propaganda against the international community, "especially the American people and the UN."
Tens of thousands of South Sudanese have been killed and more than 2 million displaced since December 2013, according to the UN.
Flash
The UN Security Council on Wednesday paid tribute to outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, acknowledging his contribution to international peace, security and development.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (C, front) is seen during a meeting held by the United Nations Security Council to pay tribute to him at the UN headquarters in New York, Dec. 14, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]
In a resolution adopted here, the 15-nation council expressed its deep appreciation to Ban "for his dedication to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter and to the development of friendly relations among nations."
Ban said it is a privilege to work with all Security Council members over the past 10 years, and urged the council to continue its work to advance early and preventive action for addressing conflicts.
Earlier on Wednesday, a portrait of Ban was unveiled at the UN headquarters by Ban himself and his wife, Yoo Soon-taek. The portrait is hanging on a wall at a lobby of the UN Secretariat building, next to the one of Kofi Anna, Ban's predecessor.
Ban is going to step down at the end of this month, concluding his ten-year service for the world body. His successor Antonio Guterres, former prime minister of Portugal and UN secretary-general-designate, will start his five-year term on Jan. 1, 2017.
Flash
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday urged the United States to pressure the Syrian opposition to cease fire and withdraw from the embattled city of Aleppo.
In a phone conversation with U.S. State Secretary John Kerry, Lavrov told his U.S. counterpart that the Syrian authorities have been ready to provide free exit for surrounded militants in eastern Aleppo, but they refuse to stop hostilities under the influence of the leaders of Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Kerry reassured Lavrov that the U.S. is working with the opposition groups that have sabotaged the demand of the United Nations Security Council for an urgent start of intra-Syrian negotiations without preconditions, the ministry added.
Earlier on Wednesday, a truce for evacuating rebels and their families from rebel-held areas in Aleppo has failed, and both warring sides resumed fighting.
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Flash
The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday ground troops in different patrols rescued 605 people held hostage by Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa forest.
Lucky Irabor, Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, told a news conference in Maiduguri, the restive northeast Borno state capital, that 69 male adults, 180 females, 227 male children and 129 female children, were rescued during the operation between Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, 2016.
"The victims are in our custody for further investigation and interrogation," he added.
Many areas have been cleared, while many hostages have been set free and scores of insurgents killed in different patrols conducted by Nigerian troops across the region.
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.
Flash
Ukraine has made a significant progress in implementing political and economic reforms prescribed in the Association Agreement with the European Union (EU), the 28-member block said in a report on Tuesday.
"In 2015 and 2016, Ukraine has undertaken intense and unprecedented reforms across a number of sectors of the economy and society, while its democratic institutions have been further revitalized," said the report, which was jointly prepared by the European Commission and the European External Action Service.
According to the document, the most noteworthy changes for better were made in energy, banking, governance and judiciary sectors, which allowed the Ukrainian authorities to ease the burden on public finances and lower the risks for the economy.
Although the anti-corruption reform is well underway in Ukraine, more efforts from the government are needed to fully implement it, the report said.
Among the key reforms that are advancing slowly in the East European country, the EU listed social and health sectors reforms.
It also noted that the agriculture reform, which envisages lifting the moratorium on farmland sales, and the privatization reform are still pending implementation.
In June 2014, Ukraine and the EU have signed the Association Agreement, which includes a free trade area, designed to deepen bilateral cooperation between the sides.
The agreement, which envisages implementation of a series of reforms in Ukraine, is also seen as an instrument to boost Ukraine's economy and attract investment to the East European country.
Flash
The evacuation of the remaining rebels from Syria's northern city of Aleppo will start soon, the Syrian army said on Thursday.
Following intense negotiations, a ceasefire returns in place for the evacuation of the rebels from the few areas they are still holding in the eastern part of Aleppo city, said the report, adding that the evacuation will start within hours.
Preparations are ongoing for the evacuation of the rebels from eastern Aleppo toward the town of Khan Tuman southwest of Aleppo.
Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the first convoy of wounded people started leaving eastern Aleppo toward the government-controlled part west of the city.
The UK-based watchdog group noted the rebel convoys haven't started leaving yet.
The rebel evacuation from the few areas under their control in eastern Aleppo comes as a result of a Turkish-Russian deal, which was supposed to begin on Wednesday morning, but was delayed and fight resumed for undeclared reasons, before Thursday morning, as the deal seems in place again.
China Aid
Updated on Nov. 29, 2016 at 2:29 p.m. CST
(Changsha, HunanNov. 23, 2016) Authorities kidnapped a Christian human rights lawyer yesterday and have been holding for more than 24 hours.
Jiang Tianyong, a human rights attorney, was visiting the family of another imprisoned defense lawyer, Xie Yang, in Changsha, Hunan, when authorities abducted him. In the past, officials repeatedly kidnapped and tortured Jiang.
In response Jiangs disappearance, China Aid president Bob Fu said:
Please continue to pray for him and his family. He is a bold Christian human rights lawyer who chose to defend prisoners of conscience, such as Tibetans, Uyghurs, tortured lawyer Gao Zhisheng, blind legal activist Chen Guangcheng, petitioners who lost their lands, and other vulnerable groups in China. He was beaten up by five public security bureau officials and almost lost his hearing due to ear damage when he tried to visit Chen Guangcheng in the hospital. This was after Chen was walked out of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing in May 2012. He was tortured so severely that, in 2014, eight of his ribs were broken due to his visit to a black jail in Heilongjiang province, where a number of Falun Gong practitioners were being held for years for mind transformation (forced brainwashing). In 2009, when I invited him, along with a group of rights defenders, to visit the United States, he and another Christian human rights lawyer, Zhang Kai, were the only ones who decided to testify at their own peril on both the rule of law and Chinas brutal forced abortion and sterilization practice before the US Congress. The two Co-Chairs, Representatives Chris Smith and Frank Wolf, were greatly touched by their bravery. They are like my family members. I urge President Obama and President-Elect Trump to speak up for him in a rapidly worsening situation. Fortunately, we helped resettle his wife and daughter in Los Angles a few years ago; otherwise, they would have been taken as hostages to pressure Jiang.
A letter from Jiangs wife, written has been translated below.
China Aid reports abuses, such as those experienced by Jiang Tianyong and Xie Yang, in order to stand in solidarity with the persecuted and promote religious freedom in China.
Human rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong has been lost for more than 24 hours in Changsha because he visited the family members of a 709 case prisoner
Several days ago, my husband, lawyer Jiang Tianyong, went to Changsha, Henan, to visit Chen Guiqiu, the wife of Xie Yang, who was arrested in the 709 case [Editors note: The 709 case refers to a mass round up of lawyers and is named after the day it began, July 9, 2015]. During his stay, he accompanied Chen Guiqiu, Xie Yangs defense lawyers Zhang Chongshi and Lin Qilei, and fellow lawyer Ma Lianshun to Changsha Detention Center to learn about meeting with Xie Yang.
At 10:22 p.m. on November 21, Jiang Tianyong told me that he purchased D940 train tickets back to Beijing and that the departure time was 10:53 p.m. [If the train was on time], he should have arrived in Beijing at 6:30 a.m. the next day. Afterwards, we lost contact. As of the morning of Nov. 23, it has been more than 24 hours [from the time he should have been in Beijing]. During that time, I repeatedly called his phone. Every time, the system said [The call] has been transferred to the Secretary desk. I also failed to get in touch with him through a variety of internet communications. I asked friends in Changsha and Beijing, and they all said they have not been able to reach Jiang Tianyong within the last 24 hours.
In light of Jiang Tianyong repeatedly suffering kidnapping by the secret police while in the process of engaging in human rights work and, after the 709 case, more and more lawyers faced enforced disappearance and torture, I appeal to people from all walks of life to pay close attention to this instance of losing contact with Jiang Tianyong.
Jiang Tianyongs wife: Jin Bianling
Early morning on November 23, 2016
A brief introduction to Jiang Tianyong:
Jiang Tianyong is a 45-year-old senior human rights lawyer. He obtained his lawyer qualification certificate in 2001. In November of 2004, he started his career in Beijing Gaobo Longhua Law Firm. In 2005, he was commissioned as the defense lawyer in the Chen Guangcheng case. Since then, he has been involved in the Gao Zhisheng case, the Shanbei oil field case, the Taishi Village in Guangzhou case, the AIDS infected persons rights case, the Hepatitis B carriers rights case, a very large environmental protection case in Dongyang, Zhejiang, the appeal case of Hai Laite, a reporter for Xinjiangs legal systems newspaper (his family was forced to renounce his commissioning under official pressure official pressure), Pu Buzeren Lamas case in Tibet, the Jiumei case of Labrang Monastery in Gansu, and other religious cases. In July 2009, his lawyer license was revoked by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Justice. Subsequently, he continued to adhere to participating and maintaining human rights as a citizen.
On February 19, 2011, Jiang Tianyong was kidnapped by the police and was missing for two months, during which he was tortured.
On May 4, 2012, , Jiang Tianyong, was brutally beaten by the state security secret police, resulting in a perforation of the left tympanic membrane and a drop in hearing in both ears for visiting blind activist Chen Guangcheng, who was hospitalized in Beijings Chaoyang Hospital. At least five national security secret police took part in the assault.
In March 2014, Jiang Tianyong visited Jiansanjiang, a black jail in Heilongjiang, and was detained and beaten by police, resulting in eight rib fractures.
ChinaAid Media Team
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China's Minsheng Financial Holding, US funds Apollo and Centerbridgeplus the private equity firm Lone Starare leading attempts to buy Portugal's Novo Banco, which was carved out of Banco Espirito Santo (BES) in 2014, four sources told Reuters.
Minsheng has offered to buy a majority stake in Novo Banco, to be followed by an initial public offering of the remainder, while an Apollo-Centerbridge combination and Lone Star have also made bids for all of the bank, the sources said on Tuesday.
Portugal salvaged the "good bank" in a 4.9 billion euros ($5.22 billion) rescue of BES, which collapsed under the weight of debts of its founding family, and has said it hopes to decide on Novo Banco's sale by the end of 2016, ahead of an August 2017 deadline.
An earlier attempt to sell Novo Banco last year was scrapped because the bids were considered too low by the government, but they have been increased this time round.
"The three bidders ... ahead in the race, are Minsheng, Apollo/Centerbridge and Lone Star. These bidders have presented the greatest commitment, interest and the most robust proposals," one of the sources told Reuters.
Chinese companies have been actively buying assets, from infrastructure to banking, in Portugal since its 2010-13 debt crisis. The latest acquisition was by Fosun, which bought a 16.7 percent stake in Millennium bcp last month.
Apollo and Lone Star are also present in Portugal, the former holding two insurers it bought in 2015 and 2016, and the latter with four shopping malls acquired in 2015.
The source added that Portugal's largest and second-largest listed banks, Millennium bcp and Banco BPI, are not out of the race, but have shown less interest. In October, Treasury Secretary Ricardo Mourinho Felix told Reuters there were five potential buyers.
Another source said, however, that the sale process will only be completed once a winner is chosen and, until that moment, the bidders can at any time improve their bids.
The areas in which there could be improvements are the amount of state guarantees demanded for potential future liabilities and the amount of capital bidders are prepared to inject.
The ECB and European Commission also have to be consulted.
A spokesman at the Bank of Portugal would not comment on the sale process.
Reuters
A screenshot of the Chinese language web page of the transport and logistics sector of the Port of Hamburg. [Photo provided to China Daily]
In late November, 400 officials and business leaders convened in Hamburg for a Sino-European conference to discuss how Brussels and Beijing could navigate through the prospective choppy waters of US trade policy under a new administration. The location of the conference could not have been more fitting.
Germany, as Europe's largest economy, relies heavily on exports, and 50 percent of German trade with China moves through Hamburg. On average, one in three shipping containers offloaded in Hamburg begins its journey in China.
Last year, China delivered more than 14 million metric tons of materials to the German cityeverything from machinery to musical instrumentsand more than 9 million tons made the reverse journey.
Hamburg is home to more Chinese offices than any other city on the continent500 companies have their European bases in Hamburg, including China's largest shipping company, China COSCO Shipping Corporation.
But Hamburg is shaking off a hangover from a sluggish 2015, when imports from China fell by 15.5 percent.
The port authority is also waiting on what it calls "essential" permission to dredge the River Elbe.
Improving connectivity and communication with Chinese shipping companies and port authorities is essential if the Port of Hamburg is to maintain its status as Europe's second-busiest port, said Axel Mattern, CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing.
"China feeds the system," Mattern said. "More than 30 percent of all the cargo discharged in Hamburg is from China. At the end of the day, the success of a port is how it's connected to a client."
In October, Mattern and representatives from the Hamburg Port Authority met with representatives of commerce and ports in the Pearl River Delta for talks on expanding co-operation.
"On our travels in China, we have found that language still frequently forms a barrier. We have very sophisticated digital services and we said this must be available for the Chinese market."
The port has just completed a digital overhaul, and for the first time shipping companies, forwarders, and the entire transport and logistics sector can access the port's services through a Mandarin portal.
Trade between Hamburg and China began its recovery this year, growing 0.6 percent in the first three quarters, and Mattern predicted more substantial growth in 2017.
BEIJING - China's foreign exchange regulator said on Wednesday it will continue to crack down on underground banks to improve foreign exchange management and safeguard economic and financial security.
The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) said it will maintain intense pressure to clamp down on illegal banks, among other unlawful activities, according to a statement posted on its website.
The statement was published after a SAFE meeting with the Ministry of Public Security, the third this year, vowing to work closely together to disrupt illegal foreign exchange activities.
The total sum of overseas investments has grown rapidly, with some using capital with ambiguous origins, the regulator said, noting that concerns about capital outflow have also been on the rise.
The government will continue to support capable and qualified businesses to carry out outbound investment activities in accordance with regulations, an official statement said last week.
The principle in investment management policies has not changed, it said.
Outbound investment has grown quickly in recent years and played an important role in deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and other countries.
Investors check share prices at a brokerage in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, Dec 12, 2016. [Photo/China Daily]
The China Insurance Regulatory Commission hopes to reduce the proportion of total equity assets held by insurance funds to 30 percent. The limit was raised to 40 percent last year.
The move indicates the regulator wants to improve regulatory measures against the short-term and speculative use of insurance funds.
CIRC Vice-Chairman Chen Weihui said in an article published on Wednesday in People's Daily that the regulator is planning to introduce measures to curb speculative use of insurance capital in investing in the stock market, including forbidding insurers and non-insurance institutions from jointly acquiring listed companies, clarifying that insurance companies shall use their own capital, instead of insurance funds, for major investment in the stock market, and requiring insurance companies to file with the CIRC when they make major stock investments, and gain approval from the CIRC to acquire listed companies.
The CIRC will also set restrictions on the level of investment insurance firms can have in listed companies, reducing it from the previous 10 percent to 5 percent, said Chen.
Regulators have dispatched inspection teams to Evergrande Life Insurance Co and Foresea Life Insurance Co, two insurers that have allegedly been involved in inappropriate use of capital and unclear asset allocation, said Chen.
The two insurers' combined balance of stock investment was 57.4 billion yuan ($8.31 billion), 3 percent of the combined investment of insurance funds in the A-share market, said Chen.
Xiang Junbo, CIRC chairman, also said at a conference on regulating insurance firms' investment in the equity market that it will draw up a "negative list" and further clarify forbidden areas and investment behavior norms to better regulate insurers' acquisition behavior.
Xiang said insurers should play a part in stabilizing the market as institutional investors, but some recent activities contradict this goal, doing significant harm to the insurance sector's image and its long-term development.
China's insurance capital needs to serve the long-term and healthy development of the insurance sector, and should not turn investment into speculative buyouts, said Xiang.
Wang Guojun, an insurance professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said the point of insurance is fundamentally for protection, and this should also be the case with the use of insurance funds.
"Only long-term, value-oriented and stable investment supports the real economy and the stable, healthy development of the capital market," said Wang.
CITIC Securities Co said in a research note that better regulation of the use of insurance funds benefits both the insurance and stock markets.
The joint-stock commercial banks in China should establish rigid controls and prevent further growth of credit risks, said Shang Fulin, chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission.
"We need to examine thoroughly the financing situation of the 'zombie companies' and accelerate the disposal of nonperforming loans," he said during a keynote speech to leaders of the 12 national joint-stock commercial banks at the 2016 Annual Conference of National Joint-stock Commercial Banks in Tianjin on Monday.
Figures from the CBRC show that the NPL balance of Chinese joint-stock commercial banks in the 3rd quarter of 2016 reached 317 billion yuan ($45.95 billion), up about 7 percent from the 2nd quarter. The NPL ratio in the 3rd quarter was 1.67 percent, while that in the previous quarter was 1.63 percent.
Shang said that the banks should firmly maintain depositors' rights and prevent bad loans. They should also put noncredit businesses, such as notes financing and bond investing, under a unified credit granting and risk management system. This will help them truly assess risks and maintain control over such problems as borrowers having too much leverage.
Pan Guangwei, executive vice-president of the China Banking Association, said that the association has launched campaigns against escaping and revoking bank debts. So far, they have collected more than 120 cases and exposed more than 730 organizations that have escaped or revoked bank debts.
Shang said that joint-stock commercial banks should put risk prevention and control higher on their agenda in the future.
"The regulation of the banking industry globally will be stricter, and the cost of violating the regulations will be much higher, so joint-stock commercial banks should do their utmost to abide by the regulations," he said.
While making innovations in their business, they need to make sure these changes support the real economy, are helpful for risk management, and protect the legal rights of depositors, he said.
Shang also called on banks to prevent and control financial risks that may occur in businesses that are cross-industry and cross-market.
Moreover, the joint-stock commercial banks should also prevent and control their liquidity risks. They need to calculate how various financial products impact their cash flow. By controlling the duration of their loan portfolios and increasing liquid reserves, they can be prepared to face a changing financial environment, he said.
CAMEROUN :: Cameroon:Some historic facts about the Southern Cameroons rights of self-determination
ANCHOR-one: 01/10/61: The now sovereign British Southern Cameroon and the Republic of Cameroon formed a Union. This union according to the UN Resolution 1608 (XV) GAOR mandated entity called THE TWO ALTERNATIVES, was supposed to be called Federal United Cameroon Republics, nevertheless, ended simply been called FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON.
NOTE: This apparently innocuous substitution was no mistake! It was a deliberate act of sabotage of the union which by operation of the law was to be known as Federal United Cameroons Republics. This is what our people went to the polls on February 11, 1961 and voted for.
* Does anyone hear the appellation Federation associated with the name Cameroon?
* Does anyone hear of the word united associated with the name Cameroon?
* Do you hear the word republics (emphasis on s) associated with the name Cameroon?
* Maybe you do not take notice! But in the real world we live in --the one where identity matters: the one where the law mattershow you call yourself, and by extension, your country matters! Below are name changes that were designed to cement the French Cameroons malicious plot of annexation and assimilation of what used to be called until 1984 as the Southern Cameroons!
* 1961-1972: Federal Republic of Cameroon
* 1972-1976: United Republic of Cameroon
* 1976-1980: United Democratic Republic of Cameroon
* 1980- 1984: United Republic of Cameroon
* 1984- Current: Republic of Cameroon
* ANCHOR-two: 02/01/1984: On February 1, 1984 the defunct Republic of Cameroon was resurrected following the enactment of Restoration Law 84/01 by the Cameroon Union then called United Republic of Cameroon. By operation of international law on the Creation and Extinction of States British Southern Cameroon and Republic of Cameroon became extinct President Paul Biya and his clique of insatiable kleptomaniacs explained to our servile Anglophones representatives that this was just a change of name . These representatives and everyone, including our best lawyers went handclapping hallelujah in agreement with Biya to this day. According to international law the resuscitation of the Republic of Cameroon on February 1, 1984 which had been extinct since January 1, 1961, constitutes the dissolution of the 1961 union that had rendered both this Republic of Cameroon and the Southern Cameroons extinct.
According to the international laws of creation and extinction of states, the Restoration Law legally rendered the two countries as sovereign and independent of each other as they were before January 1, 1961. EMPHASIS must be on the element of sovereign and independent of each other! While it is clear that while the dominant French Cameroonians took good care of their best interest as they returned to their pre-federation status called Republic of Cameroon, the politically drifting minority of the now extinct federation (the so called Southern Cameroonians) failed to identify what must be their next step. Their experiences as victim of Cameroons annexationist and assimilationist schemes masquerading as benign constitutional changes should have alerted them to stay clear of the name SOUTHERN CAMEROONS! Even worse was the fact that the entire Anglophones political representative was totally unaware of the true intention of the Restoration Law 84/01: which was to WIPE-OUT any trace of the other sovereign state that made up the Cameroon Federation the Southern Cameroons! THE ETERNAL PROBLEM! There is this slave mentality inferiority complex that seems to dictates that our country must continue to be called Southern Cameroon! The a question which has never been answered is this: whose best self-interest does calling our country Southern Cameroons and calling ourselves Southern Cameroonians serve? In the current geo-political reality, which we can afford to ignore at our own peril, the appellation Southern Cameroons is simply the geographical expression identifying the southern region of the Republic of Cameroon --the only country known in the world as Cameroon) THE LOGIC OF A TIMELY SOLUTION Fortunately our country, ex-British Southern Cameroon, is located in the zone of Ambas Bay.
The pre-meditated strategy of using this native root name as a geographical expression of the hinterland of AMBAS is why the name Ambazonia identifies our country so neatly. This name AMBAZONIA was identified as the new name of our country in the document NEW SOCIAL ORDER. The timely document calling for renegotiation of a federal constitution following the recent dissolution of the old one by Restoration Law 84/01. The name AMBAZONIA as a consequence of operation of the law is the successor state of the now defunct Southern Cameroons Whoever quarrels with this may not know what is truly stake here and is urged to learn the facts of sovereignty politics. Whoever continues to quarrel with this logic after being made to understand the motivations of its originators would invariably find themselves (1) either replicating the same thing (coming up with another name such as AMBAZaNIA) or worse, (2) be compelled by the natural accusation of mimicking Ambazonia, drift even further from our desired universe of coherence. In other words, unless these chronic-fault-finders clearly adopt the other known strategy for attaining independence (the still to be executed conflict model) their alternatives will tantamount to fishing expeditions in the seas of incoherence! LEGAL PROCESS FOR HEAD OF STATE The Proto-Ambazonians team {Dr. Bernard Fonlon assisted by Fon Gorji-Dinka were their spokesmen) that coined the word AMBAZONIA strategized the idea of turning the 1985 Bamenda CNU Congress into a constitutional review conference wherein should be discussed a new federal constitution. This because the nucleus of the Ambazonian Restoration Council.
Dr. Fonlon who originally lead the ARC asked Fon Dinka to become the leader so as to respond to legal inquiries appropriately, since our case was strictly one of the interpretations of the Cameroon Restoration Law 84/01 and its legal implication in international law. PROCLAMATION It became necessary to make a Proclamation formalizing the Restoration of the independence of ex- British Southern Cameroon with its geographical identity Ambazonia. In October 10, 1990 the Proclamation formalizing the Republic of Ambazonia was filed at the United Nations. Restoration means every constitutional set up in Buea before January 1, 1961 was restored except that an Ambazonian indigene had to replace an English woman, the Queen Elizabeth, as the titular Ambazonia Head of State. The Proclamation was filed along with exhibits as Restoration Law 84/01, and since then has been amended with exhibits as the case HCB/28/92 and UN HRC ICCR Communication 1134/2002 to brace its legal document status. That is the legal process of the making of the existence of the Republic of Ambazonia. So the Ambazonian constitution is nothing else but the constitution that ruled our country till Cameroon union was imposed on us January 1, 1961. Needless to say once Ambazonia becomes independent; its Parliament would of course use the requisite amendment clause in the constitution to revise it to suit ANY of its national needs, including the election of offices of the now independent state! UNITED NATIONS VINDICATES US The UN tribunal on human rights in its judgement in Communication 1134/2002 of March 15, 2005 has confirmed:
(a) that Restoration Law 84/01 by resuscitating the dead Republic of Cameroon constitutes dissolution of the Cameroon Union
(b) that the geographical expression Ambazonia identifies one and only one country ex-British Southern Cameroon.
(c) that the Cameroon High Court judgment HBC/28/92 was the best domestic attempt at resolving our dispute with Cameroon.
ADDITIONAL REVELATIONS And still on this universe of strict application of the law, then the former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Anan, in what is known as the ANNAN-BAKASSI PEACE ACCORD, got President Paul Biya to sign in January 2005 a commitment to withdraw to the territorial boundary of Cameroon as obtained at independence. A similar commitment was signed by Nigerian President Olusegun Mathew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo. Just when The Post, a Cameroonian newspaper owned by Prime Minister Inoni published Fon Dinkas article exposing that the World Court judgement has rendered the Biya/Obasanjo Bakassi agreement invalid, the UN surveyors went to rebuild the international boundary pillars separating Cameroon from Ambazonia. Was it mere coincidence? These legal measures have so devastated Yaounde that they are doing everything to hide it fight back. Starting with the fact that they have hidden from the Cameroonian public the true mission of the UN visiting Boundary team. In the meantime, they have launched a massive anti-independence propaganda and smear campaign against the veritable emancipation entities as the SCNC and SCYL in the United States.
THE REALITIES OF OUR GEO-POLITICS!
In these post 9/11 days, if your advocacy position is or even gives the appearance that it is for the breaking a part of country, then the international community will call that as terrorism! Add this to the ongoing Cameroon smear campaign and propaganda that we are All ONE CAMEROONIAN people, you have an uphill task just getting the world to understand your side of the story. Yaounde knows this and has capitalized on the fact that we still have not rallied and be organized as that one unified people conscious of their well-established sovereign rights to their Ambazonian nationality. A right secured since the 1984 when the federation was dissolved! In fact the Yaounde clique of insatiable kleptomaniacs has succeeded to get the US Dept of Home land security to classify Southern Cameroonian-based emancipationist activities as secessionists terrorists! This is unequivocally false and must not be allowed to persist! Yaounde tried to get the US government to include Ambazonia in their smear campaign and failed because they were told that Ambazonia is a different country from Cameroon. That the Ambazonian nationalism seeks only to terminate Cameroon occupation of Ambazonia They cited the Cameroon Restoration law 84/01 and fact that even the Cameroon military Tribunal ruled that the Ambazonian leader committed no offence by seeking to get President Biya withdraw from Ambazonia in compliance with the Restoration law 84/01. Then they cite in particular the Cameroon High Court judgment HCB/28/92 Ambazonia-v-Cameroon; part of which is an order expelling from Ambazonian territory all persons whose presence in Ambazonia derives authority from Yaounde ; and another a declaration that Cameroon occupation is an act of continuing aggression, and a declaration that persons representing Ambazonia in Cameroon Parliament withdraw etc etc. BUT HOW we reverse this political reality of default to POWER where Cameroon seems to be defining us as Cameroonians, and by extension, casting our noble quest for freedom as seditions acts, will be a test of how we understand self-interest! Some may even add that this will be a test whether we finally can really take time to understand our history and the simply admonition that foretells doom for those who refuse to learn from it.
ARE WE SERVING BUT CAMEROONS INTEREST INSTEAD?
None of the people posturing as our liberators have dared to publicly acknowledged these facts, not even the restoration law 84/01 enacted by their master Biya, without realising the legal consequences. These chronic fault finders instead of serving our peoples best self-interest, by evidence of their resistance to Ambazonia, have one and only one secret agenda: namely to execute a campaign of moral sabotage and character assassination against Fon Dinka. While the CHRONIC FAULT-FINDERS have invested a full 15 years focusing but on castigating the person whose only fault was that volunteered to spearhead the resurrection of the sovereignty inherited from the former Southern Cameroons when everyone else ran away from it or failed to recognized its importance, Cameroon has never relented in its assimilationist program. These Chronic Fault-finder have no answer for Cameroon only AMBAZONIA has the answer that meets the logic of our history and the law: all variables which the international community relies on to assess any situation before making a determination.
THE GREAT SHAME OF THE DIASPORAN EMANCIPATIONISTS: Right here in Washington DC, in the capital of the free world, it is PAN-CAMERFOONISM which is alive and well and flourishing. It is not the case of a certain Southern Cameroons fighting to be free from Cameroon. The world will never understand this anachronism because (1) we have confused a very simple and direct message and (2) Cameroon will make sure it remains as confused as it can get. So who are we serving? Our silent unsuspecting population or Cameroon God will design the place and time when we shall come to see the TRUTH since God never desire that our people continue to suffer.
ONLY THE TRUTH SHALL SET OUR PEOPLE FREE.
Vitol Group and China Petroleum & Chemical Corp, known as Sinopec, are the two final bidders competing to buy Chevron Corp's South African assets, which could be worth about $1 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.
French oil major Total SA and Swiss commodity trader Gunvor Group Ltd have dropped out of the bidding, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private. Chevron plans to make a decision on the winner in the coming weeks, though the sale talks could still falter, the people said.
US oil producer Chevron offered to sell a 75 percent stake in its South African unit earlier this year as part of a three-year divestment program announced in 2014. The business includes a 110,000-barrel-a-day refinery in Cape Town and a lubricants plant in the eastern port city of Durban, as well as more than 800 Caltex service stations. The sale may fetch about $1 billion, people familiar with the matter said in March.
Andrea Schlaepfer, a London-based spokeswoman for Vitol, the world's biggest independent oil trader, declined to comment on the matter. Total and Gunvor also declined to comment. A representative of Sinopec, declined to comment.
"The process initiated by Chevron Global Energy Inc to solicit expressions of interest for its 75 percent shareholding of Chevron South Africa Proprietary Limited is ongoing," Braden Reddall, a Chevron spokesman, said.
A report conducted by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences found that the top 50 cities in the Yangtze River economic zone vary in the strength of their driving force for technological innovation and suggested ways for them to complement each other.
The Yangtze River economic zone includes nine provinces and two municipalitiesShanghai and Chongqingand its population accounts for more than 40 percent of the country and the region's GDP accounts for over a third of China's figure.
A national development outline for the region released in September said that it should lead the mainland's innovation-driven industrial transformation and upgrading.
Shanghai topped the report's rankings with a total score of 0.721.
Nanjing came in second with a score of 0.576 and Chengdu took the third place with 0.430. Shanghai far surpassed Nanjing in Jiangsu province, Wuhan in Hubei province, Hangzhou in Zhejiang, Suzhou in Jiangsu, Changsha in Hunan and Chengdu in Sichuan provincewhich brought up the remaining top six other rankings in descending order.
The cities in the report were scored with 31 detailed indicators in areas including their total investments in technological innovation, technology output and performance.
Among the rankings were the 13 cities with the lowest scores. They included Zunyi in Guizhou province and Huanggang and Jingzhou in Hubei, with scores of around 0.1.
"Uneven development in the west region which lags behind the east part is an obvious factor," said academy deputy director Wang Zhen.
"Generally, there is adequate room for innovation with cities that are not provincial capitals," Wang added.
Wang said the main idea behind the rankings was to provide suggestions, harness the advantages of the different cities and innovate in a cooperative way.
"For example, investment in technological innovation in Suzhou is high but there's a lack of comprehensive national-level research institutes in the city," Wang said.
'Suzhou can cooperate more with provincial capital cities, such as Wuhan and Nanjing, that have such resources."
Some experts also urged provinces to develop towns specializing in technological innovation.
Xu Changle, deputy director of the Yangtze River economic zone research institute in Nantong University in Jiangsu, said that there were more than 9,000 towns along the region with a rich economic history.
"The cities in the Yangtze River Delta have a stronger economic background while the ones in the upper and middle reaches boast more natural resources," Xu said.
"Most of them can find their unique positioning, combining their natural endowments with a burgeoning local industrial development."
Good examples included Wuzhen, the town in Zhejiang province, which had established a name as a host of internet expos, Xu added.
Hitachi Ltd will continue to strengthen its elevator and auto parts businesses, and expand in healthcare, internet of things and new generation of vehicles.
"China is an important market for Hitachi as revenue from China contributed the most to the company of all overseas markets. We will lift the revenue to 1.1 trillion yen ($9.6 billion) in 2018," said Toshiaki Higashihara, president and CEO of Hitachi.
He added that the revenue from the Chinese market reached 1.05 trillion yuan last year.
Hitachi expects that its revenue from overseas markets will reach 50 percent of its total in 2018.
China has rolled out its 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) for economic and social development and will implement development concepts featuring innovation, green development and sharing.
Hitachi will grasp the opportunities offered by the plan to develop the healthcare industry, intelligent logistics, electric vehicles, connected car and auto-driving technologies, according to Higashihara.
"We will provide a series of solutions and services, including healthcare solutions which help the hospitals to operate efficiently," he said.
The Made in China 2025 strategy, designed to transform China from a largely low-end manufacturing giant into a world manufacturing leader, provides Hitachi with a genuine boost with the application of IoT technology into traditional industry.
It will promote its IoT platform "Lumada" in China, which consists of robotics, artificial intelligence and big data analysis technologies.
Hitachi provide solutions to customers in a broad range of sectors, including power, energy, industry, distribution, water, urban development, finance, government and public, and healthcare.
Wang Xiwen, an expert of intelligent manufacturing and Industry 4.0, said the Made in China 2025 strategy has formulated guidelines for China's manufacturing industry in the next 10 years, with an aim to realize green and intelligent manufacturing.
A worker adjusts a strand of staking twine as paprika plants grow inside a greenhouse operated by Seminis and De Ruite, the vegetable seeds divisions of Monsanto Co, in Bergschenhoek, the Netherlands. [Photo/Agencies]
Shareholders of US seeds and agrochemicals company Monsanto Co approved the company's $66 billion acquisition by Bayer AG on Tuesday, a deal that still requires regulatory approval to close as expected in late 2017.
Increased research and development spending by the combined companies and plans to develop a global seeds and biotechnology hub in St. Louis fuel hopes regulators will not block the deal, which was agreed upon in September, Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant said.
"I think those augur well for the deal," he said.
If the deal closes, it will create a company commanding more than a quarter of the combined world market for seeds and pesticides in the fast-consolidating farm supplies industry.
Uncertainty about whether US president-elect Donald Trump would stand in the way of large mergers after taking office in January has clouded the outlook of some deals. Trump vowed during his campaign to block AT&T Inc's purchase of Time Warner Inc and look to break up Comcast Corp's deal to buy NBC Universal, citing too much concentration of power.
The president does not directly decide if a merger is illegal under antitrust law. That is done by the Justice Department or Federal Trade Commission, which divide up the work of assessing mergers. If one of them decides to stop a deal, it must convince a judge to agree.
Grant said he has not met with Trump or any of his transition team and did not elaborate on how the company was working to secure the deal.
The acquisition came after a string of large mergers that have roiled the agribusiness sector in the last year or so, including China National Chemical Corp's purchase of Swiss chemicals company Syngenta AG and a merger of Dow Chemical Co and DuPont.
Reuters
BEIJING - The European Union's proposed anti-dumping rules that would allow the bloc to impose higher tariffs, if approved, will open a dangerous road toward protectionism.
EU member states on Tuesday agreed to change the "lesser duty rule," which limits EU anti-dumping tariffs and makes EU measures less severe than US duties in many cases.
The new EU position threatens its trade with China.
The proposal is simply another way of extending the surrogate-country approach practices in anti-dumping investigations.
In accordance with Article 15 of China's Accession Protocol for joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), the surrogate-country approach expires on Dec 11, 2016.
With the proposed reform, the EU is apparently looking for ways to continue its old game of protecting its industries from competition from China. But as a matter of fact, imposing punitive duties on foreign imports is not a way out for European economic growth and jobs against the backdrop of sluggish global economic recovery.
The EU proposal, if approved, could dampen the sound momentum of the development of China-EU ties.
China-EU relations are maturing over the past decades and trade between them have benefitted both sides. The right way is to go forward, not backward.
All WTO members, including the EU, should fight protectionism and work to revive trade and investment, and build an open global economy that is dynamic, inclusive and sustainable.
China is flooding Silicon Valley with cash, as 26 percent of US unicorns are currently backed by investors from Greater China, while venture capital investment in US companies is down, according to a report.
Among the 32 investors that have backed US startups, Chinese internet giants like Alibaba and Tencent, as well as Chinese venture capitalists, are dominant, noted CB Insights, a New York-based investment research firm. Chinese investors have participated in over 40 American tech deals per quarter since 2014, and joined in major 2015 financing deals with the likes of Uber, Lyft and AirBnB among others, involving nearly $10 billion in US tech funding for 2015 alone.
"Start-up fundraising in Silicon Valley wouldn't function without Chinese money. It has changed the landscape," said Chris Nicholson, the CEO of Skymind, a deep learning startup, in an interview with the Washington Post.
Meanwhile, venture capital investors in the US have taken a more cautious approach as overall investment deal levels drop. What's more, the flood of crossover investment from mutual funds and hedge funds into private technology startups in the US has fallen drastically.
According to the report, the global ambitions of Chinese internet giants, the rise of wealth creation and a dearth of investment opportunities in China are the primary motivations for Chinese investors looking to the US.
BEIJING - China's leading university Wednesday set up a consortium to promote research and practice on economic structural change to achieve better global development.
The Global Research Consortium on Economic Structural Transformation (GReCEST) is initiated by the Center for New Structural Economics at Peking University and has 33 founding members from all over the world, mostly research institutions.
The consortium focuses on structural problems of developing countries, aiming to provide advisory and policy recommendations on sustainable development, said Zhou Qiangwu, director of International Economics and Finance Institute, a think tank under China's Ministry of Finance.
"It will also work to promote south-south cooperation and increase developing countries' participation in global economic governance," Zhou said at the inauguration conference.
"The conference is important as we can learn structural transformation experience from other parts of the world, including China," said K.Y. Amoako, president of the African Center for Economic Transformation.
The consortium provides a platform for sharing experience and best methods, he said.
The consortium will further strengthen the construction of the south-south cooperation think tank network and help developing countries reduce poverty and realize transformation, said Agi Veres, country director of the United Nations Development Programme.
The GReCEST is one of the priority areas under the umbrella of the Global Coalition of Southern Think Tank Networks, a UN-led coalition network of over 200 think tanks from both developing and developed countries.
China has pushed for knowledge sharing among developing countries in recent years. The country pledged to set up an international development knowledge center to facilitate studies and exchanges and the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development, during the United Nations Development Summit in September 2015.
BEIJING - The Ministry of Commerce urged Argentina on Wednesday to abide by World Trade Organization rules over anti-dumping investigations on five Chinese products.
China is concerned by measures taken by Argentina against Chinese products, according to Wang Hejun, head with the trade remedy investigation department with the MOC.
Argentina launched anti-dumping investigations on Dec 7 local time on Chinese PMMA plate, multifunctional food processing machines, metal protective screening, household dishwashers and steel pipes.
Argentina initiated 11 anti-dumping investigations against Chinese products this year, the highest number in Latin America, according to Wang.
China has been advocating a prudent, restrained and regulated approach in trade remedy measures which should be strictly in line with WTO rules and implemented in a fair and transparent manner, Wang said.
China hopes Argentina will abide by WTO rules and will protect Chinese companies' rights to appeal against such measures, Wang added.
WELLINGTON - One of China's big four commercial banks is giving New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra a funding facility valued at 1.5 billion yuan ($216.27 million) so it can grow its business in China.
Bank of China New Zealand said Thursday it had signed a landmark agreement with farmer-owned cooperative Fonterra for a multi-currency bank facility, including a Chinese currency component.
Chief executive David Lei Wang said annual trade between New Zealand and China had almost tripled to NZ$23 billion ($16.33 billion) since the bilateral free trade agreement was signed in 2008, and Chinese banking services had played an important role in fostering cross-border transactions and investment.
"We see great opportunities in developing more renminbi products and tapping into China's debt capital markets on behalf of New Zealand financial institutions and government agencies," Wang said in a statement.
Fonterra chief financial officer Lukas Paravicini said the new debt facility underlined the cooperative's continued focus on building an integrated business in China.
"Bank of China has strong liquidity in renminbi and its local presence and knowledge offer us additional benefits in the rapidly developing Chinese financial markets," Paravicini said in the statement.
"Having local funding arrangements is a natural extension of our activities in China."
The Bank of China facility did not mean Fonterra was taking on more debt; rather it offered the cooperative alternatives in renminbi funding sources.
"There is no change to our existing strategy of growing our business in China. This is simply a better way to organize the funding of that strategy," said Paravicini.
Fonterra is New Zealand's largest company and the world's largest exporter of dairy products.
It has three dairy farm centers in China and is aiming to produce 1 billion liters of fresh milk a year by 2018.
China's outbound direct investment from the non-financial sector registered around 1.07 trillion yuan ($161.7 billion) in the first 11 months of 2016, up 55.3 percent on a year-on-year basis, data released by the Ministry of Commerce show.
The country's outbound direct investment into Africa reached $2.5 billion in the first 11 months of 2016, increasing 31 percent from the same period last year:
Foreign direct investment that went to China rose 3.9 percent year-on-year to 731.8 billion yuan in the first 11 months this year.
Visitors look at 3D-printed products at the Roche Group booth at a technology fair in Shanghai. [Photo/China Daily]
Foreign investment mainly flows to services, and pharmaceutical and high-tech sectors
Foreign direct investment from the United States and the European Union surged by 55.4 percent and 43.9 percent, respectively, between January and November, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
The investment mainly flowed into service businesses including information, consulting and computing science, and the pharmaceutical and high-tech equipment manufacturing sectors, during this period.
Ministry spokesman Sun Jiwen said because of China's comparatively high productivity and market size, companies from developed markets enjoy a stable revenue growth and brand recognition, which enable them to invest more in the country.
Foreign investment gained by high-tech services business jumped 97.7 percent to 88.14 billion yuan ($12.71 billion) on a year-on-year basis in the first 11 months.
Foreign investment in the high-tech manufacturing sector amounted to 54.73 billion yuan, increasing 3.6 percent year-on-year.
"China has mature clusters of efficient suppliers for a large number of manufacturing businesses inside the country and across many neighboring markets, especially in Southeast Asia and Central Asia," said Sun.
Foreign direct investment in China rose 3.9 percent year-on-year to 731.8 billion yuan in the first 11 months of this year.
Within the EU, investment from the United Kingdom, Germany, Luxembourg and Sweden rose 120 percent, 87 percent, 129 percent and 48 percent, respectively, during the 11-month period.
Switzerland-based Roche Group invested $126.7 million in November to build an innovation center in Shanghai. The new facility will be operational in 2018.
Johnson Controls Inc, the United States-based manufacturer of energy storage, building equipment and control systems, will also open its second global headquarters with a capacity for 1,200 employees in Shanghai in April.
"China has been keen to stimulate global trade through the Belt and Road Initiative and seal various free trade deals such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific," said Mei Xinyu, a research fellow with the Research Academy at the Ministry of Commerce.
"Under such circumstances, foreign companies certainly don't want to miss such opportunities to ship more products to other markets from their plants in China," he said.
Alexandra Voss, executive director of the German Chamber of Commerce-North China, said the Yangtze River Delta region, Shanghai, Chongqing and Chengdu with strong consumption power, demand for industrial upgrading and infrastructure, will continue to remain attractive to German companies in the long run.
Gao Songya contributed to this story.
Introduction
The 2016 Boao Forum for Asia will be held in South China's Hainan province from March 22 to 25. Participants at the annual conference will focus on Asia's New future: New Dynamics, New Vision and take part in panel discussions.
The forum, a non-government and non-profit organization, is a platform for leaders in government, business and academia from Asia and beyond to share their visions on the most pressing issues in this dynamic region and the world at large.
A boy takes a traffic safety class at BMW's AnAn Driving School. [Photo provided to China Daily]
One of the first auto companies to launch corporate social responsibility projects in China, BMW strives to solve social issues by utilizing its advantages rather than simply giving donations, said its senior executives.
Molly Yang, vice-president of BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd, said the German brand focuses on social mobility, safety and sustainable mobility based on its resources and core competencies.
"Fulfilling our social responsibility is an indispensable part of BMW's localization efforts in China," Yang said. "We propose that we should contribute to society and we have remained persistent in our projects. The company has been seriously devoted to CSR activities."
This year marks the centenary of the premium carmaker's establishment and a milestone for its upgraded CSR strategies.
BMW's CSR initiatives include its two pillar programs, BMW Children's Traffic Safety Education in 2005, and BMW China Culture Journey since 2007 and the innovative platform, BMW Warm Heart Fund in 2008.
"Practical results instead of formality is one of the three aspects differentiating BMW's CSR projects from that of our peers, the other two being long-term involvement and extensive participation," Yang said.
Cultural heritage
To raise people's awareness of traditional culture and boost intangible cultural heritage, BMW China Culture Journey celebrated its 10th anniversary on Dec 14 with a range of creative works displayed at the 2015-2016 BMW China Culture Journey Biennial Exhibition, held in Shenyang, Liaoning province.
The event focused on promoting cultural inheritance and innovation and restoring local charm in the midst of rapid development.
BMW and the Academy of Arts & Design at Tsinghua University built the Tsinghua BMW Innovation Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding in June. The center provides training sessions to cultural inheritors selected by an expert panel.
Yang said heritage needs to adapt to meet people's everchanging demands and that inheritors should find better means of sustainable development.
Children safety
Another CSR milestone is the new fixed experience center of BMW Children's Traffic Safety Education, which has opened to the public in Shenyang.
Volunteers made up of associates and dealership partners provide traffic safety knowledge to children and their parents at the center.
"BMW has made a real difference in building a safer world for Chinese children," said Yang.
"We are promoting children's traffic safety with all stakeholders, including dealers, associates, research institutes and government bodies."
The automobile brand persists in running the traffic safety education program as it found children usually absorbed the knowledge quickly via the interactions with an open mind.
Power up for love
BMW firmly believes that an excellent corporate citizen should not only have prominent business strength, but also take stakeholders into account in order to drive the industry's development and boost society's progress.
Stakeholders' engagement is one of the principles supporting the development of the BMW CSR initiative, and participation of BMW customers is an important force.
Thousands of BMW's warmhearted customers and dealers across the country have joined hands to work on CSR under the carmaker's guidance.
A series of advanced academic partnership activities were also carried at Tongji University, Northeastern University and the Dalian University of Technology.
For example, the Tiexi plant is now serving as a doctoral education base for Northeastern University.
BMW employees also spontaneously participate the Associate Social Responsibility program.
The sales of green vehicles, or new-energy vehicles, in China almost reached up to half a million in sale units (402,800) by the end of last November. This is a near double figure of year on year growth. And the production for 2016 accounts for 40 percent of the world's total, the China Association of Automobile Manufactures (CAAM) said.
According to the same company, the total vehicle sales, including both regular and new energy cars in China increased 14 percent year on year, totaling 24.94 million units by the end of November.
China will be the first country in the world with annual vehicle sales exceeding 25 million units, predicted Asahi Shimbun on Tuesday.
The domestic new energy vehicle industry is going through rapid development, says Xu Yanhua, Vice Secretary-General of CAAM.
The breakthrough in core technologies, a clearer industry chain, and an increased willingness to buy from consumers have resulted in expanded markets for alternative-fuel vehicles, Jiefang Daily reports.
In the last decade, the battery, or the heart of the new energy cars has made significant progress. Two battery technologies have seen an increase in efficiency and battery life in the last 10 years.
At present, the homemade lithium iron phosphate battery and ternary li-ion battery have doubled in its monomer energy density than a decade ago, explains Guo Wei, GM of Beijing National Battery Technology Co, Ltd.
"It means that China already has the strength and confidence in the coming global competition of new-energy vehicles." Guo added, placing China's industry within a global context.
Charging infrastructure is embracing a favorable policy period. By the end of October, over a hundred thousand public electric vehicle charging stations in China existed, a dramatic year-on-year growth of 118 percent. Private charging points exceeded 170,000 as well.
In China's 12th Five-Year-Plan, a fast charging network on expressways across Beijing, Tianjin, North China's Hebei province and the Yangtze River Delta regions have been established, covering over 11,000 km of expressways.
China's next Five-Year-Plan (13th) will see a 36,000 km coverage of charging stations, along with an estimated investment infrastructure total of 160 billion yuan ($2.3 billion) to 180 billion yuan ($2.6 billion), reports Jiefang Daily.
Policies related to new-energy vehicle industry were issued from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology(MIIT) and the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC). They refer to the industry access requirements, management, and carbon emissions, among other things.
New energy vehicles in China will continue to see healthy development, despite more regulated policies.
Dell Incthe world's third-largest PC maker by shipments and market share, introduced a brand-new line of China-customized desktop computers on Wednesday in Beijing, a move aimed at catering to local schools and enterprises' specific needs for digital upgradation.
For the first time, Dell uses Chinese to name the new line, Chengming, which means achieving success and winning recognition. Targeting Chinese clients in the fields of government, education, finance and healthcare, the latest product offers various solutions, such as installed hard drive protection kit.
Huang Chenhong, president of Dell Greater China, said: "The new series are tailored to meet the needs of Chinese users, which is a key step of our localization strategy. As an important part of our end-to-end solutions, the improvement of products for commercial use will strengthen Dell's power and offer more choices for our clients."
The first product of the new line - "Chengming 3967" - is a desktop computer for commercial use, which maintains many previous interfaces, such as VGA and P/S2 for Chinese clients, to meet their needs to use software for management, security or industry application.
The new product also offers a full set of educational solutions. Teachers can choose from different versions of teaching materials, including PPTs and interactive quizzes, to teach students aged 6-18.
Data from International Data Corp shows, in the third quarter of 2016, Dell's market share in the United States rose to 26.2 percent, compared to 24.1 percent in the same period last year.
Globally, Dell shipped 10.7 million units of PCs, and saw its second-highest quarterly shipment volume since 2011.
Lin Hao, vice-president of client solutions group at Dell Greater Chinanoted that the Chinese market has a strong demand for commercial desktopsof which the capacity will increase to 8 million units by 2020.
Dell also announced that the new product will start selling in China from Thursday.
Cai Wensheng, chairman of Meitu Inc (L), and model Angelababy, prepare to bang the gong during the company's listing ceremony at the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd in Hong Kong, December 15, 2016. [Photo/IC]
Chinese selfie application maker Meitu Inc started to trade in Hong Kong today, marking the biggest debut since the start of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect.
"After selling shares at HK$8.5 apiece, toward the bottom of the marketed range, Meitu has a valuation of HK$35.9 billion ($4.6 billion)," said Cai Wensheng, chairman of the company in an interview with Bloomberg.
According to bloomberg.com, Cai recently expressed expectations to rake in the benefits of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, as more individual investors from the Chinese mainland seek alternative investments to diversify their assets in Hong Kong.
The reports also said Meitu is trying to capture more overseas users in the US and Southeast Asia, aiming to generate more money from advertising and e-commerce.
According to Meitu, as of this February, BeautyPlus, one of the latest core products of the company, is ranked as the world's most advanced photo and selfie editing tool used by over 100 million users globally.
Yan Jinliang, chief financial officer of the company spoke to the press before the trading day, saying their more than one billion users of Meitu reserve great business potential. He elaborated that online advertising, live streaming, e-commerce and smartphone sales are the core business models for the company to take advantage of and make a profit from their massive user base.
"By providing an online shopping platform that meets the demand of young generation female users for fashion is a perfect match to our products properties," said Yan. "Well launch our e-commerce platform in the first half of next year, and the platform will become the most important approach for us to make profits in the coming three to five years."
"The reason for us to step into e-commerce market is because our customer acquisition cost is relatively low as female are born to be our users, so its unnecessary for us to spend a lot on brand promoting and advertising," Cai Wensheng added.
Wu Xinhong, co-founder and CEO of the company said that Meitu will simultaneously operate two e-commerce platforms; one is for selling middle and high-end brands and the other is a special platform that provides t-shirts, brochures and mugs painted with customized pictures taken by users.
People visit the booth of photo editing and sharing app Meitu during the 2016 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Shanghai, China, June 29 2016. [Photo/IC]
The company's listing also marks the biggest initial public offering by a technology company in Hong Kong since Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings Ltd went public in 2004.
The stock link between Shenzhen and Hong Kong started last Monday. Investors can purchase and sell shares on each other's bourses, improving connectivity between the two capital markets.
According to Xinhua News Agency, a total of 417 Hong Kong-listed stocks are eligible for trade, and 881 Shenzhen-listed stocks.
Industrial observers pointed out that the company is struggling to make a profit as it has reached an accumulated deficit for more than 1.1 billion yuan by the end of this June.
"Ninety-five percent of Meitu's revenue depends upon its smartphone that highlighted sefie functions, which is still believed as a segment market with limited demand," the critical voices said.
By 11 am, Meitu's share dropped to $8.41 each, slightly plummeting below its initial public offering price.
To combat internet fraud, Chinese internet giant Tencent called on the government to establish a credible platform for related companies and banks to share databases, which can be used for finding fraudulent activity.
"Since internet fraud has developed into a mature business chain, a single company or only police cannot successfully fight it alone," Tencent Chairman and CEO Ma Huateng said on Wednesday at a conference in Beijing.
Ma said the black industry, telecommunication and internet fraud, illegally obtains databases of people's personal information and makes fraudulent phone calls or uses malicious apps to cheat them out of money.
They are so "professional" that they even make customized plans to deceive their targets after analyzing the information with advanced technology.
"Therefore, sharing databases of telecom companies, banks and internet companies, and analyzing them can help find out what trick the fraud is playing," Ma said.
But he added that related companies and banks are worried their databases cannot be protected.
"If the government initiates to establish an official platform, they might dispel their worries," Ma said.
According to Zhu Jinsong, a manager at Tencent responsible for fighting fraud, about 800 million people in China use their products, mainly the popular instant messaging app WeChat and QQ.
"We conduct big data analysis for users' activities everyday to find fraud suspects who are threatening people's financial safety," said Zhu.
With databases and analyzing technology of its own, Tencent has helped police crack down on 110 fraud cases which involved half a billion yuan ($72 million) this year.
But Tencent alone cannot fight it all, according to Zhu.
For the first 11 months this year, 930,000 telecom and internet fraud cases were found throughout the country, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
In these cases, more than 520,000 criminals were involved and the fraudulent activities might have caused victims to lose 4.87 billion yuan ($703 million).
"Uniting all parties concerned is a fundamental way to deal with telecom and internet fraud," said Chen Shiqu, a deputy inspector at the criminal investigation department of the Ministry of Public Security.
A Chinese scientist has received an award in the United States for his research into the effect of a traditional Chinese medicine in treating a deadly form of leukemia.
Chen Zhu, a professor of molecular biology at Shanghai Institute of Hematology, part of Shanghai Jiao Tong University's School of Medicine, received the 2016 Ernest Beutler Lecture and Prize from the American Society of Hematology in San Diego, California, along with Hugues de The, a professor of cellular and molecular oncology at the College de France and at Hospital Saint-Louis in Paris.
Chen, a former Chinese health minister, and his research team carried out targeted therapies using all-trans-retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide on patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a malignant hematologic disease with a high mortality rate.
Arsenic trioxide, called pishuang in Chinese, is known for its extensive use in Chinese literature as a murder weapon. But in recent years, it has been used to treat cancer and other conditions.
Chen's research represents a combination of TCM and Western medicine, since pishuang also was mentioned in ancient TCM texts as a treatment for cancer.
This is not the first breakthrough in medical science resulting from a combination of Eastern and Western medicine.
Last year, pharmacologist Tu Youyou became China's first Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine for her discovery of the anti-malaria treatment artemisinin. She said her work was also inspired by TCM.
Chen's novel treatment strategy increases the five-year event-free survival rate of acute promyelocytic leukemia to more than 90 percent, amounting to an almost "curable" standard, he said. He added, however, that there is more work to be done.
"Thirty years ago, APL was among the most dreaded and lethal forms of leukemia. Today, it is among the most curable, thanks to the outstanding contributions of doctors De The and Chen," Charles S. Abrams, president of American Society of Hematology, said in a statement.
"Together, their work to understand APL from a molecular level, and then applying those insights to discovering groundbreaking treatments, has significantly improved patient outcomes. Doctors De The and Chen's accomplishments are highly regarded in our field, and I am honored that the Society has chosen them to give one of our most prestigious lectures."
Four volunteers emerge from a mock space capsule on Wednesday in Shenzhen. MAO SIQIAN/XINHUA
After spending 180 days sealed in a "space capsule" in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in an experiment to simulate a long journey to Mars, four volunteers finally got to "return" to Earth on Wednesday as the experiment concluded.
The three men and one woman emerged from their 370-square-meter, eight-cabin module at the Space Institute of Southern China to a welcome by officials and scientists working on China's space exploration program.
Two of the volunteers, commander Tang Yongkang and Tong Feizhou, the female volunteer, are researchers at the Astronaut Center of China, while the others, Luo Jie and Wu Shiyun, are members of the public who applied to take part in the experiment, according to the center.
The volunteers were sealed in the module on June 17 and began to live on Mars time throughout the experiment, meaning days within the module lasted 24 hours and 40 minutes. They were sealed off from the Earth's sunlight and had to readjust to the longer days.
Several Chinese and international institutions participated, including the astronaut center, Harvard University and the German Aerospace Center.
Li Yinghui, a senior official at the China Manned Space Agency, who oversaw the project, said at the celebration ceremony that the volunteers tested equipment associated with the Controlled Ecological Life-Support System and carried out medical experiments on their physical, psychological and emotional states.
Several of the volunteers said they were bored at the start of the experiment, but soon adjusted. Their routine included exercise and work within the module.
All oxygen, 99 percent of the water and 70 percent of the food the group consumed was reused or produced within the module. They were able to grow 25 species of plants, including soybeans, peanuts, tomatoes and strawberries.
"The experiment has expanded our knowledge in environmental control and life support of manned space missions," Li said. "It helps us to explore life support technologies to be used for manned bases on other planets, and also helps with the design of our manned space station."
Chinese scientists and engineers are developing a manned station that will be built in space in 2018 and is expected to enter service around 2022.
The facility is expected to be the world's only space station after the International Space Station is retired in 2024, according to Chinese officials.
Lieutenant General Zhang Yulin, deputy head of the Central Military Commission's Equipment Development Department, also said in April that China aims to land astronauts on the moon in 15 to 20 years.
Students wait in line for interviews at a job fair in Beijing this month. There will be more than 7.95 million graduates next year, according to the Ministry of Education.Wang Zhuangfei / China Daily
Cao Ran, a postgraduate student in Beijing, is one of the most intellectual students in his class, but his high scores are not getting him a job offer. Cao graduates next summer, and in the past few months, he has been busy looking for jobs.
"I have been handing out my resume at job fairs since July when the semester started, but four months have passed and I have not received a single interview offer," he said. "There are just not enough positions this year. Fewer companies are hiring compared with last year."
Cao majored in chemical engineering at China University of Petroleum.
"I thought I was good, but there are many Chinese graduates from abroad who are also looking for jobs in Beijing. Competition is unimaginable," he said.
Across the country, as the job-hunting season starts, pressure has been mounting for new graduates, as the tepid economy has seen companies slash positions.
Li Hu, who studied public management at Renmin University of China, has found a job at a training firm.
"The salary is fine, given the economy, but there is no hukou, household registration, which means I cannot buy an apartment here and, in the future, my children cannot go to school here. So I am still looking for better opportunities, because I want to settle here," he said.
Unlike Li, many graduates choose to leave Beijing and look for jobs elsewhere.
Starting this year, Beijing has been capping its population as it pushes forward the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regional integration program. The capital has been moving out labor-intensive and polluting industries such as real-estate construction, steel, coal and mechanics.
"Years ago, at least 60 percent of our graduates had their first jobs in Beijing, but the percentage is less than half now," said Lyu Yuan of Peking University's employment center.
"The outflow of graduates has been more voluntary in recent years, as students evade a high-cost, high-pressure lifestyle in Beijing. Meanwhile, we are also advising and assisting students to seek jobs in other cities," Lyu said.
This year, there were 7.65 million new college graduates in China. Only about 80 percent of them found jobs immediately after graduating. Figures from the Ministry of Education show there will be more than 7.95 million graduates next year.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, about 15 million young people will join the urban labor force each year between this year and 2020. College graduates represent a majority of the new job hunters.
Chinese face a confounding mismatch of labor oversupply and structural shortages. Skilled workers are in short supply, while general labor forces are at a surplus.
Yao Xianguo, director of the public policy institute at Zhejiang University, said more jobs will be created as China steps up industrial upgrading and changes its development.
Parents also demand authority's apology to recover son's reputation
Parents of Nie Shubin, who was executed for rape and murder 21 years ago and pardoned earlier this month, applied to a court in Hebei province for State compensation of more than 13.9 million yuan ($2 million) on Wednesday, lawyers of the family announced.
At about 1:30 pm, Zhang Huanzhi, Nie's mother, accompanied by her lawyers, handed over the application at the Hebei Provincial High People's Court.
The total amount of compensation applied for is 13.91 million yuan, of which 12 million yuan is for mental damages Nie and his parents suffered over the past two decades, according to the lawyers.
"Nie's freedom was seriously infringed upon as he was wrongly detained for 216 days, and he was then executed, which brought great suffering to him and his parents. According to the State Compensation Law, the family should be given mental compensation," said Wang Dianxue, a lawyer from Beijing Jingshi Law Firm.
The family also asked for compensation for funeral expenses and fees brought by their long-term litigation, Wang added.
In addition, judicial bodies found to be guilty of flaws in handling Nie's case are required to send a letter of apology to the parents, and to publish any compensation agreement via media, which is aimed at recovering Nie's reputation and removing negative effects on Nie's family and society, Wang said.
"The application has been filed by the court," he added.
By law, governmental agencies or officers involved in State compensation should make a decision on compensation within two months of receiving an application.
During this period, the involved departments are asked to listen to applicants and may negotiate the terms and value of compensation, the law states.
Zhang Xinnian, another Beijing-based attorney, said the high people's court in Hebei should not only deal with the compensation case in line with the law, but also suggest social welfare organizations provide legal aid for the family.
"After all, money is one element for the parents, but mental support and comfort are also important," Zhang said.
In addition, it is important to assess the accountability of judicial officers who were allegedly at fault in dealing with the case, he added.
On Dec 2, Nie, 21, a native of Hebei, was found innocent at the Second Circuit Court of the Supreme People's Court in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, on the basis of unclear facts and insufficient evidence, although he had already been executed for the rape and murder of a woman in 1995.
Since then, Nie's parents have appealed to governments and courts to clear their son's name.
Nie's case came into the public eye again in 2005, when a man named Wang Shujin, also from Hebei, was detained for a separate rape and murder case. During Wang's detention, he confessed to the crimes that cost Nie his life.
Judicial bodies in Hebei then began an investigation, with each development in the case making national headlines.
In December 2014, the country's top court asked Shandong Provincial High People's Court to conduct an investigation. In June this year, the highest judicial chamber ordered the circuit court to retry the case.
Contact the writer at caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn
A child is given an intravenous infusion at the Beijing Children's Hospital on Wednesday. Many children have recently been found exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness, partly due to frequent smoggy days and significant changes in temperature.Ding Shan / For China Daily
Beijing's lawmakers are considering listing smog as a meteorological disaster, but the move has been questioned, as smog is not seen as naturally occurring.
The legal committee of the Beijing Municipal People's Congress said the draft is still under review.
Wang Zifa, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Atmospheric Physics, was among a group of scholars raising doubts over the listing.
Wang said man-made smog is a type of pollution hazardous to humans.
The scholars said listing smog as a meteorological disaster could cause confusion and give polluters an excuse to evade their responsibilities.
The legislative affairs office of the Beijing municipal government said smog is a composite phenomenon formed by a combination of pollution and weather conditions. As smog has become a severe hazard, the legislation would help push for cross-sector government efforts in disaster control and improve public awareness.
The municipal legislature started work on the revision in May. It said that once smog is listed as a meteorological disaster, the city must take emergency measures in smoggy weather, including traffic control as well as work and school suspensions.
The legislature said the amendment is a local regulation.
Chang Jiwen, an environmental policy adviser with the State Council Development Research Center, suggested smog be added to a regulation on atmospheric pollution control, rather than classified as a meteorological disaster.
Beijing's average density of hazardous fine particulate matter from January to October was 64 micrograms per cubic meter, an annual decrease of 8.6 percent, according to the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau.
The capital had 172 days with good air quality during the 10 months, 11 more than the same period last year.
A county government in Liaoning province was found to have hidden the real number of deaths after a heavy flood in 2012, local authorities announced on Wednesday.
An investigation team has been sent to Xiuyan county to uncover the facts in the case.
The job of the team includes verifying the number of deaths and clarifying the disaster conditions. A local watchdog said that the people found to be responsible would be punished according to the law.
Northeast China's Liaoning suffered heavy rainfall on Aug 3 and 4 in 2012 due to Typhoon Damrey. The website of Xiuyan county announced five deaths and three missing persons on Aug 6, 2012.
However, local villagers recently mailed media a list of names, ages and addresses of those said to have died, which states that 38 people lost their lives. The media has verified the deaths of 27 of the people on the list.
The State Council asked governments to release disaster information timely and accurately. Governments at or above the county level have the responsibility to release the information of casualties caused by natural disasters. People found to have published false information and violated the law shall be prosecuted for criminal responsibility.
Peng Zongchao, vice-principal of Tsinghua University's School of Public Administration, said that local governments usually publish the actual number of deaths in order to apply for funding.
But once the number of deaths surpasses 30, an incident is then defined as a particularly significant natural disaster and local governments may become worried about accountability and choose to submit false information, Peng said.
Contact the writer at wuyong@chinadaily.com.cn
The central business district of Tongzhou district is under construction.Zhang Chenling / Xinhua
Beijing's new subcenter of Tongzhou will be built to the highest standards and incorporate the latest advances in science and technology, according to one of the capital's top officials.
Cai Qi, acting mayor of Beijing, made the comments during his first visit to Tongzhou district after being appointed last month. His tour of the area can be seen as reflecting the importance of its role in the capital's future development.
To boost the development of the capital's new subcenter and relieve some of the traffic congestion and overcrowding in downtown Beijing, the municipal government plans to move its major departments to Tongzhou by the end of 2017.
The office buildings that will house these departments are already under construction.
What is know as the "passive house" concept has been applied to their design, aiming to improve each building's energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.
Advanced technology will be employed to cut the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling these new buildings, in a move that officials hope will help promote the passive house concept in China.
According to Beijing's civil building energy-saving plan for the 13th Five-Year-Plan period (2016-20), the capital will begin construction of more than 300,000 square meters of ultralow-energy buildings in the next four years. Tongzhou is set to develop such buildings on a large scale.
It is estimated that the two government office buildings that will incorporate the concept could use up to 60 percent less energy than traditional designs.
In addition to saving energy, the Internet Plus strategy is also being applied to Tongzhou's face-lift.
Hesteel Group, China's largest producer of iron and steel, is supplying much of the construction materials for the area's new office buildings, and has developed software that can provide quality certification through a mobile phone app - the first time in the country's history that such a service has been commercially rolled out.
Building information technology is constantly monitoring the construction schedule, calculating the time the project should take based on the allocated resources, capital and available labor.
If it finds that the project is behind schedule, it will automatically issue a warning to the management team. The project's leaders can then monitor the construction site manually.
dujuan@chinadaily.com.cn
Medical staff members help the woman deliver the baby.[Photo from Sina Weibo]
On Tuesday afternoon at the delivery room of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital in Changsha, came a touching moment: A pregnant woman with unusual weight successfully delivered a baby with the help of 16 medical staff members.
The woman, who weighed 140-kilograms with the baby, suffers from several diseases, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, pulmonary hypertension, making the delivery difficult.
The 16-member team comprising obstetricians, anesthetists, pediatricians, midwives and nurses, spent two hours assisting the woman. This is the second time she has become a mother.
One of the medical staff members was praised by internet users as "most beautiful angels in white" for he kept sucking out mucous from the newborn who had difficulty in breathing.
Just as the Chinese government is prioritizing poverty alleviation throughout the nation, a man at an unnoticed corner is taking the task personally.
Hu Jihua, 38, stopped growing at 1.4 meters due to a rare backbone disease he was born with. He vowed when he was elected the village head six years ago to lift every one of his 4,000 villagers out of poverty, with a secretive wish to prove that "what a healthy man can do, I can do better."
By working hard in the remote village in Guizhou province, Hu made it, at least by far.
Hu's idea was simple and one of typical Chinese wisdom - to gather all available resources and focus on one thing at a time. He built a cooperative - a rural, for-profit organization essentially similar to a company - in the name of the village and invited every villager to invest in it with their land or money. The company sells products, mostly agricultural goods, and makes money, while the villagers get a cut. The not so for-profit part is, be the year good or bad, a villager will surely get a secured minimum pay.
China is willing to develop defense related exchanges and cooperate with the Republic of Korea on the basis of mutually respecting each other's security interest, Chinas Defense Ministry said.
"China values developing Sino-ROK military relations," the ministry said.
The ministry made the remark in response to reports regarding a ROK naval ship being denied port call to a port in Qingdao earlier this week.
ROK media Arirang news speculated that the entry denial was China's "retaliation" against Seoul deploying Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in ROK.
A ROK Navy official said it requested to dock at the Qingdao port, but didn't receive a response, so it had to return home five days earlier than scheduled.
The ship was carrying 600 personnel, including 130 naval academy cadets. They were on a three-month-long tour to twelve countries, according to Yonhap news agency.
A pilot takes part in the exercise. [Photo by Zhang Kai/chinadaily.com.cn]
China carried out its first live-fire exercise of its aircraft carrier battle group in the Bohai Sea recently, the People's Liberation Army Navy said on Thursday.
Tens of ships and aircraft from the CNS Liaoning carrier battle group and the North Sea Fleet participated in the exercise and they fired more than 10 air-to-air, anti-ship and air defense missiles, the PLA Navy said in a statement.
The CNS Liaoning performed various drills with several destroyers and frigates, involving scenarios such as reconnaissance, aircraft interception, sea strikes as well as missile defense. Multiple groups of J-15 carrier-borne fighter jets used air-to-air and anti-ship missiles to hit targets during the exercise, according to the PLA Navy.
Videos showing CNS Liaoning and J-15s firing missiles were broadcasted on China Central Television, the first time such images have been displayed to the public.
The statement also quoted heads from the PLA Navy's training bureau as saying that the event was planned as part of the aircraft carrier's training schedule and aimed at verifying capabilities of personnel and weapons.
Carrier-based J-15 fighters prepare to take off from aircraft carrier Liaoning in a drill in the Bohai Sea. Photos by Mo Xiaoliang / for China Daily
Dozens of ships and planes are involved in first exercise of its kind for carrier battle group
China recently carried out the first live-fire exercise for its aircraft carrier battle group in the Bohai Sea, the People's Liberation Army Navy said on Thursday night.
Dozens of ships and aircraft from the CNS Liaoning carrier battle group and the North Sea Fleet took part in the massive exercise. They fired more than 10 air-to-air, anti-ship and air defense missiles, the PLA Navy said in a statement. It did not disclose the exact time of the exercise.
The Liaoning performed various drills with several destroyers and frigates, involving scenarios such as reconnaissance, aircraft interception, sea strikes as well as missile defense. Multiple groups of J-15 carrier-borne fighter jets used air-to-air and anti-ship missiles to hit targets during the exercise, according to the Navy.
The statement also quoted chiefs of the Navy's training bureau as saying that the event was planned as part of the aircraft carrier's training schedule and aimed at verifying capabilities of personnel and weapons.
Videos of the Liaoning's J-15 fighters firing missiles were broadcast on China Central Television, the first time images of J-15 live-fire exercises have been shown to the public.
Rear Admiral Chen Yueqi, commander of the Liaoning carrier battle group, said the exercise is a "milestone" for the unit.
"It enabled us to explore how to organize a carrier battle group exercise and to test the training levels of our sailors and pilots. It can also boost the battle groups efforts to become combat ready as early as possible," he told CCTV.
Commander Xu Ying, chief of a J-15 squadron that participated in the event, was quoted by the State broadcaster as saying that through the exercise, pilots improved their use of tactics and weapons and enhanced confidence in their equipment.
Though the Navy did not disclose components of the carrier battle group, Zhang Junshe, a senior researcher at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, told China Daily that he thinks the battle group would have three Type 052C or Type 052D destroyers, both of which have advanced vertical-launch missile systems and cutting-edge air defense radar, three Type 054A frigates, one replenishment ship and one attack submarine.
"The recent exercise is really a landmark for the carrier battle group because it means the group's ships and aircraft have achieved a high level of integration and cooperation and that the unit is closer to gaining combat readiness," Zhang said. "Next, the group would focus on honing its air defense and counter-submarine capabilities."
Wu Peixin, an aviation industry observer in Beijing, said the news indicates that the J-15 fighter force has obtained initial operational capability.
"The J-15 is as mighty as the United States' F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. It is capable of carrying out multiple operations such as fleet air defense and anti-ship strikes," he said.
The Liaoning was commissioned in the PLA Navy in September 2012 in Dalian, Liaoning province. Its battle group took shape in December 2013, when the carrier and several escort vessels, including two guided missile destroyers, two guided missile frigates and an attack submarine took part in a long-range formation drill in the South China Sea.
With a single 1970s train in orange livery and a little crowdfunding help, a plucky Berlin startup is challenging the might of Germany's state rail operator, Deutsche Bahn.
At 6:20 am on Wednesday, the first Locomore train will leave Stuttgart in Germany's southwest, pass through Frankfurt and Hanover and pull into Berlin, its final destination, some six and a half hours later.
With just one return service a day to start with, compared to the over 700 daily long-distance journeys run by Deutsche Bahn, Locomore founder and director Derek Ladewig knows he barely qualifies as a rival.
Vitol Group and China Petroleum & Chemical Corp, known as Sinopec, are the two final bidders competing to buy Chevron Corp's South African assets, which could be worth about $1 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.
French oil major Total SA and Swiss commodity trader Gunvor Group Ltd have dropped out of the bidding, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private. Chevron plans to make a decision on the winner in the coming weeks, though the sale talks could still falter, the people said.
US oil producer Chevron offered to sell a 75 percent stake in its South African unit earlier this year as part of a three-year divestment program announced in 2014. The business includes a 110,000-barrel-a-day refinery in Cape Town and a lubricants plant in the eastern port city of Durban, as well as more than 800 Caltex service stations. The sale may fetch about $1 billion, people familiar with the matter said in March.
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The National Symphony Orchestra, one of the longest established orchestras in the United Kingdom, will make its debut in China on Dec 28 at the Great Hall of the People.
The program will include Johann Strauss II's Die Fledermaus Overture, Dvorak's Symphony No 8 in G major and Georges Bizet's Carmen Fantasy featuring British flutist Daniel Shao.
Under the baton of conductor John Andrews, the orchestra will also perform an adaptation of the popular Chinese folk song, Jasmine Flower.
The National Symphony Orchestra was founded in the 1940s and immediately became a significant recording orchestra.
Since the 1980s, the orchestra has been performing and recording for audiences in a dynamic range of genres from classical, film and TV scores to West End and Broadways musicals.
Besides Beijing, the orchestra will also tour Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Guangzhou from the end of December to early January.
A scene from Romeo and Juliette. [Photo provided to China Daily]
US musical-theater performer Brad Little, who's known for starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical The Phantom of Opera, gave a thumbs up to the French musical Romeo and Juliette in Beijing on Dec 13.
He saw the performance at the Guangzhou Opera House on Nov 22.
"The set is stunning," he says.
"It's also a massive production, which combined everything together."
Romeo and Juliette made its Beijing debut on Dec 9 and will be staged in the city until Dec 18.
It toured Shanghai four years ago.
The show has been staged for over 6 million viewers in 18 countries since 2001.
Greenery has been selected as the Color of the Year in 2017. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Greenery has been named Color of the Year in 2017 by world renowned Pantone Color Institute.
On the company's website, Pantone Color Institute CEO Leatrice Eiseman described greenery as a "fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring".
"Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the hope we collectively yearn for amid a complex social and political landscape. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate, revitalize and unite, greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purposes."
Beijing-based fashion designer Li Xiangrui was not surprised by the choice.
"The color symbolizes new beginnings," Li said.
"All the popular culture results from our daily life, the color is no exception," fasion commentator Ma Xiaoju said. "In modern society, more and more people have developed the habit of living in harmony with nature. The nature color deserves to gain more attention."
Greenery has already gained world-wide popularity from urban planning and architecture to clothing and daily necessities.
Have a look at how greenery-style elements are already part of your daily life.
Related:
Colors of Summer 2016
Want to keep warm in winter without layering up? Try Russian pants!
The old saying which speaks of Pingtan as being a land of only stones is being turned on its head, as a young couple from Taiwan seeks to inject new vitality into the island.
The young couple, who used to run their business in the Pingtan-Taiwan Duty-free Commodity market, currently known as Taiwan Aaoqian Town, once paid a visit to Beigang village located at the northeast of the city.
The old houses made of stones scattered across the village aroused their great interest and in their minds, those houses were just the epitome of the islan's history and life.
The old houses made of stones scatters across the Beigang village in Pingtan, Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
"We shared the same idea at that time," Xyu Lingsi, the wife, said, "We just want to do something there."
After that, they visited Beigang village frequently and finally decided to turn some old houses into homestay hotels with a mixture of Pingtan and Taiwan features.
They rented a total of five old stone houses in the village and started to decorate them with several other Taiwan young people.
Some small items including old school chairs, abandoned fishing net and driftwood in the homestay hotels may set visitors back in time.
Lin Jhihyuan, the husband, said, "We hope to make the most of Pingtan local resource, enabling visitors to find Pingtan with its original features."
The young couple later also found some local young man are able create many beautiful melodies by hitting the igneous rocks collected from the mountain near Beigang village. Some big idea came to their minds, that is, building an art community featuring a combination of homestay hotels, cultural creation and catering in the village.
Lin Jhihyuan, an 80s Taiwan young man, shows visitors how to create a beautiful melody by hitting the igneous rocks collected from the mountain near Beigang village in Pingtan, Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
After half a year's preparation, an art community named "Singing stones" was established in this summer.
What makes the couple more gratified is "Sing stones" has been a creative cultural communication platform for cross-Straits artists. A lot of Taiwan artists pay visits to it in order to get inspired and many mainland visitors also come to experience the exquisite Taiwan creative culture.
With the help of the couple, Beijing village, positioned as the cross-Straits creative culture village, has already become a business incubator and a practice base of Taiwan Innovation Park. More and More young people from the mainland and Taiwan come and pursue their dreams there, infusing endless vitality to it.
"The mainland has a larger market when comparing with Taiwan," Xyu said, "I love Pingtan and I enjoy the slow-paced life and work here. So, I have brought my family here."
Currently, Pingtan is actively building itself into an international tourism island and it could be predicated that more people shall come and get immersed in the enchanting melodies sung by the stones in Pingtan.
A file picture dated 14 March 2015 shows a person demonstrates the look and feel of new operating system Windows 10 for Smartphones and at the Microsoft stall at the CeBIT technology fair in Hanover, Germany. [Photo/IC]
Thanks to its rapid development over the past few years, digital economy has become a new driver for China's economic transformation and upgrading. For instance, the proportion of the service sector in GDP crossed 50 percent in 2015 and jumped to 54.1 percent in the first half of 2016, contributing 59.7 percent to economic growth.
Digital economy is also facilitating the transformation and upgrading of China's traditional industries. The application of new equipment and new technologies such as industrial robots, 3D printers, drones and other artificial intelligence is gaining momentum, and the application of big data, cloud computing and internet of things continues to expand.
Many Chinese companies such as Huawei and Gree have climbed up to the mid or high levels of the global industrial chain while seven, including Tencent, Alibaba and Baidu, are among the world's top 20 internet enterprises.
Digital economy in China is likely to keep growing at a fast pace in the coming years, and will thus have a profound impact on the country's economic transformation and growth.
The size of digital economy will expand further, as China's total information consumption is expected to reach 12 trillion yuan ($1.74 trillion) by 2025, and the total volume of e-commerce transactions will reach 67 trillion yuan. In terms of remolding traditional industries into digital economy, the use of cloud computing, big data, internet of things and artificial intelligence will see a significant increase. And big data, like those on land and labor, will become an important factor of production.
Smart manufacturing is leading a new industrial revolution: digitization, virtualization and intelligent technology will run through a product's life cycle; flexible, internet-based, service-oriented and personalized production will become the new trend of manufacturing; and globalization, service-orientation and platform-based businesses will become a new way of industrial organization.
Besides, the digital divide between urban and rural areas will gradually narrow, as China's infrastructure for the development of digital economy is expected to further improve in the next few years. The infrastructure for digital economy's rapid development is already in place, as fixed broadband network covers all of China's townships and 95 percent of the administrative villages, and 100-megabytes optical fiber basically covers both urban and rural areas.
Improved infrastructure for digital economy will also create more opportunities for residents in rural and less-developed areas to participate in the development of digital economy. By the end of 2015, a total of 780 villages had met the entry conditions for selling products online on Taobao, the biggest business-to-consumer e-commerce platform in China. A growing number of farmers are already selling their products and promoting rural tours via e-commerce platforms, while an increasing number of migrant workers and college graduates are returning to their hometowns to start their own businesses.
Digital economy is also helping promote globalization. China supports free trade and inclusive trade arrangements. While promoting trade liberalization, China will facilitate shared global economic development by using digital economic development as an important element. China is not only developing an "Internet Plus" economy domestically, but also remains committed to further opening up its digital market, so as to expedite the integration of domestic and global markets to the benefit of all economies.
During this year's Singles Day shopping carnival on Nov 11, Alibaba, the parent company of Taobao, launched an international version of Taobao, with about 6.21 million online buyers from Russia, Spain, the United States, France and other countries and regions placing $35.78 million worth of orders through the platform.
And while promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road), China will work with 65 countries along the routes. With cooperation in developing digital economy as an entry point, and with cross-border e-commerce as an instrument, China is promoting regional and global trade, investment, capacity and consumption cooperation; expediting the opening-up of digital service trade; and helping build a Belt and Road free trade area network.
The author is president of the China Institute of Reform and Development.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership has come into the global spotlight with the imminent demise of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. And the conclusion of the 16th round of RCEP negotiations in Indonesia last week suggests there is greater consensuses and confidence among the participants that they will be able to strike an agreement at an early date.
Chapter two of the trade pact, on small-and medium-enterprises, was completed, marking a significant progress in the RCEP since its initiation in 2012. The previous chapter, focusing on economic and technical cooperation, had been achieved with 15 rounds of negotiations.
Efforts still need to be made in other areas like goods, services, investments, intellectual property rights and movement of labor. But, fueled by enthusiasm from members including Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and China, there is obvious optimism that the RCEP negotiations might be completed next year.
Since US President-elect Donald Trump said last month that he would scrap the TPP "from day one" in office, the inevitable US withdrawal from the TPP has rekindled hopes that the RCEP will play a leading role in regional economic cooperation and integration.
The RCEP is a far better deal than the TPP because it focuses solely on regional economic integration and trade liberalization which countries in the region believe will inject new vitality into regional economic development, and thus, the world economy.
Given that the US-led TPP deliberately excluded China, the RCEP has been perceived by some as a China-led design to counterbalance the TPP. In fact, this is a misperception as the RCEP was masterminded by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with an aim of deepening trade ties with its six regional partners including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.
Compared with the political hallmarks of the TPP, the RCEP reflects the shared aspiration of countries in the Asia Pacific region to promote trade and strive for common development. That explains why countries involved, China included, are accelerating steps in negotiating the regional trade pact.
With the WTO Doha round of negotiations facing a long-time impasse and protectionism raising its ugly head, globalization and trade liberalization have encountered unprecedented challenges. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region are keen on reaching a regional free trade agreement to keep the lifeblood of their economies flowing, especially with the United States and European Union seemingly intent on protectionism.
If completed, the RCEP will become the world's largest free trade area, covering a population of 3.5 billion and boasting a combined GDP of $23 trillion, or one-third of the world's total.
As the six non-ASEAN member countries have all signed free trade agreements with the regional bloc, the RCEP fully complies with ASEAN's vision of promoting regional integration and contributes to its blueprint of building an ASEAN Economic Community.
Even though the world's economic recovery has been dragging its feet, trade between ASEAN and its six regional partners has been on the rise in recent years. China has already signed a free trade agreement with the ROK, and is negotiating a trilateral agreement with Japan and the ROK. All this provides a good premise for the RCEP.
The level of openness under the RCEP will be higher than those under the FTA agreements reached between the six countries with ASEAN, but attention will also be paid to accommodating member states' comfort levels and feasibility.
Last but not least, unlike the TPP which was orchestrated by the United States as a political instrument and had a limited membership, the RCEP will be inclusive as ASEAN plans to invite the US and Russia to join once conditions ripen in the future.
The author is deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily Asia Pacific. jasmine@chinadailyhk.com
The first China (Sanmenxia) White Swan Wildlife International Photography Festival has been opened in Sanmenxia, the "city of swan", in Henan province.
Some 3,000 animal-inspired images snapped by amateur and professional photographers from home and abroad are exhibited at the city's Wenbo Exhibition Center from Dec 7 to 13, 2016.
A group of Tibetan wild donkeys gallop across the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, Dec 2, 2016. The Sanjiangyuan area, which is in the southern part of China's Qinghai province, is home to the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang (Mekong) rivers. With a fragile ecosystem, Sanjiangyuan is dubbed "Asia's water tower."[Photo/Xinhua] But after years of efforts being made to improve the ecological conditions of this area, the situation has been significantly enhanced. Wild animals are thriving, the number of endangered animals, such as the Tibetan antelope and snow leopard, has grown considerably - among which the population of Tibetan antelopes has gone from 40,000 to almost 200,000 on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The forest coverage rate increased from 3.2 percent in 2004 to 4.8 percent in 2012, and is expected to reach 5.5 percent by 2020. China established the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve in 2000. Five years later, a 7.6-billion-yuan ($1.1 billion) conservation project was launched in the region. In January 2014, a second-phase conservation project (2014-2020) began with 16 billion yuan in financial backing. The latest plan to help better protect the biological conditions in this region is to make the area into a 123,100 square-kilometer national park in five years.
A Danish prince haunted by his father's ghost. A delusional Spanish knight jousting with windmills. A Chinese beauty falling into an enchanted dream next to a Peony Pavilion.
It's tough to imagine three characters with less in common. But thanks to a curious confluence of history - and China's flair for making the fantastic come to life - they may soon be under the same roof, or at least neighbors in the same village.
Four hundred years ago, in 1616, three giants of world literature - William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and the great Ming Dynasty playwright Tang Xianzu - all turned in their pens for their heavenly rewards.
Recently, the city of Fuzhou, with a population of 4 million, in Fujian province announced plans to capitalize on the coincidence and create a new tourist town called Sanweng (Chinese for "Three Masters") in their suburbs.
The architectural and landscaping plans, unveiled at a ceremony hosted by Fuzhou to commemorate the trio of titans, are ambitious to say the least. The goal is to bring to life 17th century China, England and Spain.
First, a delegation from Fuzhou traveled to Stratford-upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was born and died, in England to do some field research.
Similar to Shakespeare's hometown, Sanweng will be centered in an area laced with canals and manmade waterways. The plans for "Little Stratford" call for replicas of the older 16th century house Shakespeare was born in and the newer 17th century house he retired (and died) in after gaining fame and fortune. There will also be a remake of the Holy Trinity Church and a section of the Avon River.
"A memorandum of friendly co-operation was signed when the Chinese delegation visited England, which will encourage schools and cultural groups in both countries to work together," a report from inews said.
Cervantes' "Little Alcala" Spanish quarter portion of the project to the west of "Little Stratford" will feature replicas of Cervantes' house, Alcala de Henares Cathedral and a Cervantes Square.
The lion's share of Three Masters village will be devoted to Tang Xianzu, who was born in the same Linchuan district. An ancient theater stage and recreations of authentic Chinese streets are planned.
A delegation from Stratford-upon-Avon led by council leader Christopher Saint recently traveled to the site at the invitation of the Fujian provincial government.
Saint told the MailOnline, "I was quite impressed by the plan of a small area of the new town which will be dedicated to Shakespeare's influences."
Saint added: "They are certainly keen to embrace Shakespeare and Shakespeare's influence on the works of their own playwright."
A statement that suggests an interesting question: Was Tang Xianzu really "influenced" by Shakespeare? And that leads one to wonder even further: Did Shakespeare ever read Don Quixote or Tang's dramas?
Sure, Tang's masterwork The Peony Pavilion has been dubbed classical Chinese literature's answer to Romeo and Juliet.
But are we suggesting here that Tang Xianzu actually read the play, in Elizabethan English? Or that the tale of Verona's star-crossed lovers was ever translated into Mandarin? Really?
From a scholarly point of view, lumping these three masters together might seem a bit uneasy. It's probably questionable if any of them had even ever heard of each other before they all died in the same year, which, aside from being possessed of genius, may be all they have in common.
In September, the Fuzhou city authority did unveil a new Tang Xianzu Museum. Occupying 1.5 acres, it cost about $10 million and features sections devoted to Shakespeare and Cervantes.
So what if the dice roll of history puts them all in the same boat? When it comes to promoting tourism and the arts, you can have it, to coin a phrase, as you like it. Because, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts."
Contact the writer at chrisdavis@chinadailyusa.com.
China said on Wednesday that military cooperation with the Philippines is an important part of bilateral ties, after Philippine media reported that there will be a meeting between officials of the two countries next week regarding a possible firearms deal.
This could lead to more deals in the future and push China-Philippines military cooperation further forward, observers said.
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Tuesday that he is scheduled to meet with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua and a Chinese defense attache on Monday, and the two sides will determine which type of firearms Beijing is willing to provide to Manila, according to the Manila Bulletin.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said earlier that he had decided to accept an arms deal offered by China, without giving details.
While attending a Christmas party for the Philippine media on Monday night, the Chinese ambassador said "it is not yet a done deal" and both parties are "still exploring possibilities", Philippine media reported.
However, Zhao said that if such a deal materializes, China could provide the Philippines with "light arms and not heavy equipment".
He stressed that the military hardware that the Philippine government is interested in could be used in the fight against terrorism and also in the Philippines' anti-drug campaign, which Duterte has conducted since taking office in June.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily news conference in Beijing that China supports Duterte's legal actions in cracking down on drug crimes in the Philippines.
"Military exchanges and cooperation are an important part of the China-Philippines relationship," Geng added.
Contact the writer at mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn
Breaching the one-China principle "will seriously affect peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits", a Taiwan-affairs spokesman said on Wednesday in response to recent remarks by US president-elect Donald Trump.
"There can be no talk of a healthy and steady development of China-US ties if the basis of sticking to the one-China principle is disturbed or damaged," An Fengshan, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a regular news conference.
Trump said over the weekend that he didn't feel "bound by a one-China policy" unless the US could gain benefits from China in trade and other areas.
Earlier, Trump broke with diplomatic precedent by talking on the phone with Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen on Dec 2.
An said the Taiwan question is about China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its core interests.
"Our position against Taiwan independence is steadfast and we are determined, confident and capable of containing Taiwan independence," he said.
The exchange of words between Trump and Beijing has drawn global attention. France's top diplomat expressed discomfort on Wednesday with Trump's bullish tone with China, which is the US' largest trade partner.
"Watch out for China. ... It's a big country. You can have disagreements with China, but you don't talk like that to a partner," said French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on France 2 television.
The Foreign Ministry urged Washington on Wednesday to avoid "unnecessary disturbances" to bilateral ties and stressed opposition to any form of official exchanges or military connections between the US and Taiwan province.
It was responding to remarks made on Tuesday by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Abraham Denmark, who said defense spending in Taiwan has not kept pace with the "threat" posed by Beijing and should be increased.
Shi Yinhong, director of the Center of US Studies of Renmin University of China, said that if the one-China policy is unilaterally overturned, "there possibly will be no talk of China-US ties".
"And it will encourage independence forces in Taiwan, which might even lead to wars and greatly endanger peace in the Pacific region."
Tao Wenzhao, a researcher of US studies with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Trump is on one hand using the Taiwan question to bargain with China for trade benefits, and on the other hand using it as a strategy to contain China.
"But how can the fundamental base of the China-US ties be compared with commercial interests? They are of totally different levels," Tao said.
Contact the writer at lixiaokun@chinadaily.com.cn
Protesters hold a placard reading "Afghanistan is not secure" during a demonstration against the deportation of Afghan asylum seekers from Germany back to Afghanistan, at Frankfurt Airport, Germany, December 14, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]
FRANKFURT - Germany has carried out its first group deportation of Afghans whose asylum applications have been rejected, in line with an agreement reached with Kabul earlier this year.
A charter plane carrying about 50 Afghans left Frankfurt on Wednesday, a Reuters journalist at the scene said.
A spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Refugees said authorities were expecting a plane with 50 returnees from Germany to arrive on Thursday in Kabul.
If the returnees need help to get back to their home provinces, the ministry will provide help, the spokesman said, adding around 10,000 Afghans had returned from Europe so far this year.
More than a million migrants from the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere have arrived in Germany since the beginning of 2015, prompting concerns about security and integration. The influx has boosted support for anti-immigrant groups such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
In 2016, Afghans were the second biggest group of asylum seekers in Germany after Syrians, according to data from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
A spokeswoman for the German Interior Ministry said the deportations were taking place on the basis of an agreement made with the Afghan government in October.
The Afghans are flown to Kabul and then ultimately sent back to their home regions if they are regarded as reasonably safe.
The next plane has been chartered for the beginning of January, according to German media reports.
Germany has seen protests against the deportations in recent weeks and critics say much of Afghanistan is not safe and that returnees might face reprisals.
Last week, Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) toughened their tone on migrants and Deputy Finance Minister Jens Spahn said the legal barriers to deportation must be lowered.
The Western-backed government in Afghanistan is battling a number of Islamist militant groups, including the Taliban.
Western military officials estimate that the Taliban control or contest nearly a third of the country. Civilian casualties have remained near record high levels, with thousands killed and injured in fighting every year.
A general view over damages inside the Umayyad Mosque in the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo, Syria, December 13, 2016. [Photo/IC]
DAMASCUS - A truce for evacuating rebels and their families from rebel-held areas in Aleppo city in northern Syria has failed, and both warring sides resumed fighting, sources in Aleppo told Xinhua on Wednesday.
Both sides are exchanging mortar fire, hours after an anticipated evacuation of rebels was delayed for unknown reasons, sources said on condition of anonymity.
Sources said the government busses were ready to transport the rebels through the Ramouseh road out of Aleppo toward the western countryside of the city.
Local media outlets accused the rebels of breaching the truce, saying they attempted to attack military positions, when the army responded with firepower, and thwarted their attempt.
Also, the Russian-run monitoring center of Hmaimim in Syria's northern city of Latakia said that the rebels were the ones breaching the truce, by repositioning their forces and resuming the battles against the Syrian army.
It added that the Syrian forces repelled the attacks.
For his part, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that calls for truce in Aleppo aim to give a respite to the rebels to allow them to take their breath for another fight.
With the renewed shelling, he said the rebels remaining in eastern Aleppo can resist for two or three days at the most.
Meanwhile, the state-run TV said one man was killed and 16 others wounded by mortar attack on a marketplace in the Khalidiyeh neighborhood in government-controlled part in west of Aleppo.
It added that six others were killed by similar attack on the recently-captured Bustan al-Qaser neighborhood east of Aleppo.
On the opposition side, activists said the Syrian forces were the ones breaching the truce, by targeting the rebel-held areas with tens of mortar shells and artillery shells.
Activists said the shelling was random in the rebel-held areas of Mashad, Ansari, Salahuddien, Mashad and Sukari.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor group also confirmed the falling of the truce for the rebels evacuation, saying intense battles broke out in Aleppo again.
With both parties trading barbs, it was clear what derailed the operation in Aleppo, where the Syrian army has become in control of 99 percent of the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (C, front) is seen during a meeting held by the United Nations Security Council to pay tribute to him at the UN headquarters in New York, Dec. 14, 2016. The UN Security Council on Wednesday paid tribute to outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, acknowledging his contribution to international peace, security and development. [Photo/Xinhua]
UNITED NATIONS - The UN Security Council on Wednesday paid tribute to outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, acknowledging his contribution to international peace, security and development.
In a resolution adopted here, the 15-nation council expressed its deep appreciation to Ban "for his dedication to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter and to the development of friendly relations among nations."
Ban said it is a privilege to work with all Security Council members over the past 10 years, and urged the council to continue its work to advance early and preventive action for addressing conflicts.
Earlier on Wednesday, a portrait of Ban was unveiled at the UN headquarters by Ban himself and his wife, Yoo Soon-taek. The portrait is hanging on a wall at a lobby of the UN Secretariat building, next to the one of Kofi Anna, Ban's predecessor.
Ban is going to step down at the end of this month, concluding his ten-year service for the world body. His successor Antonio Guterres, former prime minister of Portugal and UN secretary-general-designate, will start his five-year term on Jan 1, 2017.
Turk, Arab and Bosnian people carry effigies representing dead babies during a solidarity march in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 14 December 2016. The march is to show solidarity with trapped citizens of Aleppo in Syria. [Photo/IC]
AMMAN/BEIRUT - Two Syrian rebel officials and a representative of pro-government forces said on Wednesday night that a ceasefire deal for Aleppo was back on track, but a unit run by Damascus's Iranian-backed ally Hezbollah denied that a deal had been done.
There was also disagreement over who would be included in a parallel evacuation from two towns besieged by rebels.
Abdul Salam Abdul Razak, a military spokesman for the Nour al-Din al Zinki rebel group, told Reuters: "An agreement has been reached and within the coming hours its implementation will begin."
An official in the pro-Damascus military alliance who declined to be named confirmed the truce deal was on, and said some 15,000 people would be evacuated from the villages of Foua and Kefraya, in return for the evacuation from Aleppo of "militants and their families and whoever wants to leave among civilians".
However, Razak said the deal included the evacuation only of the wounded from Foua and Kefraya.
An official in the Jabha Shamiya rebel group also said there would be an evacuation of rebel fighters and civilians from the remaining rebel-held districts of Aleppo, but that only the wounded would leave Foua and Kefraya. He said implementation would begin around 6 am (0400 GMT) on Thursday.
Shortly afterwards, the military media unit run by the Lebanese Shi'ite Hezbollah militia said reports about implementation of an Aleppo ceasefire deal and evacuations from the city were not true.
"The negotiations are seeing big complications, in light of tension and operations on the front lines," said a statement from the unit.
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, reacts as she talks to cubs during a Cub Scout Pack meeting with cubs from the Kings Lynn District, in Kings Lynn, Britain December 14, 2016, during an event to celebrate 100 years of Cubs. [Photo/Agencies]
The Duchess of Cambridge attended a special meeting on Wednesday with children from Kings Lynn, England, to celebrate 100 years of Cub Scouts in Britain.
Prince William's wife Kate took part in icing "cub cakes" for the occasion, as the children participated in games and activities promoting ideas of looking after themselves and others physically and emotionally.
The event came ahead of Friday's official centenary of the Cub Scouts, an extracurricular organization helping youth develop teamwork and leadership skills, which will be celebrated with a series of events held nationwide.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin with his Akita dog named Yume before giving an interview to Nippon Television Network Corporation (Nippon TV) and the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, at the Moscow Kremlin. Putin is to visit Japan on December 15-16, 2016. [Photo/IC]
TOKYO - Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in Japan on Thursday to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe though analysts have pointed out that prospect of the summit has been largely undermined by a decades-old territorial row.
Putin, whose two-day visit was initially eyed in 2014 but postponed due to deterioration of bilateral ties following the Ukraine crisis, will be the first Russian president to travel to Japan for a summit in 11 years. The meeting will also be the 16th one between Abe and Putin.
The two leaders will first meet on Thursday at a traditional Japanese hotel in the hot spa resort of Nagato in Abe's home prefecture of Yamaguchi to address the territorial dispute before another round of talks focusing on economic cooperation in Tokyo on Friday, according to the Japanese government.
Russia and Japan have not signed a peace treaty since the end of World War II mainly due to a territory row over four small islands in the Pacific which are called the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia.
Japan maintains the four Pacific islands are its inherent territory illegally occupied by Russia after Japan's surrender in World War II, while Russia, for its part, says the seizure was legitimate and urges Japan to recognize the outcome of the war.
Japan has hoped in recent years to bring progress to the territorial talks through deepening economic cooperation with Russia and helping Russia develop its Far East.
Analysts, however, have pointed out that though Russia might be interested in economic cooperation with Japan, it is unlikely to make concessions on the territorial issue.
Abe expressed on Monday his determination to resolve the dispute, saying that he will "approach the bilateral summit with determination to bring an end to the territorial issue during my generation."
"I will make an all-out effort to make progress on the territorial issue, even if it is just a step closer toward a solution," he said.
Putin, however, said the following day in an interview with Japanese TV that there was no territorial issue between Russia and Japan over the four islands.
"We believe we have no territorial problems at all. It is only Japan that believes it has territorial problems with Russia. We are ready to talk about this," Putin said citing a joint declaration in 1956 between the two countries.
That today China-US bilateral trade is in the hundreds of billions is a remarkable achievement since the days when American President Richard Nixon made his historic 1972 visit to China, Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai said Wednesday.
"We still remember the days when President Nixon visited China with little trade between us. Last year, we had over $550 billion in bilateral trade. We have really traveled very far and achieved a lot," Cui said.
Cui made his comments in a speech at The US-China Business Council (USCBC) 2016 Gala in Washington.
Citing Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks at the APEC CEO Summit last month, Cui restated, "China will not shut the door to the outside world but will open it even wider."
"China will make its investment climate more open, favorable and transparent to allow foreign companies to share in China's growing opportunities," Cui said.
He noted that bilaterally, the US and China have "such a huge potential for further cooperation. We should do more to help each other in our respective economic structure, we should do more to have better economic policy coordination, and we will certainly do more to help each other build infrastructure and open market access to each other."
Cui pointed out that the political foundation of China-US relations should not be undermined; instead, it should be preserved.
"The basic norms of international relations should be observed, not ignored, certainly not be seen as something that you can trade off. And indeed national sovereignty and territorial integrity are not bargaining chips, absolutely not," Cui said.
John Frisbie, USCBC president, praised Cui and said US-China relations have benefited "a great deal".
"The ambassador also helped navigate the US-China relationship. We value the leadership demonstrated by Ambassador Cui, the steady focus, and even temper of style. I also want to say that under his guidance too, the Chinese Embassy continues to add talented staff playing professional and sophisticated roles and managing the relationship as well," Frisbie said.
The USCBC is a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of more than 200 American companies that do business with China.
Contact the writer at leshuodong@chinadailyusa.com
Yuan Yuan in Washington contributed to the story
China is pleased to see Russia and Japan develop normal and friendly cooperation based on mutual respect and treating each other equally, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.
Geng made the remarks on Thursday, as Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in Japan for a two-day visit.
Both Russia and Japan are China's neighbors and important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Geng said, adding that the ties between Russia and Japan should benefit regional peace and stability.
During his visit to Japan, Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will have talks in Nagato and Tokyo.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop reiterated Australia's recognition of the one-China policy and called for countries to continue sticking to it.
In the transcript of an interview with Sky News published on her official website on Wednesday, Bishop said Australia "upholds the principle of a one-China policy", after being requested to comment on remarks made by US President-elect Donald Trump, who said on Sunday that the US doesn't have to be bound by the policy.
Bishop said that "Australia's position is as it has been since 1972 and that is we recognize the one-China policy, and it has been important for peace, stability in our region for countries to continue to be consistent in that regard.
The Australian foreign minister's comments came after reports that German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that Germany will stick to the one-China policy and French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Trump's remarks were "not clever".
GENEVA - The senior advisor to the UN special envoy for Syria said Thursday that the UN is prepared to monitor and assist evacuations from the last rebel-held enclave in Syria's city of Aleppo.
"We do hope that today we start the last and successful attempt of the evacuations of the troubled city," Jan Egeland told press here after a weekly humanitarian taskforce meeting.
"We will do as much as we can to be close to and with and for those who are evacuated," he added.
According to the diplomat, a three-pronged approach is expected to see the medical evacuation of wounded and sick as well as the evacuation of vulnerable civilians and opposition fighters take place.
While invited to monitor operations, the UN was not part of the agreement, the fruit of direct negotiations between parties to the conflict.
According to Egeland, most evacuees are expected to go to opposition-controlled Idlib. An undetermined number may also end up in neighbouring Turkey.
"We stand ready to accompany those who are being evacuated not only from east Aleppo but all the way to Idlib... that will be the destination of most of the people evacuated," he explained.
Once Syria's commercial hub, Aleppo has been divided roughly in two since 2012, with western parts under government control and eastern districts held by rebels.
GENEVA - Altogether 96,864 civilians have fled the Iraqi city of Mosul and its adjacent districts since military operations to reclaim one of the Islamic State (IS)'s last strongholds began in October, according to figures released by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Thursday.
Up from 82,698 a week ago, IOM data showed that 16,100 families have been forced to flee their homes as a result of almost two months of fierce fighting in the northern city.
Over three quarters of the displaced, or 76 percent, have ended up in formal camps, with the rest finding shelter in private settings, emergency sites and critical shelter arrangements.
According to IOM, Al-Hamdaniya district in Ninewa governorate is hosting most of the internally displaced people (70 percent), followed by Mosul (27 percent) and Hatra (1.5 percent).
Supported by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, Iraqi troops kicked off operations on Oct 17 to recapture the city which fell into IS hands in June 2014 after government forces fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
International aircraft as well as Iraqi and US-led coalition artillery units are supporting ground operations there.
According to reports, more than 5,000 IS militants were initially holed up in Mosul.
The UN Refugee Agency UNHCR had warned before operations started that as many as 1.2 million people could be forced to flee their homes.
LONDON - A transitional period is crucial to avert Britain's financial services sector falling over a cliff-edge as a result of the country's exit from the European Union, a report from the House of Lords at Westminster said Thursday.
London is the world's leading financial services center, closely followed by New York, with other European cities far behind, said the report from the House of Lords' EU Financial Affairs Sub-Committee
"Any attempt to unpick London's highly developed financial services ecosystem could result in much of the business lost by the UK relocating to New York or other financial centers outside the EU, rather than the EU," the report warned.
The report has highlighted the importance of agreeing on a transitional period for financial services, so that a "cliff edge" is avoided, both at the moment of withdrawal following the Article 50 withdrawal process and as Britain moves to a new relationship with the EU.
The findings showed that third-country equivalence provisions in EU legislation are not a substitute for the passporting arrangements, which Britain-based firms can currently use, as they are patchy and vulnerable to political influence.
A priority for the government in the negotiations should be to seek to bolster those provisions, should passporting not be an option, said the report.
The committee also concluded that the wider EU economy relies on the financial services currently provided in Britain, which may not be easily replicated elsewhere in the EU. Therefore it would be in the EU's interests to preserve access to its market for UK-based firms, the politicians said in their report.
Baroness Falkner of Margravine, who chairs the committee, said: "The government has a lot of work to do. First of all, it must, early in the negotiation process, agree a transitional period so as to prevent UK-based financial services firms from restructuring or relocating on the basis of a 'worst-case' scenario."
"Last week, France's leading financial regulator said (in a media interview) that some major banks are in the advanced stages of planning to shift some operations from London to Paris."
"Second, it should go into negotiations with the strongest possible evidence base. It needs to determine as precisely as possible which firms currently rely on passporting and the degree to which equivalence provisions might provide a substitute. We found those provisions to be patchy, unreliable and vulnerable to political influence: the government should seek to bolster them wherever possible."
"The EU should also carefully consider the findings of this report. EU firms rely on the services provided in the UK, and pain caused to the UK's financial sector will not be the EU's gain, but New York's. We are in danger of a lose-lose scenario if pragmatism does not prevail," said the lawmaker.
In other findings, the committee warned there is a chance that Britain will lose the ability to clear euro-denominated transactions following Brexit. But it is unlikely that relocation of the business to the Eurozone would provide the benefits to the wider EU economy currently provided by clearing in Britain.
New York could provide such benefits, but if the business moved there, the EU would not benefit from repatriating the business.
The financial sector in Britain employs 1.1 million people, including 60,000 who are EU nationals and 100,000 non-EU nationals.
"The ability to access highly-qualified staff and easily transfer them between the UK and the EU is a key issue for the financial services industry. This is even more important for the FinTech sector, which relies heavily on talent, including entrepreneurial talent, from overseas," concluded the report.
Mei Sim Lai (left), Chair of the Mulan Foundation Network, and Lina Fan (right), a wine expert and winner of the Mulan Women Achievement Awards, pose for pictures. [Photo by See Li/For China Daily]
A winemaker, an eye doctor and an equity partner are among this year's winners of Mulan Women Achievement Awards which highlight the remarkable contributions of Chinese women made in the UK and Europe.
Lina Fan, a French wine expert and owner of vineyards in Bordeaux, France, won the contribution for business and enterprise award. She was much commended for advancing the techniques and appreciation of wine making and its cultural importance beyond a country with a renowned history in the art of wine making and whilst up against local experts.
"I have a passion for wine making, and I am delighted that through my work, we prove that a wine maker from a Chinese background can not only maintain the professional standard in Bordeaux but also excel," Fan said at the award ceremony at the Parliament building this week. She is the first general manager and wine maker from a Chinese background in a Margaux vineyard in Bordeaux, France.
The Mulan Women Achievement Awards recognize and promote and the achievements of Chinese women residing in the UK and continental Europe. The name of the awards was inspired by the Chinese legendary heroine Hua Mulan, who disguised herself as a man to save her family honor and her country.
Mei Sim Lai, Chair of the Mulan Foundation Network which gives the awards, said "I believe, and I know, that Chinese women around the world have so much to offer, to help each other, to deal with the businesses and also to act as role models for others. And this is what Mulan charity is all about."
Sanny Yuzhen Jiang (left), a UK-based practicing eye doctor, and Suwei Jiang (right), an equity partner at PwC UK, pose for pictures at the Milan award ceremony in London. [Photo by See Li/For China Daily]
Also highly commended was Jiang Suwei, an equity partner at PwC UK. She is the first Mainland Chinese to be made equity partner in a big 4 accountancy firm in the UK. She helped the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) set up in China and was instrumental in devising a ground breaking PwC/Tsinghua University Flying Start programme for students to take Chartered Accountancy qualifications from ICAEW while completing their university studies.
Ang Swee Chai, founder and patron of Medical Aid for Palestinians, was awarded for contribution to community and charitable causes. As a full time orthopaedic surgeon in an NHS hospital she was able to pursue her humanitarian work for helping Palestinian refugees over three decades, often exposing herself to danger in war torn areas.
Sanny Yuzhen Jiang, a UK-based practicing eye doctor and clinician scientist, was also highly commended for her voluntary work in the community and charitable causes.
She founded Yi Tian Yi Ren, an eye charity that has so far provided free-sight saving surgeries to 1,544 patients struggling with blindness and poverty. She is also a volunteer cataract surgery trainer at Helen Keller International, an organisation which has trained numerous rural doctors to provide cost effective surgeries to serve thousands of patients suffering reversible blindness-leading diseases.
For far too long Chinese women have kept a generally low profile but Mulan aims to address this issue by encouraging Chinese women to use their skills and talents to help others.
"We want to connect the successful Chinese ladies globally to younger Chinese ladies so that they can help each other, but more important, they can help others in society," Lai said. More than 200 politicians, business leaders and media professionals attended the award ceremony.
The Mulan awards were first organized in 2009 by Sonny Leong, chair of the Chinese for Labour political group, Katy Blair, co-founder of the Islington Chinese Association, and Meeling Ng, a Labour councillor who is is currently an Independent Governor on the Board of London South Bank University.
Hoping to assure the public that the award is non-political and open to all, they subsequently decided to establish the Mulan Foundation Network in 2013 as a registered charity and invited Lai to be the chair.
(Photo : Getty Images) China plans to build a vanishing bridge through the use of optical illusion in Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province.
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China is adding to the charm and grandeur of Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province with vanishing bridges. These bridges have been designed by French architect Martin Duplantier and use optical illusion to give the vanishing effect. Zhangjiajie is a major tourist spot in the country as it is believed to be the inspiration behind the pillar-like mountains featured in the blockbuster movie Avatar.
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The bridges will use reflective stainless steels and black stone floor, which are conducive to maximizing the 'vanishing' effect. Duplantier's firm said, "Contrasting with a complex landscape, the footbridges are of pure geometric shapes, which seem to have been placed delicately on the carved relief of the site."
One of the proposed bridges will have two levels, while the other bridge will feature an elliptical disk shape. The second bridge will also have an off-center hole, which "leaves open views into the gap between the two rock faces." There will also be a strong net for closer view of the surroundings.
The project includes pavilions in three different levels, which will also be made of reflective material. The top level will offer panoramic view, the middle pavilion will house a cafe, and the bottom is for visitors' overnight stays.
The project is expected to cost close to $5 million. No time line for the completion has been provided.
Meanwhile, Zhangjiajie earlier hosted the world's longest and tallest glass bridge that measures 1.410 feet long and 94 feet high from the ground. However, it was closed after merely 13 days of its opening.
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(Photo : Xinhua) China's first atomic bomb test, 1964, in Xinjiang.
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China should double the amount of money it spends to build nuclear weapons to counter the United States' "military arrogance" and the patently anti-China views held by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump.
Reinforcing military power is China's "most urgent task," argued the state-owned and stridently ultra-nationalist Global Times, which is owned by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
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"China's defense spending and defense capabilities cannot threaten the United States at all, and Trump's declaration in relation to the 'One China' policy has amply demonstrated U.S. arrogance," said an editorial in the Global Times.
"This kind of arrogant position originates from the military superiority of the United States."
The U.S. continues to be the biggest defense spender by far, and has set aside over $622 billion for this purpose in 2016. That represents some 40% of total global defense spending in 2016.
On the other hand, China's publicly acknowledged defense spending for 2016 comes to $192 billion. Some western defense analysts claim China has a habit of understating its total defense budget and that the true figure might be as much as 50 percent higher.
Even then, U.S. defense spending will still be three times that of China's. China is the world's second largest spender on defense.
For every dollar China spends on defense, the U.S. spends $2.77.
China's defense spending, however, is expected to jump to $233 billion in 2020 from $123 billion in 2010.
The U.S. accounted for 37 percent of the world's total military spending of $1.6 trillion in 2015. Its defense spending is larger than all of the next seven nations combined. China is number two on this list.
India is also on a defense spending spree. For 2016, India had a defense budget of $4 billion, making it one of the world's top five defense spenders.
India is rapidly modernizing its military and is spending huge sums to do so in the face of China's military unrelenting military build-up, as well as the threat posed by neighboring Pakistan -- China's top ally in Asia.
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Tagschina, Nuclear weapons, defense spending, Global Times, United States
(Photo : Saab) Sea Giraffe 3D AMB radar.
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The Philippine Navy in 2017 will receive the first of its new Saab AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe 3D Air Search Radars to equip its most modern naval frigates.
This after the U.S. Department of State approved the sale of the sophisticated radar system developed by Swedish aerospace and defense company, the Saab Group, to Philippine government.
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The system package for the Philippine Navy includes two Sea Giraffe radars in addition to installation, training, testing and support services. The deal will cost the Philippines $25 million.
The sale aims to improve the Philippine Navy's interoperability with the U.S. Navy, allowing the two navies to collaborate on missions more effectively.
The deal will be a huge boost to the Philippine Navy's effectiveness in protecting the Philippines' territorial sovereignty, especially in the disputed South China Sea. Sea Giraffe, which is in service with a number of other navies, will allow the Philippines to monitor its territories and Exclusive Economic Zones more accurately.
It can also be used to identify and track aircraft. They will be installed on two of the Hamilton-class cutters sold by the United States to the Philippine Navy.
Sea Giraffe AMB (Agile Multi Beam) is the naval variant of their Giraffe radar with 3D AMB technology. It can detect air and surface targets from the horizon up to an altitude of 20,000 meters at elevations of up to 70.
It can simultaneously handle multiple threats approaching from different directions and altitudes, including diving anti-ship missiles. Equally important, it's specialized for rapidly detecting small, fast moving aerial targets at all altitudes and small surface targets in severe clutter.
Sea Giraffe has an instrumented range of 180 kilometers.
It will equip two of these three Philippine Navy frigates in the Philippine Fleet: BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17).
All three are former Hamilton-class ships once operated by the U.S. Coast Guard and are now designated as Gregorio de Pilar-class frigates by the Philippine Navy. The newest ship is the BRP Andres Bonifacio that arrived in Manila on Dec. 9.
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TagsPhilippine Navy, Saab AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe 3D Air Search Radars, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Navy, Agile Multi Beam, Gregorio de Pilar-class frigates
(Photo : Getty Images) China's human rights activists are worried by Trump's hazy human rights record.
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One of China's leading feminists has warned US president-elect Donald Trump that fellow feminists around the world are watching his every word and action.
Zheng Churan, who enjoys the support of Hillary Clinton for her women's rights advocacy, penned a letter to Trump spelling out the dangers of chauvinism as he prepares to take office.
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Also known as Datu or Big Rabbit, Zhen wrote to the Republican president-elect, "Even across the Pacific, in the faraway land of China, there are constantly reports of you and your government's involvement in sexual discrimination."
"We wish you to watch out, the feminists worldwide are speaking, and we are watching you," the letter read.
Trump famously courted controversy when he admitted to using his fame and influence to have sex with women. He also said that he gropes them without their consent, saying "When you are a star, they let you do it."
In 2015, Zheng was among five other feminist activists who were detained for more than a month by Chinese authorities after they attempted to hold a peaceful protest against sexual harassment. And now, she is calling on Trump to respect women's rights and not to use his powerful position to spread "straight man cancer."
The term is being increasingly used in China to describe the "disease" exhibited by narrow-minded men seeking to keep women as second rate citizens and work against gender equality.
Straight man cancer also describes men who desperately cling to traditional Chinese norms in relationships such as seeking to oppress women's rights through official government policies, devaluing female labor, and saying that educated women are less attractive.
"'Straight man cancer' is the equivalent of 'male chauvinist Pig' in English," Zhen wrote.
Trump has a hazy record of supporting the persecuted in society. Many advocates in China are worried that his administration will prioritize deal making over human rights.
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Tagschina, China human rights, donald trump
(Photo : Getty Images) China fears that Tillerson's nomination is Trump's strategic move to isolate the country.
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While already reeling from Trump's foray into foreign relations, Beijing has been rocked by US President-elect Donald Trump's decision to nominate Rex Tillerson as secretary of state.
Tillerson has a known deep and long-standing tie with Moscow, and his appointment has been received well by the country's leadership. However, this relationship has fuelled Beijing's fears that Trump's courtship of the Kremlin could be part of his bold strategic effort to isolate China.
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"He's a very adventurous strategist. If Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump become great friends then China can do nothing about it - but China will be prepared for some degree of alienation between Moscow and Beijing," Shi Yinhong, a foreign policy specialist from Renmin University, said.
Tillerson has visited China several times since 2008. During his most recent visit, he met with Wang Yilin, a long-time member of the Communist Party who is also the chairman of the state-run energy behemoth China National Petroleum Corp.
However, the Texas oil magnate enjoys a closer relation with Moscow and is heavily opposed to any sanctions on Russia. He is also reportedly friends with Igor Sechin, a Russian government official who is considered the second most powerful man after President Vladimir Putin. Tillerson was even awarded the Russian Order of Friendship in 2013 after striking a drilling deal with state-run oil giant Rosneft.
China, on the other hand, has offered a lukewarm response to Tillerson's nomination.
"We have noted the relevant reports. We are willing to work with the secretary of state, whoever it is, to move China-US relations forward," foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.
Ties between Russia and China have bloomed since President Xi Jinping assumed power. Even so, Shi said he understands why Putin could be tempted by Trump's olive branch. Improved relationships with the United States, an end to economic sanctions, and the possibility of reducing Russia's dependency on China could be some of the benefits that Putin sees from a warmer relationship with Washington.
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Tagschina, Russia, Vladimir Putin, donald trump, rex tillerson
(Photo : Facebook) Last weekend's suicide bombing would be the first militant attack on a Christian house of worship in Egypt since 2011.
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Islamic State militant group (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing attack that killed at least 25 people at Cairo's main Coptic Christian Cathedral this weekend.
ISIS vowed to continue its war against "polytheism" in a statement circulated on Tuesday by SITE Intelligence Group, that monitors jihadist activity online.
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According to the SITE, one of the militant's suicide bombers had detonated an explosive belt inside a "Christian temple" at the cathedral complex.
The bombing struck the female worshiper's side of the small church of St. Paul and St. Peter, adjoined to the Coptic Cathedral in the capital's Abbassiya district. Most of the dead were women, attending a weekly sermon. Another 49 people were wounded and at least six children were among the dead.
This would be the first militant attack on a Christian house of worship in Egypt since 2011, which killed 23 people at the Two Saints Church in the coastal city Alexandria. No group, however, has ever claimed responsibility for it.
Meanwhile, last weekend's suicide bombing is the deadliest attack on civilians claimed by the terror group in Egypt since the shooting down of a Russian passenger jet that killed all 224 people aboard in October 2015.
President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi declared a three-day mourning period on Monday at the state funeral for the victims and promised the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Sisi named the bomber as 22-year-old Mahmoud Shafik Mohamed Mostafa. The leader also said that four people had been arrested in connection with the attack and two fugitives were being sought.
The Egyptian Interior Ministry said that Mostafa was a supporter of the muslim brotherhood, an islamist political organization that Sisi has banned in Egypt. Mostafa has been arrested in March 2014 for carrying arms during a protest but was later freed on bail after two months. He was also wanted in connection with two other cases, according to Newsweek.
Egypt's military is battling a growing insurgency in the northern Sinai Peninsula, known as Sinai Province, with the ISIS and other extremist groups regularly targeting military and government installations as well as security forces and civilians.
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TagsISIS, Egypt, Cathedral Bombing, President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, Mahmoud Shafik Mohamed Mostafa
(Photo : Getty Images) President Xi has been accused of being 'hostile to Muslims inside China'.
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A popular online community for Chinese Muslims has been closed after posting a petition asking President Xi Jinping to quit his "brutal suppression of activists."
The students who wrote the petition told media that they had demanded that the Chinese government immediately release all the activists that have been put in detention.
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"You are not responsible for all the crimes of the totalitarian system, but as the head of the totalitarian system and it's commander-in-chief of repression, you must take responsibility for the blood and tears which now flow," the letter to the president said.
"In the next spring of China's new Jasmine Revolution, who will drive your tanks to crush us, the new generation of students after 1989?" the letter went on.
According to Yu Suleiman Gu, a Muslim student studying at the University of Georgia, the website, called Zhongmu Wang or 2muslim.com, was shut a day after he posted the letter to a forum that had in the past held sensitive discussions on issues such as persecution of Muslim dissidents in China.
The letter gained attention when screenshots of it were posted to China's version of Twitter, Weibo, by Xi Wuyi, a professor of Marxism at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Xi Wuyi said that the letter was a proof that the site supported separatists in China's restive Xianjiang province.
Xianjiang is home to approximately 10 million ethnic Uighur minorities. Violence in the province has killed hundreds of people, with the Chinese government attributing it to 'Islamic extremism' and foreign influence.
"The Chinese government is very hostile to the Muslims inside China, especially the ones in Xianjiang," Antony Chang, who co-authored the letter, said.
Since 2003, the website has functioned as an "online network of Muslims sharing Islam." But as of Wednesday, it was no longer accessible.
China officially has more than 23 million Muslims, although some independent estimates said they could exceed the 50 million mark.
Although China's constitution protects freedom of religious beliefs, authorities keep a tight leash on it. Only five belief systems are currently recognized in the country, and their messages are closely monitored.
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TagsInternet, Asia Pacific, Islam, President Xi Jinping, china
(Photo : youtube.com/memoryhd)
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It was one of the feel-good stories that came out just in time for the holidays even though it was centred around a sad situation but, it was so feel-good that people forgot to check if it was in fact, true.
On Wednesday, the Knoxville News Sentinel revealed that they could not verify a columnist's account of a man from Tennessee who plays Santa Claus nor could they verify that he did have an encounter with a child as he died in his arms.
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The story was published early this week and quickly went viral which in turn put the spotlight on Eric Schmitt-Matzen who has been dressing up as Santa Claus for more than 9 years.
During an interview with The Washington Post, Schmitt-Matzen stuck by his story saying that he was called over to a nearby hospital to grant a terminally ill 5-year-olds wish to see Santa Claus in real life. He then went on to say that the unnamed boy had died last month after he had told the child that he was Santa's "number one elf". Unfortunately, he refused to provide any other details surrounding the story saying that he doesn't want to reveal the identity of both the child as well as the medical personnel who were present during their encounter.
Jack McElroy, editor of the News Sentinel confirmed that they have done additional research in an attempt to verify the story and although Schmitt-Matzen has been verified to have been dressing up as Santa for almost a decade, his story about the dying child remains unverified.
In a statement that was released yesterday, McElroy said, "The story does not meet the newspaper's standards of verification, therefore we are no longer standing by the veracity of Schmitt-Matzen's story."
The Post also could not find any further details regarding the story and were not able to disprove the story that Schmitt-Matzen had told one of their writers, Sam Venable.
Venable, who happens to be one of the veteran writers at The Post has refused to comment on the story that gained worldwide recognition after CNN, NBC and Fox News aired the video that quickly went viral on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Tagsviral, False News, christmas, Santa Claus
Planned Parenthood has filed lawsuits against abortion restrictions in three states and plans to sue every state that has enforced similar regulations or passed pro-life bills.
We are going to fight back state by state and law by law until every person has the right to pursue the life they want, including the right to decide to end a pregnancy, said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, Planned Parenthoods chief medical officer.
The lawsuits were filed by Planned Parenthood in association with American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Center for Reproductive Rights in the states of Missouri, Alaska, and North Carolina in late November.
These three states require some or all abortions be performed in hospitals or surgical centers. North Carolina also bans abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy, unless the mothers life is in danger.
The lawsuit alleges that the abortion restrictions have false premises of protecting women from unhygienic abortions, risks posed by abortions carried out in the absence of trained personnel, and botched abortions. The plaintiffs also claim that women have to travel to other states because of these regulations.
The plaintiff attorneys told The Virginian Pilot that the lawsuits are a follow-up to US Supreme Courts June verdict which threw out the abortion restrictions in Texas.
Texas had imposed regulations on abortion providers so that they meet hospital standards and have admitting rights at nearby hospitals where patients could be taken in emergency complications.
The court ruled 5-3 that women face no significant risks while undergoing abortions, and that only in rare cases can a woman face botched abortions which is a condition that need not to be prepared for through state-mandated admitting rights.
There was no significant health-related problem that the new law helped to cure, Justice Stephen Breyer wrote. We agree with the District Court that the surgical-center requirement, like the admitting-privileges requirement, provides few, if any, health benefits for women, poses a substantial obstacle to women seeking abortions, and constitutes an undue burden on their constitutional right to do so.
The restrictions in Missouri are similar to those proposed in Texas. Owing to the regulations, Missouri has only one abortion provider in St. Louis. Alaska banned partial birth abortions in 1998, and the state currently has a ban on second trimester abortions.
A recent Pew study on the state of education among different religious groups around the world showed that Jews were more educated than other groups, followed by Christians.
Jewish adults aged 25 and older have an average of 13.4 years of education, Christians approximately 9.3 years, atheists 8.8 years, Buddhists 7.9 years, while Muslims and Hindus each have an average of about 5.6 years of education.
The Jewish population is mostly concentrated in the US and Israel, which are developed nations, but Christians are scattered all around the world, in both developed and underdeveloped countries, which might explain the difference in the average level of education among these groups.
Pew based its findings on census and survey data from 151 countries. The study also found significant differences in education levels among different religious groups and genders within a country.
The Pew report said that in sub-Saharan Africa, Christians were more highly educated than Muslims.
Disparities in educational level along gender lines were higher in some groups as compared to others.
Muslim men were more highly educated with 6.4 years of education, as compared to Muslim women who had an average of 4.9 years of education.
Hindu women (4.2 years) were also less educated than Hindu men (6.9 years).
However, the gender gap in the educational level among the various religious groups seems to be decreasing over the years, according to the study.
The average level of education in different global regions is far from homogenous. Most of the people around the world have just a little over primary levels of education. Global average years of schooling among women is seven years, and for men it is eight years.
About 19 percent of the world population have no formal education.
Only 14 percent of adults over the age of 25 in the world have had higher education or have a university degree.
Egypts Coptic Christians are in a state of mourning after a suicide bomber killed at least 25 people at a Cairo church on Sunday.
Egypt always tends to rally around Christians at moments like this, said Jayson Casper, CTs Middle East correspondent. But over time, [ISIS is] trying to hammer and hammer and hammer the Christians in Egypt and put so much pressure on the internal government that it itself may collapse.
But even when persecution/suffering does come, the Coptic Church is equipped to deal with it, said Casper.
They can say, This has always happened to us in our history. It is how God has treated us and he perseveres with us through it.
While the attack was the worst to target Copts since the 2011 New Years bombing of a church in Alexandria that killed 23 people, the population has been the victim of sectarian violence for years. In 2015, ISIS, who also claimed responsibility for the latest attack, beheaded 21 Coptic Christians in Libya.
Casper joined assistant editor Morgan Lee and editor-in-chief Mark Galli this week to discuss the fascinating and important history of Coptic Christians, how the Egyptian church relates to a changing government, and why this most recent attack is unique.
Additional Reading
Who are the Copts?
Christianity Todays coverage of Coptic Christians
1
Well, you havent really been here long enough to know him that well She breaks eye contact. The sentence dangles, but the meaning is clear: You dont know my dad well enough to do his funeral. Plus, you look really young.
I breathe deeply. Nearly every time I gather with a family, I hear a similar impulse: that being the persons best friend is what it takes to lead a funeral well.
Youre right. Ive known your father only a few years. Is there someone who could tell a story or two about him? It could be family or someone else who has known your dad for a long time. Ill speak of your father during the sermon, of course. But there Ill focus on his life in light of the Resurrection. Thats why were gathering.
This persons well-intentioned impulse ranks just behind the instinct to ditch the whole funeral vibe and go for a celebration of life; he wouldnt want us to be sad, anyway. But it all hints at a deeper problema confusion about the purpose of funerals.
Heres the problem: We no longer see funerals as worship. We see them as private, sad gatherings for the family. We see them as important if you were close to the deceased, but otherwise, lets be honestyoure not missing anything by not going to Merles funeral. Funerals are sort of like gloomy birthday parties, deeply personal get-togethers for close friends and family.
But we are here to recall a wider, deeper reality, nothing less than the crux of the cosmos: Christs resurrection.
It is the memory and hope of the Resurrection that makes the Christian funeral one of the most potent services of Christian worship. The Christian funeral is uniquely positioned to help those far from death attend to it, so they need not obsess over it when it is near. It is unmatched in its focus: we are here because one of us isnt. We gather to realize this reality and to remember Gods reality, which trumps all others.
The funeral is unmatched in its focus: we are here because one of us isnt.
When the funeral becomes a cordoned family affair, it degenerates into a matter of personal preference. It becomes a vehicle for self-expression, one last gasp at leaving ones mark on the world. When it ceases to be congregational worship, it ceases to be an event where Gods people are formed. Too often, pastors lead the way.
It becomes a vicious cycle. When the funeral isnt worship, theres no compelling reason to go. When the funeral isnt worship, your time is better spent paying your respects at the funeral home, where you can interact with the family, share a memory or two, and be on your way. This is why the viewing at the funeral home usually beats the funeral in the popular vote. The funeral is for those who really need itfriends and close family. And so the funeral becomes, as it has been in my experience, the least congregational service that I lead.
Breathing life into the funeral
But it doesnt have to be this way. The way forward is knowing our job and sticking to it. One of my favorite lines in the liturgy of my denomination, I print at the top of every funeral bulletin: A Service of Witness to the Resurrection. The funeral must be congregational because it is not a birthday party without its guest of honor. It is public worship whose intent is to deepen our hope in the Resurrection.
We stand in need of this deepening. The pervading mood toward what happens after we die is not, as N.T. Wright wryly observed, the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection of the dead, but rather the vague and fuzzy optimism that things may turn out in the end. The hope of heaven is often not a robust, biblical picture of Gods intention for the whole of creation, but a wispy, disembodied existence involving clouds and the odd golden harp.
I am one pastor. So what can I do?
I try to make funerals corporate worship, not private parties. I try to encourage people to gather as if its Christmas Eve, or a unity service, as if its worship. I try to hold funerals during times of the day and week when more people are off work. Funerals are usually scheduled during normal work hours, 95, Monday through Friday. While this favors the funeral directors and pastors, taking a half-day off is too high a hurdle for the majority of people.
I tell members, Go to funeralseven if you dont know the person that well. Especially if you dont know the person that well. Gods people gather in worship because God is worthy, and our loves need ordering.
I make sure the church regularly sings songs that fit well in funerals.
The Christian funeral is one of the richest plots a pastor can tillif we keep our hand to the plow. Few other settings come primed to confess our hope with such clarity and grit. Few other opportunities present themselves with such regularity and promise. And few other services will be filled with so many occasional congregants. So lets deepen our faithfulness. Lets lead funerals that facilitate the churchs worship. Lets create expectations that funerals are congregational. Lets celebrate the reality thatin life and in deathJesus is Lord.
Noah Livingston is co-pastor of Abbe Reformed Church in Clymer, New York. You can find him on twitter @noah_livingston.
Planned Parenthood Facing Criminal Prosecution
Contact: Alexandra Snyder, Life Legal Defense Foundation, 202-717-7371
NAPA, Calif., Dec. 14, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Senator Chuck Grassley, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and FBI Director James Comey referring four Planned Parenthood affiliates in California and three fetal tissue brokers for investigation and possible criminal prosecution.
Pursuant to its investigation of Planned Parenthood following the release of a series of videos by David Daleiden and the Center for Medical Progress (CMP), the Senate Judiciary Committee obtained evidence showing that Planned Parenthood Federation of America, its affiliates, and fetal tissue brokers violated the federal ban on buying and selling the dismembered parts of aborted babies.
Moreover, the Judiciary Committee found that the U.S. Department of Justice has refused to enforce the federal fetal tissue trafficking statute, failing to prosecute even one entity under the law, despite substantial evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
The Committee's investigation found that the following entities engaged in the purchase and sale of baby body parts for profit:
StemExpress, LLC;
Advanced Bioscience Resources, Inc.;
Novogenix Laboratories, LLC;
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte;
Planned Parenthood Los Angeles;
Planned Parenthood Northern California; and
Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest.
The Senate Judiciary Committee also found evidence of conspiracy between Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates, since PPFA knew about the violations and changed oversight procedures in order to allow the violations to continue. The Committee's findings are available in a Majority Staff Report published this month.
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte is the largest Planned Parenthood affiliate in the nation, operating 33 facilities in California and Nevada and taking in over $96 million annually. The four affiliates referred for prosecution represent over $263 million in annual revenue.
"Life Legal looks forward to the confirmation of Senator Jeff Sessions as the new U.S. Attorney General," stated Life Legal Defense Foundation Executive Director Alexandra Snyder. "Senator Sessions currently sits on the Judiciary Committee and we anticipate that he will thoroughly investigate Planned Parenthood's activities and prosecute the affiliates to the fullest extent of the law."
If not for David Daleiden's videos, Congress would not have initiated investigations into Planned Parenthood's business model that includes profiting from the sale of fetal organs and tissues. We would not have seen firsthand the cavalier and callous manner in which the abortion industry discusses the dismemberment of innocent human beings.
Daleiden's heroic efforts to expose the multi-billion-dollar corporate abortion industry have not come without a great personal cost. He continues to battle four separate lawsuits filed against him by some of the very entities that are on the prosecution referral list.
Life Legal represents David in three lawsuits filed by StemExpress, the National Abortion Federation, and Planned Parenthood. All of the Planned Parenthood affiliates referred for prosecution are plaintiffs in the lawsuit, as is StemExpress. Another Planned Parenthood affiliate, PP Gulf Coast in Texas, is also a plaintiff and was referred for prosecution by the House Select Panel investigating Planned Parenthood's role in the fetal tissue trade.
About Life Legal Defense Foundation
Life Legal Defense Foundation was established in 1989, and is a nonprofit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens committed to giving helpless and innocent human beings of any age, and their advocates, a trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information about the Life Legal Defense Foundation, visit www.lldf.org.
home World Chinese authorities remove organs of Christian human rights lawyer without family's consent
Chinese authorities reportedly removed the heart and brain of Christian prisoner Peng Ming without the consent of his family.
Authorities claim that Peng collapsed and died suddenly at the age of 58 in Hubei's Xianming Prison, Radio Free Asia reported.
His relatives, who are based in the U.S., have called for an independent autopsy. His sister, Peng Xing, said that the family went through "non-stop" negotiations with the prison officials for four days, and they eventually agreed to issue visas to four relatives so that they could attend the funeral.
"However, something unexpected happened on Dec. 5; the relevant departments dissected Peng Ming's body against the family members' will and took away his brain and heart," Xing revealed in an open letter posted on the website of Christian rights group China Aid.
According to a separate statement from China Aid, Peng's brother was detained for six consecutive hours and pressured to sign an agreement. The authorities said that they needed to cut a bit of Peng's abdominal muscle for scientific experiments.
The brother refused to sign the agreement, but he later found out that Peng's brain, heart, and other organs had been removed.
Xing also stated that the authorities reversed their decision to allow four family members to go to China for the farewell ceremony. Only Peng's elder daughter was allowed to attend the funeral.
"In order to express our anger and protest, we decided unanimously that none of Peng Ming's overseas family will attend the farewell ceremony on the mainland," Xing wrote.
In 1998, Peng wrote a letter to his family telling them to be suspicious of foul play should he meet with an "accident." He fled from China soon after writing the letter, and he was able to settle in the U.S. In 2004, he was kidnapped by Chinese agents on the ThaiaMyanmar border while he was visiting his parents.
On Oct. 12, 2005, Peng was sentenced to life imprisonment based on charges of "organizing and leading a terrorist organization," "kidnapping," and "possessing counterfeit money."
Officials said that he suddenly collapsed in prison on Nov.29 while watching television, and he was unresponsive to resuscitation attempts. Peng's family remains suspicious of his cause of death.
home World Iran extends prison sentence of Christian convert who was on medical leave
Maryam Naghash Zargaran, a Christian convert who has been incarcerated in Iran for more than three years, found out that her sentence has been extended by 42 days when she returned to serve the rest of her prison term following a medical leave.
According to Release International, Zargaran was granted a five-day medical leave. A court ruling gave her an extension while she appealed for conditional release, but her plea was rejected.
When she returned to Evin Prison on Dec. 6, she was told that her prison sentence had been extended to make up for the time she spent out of jail.
She was arrested in January 2013 and sentenced to four years' imprisonment in connection with her work at an orphanage with Iranian-American pastor Saeed Abedini.
Zargaran, who suffers from heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis and lumbar disc disease, was allowed to deposit a bond of 350 million toman (US $100,000) on June 6, 2016 in order to receive treatment outside of prison.
Her family applied for an extension as she was till not well enough. The prosecutor's office refused, and she was escorted back to prison on June 27.
Zargaran started a hunger strike on July 5 to protest the denial of her access to medical treatment and demanded her immediate and unconditional release. Prison officials confirmed the seriousness of her condition after an examination, but an Iranian court denied her plea for unconditional release. She ended the hunger strike in August at the request of her family.
The authorities allowed Zargaran to receive medical treatment at home at the end of August, but it was cut short because she was unable to comply with the conditions. She went back to Evin Prison on Sept. 17.
She was recently allowed to leave prison for medical treatment, but upon her return, she was informed about the extension of her prison sentence.
Amnesty International pointed to Zargaran's case as an example of Iran's "cruel" denial of medical care in its prisons.
Christian charity Open Doors is calling on Christians to pray for the release of Zargaran and other Christians imprisoned in Iran.
home World ISIS lays claim to Coptic church bombing in Cairo
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Coptic Cathedral that resulted in the deaths of 25 people on Sunday.
Egyptian authorities have identified the suicide bomber who carried out the attack on St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral as Mahmoud Shafik Mohamed Mostafa, but ISIS used the pseudonym Abu Abdallah al-Masri, according to The New York Times.
A surveillance video released by the authorities showed a figure believed to be Mostafa entering the church just before the explosion. It was reportedly the deadliest attack on Egyptian civilians in years and the worst act of sectarian violence since the bombing of a Coptic church in Alexandria in 2011.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has previously blamed most of the attacks on the Muslim Brotherhood, whose leader, Mohamed Morsi, was deposed is 2013.
The Interior Ministry stated on Monday that exiled leaders of the Brotherhood provided "financial and logistical support" for the assault. The Brotherhood, however, condemned the bombing, and militancy experts have said that it was unlikely that the organization would have financed an ISIS operation.
Sisi stated that three men and one woman were arrested in connection with the attack, but other suspects are still at large.
Mostafa reportedly was arrested at a Muslim Brotherhood protest in 2014. His family said that he was jailed but they lost contact with him when he was released later. His lawyer claimed that he was tortured while he was detained, which might have led to his radicalization.
Egyptian Copts have long been complaining about systematic discrimination to the government, but Sisi's administration chose to focus instead on its foreign critics.
Christians have accused the government of failing to protect them, but officials have pointed out the quick identification of the suspect as proof that the security bodies are efficient.
However, Christian activist Nader Shokry believes that the government could have done more to prevent the bombing.
"How did all this planning take place without the security knowing about it?" Shokry said, according to Mail Online.
"You are saying that this person belongs to a terror group and has been previously arrested... So you should have kept a close eye on him," he added.
home World Jakarta governor sheds tears as he testifies at his blasphemy trial
Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama was tearful when he gave his testimony denying the allegations of blasphemy at his trial on Tuesday.
Purnama choked back tears as he narrated to the panel of five judges that he did not intend to insult the Quran. He stated that the accusation of blasphemy would be the same as saying he insulted his adoptive parents and siblings who are Muslims.
"I was partly raised by my adoptive parents and their love profoundly remains in my heart. My first postgraduate tuition fee was even paid by my adoptive sister who is a Muslim," Purnama testified, as reported by The Jakarta Post.
He pointed out that he had provided many facilities and assistance to his Islamic constituents, including the construction of the first grand mosque, donations to religious schools, and the celebration of Islamic days.
Purnama was the appointed governor of Jakarta after his predecessor Joko Widodo became president in 2014.
The Christian governor, who is seeking reelection against two Muslim candidates in the upcoming Feb. 15 poll, generated controversy in September this year when he spoke to local residents and officials in Thousand Islands about voting rights.
Purnama pointed out that Al-Maidah, verse 51 of the Quran, is often used by politicians to tell Muslim voters not to vote for non-Muslims.
"My remark was intended to show that politicians often misuse the verse because they don't want to compete in a fair manner in a regional election," the governor told the judges.
He has repeatedly apologized for his remarks, but the incident has sparked two large-scale protests on the streets of Central Jakarta.
Hundreds of protesters have also gathered on the streets outside the former Central Jakarta District Court building on the first day of his trial.
Purnama and his lawyers believe that the case is politically motivated through the use of public pressure.
"This defense statement is titled 'trial by the mob,'" said lawyer Trimoelja D. Soerjadi as he read the defense note.
"Indonesian citizens have witnessed public pressure in this case [as demonstrators] filled thoroughfares. This has led to the irregular acceleration of Ahok's legal process," he stated, referring to the rallies against Purnama on Nov. 4 and Dec. 2.
After the hearing, Purnama was escorted away from the court in an armored police truck. The next hearing will be held on Dec. 20.
home US John Kasich vetoes 'heartbeat bill' but approves 20-week abortion ban
Ohio Governor John Kasich has vetoed a bill which would have banned abortions when a baby's heartbeat is detected. However, he signed into law a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Due to concerns that the "heartbeat bill" would be overturned in court, Kasich decided to veto the proposal.
"I agree with Ohio Right to Life and other leading, pro-life advocates that SB 127 (a 20-week ban) is the best, most legally sound and sustainable approach to protecting the sanctity of human life," the governor said in a statement, according to Life News.
Pro-life group Ohio Right to Life expressed their gratitude to Kasich for signing the 20-week ban and said that it supports his decision to bypass the heartbeat bill.
"While it must have been difficult, the current make-up of a radically pro-abortion Supreme Court required the Governor to exercise great restraint. Further, filling the current vacancy on the Court by our next President will still leave the court with a pro-abortion majority," the group told Life News.
Republican Senators Bill Seitz and Bill Coley were among the few lawmakers who voted against the heartbeat bill. Coley argued that millions of taxpayer money would have been spent on attorneys' fees if the bill had been passed and challenged in court.
North Dakota passed a similar measure, but it was overturned by a federal appeals court in 2014. The heartbeat bills in North Dakota and other states were considered controversial, even by pro-lifers, because they believe that it would be overturned in court, and the state would have to pay the legal costs of abortion activists.
Dayton Daily News reported that some members of the senate are discussing options if the House decides to override the veto on the heartbeat bill. Both House and Senate would require the three-fifths majority vote in order to override Kasich's veto.
"The speaker will be working with caucus members to determine possible options and the outcome will be decided after further consideration," said Brad Miller, spokesman for House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger.
The 20-week ban would take effect 90 days after the governor signed it. The implementation, however, could be delayed if it is disputed in court.
According to the Ohio Department of Health's annual abortion report, around 145 of the 20,976 abortions in 2015 were performed after 20 weeks gestation.
home US Planned Parenthood referred to FBI, Dept. of Justice for criminal investigation
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley announced that he is referring Planned Parenthood and other institutions involved in alleged sales of fetal body parts for criminal investigation and possible prosecution.
Grassley sent a letter to the FBI and Department of Justice on Tuesday to refer Planned Parenthood Federation of America, four of the abortion provider's largest affiliates and three of its business partners, for potential prosecution, Washington Times reported.
"I don't take lightly making a criminal referral. But, the seeming disregard for the law by these entities has been fueled by decades of utter failure by the Justice Department to enforce it," said Grassley in a press release.
"And, unless there is a renewed commitment by everyone involved against criminalizing the trade in aborted fetal body parts for profit, then the outcome is likely to continue," he added.
The referral came after the Senate Judiciary Committee completed the analysis of over 20,000 pages of documents voluntarily provided by the organizations involved in the fetal tissue industry.
"While the impetus for the investigation was the release of a series of videos regarding transfers of fetal tissue by the Center for Medical Progress, the committee's analysis and findings are based strictly on the documents obtained independently from tissue procurement companies and Planned Parenthood," the press release continued.
The committee's report named Advanced Bioscience Resources, Inc.; StemExpress, LLC; and Novogenix Laboratories, LLC, as companies that were involved in buying and selling fetal body parts.
The report further noted that Planned Parenthood initially had a policy that would ensure that its affiliates are not breaking the law. However, the abortion organization canceled the policy after it found out that the affiliates had violated its regulation on fetal tissue reimbursement.
Earlier this month, the House of Representatives Select Panel on Infant Lives issued a list of nine criminal and regulatory referrals against Planned Parenthood and other businesses for allegedly trafficking aborted baby parts.
The panel was created in October 2015 to investigate the allegations made in the undercover videos released by Center for Medical Progress (CMP). The videos purportedly show Planned Parenthood officials negotiating the prices of aborted baby tissue and organs.
The House approved an additional funding of $800,000 for the panel, apart from the $790,000 it already spent in the investigation.
3 Signs Your Relationship Has Turned Toxic
What differentiates healthy relationships from toxic ones? Basically, people in healthy relationships have partners who don't necessarily make their lives complete, but complements their lives in just the right way.
To help people identify good relationships from bad ones, marriage experts have shared with The Huffington Post three tell-tale signs that a relationship has turned toxic.
First, couples in toxic relationships no longer feel free to pursue their hobbies and maintain friendships outside of their relationship. Kari Caroll, a couples therapist in Portland, Oregon, said people in mature relationships will realise that they need to get some air from the relationship and pursue outside interests.
"When a partner is too attached to allow you to enjoy something on your own, it can lead to sacrificing one's own identity to appease the relationship," she said. "If your partner has fears about you doing things on your own, it could turn into the self-fulfilling prophecy. In other words, you may ultimately seek even more space and leave."
Another sign is that people act noticeably different with their family and friends when their partner is around. Marie Land, a psychologist in Washington, D.C., said those in healthy relationships don't have to act differently around those they love when their partner tags along.
"If you act differently when your partner is in the room, it's a bad sign," she warned. "You shouldn't feel the need to adjust your behaviour based on your partner's presence."
And lastly, those in toxic relationships find fault in their differences. Whatever these differences might be whether it be concerning food preferences, or musical choices, or hobbies these things make people unique. Amy Kipp, a couples and family therapist in San Antonio, said couples' differences actually make the relationship interesting.
"In toxic relationships, couples become enmeshed with each other, and differences are often seen as threats to the relationship," she said. "In healthy relationships, differences in interest or opinion are not only tolerated, but celebrated."
Charleston Church Massacre Survivor Describes Terrible Night 9 Were Shot Dead During Bible Study
A 72-year-old retired nurse was told to shut up while she prayed aloud during the violent mass shooting at a historic black Church last year, she told jurors on Wednesday.
Dylann Roof, 22, is accused of killing nine people at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, in June 2015. The attack claimed the church's pastor and others who were attending a Bible study at the time.
Polly Sheppard, a retired nurse, was one of the few survivors of the attack, and was the last to testify for the prosecution at Roof's federal trial. Sheppard said that Roof had opened fire after her fellow parishioners had closed their eyes in prayer. She had thought the sound she heard to be electrical, until she heard Felicia Sanders, another survivor, screaming, "He's shooting everybody, Miss Polly!"
Sheppard then dived under a table for cover. She prayed aloud as shots were fired, but said that Roof told her to shut up.
"Have I shot you yet?" Sheppard said Roof asked her. She testified that she said no, to which Roof responded: "I'm not going to. I'm going to leave you here to tell the story."
Jurors heard the recording of Sheppard pleading with emergency dispatchers on the phone following the shooting.
"Please come," Sheppard had said.
The church's pastor, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, died from five gunshots. The oldest victim, Susie Jackson, 87, was hit at least 10 times, a forensic pathologist testified. Roof faces charges of hate crimes resulting in death, obstruction of religion, and firearms violations.
The case against Roof is substantial. A self-described white supremacist, he has admitted to the crime in a videotaped interview. He has offered to plead guilty should the federal prosecutors choose not to pursue a death sentence, however the government has refused to renege, and Roof awaits penalty, if he is convicted, in January.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
Christians Condemn German Arms Sales To Repressive Regimes
Catholic and Protestant church leaders in Germany have united to call for restrictions on their country's arms sales.
The Catholic-Protestant Joint Conference on Church and Development claims arms sales rose an astonishing 96 per cent in 2015 with exports worth 13.6 billion dollars. It's thought the 2016 figure will continue the trend.
The organisation has launched a new report detailing its concerns with the German arms industry which it says is now the third biggest in the world.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar are two of the repressive regimes in receipt of German arms both of whom are part of the coalition accused of human rights abuses in the ongoing war in Yemen. The church group calls arms sales to the two countries "completely unnacceptable".
Catholics and Lutherans have been working together on various social issues since the early 1970s. The Conference is now calling for a new law which would mean the government has to say why the weapons are being sold. Monsignor Karl Justen, director of the German church's Catholic Office in Berlin said, "While government policy allows exports to third countries in regions of crisis and conflict only in justified individual cases, the data show otherwise this is why we're asking for a new law requiring the reasons for arms exports to be stated."
Could Non-Catholics Share Communion With Catholic Spouses At Last? This Cardinal Thinks So
A senior Catholic cardinal has said he hopes the next encyclical from Pope Francis allows "shared eucharistic communion in special cases".
At present only Catholics are allowed to take communion in Catholic churches and this presents difficulties for couples where one is Catholic and the other not. However, conservatives have fiercely resisted any relaxation of the rule because they see it as compromising the position that communion expresses unity with the Catholic Church, the only body to have preserved in its entirety the faith of the apostles.
However, in an interview with Italian newspaper Avvenire, senior ecumenical statesman Cardinal Walter Kasper, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, expressed his desire for ecumenical "progress" on the issue in the wake of the Pope's visit to Lund in Sweden to commemorate the beginning of the Reformation. Kasper said the Lund visit had given a "new push" to ecumenical cooperation because of the face-to-face meetings between Francis and Lutheran leaders.
While he acknowledged there were theological problems about which there could "not yet be full agreement" regarding shared communion, he said he hoped a document prepared by US bishops could be used as a "non-official" solution. He described the situation of mixed marriages and families in countries such as Germany and the US as an "urgent pastoral problem".
Asked what the commemoration year of the Reformation might bring in terms of full intercommunion, he said: "Certainly it is the first time that the commemoration is experienced ecumenically. But we should not expect miracles. I hope that this year will serve to complete the path of mutual understanding, which encourages dialogue and lead to the decision to walk together towards the future, knowing that the time, ways and places where full communion will be reached are in God's hands."
Evacuation Of Aleppo Begins As Ambulances Come Under Fire
As the evacuation of rebel-held areas of Aleppo got under way today, ambulances came under fire from fighters loyal to the Syrian government resulting in the death of at least one person, according to a rescue service spokesman.
But other buses and ambulances later started moving into rebel-held areas of the city under a deal to evacuate civilians and fighters following rapid advances by government forces. The Russian defence ministry said the evacuation of 5,000 rebels and their family members had begun.
The evacuation of Aleppo's last rebel enclave could end years of fighting for the city and mark a major victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
"[Pro-government fighters] fired at us and at ambulance vehicles and those people opening up the road," a rescue service spokesman told Reuters.
A witness in nearby government-held territory heard a burst of gunfire that lasted several minutes.
An official with an Aleppo rebel group said the medical convoy had stopped before clearing the besieged eastern part of the city.
Another group of ambulances, and more than 20 buses, began to move towards the rebel-held area of Aleppo.
"Thousands of people are in need of evacuation, but the first and most urgent thing is wounded, sick and children, including orphans," said UN humanitarian adviser for Syria Jan Egeland.
A Reuters witness in government-held territory said columns of black smoke could be seen rising from rebel-held area.
Residents hoping to be taken out have been burning personal belongings they cannot take with them. "Outside every building you see a small fire, papers, women's clothes," one resident told Reuters.
Russian soldiers were preparing to lead rebels out of Aleppo, the defence ministry in Moscow said. Syria had guaranteed the safety of rebels and their families, who would be taken towards Idlib, a city in north-western Syria.
Russia would use drones to monitor how rebels and their families were transported on 20 buses, accompanied by 10 ambulances, along a humanitarian corridor, the ministry said.
A truce brokered by Russia, Assad's most powerful ally, and opposition backer Turkey on Tuesday broke down following renewed fighting on Wednesday and the evacuation did not take place then as planned.
An official from the Jabha Shamiya rebel group said a new truce came into effect at 2.30am on Thursday.
Shortly before the new deal was announced, clashes raged in Aleppo.
Government forces made a new advance in Sukkari - one of a handful of districts still held by rebels - and brought half of the neighbourhood under their control, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group.
The Russian defence ministry said before the report of the government forces' advance in Sukkari that the rebels controlled an enclave of only 2.5 square km.
The evacuation plan was the culmination of two weeks of rapid advances by the Syrian army and its allies that drove insurgents back into an ever-smaller pocket of the city under intense air strikes and artillery fire.
By taking control of Aleppo, Assad has proved the power of his military coalition, aided by Russia's air force and an array of Shi'ite militias from across the region.
Rebels have been backed by the US, Turkey and Gulf monarchies, but that support has fallen far short of the direct military assistance given to Assad by Russia and Iran.
Russia's decision to deploy its air force to Syria 18 months ago turned the war in Assad's favour after rebel advances across western Syria. In addition to Aleppo, he has won back insurgent strongholds near Damascus this year.
The government and its allies have focussed the bulk of their fire-power on fighting rebels in western Syria rather than ISIS, which this week managed to take back the ancient city of Palmyra, once again illustrating the challenge Assad faces re-establishing control over all Syria.
Carla del Ponte, a United Nations investigator and former UN war crimes prosecutor, told the German newspaper Die Zeit that Russian and Syrian bombing of homes, hospitals and schools amounted to war crimes, as did the starving out of parts of Aleppo for months by militias loyal to the government.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
Female Genital Mutilation Has Victimised Over 8,000 Women in U.K., National Health Service Reveals
These "parties" are bloody and are not pleasant at all to the women joining them.
These are the female genital mutilation (FGM) "parties" that a British charity has said are going on across England that have so far victimised at least 8,000 women, the BBC reported.
According to the Black Health Initiative, an England-based charity, midwives from Africa are being flown in to the United Kingdom to perform the illegal and dangerous practice on women. FGM is a criminal act in the U.K., carrying a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
"We know of parties happening here in England, and in West Yorkshire we recently had to break one up, and we've stopped another from taking place," Heather Nelson, chief executive of the Black Health Initiative, told the BBC in an interview.
"What we're finding now is that where once girls were taken abroad to be cut, specialist midwives are now flown over and several girls are cut at the same time, which then leads to a celebration," she disclosed.
At least 8,000 women in England have already been identified as FGM victims, according to the National Health Service.
FGM involves the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia for non-medical reasons, as described by the World Health Organisation.
The ritual, which is linked to African non-Christian religions and traditions, is carried out for various reasons, such as the belief that the procedure reduces a woman's libido and decreases the risk of extramarital sexual affairs.
A 2014 study estimated that as many as 200,000 women and girls in England and Wales have either undergone FGM, or have been at risk of being victimised, Reuters reported.
Women now residing in Britain who originally came from Somalia, Sierra Leone, Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt are among those who have undergone FGM, statistics have shown.
"FGM is a devastating act of violence that no woman or girl should ever have to suffer," Britain's Interior Minister Amber Rudd said.
FGM has been condemned by some Muslim leaders but still persists in Islamic-dominated countries in Africa and Asia.
Some Muslims believe FGM is part of Muslim law.
"I had it done, my daughter had it done, and I would definitely like my granddaughter to do it, too," a 45-year-old Muslim Malay woman told the BBC in an interview. "It's something compulsory for us to do in Islam."
For The First Time, Catholic Church In India Admits Dalit Christians Face Discrimination
The Catholic Church in India has admitted for the first time that Dalit Christians in the country face discrimination from the caste system and that "their participation in the level of leadership... at the higher levels is almost nil".
These admissions come in a policy document released this week by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), titled 'Policy of Dalit Empowerment in the Catholic Church in India', the Indian Express reported.
The paper asks the 171 Catholic dioceses in India to submit long and short-term plans within a year to end all kinds of discrimination against Dalit Christians.
"If there are dual practices based on caste discrimination, such practices should be stopped forthwith," it says. "In case of failure to do so, stringent measures should be taken by the Church authority concerned."
The president of the CBCI, Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, told the Indian Express that discrimination of this sort is a "sin". The cardinal said: "It's a revolutionary step. We are admitting that it's a grave social sin, an issue and a problem. It's a sin, if you are going by the Christian spirit. This is a step to end the practice of discrimination within the church. It's a message as well as an introspection."
Some 12 million out of 19 million members of the Catholic Church in India are Dalit Christians, yet the document notes that "their participation in the level of leadership in the diocesan administration as well as in religious orders is minimum and at the higher levels, it is almost nil".
Currently, only 12 out of the more than 5,000 bishops in the Catholic Church in India are Dalit Christians.
"There is wider acceptance that the practice of untouchability and discrimination against Dalits exist in the Church and there is need to address these issues urgently," the document says.
However, it adds that there have been some positive changes and "more acceptance of the rights and dignity of Dalits at least at the ideological and theoretical level".
It goes on: "Since there is inadequate representation in seminaries in appointments to key positions and sharing of common resources in the religious orders and in the Church in general, efforts need to be made to remedy the situation given the importance of good priests... for the mission of the Church."
Dalits are being deprived of competitive jobs and courses, the paper says.
"Despite possessing commendable credentials, the fact of being a Dalit Dalitness is considered as inferior. This mindset is against the core belief of Christianity, that every human person is created in the image of God. While the term caste Hindu may be justified, caste Christian is simply self contradictory, to say the least."
The Church adds that a "traditional casteist approach is adopted to divide the faithful by some vested interest groups".
The document states that Dalit Christians are "sandwiched between the State and the Church".
The CBCI asks all dioceses to abolish "any practices of untouchability, discrimination and exclusion, especially in places of worship and burial grounds".
Pagan Priest Wins Right To Wear Horns In Driver's Licence Photo
A pagan priest has won the right to wear goat's horns on his head for his driver's licence photo.
Phelan MoonSong, known as the "Priest of Pan", was initially told he could not wear the headgear. But he challenged the decision and has been given the same recognition as other religions.
MoonSong, 56, has been wearing the real goat's horns since 2008 and claims he feels naked without them. He described his beliefs to RT as "nature-worshiping, polytheistic or pantheistic religion which incorporates beliefs and ritual practices from ancient traditions".
When he tried to wear them for new his driver's licence in Maine, USA, he was told they would have to be approved by the secretary of state. He had to submit religious documentation to prove his faith claim was genuine.
MoonSong, who changed his name in June according to Bangor Daily News, told the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) he was an "ordained pagan minister".
But because paganism does not have a governing body to issue such documentation, MoonSong wrote an essay on why his "Horns of Pan" were important to him and his own spiritual journey. He argued his horns were no different to a nun's habit or a Sikh's turban permitted under Maine law.
Weeks later he was told his application had been denied.
But eventually the BMV relented when MoonSong sought advice from the Maine Civil Liberties Union. Earlier this week he received his ID complete with horns fully visible.
"They sent me nothing else or no further explanation. Just received my ID in the mail after my last visit," he told RT.
He said he was hoping to start a temple in his home town of Millinocket to provide a "safe, friendly environment to celebrate and honor the old Goddesses and Gods."
Star Wars: Rogue One Review A Dazzling Spectacle Chock-Full Of Theological Themes
All that's required for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing. So said William Wilberforce, and so echo the crew of the Rogue One, the eponymous spacecraft at the heart of Gareth Edwards' Star Wars prequel-sequel. The much-anticipated movie, which is more spin-on than spin-off, is largely a story about a few brave souls facing up against looming and devastating darkness, and trusting in an almost invisible hope that somehow they can still defeat it. 2016 couldn't have hoped for a more timely or fitting cinematic climax.
The first of the now Disney-owned franchise's 'anthology' movies, Rogue One attempts to fill in the gaps between Episodes III (the one where Darth Vader arrives), and IV (the one with the first Death Star). The basic plot is both teased by the trailer, and somewhat dictated by sci-fi movie legend, charting the tale of rebels who steal the plans for the infamous space station, and thus set up the successful attack at the end of the original movie.
Given that we already know how their mission turns out, British director Edwards has a job on his hands to deliver a tense and compelling slice of space opera and the good news is that he largely succeeds. The cast of (mostly) all-new characters are interesting and three-dimensional, particularly heroic lead Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), and the plot that she and her co-conspirators play out is alternately thrilling, thoughtful and surprising. It's smart, well-written, and delivers a pretty good balance between exploring new worlds and satisfying the fanboy craving for references and familiarity. It also looks aside from a couple of slips jaw-dropping; some of the space battles are sumptuously shot and brilliantly executed, and one or two of the more unusual special effects push the boundaries of what you thought was possible in cinema (I can't say any more, but you'll know exactly what I mean when you see it...).
Uncharacteristically as it turns out, the film gets off to a stuttering start. The early scenes are confusing, and there's some pretty diabolical acting as it moves through the first few gears. And when Forrest Whittaker turns up, delivering a performance of Golden-Raspberry-baiting hamminess, you may be forgiven for wondering if Edwards has fumbled the ball. Yet perhaps the most encouraging review one can give of Rogue One is that it keeps getting better as the runtime progresses; those early wobbles are superseded by an increasing number of 'wow' moments, deepening characterisation, and the hilarious interventions of Alan Tudyk as deadpan droid K-2SO, almost certainly the outright funniest character the Star Wars universe has produced. It's a film which crescendos brilliantly, right up to and including a final line that will have Star Wars fans weeping, and lovers of spiritual subtext leaping.
Indeed Rogue One is fairly heavy on theological themes, sitting as it does within a paradigm where there's a guiding 'Force' on which certain characters are able to draw. One particular character, the warrior Chirrup Imwe (Donnie Yen), is portrayed as a man of strong faith, who ends up using the repeated mantra "I am with the force, and the force is with me" like a kind of Celtic prayer to guide him in battle. His 'faith' in the force is interrogated and found to be a positive thing; he's prepared to persevere in it when doubted by others, and even manages to perform an act of sort-of evangelism. In a genre which often seems to exclude religious faith as irrelevant, it's a fascinating subplot.
Perhaps the most powerful theme however is the main, painfully relevant idea of taking a stand against injustice; of exploring one's own personal redemption through directly taking on evil. While the Rogue One mission itself involves a near-suicidal trip into the heart of the Empire, Jyn and her band of heroes are prepared to look death in the eye because doing so makes their lives count for something greater. The Christian tradition has much to find in common with this idea of dying to self; of preparing to make the ultimate sacrifice that many might be saved.
Interestingly Rogue One is also the most morally and ethically complex Star Wars story to date. It's a war film, and so no longer a simplistic tale of goodies versus baddies. Edwards himself said in an interview: "It's the reality of war. Good guys are bad. Bad guys are good"; this complexity adds to the richness of the film, and also leaves some of the undoubted allegory of the tale open to interpretation.
We shouldn't lose sight of the fact that Rogue One gives us a female hero leading an otherwise non-white brigade of heroes, a sign of hope that Hollywood is finally moving away from an over-reliance on the white-male protagonist. In fact in the wake of the recent US election, a story about women and people of different ethnicities leading the charge to save the universe from a group of moneyed empire-builders feels eerily prophetic. But if you don't want to look too hard for subtext, the good news is that the first foray into the wider Star Wars galaxy turns out to be a bit of a triumph. In a year of pretty much relentless bad news, it's a welcome blast of light relief with some serious ideas at heart.
Martin Saunders is a Contributing Editor for Christian Today and the Deputy CEO of Youthscape. Follow him on Twitter @martinsaunders.
The Real Answer To Google's Most Searched-For Question
Guess what one of the most searched-for topics of the year in the UK is, according to Google? Along with the US election and David Bowie, it's this: 'How to accept myself for who I am'.
It's easy to pour scorn on this as meaningless psychobabble, and not entirely unfair. But beneath that Google search ranking there's a whole hinterland of unhappiness. Many, many people are discontented with themselves. They feel they ought to be happier, more confident, wiser, wealthier, better looking. They don't feel they can achieve their goals and they want to know how they can live with that.
Way up in Google's answers is an article from Therapists Spill entitled '12 Ways to Accept Yourself'. Among the suggestions offered by practising therapists are "Celebrate your strengths", "Create a support system" and "Shush your inner critic".
It's all excellent advice. Anyone really struggling with low self-esteem or general unhappiness ought to read it. We can, to a certain extent, affect our mental state by being aware of what brings us down. We can practise good habits in how we think about ourselves and how we relate to other people.
But there's still something missing, and it goes back to the initial question: How do I accept myself for who I am?
It's a question framed in secular terms that seeks a purely secular answer. It focuses on the autonomous individual, with no reference to any kind of external authority or standard. It assumes we're OK, and that our feelings of guilt and inadequacy are aberrations, to be cured by therapy or self-help. Self-acceptance is a sort of secular heaven.
Christians want to offer a different vision less immediately attractive, but more true to life.
We say, based on our reading of the Bible and our experience of human nature, that we're not OK. We've done things we ought not to have done and left undone things we ought to have done. We have dark places in our hearts. We sometimes think things we're ashamed of.
For Christians, that question 'How do I accept myself for who I am?' isn't a bad one. We know the power of destructive and negative thoughts. We draw on the wisdom of therapists just like anyone else. But we ground our acceptance not in a rejection of guilt, but in an acknowledgment of it and in the knowledge that we are loved with an infinite, passionate and sacrificial love anyway. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
And we believe the question needs to be followed by another one: "How can I change?" Because accepting ourselves as we are involves accepting that our dissatisfaction with our character and behaviour has a purpose. It isn't something to get over. It's God's way of holding us to account and challenging us to do better.
I don't want to accept myself as I am if that means accepting my bad temper, my laziness or my indifference to other people's needs. I'm glad of the divine discontentment I feel when I'm challenged about these things. I don't like feeling guilty, but that doesn't mean guilt is unhealthy; it's normal and right. It's meant to make us do better in future.
Sometimes Christians wonder where they can touch the lives of people who don't seem to need the gospel and appear to run their lives perfectly well without it. But there are millions who are asking a question to which the Church has an answer. It might not be one they like, but it speaks straight to their hearts.
'How can I accept myself?' It starts with realising you are already accepted.
Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
'The Screwtape Letters' Theatre Review: A Story About Hope Narrated From The Fires Of Hell
This Christmas Satan's top psychiatrist takes to the stage, and he's eager to chat. That thought might leave you confused, terrified, or both, but fear not: one of C.S. Lewis' classic works has been brought to the theatre in London, and it's well worth your time.
The Screwtape Letters is C.S. Lewis' subversive, satirical novel, written in 1942, which narrates the correspondence of a senior demon Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, advising him on how to damn the soul of a human subject on Earth.
In 2006, Max McLean and Jeffrey Fiske adapted Lewis' work into a dynamic theatre production, which was met with critical acclaim and a sell-out Off-Broadway run in New York City and across the US. McLean, who plays the titular demon, now brings Lewis 'home', with the show making its European debut at the Park Theatre in London. Christian Today spoke with McLean about the significance of Screwtape, the legacy of Lewis, and the challenge of Christian artistry back in September.
As McLean summarised it then, the show presents a "gnarly inverted universe" narrated from the offices of Hell, where antihero Screwtape and his acrobatic admin Toadpipe communicate with "junior neophyte demon" Wormwood to plot the damnation of a human 'patient'. The play follows these two arcs: the world of Hell the demonic domain of Satan, or "Our Father Below" and Earth, where an unseen character named only as 'the Enemy' protects the patient from Screwtape's schemes. Can you guess who that might be?
The show makes its London debut with charm, wit, and ambition. Now well seasoned in his role, McLean dominates as Screwtape essentially performing a 90 minute monologue as he evolves from calm and confident to increasingly desperate and deranged. McLean inhabits his role with the charisma and delight of a stage-magician-come-Oxford-professor, and is as subtle and entertaining as any convincing demonic anti-hero should be.
Kudos must also go to Screwtape's high energy administrator Toadpipe, ably played with ferocious frisson by Karen Eleanor White. Her performance provides important balance, giving the audience a dynamic, visual counterpart to Screwtape's word-heavy didactics. As McLean notes, a play where Screwtape just sits down writing letters would not be much fun. The tight stage space keeps the audience close to the show's key players, almost as a warm (to say the least) invite to Screwtape's demonic domain.
The show is of course a tribute to Lewis, and it's his work that provides the essence of the story. His wisdom and analysis of the human condition remains insightful and amusing. There is a lot of content to chew on though, and some may find it a little relentless, or difficult to understand. Much of the content is of such depth that it demands more attention, and time to process it, though the demands of theatre obviously make that difficult. Nonetheless the teaching we do receive is still of penetrating profundity, so repeat viewings would serve one well.
What strikes in particular, is how overtly theological, and Christian, this play is. It revolves around a man's conversion to Christianity, which (once you've reverted the play's inversion of good/evil) is clearly seen as a good thing. The seven deadly sins and their corrosive effect on humanity are a key theme, and although it's all done with intelligence and wit, some audiences may find that too preachy.
On this theme, in the post-show Q&A (an excellent, insightful optional epilogue to the performance), Mclean was asked what the relevance of such a theological work was to a secular world. McLean laughed, "I wonder, what could it be?" He went on to describe the demonic drama as being "extremely optimistic", because it gives a radical alternative to dull determinism and meaningless materialism. In the world of Screwtape, free will is real, choices matter, and good and evil are real and powerful. In that way, the message of the play really is quite subversive, and hopeful, and is to be congratulated for its effort. McLean doesn't want to preach, but to merely suggest the supernatural, and have some fun while doing it.
A story about hope narrated from the fires of hell, The Screwtape Letters gives an alternative way of seeing the world, that will challenge both the churched and the un-churched. I'd recommend bringing a non-Christian friend to see the show, only good questions and conversation could flow from it. Even Christians don't talk about the Devil that much, and that itself is worth addressing.
This is a unique, fun, and thoughtful play. It shows that you can stare evil in the face and still believe in the good, and ultimately demonstrates with dramatic flair that darkness can teach one much about the light.
The Screwtape Letters is now showing at the Park Theatre, London and runs until the January 7, 2017. For more information, click here.
Thousands Demand Turkey Release US Pastor Jailed On Terrorism Charges
The family of a US pastor arrested in Turkey has launched a campaign for his release.
Andrew Brunson, 48, led a Protestant church in Izmir and was jailed last week after being detained since October. His family say he was arrested on false terrorism charges after he was accused of links to US-based cleric Fetulah Gulen, who Turkey blames for the failed coup in July.
Together with his wife Norine, originally from North Carolina, Brunson has lived in Turkey for 23 years.
But on 7 October he was summoned to a local police station where he was told he faced deportation as a "threat to national security". On Friday, after 63 days of captivity, instead of being forced out the country he was charged with "membership of a terrorist organisation". A judge ordered he be jailed rather than deported.
Lawyers from the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), who are representing Brunson, say no evidence was provided to justify his arrest.
"The government of Turkey -- led by an Islamic party -- has begun increased crackdowns on Christians, and Pastor Andrew, if convicted, may face years in prison based on extremely serious -- and false -- charges," said Jordan Sekulow, executive director of the ACLJ, according to Fox News.
"We are launching a global campaign to call attention to his plight demanding that Turkey a NATO member release Pastor Andrew without delay," Sekulow added.
A global campaign was launched on Wednesday and more than 12,000 have already signed the petition calling for his release.
Brunson's family said in a statement: "Andrew's strong faith has always been at the center of his life and that has never been more evident than his pastorship in Turkey.
"His love and concern for the people of Turkey is unmistakable, as he has dedicated 23 years of his life serving them."
His 18-year-old daughter, Jacqueline, said her father's imprisonment was "both troubling and disturbing".
She said: "I grew up in Turkey and saw firsthand how much he loves Turkey and the Turkish people.
"He has exhibited nothing but love, mercy and grace during his time there."
She added: "The best Christmas present our family could receive this year is the release of my father."
Supreme Court of Florida. CORRINE BLAKELY Petitioner(s) v. STATE OF FLORIDA Respondent(s) CASE NO.: SC14-296 Decided: December 13, 2016
The Court has determined that it should accept jurisdiction in this case. It is ordered that the Petition for Review is granted, that the Fourth District Court of Appeal's decision in this case is quashed, and this matter is remanded for reconsideration in light of this Court's decision in Noel v. State, 191 So. 3d 370 (Fla. 2016).
No motion for rehearing will be entertained by the Court. See Fla. R. App. P. 9.330(d)(2).
A True Copy
Test:
John A. Tomasino Clerk, Supreme Court
CYNTHIA LAINE COMRAS
CONSIGLIA TERENZIO
CORRINE BLAKELY
MARSHA STILLER-EWING
HON. STEVEN JOEL LEVIN, JUDGE
HON. LONN WEISSBLUM, CLERK
LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, CANADY, POLSTON, and PERRY, JJ., concur.
Thousands To Pray In London For Persecuted Ahmadi Muslims
Thousands of people will gather to pray in south London on Friday after a series of attacks against Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan.
The Baitul Futuh Mosque has issued an open invitation to join Friday prayers this week in "solidarity with victims of persecution" in Pakistan.
At least one Ahmadi, a minority Muslim sect, was killed in Punjab on Monday after around a two thousand strong Sunni mob stormed a mosque.
Sayed Sibtul Hasan Shah, who led the protest, said the campaign has "succeeded as Ahmadis have been driven out of the mosque", according to The Express Tribune.
The latest attack fell on the Prophet Mohammed's birthday and came despite resistance from police.
The Ahmadi minority holds that a prophet followed the Prophet Mohammed, who founded Islam. But that view runs counter to the mainstream Muslim belief that Mohammad was the last of God's messengers.
In 1974, a Pakistani law declared Ahmadis non-Muslims and in 1984, a new law made it possible to jail Ahmadis for "posing as a Muslim" or "offending a Muslim's feelings".
"Police tried its best to stop the attackers but failed because of slim deployment," Malik Nawaz, the police officer in charge of the Choa Saiden Shah area where the attack took place, told Reuters.
"Later, high officials reached the spot with more troops and chased out the occupants."
Rafiq Hayat, national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK, described it as an "orchestrated and pre-planned campaign".
He warned the anti-Ahmadiyya group responsible, the Khatme Nabuwwat, had branches in Britain raising fears of similar attacks in the UK.
The prayer event on Friday comes after the Ahmadiyya headquarters in Pakistan was raided last week by counter terror police. Four Ahmadis were arrested.
Hayat added: "We call upon the international community to put pressure on Pakistan for the immediate release of the Ahmadis arrested and prevent any further attacks on the community.
"Bringing to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack is of paramount importance."
'Three-Parent Babies' Approved In UK As Campaigners Warn Of 'Designer' Babies
So-called "three-parent babies" have today been approved by the UK's fertility regulator.
The controversial move involves the use of two women's eggs and one man's sperm in a ground-breaking procedure that hopes to eradicate some genetic diseases.
The first child born as a result of this procedure could be born by the end of 2017 after the "decision of historic importance" was granted on Thursday by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
Chair Sally Cheshire said: "This is about cautious go ahead, not gung-ho go ahead and there is a long way to go.
"I'm sure patients will be really pleased by what we've decided today."
But critics have warned this opens up the way for 'designer' babies.
The procedure hopes to eradicate the incurable mitochondrial disease that leaves babies without enough energy to breathe. The illness is caused by faulty genes and is passed down through the mother's egg.
Doctors in Newcastle, who first developed the technology, are expected to be the first to offer the advanced version of IVF.
Two eggs, one from a donor and one from the mother, will be fertilised with the father's sperm. Scientists will then remove the nucleus from both embryos and insert the parents' nucleus into the donor embryo.
It is thought the procedure will help 25 couples a year to conceive a healthy child.
But some Christians have criticised the move.
The Roman Catholic Church opposed the change in law which allowed the process to be legalised, suggesting that it "dilutes parenthood." The Church of England, meanwhile, said it wasn't necessarily opposed to the procedure in principle but wanted more research on the impacts as well as further debate on the ethics of the issue.
Dr David King, from the campaign group Human Genetics Alert, said: "This decision opens the door to the world of genetically-modified designer babies.
"Already, bioethicists have started to argue that allowing mitochondrial replacement means that there is no logical basis for resisting GM babies, which is exactly how slippery slopes work."
But Professor John Bryant, a Christian biosciences expert at the University of Exeter, told Christian Today: "The idea that this puts us on a slippery slope to designer babies is nonsense.
"The technology for doing that involves altering nuclear genes - ie. the main set of genes - and that technology has been available for over 25 years.
"Nobody has suggested that it should be legal to use it with human embryos even though it is very widely used with other mammals, especially mice for use in medical research."
Twitter and Facebook Unite To Oppose Trump's Plan For Muslim Database
Representatives from Twitter, Microsoft and Google have signed a pledge refusing to aid a Donald Trump proposal to create a database of Muslims in the US.
Asked about the idea a year ago on the campaign trail, Trump said in an interview with NBC News: "Oh, I would certainly implement that absolutely."
But by Wednesday afternoon more than 640 individuals from technical firms agreed to the pledge "choosing to stand in solidarity with Muslim Americans, immigrants, and all people whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by the incoming administration's proposed data collection policies".
Those signing the pledge promised, among other things, to: refuse to participate in the creation of databases that would allow the government to target individuals based on race, religion or national origin; advocate within their organisations to minimise data collection that would facilitate ethnic or religious targeting; responsibly destroy high-risk data sets and backups, and resign from their organisation if ordered to build such a database.
In recent weeks, the President-elect's team has backtracked on his earlier statements, saying that he had never advocated for "any registry or system that tracks individuals based on their religion".
However, Trump's website is still calling for a "total and complete shut-down of Muslims entering the United States". Such a database could be needed to implement that policy.
The only high-profile tech firm to have spoken out explicitly against working with the government to surveil its users is Twitter, with its general manager of data and solutions writing on November 22: "We prohibit developers... from allowing law enforcement or any other entity to use Twitter data for surveillance purposes. Period."
Facebook, which initially declined to comment, issued a statement yesterday saying it had not been asked to build a Muslim register "and of course we would not do so".
While civil libertarians praised Twitter for its position, the organisation was notably absent from a technology summit held by Trump in New York yesterday. Executives present at the meeting included Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg, Alphabet's Larry Page, Tesla's Elon Musk and Microsoft's Satya Nadello.
"I believe the indirect effects of this pledge may be even more powerful than the direct effects," Valerie Aurora, a programmer who signed the pledge, wrote in a blog post on her website. "In my experience, tech company executives will pay close attention to any cause powerful enough to get tech workers to pledge solidarity with each other and with the most vulnerable in society."
What A Row About WWII Korean Sex Slaves Tells The Church Today
There's a church in Sydney, Australia, that's been taken to court by a Japanese community leader because he objects to a memorial in its grounds.
It was imported from Korea, and it depicts a seated woman. She represents the estimated 200,000 Korean women forced to service Japanese soldiers as sex slaves during World War II the Japanese prefer the euphemism "comfort women". According to Tetsuhide Yamaoka, president of the Australia-Japan Community Network, it is "a huge intimidation to Japanese nationals". The church's minister, Bill Crews, has declined to move it. "I find it very sad," he said of the complaint. "To me, it's about the suffering of the women. I've got no antipathy toward the Japanese people."
It's a small story with a huge hinterland. It speaks of one of the Church's heaviest responsibilities: to be a keeper of memories and a witness to truth. People don't always like it.
Japan's relationship to its World War II history has always been conflicted and unsatisfactory. It was responsible for horrific crimes torture, murder, chemical experiments on prisoners, vivisection, mass rapes the whole gamut of war crimes. But though its premiers have made repeated apologies to the nations involved, they have never carried the conviction of Germany's acknowledgment of similar wickedness.
One of the reasons for this is the widespread ignorance of modern history among Japan's post-war generations. It is not taught, and they don't know what happened. In an article in the Review of Japanese Culture and Society, 'The Logic of Apologizing for War Crimes "as a Japanese"', Bessho Yoshimi and Hasegawa Eiko describe the grief and horror of a Japanese student in America confronted with the truth. He felt he had to take on responsibility for it because of his nationality; he had never been given the opportunity to process it before.
The Church is there to speak the truth. In Japan, it is numerically weak. But in 1966, on the 25th anniversary of the founding of the United Church of Christ in Japan (UCCJ), it issued a statement confessing its part in the sins of the nation: "Indeed, even as our country committed sin, so we too, as a church, fell into the same sin. We neglected to perform our mission as a 'watchman'."
The UCCJ's reflections are clear-sighted. It says: "The Church, as 'the light of the world' and as 'the salt of the earth', should not have aligned itself with that war effort. Love of country should, rather, have led Christians to exercise a rightful judgment, based on Christian conscience, toward the course our nation pursued."
This is what the Church does, and it's a reminder that's needed now as much as ever. It is located within nations, but it stands aside from nationalism. It doesn't align itself with a programme or a party. It judges the world by the standards of the Kingdom of Heaven, and if it fails to do so it falls under judgment itself. That is what happened in Germany and Japan during the war. But it happened in Britain, too, as the Church with the notable exception of Bishop George Bell failed to condemn the bombing of German cities and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of German civilians at Allied hands.
It's easy to forget. Turkey would like to forget the Armenian genocide. Indonesia would like to forget the mass killings of 1965. They must not be allowed to do so. But it's not just ancient history we forget. While the eyes of the world are fixed on Syria, people in South Sudan are facing genocide. While the world frets about Mediterranean migrants, Pakistan is planning to drive back across its northern border three million Afghans and precipitate a humanitarian crisis.
The Church in the world but not of it, seeking the welfare of the city but an outpost of a different kingdom, a colony of heaven has a responsibility to the truth. When it backs down for fear of offending the powerful, or attaches itself to their coat-tails for its own advantage, it has failed in its calling to be a watchman.
Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
My highlight of 2016 Calders sculptures from India
Francis Outred, Chairman and Head of Post-War and Contemporary Art for Europe, recalls a very special collection of the artists works, sold in New York in May
In 1954, a young architect named Gira Sarabhai wrote to Alexander Calder inviting him to her family home in Ahmedabad, India. In the three weeks that the artist spent at the Sarabhai compound between January and February 1955 he produced a group of sculptures that rank among his finest works. Largely unseen by the public since their creation, a selection of these works was brought to auction for the very first time in May. Entitled Calders Voyage to India, the collection not only told the story of the artists relationship with the Sarabhai family, but also of a new country asserting its independence through culture, explains Francis Outred, Chairman and Head of Post-War and Contemporary Art for Europe.
Open a larger version of this image Alexander Calder (1898-1976), Rouge et Noir, 1955. Hanging mobile sheet metal, wire and paint. 33 x 64 x 7 in (86 x 164.5 x 20 cm). Sold for $3,021,000 on 10 May 2016
As the specialists in the Post-War and Contemporary Art department looked through reams of archival material including letters, photographs, maps and itineraries they began to piece together a picture of the thriving creative hub that the Sarabhais cultivated in Ahmedabad following the Indian Independence Act.
Open a larger version of this image Alexander Calder (1898-1976), Red Stalk, 1955. Standing mobile sheet metal, rod, wire and paint. 30 x 26 x 12 in (78 x 68 x 32 cm). Sold for $1,985,000 on 10 May 2016
Le Corbusier stayed with the family while designing the city of Chandigarh; others followed, including Isamu Noguchi, Robert Rauschenberg, Henri Cartier-Bresson and John Cage. Charles and Ray Eames worked closely with Gira Sarabhai and her brother to establish the world-renowned National Institute of Design, commissioned by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. As our research continued to throw up new stories, Outred reveals, it became clear that Calders sculptures were part of a much broader narrative: one of cultural exchange at a pivotal moment in global history.
Open a larger version of this image Alexander Calder (1898-1976), Sumac 17, 1955. Hanging mobile sheet metal, wire and paint. 41 x 75 x 39 in (105.7 x 192 x 100 cm). Sold for $5,765,000 on 10 May 2016
In India, Calders practice found a fitting home, the specialist adds. As an artist very much inspired by nature, he relished the verdant grounds of the Sarabhai estate, and worked primarily on a bench outside. With deeply evocative titles Sumac, Franji Pani, Red Stalk, White Moon the vibrant colours and lilting motion of the works he created conjured the beauty, grandeur and languid heat of their tropical surroundings.
Open a larger version of this image Alexander Calder (1898-1976), Claw, 1955. Hanging mobile sheet metal, wire and paint. 47 x 93 x 56 in (119.4 x 236.2 x 142.2 cm). Sold for $3,973,000 on 10 May 2016
Third Palm Capital
Houston Technology Center has opened a satellite office at Republic Square, a redevelopment of the former ExxonMobil Chemical campus in the Energy Corridor.
Owner Third Palm Capital has been adding resources for small businesses on the 35 acre campus at 13501 Katy Freeway.
A car can say a lot about a person, and Toyota's latest vehicle aims to change what young car buyers think of the brand.
The Japanese auto giant recently revealed the 2018 Toyota C-HR. Their description: "revolutionary style meets rebellious spirit."
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Perhaps no other movie defines the existential craziness that is the holidays better than 1989s National Lampoons Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase, Beverly DAngelo and Randy Cousin Eddie Quaid.
It really has everything: traumatic seasonal injuries, nervous breakdowns, family strife, demented old people, partial nudity, angry yuppies, imposing rednecks, corporate greed, raw sewage and a young Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
RALPHIE ALL GROWN UP: Stars of holiday movies, then and now
The third film in the original four-film Griswold family series (Yes, we count Vegas Vacation too), its also the most tender-hearted, thanks to another charming screenplay by John Hughes who was on a tear of sorts by this time.
Its profane in the right places and sometimes relatable to a fault.
The standout scene for many people is Clark Griswolds manic freak-out about his cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless boss, played by Brian Doyle-Murray, brother of Bill.
QUIET DOWN FRONT: 12 movies worth seeing this holiday season, from Oscar bait to popcorn pleasers
Who hasnt felt like Griswold at least once in their lives? Thankfully not all of us have a Cousin Eddie to kidnap the target of our ire.
Most of us have a Cousin Eddie in our families. Heck, you yourself might be the Cousin Eddie and just dont know it.
Chases Griswold was always just three steps removed from a full officer-involved, Xanax-starved meltdown. Witness his Praise Marty Moose monologue from 1983s Hughes-penned National Lampoons Vacation.
VINTAGE TECH: Hottest RadioShack tech gifts of 1984 holiday season laughable now
Christmas Vacation also holds what is character actor William Hickeys greatest performance, as Uncle Lewis, who seems like he has one goal in life before the Reaper takes him away, and that is to kill his remaining family members. Hes the Angel of Death.
Christmas Vacation is the gift that keeps on giving the whole year and combined with 1987s Planes, Trains and Automobiles makes for a great double feature.
Throw in similar dark horses like 1989s Uncle Buck and 1991s Dutch both Hughes products -- and you have a small film festival of gritty family comedies.
Spring Branch ISD has announced that Assistant Police Chief Bruce Dareing will become the district's new police chief.
Dareing, a war veteran who has held various jobs in law enforcement, including as a Spring Branch ISD police officer since 2013, will be sworn in on Jan. 4.
He succeeds Chuck Brawner, who retired earlier this year.
Dareing said his years of military and law-enforcement experience have taught him what it takes to lead.
"We need to impact the students' lives in a positive way by being role models, and whenever possible we need to look beyond the problem at hand and see if there is a root cause that we can give guidance to help solve the issue," Dareing said. "We must work hand in hand with the school staff as an integral part of the team."
Dareing has worked for the Lewisville and Memorial Villages police departments, and as a reserve officer with the SBISD police department.
He has served as an investigator, field training officer, SWAT team member and police academy instructor. He was police chief in Holland, a small Texas town, as well.
Dareing served 24 years in the Army as a member of its Special Forces group, with training in intelligence, weapons and demolitions. He saw combat in Afghanistan in 2002 during Operation Enduring Support. He also served as a Special Forces Qualification Course instructor.
Before that he served six years as an armor officer and in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2012, he retired from the Army with the rank of captain.
United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit. MARCUS ABRAMO FONTANA, Plaintiff - Appellant, v. STATE OF COLORADO, d/b/a Deborah F. Pearson, Defendant - Appellee. No. 16-1426 Decided: December 14, 2016
Before LUCERO, MATHESON, and BACHARACH, Circuit Judges.
ORDER AND JUDGMENT *
Colorado state prisoner Marcos Abramo Fontana filed a pro se 138-page pleading (20-page complaint, 118 pages of exhibits) titled 28 USC 1331 48 CFR Ch. 1, 53, 228. A magistrate judge dismissed the pleading under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8 and ordered Mr. Fontana to file his claims on a court-approved form for prisoner complaints. Instead, Mr. Fontana filed a seven-page pleading titled Verified Petition for Enforcement of the Contract between the Parties in the Nature Of a Motion to Vacate Judgment Based on the Prosecution's Agreement that the Judgment is 1) Setoff, Settled, & Closed, and 2) Void Ab Initio , with 83 pages of exhibits.
Because Mr. Fontana had failed to comply with the magistrate judge's order, the district court dismissed this amended complaint and the action without prejudice under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(b). See Olsen v. Mapes, 333 F.3d 1199, 1204 n.3 (10th Cir. 2003) (Although the language of Rule 41(b) requires that the defendant file a motion to dismiss, the Rule has long been interpreted to permit courts to dismiss actions sua sponte for a plaintiff's failure to prosecute or comply with the rules of civil procedure or court's orders. (citing Link v. Wabash R.R. Co., 370 U.S. 626, 630-31 (1962))).
Mr. Fontana has appealed, but his pro se 32-page brief does not address whether the district court erred in dismissing his case for not complying with the magistrate judge's order. He states on page 2 that the district court dismissed the case for lack of Jurisdiction, and argues on pages 28 to 32 that the court had jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. 1331 and erred in ruling to dismiss. But the district court did not dismiss for lack of jurisdiction. It dismissed because Mr. Fontana did not file a complaint on the court-approved form for prisoners that complied with Rule 8.
As a pro se litigant, Mr. Fontana is entitled to liberal construction of his pleadings and arguments. See Erickson v. Pardus, 551 U.S. 89, 94 (2007) (per curiam); see also United States v. Pinson, 584 F.3d 972, 975 (10th Cir. 2009). [T]his rule of liberal construction stops, however, at the point at which we begin to serve as his advocate. Pinson, 584 F.3d at 975. We do not fashion arguments for him, United States v. Fisher, 38 F.3d 1144, 1147 (10th Cir. 1994). The first task of an appellant is to explain to us why the district court's decision was wrong. Nixon v. City & Cty. of Denver, 784 F.3d 1364, 1366 (10th Cir. 2015). When, as here, [t]he argument section of [the] opening brief does not challenge the [district] court's reasoning on [a] point[, w]e do not address the matter. Reedy v. Werholtz, 660 F.3d 1270, 1275 (10th Cir. 2011).
Because Mr. Fontana has not offered a ground on appeal to challenge the dismissal of his amended complaint, we affirm the district court's judgment.
ENTERED FOR THE COURT,
FOOTNOTES
. After examining the briefs and appellate record, this panel has determined unanimously that oral argument would not materially assist in the determination of this appeal. See Fed. R. App. P. 34(a)(2); 10th Cir. R. 34.1(G). The case is therefore ordered submitted without oral argument. This order and judgment is not binding precedent, except under the doctrines of law of the case, res judicata, and collateral estoppel. It may be cited, however, for its persuasive value consistent with Fed. R. App. P. 32.1 and 10th Cir. R. 32.1.
Scott M. Matheson, Jr. Circuit Judge
Parc at Traditions
Parc at Traditions, a 159-unit senior living apartment community going up near College Station, announced partnerships with neighboring Texas A&M University Health Science Center and CHI St. Joseph Health MatureWell Lifestyle Center.
The groups will collaborate on lifestyle and wellness programming, education, research and care delivery for seniors.
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A Corpus Christi attorney filed a lawsuit Thursday against Valero Energy Corp.s refinery there less than 24 hours after the city issued a warning to its 320,000 residents telling them not to drink or shower with the water because it may have been contaminated in an industrial back-flow incident.
The suit was filed in Nueces County on behalf of local businesses, including Anthonys Aveda Concept Salon, which had to close because of the lack of water. The plaintiffs are seeking more than $1 million in damages.
This case demonstrates the human and societal suffering caused when the drive for corporate profits takes priority over the safety of ordinary people, attorney Bob Hilliard, who filed the case, said in a statement. Hes also suing Valero Marketing and Supply Co., Valero South Texas Marketing Co., the Valero Bill Greehey Plant in Corpus Christi and Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Inc.
Valero spokeswoman Lillian Riojas said the company doesnt believe that its refineries in Corpus Christi caused the problem or that the local water supply was actually contaminated. The company hasnt responded to questions about the incident, but issued this statement:
At this time, we believe this is a localized backflow issue from third party operations in the area of Valeros asphalt terminal We believe this issue is isolated to a lateral industrial line. Valero is offering its resources to assist the city in isolating the issue and to help confirm this has not impacted the citys water supply.
The Corpus Christi legislative delegation released a statement saying two chemicals may have been released into the public water system, according to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
The city previously identified Indulin AA-86, an emulsifying agent for asphalt, as the main hazard. Its an amber liquid considered hazardous by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and can cause eye and skin burns and severe respiratory tract irritation, according to the chemical Material Safety Data Sheet.
Valero Energy, the nations largest refiner, has two plants at its Bill Greehey refineries complex in Corpus Christi. The plants have a combined capacity of 325,000 barrels per day and are located along the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. The citys industrial district is located north of Interstate 37 near downtown and along Nueces Bay.
The Port of Corpus Christi said it was complying with the notice to discontinue the use of tap water and is in touch with customers, but has other water sources available.
Port Corpus Christi continues to notify customers who may be using the Port facilities of the ban and will continue to keep customers aware and updated on the situation as we know more, the port said in a statement Thursday afternoon. Port Corpus Christi has water supply from other sources including San Patricio Water District which is not affected by the ban. Port Corpus Christi will continue its diligence on keeping customers current on the situation and supporting maritime operations as needed.
A spokesman with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which regulates the industry, said the agency expects to issue a statement about Corpus Christi.
An affiliate of Long Lake Development has bought 549 acres in the Rosenberg area, where it plans to build a new community.
Rockspring Capital, a real estate private equity investment firm in Houston, sold the land to BGM Land Investments, according to McAlister Real Estate. The property was marketed by James Kadlick, Chris Hutcheson and Matt Herring of McAlister Real Estate.
The property is southeast of Hand Road at FM 2218, on the northeast side of Pleak Road. Portions of the land have been used for crops such as milo, corn and cotton recently.
The site is about 34 miles southwest of Houston. Its location in the village of Pleak, a few miles from new shopping developments along U.S. 59 in Rosenberg, made it attractive for a residential development.
"This was one of the larger contiguous land tracts that was still available in that general vicinity," said James Kadlick, vice president and Houston land specialist at McAlister Real Estate.
"A larger tract like this gives the developer the opportunity to create an identity for the community."
The sales price and timing of the development were not disclosed.
Land prices have leveled off in the last two years, Kadlick said. They are still 50-75 percent higher than in 2008.
A group of Klein Independent School District's students celebrated the holidays with the district's police officers at the first Holiday Heroes event.
On Dec. 14, the department provided the 17 students with dinner and a shopping experience.
According to the district, the 17 students were selected by the campus administration as students most in need.
"Klein ISD Police Department is very integrated into the daily lives of our students, and therefore we see how difficult the holidays can be for some of our students. This is a great opportunity for us to hopefully bring some holiday cheer to our less fortunate students," said David Kimberly, chief of Klein ISD Police Department. "This is also a great opportunity for our officers to make meaningful connections with these students."
The holiday event was paid for from the proceeds earned at the November Klein ISD Police Department yard sale.
The event kicked off with students and officers enjoying a dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. The dinner was followed by the students shopping with a holiday hero partner at Academy. During the event, each student was paired with at least one officer who escorted them around the store and offered a helping hand with selecting gifts. Each student was gifted $100-$125 to spend on items at the sporting goods store.
The mission of Klein ISD is to be proud of its heritage and embrace the future, develop students to become skillful, active, reflective, self-disciplined, and honorable members of their communities through engaging learning experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.
"We are a community that helps each other throughout the year. The Holiday Heroes Christmas event organized by our Klein ISD Police Department is another example of Klein helping Klein," said Klein Superintendent Bret Champion. "What they are doing this holiday for these students in need is another example of why my wife Marcee and I are so happy we moved to Klein. Because of our police department, these students will have an even brighter holiday."
The Klein ISD Police Force has more than 40 officers, and the 2015 bond designated $18.7 million for safety and security.
"This is just one of many events our officers do for the community each year. We are very active on the campuses with programs like Leadership Academy, Police Pals, Street Smarts and peer to peer counseling," Kimberly said. "Each of these programs along with Holiday heroes gives the officers a chance to see firsthand the positive differences we can make. I can honestly say our officers are here because they want to be in a position to make a difference for the kids of Klein ISD."
Want to know more?
Klein ISD Police Department: 832-249-4266
Crimestoppers: 713-222-TIPS (8477). Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.
www.kleinisd.net
Most any adult would feel hurt if none of the invited guests came to a party. But when it's a 6-year-old girl's birthday, it's heartbreaking.
That's what happened to Alexis Barnes over the weekend, when all 17 classmates she had invited to her roller-rink party failed to show up, according to her mother's post on Facebook.
"Kinda sad for Alexis today," Jessica Barnes posted. "We skated with her and did cake and stuff with family. "She kept telling me she was 'worried about her friends' looking around seeing all the other kids with their friends... and I didn't really know what to tell her other than sometimes moms and dads get busy...."
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The situation was especially difficult because Alexis has an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss, according to KHOU.
But thanks to the Facebook post, which tugged at the heart of someone who doesn't even know the family, Alexis is about to have a big surprise party. It's planned for 2 p.m. Sunday at a field next to Bareback Ice House, 19940 Kurkendahl in Spring.
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Dozens and dozens of people have been posting birthday wishes for the beautiful little girl. Her face lit up with joy when her mother read her some of their messages, Barnes posted.
"Alexis has a huge heart and I think this little girl is going to be lost for words herself and in such awe on Sunday when we surprise her!" Barnes wrote.
Click here for more information about the party. (Story continues below.)
The family is thrilled at the outpouring of support and has "absolutely no hard feelings" about the fizzled plans for the first get-together, her mother said.
Meanwhile on Wednesday, Barnes, who is active in dog rescue work, posted that she and her family were looking for foster homes for two German shepherds.
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New street art sprouts as fast as weeds in Houston, but two new murals caught our eyes because they were commissioned by fine arts organizations. That ought to imply a higher standard.
Lawndale Art Center, which commissions a different artist each year to fill its north wall at 4912 Main, has long set a good example. Now the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) and the Alley Theatre have joined the fray.
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HMAAC scores with Reginald Adams' "These Lives Matter," a mural that launches a new public art outreach project. Filling a wall of the Johnson Funeral Home at 5730 Calhoun (at Griggs Rd.), the mural features huge, photo-based portraits of a young girl and a young boy afloat in a blue sky full of puffy white clouds.
Adams said his mural is, "a statement of pride and empowerment that depicts our youth in a bold and positive way."
Over in Midtown, near the corner of Crawford and Bagby, the Alley Theatre commissioned Brionya James to create a mural promoting its upcoming world premiere production of Nsangou Njikam's musical "Syncing Ink," which runs Feb. 3-March 5.
James created a spirituality-meets-graffiti image with male and female pro-creation figures at the base, as if they're underground below a warped skyline with a fiery sky. They're reaching toward a baby-like figure below a boombox that's topped by another figure meditating in the lotus position.
I'm not sure how that balanced, formal composition relates to Njikam's play about freestyle hip-hop. But maybe the mural will bring new audiences to the theater.
Standing in front of it for a video about the show, the playwright says, "This is a transformation. This isn't just, you go, you sit, you clap and you leave. This is, you go, you participate, you experience, and you walk away different from who you were before."
The murals covering our buildings should do that, too.
Staff at Montrose establishment Anvil Bar & Refuge are making it clear that they will refuse service to anyone who violates their strict policy against "derogatory" or "offensive rhetoric."
After an incident involving Houston Chronicle food critic Alison Cook Wednesday, customers at Anvil, 1424 Westheimer, were presumably asked to leave.
Cook says she was on the bar patio Wednesday at 8 p.m. for roughly 10 minutes when she heard a patron use the word "c--t."
CLOSED: Houston bars & restaurants to bid farewell in 2016
"I didn't say anything, just looked at him, pretty sure my eyes had widened and perhaps my jaw had gone slack. He said to me, 'I'm trying to bring that word back,'" Cook recalls. "I was so astonished that I turned, picked up my handbag, and walked off the porch toward my car, leaving my drink half-finished. I never said a word, just too flummoxed and desperate to get out of there."
Cook said that the group included about a half dozen people, and that she "just wanted out," so she retreated to her car. Soon after, she returned to Anvil because she wanted to report the incident with the staff.
"I thought about what he had said, and the way the word "c--t" had been weaponized during the campaign, and how he had doubled down on it rather than shrugging it off with a 'sorry,'" she recalls. "I decided to go into the bar and report the incident."
MAJOR OPENING: Hugo Ortega unveils inspiration for Xochi
Cook says the staff was receptive to her complaint and "handled it beautifully."
"As I drove off, I saw the group of guys walking east on Westheimer. They'd been kicked out," she said. "I tweeted about it because I had been so upset, and because the Anvil folks had done something about it. I really admire their recently posted zero-tolerance policy about use of degrading language."
Anvil owner Bobby Heugel wrote a letter detailing his bar's strict policy. It reads, in part:
"Under no circumstance will any derogatory, disrespectful, or offensive rhetoric towards members of our staff or other patrons be tolerated, especially if those remarks are made in reference to another's race, gender, sexual orientation, religious or non-religious views, or cultural identity. Should you unintentionally offend someone in this manner, we expect that you will immediately apologize. Should you intentionally violate this policy, we will ask you to leave the premises immediately."
It goes on to say the policy is "not an attempt to limit political conversations." He adds that he wants his bars to be places where patrons can "politely engage one another's views, and expand their understanding of the various needs and concerns we each have."
Heugel adds, in the letter, that this is how they have always operated their bars.
A picture of 51-year-old Connelly Wirth was displayed on the electronic billboard in Humble, signaling the newest campaign to bring missing people back home.
The Texas EquuSearch Mounted Search and Recovery Team, a nonprofit organization that spearheads recovery efforts for lost and missing people, launched a new partnership with the Texas outdoor advertising industry, including the Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas and OUTFRONT Media, with the unveiling of the missing person's message in Humble on Wednesday, Dec. 14.
The outdoor advertising companies will provide donated messages on digital billboards across the state, including the one in Humble along U.S. Highway 59 South, for cases involving missing persons.
"These digital billboards are able to get the message to residents quickly, such as Amber Alerts like we do with emergency messages, and hopefully will be a good tool for Texas EquuSearch," said Lee Vela, Clear Channel vice president of public affairs.
The partnership between Texas EquuSearch and the outdoor advertising industry will include the periodic display of donated messages relating to missing persons' cases throughout the state on digital billboards.
"As a victim's advocate and working closely with those who have a loved one who is missing, I can only tell you the grief is intensified when justice is lacking," said Andy Kahan, the city of Houston Crime Victims Assistance. "Thousands of people go missing every year and the family has to search for answers, which can be agonizing, emotional and consuming. Community involvement is the key as you can see with the electronic billboard; the eyes and ears will help get these people home and find out what happened to them. Time and time again, we see these cases that are solved by one tip, one time; sometimes, that's all it takes. Take a look at the billboard because you never know when it will hit home."
According to Houston Police Officer Darrin Buse, assigned to the missing person squad, "This will be a wonderful tool for law enforcement to use to get the word out to the community for those who are missing to get them home and reunited with their families. We work on 8,500-10,000 cases a year, so this will be great."
Houston City-at-Large Councilman Michael Kubosh was instrumental in developing the program with Texas EquuSearch and the outdoor advertising industry.
"This is a tool; we can have these digital billboards in Houston when someone is missing or a disaster," Kubosh said. "Having these messages on digital billboards throughout the area and in Texas will be a key in solving so many of these cases. We need to expand the coverage of digital billboards in our area."
The first case for the new partnership features Wirth, who was last seen Nov. 24 in Houston. Wirth was recently in an automobile accident, suffered a head injury and is in need of medication.
"We're working on 100 cases a year ourselves and one the things the family always wants and needs is to get their loved ones picture out there for people to see it," said Tim Miller, the founder of Texas EquuSearch. "We will now have millions of people see information about missing persons on these digital billboards. We know that the sooner a missing persons' picture is put out there, it is a better opportunity they will be found safe. The exposure these digital billboard messages will give to cases like Connelly's is valuable to the success of finding missing persons."
Miller stated Texas EquuSearch has worked for two weeks to find Wirth and requested any help from the Houston area in case someone saw anything, like what Wirth was wearing the day he went missing or what direction he may have left.
Texas EquuSearch, a charitable organization funded solely by donations, was founded by Tim Miller as a dedication to the memory of Laura Miller, his daughter. Laura was abducted and murdered in north Galveston County in 1984. Currently, EquuSearch has approximately 600 members and conducts searches throughout the United States and worldwide for missing people.
Anyone who has seen Connelly Wirth since his disappearance, knows of his current whereabouts or has any information concerning his disappearance is asked to contact the Houston Police Department at 832-394-1840 or call Texas EquuSearch at 281-309-9500.
Police in Memorial Villages arrested and charged Jonathan Kidd, 20, Thursday for attempted burglary of a habitation on Arrowwood Circle in Piney Point, said Detective Keith Kelso.
Police and residents in the area have been cooperating to find the suspect since the Dec. 10 incident.
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The Deer Park Police Department is seeking input from the community to locate a suspect thought to be responsible for thousands of dollars of fraudulent credit card transactions in Deer Park, Pasadena, Houston and La Porte.
"We're not 100 percent sure how the suspect is accessing the stolen credit card numbers," Deer Park police detective J. White said. "There are a couple of ways he could find stolen account numbers to create fictitious credit cards, such as using a skimmer."
Everyone has been in a situation where they read something shocking, only to find out days later that it was exaggerated, a rumor, or just plain fake.
The discussion of fake news has become so relevant, that Hillary Clinton made one of her first public appearances after the election about the issue.
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The state this week shuttered a Houston market accused of peddling synthetic drugs, authorities said Wednesday.
Brothers Market & Meat Mart on Crosstimbers was hit with a lawsuit back in January after police said the store was hawking more than just meat. A complaint filed in Harris County court contended the northeast Houston store was selling synthetic cannabinoids, better known as Kush.
"My office will not stand by as the health and safety of Texans is endangered by drug peddlers looking for a quick buck," Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a release Wednesday.
Kush is intended to mimic the effects of illegal drugs and is typically smoked like marijuana - but despite its name, synthetic marijuana doesn't actually contain pot at all. Instead, it's a dried leafy substance sprayed with hallucinogenic chemicals.
Back in 2014, law enforcement searched the Crosstimbers business and seized a garbage bag containing two guns along with individual foil packages believed to be Kush, according to court documents.
A year later, undercover officers copped 15 grams of the drug from Brothers Market & Meat Mart, the January lawsuit alleges.
300 pounds of Kush: Police sting nets $.2.2 million worth of the drug
A subsequent ordinance inspection netted more drugs and a pair of arrests.
Eventually, the attorney general won a temporary injunction and the store agreed to either hire two police officers or close down if two crimes occurred on the property within a six-month period.
But after the judge signed the injunction, the property saw six crimes in six weeks, according to the attorney general.
Although the defendants were told of the violation, they refused to shut down the store and instead leased it to another person.
But on Monday, the defendants agreed to a temporary injunction shutting down the business until a further court order or favorable trial verdict orders otherwise.
Less than a week before the store's shutdown, Houston police seized more than 300 pounds of Kush and arrested a "large-scale distributor" in an undercover sting operation that was the latest move in the city's ongoing battle with designer drugs.
Back in May, federal agents indicted 16 people, including a University of Houston-Victoria professor, on charges stemming from a $35 million international ring responsible for more than 9.5 tons of Kush.
Then in June, more than a dozen people overdosed in Hermann Park and the mayor vowed to bulk up police presence in kush hotspots across the city.
Nearly 1,400 of the 3,000 overdose calls that city paramedics responded to from September 2015 to June 2016 were attributed to synthetic cannabinoids.
Smoke shop targeted: 'Happie Hippie' accused of selling Kush
As the arrests and overdoses mounted, prosecutors started taking steps to shut down Kush-selling stores and between July 2015 and June 2016, the Harris County Attorney's Office got injunctions against nine local businesses.
"The sale of illegal, deadly drugs must be put to a stop. My office will continue to work with local authorities across the state to send a message: businesses who sell these dangerous and illegal substances will not escape punishment," Paxton said Wednesday.
Christmas came early for the Lima, Peru police department after a "festive" raid of a drug cartel headquarters yielded thousands of dollars worth of cocaine.
Video footage shows an officer wearing a full-fledged Santa costume, carrying a sack filled with guns and a sledge hammer used to break down the door of one of suspected drug dealer's houses.
The next EnVision Bus Read more [...]
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The new Houston police chief said this week that he wants officers body cameras to start recording automatically when they leave their vehicles instead of requiring officers to manually start them.
In an interview Monday with the Chronicles editorial board, HPD Chief Art Acevedo said it is one of his top priorities to increase transparency and build confidence with the community.
When you have a camera that was available to the officer, and its not on, no matter how righteous that use of force was, no matter how justified the response of the officer to the subjects actions, Acevedo said, the last thing you need is to have a camera off.
The chief, who started work two weeks ago after coming from the Austin police department, said automatic recordings also would make officers work easier.
When an officer turns a corner and they see a person being shot or assaulted or stabbed, the last thing they should be worrying about is hitting a button, he said.
Protesters criticized the department's body-camera policies after Mayor Sylvester Turner released police video from the July shooting of 38-year-old Alva Braziel.
The 18 minutes of footage began with video from store surveillance equipment across the street, but the body camera footage only started after 38-year-old Alva Braziel had been shot. It shows officers approaching Braziel as he lay in the middle of Cullen Boulevard in a blood-stained shirt, clutching a pistol. As a felon, he was not authorized to have a firearm.
City Council approved a $3.4 million contract with body-camera company Watchguard in November 2015. The total cost for the 4,100 cameras the first wave of which was deployed in April is pegged at $8 million for the first five years. HPD has said much of the cost goes to data storage.
One million dollars comes from the Harris County district attorneys asset-forefeiture funds, which also contributed $900,000 to the sheriffs office for its body camera project.
Technology is a fast-paced beast. Look at how far society has come in just a little over a century.
On December 17, 1903, the first plane carrying one man flew for just 59 seconds for a short 852 feet thanks to the engineering of the Wright brothers. Now, mankind easily transports dozens of passengers halfway across the world.
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced Thursday that the states seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3 percent in November, up one-tenth of a percentage point from 5.2 percent in October. The rate in November 2015 was 5.5 percent.
For the third consecutive month, strong growth in our states labor force caused a slight increase in our unemployment rate, said State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. However, in those same three months, weve seen more than 56,000 people become employed.
In November, Georgias labor force increased by 21,761 to 4,971,311. The labor force consists of people who are employed and those actively searching for jobs. The number of employed rose by 15,697 to 4,707,213, while the number of unemployed also increased by 6,064 to 264,098. The labor force has increased by 186,888 since the first of the year.
In addition to a growing labor force, the states labor participation rate climbed to 62.7 percent in November, its highest point in more than three years. The participation rate is the percentage of the states population 16 years of age or older who are in the labor force. The nations labor participation rate has declined for the last two months to 62.7 percent. This is the first time in four years that Georgias labor participation rate has equaled the nations.
The number of jobs increased by 9,900, or 0.2 percent, to 4,422,900 in November. Most of the job gains came in professional and business services, 8,200; manufacturing, 3,000; education and health services, 2,200; government, 1,800; and construction, 1,400. The job gains were offset somewhat by losses in trade, transportation and warehousing, 4,600, and information services, 1,400.
Our over-the-year job growth continues to look good, as we have gained 98,700 jobs since November of last year, Commissioner Butler said. That represents a 2.3 percent growth rate, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 1.6 percent.
Most of the job gains in Georgia came in professional and business services, 31,600; administrative and support services, 18,900; leisure and hospitality, 17,500; trade, transportation and warehousing, 14,700; education and health services, 11,800; government, 10,200; construction, 9,100; financial activities, 5,400; and manufacturing, 2,300. Services such as repair and maintenance lost 2,500 jobs, while information services lost 1,100.
In November, 62,905 jobs were posted statewide on Employ Georgia, the GDOLs online job listing service at employgeorgia.com.
The number of initial claims for unemployment insurance declined by 1,921, or 6.5 percent, to 27,434 in November. Most of the decline was in manufacturing. Over the year, claims were down by 6,339, or 18.8 percent, in November 2015 with manufacturing and construction accounting for most of the decline.
Visit dol.georgia.gov to learn more about career opportunities, Employ Georgia and other GDOL services for job seekers and employers, and to connect on social media.
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AUSTIN -- A state district judge on Thursday ordered a "Charlie Brown Christmas' display at a Killeen school restored after it was ordered taken down over a biblical message that educators said could be offensive.
After an hour-long hearing, Judge Jack Jones ruled that the door display featuring the Peanut character Linus, and his explanation of why Christmas matters, should be put back up with an added line: "Ms. Shannon's Christmas message."
Nurse's aide Dedra Shannon had put up the display on her office door at Patterson Middle School two weeks ago, and the principal quickly ordered it removed because it contained a version of the biblical message that Linus had stated in the classic show.
School officials insisted the display violated state law.
Despite protests from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and community activists that the decision smacked of being "politically correct," the Killeen school board on Tuesday upheld the take-down order by a 6-1 vote.
Paxton sued the district earlier Thursday, seeking a restraining order to allow the display to go back up on Friday -- the last day of school this semester. In his ruling, the judge said that adding the disclaimer to the display would clear up any perceived endorsement of religion by the district.
In his suit, Paxton characterized the decision as "censorship" and asked a judge to allow the display to be put back up.
CHRISTMAS FIGHT: Texas school district forces nurse to remove Bible verse Christmas decoration
"Contrary to the decision of KISD, the inclusion of Bible verses or religious messages on student or teacher-sponsored holiday decorations does not violate Texas law," the suit filed in Bell County district court states.
"To the contrary, Texas law prohibits KISD from expressing hostility toward religious messages, and it also specifically encourages school districts to take a more inclusive approach to religious and secular celebrations."
Shannon, a nurse's aide at Patterson Middle School, had put up a homemade decoration on her office door depicting the Peanuts character Linus saying, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord...That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."
CHARLIE BROWN VS KISD: Charlie Brown display causes backlash at Texas school
Linus made the comment after being asked if anyone knew what what Christmas is all about.
"Once again, public schools have decided that their commitment to diversity does not extend to Christians," Paxton said. "Neither faculty nor students shed their constitutional rights when they step inside the schoolhouse door. The law in fact encourages school districts to take an inclusive approach to religious and secular celebrations that are both respectful and accepting of different viewpoints.
BAH HUMBUG: Evangelist travels to Texas, tells kids Santa isn't real
Killeen school officials had no immediate comment on the decision.
"Religious discrimination towards Christians has become a holiday tradition of sorts among certain groups," Paxton said in a statement after the judge's decision. "I am glad to see that the court broke through the left's rhetorical fog and recognized that a commitment to diversity means protecting everyone's individual religious expression."
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.
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The State Board of Education, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education and Tennessee Higher Education Commission, on Thursday launched a newly-redesigned Teacher Preparation Report Card showing how Tennessee colleges and universities that offer education programs and other teacher preparation providers are training new teachers for success in Tennessees classrooms.
Tennessee is the fastest improving state in the nation for student achievement. Tennessee is the fastest improving state in the nation for student achievement.
The 2016 Teacher Preparation Report Card is a tool for use by local school districts, Tennessees many teacher preparation providers, and aspiring teachers. It includes multiple measures to offer an overall picture of a college, university, or preparation providers success in meeting Tennessees goals for instructing effective teachers.
The report card provides focused information about the effectiveness of graduates and is designed to promote continuous improvement of preparation programs and highlight the importance of strong partnership with school districts. To that end, the report card also provides transparency and metrics to show progress toward meeting key state needs, including a teacher workforce that better reflects the student population and addresses high-demand subject areas.
"We know that having a high-quality teacher is the biggest in-school factor for a child's academic successand we also know we need to continuously strengthen how we recruit, train, and support great educators," said Dr. Candice McQueen, Tennessee's commissioner of education. "This revamped report card will help to strengthen the educator pipeline and better equip our school districts to partner with educator preparation providers so all of our teachers are ready on day one."
"Ensuring every K-12 student is in a classroom with a high-quality teacher directly impacts college readiness and our ability to achieve the Drive to 55," said THEC Executive Director Mike Krause. "We look forward to working with our higher education partners to take action on the opportunities this data presents."
Senate Education Committee Chairman Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville), House Education Administration and Planning Chairman Harry Brooks (R-Knoxville) and House Education Instruction and Program Committee Chairman John Forgety (R-Athens) praised the revamped report card.
The newly redesigned report card provides a transparent look at the effectiveness of Tennessees educator preparation providers, said Chairman Gresham. Not only is it a much more user-friendly tool for prospective teachers, school districts and other education stakeholders, it promotes continuous improvement and innovation of our teacher preparation programs.
As a tool, it provides more detailed and clear information that promote strong partnerships between local school districts and the preparation providers to make sure that the providers are meeting the needs of the districts, added Chairman Brooks. This includes high-needs districts. I congratulate all of those who were involved in this effort.
Research shows that teachers have the most impact of any in-school factor on student achievement, Chairman Forgety added. That is why our teacher preparation programs are vital to our efforts to improve student achievement in Tennessee. I appreciate all the work that has gone into these revisions and believe it will make a difference in improving education in Tennessee.
For the first time, the Teacher Preparation Report Card has an interactive interface for users to access the data easily. The redesigned report card can be found online at: TeacherPrepReportCard.tn.g ov
Since 2009, Tennessee has provided data on the effectiveness of colleges, universities, and educator preparation providers.
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Welcome to CanadaVisa Social! Were now excited to announce the launch of the Canada Study News Twitter. As your go-to resource for studying in Canada, Canada Study News brings you the best information and latest updates for current and potential international students in Canada. Well be tweeting frequently, so join us today and see where studying in Canada could take you.
Follow us and engage today on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram (thank you for your enthusiasm in the early days of this exciting new venture!)
CanadaVisa is dedicated to helping individuals from across the globe to come to Canada. One of the most effective ways to get our message to prospective immigrants is through CanadaVisa Social. We keep our followers informed and share inspiring stories about Canada and Canadas immigrant community. Interacting with our community helps us understand the concerns and needs of everyone interested in Canadian immigration, and allows us to create the best content and most engaging discussion possible.
CanadaVisas Facebook page is the place to be right now, but dont take it from us ask the 325,000 people who have liked us! We want to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every one of our current followers. Our daily updates on immigration news, stories of success, and articles from our newsletter give our followers all the information they could wish for. Our Facebook community gets involved in a range of discussions on all things Canada. Like us today, and join the Facebook conversation!
With more than 10,000 followers and counting, CanadaVisas Twitter page is the place to go to find out the latest Canadian immigration news. Whether it is breaking news, an interesting story, or a cool video fact about Canada, you will find it here first. Feel free to tweet us we will get back to you.
It doesnt stop there join us over at @CanadaStudyNews for all the information on studying in Canada. Discover Canadian schools, colleges, and universities, and learn about all the opportunities studying in Canada can bring you.
We have a new addition to the CanadaVisa Social family! Join us on Instagram for stunning pictures of the Canadian landscape, and start planning your dream Canadian getaway. Or get some ideas for your future home! Whatever youre looking for, CanadaVisa on Instagram is sure to offer inspiration.
The CanadaVisa YouTube channel is where you will find up-to-date multimedia content on topics relating to Canadian immigration. Our channel hosts a range of videos including immigration news updates, interviews with Attorney David Cohen, and clips of Canadian cultural moments. We want to hear from you and read your comments it helps us to provide the content that you want! Watch one of our recent videos on immigration to Canada, and let us know what you think.
If you are a user of LinkedIn, make sure to connect with CanadaVisa on our profile page. If you would like to connect with Attorney David Cohen professionally, you may also find him on LinkedIn, where you will also encounter hundreds of Canadian and international professionals interested in immigration to Canada.
Join us on Google+ we share our exclusive content here, as well as across all of our social media channels. Check us out, and bookmark CanadaVisa today.
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On the steps of the Chattanooga Public Library downtown, Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke revealed on Thursday, that the library will serve as Chattanoogas Showcase Project for the Department of Energys Better Buildings Challenge (BBC). As a Showcase Project, the Downtown Public Library will highlight specific ways to achieve sustainability goals and serve as an example to other organizations and cities across the country that want to achieve similar sustainability goals.
The Public Library is a place where people from all walks of life come to learn and to work towards a brighter future for themselves and their families, said Mayor Berke. It seems appropriate then that this building will act as a demonstration of our shared sustainability efforts and values -- a place where organizations can come to learn and work towards a brighter future for our city.
The planned upgrades to the downtown library branch -- a four-story, 108,500-square foot building constructed in 1976 -- will save over 800,000 kilowatt hours annually for a total of $60,000 a year in energy cost savings.
This is city government being responsible for how we spend taxpayer dollars, being committed to a more sustainable community, and leading by example, said Mayor Berke. We have invited agencies and organizations from across Chattanooga to join us in taking the Challenge, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish when we put our heads together to solve important issues.
Earlier this year, the City of Chattanooga formally accepted the U.S. Department of Energys Better Buildings Challenge and since then, has been working with partners like EPB, TVA, and Green|Spaces to develop best practices and resources. The tools available today will help all interested businesses become part of the movement.
Under the challenge, businesses commit to reducing energy use intensity (EUI) by 20 percent by 2023. EPBs free energy assessment program is a key tool in helping businesses know how much energy theyre using and where they can find savings.
EPB is proud to partner with the City and TVA in promoting the Better Buildings Challenge, said David Wade, president and CEO of EPB. The library will be a great showcase for how participating in the Better Buildings Challenge can improve energy utilization in other buildings. The free EPB Energy Check-up our energy experts completed to help the library maximize the value of its energy use is available to all of our customers, and we encourage you to sign up.
Chattanoogas BBC Showcase Project at the library upgrades a 40-year-old lighting system, resulting in significant savings, while also enhancing the space. Beginning the first week of 2017, crews will start removing 810 fluorescent bulbs spanning 405 rows of lights and three floors of the library. They will be replaced with 36 energy efficient LED lights per floor.
The Chattanooga Public Librarys LED lighting project will greatly improve the Main Library by not only lowering our electric bill, but also making the building lighter and brighter for our staff and patrons. The new LED lighting will replace a dated fluorescent system and introduce 21st Century efficiency to the landmark location, said Corinne Hill, executive director for the Chattanooga Public Library.
The Showcase Project at the library also includes a major HVAC system replacement and controls to increase efficiency. Through both the LED lighting and HVAC upgrade, this project will result in a more than 40 percent reduction in annual energy consumption at the library and savings for Chattanooga taxpayers.
Since Election Day, New York City officials have spoken regularly and emphatically about a rise in hate crimes, particularly those directed at Muslims. Gothams political leadership sees an obvious connection between Donald Trumps victory and an uptick in hateful incidents. Mayor Bill de Blasio asserts that the rise is documented . . . . Its generated by the rhetoric that was used in the election. Its not a surprise. He also said, just a few days after the election, some people now, unfortunately, take a signal from Donald Trumps rhetoric that its open season against all the different kinds of people that Trump insulted and denigrated in his campaign.
The mayors racial-hate narrative took an unexpected turn this week when one victim confessed that her story was entirely false. Yasmin Seweid, an 18-year-old Muslim woman, had told the police that she was accosted on the subway by three drunk white men who screamed insults at her, tried to pull off her headscarf, chanted Trumps name, called her a terrorist, and told her to go back to her country. According to Seweid, there were many people on the train who saw what happened, but no one said or did anything. It breaks my heart that so many individuals chose to be bystanders while watching me get harassed verbally and physically by these disgusting pigs, she wrote on Facebook.
This last detailthat subway passengers in lower Manhattan ignored a young woman being violently assaultedinspired visceral reactions among credulous New Yorkers who were primed to believe that Donald Trumps victory had unleashed a flood of violent hate. City Council speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito tweeted, DESPICABLE! #StandUpNYC!! No more silence. No more hate. A number of demonstrators from a Brooklyn synagogue stood in the middle of Grand Central Terminal and unfurled a banner reading #NotInOurCity, which turned out to be literally true, as the attack had in fact not happened in their city, or any city. Seweid has admitted that she made up the story as a way to keep her strict father from learning that she was out drinking with a Christian boyfriend. She has been arrested for filing a false police report.
In the 28-day period following November 8, the number of hate incidents reported by the NYPD rose from 20 in 2015 to 43 in 2016. Most of these incidents were anti-Semitic: hate incidents against Jews tripled year-over-year, from eight to 24. Anti-Muslim hate increased as well, from two incidents in 2015 to four in 2016 (including the bogus attack on Seweidthree if her case is excluded). There were no anti-Hispanic attacks in the 4-week period in either 2015 or 2016. Anti-black hate crimes dropped from two in 2015 to one this year. Anti-gay hate incidents went from four to five. Curiously, the sharpest increase in hate violence was against a group that is rarely mentioned in these discussions: anti-white hate crime rose from one incident in 2015 to five this year, according to the NYPD.
Hate-crime statistics can be somewhat opaque as they include an enormous range of crimes. An attempt to shove someone in front of a train, while screaming, I hate white people, which happened on November 21 in Harlem, is apparently accorded the same significance as a swastika scrawled underneath the words Praise Trump in a derelict phone booth in Hells Kitchen. Asked if graffiti is counted in hate-crime statistics, de Blasio said, I would assume so. The NYPD did not respond to the same question when asked.
A high-profile anti-Semitic hate crime occurred in tony Brooklyn Heights at Adam Yauch Park, where some unknown individuals clumsily spray-painted swastikas with the word Go Trump. Hundreds of people gathered at the park, named for one of the Beastie Boys, to decry hatred, and blame Donald Trump and his supporters for the vandalism. I am ordering the State Police to put together a special unit to address the explosion of hate crimes in our state, announced Governor Andrew Cuomo in response.
Hate in itself is no crime: hate crimes are just crimes where a particular motive has been ascribed to the perpetrator for the purposes of giving longer sentences. Thus, hate crimes require insight into the state of mind of the criminal, which in the case of graffiti is usually impossible to ascertain. Without such knowledge, it cant be known whether someone who draws a swastika with the word Trump on a playground is actually a Nazi, or is just trying to make an anti-Trump statement. Real incidents of bigoted violence are nothing to laugh at or be skeptical about. But it doesnt serve the civic project, or the victims of actual crime, to treat every allegation or scribble as evidence of a growing tide of hate.
Seth Barron is project director of the Manhattan Institutes NYC Initiative. He blogs about New York City politics at City Council Watch.
Like many students who are grateful for a chance to succeed, but who come from less than favorable circumstances, Samantha Logan Spinks is one of the lucky ones. In 1999, influenced by a Chattanooga State billboard encouraging students to Transform Your Life, Logan did just that, but not without encountering a few road blacks.
Her first application into a nursing program at a nearby community college was rejected. I was a single mother at the time struggling to makes end meet. I had very little financial resources and had no idea how I would make it as an adult. I graduated from high school with a 2.5 GPA and a composite score of 19 on my ACT, shares Logan. I felt that I would never get accepted into a nursing program, she adds. Following that rejection, she applied to Chattanooga States Practical Nursing Program in 1999 and to her surprise and delight, was accepted. From that point on, I knew that nursing was my purpose in life, she says, smiling.
Now confident in her career choice, Logan received constant support from the LPN staff at Chattanooga State. She graduated in 2000 and continued to look forward as she entered and graduated from the LPN-RN Transition program. My desire to further my education was sparked by the staff who not only mentored me but gave me confidence and the courage to continue, remembers Logan.
Now a registered nursing graduate, Logans next stop was to receive her Critical Care Registered Nursing certification in 2003. My love for nursing inspired me to pursue advanced practice. I graduated from Southern Adventist University, May 2016, with my MSN, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, while also receiving the Clinical Excellence Award, she states proudly.
As a currently practicing ACNP, Logan specializes in gastroenterology. She is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, American Gastroenterology Association, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She will begin studies to complete her Doctor of Nursing Practitioner at SAU during the Fall 2017 semester.
Grateful for her start at Chattanooga State, she knows that without that chance she would not be where she is today. Your staff are role models for young nurses and have a great influence on our profession. I am proud to have graduated from such a prestigious program and felt very prepared to practice nursing with the education I received at Chattanooga State, says Logan.
For more information about Chattanooga States nursing and allied health programs, call 697-4450 or visit https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/nursing-allied-health. For information about the practical nursing program, see https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/practical-nursing or call 697-4447.
Just when you think problems at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey cant get worse, they do. In a press release posted with little fanfare late Wednesday, the bi-state agency that operates bridges, tunnels, ports, airports, and the PATH subway line in New York and New Jersey disclosed that it has filed disciplinary charges against 44 Port Authority copsroughly one-third of all cops who work for PATH command.
The officers are accused of shirking dutiesspecifically, sleeping on overtimeby staying in break rooms and missing patrols while on the clock. The Port Authority disclosed that an unknown number of those being disciplined could also be referred to local prosecutors for further action. The agency said that its inspector general, Michael Nestor, has been investigating what it called serious transgressions since May, when numerous officers were caught, some on camera, spending more than six hours of their midnight-to-8 am shift in a break room and, in one case, more than seven hours away from his assigned post.
The press release indicated that most of those being disciplined were assigned to the PATH police command but gave no details about the commands involved. It did indicate that officers had been caught away from their posts without notice at several police stations in New York and New Jersey. The PATH command is responsible for 24/7 coverage of the PATH rail system, which serves nearly 80 million passengers a year at seven PATH stations in New Jersey and six in Manhattan, south of 34th Street.
This is clearly a serious problem, said Kenneth Lipper, one of six New York commissioners appointed by the governor. Im glad the agency is dealing with it in such a forthright manner. Discipline within an organization like the PA is a key element of serving the public. Lipper, a relatively recent addition to the board who has pressed for reform of the Authority and greater transparency in its operations, said that the agency needs to determine if such dereliction of duty is widespread or systemic within the 1,900 member police forceand, if it is, to root it out.
The New York Post reported in November that some PATH employees had been caught on camera sleeping on the job in the locker room at the rail systems consolidated shop in Jersey City while racking up huge overtime pay. The Post also alleged that some supervisors had tacitly condoned these practices, and even joined in, and that such misconduct had been occurring for years. The press release said that some of the officers being disciplined had been assigned overtime on security details beefed up to guard against potential terror attacks.
Officials did not respond to our requests Wednesday night for more information about the nature of the disciplinary measures being considered, and other questions about what is believed to be one of the most sweeping disciplinary actions at the bi-state agency in modern memory. But, according to the New York Times, an agency spokesman said that the cops in question will remain on paid duty. The nearly 100-year old Authority and its police force have been the target of repeated criticism and scandal. As we reported recently in City Journal, a secret review of the Authoritys security mission five years ago concluded that the agencys cops were among the nations most overpaid, poorly supervised, and unresponsive police forces.
The press release noted that the infractions had been detected by the chief security officers quality-assurance and inspections unit. The office of the CSO was created in response to the secret review headed by Michael Chertoff, the former head of the Department of Homeland Security, who was asked to perform a top-to-bottom study of the agencys security operations. The most recent reports of dereliction of duty were then referred to the inspector generals office. The top PATH commander was quietly reassigned in November in the wake of the inspector generals review. The allegations against these officers are extremely serious and we believe they have let down the public they are sworn to serve, said Inspector General Nestor. We will seek to take significant action against those officers who violated the public trust.
Photo by Yana Paskova/Getty Images
As news organizations have increasingly pulled out of conflict zones like Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Iraq, ordinary people are taking the tools of journalismoften, their phonesinto their own hands. This photo of a man snapping a selfie in front of an oil field set aflame by ISIS during the Battle of Mosul, Iraq, in October shows citizen journalism mixing with the global auto-documentary craze that has brought us personalized YouTube channels, a Periscope suicide, and a police shooting on Facebook Live.
In the wake of exhausting and unfinished military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, there is a growing reluctance among Americans to seeing the US at war. One result of that ambivalence is sensational, but decontextualized, images. We see more quirkiness and eye candy overwhelming the hard facts of daily news. But as human interest fodder, war photography may never have been more forceful.
This photo may not tell us much about the campaign to retake Mosul, but its a powerful statement on where we stand: a man in the midst of a disaster, looking at himself.
Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today
Michael Shaw is publisher of the nonprofit visual-literacy and media-literacy site ReadingThePictures, an analyst of news photos and visual journalism, and a frequent lecturer and writer on news imagery, photojournalism, and documentary photography. Follow ReadingThePictures via Twitter and Instagram.
Court records filed in June show a property owner, recently charged with murder and aggravated arson, declined to cooperate with an insurance company investigation of his claim for a house fire that resulted in an Ohio firefighters death nearly a year ago.
Lester and Bertha Parker filed property and contents claims as a result of the loss.
Cincinnati Insurance Company filed a declaratory judgment action when the Parkers failed to cooperate with an investigation into the December 28, 2015 deadly house fire. The insurer noted it had sent several letters to the Parkers in an attempt to investigate the fire loss. The Parkers responded with a request to reschedule an examination under oath (EUO), before an attorney for them wrote to the insurer in May advising the Parkers were exercising their Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and wouldnt submit to EUOs, according to the Hamilton-Middletown Journal-News.
A Butler County judge in July granted the declaratory judgment in favor of the insurer and ruled the insurer did not have to provide coverage for the fire in Hamilton.
Parker, 66, pleaded not guilty Tuesday. Hamilton firefighter Patrick Wolterman died fighting the fire.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Money to help clean up houses still damaged and unoccupied since Hurricane Katrina is expected to soon come into the Gulf Coast.
The Mississippi Home Corp. is developing a program to provide funds to cities and counties throughout the state to help demolish blighted and abandoned homes, the Sun Herald reported.
The goal of the project is to stabilize property values by removing and greening vacant and blighted properties in an effort to prevent future foreclosures for existing homeowners, the program stated.
The agency has submitted its plan to the U.S. Treasury Department for approval. If approved next year, Mississippi could receive $20 million, which should translate to $500,000 for Jackson County.
Jeff Barlow, Jackson Countys code enforcement officer, has been scouring the county for properties that are condemned or need to be and has almost 40 listed so far.
Most of what I have needs to be torn down and hauled off, Barlow said, homes in neighborhoods that people have been complaining about for years. They arent safe in a neighborhood, kids break in and play in them.
He asks residents to report any other homes that should be on the list by calling planning officials at 228-769-3056.
If you think you have one, call. Well assess it. See if its on the list, Barlow said.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
AKRON, Ohio -- The suspected driver in a shooting that took place over the July 4 holiday weekend in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is asking a federal judge to set "a reasonable bail" so that he could possibly be freed while he awaits trial.
Raymond Moore III, 27, of Akron argues in a motion filed Wednesday that federal authorities didn't present enough evidence to show that Moore was a knowing participant in a shooting that left 18-year-old Ayauna Bush blind.
Moore and Dezay Ely each face charges of attempted murder and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Ely also faces a charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The FBI says Ely, 27, shot Bush three times in the head on July 3 and left her in a field off Akron-Peninsula Road. Moore is accused of driving the pair out there, and an agent indicated in affidavit that he believed Moore knew that the shooting was going to happen.
But Moore, relying on the testimony of FBI agent Christopher Fassler during a hearing in August, says authorities never proved that Moore knew Ely was going to shoot Bush. The government also admitted that the location of the shooting could not be seen from the car, the motion says.
"A fair reading of the transcript of the detention hearing leads one to the conclusion that there is no direct evidence of Moore's guilt and very little and weak circumstantial evidence of his guilt," the motion, written by attorney Lawrence Whitney, reads.
The motion also says Moore only has minor criminal convictions.
Prosecutors have not yet responded to Moore's motion.
Agents have not said why Ely shot Bush, but said that she was living with Ely and his brother and that they had a dispute the night before.
Bush, who has a 2-year-old child, had no identification when the hikers found her. She was identified through phone records after one of Bush's family members called park rangers on July 4 and said she had been missing for several days.
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A man was robbed at gunpoint at an Akron convenience store Wednesday.
(File photo)
AKRON, Ohio -- Police are searching for an armed man who robbed a convenience store in Akron.
The robbery happened shortly before 8:30 p.m. at the Sunrise Convenient Food Mart on Brown Street.
A store employee told the police that the robber, who used a scarf to cover his face, pointed a silver handgun at him and demanded cash from the register, according to a police report.
He gave the robber an undisclosed amount of cash.
The victim said the robber ran out the store and ran west towards Morgan Avenue.
Police followed footprints in the snow which led to a home on the 500 block of Morgan Avenue. A woman at the home told investigators that only she and her boyfriend were in the home, but there was another man in the shed in their backyard.
Officers spoke with the man in the shed who they said matched the description of the convenience store robber, according to a police report.
The investigators asked the victim to say whether the man in the shed was also the man who robbed the store. The victim told investigators that he wasn't 100 percent sure if it was the same person.
No arrests have been made.
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Donald Trump has picked Rick Perry to head the Energy Department, which Perry vowed to eliminate in a 2011 presidential debate.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The question is not if Rick Perry will be confirmed as Department of Energy secretary . The question is will Rick Perry remember what cabinet post Donald Trump picked him for, after Perry infamously couldn't remember during a 2011 presidential debate that the Energy Department was one of three Perry wanted to eliminate. If Perry intends to keep his 2011 vow, he may have the shortest cabinet tenure ever.
The Perry pick once again demonstrates that Trump either doesn't hold a grudge, has a wicked sense of humor, or loves irony. First Trump made his harshest Republican critic, Mitt Romney, grovel for the secretary of state seat, only to pick Rex Tillerson. Now Trump has picked Perry to join his cabinet, despite Perry having called Trump a "cancer on conservatism" and claiming he didn't have the "character or temperament" to be president.
Despite the Energy Department's name, it has nothing to do with making sure your Christmas lights come on and stay on. Jimmy Carter established the department in 1977 to develop energy sources, but mainly to design and protect nation's nuclear assets, and prevent nuclear proliferation around the world.
In the Obama administration, the energy secretary is nuclear physicist Ernest Moniz. Moniz helped negotiate the Iran nuclear deal. During the campaign, Trump mocked Perry, claiming he began wearing his dark eyeglasses because he thought they made him look smarter. Trump said Hillary didn't look like a president. But maybe he thought Perry, with his eyeglasses, looked like a secretary of energy.
In fairness to both, as governor of Texas, Perry actively led efforts to develop the state's energy-rich resources. And Trump has said he expects Perry to "take advantage of our huge natural resources deposits to make America energy independent and create vast new wealth for our nation."
Trump and Perry are unlikely to eliminate the department. But they could eliminate some of its programs, and change its focus. The Trump transition team sent a questionnaire to Department of Energy employees that offers a glimpse of what the new administration is interested in.
The Trump questionnaire, NPR reports:
"Wants to know who at the Department of Energy attended domestic and international climate talks. It wants emails about those conferences. It also asks about money spent on loan-guarantee programs for renewable energy.
The Trump team questionnaire also asks about the Energy Department's role in the Iran nuclear deal, which Trump has called 'stupid.' And it asks for the 20 highest paid employees at the department's national laboratories."
The public is invited to attend Wreaths Across America, a holiday wreath-laying ceremony at Chattanooga National Cemetery to honor and remember the nations veterans, on Saturday at noon.
The Civil Air Patrols TN Wing, Group II and several veterans service organizations coordinated the event to honor veterans of each branch of the military and the Merchant Marines, as well as Prisoners of War and those still Missing in Action.
Following the ceremony at noon at the Armed Forces Pavilion, participants are encouraged to assist with placing the donated wreaths on graves in designated sections of the cemetery.
Covenant Transport and U.S. Xpress will deliver 6,400 gravesite wreaths donated by national nonprofit Wreaths Across America.
Both carriers have supplied equipment and drivers for the Wreaths Across America program before to other veteran gravesites, including Arlington National Cemetery. This is the first year, however, Covenant has had the honor of delivering Christmas wreaths to the national armed forces cemetery in Chattanooga, the hometown for both carriers.
Joey Hogan, president of Covenant Transportation Group, said Lookout Valley-based Covenant Transport is honored to take part in this tradition. Being a part of this project is one of the highlights of our year, he said. Its an honor to bring a smile and remembrance to families who shared and sacrificed a loved one for us.
Many Covenant employees, past and present, have a personal connection to Chattanooga National Cemetery, Mr. Hogan said. We have employees who have family members buried here in Chattanooga, and this is the least we can do to say Thank you, he said.
As a company, and individually, this effort is one of many ways we pay our respects to veterans and their families," said Eric Fuller, president and COO of U.S. Xpress. "We are humbled by their sacrifices theyve made for us all."
Making the event even more poignant is the fact that the two U.S. Xpress drivers delivering the wreaths are a married driving team, each of whom is a veteran of the armed forces, Mr. Fuller continued.
In addition to donating time and resources for the actual delivery, over 20 U.S. Xpress employees are donating their personal time at the event to help hang wreaths.
Wreaths will arrive at Chattanooga National Cemetery around 9 a.m. on Saturday, escorted by
members of the Patriot Guard Riders. Upon delivery, wreaths will be placed by family members of
veterans buried at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In addition to Chattanooga National Cemetery, Covenant is also one of dozens of trucking companies delivering wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery this year. Ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery will also take place on Saturday.
The Chattanooga National Cemetery is at 1200 Bailey Ave. For more information contact Michael Henshaw, cemetery director, at 855-6590, or visit http://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/2016_wreaths_across_america_ceremonies.asp
The Worcester Wreath Company, through a campaign called Wreaths Across America, began donating holiday wreaths in tribute to veterans laid to rest at VAs national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries in 2006. Since 1992, they have donated wreaths for gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery.
LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- The Cleveland Bagel Co., a local business featured on an episode of a LeBron James-produced reality show, used social media to call out a municipal court judge for asking in open court if the shop sells drugs.
But an audio recording of the court hearing does not have the judge criticizing the business for hiring a felon, as Cleveland Bagel Co. co-owner Dan Herbst wrote on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The audio recording has been included in this post.
The post about Lakewood Municipal Court Judge Patrick Carroll was shared more than 1,000 times on Facebook before the court closed at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Carroll declined to comment on the matter but said through a court bailiff "the record speaks for itself."
The Cleveland Bagel Co. employee pleaded no contest Tuesday to misdemeanor charges of possessing marijuana and obstructing official business in a Nov. 16 incident, according to court records.
The audio recording of the hearing shows that Carroll made an off-hand remark after the employee told him he works at Cleveland Bagel Co.
Cleveland Bagel Co. criticizes Lakewood judge
"I'm sure LeBron is happy to have you in his employment," Carroll says, an apparent reference to the business' appearance on "Cleveland Hustles." Investor Alan Glazen sponsored Cleveland Bagel Co. after its appearance on the show.
Later, Carroll asks the employee where he bought the marijuana that officers found in his pocket Nov. 16 at a Day's Inn on Lake Avenue in Lakewood.
"Where did you get the marijuana?" Carroll asked. "Do they sell that down at Cleveland Bagel?"
"No sir," the employee replied.
The judge does not question why Cleveland Bagel Co. would hire a felon, as Herbst stated in his social media posts. Herbst said his employee described Carroll's remarks during a one-on-one conversation.
"The judge also said from the bench in front of a courtroom of people he would not buy a bagel from here because we gave a former felon a job," Herbst wrote.
Herbst said he was disappointed that his business would be discussed in such a manner during a court hearing.
"Even if it was meant to be flippant, I don't think the courtroom is the right place to make a joke," he said Wednesday in a phone interview.
Carroll, who has been on the bench since 1990, was recently featured on an episode of the late-night PBS talk show "The Tavis Smiley Show." Carroll and other judges discussed criminal justice reform as part of the show's Courting Justice series.
Herbst and co-owner Geoff Hardman founded Cleveland Bagel Co. in 2013. The business has since been featured in publications like The Wall Street Journal and on an August episode of "Cleveland Hustles."
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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Case Western Reserve University students are asking law school deans to call for a thorough investigation into a Hudson police officer's shooting of an unarmed classmate from the United Arab Emirates.
More than 120 students signed the petition during a Wednesday gathering at the university, law school student Taru Taylor said.
"We demand that our law school deans insist on accountability for our colleague's senseless death," the petition reads. "Our deans must publicly demand a full, thorough and impartial investigation of this latest abuse of the state's police power."
Hudson police officer Ryan Doran shot Saif Nasser Mubarak Alameri, 26, at least five times during a struggle Dec. 4 near an access road off Hudson Aurora Road, investigators said.
Investigators determined Alameri did not have a weapon but have not released details of the struggle that preceded the shooting. The incident remains under investigation, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation said.
The petition thanks law school Deans Michael Scharf and Jessica Berg for reporting Alameri's death to the school in a Dec. 7 email. But it criticizes the deans for not questioning the police account of Alameri's death.
"It shocks the conscience, that our law school deans echoed the self-serving comments of local law enforcement, omitted the officer's role in Mr. Alameri's death, and thus failed to publicly support our colleague and their student," the petition reads.
The petition argues that the shooting should be viewed as an example of a police officer using excessive force against a person of color and compares the shooting to the high-profile deaths of Tamir Rice in Cleveland and John Crawford in Beavercreek, among others.
The Ohio National Lawyers' Guild and Black Lives Matter Cleveland last week released a joint statement calling for a thorough investigation into the shooting. That statement also viewed Alameri's death through the context of other high-profile shootings across Ohio and the U.S.
The Case Western Reserve petition also asks the deans to insist that the university newspaper "The Daily" apologize for the Dec. 7 headline "LLM student from United Arab Emirates dies." The petition argued the headline omitted the fact that a police officer shot Alameri.
This is the second high-profile incident involving an Emirati man this year in Northeast Ohio. In October, a Lorain County grand jury chose not to indict a hotel desk clerk accused of falsely reporting that an Emirati guest pledged allegiance to ISIS. Avon officers who were acting on the report detained the man at gunpoint June 29 at the Fairfield Inn and Suites on Colorado Avenue.
The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said after the incident that its citizens should avoid wearing traditional garments when traveling abroad.
The United Arab Emirates ambassador to the United States spoke with Gov. John Kasich and Ohio Department of Public Safety Director John Born last week to discuss the Alameri shooting. Officials from the Abu Dhabi Police Department and an embassy consular team representing Alameri's family also met BCI investigators, medical examiners and police, Ambassador Youssef Al Otaiba said in a statement.
Alameri's body was sent back to the UAE for a Friday funeral, according to a report from the state-owned Emirati newspaper The National.
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Former Cleveland Heights doctor Thomas Craig III is charged with 53 counts of trafficking prescription drugs from his Noble Road office between 2010 and 2012, court records say.
(cleveland.com file photo)
CLEVLEAND, Ohio -- A former Cleveland Heights doctor faces dozens of drug trafficking charges that accuse him of running a pill mill from his office in a Noble Road strip mall.
Thomas L. Craig III, 57, peddled prescription drugs including Adderall and OxyContin from from April 2010 to March 2012, according to a 53-count indictment made public Thursday. Seventeen of those charges are first-degree felonies and each could carry up to an 11-year prison sentence if he's convicted.
The indictment was handed up Wednesday afternoon, more than five years after agents with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy and Cleveland police officers began investigating complaints about Craig's office, prosecutors say.
Undercover investigators spent 18 months probing his office and conducted the first raid in April 2012, prosecutors said.
Shortly after the raid, Craig moved his business to Honolulu, prosecutors say. He is licensed to practice internal medicine in Hawaii and his Ohio license expired in 2013, according to public records.
A spokesman for the Ohio Board of Pharmacy said Craig has not been disciplined by the state's medical board.
Prosecutors said Craig doled out prescriptions for oxycodone, oxymorphone, alprazolam, diazepam and amphetamine salts, which are the drugs commonly found in the brand-name prescriptions OxyContin, Valium, Xanax and Adderall.
Craig is scheduled for a Dec. 29 arraignment in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Cuyahoga County court records show multiple liens totaling tens of thousands of dollars against Craig. His wife filed for divorce in 2006, records say.
Craig could not be reached for comment.
Authorities in the 2000s began cracking down on doctors who doled out prescriptions after an epidemic of addiction to prescription painkillers swept across much of rural Appalachia. Experts believe that many addicts migrated from prescription drugs to heroin, which was a cheaper alternative.
More than 500 people have died from heroin, fentanyl and prescription drug overdoses in in Cuyahoga County this year, and a report released last month showed Ohio led the nation in overdose deaths in 2014.
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Crews work to clear runways Dec. 15 at Akron Canton Airport. (Photo: Akron Canton Airport)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Those hoping to escape the lake effect snow covering Northeast Ohio should expect delays at the airport.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport today has 10 delays and two cancellations, most of which are related to weather in Cleveland or at other airports.
Michele Dynia, spokeswoman for CLE, said the airport does not have any operational delays and is fully staffed with about 36 workers out on the airfield, working to keep runways and planes ready to go.
"Our operations are running smoothly for now on our end," Dynia said.
Two flights have been canceled at CLE. One flight - a 12:52 p.m. United flight destined for Newark, N.J, was canceled because of weather conditions in New Jersey. The other flight, an 11:25 a.m. American flight headed for Philadelphia, was diverted to Pittsburgh because of a mechanical issue, Dynia said.
RTA at one point replaced all eastbound and westbound Red Line trains between Puritas and CLE with buses but has since resumed rail service. Linda Krecic, RTA spokeswoman, said the cause most likely was a weather-related issue.
At Akron Canton Airport, which doesn't feel the effects of lake effect snow like CLE, there are no delays or cancelations.
"Our guys have been out since the first sign of snow. They're very vigilant about keeping all of our runways clear," said Lisa Davala Dalpiaz, director of marketing for CAK. "We have not had delays because of our runways."
A number of airlines, including American Airlines and Delta, are issuing travel vouchers for those flying in and out of CLE and CAK.
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Draft rules would allow up to 40 medical marijuana dispensaries in Ohio.
(Jackie Borchardt, cleveland.com)
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Up to 40 medical marijuana dispensaries would be licensed in Ohio under draft rules released Thursday morning.
Would-be dispensary owners would have to pay a $5,000 application fee and an $80,000 license fee every other year. Applicants must show they have liquid assets totaling at least $250,000.
Dispensaries would have to hire a pharmacist, nurse, physician or physician's assistant to train employees, develop patient educational materials and be on-call or on the premises during operating hours.
Dispensary employees would also have to, by law, report all medical marijuana purchases to the state controlled substances database, OARRS, within 5 minutes of dispensing a product.
A separate set of rules released Thursday requires doctors to take two hours of continuing education classes about medical marijuana as one of several requirements to become certified to recommend marijuana to patients. Certified physicians are barred from owning a dispensary or other medical marijuana business.
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee will review the rules at its meeting Thursday. Public comment will be collected on both physician and dispensary rules until Jan. 13, 2017.
Ohio's medical marijuana law allows patients with 20 medical conditions to buy and use marijuana if recommended by a doctor. The law prohibits smoking and growing marijuana at home.
The law left most of the regulatory details, including how to license growers and register patients, to the Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio State Board of Pharmacy and Ohio State Medical Board to decide over the next year.
The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy drafted the dispensary rules, and the medical board developed the guidelines for physicians.
Mobile readers, click here to read the draft dispensary rules.
Mobile readers, click here to read the draft physician rules.
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Ohio lawmakers increased highway speeds to 70 mph in 2013 but won't likely follow Michigan's lead and increase them to 75 mph.
(Peggy Turbett, Plain Dealer file photo)
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Michigan lawmakers voted Tuesday to raise the speed limit to 75 mph on select rural highways, but don't expect Ohio legislators to do the same anytime soon.
Ohio raised the speed limit from 65 to 70 mph on the Ohio Turnpike and rural highways in 2013. Two years later, Ohio Senators proposed raising the speed limit from 70 to 75 mph. But the provision was later removed due to safety concerns.
A legislative committee further investigated the issue and recommended against raising the limits in a December 2015 report.
The Ohio Department of Transportation warned then that Ohio's highways were built for cars traveling 70 mph and allowing greater speeds could make the state liable for accidents. ODOT spokesman Matt Bruning said that point has not changed.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder hasn't indicated whether he'll sign the bill or not.
Finding a safe speed
The Michigan increase would apply to 600 miles of rural, limited-access freeways if state transportation department safety and engineering studies deem it safe.
Part of that determination is how fast motorists are now driving on those highways. The "85th percentile rule" holds that the speed 85 percent of drivers already travel in ideal conditions is an accepted safe speed that results in fewer accidents.
Michigan transportation officials said several hundreds of miles of highway would be eligible.
In Ohio, the 85th percentile speed doesn't break 70 mph, according to ODOT data. And the 2013 increase from 65 to 70 mph only increased the 85th percentile by a couple miles per hour.
For example, the 85th percentile speed on I-90 through Ashtabula increased from 66 mph to 67 mph after the speed limit was bumped up to 70 mph.
Infrastructure and public safety concerns
Ohio's interstates were built for a 70 mph standard, officials said, and would have to be redesigned to handle faster traffic. Those changes would include lengthening exit ramps or extending curves, which could require costly land purchases.
The legislative committee also reviewed Ohio State Highway Patrol data showing a 13 percent increase in car accidents after speed limits were raised in 2013.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission reported a 9 percent in crashes causing injury after the increase and a 12 percent increase overall.
Bruning said he hasn't heard of efforts to renew the push for 75.
"Good for Michigan, but that's not something Ohio's looking to do at this point," Bruning said.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - As the region remains in the middle of a lake effect snowstorm expected to last through Friday, the Ohio Department of Transportation is waging a nonstop battle on the snowy roads.
ODOT District 12, which serves Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake Counties, has been working at full staff for the past week, since the last major snow storm pummeled Northeast Ohio. But even those 80 plows haven't been enough to keep the roads clear, and the local ODOT office has borrowed plows from other counties to help in the effort.
An additional 10 plows - from Medina, Lorain and Summit Counties - have been deployed to the area to clear the snow-covered roads.
"We're asking people to wait to go into work if you can. If you have to go in, take your time and be patient," said Amanda McFarland, public information officer for ODOT District 12.
ODOT is focusing part of its efforts on the snow band that has settled over Westlake through Parma and Strongsville. The snow band, McFarland said, hasn't shifted in more than an hour.
"It's very drastic, depending on what side of town you're on," she said.
ODOT will keep working around the clock to clear the roads, as the area prepares to keep getting blasted with snow.
The National Weather Service predicts that through Friday Cuyahoga County will get up to 8 inches of snow; Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake Counties will get up to 12 inches of snow; and Lorain County will get up to 8 inches of snow.
"We've been out since last week; we haven't stopped," McFarland said.
ODOT also has loaned two of its plows to East Cleveland, which doesn't have any operational plows of its own, McFarland said.
marijuana file Medicine Man jars
Ohio medical marijuana advocates were satisfied that state officials increased proposed commercial grow space but were concerned a proposal to cap dispensaries at 40 locations statewide would limit patient access.
(Jackie Borchardt, cleveland.com)
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State officials increased the number of medical marijuana grow licenses and total available grow space after advocates and industry officials criticized the Ohio Department of Commerce's initial proposal as inadequate.
But another proposal to limit medical marijuana dispensaries to 40 locations statewide is already drawing complaints for limiting patient access in Ohio's 88 counties.
The draft rules for cultivators now allow the state to issue up to 24 licenses -- 12 for large grows and 12 for small grows -- instead of 18 total. Regulators also revised the allowable square footage for each facility, increasing the total available grow space from 189,000 to 336,000 square feet statewide.
Most of the comments made about the proposed rules said the number of growers and allowed square footage were too little to serve Ohio's patient population.
Ohioans for Medical Marijuana's proposed ballot initiative, which it withdrew after Ohio passed its medical marijuana law, would have allowed more than 375,000 square feet of growing space.
Group spokesman Aaron Marshall said the larger square footage should yield enough marijuana, but 40 dispensaries is far too few.
The organization estimates 188,000 Ohio patients will use medical marijuana -- an average of 4,700 patients per dispensary. In other states, that ratio is between 200 and 800 patients per dispensary.
"Ohio is way out in left field here. This is a recipe for disaster, frankly," Marshall said. "It doesn't make a lot of sense to allot the growing space we need if people can't get to the dispensary to actually pick up their medicine."
Proposed dispensary rules
Here are the proposed rules:
Dispensary owners would pay a $2,000 application fee and a biennial license fee of $80,000.
Dispensaries couldn't divide or repackage marijuana and marijuana products bought from a cultivator.
Dispensaries couldn't sell food or drinks.
Dispensaries would have to be open for 35 hours a week, limited to operating hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
They would have to hire a clinical director who is a pharmacist or licensed prescriber to train employees, develop patient educational materials and be on-call or on the premises during operating hours.
Employees would also have to report all medical marijuana purchases to the state prescription database, OARRS, within 5 minutes of dispensing a product.
Patient delivery services would not be allowed.
Dispensary names, logos and advertisements would need state approval -- no cartoon characters allowed.
More dispensaries could be added after Sept. 8, 2018, if the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy determines there is need.
Erin Reed, chief legal counsel for the pharmacy board, said the rules were developed with both public safety and patient safety in mind.
"It takes time to develop some of these programs, and because of that we are starting with a conservative approach," Reed said. "We're looking at the first two years of this program."
Committee concerns
Members of the Ohio Medical Marijuana Committee, which reviewed the rules Thursday, pushed back on some of the requirements.
Committee member Nancy Mosca, a nurse, urged rulemakers to allow dispensaries to stay open later or deliver medical marijuana to patients, since opioids and other controlled substances can be delivered under Ohio law.
"Think about access for families who have limited ability to go to 40 places from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and need other opportunities to access it," Mosca said.
Ted Bibart, an attorney chosen to represent patients, said many of the rules on their own are not bad but together will doom the program.
"When we compile the program together, we're creating so much potential for an exorbitant price for the patient that's going to force the patient to the black market," Bibart said. "They're not going to want to participate in the system."
Dr. Jerry Mitchell, a Columbus physician on the panel, said it would be hard for dispensaries to find a clinical director who meets the qualifications and would be willing to take what he anticipated would be a low-paying job. Mitchell warned several of the requirements would make operating a dispensary so unprofitable that few would open.
"I'm worried we're creating a model that's not going to be successful," Mitchell said.
Committee members questioned how the $40,000-per-year license fee was chosen and how it compared to fees Ohio pharmacies, which pharmacy board officials used as a benchmark in prior discussions. (The fee is higher than most medical marijuana states and is the same as Maryland and Delaware.)
Reed said officials looked to other medical marijuana states for guidance. And Reed surprised many in the room when she said regular pharmacies pay less than $1,000 a year to be licensed.
How to comment
The rules and more information about how to comment can be found at www.medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov/Rules. The public comment period for dispensary rules ends Jan. 13, 2017.
marijuana file Terrapin.jpg
Members of the Ohio Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee were concerned Thursday that few doctors will become certified to recommend medical marijuana.
(Jackie Borchardt, cleveland.com)
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Three out of 20 Ohio physicians said they would be "highly likely" to recommend medical marijuana to a patient, according to results from an Ohio State Medical Board survey.
The survey was sent to all Ohio-licensed doctors in September, when Ohio's medical marijuana law took effect, and released Thursday to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee along with draft rules for physicians.
Committee members questioned whether enough doctors will become certified to serve patients, especially those in rural areas.
"I don't want the pill mill docs and I don't want the sham that's going on in California with it," member Marcie Seidel, executive director of the Drug-Free Action Alliance said. "But if we're going to do this, let's balance it out so people, if they believe they need it, can access it."
The survey
Of the 3,000 physicians who responded, 45 percent said they were unlikely to recommend medical marijuana. When asked what would make them more likely to recommend, most said peer-reviewed research, followed by training and having the federal government reschedule marijuana to a legal substance.
Many said their patients weren't asking them about medical marijuana, but when they do, they want to know about benefits and side effects to using marijuana for their medical condition.
Other doctors were worried about patients abusing marijuana. A few weren't aware Ohio's law had passed.
Hospitals including Cleveland Clinic and Cincinnati Children's have told physicians they do not support medical marijuana use, doctors reported.
The rules
Ohio's medical marijuana law allows patients with one of 20 qualifying medical conditions to buy and use marijuana if recommended by a doctor.
Under the draft rules, physicians would have to complete an approved two-hour continuing education course related to identifying the qualifying medical conditions and the characteristics of medical marijuana. Certified doctors must also have no prior action from the board or federal Drug Enforcement Administration based on inappropriate prescribing.
Under the draft rules certified doctors would have to
Meet the patient in an in-person visit.
Perform a physical exam.
Diagnose the patient with a qualifying medical condition or confirm a previous diagnosis.
Submit an annual report describing the effectiveness of marijuana on their patients.
The draft rules released Thursday also set a fairly rigid process of adding new medical conditions to the list, requiring evidence that conventional drugs are insufficient to treat or alleviate the condition. Medical board officials said physician requirements in law are more restrictive than other states.
The response
Ted Bibart, an attorney appointed to represent patients, urged rulemakers to make the process less onerous. He said successful programs have encouraged doctors to register through simpler qualifications.
Getting doctors on board with medical marijuana programs has been a roadblock in other states. After New York's program started in January 2016, about 300 physicians registered to recommend medical marijuana, leaving many patients without access to a physician. As of Monday, 771 had registered there.
Medical Board President Dr. Amol Soin said he preferred to start with a stricter set of rules that can be relaxed rather than the other way around.
The medical board will accept public comment on the rules until Jan. 13, 2017, and additional public comment periods will take place before the rules are finalized.
Mobile readers, click here to read the draft physician rules.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the death sentence for an Akron man who killed his children's mother and her boyfriend.
The Court affirmed the conviction of Dawud Spaulding in the Dec. 15, 2011 shooting deaths of Erica Singleton and Ernest Thomas and the nonfatal shooting of Thomas' nephew.
Spaulding, a serial abuser of Singleton, shot the the nephew in the neck outside Thomas' apartment on Grant Street, police said. The shooting left the nephew paralyzed from the neck down.
Police cleared the scene from the roommate's shooting about 5 a.m. Three hours later, they were called back to the apartment after a neighbors heard gunshots and found the bodies of Singleton and Thomas lying next to their cars, both with gunshot wounds to the back of their heads.
Singleton, who had dropped her children off with her mother the pervious day, had a piece of luggage with her, and officers found more luggage in her car, police said.
Spaulding was convicted in 2012 of aggravated murder, felonious assault, domestic violence and a host of other charges.
He raised 14 issues in his appeal, including that his court-appointed trial lawyers were ineffective in his defense.
In a 6-1 opinion handed down Thursday, the court rejected all of Spaulding's arguments.
Justice William O'Neill wrote in a dissenting opinion that he would have overturned not just Spaulding's death sentence, but the entire conviction and ordered a new trial.
He argued that a magistrate's testimony about Spaulding's prior domestic abuse against his mother was irrelevant to the trial and damaged Spaulding's character in the eyes of the jury.
"I have grave concerns that the jury reached its verdicts in this case for the wrong reasons," he wrote.
To comment on this, please visit Thursday's crime and courts comments page.
Two Food City stores will host book signings for David Carrolls new book this Saturday.
Food City, 5604 Hixson Pike will host Mr. Carroll from 10 a.m.-noon. Later in the day, from 2-4 p.m., Mr. Carroll will visit the Food City, 531 Battlefield Pkwy. in Fort Oglethorpe.
Voted the Chattanooga areas Best Columnist/Reporter and Best TV Personality, David Carroll has just published his second book, Volunteer Bama Dawg.
Mr. Carroll previously published Chattanooga Radio and Television, a pictorial history of local broadcasting.
The new book is totally different from the first, Mr.
Carroll said. While I was out promoting the first book, I spoke to several clubs and churches, telling stories about my career and the people Ive met. People seemed to enjoy it, so Ive put together my best stories, all in one place.The title, Volunteer Bama Dawg, is based on Carrolls life, and on one of his most popular stories. It represents the three states Ive loved all my life, he said. I grew up in Alabama, I now live in Tennessee, and I drive through Georgia just about every day. Its who I am. Recently, he found the one spot where a person can stand in those three states at one time. I tell the story of the border that connects Marion, Dade and Jackson counties, he said. You can have your big toe in Tennessee, your heel in Alabama, and your other foot in Georgia. Its become quite the little tourist attraction.The book includes more than sixty photographs, and stories ranging from comical, to historical, to sentimental. I write about the worst songs ever, fun facts about our local history, my family, famous folks Ive met, and some I never did. I write about my career in radio and TV, covering the schools, and I included more than a few jokes. People need a good laugh these days.He added, The new book also gives me a chance to follow up on the local personalities who were such a big part of my first book. People love reading about Luther Masingill, Miss Marcia, Tommy Jett, Harry Thornton and his wrestlers, Jim Nabors, and so many others. In this book, I can tell the stories I didnt have room for in the first book.Mr. Carroll is a longtime radio and TV broadcaster in Chattanooga who anchors the evening news on WRCB Channel 3, and hosts a weekend radio show The Vinyl Express on Chattanoogas Big 95.3 FM.I hope folks will come by Food City and check out this new book, Mr. Carroll said. If youve been trying to find the perfect Christmas gift for the person who has everything, this just might be it. I love meeting people, and signing the book. Weve had a lot of bad news this year, and the book is filled with humorous, informative, and inspiring stories.
The soft-cover book is priced at $19.95, with hardcover books selling for $24.95, and audio books (five compact discs, read by Mr. Carroll) for $19.95. The book is published by Fresh Ink Press.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A 60-year-old woman is dead and a 17-year-old boy is injured in a double shooting on the city's East Side, police and EMS said.
The shooting happened about 1 p.m. Thursday in the 13400 block of Crennell Avenue.
Police confirmed the shooting and that one person died. Cleveland EMS said the 60-year-old woman was dead in the home when they arrived.
A 17-year-old boy was taken to University Hospitals in critical condition, EMS said.
No other information was immediately released.
The shooting is the city's 127th homicide of the year.
To comment on this, please visit Thursday's crime and courts comments page.
PAINESVILLE, Ohio -- A holiday party for local Latino children and their families helps them put aside their fears about deportation for a while, parents and organizers say.
The second annual La Navidad Para Ninos (Christmas for Kids) party will take place Friday evening at Painesville's Elm Street Elementary School for 100 school children and their families. Registration is already full. Despite the party's Spanish name, the event is for all ethnicities and races.
"This will help us a lot," said Painesville's Claren Estrada, mother of three. "It takes the tensions from their minds of what's going, from fears of their parents being taken away."
Co-host Nelson Cintron Jr., a former Cleveland councilman who owns Painesville's La Nueva Mia 88.3 FM., says the father of at least one of the party's has been deported.
Many Latinos across the U.S. are fearful because President-Elect Donald Trump threatened during his campaign to build a wall at the border to keep out Mexicans and make their homeland pay for it. He said Mexico forces drug dealers, rapists and other criminals into the U.S.
Politics aside, Estrada says the party helps families from Mexico adjust to the U.S. Back home, she says, Christmas isn't as big a deal as Three Kings Day, so the Navidad parties help her and her children learn America's holiday customs.
Immigration lawyer Richard Herman, co-host of the party, considers the event a way for the wider community to tell Latino children, "You're not alone."
The party will feature a special guest: Santa, of course. Herman played the role last year but has hired a professional this time around. With help from his family, he has also bought gifts for the children, and Harvey High School students have wrapped them.
Other party hosts include the Painesville schools' Family Resource Center; local activists Brittany and Chalio Payne; lawyer Dennis Seaman; and Nelson Cintron Jr., former Cleveland councilman and now owner of Painesville's La Nueva Mia 88.3 FM.
Cintron, who will broadcast the party live, says. "We have to show the children that there are still people that love them and care for them."
Andrew Brenner.png
State Rep. Andrew Brenner wants to throw out local funding of schools and pay them all equally through the state.
(Patrick O'Donnell/The Plain Dealer)
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Imagine throwing out Ohio's complicated - and unconstitutional - school funding system and starting over.
State Rep. Andrew Brenner wants to make it happen.
The Powell Republican has proposed a bill that would wipe out all local school levies and bond issues and fund every school in Ohio through the state.
Out would go all the local campaigns to raise your property taxes every few years. The disparities in taxes raised by districts with lots of industry and those with none would vanish. You'd pay the same state property tax rate for schools as residents anywhere else in Ohio.
Also disappearing: The funding advantages some districts have over others, as well as the lingering complaints that Ohio's ongoing reliance on local property taxes to pay for schools is both unconstitutional and unfair.
The Ohio Supreme Court found the state's system unconstitutional four times between 1997 and 2002, but did not force the state to change it. The legislature has since poured millions into school construction for poor districts, but criticism continues.
Funding would be equal for all districts - a change that would bring cheers and howls of protest alike. While Ohio districts spend, on average, $10,000 to $11,000 per student, some spend much more.
Two Cuyahoga County districts, Orange and Beachwood, spend more than $20,000 - amounts that would likely be cut way down.
Brenner, who chairs the education committee of the Ohio House, doesn't think his proposal, House Bill 628, will pass. Definitely not this year, since he filed it this week after both houses shut down for the year. And not even next year, as the state has its biennial budget debates.
And he recognizes that voters in Ohio would have to approve a constitutional amendment to allow the statewide property tax to let it happen.
But he said he wants it to start serious discussions about what works and what doesn't with Ohio's system of paying for schools.
"It is not perfect," Brenner said of his proposal. "It has a lot of flaws. But it's a way to open up the discussion about how we traditionally fund schools in Ohio."
See below for the full bill, where changes to current tax and school funding laws are crossed out and new language is underlined.
Brenner is waiting for a summary analysis as well as some financial projections from the Legislative Service Commission, the non-partisan researchers for the legislature. But he plans to outline more details at a press conference in Columbus today.
Here are a few of the big pieces, according to Brenner:
All local school levies end. Cities and districts may not pass taxes to pay for schools.
The state takes on all debt, mainly for past construction work, for all districts in Ohio. Brenner estimates that combining the debt would save $145 million in interest payments each year.
The state will create a separate fund to pay for schools from income taxes, a new statewide property tax for schools and possibly sales taxes.
That pool would have at least $20 billion in it - the amount that the state and districts currently spend on schools.
The amount of dollars spent on schools statewide will not decrease, though individual districts will see their revenue change, with some seeing increases and others seeing decreases.
Money will be given to districts on a per-student basis, so all dollars will follow students if they shift schools. Currently, state aid follows students if they change schools but local levy money stays with districts.
Charter schools will see a boost in funding. Right now, they receive about $6,000 in state money per student, but no local tax dollars. (With a small exception in Cleveland). Brenner's proposal would give charters the same money a school district receives, except for online schools. Those schools would receive 30% a less because they do not have the same facility needs.
Private schools may be included in this plan, though Brenner is not sure if the state can afford that.
School transportation, a big issue for many districts, will be handled regionally and not counted as district funding.
Brenner expects many complaints, including from districts that will lose financial advantages over others.
Cuyahoga County districts, and those in other urban areas, will likely protest, as well, because the cost-of-living is higher. Urban and suburban districts in Ohio typically pay teachers more and have higher per-pupil expenses than rural ones.
Whether funding changes would mean cuts in teacher pay in those areas is unclear.
Brenner said he expects many revisions and adjustments, particularly when he can share more financial details.
For now, he just wants discussion to start.
Yasmin Seweid.jpg
Yasmin Seweid, 18, is accused of making up a story that three men taunted her and tried to grab her head-covering while she rode on the subway in New York.
(From Facebook)
NEW YORK -- Police arrested a Muslim woman Thursday, saying she made up a story about being attacked by three men shouting "Donald Trump!" and "terrorist" as she rode a subway train, reports say.
Yasmin Seweid, 18, a student at Baruch College in New York, told police on Dec. 1 that the men taunted her and tried to grab her head-covering, and that other passengers on the train did nothing to help her, according to the New York Daily News.
Now Seweid has been charged with filing a false report after she admitted to police that she made the story up, dnainfo.com reports.
"Nothing happened and there was no victim," a police official tells the Daily News. "We dedicated a lot of resources to this -- and don't get me wrong, this is what we do -- but we had guys going back and forth, looking for video and witnesses. And we couldn't find anything."
Seweid told the police she made up the story to get attention because she was having trouble with her family at home, according to dnainfo.com.
Police tell dnainfo.com that they decided to charge Seweid because they gave her several opportunities to admit the story wasn't true, but she stuck with her story for several weeks.
Albert Kahn, an lawyer for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, tells the Daily News the developments with Seweid are "distressing," but he said it should not detract from the spike in hate crimes in New York and across the U.S.
"Clearly this has been a trying time for her and her family," Kahn said. "We hope that they receive all possible support in this moving forward. We still believe that anti-Muslim attacks are underreported."
If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section.
feedtheneed.jpg
In this Nov. 24, 2015 file photo, students at Cleveland's Paul L. Dunbar pre-kindergarten-to-8th-grade school dine at the 3rd Annual Feed the Need event at TownHall in Ohio City. Brent Larkin writes that Gov. John Kasich's recent recession warnings tied to his forthcoming 2017-2018 budget proposals likely mean hits to schools and programs that help young people and those in need.
(Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer, File, 2015)
'Twas just days before Christmas when people in this state,
Learned the governor's worried about the economy's fate.
CLEVELAND -- Scrooge dropped the "R" word.
"We're on the verge of a recession in our state," Gov. John Kasich told members of the Ohio House on Dec. 6.
Apparently even miracles need some time off.
Kasich said "recession." He meant this:
"I'm lowering expectations before lowering the boom. The budget I'll be sending you in two months won't be pretty. Lots of people and programs will need to take a financial hit."
Predicting whose ox will soon be gored is always easy.
It'll be the usual suspects: kids; schools; people who rely on the safety net to get by; local governments.
Here's what we know about Kasich's recession prediction: Eventually, he'll be proven right.
We just don't know when.
But the numbers argue it won't be next week, or month.
Indeed, total state tax revenues were $99 million below projections in December. That followed an $88 million drop in November.
A cynic might argue high revenue projections made by Team Kasich were inflated to justify the $5 billion in tax cuts the governor constantly brags about.
Paying for those tax cuts requires significant job growth.
Instead of growth, Ohio has now had three consecutive months of job losses. And while, Ohio's post-recession job gains look impressive on paper, they trail the national average.
That's no miracle. It's mediocrity.
All things being equal, lower tax rates mean lower tax revenue. And while Ohio's revenue decline is worth worrying about, Kasich's suggestion a "recession" might be just around the corner seems far-fetched.
U.S. Department of Commerce statistics show Ohio's economy, defined by gross domestic product (GDP), grew a respectable 1.9 percent in the second quarter of 2016.
A recession is defined by a decline in GDP in two successive quarters.
The Commerce Department's assessment of Ohio's fiscal health is parroted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, the fed office covering Ohio and parts of Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia.
In its Nov. 30 Beige Book, an analysis of our region's economy issued eight times annually, the Cleveland Fed concluded economic activity "grew slightly" since its last report.
Overall, the report was a mixed bag, with some sectors showing a slight improvement, others a slight decline.
Nothing in the Fed's report suggested a recession is imminent.
Kasich apparently thinks he knows better. He always does.
Ohio is not Kansas. But the Republicans who run this state obviously didn't pay enough attention to the catastrophe that's happening 900 miles to the west.
Five years ago, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and his Republican-controlled legislature enacted massive tax cuts, promising to pay for those cuts by cutting the cost of government and growing the economy.
The plan failed. Instead of raising taxes, Kansas made deep cuts to vital areas of state government. Schools, children, universities and the elderly all got punished.
But the small state is still $350 million under water. And Brownback is now competing with New Jersey's Chris Christie for the title of the nation's most despised governor.
It's unlikely to get that bad here.
But a budget that underfunds important state spending will likely speed the decline of a state already heading in the wrong direction.
To the governor's chagrin, the stooges in the legislature are already hard at work to hasten Ohio's demise. The lame duck legislature that left town Dec. 9 left behind an abortion bill they knew to be unconstitutional and another allowing loaded guns in day care centers.
Remember, this is the same legislature that is largely responsible for making sure Ohio is home to perhaps the nation's worst charter schools.
If those lawmakers and the governor had spent the past four years passing modest tax cuts instead of gigantic ones, there'd be a lot more money available in 2017 to fund worthwhile state programs that are about to get gutted.
But that'll never happen.
Santa will come tumbling down your chimney before Kasich and the legislature ask taxpayers for a refund.
Brent Larkin was The Plain Dealer's editorial director from 1991 until his retirement in 2009.
To reach Brent Larkin: blarkin@cleveland.com
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Donald Trump
President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, in West Allis, Wis.
(Evan Vucci, AP Photo)
Supporters of President-elect Donald Trump said they were pleased with what they have seen from Trump during a focus group in Cleveland. One critique? Trump should get off Twitter. Advocates said the new 20-week abortion law in Ohio could challenge Roe v. Wade. And Ohio U.S. Sen. Rob Portman visited Trump Tower this week, but did not meet with Trump or Vice President-elect Mike Pence.
Read more in today's Ohio Politics Roundup.
Cleveland Trump supporters sound off: Donald Trump supporters at a focus group in Cleveland on Tuesday appeared happy with Trump's alternative approach to the presidency, Washington Post reporter Abby Phillip writes.
"He's not a lifelong politician; he's something different," Renee Samerigo, 27, said. "They always have their own agendas; they have their own people that they have to do things for. He is doing it on his own."
Their main critique of Trump? The president-elect needs to give up Twitter.
"He needs to stay off Twitter and quit responding to every little thing people put out there," said Melinda Berger, 51. "It seems juvenile. Bring yourself above it."
"Whatever he's doing in the presidency, Twitter should have nothing to do with it," Eric Viersulz, 29, said.
What does the new abortion law mean? Gov. John Kasich on Monday signed a law that bans abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy or later, with no exception for cases of rape and incest, cleveland.com reporter Bob Higgs writes. The new law does allow an exception if the pregnant woman's life is endangered, but some say the allowance is too limited.
"Advocates of the bill view it as a means to challenge Roe v. Wade and its progeny, which allowed regulation of abortion when the fetus has reached a stage of viability and could live outside of the womb," Higgs writes.
So what's next for the new law?
"The 20-week ban would take effect in 90 days. It could be delayed, though, if there is a court fight over the law's constitutionality," Higgs writes. "The General Assembly could try to override Kasich's veto of the heartbeat bill, but that seems unlikely given that the governor signed the 20-week ban."
Also, when the legislation was passed last week it did not receive enough votes in the House for an override.
Rob Portman at Trump Tower: The Republican senator from Ohio visited Trump's New York headquarters, but did not meet with the president-elect or Vice-President Elect Mike Pence.
Portman's not interested in a job within the Trump administration, cleveland.com reporter Stephen Koff noted on Twitter. Instead, the senator met with senior staffers at Trump Tower to discuss policy, Portman spokeswoman Emily Benavides wrote on Twitter.
Remember the Republican National Convention? Reflecting on the RNC in July, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus had some nice things to say about Cleveland Wednesday in a radio interview.
"And then we did go to Cleveland, and it turned out to be about the perfect place for a convention, because it was just big enough to hold everyone, but just small enough to make you feel like it was your city for the week. And what a great memory that was. And what an incredible year," Priebus said.
Republicans tap Donald Trump's Ohio campaign director: "The architect of President-Elect Donald Trump's wildly successful campaign in Ohio is expected to be rewarded with a top position with the national Republican Party," cleveland.com reporter Andrew J. Tobias writes. "Officials with the Republican National Committee on Wednesday announced they intend to name Bob Paduchik as RNC deputy co-chair, and Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel as the the RNC co-chair."
"Paduchik's elevation -- and praise by Trump and the top members of his leadership team -- puts political pressure on Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges, who now is trying to head off a leadership challenge from Jane Timken, a Trump donor and member of a prominent Canton family," Tobias adds.
Foreign governments and U.S. elections: Portman authored a new law that would to attempt to counteract propaganda used by foreign governments to influence United States elections, cleveland.com reporter Sabrina Eaton writes.
The new law will establish "a State Department center to coordinate and synchronize counter-propaganda efforts by the U.S. government," Eaton writes. "Portman introduced the 'Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act' in March with Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat. Its language was included in a defense authorization bill that Congress adopted last week."
"While the propaganda and disinformation threat has grown, the U.S. government has been asleep at the wheel," Portman said in a statement. "Today we are finally signaling that enough is enough; the United States will no longer sit on the sidelines. We are going to confront this threat head-on."
Hacking reveals Democrats politicking: "Documents that Russian hackers stole from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee show the political group tried to recruit several prominent Democrats to run against Ohio GOP congressmen last year, including an effort to pit then U.S. Attorney Steve Dettelbach against Rep. Dave Joyce," Eaton writes.
Opiate crisis: The White House has $500 million to help curb the opiate crisis -- and Ohio could be eligible to receive up to $45 million over the next two years, USA Today reporter Deirdre Shesgreen writes.
"The opioid funding came as part of the 21st Century Cures Act, a sweeping medical innovation bill that President Obama signed into law on Tuesday. Congress agreed to devote another $500 million next year to combat what has become a public health crisis, with nearly 80 Americans dying every day from opioid overdoses," Shesgreen writes.
East Cleveland Shakeup: East Cleveland voters recalled Mayor Gary Norton Jr. and Council President Thomas Wheeler from office in a special election Dec. 6. Those results will be certified Dec. 19. If the results stand, Brandon King will become mayor, and council will need to appoint two more members of council.
King would finish Norton's term. He's open to talking about a merger with the city of Cleveland.
"If the city can survive on its own, I'm for an independent East Cleveland, right? If the city can't, then in order for us to do our jobs - and our jobs are to look out for the best interests of the residents - then that conversation has (to happen)," King told cleveland.com reporter Emily Bamforth in an interview.
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Kelly Velikonya Patel, 30, Willoughby
Store Leader (manager) at Kate Spade at Beachwood Place and Midwest Visual Merchandising Point Person for Kate Spade
Tell us about being a visual merchandising point person.
I specialize in helping train in terms of visuals and training store leaders and I help with new store openings. My niche is visual merchandising. I studied fashion merchandising at Kent State University. It's a hard field to get into. It's where my heart is. I'm even doing a little bit of interior decorating as a hobby.
This is an art form, where do you get your artist's eye?
I get my attention to detail and my aesthetic from my mom. Everything in her house has its place and she's really strong in decorating and styling. Growing up with that attention to detail stayed with me and carried over into my work. My dad was super stylish when he was a younger teacher. I played dress up in my mom's closet and with my grandmother's jewelry and now I play dress up with my sister-in-law and her clothes from India. Trying things on helps you step outside the box.
You worked in New York City?
I lived there for six months. I did an internship for Michael Kors through Kent's annex school there. I got to see Michael Kors every day, he was nice. It was a great city to network and learn. At about the same time, I also got involved with IMG Fashion through Kent. I volunteered and was in the tents of Fashion Week. I went back for six seasons of Fashion Week. I did five in New York and one in Miami. Then, I ended up working as a manager of the Michael Kors store in Aurora after my internship and graduation. My experience in New York changed me, I was super preppy when I went. I was exposed to the industry and I learned to take risks.
What made you stay here?
I kept thinking I wanted to get back to New York. I visited every five months or so and my friends lived there. But, I grew up in Cleveland and I began to see the beauty of Cleveland. I started loving the city and I started managing a store, which I didn't initially see myself doing. I realized that there is fashion and art here, which I didn't realize growing up in the Willoughby and Mentor areas. I was at Michael Kors for 2 1/2 years. Then Kate Spade found me and I met my husband while working at Kate, he was shopping with another woman, we discovered we had mutual friends, he called me, we met for coffee and we've been together ever since.
Are you recently married?
Yes, my husband grew up in India, lived there for 17 years. Most of his family lives here, so I haven't been to India yet. We had a fusion wedding and I wore two dresses. I wore a traditional white dress for the ceremony and a red dress to the reception. We had the henna portion of the wedding ceremony and he had a private ceremony. We had Indian linens at the wedding. I love the fabrics.
How did you discover your talent for dressing a store?
I started working at American Eagle when I was 16. I started doing the mannequins in the windows and discovered I was really good at it. I became the store's visual person when I was 16. That's when I discovered I could do that for a living, I found Kent's program. It was in the Business school, my dad was an alumnus, we visited, the campus was gorgeous and it all clicked.
What makes the Kate Spade brand different from some other fashion brands?
At Kate Spade, we aren't about labels in terms of the apparel designs. The Kate Spade name is only on the inside labels not all over the outside of the garment. The designs and the structures represent the brand, not the label or logo. Also, our fit model is a pear shaped woman, a real person, not a stick thin model. I was hesitant at first to go to the brand. My perception of it was of an uptown sorority girl with pearls. I was wearing all black and leather jackets. Another motto is to live colorfully and I didn't have a colorful wardrobe, but the motto means to live your life colorfully, to be different, to be you. The brand has evolved so much.
What has surprised you about your work?
Working at Kate Spade and knowing all of the different types of women that we appeal to, I have met interesting women in Cleveland. I'm happy here and have even traveled to some great places with the company. I find the brand and the women involved in it are free to be who they are and they display it through their fashion. I'm inspired by how people interpret their own style through our brand. When I worked at Michael Kors, you had to essentially wear specified styles from how our makeup was done to the specific nude nail color, to what we wore to work, it was a uniform. At Kate, everyone is a different age, shape and size. It's diverse, the company culture is different and everyone doesn't have to fit in the same mold. I really evolved after coming to Kate. I've connected with the company and with the culture of it.
How do you describe your style?
There was a running joke that I had become a fashion chameleon. Wherever I worked I took on that style and aesthetic. Now, if you look at what I wear, it's not predictable. It's based on how I feel that day and on the items and inspiration I've taken from my different experiences. I express myself; it's an art form. It's a little eclectic, outside the box. I don't follow a certain trend. I have my own look. I'm not super preppy, I'm more edgy and I can mix a really feminine piece with my own twist. I like having some lux pieces and a few quirky things. I have a flashy side with faux fur and sequins and fringe. It's bold, my name means bold in Gaelic. I was born to be bold, so I don't take myself too seriously.
Speaking of quirky, do you collect anything?
I collect the Kate Spade novelty bags, they're kitschy. I have the piano, the fan, the California license plate and the initial clutch. They introduce one with each themed collection. Everything is tied to a story; it's a fashion art form. For example, the Fan Bag is from the Shanghai Collection and the Piano Bag is from the Jazz Collection. They are a conversation starter.
Do you stay connected to the art community?
One of our company mottoes is to be interesting and stay interested. I've taken that to heart. I talk about how do we get out into our community and tie it back to our business as brand ambassadors and as people. My husband and I are members of the Cleveland Museum of Art. We have friends who work for the museum and the Cleveland Orchestra. We challenge ourselves to be out and about and to network. My husband had so much British influence growing up in India that he has a love for the arts and classical music and that inspires me, as well. I'm developing a real passion for it, too.
Has your exposure to Indian culture and fashion influenced you?
My sister-in-law studied fashion design in India. It's fun playing dress-up with her. The saris and the jewelry are a totally different area of fashion that I was never exposed to and it's really inspiring. I'm tall for Indian fashions; I'm 5'11" without shoes. I can't just order anything.
How else have you been influenced?
My grandmother was an entrepreneur and she was big in the Cleveland-Willowick area. She was the president of the Cleveland chapter of the American Business Women's Association. She was one of the first women in this area to work for the FBI. She did fingerprinting. She was cutting edge for her generation. The other moms in the neighborhood didn't like that she worked. My grandfather came home and made dinner. She was involved in women's empowerment. She's gone now, but she always told me that I can be whoever I want to be, and I don't have to fit into a mold.
Describe your work attire.
We can wear Kate Spade clothes from any collection past or present. If we don't wear Kate we can wear plain clothing with no other labels or logos showing. We wear all black. The brand also represents polka dots, black and white stripes and things like that. We can add them while still remaining neutral. The company has great perks, like a wardrobe program, so after being there a while I've collected some really great things. It's true that when you wear the brand, you sell the brand.
Other than at Kate Spade, where do you shop?
I love thrifting, flea markets and estate sales. I go on my days off. It's where my eclectic side comes from. I also shop at Nordstrom Rack, Express and Zara. I go to Forever 21 and H&M for inexpensive trendy pieces. For a while I was very edgy Bohemian. I like Free People and Urban Outfitters. I love being in the mall, I'm a window shopper, always looking for inspiration.
Can you determine things about people by what they're wearing?
Everyone has their own perception but after being in this industry long enough I've learned that the woman in the sweatpants will likely spend more money than the woman who is wearing her money. You can't judge people. You just don't know. I'm big on customer service. Our whole idea with the brand is to connect with the guests. That's how I've learned so much from these people. We meet the most interesting people from all walks of life and from many other countries. Women come into the store from the Middle East, Asia, Brazil and from all over. I am so inspired by them.
What inspires your own fashion?
I've been inspired by my travels in Europe through Kent. Paris was the biggest influence. I am also very influenced by Street style. I have always been fascinated by Asian fashion and the Asian college students that visit the store. They have a great way of matching, pairing and mixing everything in a different way than anything we're wearing. That inspires me to go out of my comfort zone and try things that are outside the box.
Do you have any fashion advice?
Know your body and what works and don't worry about the size, if you don't like the size, cut the tag out. You can control what you look like and how you represent yourself. Clothes are an extension of you and when you feel confident in an outfit it changes your whole energy. You can change your mood and mentality with your looks.
Read more Fashion Flash features.
Fashion Flash is always looking for Clevelanders with a fresh take on style. If you or someone you know has a great fashion sense click here for the submission form or email me at acarey@plaind.com.
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University Heights police are investigating a possible robbery attempt that was thwarted by an alert employee.
(file photo)
Attempted robbery, Warrensville Center Road: At about 8 p.m. Dec. 10, two males got out of an SUV in front of the Verizon Wireless store, 2197 Warrensville Center Road. No customers were in the store at the time and two employees were at work.
The employees saw the SUV pull to the left of the store, then to the right before the two males got out of the vehicle.
One of the males was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and had a scarf over his face. Sensing a robbery might be attempted, one of the employees ran to the door and held it closed as the man with the scarf struggled to open the door. The struggle lasted about 10 seconds before the supposed suspects ran and got back into the SUV, which was driven to another portion of the lot by a third suspect.
A gun was not seen, but the employee saw the suspect at the door grab for his waistband. Police believe a robbery was about to take place and are investigating.
Theft, Cedar Road: At 8:55 p.m. Dec. 5, police were dispatched to Target, 14070 Cedar Road, where a theft had occurred. Arrested was a Sagamore Hills woman, 22. The woman stole merchandise worth $647.
Grand theft, Cedar Road: At 9:10 p.m. Dec. 5, a Warren woman left her car running and unlocked beside a pump at Speedway, 14458 Cedar Road, as she went inside the gas station's building. The woman returned to find the car gone. Personal property inside the car was valued at $3,500.
Marijuana possession, Cedar Road: At 2:50 p.m. Dec. 6, the manager of TJ Maxx and More, 14060 Cedar Road, notified police that a mason jar filled with marijuana was found in an employee's locker. The detective bureau is investigating.
Warrant arrest, Scholl Road: At 8:45 a.m. Dec. 9, police responded to the scene of a car crash at Scholl and Silsby roads. One of the cars involved was driven by a University Heights woman, 47, who was found to be wanted on a warrant issued by Fairview Park police. The woman was arrested on the warrant.
Theft, Warrensville Center Road: At 10:15 p.m. Dec. 9, police were dispatched to Macy's 2201 Warrensville Center Road, on a theft report. There, store security detained a suspect, a Cleveland woman, 57. The woman stole merchandise worth $421.
OVI, Warrensville Center Road: At 3:40 a.m. Dec. 10, a car was seen hitting a police cruiser parked in the street by the University Heights police station, 2304 Warrensville Center Road. It was found that the car's driver, a Cleveland Heights woman, 41, was drunk. Police charged the woman with OVI.
Theft, Cedar Road:
At 7:05 p.m. Dec. 11, Target loss prevention detained a Cleveland Heights woman, 21, for stealing merchandise worth $678. The woman was charged with theft.
If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page.
A world of white and it's not winter yet
Residents in Chardon and in other areas of the snow belt are expected to be digging out once again on Thursday.
(Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer)
MENTOR, Ohio -- The National Weather Service has expanded its lake-effect snow warning Wednesday night to include Lake and Ashtabula counties after issuing a warning earlier in the day for Geauga County.
The Weather Service also issued a lake-effect advisory for Cuyahoga County.
A wave of cold air has moved into Northeast Ohio, sending temperatures in the region plummeting. Lows are expected to reach the low teens Wednesday night, with wind chills at about minus-6 degrees.
With strong winds (gusts up to 35 mph) coming from the west and Lake Erie unfrozen, it creates ideal conditions for lake-effect snow. Some squalls could drop up to 2 inches per hour, and travel along Interstate 90 could be treacherous.
An estimated 4 to 7 inches of snow is expected in Lake and Ashtabula counties, with most of it falling tonight and Thursday morning. The snow is expected to taper off by Thursday night, but the warning remains in effect until 10 a.m. Friday.
Heavier snow is possible in Geauga County, with 6 to 12 inches possible overnight and into Thursday morning.
Cuyahoga County could get 4 to 7 inches of snow by Thursday morning, with more possible in the northeastern corner of the county.
The weather could result in several schools canceling classes on Thursday. Asthabula City Schools already has closed for Thursday.
Pastor Bernie Miller of the New Covenant Fellowship Church announces the churchs recently renovated playground is being dedicated to the memory of the Woodmore Six: DMyunn Brown, Zyanna Harris, CorDayja Jones, Zyaira Mateen, Zoie Nash, and Keonte Wilson.
The playground which is used by the children of the church as well, as those in the Brainerd/ Woodmore community is now equipped with newer and safer equipment. The new playground was anonymously paid for to specifically honor the Woodmore Six.
"Two of our church members' relatives were victims of the tragedy. Pastor Millers said, "I received a call from a friend who knew that we were replacing our 13 year old playground. They asked to pay for it to honor the children. It's the first time that we've ever dedicated anything to anyone at our Church.
The dedication ceremony is scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. Invitations have been extended to Dr. Kirk Kelly, interim superintendent of the Hamilton County School System, Brenda Adamson-Cothran, princip.al of Woodmore Elementary, along with other members of the school system and the community.
"The church wants the families of these children to know that their memory is forever etched in our hearts," officials said
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Weekend weather outlook.
(Kelly Reardon, cleveland.com)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Up to a foot of snow is headed for Northeast Ohio through Friday morning, prompting the National Weather Service to issue multiple advisories for resulting dangerous driving conditions.
There will be a brief pause in the snow Friday afternoon, but by that evening it will be back, just not as intense. The forecast calls for 3 to 5 inches for Cleveland Friday night, with more possible in the extreme northeast corner of the state.
Check out the forecast:
Friday
High temperature: 24 degrees, 12 degree wind chill
Low temperature: 8 degrees, -3 degree wind chill
Chances of precipitation: 100 percent, evening snow, 3 to 5 inches
Humidity: 65 percent
Wind conditions: 13 mph, south
Saturday
High temperature: 44 degrees, 37 degree wind chill
Low temperature: 28 degrees, 15 degree wind chill
Chances of precipitation: 90 percent; chances of snow/sleet/freezing rain in morning, all rain in afternoon, snow again in the evening, 1 inch
Humidity: 90 percent
Wind conditions: 17 mph, south
Sunday
High temperature: 25 degrees, 14 degree wind chill
Low temperature: 17 degrees, 8 degree wind chill
Chances of precipitation: 50 percent, snow, less than 1 inch
Humidity: 70 percent
Wind conditions: 17 mph, west-northwest
The How
Another low-pressure system is headed for Northeast Ohio Friday night into Saturday. This causes rising motion in the atmosphere, which leads to air cooling to its dew point, forming clouds. Moisture from the lake will strengthen clouds into full-on snow producing showers through the early morning.
Saturday, the low pressure will linger but warmer temperatures will change the precipitation to a wintry mix in the morning, rain in the afternoon, and back to snow after midnight.
Here's the chances of greater than 1 and 2 inches of accumulated snow 7 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday:
Chances of 1 and 2 inches of snow accumulation.
Keep checking cleveland.com/weather for 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
.
Baker Donelson has been named to Fortune's first-ever list of 50 Best Workplaces for Parents.
Baker Donelson is ranked 43rd on the list, which is based on anonymous employee feedback, as well as benefits provided to help mothers and fathers participate fully in their organizations.
Among the parent-friendly policies that helped Baker Donelson earn its ranking on the list is the firm's parental leave policy, which offers 16 weeks of paid leave for both male and female attorneys to take as primary caregivers and which also allows intermittent leave for both primary and non-primary caregiver attorneys. In 2016, as many men as women took advantage of the parental leave policy. Baker Donelson also put parental leave mentors in place in every office to help attorneys transition successfully in and out of leave and is studying implementing free express breast milk shipping for mothers who travel for business.
The 50 Best Workplaces for Parents list, published by Fortune in partnership with consulting firm Great Place to Work, is based upon feedback from 122,482 working parents at Great Place to Work-Certified companies who completed a Trust Index Employee Survey. Mothers, fathers and their colleagues answered 58 questions about the reality of their day-to-day workplace experience, including organization-wide support for work-life balance, the quality of benefits, the fairness of opportunities for professional development and advancement, and their overall assessment of the quality of their workplace.
Earlier this year, Baker Donelson was also named one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. In its seventh consecutive year to be included, Baker Donelson was ranked 32nd on the list, which recognizes companies that have exceptional workplace cultures. The Firm was also recognized for the second consecutive year on Fortune's 100 Best Workplaces for Women listing, earning a ranking of 53rd. Baker Donelson is also ranked ninth in the country on Vault's "Best Law Firms for Diversity" list and is ranked sixth in the country by Vault for Diversity for Women.
Public backlash will hurt U.S. automakers more than expected fines in a price-fixing probe in China, an automotive analyst said Thursday, speaking on long-running investigation in the world's top vehicle market that appears near to a conclusion.
"The monetary (penalty) is small (for large automakers). Bigger than that is the public relations effect of being dragged before the media (for example before) China television or the China Daily newspaper. Those do have a tangible effect on sales," IHS Markit managing director, James Chao, told CNBC's "Squawk Box".
A senior Chinese state planning official told China Daily newspaper on Wednesday the government could soon slap a penalty on at least one unnamed U.S. automaker for monopolistic behavior.
The automobile price probes have run for years, but the statement to the state-run newspaper prompted speculation that China has seen an indirect way to respond to President-elect Donald Trump. He campaigned on remedying a wide trade gap currently in favor of Beijing, including keeping auto manufacturing jobs in the United States.
He has also angered China by taking a congratulatory phone call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and calling into question the foundations of the "One China" policy.
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The stock market's reaction to the Federal Reserve announcing it would raise rates on Wednesday was the most unthinkable response Jim Cramer could have imagined. After the 2,000 point run up the market had before the announcement, Cramer thought the market was due for a sell-off. Instead of a wholesale slaughter or collapse, there was a relatively gentle sell-offwhich was good news for Cramer. "I think it means that we may be actually getting back to normal I can't stress enough how seminal this normalization is," the "Mad Money" host said.
A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange as a television screen displays coverage of U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen shortly after the announcement that the U.S. Federal Reserve will hike interest rates in New York, December 14, 2016. Lucas Jackson | Reuters
The market finally took a breather on Wednesday, which prompted Cramer to assess which stocks could be the best to scoop up for when the rally resumes in the not too distant future. "Whenever I see something roaring, I ask myself, is it a potential takeover? Is it a revaluation, or the animal spirits of the market? Or is it Trump? That is the prism I use with stocks that have rocketed higher," Cramer said. The best winners, Cramer said, are those with the Trump triple threat winners from deregulation that benefit from lower taxes, and those that will be able to repatriate large sums of offshore money. The top stocks were industrials, banks on deregulation and Apple for its massive cash hoard overseas. Cramer deemed Cintas Corporation the "ultimate Trump stock" on Wednesday, and he expects it to fly even higher when President-elect Donald Trump is in the White House Cintas is the provider of uniforms for employees, as well as things like first aid, safety, fire production and cleaning products. The core of the reason why Cramer likes Cintas was straightforward: When companies hire more people, they need more uniforms, and Cintas will make more money. "If, like me, you believe that the triple whammy of lower corporate taxes, deregulation and the repatriation of overseas assets will provide a big boost to employment here in the United States, then it's easy to see why Cintas would be worth buying," Cramer said.
Donald Trump Getty Images
"Unfortunately, that toy is not going to appreciate in value," she said.
Even small college contributions can add up over time, especially in a 529 account where the invested funds can grow tax-free and be withdrawn tax-free for qualified education expenses, said certified financial planner Erin Durkin, director of financial planning for EP Wealth Advisors in Torrance, Calif. That's a more valuable gift than another inexpensive toy.
More than half of grandparents are currently contributing to a grandchild's college education , or are planning to do so, according to a report from Fidelity.
As you wrap up your holiday purchases, consider the gift of college savings for any grandkids on your shopping list.
Before you commit to making a big college savings gift, assess how it fits into your own financial plan, Durkin said. You may be better off shoring up your own retirement first, with an eye to helping with tuition payments or loan balances later if your budget allows.
In lieu of writing a check to your child or grandchild, make a gift directly into a 529 college savings plan set up with your grandchild as the beneficiary. Most plans make it easy to arrange such a gift. You could also purchase a gift card like GiftofCollege.com (also available at Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores) or LeafSavings.com, which can be redeemed directly into a qualified college savings plan.
Check state rules to see if you can get a tax break for gifts made to your grandchild's 529 plan. More than half of states offer such a break, but most restrict it to residents who are contributing to an in-state plan. (Only a few including Arizona, Kansas and Pennsylvania allow their residents to receive a tax break for contributions made to any state's plan.)
More from Retire Well:
A financial flight plan for snowbirds
Three things to do with your money when turning 70
One way to stop worrying about outliving your retirement money
If you live in one state and your grandkids are in another, you could open up new 529 plans for them in your home state, if that tax break is an important part of your gift strategy, Durkin said. One beneficiary can have multiple accounts in multiple states.
Keep your kids in the loop about any college savings you stash away. Grandparent-owned 529s can have a bigger impact on financial aid eligibility than those owned by a parent or student if you don't plan properly for withdrawals.
Senator Claire McCaskill, a Democrat from Missouri, makes an opening statement during a Senate Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance subcommittee hearing with Mary Barra, chief executive officer of General Motors Co. (GM), not pictured, in Washington, D.C.
The Senate Aging Committee has asked pharmaceutical giant Pfizer for information about soaring prices for the generic drug naloxone, used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
The drug's price rose from $45 for a set of 10 vials in 2009 to $263.88 in early 2014an increase of almost 600 percent, before settling to $189.96, CNBC reported in September.
"Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, many related to misuse or abuse of prescription opioids," Senators Susan Collins and Claire McCaskill wrote in a letter to Pfizer CEO Ian Read dated Nov. 28, a copy of which was obtained by CNBC.
Pfizer gained naloxone when it acquired Hospira for $17 billion in 2015. The senators said they'd already received 2015-2016 pricing information on the drug from Pfizer, in response to an earlier letter.
"Explain, in detail, the number and amount of price increases and decreases taken by Hospira between 2009 and 2014 for naloxone," the senators wrote.
They also asked for details on how Hospira came to the decision to raise the price, as well as how much the increases contributed to research and development into improving the product, and whether any issues of patient access arose.
In response to an inquiry from CNBC, Pfizer defended its pricing, saying the drug's cost was "priced responsibly" in a statement.
"From the time Naloxone entered our portfolio...our focus has been on providing access to this life saving treatment and we believe it is priced responsibly at a wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) price of $15.83 per dose for the single dose vial, and $11.87 per dose for the multidose vial (10 doses in a vial)," the statement read.
"Pfizer's Naloxone Access Program includes a donation of up to 1 million doses of Naloxone over four years and $1 million in opioid overdose grants to several states."
Pfizer isn't the only maker of naloxone. Other formulations and delivery systems are on the market, including an auto injector called Evzio from private manufacturer Kaleo that costs almost $4,000 for two doses.
Collins and McCaskill wrote letters to five manufacturers in June inquiring about price increases.
Controversial Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte may contain his signature colorful language when he arrives in Singapore for a two-day state visit on Thursday. Like the U.S., Pope Francis and countless others, the Southeast Asian nation has also been a victim of the President's verbal tirades. Last year, the 71-year old recalled how he burned a Singapore flag in 1995 to protest against the execution of a Filipina maid.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte greets members of the Filipino community in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh on December 13, 2016. Tang Chhin Sothy | AFP | Getty Images
"F*** you...You are a garrison pretending to be a country," he said in a Nov. 2015 speech, referring to the city-state.
Singapore doesn't take too kindly to insults. In the past, the country's leaders have sued and won damages or out-of-court settlements from foreign publications, including the International Herald Tribune, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and The Economist, for defamatory allegations. Duterte, who met with Cambodia's government early this week, isn't expected to apologize for his remarks, but he may be extra-cautious on this trip. "I expect him to be on his best behavior in Singapore," said Murray Hiebert, Southeast Asia specialist at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. The bilateral visit is aimed at expanding business ties, deepening defense and security cooperation as well as discussing key issues facing the region, so "having fruitful discussions in these areas will require that he not set his interlocutor teeth on edge with abusive name calling," Hiebert added. Duterte will also be holding a session with Singapore's Filipino residents on Friday, a common practice of his when traveling abroad. There were an estimated 140,000 Filipino workers in Singapore last year, according to Philippine statistics, many of whom are employed as domestic helpers. Cases of maid abuse are all too frequent in the nationin March, a Singaporean couple faced charges of failing to adequately feed their Filipina maidand given Duterte's remarks in the past, it's a topic he may raise. Though the President tends to be the most colorful on his overseas trips, especially when giving speeches to overseas Filipino workers, it's unlikely he will mar his first visit to Singapore by controversial tirades against the island-nation, noted Malcolm Cook, senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, a think-tank specializing in Southeast Asia.
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11/1/2022
Unum Group reported net income of $410.7 million ($2.04 per diluted common share) for the third quarter of 2022, compared to net income of $328.6 million ($1.60 per diluted common share) for ... more
People sit in a Starbucks outlet in China on February 22, 2016. Zhang Peng | LightRocket | Getty Images
Starbucks plans to add over 10,000 new jobs a year in China over the next five years as part of the U.S. coffee giant's big bet on the nation of tea drinkers, where coffee culture is flourishing amid a booming middle class despite an economic slowdown. Besides aiming to more than double its store count in China to 5,000 by 2021, the world's largest coffee chain is brewing up a 30,000 sq ft premium coffee house in Shanghai, described by its new China head Belinda Wong as "the second Disneyland" in the making. In an interview with the Post at a "Bing Sutt"-style Starbucks cafe in Central, which pays homage to the traditional 1950s Hong Kong coffee shop decor, Wong spoke of her vision since stepping into her role as the Seattle-based company's first China operations chief executive late October. "In China in the coming five years we are definitely adding 10,000 plus new jobs every year. We open 500 stores a year and our goal is by 2021...to have 5,000 stores," said the 44-year-old, who has been named in the top 25 on Fortune China's annual list of the country's most influential businesswomen since 2012.
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"This is the early chapter of our China growth right now. We have barely even scratched the surface." That expansion is poised to make China, where the middle class have awakened to the taste of coffee ever since Starbucks opened its first store in 1999, the largest market outside the U.S. within the next few years. The mainland China outlets were already the most profitable, said Starbucks chief executive Howard Schultz during a post-earnings call with analysts last week, when he projected that China had the potential to overtake its home market which it has nurtured for 45 years. While Starbucks coffee can be an everyday indulgence for urbanites in the West, with a price tag of 30 yuan (US$4.43) for a medium latte in Shanghai, it is still a brand with plenty of snob appeal a status symbol for the emerging Chinese middle class and a "liquid luxury" for an average worker. More from the South China Morning Post :
Gold seen soaring next year on euro-zone uncertainties
'History in the making' as Shenzhen-Hong Kong share trading link goes live
Beready for a 'roller coaster' under Trump, warns US tradeveteran The U.S. coffee chain came under attack in 2013 by the state broadcaster for what critics called "inflated prices", but the bad public relations at that time failed to deter its expansion or overhaul its pricing strategy. Starbucks more than quadrupled its number of mainland stores to more than 2,300 within five years, even as other U.S. fast-food and restaurant chains including Yum! Brands ' KFC and PizzaHut outlets reported lackluster business. The company has proven adept at adding local touches in its Chinese stores, such as moon cakes, dragon dumplings, as well as tea-flavored beverages such as spicy mocha and oolong.
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The CNBC "Fast Money" traders debated whether the shipping companies' struggles could be the retail sector's gains.
On Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal reported that UPS and FedEx are having trouble keeping up with holiday shipping volumes. Shares of FedEx declined 1.5 percent, while UPS shares fell 2.4 percent.
A FedEx spokesman said in an email to the newspaper that it is working closely "with its largest peak customers and is increasing hours for some employees to meet demand." A UPS spokeswoman told the Journal that deliveries have been delayed because of weather or operational challenges this year. She added that the company is relocating resources to busier areas.
Trader Karen Finerman said that signs of struggle because of high demand may not be a terrible thing for retail.
Trader Pete Najarian said he likes FedEx at current levels but does feel that valuations are a little stretched. He said he's not as sure on UPS because it seems like some years they hire too many workers, but then other years they don't hire enough.
Trader Tim Seymour said he likes FedEx because its "core business, first of all, is becoming more profitable."
Trader Dan Nathan said investors should be cautious of Amazon , especially if it doesn't start participating in the broader market rally. He said if it can't follow, then he wouldn't want to own the stock going into the company's next earnings report.
At one point, U.S. Concrete CEO Bill Sandbrook thought the economy was in the middle endings of its last cycle.
Now that President-elect Donald Trump will step into the White house, however, he's changing his tune.
"Now what we are planning on is an extension of that. So, maybe we had a 2 or 3 year runway. Now we are looking at 3, 4, 5, 6 years of improved economic opportunities," Sandbrook told "Mad Money" host Jim Cramer on Wednesday.
U.S. Concrete is a major producer of concrete for commercial construction, residential construction and infrastructure building. The stock has rallied 30 percent since the election, as it is expected to be a large beneficiary to Trump's infrastructure agenda.
"The infrastructure plan that was in his platform of $1 trillion, we will see how much of that comes to pass," Sandbrook said about Trump.
"Combine that with very favorable corporate tax rates and a favorable regulatory environment with an economy that was doing really well for us before, we have a lot of wind in our sails at this point," he added.
A coalition of antiabortion protesters on Mott Street in New York City in front of Planned Parenthood Andy Katz | Pacific Press | LightRocket | Getty Images
On a typical day, two protesters stand outside Choices Women's Medical Center in Jamaica, New York. The man hands out antiabortion flyers; a nun passes out rosary beads. For the most part, things are calm. Since Nov. 8, that is no longer the case. Since the election, aggressive protesters have been flocking to the clinic, which provides abortions as well as gynecology, prenatal services and STD testing. On Saturdays dozens of protesters spread out half a block in either direction of the doorway, holding signs, screaming at women entering the clinic and impeding on the 15-foot buffer they are legally required to adhere to beyond the clinic doors. "Their behavior has become incredibly more aggressive to the point we've had to call the police the last three to four weeks," said Camille Barbone, vice president of operations at the clinic. "There's much more condemnation than I've ever seen before. They're pushing cellphone cameras into patients' faces."
Other abortion providers across the country have seen even more aggressive tactics since election night. A clinic in Kentucky had to replace its windows after a protester threw rocks through them, and a clinic in North Carolina saw 2,500 protesters on one day more than double the number it's accustomed to holding Trump/Pence signs saying, "We won, you lost." Online threats against abortion providers in November more than tripled the yearly average, said Vicki Saporta, president of the National Abortion Federation. Many abortion advocates attribute the increased aggression to the victory of President-elect Donald Trump, who brought renewed attention to the abortion issue during his campaign by describing the procedure in graphic, medically dubious terms and suggesting women should be punished for seeking them.
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Providers fear the rise in threats will continue as Trump appoints Cabinet members who could usher in an era of hostility for women's reproductive rights, galvanizing the anti-abortion movement. "I think we are facing the fight of our lives," said Jennifer Dalven, director of the ACLU's Reproductive Freedom Project.
The president's men
In his first post-election interview with "60 Minutes," Trump said he would appoint "pro-life judges" to the Supreme Court and if Roe vs. Wade is overturned, "Yeah. Well, perhaps they have to go to another state," he said of women seeking an abortion.
Reproductive rights advocates are anticipating new challenges at the state level, with many states using Trump's election as a mandate to proceed with anti-abortion laws. The Ohio legislature recently proposed a "heartbeat bill," which would have banned abortion from the moment the heartbeat of a fetus can be detected. Legislators did so on the presumption that Trump would appoint conservative Supreme Court justices who would uphold such a law. However, Ohio Gov. John Kasich vetoed the heartbeat measure Tuesday, saying it contradicted the court's current rulings on abortion. He did sign into law a ban on abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy without exceptions for rape or incest, a measure abortion advocates consider extreme. "We're both under threat at the state and national level," said Nikki Madsen, executive director of the Abortion Care Network. "With a Republican president, Republican-majority legislature and the potential for multiple Supreme Court appointments, in some ways we're entering uncharted territory."
A post-election spike in threats
In the 30 days after the election, online threats against abortion providers jumped 46 percent compared to the 30 days prior, according to the National Abortion Federation, which monitors commentary about abortion on social media, blogs and other websites. President Vicki Saporta said rhetoric from leaders at the top is driving this change. "I think it's become more acceptable to espouse threats," she said. "You have a president-elect who is leading the way." Virtual threats are not without real consequences. In the past, rises in online vitriol against abortion providers have coincided with arson, bombings and murders, including the shooting of three at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado last year. "You can't whip up a firestorm of hate and not think it has any consequences," Saporta said.
When the National Abortion Federation detects a direct threat online (aimed at a specific clinic or provider rather than a generic threat to all), it reports the source to the U.S. Department of Justice's Task Force on Violence Against Health Care Providers. The task force, created by Attorney General Janet Reno in 1998, investigates and prosecutes incidents of abortion violence and works with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of providers. Sometimes local law enforcement officers will be lenient with protesters who violate the buffer zone, vandalize clinics or act aggressively because they view the actions as political rather than criminal, Saporta said. At times like these, it's important to have the task force and the attorney general's office as avenues of recourse. Saporta fears that may not be the case for long, though, if Sessions becomes attorney general. "We are concerned if we have an AG who thinks Operation Rescue is a legitimate organization and takes cues from them versus understanding that the law is the law and it needs to be enforced," Saporta said. The task force could not provide an official for comment by press time.
You can't whip up a firestorm of hate and not think it has any consequences. Vicki Saporta president, National Abortion Federation
Operation Rescue, an anti-abortion Christian organization, celebrated Sessions' nomination and offered to help the new attorney general with any potential prosecutions of Planned Parenthood for alleged crimes including "covering up sex abuse perpetrated by abortion clinic staff." "Planned Parenthood's days of running amok over the laws of the land are nearly over," the group's president Troy Newman said in a statement. "A new sheriff is coming to town and the era of old corrupt politicians who have shielded Planned Parenthood from the consequences of their illegal behavior is about to come to an end."
Fighting back
Abortion clinic protesters are not the only ones stepping up their actions since the election. Abortion supporters are also donating their time and money with a renewed sense of urgency. In the days after the election, Planned Parenthood received more than 260,000 donations, a quarter of whom pledged to be monthly supporters. More than 72,000 of those donations were made in Mike Pence's name. "We are so grateful to this community across the country, and we will never stop fighting for them," Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards said in a statement. "We've stood defiant in the face of opposition for the last 100 years. We will never back down, and we will never stop providing the care our patients need. These doors stay open, no matter what." The Center for Reproductive Rights also saw an influx of funds, collecting 2000 percent more than the average monthly revenue in donations during November. Nearly 90 percent of those funds came from first-time donors.
A man who authorities say was the face of the largest theft of financial data in U.S. history surrendered Wednesday in New York, officials said.
Joshua Samuel Aaron, who had been living in Moscow, is charged in connection with the 2014 hack that exposed the records of more than 83 million JPMorgan Chase customers.
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The FBI, the Secret Service and the Securities and Exchange Commission all sought the 32-year-old Aaron's capture on 16 counts of securities fraud, wire fraud, computer hacking, identity theft and several related conspiracy charges, federal prosecutors said.
Authorities have called the scheme "securities fraud on cyber-steroids."
Aaron who agreed to return to the United States to face the charges at a hearing Thursday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan was arrested Wednesday as soon as he arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, federal authorities said.
Almost immediately, the word "CAPTURED" was slapped on to Aaron's FBI wanted poster.
Aaron's two alleged co-conspirators Israeli citizens Gery Shalon, the alleged ringleader, and Ziv Orenstein were extradited to the United States from Israel in June.
In a statement Wednesday, Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney for Manhattan, described their alleged operation as "hacking as a business model."
Figures revealed today show that almost half (48 percent) of online adverts do not reach the right people across France, Germany and Italy, and the U.K.
The statistics, from 's Digital Ad Ratings service, are likely to mean that billions of online marketing dollars are being wasted. Europe as a whole spent 36.4 billion ($37.9 billion) on digital advertising in 2015, according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau.
The consumer packaged goods sector fared the worst when it comes to ad impressions or the number of times an online ad is seen by an audience with only 42 percent of campaigns reaching the people they were aiming for.
Adverts for cars also fared poorly, with 45 percent reaching their intended audience, followed by those for computers and electronics, and shopping and retail (both with 49 percent). The best-performing sector is travel, where 65 percent of online ads reached the right people.
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A Chinese newspaper is calling on the country to consider force as a means to conquer Taiwan, following an apparent shift in U.S. policy. The Global Times, considered a provocative mouthpiece for Beijing, penned an editorial column on Wednesday which suggested it was time China took a less passive approach. "It might be time for the Chinese mainland to reformulate its Taiwan policy, make the use of force as a main option and carefully prepare for it," it read.
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Beijing has enforced a One-China policy whereby countries seeking diplomatic relations with the mainland China must break any official relations with Taiwan. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has questioned this stance and following his election victory spoke directly with Taiwan's president, the first such contact since 1979. The call enraged China and the Global Times said relations between Washington and Beijing could soon be set for further strain. It appears matters were further inflamed after former Speaker Newt Gingrich said the U.S. will not sit back and watch China use force to conquer Taiwan, according to the Global Times. "Time will tell after Trump's team takes over the US, whether it will willfully utilize the one-China policy as leverage to blackmail Beijing or restrain itself in actual practice. "In any case, the current farce has made China vigilant," the editorial read.
Taiwan's president-elect Tsai Ying-wen took office amid political pressure from Beijing. Damir Sagolj | Reuters
Don't let holiday crowds at the airport bring out your inner Grinch. Holiday travel this year is expected to reach "the highest level on record," with 103 million Americans on the move for year-end holidays, according to AAA. Most will drive, but air travel is expected to increase 2.5 percent, with more than 6 million Americans flying.
Holiday traveler with Santa hat looking at departure board at airport. Thierry Roge | Reuters
Holiday crowds can trigger long airport lines and jammed overhead bins, and make it tough to get on another flight if your original one is delayed or canceled. "As much as you can, start thinking about Plan B," Ed Perkins, a contributing editor for SmarterTravel.com, told CNBC earlier this year. "If there is a problem, what are you going to do?" Some of the best travel tactics require planning picking a nonstop flight instead of one with a layover, for example, applying for trusted traveler status to gain access to priority security lines and avoiding airports prone to bad winter weather and other delays.
But even at the last minute, plenty of strategies can help travelers troubleshoot travel woes.
Download the airline app
Most let you check in for your flight via an app and get a digital boarding pass, allowing you to skip the airport check-in line. Sign up for alerts relating to your flight they're often the first you'll hear about a gate change or sudden delay, helping you react quickly, James Cury, editorial director of ThePointsGuy.com, told CNBC earlier this year.
Invest in a priority pass
Depending on the airline and airport, these may get you access to special check-in or security lines (which are often faster), or early boarding on the flight itself (for first dibs on overhead bin space), George Hobica, publisher of AirfareWatchdog.com, told CNBC earlier this year. Buy in advance, or even at the airport.
United, for example, charges as little as $15 per flight segment for such services. (The airline announced before Thanksgiving that passengers holding a "basic economy" ticket will soon be limited to one bag that fits under your seat.) JetBlue offers expedited security for as little as $10.
Assess bag-check options
One line might be shorter than another, Perkins said. Depending on the airline and airport, you may have access to curbside bag check, or special lines or drop points for already-ticketed passengers who just need to hand over their bag.
Compare security lines
The TSA advises arriving at least two hours early for domestic flights during the peak holiday season in anticipation of longer lines.
It also helps to know your options. See if you have multiple security checkpoints open to you, Hobica said. There can be multiple checkpoints per terminal, and many terminals are interconnected, he said, so you might be able to trade a longer walk for a shorter line. Some airports, like Phoenix Sky Harbor International, also display average security wait times on monitors in the airport to keep travelers up to date.
Compartmentalize carry-on bags
If your carry-on bag won't fit beneath your seat, consider packing a smaller tote as well, Cury said. That way, if you're forced to check your bag at the gate, you can pull out any valuables.
Come up with a plan B
WHEN: Today, Thursday, December 15th
WHERE: CNBC's "Closing Bell"
Following are excerpts from the unofficial transcript of a CNBC EXCLUSVE interview with Valeant CEO Joseph Papa on CNBC's "Closing Bell" (M-F, 3PM-5PM ET) today, Thursday, December 15th. Following is a link to the video on CNBC.com: http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000576645.
All references must be sourced to CNBC.
PAPA ON PRICING POLICY
We came forward with a pricing policy. That policy was meant to really take a look at what had happened in the past and, importantly, not repeat the mistakes of the past. So we have a pricing policy that will stay single-digit pricing and be within the pharmaceutical average and we will avoid some of the issues that occurred in the past.
PAPA ON PATIENT ACCESS
In the past, we had some specialty pharmacy relationships that we worked on. But we very much now are focused on what I would call conventional pharmaceutical marketing programs, patient access programs, working with all the large PVMs. So we have come full circle and have come right back to what really is the bread and butter activities of pharmaceutical companies. And that's really the focus for us for the future. Continuing to make sure our patients have access to the product. We have come up with a very novel agreement with Walgreens, which allows the patients, especially the dermatology and ophthalmology patients, get access for our products. We're trying to come up with some new innovation to help patients make our products accessible.
PAPA ON BILL ACKMAN
Bill has been and the ValueAct team have been wonderful shareholders and, importantly, they have been part of our board of directors. They have great comments and they've been helpful to me as I joined. It's only been about seven months for me now, but certainly it's been a chance to really rebuild the team, rebuild the product portfolio especially the new products. And also, take some activities to try to pay down debt. We are going to operationally improve to pay down debt, but we're also looking at selling some non-core assets to help pay down debt. And that's something we've been working very closely with Bill.
PAPA ON PAYING DOWN DEBT
We have $30 billion of debt. I always said that we're going to build around this core. If though there is inbound interest that comes to us, and said we'd be very interested in some of these great assets you have, I have to listen at this timeBut importantly, I've started the process with these non-core assets and that's where I think we can help pay down some debt. I talked about we expect to pay down approximately $5 billion of debt over the next 18 months predominantly from both the operational improvement as well as some of these non-core asset sales, and that's right on track. And we said it would take about six months and as we approach the first quarter, I'm very optimistic we'll get that done.
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In this May 11, 2016 photo, University of Massachusetts Medical School student Dylan Perry, far right, demonstrates a nasal Naloxone for emergency treatment of opioid overdose to actor-patients coping with addiction during a simulation at the medical school in Worcester, Mass. Elise Amendola | AP
American hospitals saw sharp increases in visits by patients suffering from misuse of prescription painkillers as well as of heroin during a recent 10-year span, new data shows. The national rate of opioid-related inpatient stays in hospitals rose by 64.1 percent from 2005 to 2014, according to a federal health data agency. And the rate for opioid-related visits to hospital emergency departments soared by 99.4 percent, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality said Thursday.
The increases in hospitalizations nationwide tracked what health officials have termed an epidemic of painkiller and heroin abuse. "The opioid epidemic has reached alarming levels in many parts of the United States, affecting the lives of thousands of individuals and families," a brief on the new data from AHRQ said. "Between 2000 and 2014, the rate of overdose deaths involving opioids in the United States increased 200 percent. Between 2013 and 2014 alone, the rate of opioid overdose deaths increased 14 percent, from 7.9 to 9.0 per 100,000 population." The U.S. Health and Human Services Department, the parent of AHRQ, says that opioid-related overdoses kill 90 people in the nation every day. And hospitalizations and emergency department care for poisonings from opioids cost the United States more than $20 billion annually, HHS says. A Wall Street Journal story published Thursday, "The Children of the Opioid Crisis," detailed the toll the epidemic is taking on the children of addicted parents, many of whom are now being raised by grandparents or in the foster-care system after their own parents can no longer care for them or fatally overdose. In Vermont, the number of children removed from their parents because of opioid use and placed with relatives or foster case increased by 40 percent over the past three years, the Journal noted. In West Virginia, the increase was 24 percent in the past four years. On Tuesday, President Barack Obama signed the "21st Century Cures Act," which provides $1 billion in new funding targeted at opioid abuse.
With many of us juggling busy work and social lives, online grocery shopping is becoming an increasingly convenient way to stock up on food, drink and everything else in between.
According to market intelligence agency Mintel, one in ten Britons purchase all of their groceries online, with the market worth an estimated 8.6 billion in 2015.
Yet while shopping in this way allows us to save time, the actual process of delivering our shopping can be inefficient. In the Netherlands, one company is looking to streamline and "green" the delivery process.
"We have created the 'milkman 2.0'," Michiel Muller, co-founder of Picnic, told CNBC's Sustainable Energy.
"If there are three customers in the street we do it at the same time whereas a traditional supermarket would go from one customer, go to the complete other end of the city and come back an hour later for your neighbor," Muller added, before going to describe the current process as "very inefficient."
Muller said that Picnic had "created a completely new distribution model where we sort of cracked the last mile in terms of the way we distribute."
"We reduce or eliminate, basically, the amount of pollution in inner cities, which is a big issue for municipalities where they have all these small vans zig-zagging across the city," he went on to say.
The idea of making an online delivery service 'green' is not unique, however. Big U.K. supermarket Sainsbury's, for example, offers shoppers the choice of 'green slots.' Green truck icons show customers whether deliveries are already being made in their area and if so, they can select an "eco time slot" to get their shopping delivered.
Back at Picnic, solar power and biomass engines are used at its logistical hubs, while its business model helps to mitigate any environmental impact.
"We are far more efficient in terms of energy consumption: because you only have a warehouse in one place, we don't have fridges or a cooling system in all these supermarkets," Muller said.
More than a billion Yahoo user accounts were hacked in 2013.
That comes in addition to the 500 million user accounts that were stolen in 2014, a breach that was announced in September. At the time, that attack was regarded as the largest-ever single-source data hack in history. Then on Wednesday, the company announced a second hack that more than doubled the record.
In recent years, high-profile hacks have been bigger and more frequent. Some of that trend stems from greater use of online storage and social media. Some is linked to more sophisticated tools being deployed to get your personal information. Theft of portable devices like laptops and unintended disclosures used to account for much more of the data breaches that happened, according to a database of reported breaches.
This year has seen an increase in reports of massive hacks, some of them dating back years.
Editors note: This story was published by Recode on September 20, 2016, after it was revealed that 500 million Yahoo user accounts were breached. On December 14, Yahoo said it was the victim of an even bigger hack (read about it here).
If you've ever signed up for an account with Yahoo, there's cause for concern. The company confirmed today, after Recode broke the story last night, that 500 million user accounts were breached in a massive hack.
That's larger than the population of the United States and Mexico combined.
Yahoo says the attack likely included email addresses, passwords, names and phone numbers not payment card data or bank account information.
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But our email accounts are packed with personal information. We send people we trust our account details for all kinds of services over email, and whether it's as benign as a Netflix password or as potentially devastating as a pornography website login or credit card number, we expect our email accounts to be password-protected and private.
If you have a Yahoo account, here's what you should do.
Continuing the battle on the referendum next December 4th, the 'Vote No' supporters parade through the streets of various cities.
Italian voters might have to head to the polls sooner than expected and not to elect a new government.
The Italian constitutional court said Wednesday that it will assess the request of the country's largest trade union for a referendum on labor market reform. Its decision will be announced on January 11, but expectations are that there are enough signatures to trigger a new referendum vote in the country.
The likelihood of another popular vote Italy voted and rejected a package of constitutional reforms on December 4 - has sparked further concerns over the country's political and economic stability.
"The likely decision to hold a referendum on the labor market reform approved under the (former PM Matteo) Renzi government is negative news, as it puts at risk one of the most important bills Italy has approved over the past few years," Barclays said in a note on Wednesday.
Labor market reform was one of the flagship events of the mandate of former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. According to Barclays, repealing the jobs act would mean that there would be renewed uncertainty about firing costs, which would make Italian companies less willing to hire workers on permanent contracts.
Erik Jones, professor of European studies and international political economy at Johns Hopkins University, told CNBC via email that putting labor market reform to a referendum is questioning the legacy of Renzi's government.
"A good comparison would be what Donald Trump is planning to do to Obamacare," he said.
"The jobs act was an important reform insofar as it helped to shift people from precarious to full-time employment," Jones said.
The reason why trade unions want to put the reform to a referendum is because they believe the new laws question the protection of employees, Jones added.
Manufacturers in New York state expanded more quickly this month than in November, driven by a big jump in new orders.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York says its Empire State index rose to a reading of 9 in December, up from 1.5 in the previous month. Anything above zero signals that factories are doing more business.
The figures add to other evidence that manufacturing is rebounding after a rough 18 months. Businesses have been clearing out their stockpiles of unsold goods and spending less on machinery and equipment, which have lowered factory output. Yet nationwide surveys in the past two months suggest manufacturing is growing again, if slowly.
Still, a gauge of employment fell to minus 12.2, from minus 10.9, which means factories cut jobs last month.
Meanwhile, a separate reading on business conditions in the Philadelphia region in December came in much stronger than expected.
The Philadelphia Fed's business index came in at 21.5 more than double the 9.0 reading economists had expected and up from the prior month's reading of 7.6.
CNBC contributed to this report.
Traders in the 10-year bond options pit at the Chicago Board of Trade signal orders.
U.S. government debt prices fell Thursday, continuing their path lower after the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points Wednesday and signaled a faster-than-expected tightening cycle for next year.
The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note was higher at around 2.604 percent after breaking above 2.6 percent, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was also higher at 3.169 percent. Yields move inversely to prices.
The gap between U.S. and German 10-year bond yields reached its widest since at least 1990, according to Reuters data on Thursday morning.
Finally, corruption saps the government's ability to combat terrorist threats and ensure security. When President Buhari of Nigeria came to office, he inherited an army hollowed out by decades of graft that was wholly unprepared to confront Boko Haram. When Prime Minister al-Abadi assumed power in Iraq, he found 50,000 "ghost soldiers" on the payroll draining precious resources from the fight against Da'esh. By reducing the combat effectiveness of critical foreign partners, corruption reduces the impact of our foreign assistance and increases foreign dependence on U.S. military power exposing our soldiers to even greater risk.
For all of these reasons, Secretary of State John Kerry has called the fight against corruption a first-order national security priority.
Today in Kenya, the U.S. is making a concerted effort to fight both terrorism and corruption. There, as in many other places, corruption feeds and enables terrorism. Smuggled rice and sugar enriches al-Shabaab, and its fighters repeatedly invoke corruption and alleged abuses by Kenyan security forces to recruit new fighters. So as we intensify counter-terrorism operations against the terrorist group, we are also ramping up the battle against corruption.
Last July, the U.S. and Kenya made an unprecedented joint commitment to partner on over 40 major actions to combat graft. We've since helped to create a special anti-corruption investigative unit, which made its first arrests this October. We've helped Kenya develop mandatory ethics training for Kenyan public servants and have partnered with local police to promote accountability in their ranks. On top of that, we are collaborating with Kenya to develop tools to fight money laundering, improve transparency in procurement systems, and strengthen legal protections for whistleblowers. And we encourage Kenya's participation in the Open Government Partnership, a platform for governments and citizens to share lessons in promoting transparency. Though Kenya's fight against corruption has only begun, these steps speak to the breadth of actions we can take with partners across the globe.
For years, the world has looked at corruption as a threat to economic growth and human rights. But we have underestimated the threat corruption is far more dangerous than many realize, and it is time to confront it with the urgency, intensity, and resources it deserves. In doing so, we can help build societies that are not only more transparent and accountable, but also more secure and safe from the threat of terrorism.
Commentary by Sarah Sewall, the Under Secretary of State for civilian security, democracy and human rights. Follow her on Twitter @civsecatstate.
For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
President-elect Donald Trump met on Wednesday with key Silicon Valley technology executives to discuss his administration's perspective towards the technology industry. Contrary to what many people expected, this did not turn out to be a contentious session (like the one with media executives). The message was conciliatory and focused on outlining the President-elect's pledge that he is focused on helping technology companies going forward.
Some big names in the tech space have been under pressure based on the view that the new administration would negatively impact their fortunes. Given that the tech summit focused more on cooperation than condemnation, we believe the market overhang on certain names should begin to lift. Here are some of the names that we believe merit consideration from investors right now.
Apple has an attractive valuation. It is trading at a forward price to earnings ratio of 12.9 times with a net cash balance of $150 billion. There is likely to be a huge super-cycle upgrade opportunity when iPhone released next year for 10th anniversary. The stock has been range bound but current multiples suggest a possible 10% bounce from here
MasterCard is leveraging the shift from cash/check towards electronic payments (like credit cards). The company is positioned to succeed in a cashless environment as e-commerce payments continue to accelerate. It's not strictly defined as a technology company but it's very connected to the transformation of payment processes. It continues to trade at a discount to VISA on a P/E basis; parity we think makes sense.
Google is a leader in online search with unmatched ability to monetize clicks and views. It's got huge reach in a variety of businesses related to Internet, search, and advertising. For some reason investors seem to be questioning Google as a growth name. We think it still has upside as online ad revenues continue to grow.
AT&T is a leading telecom provider in the U.S. It is benefitting from the continuation of the wireless story and the shift away from cable TV (cord cutting) and towards streaming. It offers an attractive dividend yield. It's proposed merger with Time Warner is an uncertainty but it is likely to go through in a deregulation focused environment. ATT is likely to increase its reach with its recent deals and offerings.
Cyclical companies have rallied strongly and it's only right to wonder if assets that have not participated in this recent bump are poised to catch up to positions that have already made strong gains. Technology and telecom companies certainly fall in this category and we believe investors should take another look at the earning streams delivered by these firms. Compared to many cyclical companies, these stocks now actually look somewhat cheap on a relative basis and you can't say that very often.
If Verizon wants out of acquiring Yahoo , it will have to prove the recently revealed hack of more 1 billion accounts effectively changes the company's value.
The task may be harder than it seems given the hacks occurred so many years ago, said Scott Kessler, deputy global director and industry analyst at CFRA Research. Public behavior toward the company hadn't changed because of the leaks, he pointed out.
"The usage of a lot of their major offerings didn't seemingly get negatively affected by these revelations," Kessler said.
Verizon may consider asking for a price cut on its initial $4.8 billion offer for the company or consider scrapping the deal all together due to the news that a data breach in August 2013 affected more than 1 billion accounts, according to Bloomberg.
Yahoo said it was unrelated to the 2014 breach which leaked information about 500 million user accounts, which was announced in September.
The company did not provide any information on changes on user behavior because of the latest incident. However, Yahoo reported in October as part of its third-quarter earnings report that user engagement trends which is a measure of website traffic that advertising prices are determined from was very minimally affected, if even at all, after it revealed information about the 2014 leaks.
User engagement includes page views on Yahoo properties, mail read and sent, searches, and page views on main verticals.
"It doesn't seem like that much of an impact on its user base," Kessler added. "That's a big part of what Verizon has been focused on and buying into. So, I think it's going to be hard to make an argument that there was an material adverse change when usage didn't change at all."
However, part of Yahoo's valuation involves user information it can provide in the future to Verizon's business, said Forrester principal analyst Jeff Pollard. And, consumer confidence in the company is absolutely affected going forward, not to mention businesses that may have considered using Yahoo services, he added.
"Imagine the next time that you are at a log-in prompt, and you are about to sign up for a Yahoo service," Pollard said.
"You'll think, 'But wait a second, I can't give my email. They obviously don't care about it.' Verizon isn't buying Yahoo just based on Yahoo now. Verizon is buying Yahoo based on 2017 and 2018 (and onward). I don't think Yahoo can make a bold statement that this can't affect them in the future."
"As we've said all along, we will evaluate the situation as Yahoo continues its investigation," a Verizon spokesperson told CNBC, declining to comment further. "We will review the impact of this new development before reaching any final conclusions."
"We are confident in Yahoo's value and we continue to work towards integration with Verizon," a Yahoo spokesperson told CNBC.
It's more likely that Verizon will aim to negotiate a lower price for Yahoo, Kessler said. The company still has value for Verizon's plans to become a media and digital advertising powerhouse, especially when coupled with AOL's capabilities.
"I absolutely think there's still an appetite for these brand properties," said Kessler. "Yahoo has a strong franchise across other content areas, not just email and messaging."
Yahoo is still expected to take in $2.98 billion in digital ad revenue globally in 2016, or about 1.5 percent of the worldwide budget, according to eMarketer. It comes in seventh overall, behind Google , Facebook , Alibaba , Baidu , Tencent and Microsoft .
SYRACUSE, N.Y. The state has awarded Le Moyne College a grant of $1.8 million for a project that will launch a quantitative-reasoning center (QRC).
The funding was among the grants announced in the regional economic-development council (REDC) awards announced last week in Albany.
The state grant will contribute to the overall $7.5 million cost of the project to develop the QRC within Le Moynes Noreen Reale Falcone Library, with other portals located across campus, the college said in a news release issued Tuesday.
Housed in a 25,000-square-foot space in Le Moynes library, the QRC will include computer stations and labs; seminar rooms and collaborative/peer-learning laboratories; tutoring facilities; maker and group-project spaces; videoconferencing capabilities; and demonstration/presentation rooms.
The QRC will play a major role in developing a key competency not only for Le Moyne students but also for community and business partners throughout the Central New York region, Le Moyne President Linda LeMura said in the release. The skills that will be taught through the QRC are absolutely vital to this region as we seek to educate individuals with solid analytical and mathematical aptitude, as well as higher-level thinking and reasoning.
Le Moyne also noted that the five-county, Central New York region is currently implementing plans tied to the $500 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) it was awarded in 2015.
The process has identified quantitative-reasoning skills and educational resources as severely lacking, which could hamper economic growth and job creation in the region, according to the release.
The QRC will be an important resource for addressing this inadequacy, the school contends.
Need for QRC
Le Moyne College sees ample evidence of the increasing importance of data analytics and quantitative-reasoning skills in preparing students and current professionals for jobs.
The college cites a 2015 study from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) that found that American students were below the international average in math and about average in science and reading.
The PISA is an international assessment that measures 15-year-old students reading, mathematics, and science literacy every three years, according to the website of the National Center for Education Statistics, which conducts the assessment in the U.S.
The intent of Le Moynes QRC is to build and strengthen these skills among individuals, including students; elementary and secondary teachers; supervisors and administrative personnel in both the private and public sector; manufacturing workers; and veteran populations.
Le Moyne recently expanded its emphasis on quantitative-reasoning skills in our core curriculum; we are convinced it is a real need for our students, societally and individually, Kate Costello-Sullivan, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Le Moyne, said in the release. A liberal-arts education prepares students with a breadth of skills to help them become engaged, productive citizens. Like writing, quantitative reasoning is foundational; both help students adapt and succeed over the course of what will inevitably be changeable careers in a complex, ever-evolving world.
Jim Joseph, dean of Le Moynes Madden School of Business, helped the school secure the grant by galvanizing support for the QRC among the regions business community. As a result, 55 companies have pledged their support.
They included Oneida Air Systems, Inc., which has already committed to utilizing the resources of the QRC to improve the quantitative skills of its employees, per the release.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
After its first display, illustrated here, during the 2016 American Numismatic Association World's Fair of Money in Anaheim, Calif., the Horseneck Collection of Type I double eagles will make its East Coast debut at the 2017 FUN convention.
Recovered from the SS Republic shipwreck and tied for finest known, this 1854-O Coronet $20 gold double eagle, graded NGC About Uncirculated 58, is one of the highlights of the Horseneck Collection of Type I double eagles that will be displayed by Monaco Rare Coins at the 2017 FUN convention.
Insured for $8 million, this 1861 Coronet, Paquet Reverse $20 gold double eagle will be part of a $16 million exhibit by Monaco Rare Coins Jan. 5 to 8 during the Florida United Numismatists convention in Fort Lauderdale.
The 1861-P Coronet, Paquet Reverse, $20 gold double eagle carries modifications by U.S. Mint engraver Anthony C. Paquet to the original reverse by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre.
Insured for $8 million, the recently sold finest known 1861 Coronet, Paquet Reverse gold $20 double eagle will be displayed as part of a $16 million exhibit being staged by Monaco Rare Coins Jan. 5 to 7 during the Florida United Numismatists convention in Fort Lauderdale.
This is the first time in a decade for the coin to be on public exhibit.
According the participants in the transaction, the Paquet Reverse double eagle, one of just two examples known, was recently purchased by Larry Lee, president of Coin and Bullion Reserves in Panama City, Fla., from Brian Hendelson, president of Classic Coin Co. in Bridgewater, N.J. Lee is also principal owner of the George O. Walton example of the 1913 Liberty Head 5-cent coin.
The participants did not disclose a price.
The Paquet Reverse double eagle, graded and encapsulated Mint State 67 by Numismatic Guaranty Corp., will be displayed at NGCs table 200 on the FUN bourse with the 46-coin Horseneck Collection of Type I Double Eagles, which contains many finest known examples. According to Monaco Vice President Adam Crum, the Horseneck Collection is also separately insured for $8 million.
The Paquet Reverse $20 denomination gold coin is named after Anthony C. Paquet, a mid-19th century engraver at the United States Mint, and only a few of them are known from the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints dated 1860 and 1861, explains Crum, author of the reference book, An Insiders Guide to Collecting Type I Double Eagles. The reverse side of Paquets design has slightly taller, [more] slender letters than the similar reverse design by [Chief] Mint engraver James B. Longacre on other double eagles of that era.
The Horseneck Collection comprises 46 double eagles dated from 1850 through 1866, with a dozen coins having been recovered from famous shipwrecks the 1857 sinking of the fabled Ship of Gold, the SS Central America; the 1865 wreck of the SS Republic; and the 1865 sinking of the SS Brother Jonathan.
The sets 1854-O Coronet double eagle, graded NGC About Uncirculated 58 and tied for finest known, was recovered from the SS Republic in 2003, Crum said.
Previous owners of the 1861 Paquet Revcerse double eagle include Lorin G. Parmelee, F.C.C. Boyd, King Farouk I of Egypt and Ambassador and Mrs. R. Henry Norweb.
Dec. 15, 2016
An Illinois woman is the legal owner of an Apollo 11 lunar sample storage bag that was mistakenly sold by the United States government at auction, a judge ruled on Wednesday (Dec. 14).
Judge J. Thomas Marten ruled in the U.S. District Court for Kansas that Nancy Carlson of Inverness, Illinois, obtained the title to the historic artifact as "a good faith purchaser, in a sale conducted according to law." The government had petitioned the court to reverse the sale and return the lunar sample bag to NASA.
"She is entitled to possession of the bag," Marten wrote in his order.
The zippered cloth pouch, which was labeled in bold black letters "Lunar Sample Return," was used on July 20, 1969, as an "outer decontamination bag" to protect the first moon rocks retrieved from the surface of the moon as they were delivered to Earth by Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins.
Apollo 11 moon rock collected by Neil Armstrong. (collectSPACE)
Carlson purchased the bag for $995 in February 2015, at a Texas auction held on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service. The bag had been forfeited along with other artifacts found in the home of Max Ary, a former curator convicted in 2006 of stealing and selling space artifacts that belonged to the Cosmosphere space museum in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Ary, who has maintained his innocence and is now director of the Stafford Air & Space Museum in Oklahoma, served two years in prison and was sentenced to pay more than $132,000 in restitution. The forfeiture of the space artifacts found in his home, including the Apollo 11 bag, was carried out to meet that debt.
But the Apollo 11 bag was incorrectly identified as Ary's.
"In a nutshell, the government alleges that due to a mix up in inventory lists and item numbers, the lunar sample bag that was the subject of the April 2014 forfeiture order was mistakenly thought to be a different bag," Marten wrote in his summary of the case. "It alleges that no one, including the United States, realized at the time of forfeiture that this bag was used on Apollo 11."
"[The U.S. government] further alleges that NASA was the owner of the bag but was not given notice of the forfeiture or the sale of the bag," the judge recounted.
The government cited cases where federal courts vacated or amended forfeiture orders, including where inadequate notice was provided to a property owner, as a justification for the bag's return to NASA.
The government's filings however, cited "no instance of a court ordering rescission of a sale to a bona fide purchaser after a final order of forfeiture," Marten stated.
The Apollo lunar sample bag protected the moon rocks from being contaminated. (Gaston & Sheehan Auctioneers)
The bag's history was only discovered after Carlson sent the artifact to NASA to be tested for the presence of moon dust. After identifying remnants of lunar material from the Apollo 11 moon landing site, NASA retained custody of the bag and contacted the U.S. Justice Department.
With her title to the bag now ordered by the Kansas court, Carlson needs to file a motion in the U.S. District Court for Texas for its return from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Marten stated that "NASA was a victim in this case, not a wrongdoer."
"The importance and desirability of the [lunar sample] bag stems solely and directly from the efforts of the men and women of NASA, whose amazing technical achievements, skill and courage in landing astronauts on the moon and returning them safely [to Earth] have not been replicated in the almost half a century since the Apollo 11 landing," the judge wrote.
"Perhaps that fact, when reconsidered by the parties, will allow them to amicably resolve the dispute in a way that recognizes both of their legitimate interests," Marten wrote.
City Ordered To Pay $22M To Former Death-Row Inmate For Wrongful Prosecution
By Stephen Gossett in News on Dec 15, 2016 9:45PM
In what appears to be one of the largest individual settlements against police misconduct on record, former death-row inmate Nathson Fields was awarded $22 million in damages on Thursday for wrongful prosecution, according to reports.
The jury on Thursday sided with Fields, who argued that not only did defendant officers, Sgt. David O'Callaghan and Lt. Joseph Murphy, violate his civil rights and due process but that their impropriety fell into a larger pattern within the department.
Fields, a onetime high-ranking member of the El Rukn gang, was cleared in 2009 for a 1984 double murder after it was discovered that the presiding judge had accepted a $10,000 bribewhich he reportedly handed back, fearing he was being surveilled. Fields then filed a lawsuit after a so-called secret file, which Fields argued contained key evidence, was found stashed in a police cabinet in 2011. Hundreds of similar documents from other homicide investigations were discovered as well.
Fields first lawsuit ended in a mistrial; and a second awarded him only $80,000 in damages. Thursdays verdict was the result of a third trial, which was prompted by a recent motion from the US Attorneys Office after one of Fields' fellow gang members plead down his sentence for racketeering in exchange for testimony against Fields.
In addition to the $22 million owed by the city, officers O'Callaghan and Murphy were held liable for an additional combined $40,000. Within the last 10 years, the City of Chicago has paid out more than $500 million in police settlements.
MU takes 'breather' on demo project
Crowder Hall, which houses the University of Missouri's Military Science Department and ROTC programs, is getting a reprieve from demolition.
Historians Urge Americans To Renounce Post-Trump 'Hateful Rhetoric,' 'Before It's Too Late'
By Stephen Gossett in News on Dec 15, 2016 5:32PM
Northwestern Unviersity, via Wikimedia Commons
Historians and legal scholars argued persuasively about some of the more disturbing overtones in Donald Trumps campaign during the run-up to November; and now that hes officially president-elect, were seeing perhaps the most full-throated rejoinder from those with the best historical perspective. A collective statement, signed by 1200 professional historians and scholars, urges Americans to be vigilant against a mass violation of civil rights, potentially on par with World War II and Cold War-era abuses, in the face of hateful rhetoric.
"Looking back to history provides copious lessons on what is at stake when we allow hysteria and untruths to trample people's rights," the statement reads. "We know the consequences, and it is possible, with vigilance and a clear eye on history, to prevent tragedy before it is too late."
The powerful statementwhich looks back at relatively recent historical black eyes such as the interment of 120,000 Japanese-Americans and the HUAC witch hunts, while addressing the ongoing facts vs. misinformation challengewas spurred on by Northwestern University's Shana Bernstein, Oberlin College's Shelley Lee and University of Kansas' Kim Cary Warren. Bernstein envisioned it as a small op-ed, co-signed by a few colleagues, but support ballooned from throughout academia. As Mother Jones noted, signatories include six Pulitzer Prize and at least twelve Guggenheim Fellows.
The Professor Watchlist and speculation about a potential Muslim registry led Bernstein to consider a lot about what I do as a historian, she said.
As a professor, I ask, Are my students thinking critically? Why is this happening? Our hope is that it translates to the larger American public, Bernstein told Chicagoist. We have to think about what were missing in terms of historical perspective, think carefully about the evidence.
The idea that interments during World War II constituted a wartime necessity doesnt hold water, for instance, as there was no mass interment in Hawaii, where the Pearl Harbor attacks occurred, Bernstein notes.
Bernstein said support for the statement among historians and scholars was so overwhelming that they had to leave potential signatories off, so that the most prominent and pertinent-to-topic scholars would be highlighted.
The full statement is available here, along with a list of the 1000-plus signees.
How & Where To Take Your Perfect Chicago Holiday Photos
By Chicagoist_Guest in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 15, 2016 8:12PM
Whether youre visiting Chicago or enjoying a staycation this holiday season is perfect for you to fill out your Instagram with holiday-related photos. If you're looking for the inspiration to create image that will be the talk of your social media profiles, here are some popular holiday locations around Chicago and tips on how to shoot at them. Most of these tips will be for readers with DSLR cameras, but they can be easily adapted to smartphones with the Program 4 application.
By Tyler LaRiviere
Photo by Tyler LaRiviere/Chicagoist
Chicagos Christmas Tree
Chicago's staple holiday image is the official Christmas Tree in Millennium Park. Now the best time to photograph the Christmas tree is at night, as the thousands of lights that are on the tree will really pop out.
I recommend you bring a tripod if youre shooting at night so you can stabilize your camera to prevent camera shakes or blurry images. You can also most certainly photograph the Christmas tree without a tripod by simply increasing your ISO and decreasing your shutter speed to no lower the 1/60th and opening the aperture to as wide as possible. I also recommend you use Image Stabilization if your camera or lens offers it so itll cut down on image shake.
The best angle to shoot the tree is facing west, so you can use the buildings that populate Chicagos skyline to tower (yes, pun intended) over the tree and add context to your image. Experimenting with long exposers can get some interesting effects as well if you zoom the lens while your camera's exposing youll get a funky effect that looks similar to the Warp Speed effect in Star Wars.
But, some things to note when photographing the Christmas tree: Dont us a shutter speed higher than 1/200th of a second, as this is around the same frequency as the streetlights and the tree's lights. This will cause a flicker effect in the lights making them appear either brighter or darker. Also, Millennium Park closes to the public at 11:00 p.m., so get there earlier!
Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket.
Christkindlmarket
If you're visiting downtown you may come across Chicagos Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, where traditional European holiday trinkets, food, and drinks are served. This open-air market offers much to photograph. The best time to visit depends on what you plan on photographing. If you're looking to photograph your food or drinks, its best to come during the day as it offers the most light. But if you want to photograph the shops and the innumerable trinkets that are out for display, then come at night when the only illumination is the shops' own lights offering more dynamic and contrasty photo opportunities.
Finally, if your not really into the blind consumerism that Christkindlmarket is known for, then just photographing the day to day scenes can also be interesting. This is where you the photographer have to make a decisionwill you focus on the workers laying out pounds of glazed nuts for display, or a young child in awe of the vast quantity of hand-carved toys, or something else? My biggest tip is, if you notice something but arent quick enough to capture it, be patientmore times than not the same thing will happen again eventually.
Holiday Decorations
Maybe being downtown just isnt your thing, and you either want to explore neighborhoods youve never been to or walk around the one you live in. More times than not youll find a few if not dozens of house strung up with Christmas lights and holiday decorations.
Be sure to bring a tripod, as the best time to photograph holiday decorations is at night. Just like shooting the Christmas tree above, use the correct shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. And be sure to experiment and try different things. Currently Kenwood, Pilsen, Little Village, and Logan Square have great decorations going on.
But please be aware of your surroundings if you plan on hunting for Christmas decorations. Be courteous to your neighbors and dont trespass on their property. Thankfully in most cases the sidewalk and the streets are public property. Finally, dont reveal too much about the house you're photographing so you can protect the privacy of that person. Dont include their house number, cars license plate number or themselves or their families unless they are OK with it.
Photo by Tyler LaRiviere/Chicagoist
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
Though many of the animals are put away for the winter, the Lincoln Park Zoo offers a spectacular light show for all ages. This running tradition at Lincoln Park Zoo now expands across the entire zoo complex and offers many great photo opportunities.
The Zoo Lights offers much for many different photographers. Some lights displays would be great for family photos or portraits, like the multi-colored light tunnels around the park. Other displays are great for grand landscapes, such as the central lights display that flickers on and off to the beat of Christmas music. Other great scenes to photograph at the Zoo include the old-style snack vendors, carousel, ice rink, and an ice sculptor who sets up shop occasionally to carve animal shapes into a block of ice.
And since the Zoo Lights are best enjoyed at night, bring a tripod and increase your ISO, decrease your shutter speed and open up your aperture. In fact shooting at a shallow depth of field can create nice blurred light orbs that would look great with a portrait. And just like with the Christmas tree, the lights do operate at a pretty low frequency, so shooting at too high of a shutter speed can cause a flicker effect.
Finally be mindful of the crowds. Taking an image devoid of people will be incredibly hard but with a tripod, you can use a really high shutter speedi.e. 30 secondsso that all moving people virtually vanish from your photo. You can also take a few images of the same scene at different points of time and use Photoshop to combine the photos and erase away people that may not appear in other photos, for more information, just search how to remove crowds in Photoshop on YouTube.
Photo via Tony Webster on Flickr
Chicagos Skyline
Like every city in the world, Chicago has a very distinct skyline and the skyline during the holidays can be quite lovely. To start, a lot of Chicago buildings will feature colored lights during the holidaysmost often green and red. An example of this is the Willis (Sears) Tower and the Hancock Building's mast. Other buildings like The Blue Cross and Blue Shield building will have messages written in floor lights on the building's facade, often times holiday or occasion-specific.
There are three prime locations around Chicago to capture the whole of Chicagos skyline. Facing west, these include the Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk near Adler Planetarium, Navy Pier, and facing east from the Ashland Green/Pink Line CTA station, where a bridge connects the inbound and outbound platforms. This bridge offers a great eastern view of the city and includes the CTA tracks in the frame to make your image distinctly more Chicago.
Remember your tripod, and be sure to go out early when photographing the skyline due to the Lights Out program in Chicago, where most tall buildings turn off all non-essential lights in the buildings after midnight so it doesnt affect migratory birds.
Final Tips
When out and about photographing in Chicago during the holiday season, the cold is your enemy. The same way the cold can wear you down, it can also wear down the battery of your camera and cell phone. So be sure to either bring spare batteries or a portable battery charger. When bringing your camera back into a warm environment it will fog over at first, but that will go away once your camera warms up, so dont try to wipe it away; that can damage your lenses special coatings.
With snow on the ground and more snow in the forecasts this December, remember that light reflects off of white surfaces, so scenes will be brighter than normal. Compensate accordingly. While it's snowing, be sure to either manual focus your camera or, if you have to use your auto-focus, take a few extra shots just in case your camera focuses on the snow and not on your subject. If you want large, out of focus snowflakes in your photos, then be sure to use a higher focal length like 85mm or higher, because anything lower the snowflakes will be hard to see.
Finally be sure to weatherize your camera. Holding your camera will warm it up slightly so any snow that accumulates on your camera will melt and can seep into the camera damaging it. Either make sure your camera is weather sealed, or use plastic to wrap your camera up to protect it from moisture.
If you have any questions on any of these tips and tricks or have any other questions regarding photography then please contact me on Twitter @TylerLaRiviere or via email at tyler@chicagoist.com.
Don't Blame Acclaimed Restaurant Sixteen For Being In Trump Tower
By Anthony Todd in Food on Dec 15, 2016 4:20PM
The dining room at Sixteen.
Wednesday afternoon, Vanity Fair published a scintillating review of the Trump Grill, the Trump-themed (literally, there's a salad named after Ivanka) restaurant in Trump Tower. It combined political commentary and restaurant review in a way that would have been unusual in the pre-Trump age, and led me immediately to think: "Gosh, I feel kid of sorry for the folks at Sixteen," which is the fine dining restaurant in Trump Tower Chicago.
The Vanity Fair piece tore apart the food, the decor, and, horror of horrors, Trump's signature taco bowl at the Trump Grill.
The fried shell, meant for one, contained a party-sized amount of lettuce and ground beef suspended in sour cream and Dagos famous guacamole, which NASA might have served in a tube labeled TACO FILLING in the early days of the space program. Sadly, the taco bowl, perfectly adequate as it was, is not good enough to prevent Trump from deporting millions of Hispanics.
This, presumably, was what led to Trump tweeting, out of the blue, this morning:
Has anyone looked at the really poor numbers of @VanityFair Magazine. Way down, big trouble, dead! Graydon Carter, no talent, will be out! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 15, 2016
Sigh. The ridiculousness goes on. But I immediately thought about how the talented people at Sixteen must be feeling today, yesterday, and throughout this entire election cycle. Sixteen, as you may know, is the Michelin 2-star restaurant in Trump Tower in Chicago. It's led by Chef Thomas Lents, and I've had some genuinely incredible meals there. It's got a great view of the river, and the bar outside the restaurant is (was?) one of the city's rooftop hot spots.
But I've also heard rumors for the last year that things have been getting a little complicated at Sixteen. Nothing definite, just third-hand whispers that traffic was down, and diners made the occasional comment. After all, how could you avoid the fact that during this election cycle, if you wanted to dine at Sixteen, you had to walk under a giant lighted sign that said Trump? These days, there's a fairly good chance you're going to be trying to pass through a crowd of protestors in order to get to your dinner, and I can only imagine how the people trying to keep the business running from day to day are holding things together.
To Sixteen's credit, unlike the Trump Grill, they're actually running a good restaurant without any of the ridiculous Trump branding. Sixteen isn't "a cheap version of rich" (as Vanity Fair called Trump Grill). It's a rich version of rich, where the service is impeccable, and the staff would be horrified if they sent out an overcooked steak or found a typo on the menu. But... it's still Trump.
Which leads me to my moral conundrum for the day. On the one hand, these are innocent employees running a good business. The chefs and servers at Sixteen didn't endorse Trump's policies. I have no idea if they voted for him or not, and I don't particularly care. They are hard working, talented, people running an acclaimed restaurant who were thrust into the middle of the world stage.
On the other hand, every dime I (or anyone else) spends there potentially puts cash into The Donald's pocket. He's been incredibly vague about how he plans to divest himself from his business interests, and the hotel and restaurant part of Trump Tower Chicago are actually owned and operated by the Trump organizationit's not just a name licensing deal. No one forced any of those employees to work in that particular building, and the market for talented restaurant employees is booming right now.
Here's the bottom line: Can I, as a responsible citizen and a responsible restaurant critic, actually go from protesting outside Trump Tower one night (and getting death threats for writing articles about it) to sipping fine wine inside the restaurant the next day? I want my radical answer to be "absolutely not." I can't stomach the idea of funding Donald Trump, and in my head it feels a little bit like crossing a picket line to shop at a business that is trying to bust a union. I also know that some of my friends and colleagues will jump to an instant judgement that i'm a bad person and a sellout because i'm not sneaking in, lighting fire to the edges of the tablecloths and running out of the building screaming "Not my president" at the top of my liberal lungs.
But I also wonder if, as a food writer, it's unprofessional to boycott a restaurant because of its corporate parent's political views. I also wonder if skipping anything related to Trump is even productive, in this time when our new president is also a brand and a business. Will I stop watching NBC (and MSNBC) because they are writing Trump checks to produce The Apprentice?
I wish I had a great answer, but honestly, for right now, it's a wait and see that makes me feel bad for everyone involved. Will I move Sixteen into the "no" column if construction starts on Trump's wall and my friends get deported? I'm genuinely not sure. Will I spend my own money on Sixteen in 2017? Well, you'll just have to wait and see. Thankfully, because of the price, Sixteen isn't at the top of my date night list (you won't find it on my list of restaurants where I spent my own money last year), but it's often a place I recommend for a certain type of out of town guest. I guess that doesn't have to change for the moment, and they can make their own decision about whether to walk in under the giant lighted letters spelling out the name of our (gulp) new president.
Security researchers are disturbed that it took Yahoo three years to discover that details on more than 1 billion user accounts had been stolen in 2013.
THhe breach suggests that someone -- possibly a state-sponsored actor -- had access to one of the largest email user bases in the world, without anyone knowing. The stolen database may have even included information on emails of U.S. government and military employees.
It is extremely alarming that Yahoo didnt know about this, said Alex Holden, chief information security officer with Hold Security.
Yahoo said in November it first learned about the breach when law enforcement began sharing with the company stolen data that had been provided by a hacker. At the time, the company was already dealing with a separate data breach, reported in September, involving 500 million user accounts.
However, this hacker was apparently sitting on another mother lode of stolen Yahoo data, but it's still unclear how the theft occurred.
Holden, which investigates online black markets, said there was always chatter among underground dealers that someone had made off with a massive trove of information from the internet company.
Hackers allegedly had small samples, but they had never seen the full data set, Holden said.
But the stolen data never appeared to be widely circulated to make a major profit, he said. It suggests that state-sponsored hackers may have been behind the breach and wanted to keep the data secretly to themselves.
This information would have been distributed widely if cyber criminals were involved, Holden said. But right now, that seems not to be the case, even two or three years later.
Private security company InfoArmor may have discovered details about the Yahoo data breach earlier this year. In September, the company claimed it had found a stolen database allegedly belonging to Yahoo that was obtained from elite hackers-for-hire.
Yahoo, however, didnt comment on the companys finding, making it unclear if the data was legitimate.
InfoArmor has claimed that a hacking team called Group E, likely out of Eastern Europe, breached Yahoo and sold the data in three private deals. At least one of the buyers was a state-sponsored actor, said Andrew Komarov, InfoArmor's chief intelligence officer, in an email on Wednesday.
The security firm has shared its findings with law enforcement agencies in the U.S., U.K., Australia and Europe. It said the stolen database it found also has information relating to more than 150,000 U.S. government and military employees. Backup email addresses included in the discovered dump contain .gov and .mil domain names, said Komarov, who called the Yahoo breach a "matter of national security."
The stolen data "may allow the threat actors to identify government employees very quickly," he said.
The FBI has only said it is investigating the Yahoo hack, and on Wednesday, the agency didnt provide any new details.
Yahoo also hasn't mentioned who might have pulled off the intrusion, except to say an "unauthorized third party" was involved.
Still, the recent data breaches at the company highlight the need for the tech industry to constantly be on guard against cyber threats, a security expert said.
The lesson is clear: no organization is immune to compromise, said Jeff Hill, director of product management for security provider Prevalent, in an email. Criminal actors can do significant damage in days and weeks; give them years, and all bets are off."
As President-elect Donald Trump met with high-tech business leaders in New York on Wednesday, some of their employees were affirming, in tweets, a decision to join the resistance.
The Neveragain.tech pledge passed more than 1,000 signatures, it announced late Wednesday, hours after Trump had wrapped up his meeting with a dozen tech executives. Participating in the pledge means agreeing not to help the government create a database that can be used to target people based on race or religion or "facilitate mass deportations."
[To comment on this article, visit Computerworld's Facebook page.]
In tweets, many praised the pledge signers for their courage. The signers may be putting their jobs at risk, especially if they work in a role that requires a government security clearance.
The tech industry is fully embedded in federal civilian and defense agencies. Employees from large tech firms represented on the Neveragain list include people who say they are employed by Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, IBM and Salesforce -- companies that also provide services to the government. These were some of the same comapnies whose executives met with Trump.
Amazon, for instance, won a $600 million contract several years ago to build a cloud service for the CIA. Google provides email services for the Department of Interior under a $35 million contract. Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft and Cisco are among the top 100 federal contractors compiled by Washington Technology.
Tech employees who work on federal projects associated with defense or homeland security may have security clearances. The government has a lot of discretion about who gets or retains a security clearance, said attorneys who work at advising people on clearance issues.
Kel McClanahan, an attorney specializing in national security law at National Security Counselors in Washington, said he admires the tech workers for their stand, but says this as well: "I admired the students who stood in front of the tank at Tiananmen Square, but they took a huge risk."
The standard for issuing a security clearance is this: "It must be in the best interest of the United States for you to have a clearance," said McClanahan. One of the guidelines for receiving and keeping clearance is "personal conduct."
"I could see an agency, especially an agency in the throes of nationalist fervor, revoking a security clearance because signing a petition on what you will or won't work on does not demonstrate good conduct," said McClanahan.
"If you feel strongly about it, do it," said McClanahan, about the petition. "It is your right under the Constitution. However, be prepared to face any repercussions."
"It's true that signing this pledge puts the person signing it at risk of losing jobs or a clearance," said Valerie Aurora, one of the Neveragain organizers. She's also founder of Frame Shift Consulting, a consultancy focusing on diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She was formerly a software engineer at IBM and Intel.
We hope that we inspire other tech workers to think about what they are and aren't willing to do, whether or not they can sign the pledge themselves. Valerie Aurora, a Neveragain organizer
"For many of us, the risk of aiding and abetting large-scale human rights abuses is so much more concerning that we wanted to commit ourselves publicly as a way to hold ourselves accountable," said Aurora.
Many tech workers "lead lives of comparative ease and advantage and are willing to risk losing -- or quitting -- jobs in order to take this stand, she said. "We hope that we inspire other tech workers to think about what they are and aren't willing to do, whether or not they can sign the pledge themselves."
Indeed, the pledge preamble makes clear the stakes. It cites a range of atrocities and human rights abuses, from the Holocaust, internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, to more recent genocides. Signers pledge not to participate in anything involved in data collection for purposes of mass deportation or registration based on religion or national origin.
"The security clearance process is not supposed to infringe on fundamental First Amendment rights," said Sean Bigley, a partner at Bigley Ranish in Los Angeles, a law firm that specializes in security clearance issues. But because the president, as commander-in-chief, has control over who gets a security clearance, it makes it possible for someone to use their signature on the pledge against them, he said.
Nonetheless, Bigley said there are "enough procedural protections in place that political retaliation in the form of a denied or revoked security clearance would be highly unlikely." The clearance decisions are made by career security officials "who carefully guard their prerogatives against outside influence," he said.
The bigger problem is if the employee's action goes beyond a speech issue to refusing to work on a particular project because of the pledge, which could form the basis of security or loyalty concerns, said Bigley.
For tech firms, the problems could be broad, particularly if the government begins seeking information from social media providers and other tech firms to help build out databases to use in mass deportations or registrations. The tech industry has already been at odds with President Barack Obama's administration over encryption of data.
David Lewis, president and CEO of OperationsInc, a Norwalk, Conn.-based human resources consulting firm, said any kind of action, covert or otherwise, "that would force employees to write such code or work on such a project would likely get publicized, putting the court of public opinion in the resistor's favor.
"The impact of taking on such work only to have it dissolve into a public fiasco would have far-reaching impact on most firms, both for their sales and their ability to attract and retain" employees, Lewis said.
In a blog post, Aurora wrote that "this kind of large-scale human rights abuse requires huge numbers of people working together with the full knowledge that they are committing human rights abuses. Tech workers are a crucial part of this system, and if enough of them refuse to do that work, we can have an impact on history."
The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said Wednesday that it is doing more to combat pyramid schemes in China. Police investigated 2,826 pyramid scheme cases in 2016, 19.1 percent more than in 2015.
Pyramid schemes have a long history in China. From 2005 to 2015, 21,904 pyramid schemes were investigated and 990 million yuan (140 million U.S. dollars) confiscated.
Currently these schemes are expanding through the Internet, especially social networks, including domestic chat apps, the MPS said. They spread more widely and faster, involving greater amounts of money and more victims.
In 2016, police resolved more than 30 cases, each involving more than 100 million yuan. Pyramid schemes have appeared in the guise of charity fund-raising, e-commerce and this year, 150 cases involving virtual currency.
A pyramid scheme, illegal in most countries, is a business model based on enrolling increasing numbers of participants instead of real sales or investment. In such schemes, an organization promises new members a share of the money taken from the people they recruit.
In a separate development, the MPS said it has also resolved an illegal fundraising case involving 200 million yuan, in Zhejiang Province.
The Zhejiang IOT Technology Co. Ltd. set up in March this year, allegedly defrauded some 15,000 investors with its so-called "Yibi" (Yicoin) virtual currency.
The FBI announced the arrest of Sean Sharma, a graduate student at the University of Southern California, for his suspected role in a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack against a San Francisco chat service company. The arrest came as part of an operation aimed at users of DDoS for hire services. The sweep, which was coordinated from The Hague in the Netherlands by Europols European Cyber Crime Centre (EC3), yielded nearly three dozen arrests in 13 countries.
https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/international-cyber-sweep-nets-ddos-attackers
CORNWALL, Ontario The 18th annual year in review meeting was held Thursday morning at Galaxy Cinemas, hosted by Team Cornwall. With approximately 300 business leaders and members of the community in attendance, Bob Peters, senior development officer with Cornwall Economic Development , addressed the numerous ways that Cornwall has grown in 2016, while also looking forward to the opportunities for next year.
Peters presentation outlined how the local commercial and industrial sectors, grew this year. From a new elementary school, a new addictions and mental health centre, the expansion of international education, and renovations at the Cornwall Community Hospital, to the arrival of larger companies like Xplorenet, Atelka, and the growth of more established businesses like SCM, Cornwall has developed across a variety of sectors through business of many different sizes.
This is always a great time to look back on the year and see all of the successes, and all of the connections between one business and another. We talked about sporting events, and other achievements and all of those connections really come together in a good and fun way, said city councillor Bernadette Clement.
The meeting also touched on other achievements in the area, including the joint acquisition of the waterfront properties by Akwesasne and the City of Cornwall, and the citys recent inclusion in an online list of Green cities in Canada.
It was absolutely positive, if you start adding them up, Id say well over a thousand jobs, said Peters. Certainly some of the bigger employees really stepped up this year.
These are full time jobs across all sectors
With 2017 now just on the horizon, there are many reasons for Cornwall residents to feel optimistic about the future. The city will be looking at a new model for tourism promotion, while city officials and community leaders look beyond next year to develop a new strategic plan, with a focus on attracting a younger workforce, innovation, and skills development.
Cornwall is filled with a lot of small businesses and its really picking up, said Jeremy Baxter, co-owner of Entelechy Media, and member of the innovation task force for young entrpreneurs. I feel like there is a great opportunity here, and there isnt really anything like what we do at Entelechy in Cornwall.
Some of the bigger stories are certainly welcome and important, said Peters. But if you added up all the investments from the smaller, family owned business, its equally importantIn the past we were dependent on one or two sectors for growth, but now we see growth across all sectors. That means we have a balanced, sustainable approach to growth.
CORNWALL, Ontario On Dec. 14, 2016 members of the Cornwall Street Crime Unit executed a drug warrant at a Marlborough Street address. During the search of the residence a quantity of cocaine, marijuana, hydromorphone, contraband tobacco, Canadian currency, US currency and a stolen E bike was located.
Guy Fortier, 50 and Marc Lefebvre, 46 both of Cornwall were arrested and charged with the following:
Possession of cocaine
Possession for the purpose
Possession of contraband tobacco
Proceeds of crime x2
Possession of marijuana
Possession for the purpose of trafficking marijuana
Possession of Hydromorphone X3
Possession for the purpose of trafficking Hydromorphone X3
Lefebvre was also charged with breaching his probation order for failing to notify a change of address and failing to keep the peace.
Both men were taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on Jan. 24, 2017.
CORNWALL, Ontario Facing the prospect of a steep increase on residential property taxes, the Community Agencies Committee carefully considered the more than $200, 000 in funding requests it had before it on Wednesday night.
Ultimately, the committee had $127, 000 in its purse to give out and with the looming fight over the tax budget on the minds of the members of the committees, some community agencies saw their funding cut.
One such agency was Your Arts Council (YAC), a community agency dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts in Cornwall and the surrounding counties.
The committee decided to grant the YAC $15, 000 of their requested $50, 000.
The YAC sent an appeal to its supporters to get them to convince the committee and Cornwall City Council, to change its mind.
Though we are grateful for any contribution, $15,000 is not enough for us to function in any remotely efficient way in 2017, the YAC statement said. We are a resource to the City of Cornwall in many ways. We are connected to and respected by many arts groups and artists in the community and are adding new connections every day.
The YAC then outlined some of the artistic and culturally significant events that they had brought to the city.
We have staged or contributed to the success of many art events and initiatives the YAC argues. For example, Apples & Art would not have been as successful as it has been without our help, and it generated a lot of pride and income for the community and its artists. YACabuskalooza was a fun family celebration featuring local performers, artists, and arts groups. It covered dance, pop opera, accordion, soloists, duos, rock, country, ballads, a tent with working visual artists from Focus Art, face-painting, balloon sculptors, and Bensons was kind enough to sponsor our refreshment stand.
The YAC also argued that they were the most cost effective way of promoting the arts in Cornwall. Cornwall City Council recently heard plans to build a new art centre in the city and the YAC argue that it could not be run effectively without them.
There is no other group better established, equipped, or positioned to run a successful art centre. We could step into that role tomorrow.
We are the most cost-efficient solution available, the YACs statement reads. The $50,000 we have requested for 2017 is significantly less than what previous efforts at addressing the Arts and Culture sector in Cornwall have cost, and a small portion of what the proposed Art Centre projected yearly expense will be. Our incredible and dedicated volunteer base enables us to deliver a high volume of quality services at a very reasonable ROI. The Cornwall taxpayer has spent a total of $78,000 on YAC since our inception in 2012. We have returned many times that if you consider Apples & Art alone. Cornwalls $50,000 investment for 2017, coupled with our incubated events budgets and our own fundraising efforts, will help us qualify for 3 years of core funding from the Ontario Arts Council starting in 2018.
The YAC closed their appeal by asking residents to lobby on their behalf to tell council that tax dollars were worth spending on the arts and warned that this cut could wipe away what they have built.
The Community Agencies Committee voted to disburse $82, 000 of the possible $127, 000 they had in their envelope. If their recommendation is passed by Council that would mean $45, 000 in savings on the Citys budget.
A Chinese scientist has received an award in the United States for his research into the effect of a traditional Chinese medicine in treating a deadly form of leukemia.
Chen Zhu, a professor of molecular biology at Shanghai Institute of Hematology, part of Shanghai Jiao Tong University's School of Medicine, received the 2016 Ernest Beutler Lecture and Prize from the American Society of Hematology in San Diego, California, along with Hugues de The, a professor of cellular and molecular oncology at the College de France and at Hospital Saint-Louis in Paris.
Chen, a former Chinese health minister, and his research team carried out targeted therapies using all-trans-retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide on patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a malignant hematologic disease with a high mortality rate.
Arsenic trioxide, called pishuang in Chinese, is known for its extensive use in Chinese literature as a murder weapon. But in recent years, it has been used to treat cancer and other conditions.
Chen's research represents a combination of TCM and Western medicine, since pishuang also was mentioned in ancient TCM texts as a treatment for cancer.
This is not the first breakthrough in medical science resulting from a combination of Eastern and Western medicine.
Last year, pharmacologist Tu Youyou became China's first Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine for her discovery of the anti-malaria treatment artemisinin. She said her work was also inspired by TCM.
Chen's novel treatment strategy increases the five-year event-free survival rate of acute promyelocytic leukemia to more than 90 percent, amounting to an almost "curable" standard, he said. He added, however, that there is more work to be done.
"Thirty years ago, APL was among the most dreaded and lethal forms of leukemia. Today, it is among the most curable, thanks to the outstanding contributions of Drs. de The and Chen," Charles S. Abrams, president of American Society of Hematology, said in a statement.
"Together, their work to understand APL from a molecular level, and then applying those insights to discovering groundbreaking treatments, has significantly improved patient outcomes. Drs. de The and Chen's accomplishments are highly regarded in our field, and I am honored that the Society has chosen them to give one of our most prestigious lectures."
Close
Madagascars fossil record gap has become narrower with a recent discovery of fossils belonging to a new species of dinosaur that lived in the island about 90 million years ago.
The dinosaur, which was baptized as Dahalokely Tokana (Lonely small bandit in Malagasy), fills a 95 million years gap that had haunted the islands fossil records to this day.
The first new species of dinosaur unearthed on the Indian Ocean island in about a decade, Tokana, a carnivorous dinosaur, has been welcomed by paleontologists with great excitement of dinosaur.
Before Tokana, no dinosaur fossils had ever been found in Madagascar from between 165 and 70 million years ago. This closes this gap by 20 million years, making the finding extremely significant, according to paleontologists.
The new dinosaur species was categorized as part of a group of carnivorous dinosaurs called abelisauroids, endemic to the southern continents. Similar in appearance to Tyrannosaurus rex, except much smaller. According to paleontologists, Tokana grew only to between about 9 and 14 feet long about the size of a small cow and it walked on large hind legs and had two small forearms.
The discovered was made in the northern side of Madagascar as part of an expedition that worked between 2007 and 2010. The findings included bones from the vertebrae and ribs.
Scientists were able to identify the new species thanks to the unique features in the bones.
Tokana walked on earth at a time when Madagascar was still geographically connected to India. At that time both land masses sat in the middle of the Indian Ocean, isolated from other continents.
Scientists believe that India and Madagascar separated from each other about 88 million years ago, shortly after Tokana roamed Earth. This means that Tokana could be an ancestor to creatures that later lived in both Madagascar and India.
And the bones, paleontologists say, reflect this mixture.
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China will publish standards to regulate its burgeoning robot industry while pushing for wider robotic applications in key industries, according to officials and experts.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will work out standards for the industry that will cover such aspects as product quality, research and development capabilities, staff qualifications, sales practices and social responsibility, said Sun Feng, deputy director of the ministry's Equipment Industry Department, at the 2016 China Robot Industry Conference on Wednesday.
The move is intended to raise the core competitive strength of China's industrial robot manufacturing, he said.
Sun said that the ministry will also launch pilot projects for service robots and accelerate the setting of additional standards for the healthy and sustainable growth of the Chinese robot industry.
Xu Quanping, an expert from the State Standardization Administration, said about 30 national standards will be worked out by 2018, and twice that number will be available by 2020.
On Wednesday, the nongovernmental China Robot Industry Alliance released three general technical standards on welding robots, robots made to fill containers, and cables used on robots.
Alliance executives said 14 additional standards will also be released soon. The group has some 300 members.
More than 64,000 industrial robots, including both Chinese and foreign brands, were produced in China in the first 11 months of 2016, compared with 32,996 for the entire year in 2015. The full year's production for 2016 is expected to surpass 70,000 units, experts said.
However, Sun said China's robot industry has been hamstrung by dependence on high-end imports, innovation that has yet to catch up, unorganized and inadequate technical development, and lack of production certifications.
Guo Xuan, deputy director of Beijing-based Yizhuang Smart Robotics Industry Research Institute, said automation thrives amid rising labor costs that are largely due to an aging society.
"But domestic robotics firms need to be wary of blind expansion. We have already noticed overcapacity in low-end robots," he said.
According to Guo, proper regulation and industrywide standards are the keys to ensuring the healthy development of robotics. "They will help excellent firms stand out from the competition and focus more on R&D in core technologies," Guo added.
Qu Daokui, president of the robot industry alliance and CEO of Shenyang-based Siasun Robot and Automation Co, said that despite the rapid growth of the sector, sales are still dominated by foreign brands.
According to the alliance, 68,000 industrial robots were sold in China in 2015, while Chinese brands saw total sales of only 22,257 units during that year.
In just the first six months of 2016, Chinese brands recorded sales of 19,257 industrial robots, the alliance said on Wednesday.
Just over 60 percent of homemade industrial robots are used for transferring, loading and unloading materials. Sales of such robots in 2016 surged by 94.3 percent over the same period last year.
Some 43 percent of industrial robots made by Chinese companies were sold in East China, one of the country's most developed areas, according to the alliance.
Flash
A truce for evacuating rebels and their families from rebel-held areas in Aleppo city in northern Syria has failed, and both warring sides resumed fighting, sources in Aleppo told Xinhua on Wednesday.
Forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad walk inside Aleppo's historic citadel during a media tour, December 13, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]
Both sides are exchanging mortar fire, hours after an anticipated evacuation of rebels was delayed for unknown reasons, sources said on condition of anonymity.
Sources said the government busses were ready to transport the rebels through the Ramouseh road out of Aleppo toward the western countryside of the city.
Local media outlets accused the rebels of breaching the truce, saying they attempted to attack military positions, when the army responded with firepower, and thwarted their attempt.
Also, the Russian-run monitoring center of Hmaimim in Syria's northern city of Latakia said that the rebels were the ones breaching the truce, by repositioning their forces and resuming the battles against the Syrian army.
It added that the Syrian forces repelled the attacks.
For his part, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that calls for truce in Aleppo aim to give a respite to the rebels to allow them to take their breath for another fight.
With the renewed shelling, he said the rebels remaining in eastern Aleppo can resist for two or three days at the most.
Meanwhile, the state-run TV said one man was killed and 16 others wounded by mortar attack on a marketplace in the Khalidiyeh neighborhood in government-controlled part in west of Aleppo.
It added that six others were killed by similar attack on the recently-captured Bustan al-Qaser neighborhood east of Aleppo.
On the opposition side, activists said the Syrian forces were the ones breaching the truce, by targeting the rebel-held areas with tens of mortar shells and artillery shells.
Activists said the shelling was random in the rebel-held areas of Mashad, Ansari, Salahuddien, Mashad and Sukari.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor group also confirmed the falling of the truce for the rebels evacuation, saying intense battles broke out in Aleppo again.
With both parties trading barbs, it was clear what derailed the operation in Aleppo, where the Syrian army has become in control of 99 percent of the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo.
Pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV cited a Syrian military source as saying that the rebels initially said there were 2,000 people to evacuate, adding that the number later on turned out to be 15,000.
The cited source said "the negotiations for the evacuation of the rebels have revealed the deception of the rebels, as they have initially informed us that the number of those leaving is 2,000, but we have later discovered that the number is 15,000, including 4,000 rebels and their families."
The unnamed source also said that "any deal or political settlement must be agreed by all parties, mainly the Syrian government."
The source added that the large number of evacuees demands a "political work on an international level and not to be a partial talk."
Apparently, the large number of people that will evacuate eastern Aleppo pushed the government to consider putting other items in the deal, such as the need to retrieve the bodies of the slain soldiers and those kidnapped by the rebels.
Also, the government in Syria reportedly wants to include lifting the rebels' siege off the towns of Kafraya and Foa in the northwestern province of Idlib.
The military source, cited by al-Mayadeen, said the Syrian army will continue the battles until liberating all of Aleppo.
This comes as thousands of civilians kept flooding out of eastern Aleppo toward government-controlled areas, and temporary shelters, where their identities are being scrutinized.
Local reports placed the number of evacuated people from eastern Aleppo at more than 80,000.
State news agency SANA said thousands of civilians fled eastern Aleppo on Tuesday alone.
Over 1,000 rebels surrendered in eastern Aleppo over the past two days.
On Monday and Tuesday evening, celebrations broke out in Aleppo, as the army has almost captured the city, with people chanting in support of President Bashar al-Assad and the army.
The state TV said it was the day of celebration for Aleppo's victory.
With military victory in Aleppo, the Western powers have been on a barrage of accusations to the Syrian army of committing atrocities in eastern Aleppo.
Observers believe that such tactic is a play on the humanitarian file to tarnish the military campaign in eastern Aleppo, especially that the remaining rebels are with the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, and also because the Western powers didn't want the Syrian army to recapture all of Aleppo.
In an interview to RT released Wednesday, al-Assad said that "West is telling Russia we went too far in defeating terrorists."
Royal Caribbeans Ovation of the Seas has arrived in Sydney, marking a momentous occasion for Australian cruising, according to a prepared statement.
Ovation of the Seas is an absolute game changer for cruising down under. SuperCruising is a holiday experience unlike anything else you can find in Australia and it can only be found on Royal Caribbean, said Adam Armstrong, managing director, Australia & New Zealand.
Over the last decade we have committed to bringing the biggest and best cruise ships to our doorstep and today is the climax of that story. This occasion marks the first time that a cruise line has ever based a brand new ship in this market.
At 348m long, 18 decks high, weighing in at 168,666 tons and with capacity for 5,000 guests and 1,500 crew, Ovation of the Seas is the fourth largest cruise ship in the world, making her the largest cruise ship to sail Australian waters, and by far the largest ship ever home-ported here.
With that size comes unprecedented variety: more space for relaxation, 18 different dining options, and more of the big unique amenities that Royal Caribbean is famous for, like iFly, North Star and bumper cars. Whether youre an adventure-seeker or looking for some R&R, there is truly something for everyone, all in one magnificent megaliner, Armstrong added.
Ovation of the Seas becomes Royal Caribbeans fifth locally-based cruise ship, joining sister ships Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, and making Royal Caribbean the single largest cruise line operating in Australia this season, the company said.
Picture this: Your company's network is facing a DDoS attack, but you have no idea who is responsible or what their motivation might be. Without this knowledge, you can't tell if they want money in exchange for stopping the attack or if the attack is a diversion to occupy your security team while your network is being penetrated and commercial secrets are stolen.
In the aftermath of a network breach it can also be incredibly useful to know some information about the likely attackers. That's because knowing who they were or just where they were from can help you carry out a more accurate damage assessment exercise. This knowledge can guide you where to look for signs of data compromise, and what other specifics (such as exploit kits or Trojans that may have been left behind) to search for.
[Related: Threat geography: Why certain kinds of cyberattacks come from certain places]
Knowing who you have been attacked by can also shed some light on why they may have attacked you, what they were after and what the likely consequences for your business may be. For example, a common cybercriminal may be after any data that they think they can resell (such as customer credit card details), while a foreign competitor or so-called "state-sponsored" hackers may be after specific technical information.
"If you can attribute an attack to a particular adversary you can understand their motivations, their capabilities and their infrastructure," says Kyle Ehmke, a threat intelligence analyst at Virginia-based security company ThreatConnect. "If you can understand the 'how' and the 'why' then that can be very valuable information."
Perhaps most importantly, knowing who has attacked you can help you formulate your future security plans and decide how best to allocate your security budget going forward. For example, if you believe that you were the victim of a targeted attack and the hackers did not succeed in exfiltrating everything that they were after, then you may decide to beef up your security specifically to protect those assets that you think they are most likely to come back for.
The ability to attribute an attack to a particular group becomes even more important when it comes to major security breaches. Attacks like the 2014 Sony breach which the FBI attributed to hackers connected to the North Korean government can be cause for national security concerns and can also have major political repercussions.
So how do security experts go about identifying hackers and where they are from?
Foraging in forums
The first thing to understand is that attribution is very hard. You can't just look at the apparent source of an attack, because it will almost certainly be passing thought at least one proxy, perhaps on a compromised server on the other side of the world from the attackers. Or, in the case of DDoS attacks, the traffic will come from thousands of compromised machines that may be part of a global botnet.
It's also difficult to attribute an attack to a group or country based on messages left on compromised servers or strings in a particular language found in exploit code. In part that's because hackers tend to share, buy, copy or steal other hackers' tools, so code with a string of Russian text could just as likely be used by Peruvian hackers or North Korean students. And for every hacker who inadvertently leaves some trace of his activity (like a string of text in Russian) there is probably another who will leave such information deliberately as a form of misdirection.
Another thing that's important is that hackers rarely meet each other face to face. Instead they often exchange information, tools and hacked data on hacker forums either on the web, or the more obscure darknet.
[Also on CIO.com: 8 of the most unsettling things you'll find on the darknet]
These forums are vital sources of information for law enforcement agencies and security specialists, according to Christopher Ahlberg, CEO and founder of real-time threat intelligence provider Recorded Future. Speaking at the Black Hat Europe 2016 security conference in London, Ahlberg said that in many cases the ability to attribute an attack to a particular group or individual comes down to "sloppy handle usage" on hacker forums.
"We will see someone register a domain name, and use the same handle on hacker forums, on developer forums, on social networks and so on," he says. When handles (which may be part of an email address) are reused in this way it becomes relatively easy to work out who a forum member is, and forum posts often provide information that points to a specific individual (or group) as being responsible for a particular hack.
The problem for security experts like Ahlberg is that smart hackers know about operations security (opsec) and therefore know better than to reuse their handle in different environments. "They will do 'handle hopping,' changing their handles between forums, or indeed within a single forum," he says.
Identifying patterns
What can be done to overcome the practice of handle hopping? A possible solution is to apply a dose of mathematics and carry out a Pattern of Life analysis, which Wikipedia defines as "a method of surveillance specifically used for documenting or understanding a subject's (or many subjects') habits. This information can then be potentially used to predict future actions by the subject(s) being observed."
In fact, Pattern of Life analyses can be carried out on all kinds of data sets, ranging from crime statistics to Uber rides, to spot certain patterns of behavior, Ahlberg says. For example, it turns out that on Valentine's Day there are plenty of Uber rides that start at 1 a.m. and return at 5 a.m., but on the eve of Tax Day this type of ride behavior is very uncommon. Also interesting: the most popular time for burglars to strike in Chicago is 9 a.m., and narcotics dealers are most active at lunchtime and at night.
Similarly predictable behavior patterns can be found incyber-crime. Ahlberg's company ran an automated system that collected data on 750 criminal or hacker forums on the web and the darkweb that use seven different languages, including Chinese, Russian and Arabic. Data on 1.4 million handles was processed and indexed, with some interesting results.
They found that over 96 percent of forum handles were used only once, indicating that the vast hackers that frequent these forums are keenly aware of the need to take measures to hide their identities.
But that's not always the case, and the exceptions provided Ahlberg with the opportunity to find out more about those hackers and their activities. "If I can see two (handle) patterns moving in sync then it could be that it is the same person using two different handles, or it could be two guys who are working together," he says. "The trick is to find handles that display similar usage behavior. By identifying hang-arounds, we can begin to identify a crew."
By looking at the language used in different forums, it was possible to extract other information from the captured data. It turns out that distinct groups of hackers work at very different times of the day or night. For example, Iranian hackers tend to work during the day (perhaps indicating that many of them are students), while Russian hackers tend to operate in the evening (which suggests that many have daytime jobs and carry out cybercrime as a second job to supplement their incomes).
And groups of hackers that operate on Russian language sites frequent these sites at different times, which suggests they may be in different time zones, perhaps one group in Vladivostok and another in Moscow.
And other patterns provide experts with even stronger indications of where hackers may be from. For example, Russian hacking activity falls away during New Year's Eve (for obvious reasons), while Arab hackers' activity ramps up during the month of Ramadan (when perhaps there is little else to do).
What's clear from all this is that while some level of attribution is possible, it is very much an inexact science: two years after the Sony hack it's not entirely obvious how the U.S. government can be sure that North Korean hackers were responsible.
But using techniques such as Pattern of Life analysis the security community is increasingly able to shed some light on the "who?" and "why?" of cyberattacks, and it is information that enterprises can take advantage of to minimize the damage when intrusions do occur and to help keep themselves safer in the future.
Related video
This story, "Know your (cyber) enemy" was originally published by CIO .
As we approach the holidays and get ready for 2017, lets take a moment to review our great work in preventing and defending advisories and attacks on the organizations. We know cyber criminals keep trying to evade the cyber defenses we have deployed. There have been big security incidents and breaches in 2016. Spam and spear phishing email campaigns touched unprecedented heights delivering ransomware to millions of potential victims.
The world of digital information security does not lack for challenges. Major events in 2016 have created uncertainty about the future and at the same time new opportunities for the security industry to think and innovate new defense technologies and solutions. But in the cybersecurity world, one thing is sure that some attacks and crimes will continue to evolve and new challenges will emerge.
The security industrys biggest challenges are to improve the life cycle of threat defense effectiveness by moving the curve ahead of advisories.
The key events of 2016!
Ransomware: Ransomware has been ongoing for a few years. However, this year has been marked a new high in the volume and creativity of attacks across industries, especially targeting the healthcare industry. One of the largest attacks was against Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital paid $17,000 ransom to regain access to files locked by ransomware.
The recent attack on the San Francisco public transit system infected and locked up more than 2,000 computers used to operate San Franciscos public transport system. This forced the Municipal Transportation Agency to open the gates and allow passengers to ride for free. The attacker put the demand for 100 bitcoin ransom.
Lawful hacking: US lawmakers brought Apple, the FBI, security experts and law enforcement officials to testify on the ongoing debate over encryption and the abilities of investigators to access data on a terrorist's Apple iPhone. This created a lot of noise and chaos around privacy concerns and impact of government agencies abilities to access citizens' phones from the backdoor. The theme that emerged was the need for the FBI to improve its own technical power to crack encryption - without the help of tech industry or third parties. At the end, the FBI with the help of a third-party tool were able to unlock the San Bernardino shooters iPhone 5C. So did the FBI learned to overcome the encryption itself and can now hack into iPhone encryption by lawful hacking? Apple encryption is considered a strong security device to date in the enterprise vs any other phones available.
IoT hacking: A massive internet attack that caused outages and network congestion for a large number of websites was launched with the help of hacked IoT devices such as video cameras, DVR etc. The attack on Dyn, an internet backbone service provider to some of internets top destinations, created problems for internet users to reach an array of sites such as Twitter, Amazon, Spotify etc. The security community has been ringing the bell loudly about IoT security vulnerabilities for years.
What is ahead in 2017!
Time to get serious about IoT security: IoT will help accelerate shutting down the internet in an agile methodology. In addition, we can expect to see ransomware for IoT devices as it will continue to proliferate and become more destructive. Imagine a driverless car system attacked by ransomware. Your car could sit in your driveway until the ransom is paid or your life could be in danger when your car is attacked while you are driving.
Critical infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants and telecommunications towers, are highly vulnerable to cyber-attack. Security around the critical infrastructure needs to be planned for the possibility that the networks and systems will see attack methods consistent with multiple potential threat actors including national states, terrorism and organized crime.
To fuel its growth, ransomware authors are trying to innovate new technical advances by increasing exploit kit sophistication to stay ahead of the enterprise defense technologies. They are even trying to offer ransomware-as-a-service delivery models to hackers and priced at pay-as-you-go service offerings.
Cloud security concerns: As enterprises continue to migrate more data and applications into the cloud, they are providing a backdoor for hackers to access other enterprise systems. The shift towards cloud based storage and services is becoming a very lucrative target for attacks as the perimeter is not protected by a firewall or traditional security measures. An attack to disrupt a major cloud provider will affect all of their customers' businesses.
The disruptive event would be used as a means to impact a competitor or organization. The days are not far away when we will start seeing new ransomware impacting cloud based data centers as more and more organizations embrace the cloud both public and private. These attacks will start finding their way into new infrastructure through encrypted files spreading cloud to cloud or by hackers using cloud services as launching pads to initiate attacks. The attack on the cloud will result in millions of dollars in damages and loss of critical data.
The impact of AI and machine learning to cybersecurity: AI is exciting for many reasons and the potential that AI and machine learning has is unlimited. Enterprises will need to invest in solutions that have the capabilities to collect and analyze data from countless endpoint, network devices and attack sensors across organizations, industries and geographies. But attackers will also use AI capability to wield highly sophisticated and persistent attacks with malware designed with adaptive, success-based learning to improve the efficacy of attacks. The next generation AI-powered attack that will emerge involve customized code that will emulate the behaviors of specific users to fool even skilled security personnel. This could include crafting sophisticated phishing campaigns that will successfully dupe even the most threat-conscious employee.
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After months of negotiations and the intervention of the Connecticut delegation, the maintenance contract for the Marine One aircraft, which transports the president of the United States, will remain in Stratford.
The Department of Defense announced this week that it had awarded Sikorsky Aircraft a new contract of nearly $138 million for maintenance of the VH-3D and VH-60N Marine One aircraft.
The news comes just a few months after the U.S. Navy announced that it would likely move the maintenance to a facility in Florida due to failed negotiations with Sikorsky. The Stratford-based helicopter maker had estimated 85 jobs would have been lost by the move.
We thank the Navy for working with us to negotiate a new contract that will retain the Special Progressive Aircraft Rework (SPAR) maintenance program in Connecticut for VH-3D and VH-60N Marine One aircraft, said Sikorsky Spokesman Paul Jackson in a statement. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has 40 years of experience fulfilling this no-fail mission and appreciates the opportunity to continue doing so.
The Navy announced last August that it was planning to move maintenance of Marine One to the Fleet Readiness Center Southeast in Jacksonville, Fla. That plan was meant to ensure the program continued without interruption if talks with Sikorsky did not pan out. More than two months later, in October, the two sides came to an agreement and the contract was announced this week.
According to the Department of Defense, the services Sikorsky will provide include security, project engineering, integrated logistics support, VIP Helicopter training and program support for the Presidential Helicopters Program.
Work will be performed in Stratford beginning in January. The contract runs through November 2022.
Jackson thanked the Connecticut delegation for supporting Sikorsky throughout the negotiations. In August, just a week after the Navy announced the failed negotiations, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., announced that he, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, and Jim Himes, D-4, had written a letter to Ray Mabus, secretary of the Navy, urging him to rethink the decision.
Blumenthal said they remained involved in the process, speaking often with top Pentagon officials and urging a resolution between the two sides in talks that were sometimes contentious.
On Thursday, Blumenthal lauded the news.
This landmark victory is great news for jobs and national security a ringing testament to the unrivaled skills and dedication of Sikorskys amazing workforce, he said. I fought proudly to ensure that this maintenance mission for the nations iconic helicopter would be kept in its rightful and historical site. I will continue that fight to ensure that Connecticut remains the arsenal of our democracy so critical to our national defense and our economy.
The senator said Pentagon officials seem to appreciate the fact that Sikorskys workers are experts at what they do. They expressed their admiration and respect for the Sikorsky workforce, Blumenthal said.
Todays news is a win for working families in Stratford and the highly skilled workers at Sikorsky, DeLauro said. Connecticut has a rich history of being a leader in the defense manufacturing industry and this contract will ensure the maintenance work remains in Connecticut where it belongs.
Murphy added that Thursday marked a great day for Connecticut workers.
I am extremely pleased that the united effort of Sikorsky, its workers and our Connecticut delegation prevailed, he said. The Department of Defense has come to rely on Sikorskys unparalleled reliability and performance, and Im thrilled that the men and women at Sikorsky will continue to keep our president safe.
ktorres@hearstmediact.com; 203-330-6227
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Psaki got Obamas message across
Jen Psaki has had quite a run at the White House, but now its all coming to an end. By midday Jan. 20, she will have turned out the light for the last time at her cozy workspace just steps away from the Oval Office.
She leaves with her head held high after eight years in the administration, proud of the achievements of President Barack Obama and what she views as her own modest role in helping the president shape his message.
No one would blame her if she viewed the election of Donald Trump as a slap in the face to the Obama legacy. But Psaki, now 38, insists shes an optimist by nature, as is the man whom she advised as White House communications director. (Psaki also served a stint as State Department spokeswoman, earning her over-the-top derision from Russias blogosphere ... arguably a badge of honor as a Putin-friendly administration moves in.)
As I look back, I recognize the honor of having a front-row seat to history and I dont think Ive fully digested it yet, she said. Theres never been a moment when Ive not been proud to work for this president.
So whats next for the former Greenwich High School swimming champ?
More time with her husband, Greg Mecher, and their daughter, 17-month-old Genevieve, whom they call Vivi. And maybe some writing, speaking and teaching and trying to preserve the legacy that Trump has vowed largely to dismantle. Georgetown Institute of Politics just appointed her a fellow for the spring semester.
The election certainly didnt turn out how we planned, she said. Democrats didnt win states weve won in the past, and now its time for the party to reflect on why that is.
Cabinet confrontations
Congress reconvenes in January with a full slate of Trump cabinet confirmation hearings and votes, and U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., will be right in the thick of it.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, hell get to question Trumps proposed Secretary of Labor, Andrew Puzder. And as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, hell do the same for wannabe Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
Dont expect a love sonnet from Murphy to either of them.
Rex Tillerson has spent his entire career putting oil company profits first and the interests of his country second, Murphy said of the ExxonMobil CEO-turned-nominee, who courted Russian President Vladimir Putin while wrapping up energy deals in Russia. Its fantasy to think he will magically change his stripes once in office. The people I represent in Connecticut deserve better.
And Murphy has rejected Puzder right out of the gate as no friend to the American worker.
I cant imagine anyone less qualified for this position, Murphy said of Pruzder, CEO of a fast-food chain that includes Carls Jr. and Hardees.
The pro-labor book against Puzder is lengthy: Hes no fan of raising the minimum wage and looks forward to the days when robots replace humans in fast food. A decade ago, the Department of Labor forced Hardees to pay $58,000 in overtime bonuses to 456 workers.
Win or lose on confirmation, its important to make these fights, Murphy said.
The business of government
For Big Business and particularly for Goldman Sachs the Trump hits just keep on coming. Trumps White House adviser Steve Bannon, his expected chief economic counselor Gary Cohn and designated Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin are all vets of Wall Streets premier investment banking and management firm.
Add to that ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson (Secretary of State) and billionaire investor Wilbur Ross (Secretary of Commerce) and lets not forget about Connecticuts own Linda McMahon (Small Business Administration chief) and you get the picture: Trumps cabinet and staff is all business all the time.
Is that a good thing? Will these nominees collectively act in the interests of Johnny Paycheck working stiff, or those of Bonfire-of-the-Vanities Bonus King?
Rep. Jim Himes knows a thing or two about this dichotomy, having himself worked at Goldman Sachs for 12 years. He heads a coalition of business-minded Democrats in the House and represents a fair number of bonus earners and the carried interest crew in Fairfield County. But hes not a believer in Trumps Art of the Deal confidence in corporate America running constitutional America.
It is pretty hard for a billionaire to walk in the shoes of a guy who is struggling to pay the bills, said Himes, who does not know Bannon or Mnuchin but worked with Cohn. He has a traders kind of impatience and decisiveness, moves quickly, thinks fast ... and its hard to know if thats bad or good.
For Himes, its difficult to see how all the new administrations business acumen adds up to anything positive when Trump is committed to repealing Obamacare, voucherizing Medicare and cutting taxes for the wealthy.
But nevertheless, it really troubles me when we Democrats go on witch hunts and assume someone with a background in business is anti-worker, he said. Weve got to get away from this I know who you are because of where you worked baloney.
Still, Himes said, it is fair to ask whether Trump putting people into power who understand the struggles of the average Joe.
dan@hearstdc.com; @danfreedma
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A 25-year-old DUI driver who slammed his car into into the rear of a state troopers cruiser in a construction zone on I-91last summer, was arrested Wednesday.
State Police say a Ford Five Hundrend sedan driven by Joshua Rita, of Meriden, struck the rear of the cruiser shortly before 1 a.m. on July 18 in Middletown. According to the accident report, Trooper Garreth Olliviere was parked in the left lane shoulder near Exit 20 with the all its rear facing emergency lights activated.
The left lane was closed to traffic while work crews were performing emergency repairs to a guardrail damaged from an earlier accident.
The accident report says Ritas vehicle struck the cruiser causing it to be thrown forward and to the left, striking the wire rope guardrail off the left shoulder
Ritas vehicle continued traveling north and went across all three lanes before striking the right rope guardrail off the right shoulder.:
Both Trooper Olliviere and Rita received minor injuires; their vehicles had extensive damage, according to the report.
On Wednesday, troopers went to Ritas home and arrested him on a court warrant charging him with operating under the influence of drugs/alcohol and failure to slow or move over for an emergency vehicle. He was released after posting a $2,500 bond and will appear in court on Dec. 28.
Julys accident was one of several this year involving Connecticut state troopers and DOT trucks.
On Nov. 3, a veteran state police detective was injured after a drunk driver rear-ended his cruiser after sideswiping a DOT truck in Wethersfield. At approximately 11:15 p.m., 22-year-veteran Detective Patrick Dwyer was sitting in his parked cruiser on Route 3 southbound/Putnam Bridge in an active construction zone. At this time, Michael Gauvin, 43, was operating a Jeep Wrangler southbound on Route 3 after admittedly consuming alcohol, state police said.
Gauvin side-swiped the DOT crash truck and then crashed into the rear of Detective Dwyer's cruiser, coming to final rest on top of the cruiser and jersey barrier. Detective Dwyer was transported to Hartford Hospital with non-life threatening injures. Gauvin was also transported for minor injuries. Gauvin subsequently admitted to consuming alcohol, failed the field sobriety tests and was taken into custody.
On that same day, a DOT truck truck was rear-ended by a driver on Route 8/25 in Bridgeport.
And on Nov. 2, a 24-year-old driver - whose license was suspended - rear-ended a state DOT truck near Exit 34 in Milford. Daquan Morris, of Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport, was charged with operating under suspension, failure to move over and reckless driving. Both Morris and a passenger received minor injuries in the collision. No DOT workers were injured.
Civil War Gala to be held Saturday in Somerset
The 14th annual Col. Robert Cummins Civil War Gala will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Somerset Church of the Brethren, 606 Berlin Plank Road in Somerset.
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What can your bank do for you? When youre choosing a bank, look for one with all the services you...
What can we do? And why arent we doing it? These are the questions in most of our minds as we watch one of the great horrors of modern times unfolding in Aleppo.
Women and children are being rounded up and shot by militias loyal to Syrias brutal dictator, President Bashar al-Assad. Others are burnt alive as Syrian and Russian planes pulverise the city with cluster bombs and missiles.
And its been going on for months years, in fact. Aleppo was once a thriving commercial centre with more than two million inhabitants. Now much of it lies in ruins. Hospitals have been bombed; children maimed, mutilated and murdered. Countless thousands of people have died.
Hospitals have been bombed; children maimed, mutilated and murdered. Countless thousands of people have died
Women and children are being rounded up and shot by militias loyal to Syrias brutal dictator
Impotent
Even in a barbaric age in which innocent civilians are deliberately targeted by bad men with lethal weaponry, what has happened in Aleppo marks a new abyss in human conduct. But as victors in this terrible conflict, Assad and Russias president Vladimir Putin wont ever be held to account for their war crimes.
Not in this world, at least.
So what can we do? The answer which we know in our hearts even as we ask the question is nothing. We cant stop the killing. We cant save a single life. All we can do is show outrage, but nothing more. Morally speaking, this is not a pleasant place to be.
What should concern us is why, despite its great wealth and enormous combined military strength, the West should be so utterly impotent. The explanation has a great deal to do with what happened on March 20, 2003. That was the day American and British forces invaded Iraq.
The war against Saddam Husseins army was won very quickly, but the peace was lost over several gory years. Iraq today is a divided and broken country. Part of it is still occupied by the insane and evil Islamic State, which is defending Mosul against Iraqi government forces and Kurdish militias.
Theres more blood to be shed there. In the Iraq War and its grisly aftermath, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis were killed. In addition, 4,491 American and 179 British servicemen lost their lives. Billions of dollars and pounds were spent. And in the vacuum created by the destruction of Saddams regime, Islamic State grew and thrived.
Fighters from the Free Syrian Army fight against ISIS in the northern Syrian village of Yahmoul in the Marj Dabiq area north of the embattled city of Aleppo
The result is that most American and British politicians say never again. So does public opinion. Never again will our young men be sent into battle to topple a Middle-Eastern tyrant and try to establish democratic government in the name of decency.
That is why the Iraq War marks a significant dividing line in the history of the post-1945 world. Before it, Western countries led by the United States were sometimes prepared to get involved in foreign crises, either directly or indirectly. After it, Western intervention has become almost unimaginable.
Actually, its probably entirely unimaginable, as the weak and indecisive President Barack Obama is succeeded by Donald Trump, an apparent isolationist with a soft spot for Putin. Trump has just nominated as his secretary of state an oilman called Rex Tillerson, who is friendly with Putin and once received a high honour from him.
Had the Iraq War never happened, British and American politicians surely wouldnt have sat on their hands as Assad unleashed genocide against his people.
This monster has committed crimes that dwarf all the terrible things ever done by Saddam Hussein and we have let him get away with it. Some of Assads enemies, of course, are just as awful as he is.
A Syrian pro-government soldier moves forward with a tank in the city of Aleppo
The man most responsible for the Iraq debacle is arguably Tony Blair. For although the U.S. made a far greater contribution to the military effort, it is doubtful whether president George W. Bush would have invaded Iraq if he hadnt had Blairs uncritical endorsement. Blair knew little or nothing about foreign affairs when he came to office in 1997. Within two years, he was one of the leading lights in a war against Serbia, and the so-called freeing of Kosovo, an enclave controlled by Serbia since 1912.
After Serbias capital, Belgrade, had been pounded by Nato aircraft for many weeks, Serbian troops left Kosovo, and British-led ground troops invaded as liberators. Whatever the questionable morality of the exercise Kosovos terrorist leaders were no better than Slobodan Milosevics Serbian regime it was, in military terms, a success.
Victory went to Blairs head and fed his delusions. After the World Trade Center was destroyed on September 11, 2001, he became increasingly messianic and thought he could save the world. Through a series of lies, half-truths and manipulations, he inveigled Parliament and the country into a disastrous war.
All this is worth remembering because when the former chancellor, George Osborne, told the Commons on Tuesday that the tragedy in Aleppo . . . was created by a vacuum of Western leadership, he was missing the point.
The die had already been cast by Blair and Bushs disastrous policy towards Saddam Hussein
The West was reluctant post-Iraq to commit forces on the ground, and Libya has since disintegrated into mayhem and anarchy
Calamity
The vacuum wasnt created by the British and U.S. governments refusal, in 2013, to bomb Assads regime. Even if they had gone ahead, it is very unlikely that bombing alone would have brought peace and order to Syria. That would have required ground troops which the West, following the disaster of Iraq, was unwilling to supply and even then they might have been ineffectual.
In other words, the die had already been cast by Blair and Bushs disastrous policy towards Saddam Hussein. Intervention in any foreign war, whether justifiable or not, has been ruled out for the foreseeable future as a result of the calamity of Iraq. It is perfectly true that in 2011 the Americans, French and British bombarded Libya in a successful campaign to remove the dictator Muammar Gaddafi. But that only proves my point.
The West was reluctant post-Iraq to commit forces on the ground, and Libya has since disintegrated into mayhem and anarchy.
One lesson of all this is that what comes after the removal of Middle-Eastern tyrants is often worse than what went before. Maybe there are some tyrants so dangerous and horrible that they should be removed Assad might be one of them but the task could no longer be undertaken even if we wanted to.
Missiles
As far as Syrians are concerned, we are reduced to singing carols on their behalf as some well-meaning people have been urging us to do. It may make us feel better but Im afraid it isnt going to help those in Aleppo, who are being assaulted with missiles which destroy the internal organs of anyone within a range of a quarter of a mile.
The era of Pax Americana the generally, though not invariably, benign global policing by the United States after World War II is over. Of course, it might one day revive. After the Vietnam War, it seemed America would avoid major foreign conflicts and then the first Iraq War came along in 1991.
But the gigantic mistake of the 2003 invasion of Iraq represents a decisive turning point. There will be more catastrophes, such as Aleppo, which provoke our sympathy and challenge our interests and also serve to show how weak and powerless the West has become.
The tragedy is that the bad guys are winning Assad and Putin, though perhaps not Islamic State and they will go on doing so unless they overreach themselves. It is a worrying thought that the Chinese must be observing Western feebleness with much delight and reassurance.
Who were the Whitehall numbskulls who negotiated the franchise that will land taxpayers with a bill of more than 50million for the rail strike, while the train company involved stands to save money from the stoppages?
Under this asinine deal, the Government will pick up the tab for a 38million shortfall in fare revenue caused by the walk-outs, while shelling out up to 15million compensation to passengers.
Meanwhile, Southern Rails parent firm is saving an estimated 1.1million in pay for striking drivers and conductors, while still receiving an all-but guaranteed flat payment from taxpayers of 8.9billion over the seven years of its franchise.
Under this asinine deal, the Government will pick up the tab for a 38million shortfall in fare revenue caused by the walk-outs (commuters in Victoria station)
Southern Rails parent firm is saving an estimated 1.1million in pay for striking drivers and conductors (commuters pictured in East Croydon)
Isnt this lousy bargain depressingly typical of the way sharp-minded businessmen run rings round the dull-witted guardians of the public purse?
With so little incentive to run a decent service, is it any wonder that even before the walk-outs, Southern had the worst punctuality record in the UK or that its managers have let a pathetic dispute over who opens and shuts doors drag on for the best part of a year, inflicting untold suffering on 300,000 passengers daily?
It is no surprise either that the latest annual profits of Southerns parent, a consortium including the inappropriately named Go-Ahead Group, were a cool 99.8million, while its chief executive pocketed 2.2million last year.
True, nobody should forget that the worst villains of the strike are politically-motivated union barons, whose lies about safety concerns over driver-only trains this paper exposes today.
The sooner the law is changed to punish their blackmail, the sooner we can be saved from a repeat of the 1970s, when union wreckers brought us to our knees.
But is it too much to ask that the next time the Government sells a public asset to a private firm, it finds a civil servant with a business brain to negotiate on our behalf if such a person exists?
In the Commons yesterday, Theresa May said Britain should be proud of spending 12billion a year on overseas aid. One question: why?
Great aid betrayal
On the day after MPs excoriated ministers for wasting 285.5million of aid on an unusable airport in St Helena, the Mail reveals that 45 per cent of town halls have stopped providing meals on wheels for Britains housebound elderly.
Since 2010, meanwhile, at least one council has doubled the charge for hot meals to 6, leaving many unable to afford them and so putting health at risk and piling pressure on the NHS.
Isnt it pertinent to point out that, even at 10 each, the cost of an unusable airport in St Helena would buy 28.5million meals for Britains elderly and hungry?
In the Commons yesterday, Theresa May said Britain should be proud of spending 12billion a year on overseas aid. One question: why?
A life-saving victory
Britain's commercially viable Press is much maligned by the heavily subsidised liberal media. But the Mail is hugely proud of our role in prompting a Government drive to heighten awareness of the symptoms of sepsis, the silent killer that claims 44,000 lives in Britain every year more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined.
As we applaud our partners in the UK Sepsis Trust and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, on his enthusiasm in taking up the cause we can say one thing with certainty: children and adults who would otherwise have died will live because of our campaign.
Given its reputation as the Duchess of Cambridge's supermarket of choice, Waitrose isn't typically associated with bargain shopping.
But the retailer has just unveiled a new, British-made beauty range with prices that rival the value of competing own-brand lines from budget supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl.
Waitrose customers can now pick up a face cream for just 5 at the same time as shopping for Alaskan wild salmon and truffle oil at the supermarket that Pippa Middleton loves and works for - but experts think the range may be 'too good to be true'.
Beauty on a budget: All of the products in the beauty range at Waitrose cost between 2 and 5, suggesting that the upmarket supermarket is following the lead of thrift stores like Aldi and Lidl
Billed as natural, British-made beauty must-haves, Waitrose's new line has been specially developed for dry, sensitive or mature skins - and every product costs between 2 and 5.
It features a hot cloth cleanser, a serum and a facial oil, as well as a lip balm, face masks, body butter and an eye cream.
The 5 hot cloth cleanser, which comes with its own muslin cloth to help remove make-up and impurities before bed, appears to have taken inspiration from Liz Earle's cult beauty buy Cleanse & Polish, which costs 26 for a 200ml tube.
Waitrose customers can now pick up a face cream for just 5 at the same time as shopping for their dinner at the supermarket that Kate and Pippa Middleton love
The Pure Hydration hot cloth cleanser (left) costs 5, as does the 30ml facial oil (right)
Products in the range are actually cheaper than comparable versions stocked by budget retailer Aldi.
The Caviar Illumination Night Cream from the German supermarket's Lacura range costs 6.99 - compared with 5 for Waitrose's new Pure Hydration Night Cream.
But at just 2.99, Aldi's Lacura Restorative Multi-Serum is cheaper than the Pure Hydration Comforting Serum, which costs 5.
Waitrose's beauty buyer Sarah Minness said the new range offered added benefits for mature, sensitive skin, while maintaining an affordable price.
BEAUTY ON A BUDGET What you'll pay for the new Waitrose Pure Hydration range... Hot Cloth Cleanser (150ml) 5 Comforting Serum (30ml) 5 Night Cream (50ml) 5 Body Butter (200ml) 4 Eye Cream (15ml) 4 Facial Oil (30ml) 5 Face Mask (2x15ml) 2 Lip Balm (15ml) 2 Advertisement
'We've worked hard to re-develop Waitrose Pure Sensitive and add in some new and exciting products, ensuring they are as natural as possible,' she said.
Dr Yannis Alexandrides, board certified plastic surgeon and founder of 111 Harley St and skincare range 111Skin, thinks that the range sounds 'too good to be true'.
He said: 'From my own experience, I know the amount of hard work and research that is required to produce an effective formula, as our skincare is a direct extension of the clinical results that we offer in our Harley Street clinic.
'I always advise clients that skincare is worth the investment and with the new Waitrose line covering many skin types all for costs below 5, I find it sounds too good to be true.
'There will always be a demand for inexpensive beauty ranges and it really does depend on what works best for your particular skin; how much is your skin worth to you?'
Commenting on the new range, Ruth Harrison, Director of Retail Strategy, Europe for global tech consultancy ThoughtWorks, claims that the strategy behind Waitroses decision to launch a budget skincare range is a strong indicator of the shift in consumer behaviour.
She said: 'Consumers are willing to trial new and niche skincare and cosmetics ranges and have demonstrated a degree of cynicism to what many perceive as over priced, marketing hyped collections from the large beauty conglomerates.
Two acroyoga instructors who fell in love and became a real-life couple have attracted more than 80,000 Instagram followers thanks to their stunning acrobatic poses and mesmerizing chemistry.
Max Lowenstein and Liz Kong, both 27, met through a mutual friend in their clinical nutrition master's program at University of Texas Southwestern before he asked her to be his partner during his practice of acroyoga, a combination of acrobatics and yoga.
'We became best friends, and eventually we grew to love each other in the way you see now,' Max told Daily Mail Online, but the two insist that you don't need a romantic connection or amazing strength to benefit from partner yoga.
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Talented couple: Max Lowenstein and Liz Kong have earned 80,000 followers on their joint Instagram page thanks to their stunning acrobatic feats
Look of love: The Dallas-based instructors celebrated their three-year anniversary in November and shared this photo on Instagram to celebrate
Their joint Instagram page, Max and Liz Acro, is filled with images of Liz balancing on either Max's hands or feet in seemingly-impossible poses, as well as footage of them gracefully practicing their partner yoga routines and every once in awhile the two will share a quick kiss before their stretches.
Although plenty of couples would cringe at the thought of working with their partners day in and day out, it has become second nature for Max and Liz, who seem to relish in it.
'We are pretty much one person at this point and love working together,' Max explained. 'Yoga is all about union, and acroyoga is all about communication and trust, so we have had a strong foundation since day one.'
Start of it all: The couple met through a mutual friend in their clinical nutrition master's program at University of Texas Southwestern before they became acroyoga partners
True romance: While practicing partner acroyoga together, they became best friends before falling in love
The two celebrated their three-anniversary in November, sharing a rare photo of them in a non-acrobatic embrace.
Although their romantic chemistry is palpable and their moves look like adventurous feats to most, Max said the biggest misconception about acroyoga is that it is 'super sexual' and 'takes super human strength'.
'It does not have to be romantic,' he insisted. 'Some of the most moving practices we know come from partners who are married to different people.'
Max added that they have had people over the age of 65 'rock' their workshops, noting that participants with 'no movement experience often excel'.
Platonic pairs do exist! Despite their love story, the two insist that you don't need to be in a romantic relationship to benefit from partner acroyoga
No limit: Max said that people over the age of 65 'rock' their workshops, noting that participants with 'no movement experience often excel'
'Acro is all about building connections with people and using safe touch to promote healing,' he said.
Max explained that acroyoga 'builds, strengthens, and saves relationship' because it helps participants get better at trust and communication, 'two major principles' of partnership.
'Couples have worked through many things physically in our classes that have translated into mental shifts,' he added.
The yoga instructor admitted that he and Liz often see people dating their acroyoga partners all the time, but he doesn't always recommend it.
'Lust comes on fast and can leave just as fast,' he noted. 'It is best to observe your emotions and feelings to see what heart space you are moving from.
Building blocks of love: The two have seen acroyoga save struggling relationships because it teaches trust and communication
Think twice: Although the practice brings couples close together, Max warns that people shouldn't mistake lust for their acroyoga partners with love
Real relationship: Max believes it is the relatability of their Instagram page that draws people to their photos and videos, explaining that 'everybody wants a partner who supports them'
'Before you act on any feelings, make sure they are truly love and not lust,' he warned.
Max and Liz have reached thousands of people through social media, and they are constantly 'honored and humbled' by the support of their thousands of Instagram followers.
Although it was Liz who convinced Max that they needed an Instagram page, he said they both have 'found it to be a great way to spread love and light'.
When asked what he thinks draws people to their videos, Max said he thinks it is their relatability.
'Everybody wants a partner who supports them,' he said simply.
A grieving mum who lost her three-month-old baby earlier this year marked what would have been her son's first Christmas by taking his picture to see Santa.
Erin Morrison, 26, from Melton West, Victoria, and her partner Kaine Morrison lost their son Caesar in March after he tragically died from heart complications.
Caesar, who was born with half a heart and was Erin and Kaine's first child, was doted on by his parents and both have struggled to cope with their loss.
As the festive season approached, Erin couldn't bear the idea that Caesar would never get to meet Santa, so she decided to mark his first Christmas in a unique way.
Heartbreaking: A grieving mum who lost her three-month-old baby earlier this year marked what would have been her son's first Christmas by taking his picture to see Santa
First Christmas: Erin Morrison (left) lost her three-month-old baby son earlier this year
Armed with a precious photo of her little one and his favourite belongings, she took them to meet Father Christmas and had the bittersweet moment captured on camera.
'We miss Caesar endlessly and wanted to do something special for him as it's his first Christmas,' Erin said.
'All the other parents get their child's photo done with Santa and we though it would be great to do.
'Everyone cried, including Santa and parents came up to us to say thank you for doing that for him.
'Nothing will bring back our baby boy, but at least we could give him his first Christmas and have a memory we can treasure forever.'
Erin and Kaine knew from their 23-week scan that Caesar had heart problems.
She said: 'Doctors told us he had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, which basically meant the left side of his heart hadn't developed properly.
Tragic: Caesar (pictured) was only 13 weeks when he tragically died from heart complications
Grief: Erin Morrison and her partner Kaine Morrison (above) have both struggled with the loss
'We were shattered and so upset as we weren't sure what to expect but were warned Caesar would have to undergo major heart operations.
'Sure enough, once he arrived into the world he was operated on immediately which was nail-biting stuff as a new mum.'
Though Caser pulled through after his first surgery, he needed further operations each time an issue arose.
Erin said: 'We knew he had a big journey ahead before he was even born, but research showed there were plenty of survivors out there with his condition.
Mother and son: Erin (above, with Caesar) was heartbroken at the thought of spending their first holiday season as a family without him
'Every time he caught an infection or something wasn't going quite right, he always pulled through.
'By the time he was three-months-old he'd had six operations, including two open heart surgeries. He was such a little fighter.'
But after his second major heart surgery, Caesar fell into troubles his little body couldn't bounce back from.
She said: 'Initially he was responding well from the 12 hour operation. We were so proud of him.
'But that night, after being put on a heart and lung machine called ECMO, doctors said he'd lost some oxygen to his brain, and they weren't sure how it was going to affect him.
'I was so frightened and terrified, wondering if he was going to be okay.
'Two days later after battling a kidney infection and a blood clot in his lungs, Caesar had a stroke.
'It caused mass amounts of bleeding on his brain and there was nothing anyone could do.'
Later that day, Caesar's distraught parents turned off his life support. He was just 13 weeks old.
Struggling to cope: Erin and Kaine (above) knew from their 23-week scan that Caesar had heart problems
Tribute: On November 26, Erin and Kaine, took a photo of Caesar to visit their local Santa's grotto along with some of his favourite toys (above, some of them at his grave)
Erin said: 'I so desperately did not want to do it, but I knew it was selfish. He'd gone through so much.
'For the rest of the day we stayed by his side, crying and kissing him goodbye.
'After he'd gone to heaven though, life was tough. We missed his cheeky personality and his smell.
'While he'd been alive, we'd created so many memories. Without him, I was lost and so was Kaine.'
By the time Christmas rolled around, his adoring parents were heartbroken at the thought of spending their first holiday season as a family, without him.
She said: 'Caesar was such a clever and funny little boy. By eight weeks old he was already able to roll onto his belly.
'It didn't seem fair that he was missing out on so much, including his first Christmas. So I decided that he shouldn't miss out.
Family photo: Caesar's aunties and cousin (above) also had a photo taken with him and Santa after seeing Erin's, she said
'All my friends were busy taking their kids to meet Santa and it struck me as something I'd like to do for my boy too.'
On November 26, Erin and Kaine, took a photo of Caesar to visit their local Santa's grotto along with some of his favourite toys.
She said: 'We had a photo from when he was five weeks old and we'd dressed him up in an 80s outfit.
'We also took his beloved bottle, a dummy, and a bear that his his name on it as well as the handprints the hospital gave us when he passed away.
'We arranged everything around Santa for the precious photo and it made everyone who was there cry, even Father Christmas.
Milestone: 'Some people have told us it's a bit unusual but we think it's beautiful,' Erin added
'We're so pleased with the photo and know Caesar would have loved it. It felt good to reach at least one milestone with our boy.'
Erin added: 'We have also put up our Christmas tree in his room and his aunties and cousin have also had a photo taken with him and Santa after seeing ours.
'Some people have told us it's a bit unusual but we think it's beautiful.
Prince Charles appeared to have a fit of the giggles on Tuesday evening as he was presented with two 'sock monkeys' as gifts for his grandchildren.
The 68-year-old broke into laughter as he admired the rather zany-looking stuffed animals, which were made by the luxury London Sock Company for Prince George, aged three, and Princess Charlotte, aged one.
As he clutched the toys at the 'Style for Soldiers' Christmas Reunion Party at Spencer House in London, the Prince couldn't help but chuckle away.
Fit of giggles: Prince Charles appeared to go ape on Tuesday evening as he was presented with two 'sock monkeys' as gifts for his grandchildren
Clutching what appeared to be a glass of whisky, the grandfather showed off the two colourful monkeys to photographers.
Later in the night, the Prince met injured servicemen and women who have been helped by the Style for Soldiers charity, and others who have supported them.
The organisation works by providing them with smart uniforms for interviews in a bid to kick-start new careers.
Christmas cheer: The Prince was presented with two sock monkeys by Ryan Palmer of the London Sock Co
In high spirits: Clutching what appeared to be a glass of whisky, the grandfather showed off the two colourful monkeys to photographers
Among the donors, Marks and Spencer sent 250 vouchers worth 400 to former soldiers to spend on new outfits.
His Royal Highness also met some of the charity's patrons and ambassadors.
Keeping up with the fashion stakes, he opted for a smart navy suit, white shirt and matching patterned tie.
This week has been busy for Prince Charles, as the Christmas season reaches a head.
Jolly times: As he clutched the toys at the 'Style for Soldiers' Christmas Reunion Party at Spencer House in London, the Prince couldn't help but chuckle away
Dressed to impress: For the event on Tuesday night, Prince Charles opted for a smart navy suit, white shirt and matching patterned tie
On Tuesday he met a trio of angelic choir girls at a Russian Orthodox cathedral in London.
Prince Charles attended a prayer service and a concert at Dormition Cathedral in Knightsbridge.
The royal met church leaders and members of the congregation, and was shown the results of recent restoration work at the Grade II listed building.
The Prince, who was dapper in a dark blue suit with a pale blue shirt and tie, was photographed chatting to parishioners and church leaders upon arrival at the 19th Century building in London.
Prince Charles chats with former bomb disposal soldier Ken Bellringer
at the Thursford show suggested they had a royal visit
With Christmas Day just over a week ago it is likely that Prince George and Princess Charlotte are full of excitement.
And it seems that the Duchess of Cambridge may have treated her two children to a trip to the panto in order to get them into the festive spirit.
Yesterday, the choreographer of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular an annual variety performance in Norfolk, suggested that the royal family had paid them a visit.
There is speculation as to whether the Duchess of Cambridge has taken Prince George and Princess Charlotte to a Christmas show near their home in Norfolk
Tracey Iliffe wrote: 'So lovely the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte very much enjoyed watching our teddy bears followed by hugs #xmas'.
She accompanied the tweet with a photo of the 'teddy bear' performers who took part in the production this year.
The three hour production is held in the Thursford museum located in Fakenham, Norfolk.
It is well known that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's family home is Anmer Hall located in the village of Anmer in Norfolk spitting distance from Fakenham.
The choreographer of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular tweeted a message suggesting that the family had been to visit
Kate and her children are known to be fans of Thursford, having attended the Christmas Spectacular in previous years
Kate and her children are known to be fans of Thursford, having attended the Christmas Spectacular in previous years.
In 2014 Prince George got to meet Father Christmas as he toured Santas Magical Journey at Thursford with his parents.
Members of the public couldnt believe their eyes as the royal party, who had booked their tickets in advance, toured the popular attraction with a discreet coterie of bodyguards.
The young prince gazed in awe at animated reindeer, penguins, polar bears and elves set among twinkling lights, tinsel and fake snow during his hour long visit.
George had the chance to chat to Father Christmas while William and Kate stood beside him and was given a gift-wrapped wooden train as a present an ideal present for the youngster who loves his choo choos.
Staff were only told that they were getting an unofficial Royal visit shortly before their arrival with other members of the Middleton family.
At the time General manager, Geraldine Rye, said: George seemed to have a lovely time. When I saw him, he was walking around.
It was a private visit and they were not given any special treatment. We only knew shortly beforehand that they were coming.
The children are given different gifts according to their age and George would have got a wooden train just like other boys who are his age.
A teenage boy who wanted to wear a white dress to his graduation party has shamed his school online after head teachers banned him from wearing it.
Gero Aquino turned to social media to share a photo of what he would look like wearing the strapless white sheath dress until he was ordered not to wear it.
Aquino claims that head teachers at the private Saint Patrick College, in Corrientes, Argentina, had described his look as a 'mess.'
Gero Aquino shared a photograph of himself wearing a white gown that he had wanted to wear to his graduation party
The schoolboy also posted a picture of his alternate look that he was forced to wear which featured feathered angel's wings attached to a dinner jacket and a glitter bow tie.
Writing on Facebook he said: 'We are in the 21st century, there are laws that defend and stimulate the freedom of expression.'
He later added: 'I cannot go to the party as I really want to, just because the headmaster of the school does not support diversity and described it as a 'mess' or 'badly dressed'.'
Aquino revealed that his headmaster had banned him from wearing the dress and that he had been forced to wear a suit (pictured) instead
Aquino's protest has been shared over 2,000 times on Facebook since it was posted earlier this week.
He also claimed that he and his family had been intimidated with warnings of expulsion from the school, which meant he would not get his graduation certificate.
Aquino said: 'My family and I were threatened that I would be thrown out of the school graduation and even that I would not have my qualification.
'I am being discriminated against for my diversity.'
In his post that he shared on Facebook, the school boy said that he and his family had received threats from his school that he would face expulsion
After sharing his story the teen received waves of support from people encouraging him to express himself
His protest has won extraordinary support across social media.
One user called Angie Aguirre said: 'You are an incredible person. We really live in a closedminded city.
'Don't let this to stop you from being as incredible as you are. I support you so much.'
Another, Julia Antunez, added: 'Nobody can tell you how to dress. And my dear friend, you are what you are with dress or suit.
'We are not judges, only God can judge you, you are the owner of your own life and your decisions.'
Earlier this year bemused customers took to social media to share images of the freakishly long jeans they'd been sent from ASOS - and the trend shows no sign of abating.
Micah Berteau, from California, is just the latest person to take to Twitter to show off his purchase from the British retailer - and his tweet has gone viral.
In his tweet, which has been retweeted over 44,000 times and liked nearly 100,000 times, Micah explains that the jeans are meant to be 32 by 32 inch jeans but that they are most definitely 'NOT' that length.
To prove his point, he placed them next to his other 32/32 jeans for reference, and asks 'is this a joke?'.
Micah Berteau, from California, is just the latest customer to have taken to social media to share hilarious pictures of the extra-long jeans from ASOS. His tweet has been shared over 44,000 times
The fashion giant has received complaints from customers who say their jeans are so oversized that they come in at a whopping 8 inches too long - but ASOS is still insisting that it's a ' new menswear style' designed to gather around the ankle.
In previous months, George Riggall, 20, from Leicester, also expressed his amusement after his 32in indigo jeans arrived so long they covered his entire feet.
In his tweet, he wrote to ASOS: 'got my jeans from y'all today. Is this a joke?? These are NOT 32/32 jeans. I placed 32/32s next to them for reference'
The pictures have gone viral on social media and people have found his tweet hilarious - with over 900 people replying to his post
Micah, from California, even posted a picture of his label to prove the size and length of his jeans from the British retailer
To really make a point, Micah placed his usual 32/32 jeans next to his new order that he has received and there is a big difference in length
Twitter user Alex also thought he got the wrong order in May and wrote: 'Something tells me asos sent me the wrong size jeans @ASOS_HeretoHelp (sic.)'
George Riggall, 20, from Leicester, expressed his amusement earlier this year after his 32in indigo jeans arrived so long they covered his entire feet. He said: 'I dont know who would fit these jeans. Probably nobody!'
'Pretty sure these aren't 32in lengeth @ASOS,' the estate agent wrote, alongside two pictures of his delivery. In one, he lay them down alongside a 'normal' pair of jeans which appeared to be around half the size.
Luckily, George appeared to see the funny side. 'I opened them and I was stood with my mum and she just started crying with laughter,' he told BuzzFeed.
'We couldnt believe what Id been sent, I was baffled I dont know who would fit these jeans. Probably nobody!'
Despite ASOS asking George for returns information, he added: 'I might keep the jeans for fun now.'
Hannah Cook also had the same problem and wrote: 'Ordered some petite jeans & these arrived. Length 36"! I'm only 4'11" - 8 inches too long for me.' She shared a picture of herself holding up a pair of the jeans, which reached all the way up to her chin
Esme, from Northamptonshire, shared a picture of herself holding up some extra-long jeans, writing: 'hmmm'
George wasn't the only one receiving inexplicably long jeans from the fashion site.
Twitter user Hannah posted a picture of a man holding up a pair as tall as his shoulders, writing: 'Think someone at hq got his order wrong.. never ever seen a pair of jeans so long.'
Fellow Twitter user Alex found himself in the same boat, writing: 'something tells me asos sent me the wrogg size jeans (sic.)'
Esme, from Northamptonshire, also shared a picture of herself holding up some extra-long jeans, simply writing: 'hmmm.'
Twitter user Hannah posted a picture of a man holding up a pair as tall as his shoulders, writing: 'Think someone at hq got his order wrong.. never ever seen a pair of jeans so long'
New fashion? ASOS say the jeans are a new menswear style called 'Super Skinny Stacker Jeans'
Hannah Cook wrote: 'Ordered some petite jeans & these arrived. Length 36"! I'm only 4'11" - 8 inches too long for me.' She shared a picture of herself holding up a pair of the jeans, which reached all the way up to her chin.
Muslim military veterans have told of the prejudices they faced because of their religion while they were in the US military.
Four veterans - one female and three male - shared their personal experiences in video interviews with Cut.com.
One man said a fellow soldier referred to former Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden as his 'uncle' while another said he was discriminated against because of his accent.
First person: Four veterans, pictured, shared their personal experiences in a video interview
Dedication: The veterans, whose faces appear on camera but are not named, shared anecdotes of life as a Muslim in the US military
The veterans, whose faces appeared on camera but were not named, shared anecdotes of life as a Muslim in the US military.
While some felt their faith was compromised during their service, others said it was no different for Muslims to people of other religions who they were fighting alongside.
According to the Defense Manpower Data Center there are 3,493 enlisted troops and 471 officers who currently list their religion as Islam.
One veteran told Cut.com: 'When Osama bin Laden was captured one of the soldiers came by me and was like, "Hey, your uncle got captured and he was killed."
'And I was like, "OK, so what does that have to do with me? Not related to me, do I look like him? Am I with him? I'm here fighting against him."'
Since I was 17, 18, racism was alive and well. But I feel like nowadays it's even more alive and well
He said when he joined the military because he felt 'like I had something to prove'.
He added: 'I was born here, yeah, but at the same time, since I was 17, 18, racism was alive and well. But I feel like nowadays it's even more alive and well.'
He said killing people - including other Muslims - brought him into conflict with his faith.
Being American should not be defined by 'one identity', adding: 'It's what we symbolize.'
Another male veteran said he was faced with numerous 'dumb questions' as a Muslim in the military which required a 'thick skin'.
'Can I marry seven wives? Or if I blow myself up would I be given so many virgins? You know, the list goes on and on and on. You've got to have thick skin,' he told the site.
Following in the footsteps of his father, who was also in the military, he joined when he was 19 after 9/11.
Unifying: Being American should not be defined by appearance or identity, one veteran, pictured, said
Convert: A female veteran, pictured, who served six years in the Army, converted to Islam 15 years ago
He added: 'I felt that it was the right thing to do. And as a Muslim it's a blessing for me, not only to be a Muslim but to exemplify what it really is.'
The veteran told the interviewer that he was not required to do anything 'unethical' during his time in the military, adding: 'My faith is no different than the person right next to me as a Christian.
'So if it's unethical for myself it would be unethical for my compadre, my fellow soldier as well, so no...A soldier looks like anyone. Anyone can be a soldier.'
Another veteran, who signed up for the Army when he was homeless, jobless and penniless in Seattle, said despite dedicating his life to America people questioned him because of his accent.
A soldier looks like anyone. Anyone can be a soldier
He said: 'It's hard for people to believe that a person with an accent has honorably served in the United States military.'
Despite this, he claimed that the more he discovers about the US the more he 'respects' the country.
'The more I learn about America, even now, and the more I learn about Americans, the more respect I have for America and Americans and more respect I have for my own religion,' he said.
The female veteran, who served six years in the Army, converted to Islam 15 years ago.
She said: 'I'm pretty much the only Muslim in my family. All my family's Christian, but becoming and practicing Muslim for me was in 2001, right after 9/11, ironically.'
She said she faced backlash from friends and family and would have numerous debates but now she prefers to teach them about her religion through her actions.
'I just kind of led by example and taught them the religion through my own practice instead of debates,' she added.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden stunned in a taupe -coloured coat dress as she joined her husband Prince Daniel for an official visit to Rome.
Victoria, who is first-in-line to the throne, kicked off her trip to the Italian capital on Thursday with a trip to the city's Parliament building, Palazzo Montecitorio.
The 39-year-old royal's collared zip-up coat was cinched in at the waist to show off her silhouette, as she added a pair of pointed courts and teasing her hair into a sleek ponytail.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, centre, joins her husband Prince Daniel along with with Laura Boldrini, President of the Chamber of Deputies, right, on an official visit to Rome
Princess of fashion! Princess Victoria of Sweden stunned in a mushroom-coloured coat dress
The pair appeared in good spirits as they attended a meeting with Laura Boldrini, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy (Camera dei deputati) in the opulent building.
The 43-year-old Prince, a former personal trainer whose official title is now Duke of Vastergotland, looked dapper in a royal blue suit and tortoiseshell glasses.
Victoria and Daniel, who are proud parents to Princess Estelle, four, and Prince Oscar, nine months, will move onto Milan before returning to Stockholm on Saturday.
The 39-year-old royal wore her collared zip-up coat which was cinched in at the waist to show off her silhouette, adding a pair of pointed courts and teasing her hair into a sleek ponytail
The pair looked happy and relaxed as they met with Laura Boldrini, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy ( Camera dei deputati ) in the opulent building in Rome
Whistlestop tour: Victoria and Daniel, who are proud parents to Princess Estelle, four, and Prince Oscar, nine months, will move onto Milan before returning to Stockholm on Saturday
The Swedish royals have been busy preparing for the festive season this week with Victoria and her four-year-old daughter, Princess Estelle were presented with seven trees at the Royal Palace in Stockholm on Wednesday.
And their schedule shows no sign of slowing down before the big day, with a slew of concerts to attend in the Swedish capital as well as a formal gathering of the Swedish Academy.
The pair officially welcomed Prince Oscar into the world in May at a glittering christening ceremony at the Royal Chapel in Stockholm.
Their Italian trip comes after Victoria and her four-year-old daughter, Princess Estelle were presented with seven trees at the Royal Palace in Stockholm on Wednesday
After their trip, the royal family will attend a slew of concerts to attend in the Swedish capital as well as a formal gathering of the Swedish Academy
The royal couple pose for a photograph with Laura Boldrini before departing the building
The prince - whose full name is Oscar Carl Olaf - wore a traditional christening gown as he made his entrance, while Victoria donned a beautiful white broderie anglaise dress.
She could also be seen wearing a brooch with a blue ribbon on her chest. The brooch is her personal property, a gift she received from TRH Princess Lilian and Prince Bertil.
Firm friends: The pair appeared to be getting along famously as they shared a joke before leaving the building on Thursday afternoon
The group smile for a final photograph to mark their visit, before Victoria and Daniel are due to fly to Milan as their trip comes to a close this weekend
Oscar was born on March 2 weighing just over 8lbs at the Karolinska University Hospital in the Swedish capital of Stockholm and will be third in line to the Swedish throne after his mother and four-year-old sister.
In 1980, Sweden changed its constitution to allow the eldest heir to inherit the throne, regardless of gender. Before that, female heirs were excluded.
While the rest of us are piling on the woolens Queen Maxima was shedding the layers today as she stepped out in Amsterdam.
It may be December but today the Queen of the Netherlands opted for a sleeveless dress as she attended the Prince Claus Awards.
Despite the fact it is mid Winter the royal did not seem to feel the cold this afternoon and was pictured in her usual high spirits.
Queen Maxima braved the November chill in a sleeveless dress today as she joined husband King Willem Alexander and Princess Mabel and Princess Laurentien in Amsterdam
Known for her flamboyant dress sense Maxima couldn't be missed as she opted for bright red dress on Thursday.
Always showcasing a keen eye for coordination the mother-of-three complemented her dress with a pair of statement beaded red earrings.
Not totally immune to the cold weather the 45-year-old royal wore a pair of thick black tights matching her patent black heels.
Despite the fact it is mid Winter the royal did not seem to feel the cold this afternoon and was pictured in her usual high spirits
The royals came together for the Prince Claus Awards honouring individuals for their outstanding achievements in the field of culture and development
She joined her husband King Willem Alexander at the awards in the city of Amsterdam on Thursday.
The royal couple were joined by Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands.
The princesses also made a statement with their choice of dress opting for jewel coloured kaftans.
Presented annually the Prince Claus Awards honour individuals for their outstanding achievements in the field of culture and development and the positive effect of their work on their direct environment and the wider cultural or social field.
The princesses also made a statement with their choice of dress opting for jewel coloured kaftans
It has been a busy week for Queen Maxima who yesterday showcased her love of prints as she stepped out in an elegant statement jacket.
The Queen of the Netherlands wore her eye catching coat during a visit to the German Federal Ministry of Finance in Berlin on Wednesday.
Maxima, 45, paired her daring baroque jacket with an elegant pink dress which highlighted the accent of colours in the wool coat.
One of the taller European royals, at 5ft 8in Maxima has never been reluctant to slip on a pair of heels today opting for a platform brown suede pair.
Well known for her expressive face the mother-of-three seemed to be in high spirits as she arrived at her engagement in the German capital.
The Dutch royal met with German Federal Minister of Development Gerd Mueller as she arrived.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked elegant as she stepped out in a statement jacket as she visited German Federal Ministry of Finance in Berlin on Wednesday
The Dutch royal met with German Federal Minister of Development Gerd Mueller as she arrived
The pair seemed to be getting along well as they spoke together at the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation in Berlin
Well known for her expressive face the mother-of-three seemed to be in high spirits this afternoon
The pair seemed to be getting along well as they spoke together at the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation in Berlin.
Later the royal showcased her subtle rose coloured dress that she wore under her bold coat as she met with German Federal Minister of Finance Wolfgang Schaeuble.
Maxima spoke passionately to the minister as she could be using exaggerated hand gestures to express herself.
The royal later removed her jacket to showcase a more demure rose dress as she met with German Federal Minister of Finance Wolfgang Schaeuble
The Argentinian born royal is an expert when it comes to all things financial as she is UN secretary special advocate for inclusive finance for development.
The Dutch Queen was first handed her role of Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance in 2009 by Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon
Maxima, who is also the Honorary Patron of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, has been tasked with raising awareness of the benefits of financial systems that also help the poor.
Maxima spoke passionately to the minister as she could be using exaggerated hand gestures to express herself
Ivanka Trump has reached a whole new level of celebrity since her father Donald was elected president, so it shouldn't be surprising that she has been opting to carry her coat and show off her chic outfits when she heads to work in the morning.
The 35-year-old businesswoman often has photographers waiting outside of her Park Avenue apartment, and the short walk from her building's gilded doors to the SUV waiting for her at the curb has turned into somewhat of a fashion event.
An arctic cold front blew into New York City overnight, but even that didn't inspire Ivanka to finally bundle up as she stepped out of her building on Thursday morning.
Naturally warm? Ivanka Trump opted to carry her coat instead of wear it on Thursday morning
The mother-of-three looked chic in a black blouse featuring see-through lace cutouts around her shoulders.
The dressy top was tucked into a pair of crop pants, and despite the chill, Ivanka didn't seem concerned that the cold wind was hitting her bare calves.
The blond beauty, who had her hair in a sleek bun, topped off her look with cat-eye sunglasses, a $195 velvet clutch and $195 heels from her eponymous collection, and of course, her coat thrown over her arm.
Style star: The 35-year-old ignored the arctic cold front that blew in and wore a light blouse and crop pants as she headed to work
Ivanka flashed a smile to the photographers waiting for her outside, and she was flanked by Secret Services agents as she strut into the vehicle waiting outside the building for her.
It's beginning to look more and more like Ivanka will be fitting into the shoes of First Lady, as her stepmother Melania Trump takes a backseat role.
CNN reported on Friday that Donald's eldest daughter would be getting some office space in the East Wing of the White House, the same area where First Lady Michelle Obama has her office.
Busy as can be: Ivanka and her brothers, Donald Jr. and Eric, joined their father Donald during his roundtable meeting with Silicon Valley executives
High-profile guest: Ivanka and her dad met with rapper Kanye West on Tuesday afternoon. She is pictured watching them pose for photos in the lobby of Trump Tower
However, Donald's spokesperson, Hope Hicks, told Business Insider that 'this is false', adding that 'no decisions regarding Ivanka's involvement have been made.'
It has been a busy couple of weeks for Ivanka, who has taken numerous high-profile meetings at Trump Tower with her dad.
So far this month, Ivanka has spoken with former Vice President Al Gore and Leonardo DiCaprio about climate change, as well as rapper Kanye West.
New role? Earlier this week the President-elect said he wants to include Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, 35, in his administration. They are pictured in October
All together: Ivanka and Jared are reportedly considering moving to Washington, D.C. with their three children, Arabella, Joseph, and baby Theodore
And on Wednesday, Ivanka and her brothers, Donald Jr. and Eric, joined their father during his roundtable meeting with Silicon Valley executives, including Apple's Tim Cook who publicly supported Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.
Ivanka took to Instagram the next day to share a photo from the meeting and gush about the work her father is doing.
'Yesterday, my father met with the greatest tech industry leaders in the world to discuss fueling economic growth, job creation and innovation in our country,' she captioned the image.
'There is so much that the #PEOTUS and his administration will be able to do with the collaboration and input of these incredible men and women to benefit the American people!'
A new machine being nicknamed 'the Keurig for wine' has earned mixed reactions from drinkers, who seem to love the idea but have questions about the price tag.
Launched by a French company 10-Vins, the D-Vine doesn't actually make the vino but it promises to serve it up quickly and to perfection.
But while that may sound like great news to connoisseurs and even casual imbibers, there's a catch: The machine will set you back $927 (890).
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Drink up! A French company 10-Vins has created a sort of 'Keurig' for wine
So high-tech: The pricey machine aerates your drink and cools it almost instantly to the perfect temperature
Glug glug glug: Wine for the machine, which comes in tubes, is sold seperately
The D-Vine does two things: It aerates wine and it almost instantly brings it to the perfect temperature, speedily cooling up even white wine in just a minute.
It took four years to develop, with the makers working hard to get the cooling process to work quickly.
It is, however, pretty pricey as are the $6 to $39 individual-glass-sized tubes of wine especially designed for the machine.
Ready for it? he machine is currently available in France and Singapore and is coming to the US
Shelling out the big bucks: Each machine costs about $927
Right now, the D-Vine is only available in France and Singapore, but the company is looking to expand to the US soon.
'It can be a little hard to convince "traditional" makers to put their wines in a form like this," company co-founder Thibaut Jarrousse told Mashable.
Last year, another company launched a Kickstarter campaign for a similar product called the Bartesian, which is like a Keurig for cocktails.
Cheers! The Bartesian appliance can make cocktails without all of the mixers
Investing in a party: The company collected funding on Kickstarter last year
By just popping in a little pod and supplying the booze, of course the machine makes an expertly-mixed alcoholic drink at home.
Users need only to supply four basic spirits - vodka, rum, gin, and tequila - and one of the brand's Keurig-like cocktail pods to get a bar-quality drink without having a bartender handy.
The invention is currently available for preorder for $299 after backers pledged $115,846 to see it get made.
Select and sip: Users can also adjust the strength of their drink, which could call for one of four spirits
Seriously simple: The pods eliminate the need for buying a large variety of mixers, like liqueurs and juices
BYOB: The machine requires users to provide glasses filled with gin, rum, vodka, and tequila in order to make all of the available cocktails
'Each Bartesian Capsule is made with real, premium ingredients,' the Kickstarter page explained. 'Fresh juice concentrates, non-alcoholic liqueurs, and bitters, all in liquid form.'
Initial flavor offerings include three classics (Margarita, Cosmopolitan, and Sex on the Beach), as well as original drinks like a Bartesian Breeze, which is made of rum, strawberry juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, and coconut water.
Madeleine interned for Mitt Romney's campaign in 2012 and seems to find her newfound fame exciting
She has been frequently photographed with congressmen and military bigwigs and calls her job a 'huge privilege'
to RNC chief of staff Katie Walsh, who asked her to help important people past security and press into the building
Those obsessively watching VIPs head in and out of Trump Tower these past few weeks may have noticed one familiar face over and over again.
At just 26 years old, Irvine, California native Madeleine Westerhout certainly sticks out among a sea of older white gentleman funneling through the building, yet she's been an ever-present part of the transitional team.
As the assistant of Republican National Committee chief of staff Katie Walsh, Madeleine has recently taken on the role of 'gatekeeper', according to CNN, escorting some of the biggest names in politics in to meet the president-elect.
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High-profile gig: Madeleine Westerhout, 26, has been escorting VIPs like Rick Perry (right) into Trump Tower and up the elevator
Meeting the big guys: The California native has worked for the RNC for three and a half years; in November, she walked in Tennessee Senator Bob Corker (right)
Wow! She (pictured with Retired Admiral James Stavridis) said meeting the admirals and generals has been a real honor
While the College of Charleston alum who majored in Political Science and Government undoubtedly earned her job by merit, she seems to have come across her fame within the GOP at such a young age by pure luck, similar to Donald Trump's 27-year-old spokeswoman, Hope Hicks.
After college, the rising Republican star interned for Romney for President in 2012, Kuhn for Congress in South Carolina in 2013, and Congressman John Campbell that same year.
The former Alpha Delta Pi sorority president then started worked for the Republican National Committee in the summer of 2013. During the election, she jetted around the country with Walsh, an adviser to Reince Priebus who was formerly head of the RNC and is set to be the new Chief of Staff.
Background: Madeleine graduated from College of Charleston in 2013 with a degree in Political Science and Government
How she does it: Her boss, Republican National Committee chief of staff Katie Walsh (not pictured), asked her top help people pass security
Madeleine said she didn't expect her job to be so public (pictured with Texas U.S. Representative Michael McCaul (left)
When the election ended, she joined Walsh in New York. There the RNC chief of staff had Madeleine begin escorting visitors to the building through the press and security in front.
'Katie wanted me to make sure that these important people got inside the building and where they needed to be,' she told CNN. 'And then the President-elect wanted to make sure all of his meetings were very transparent, so it became a little bit more public than I originally thought it was going to be.'
Since the election, she's been seen in the background of several photos of important people at Trump, and is a frequent presence on C-SPAN's elevator cam.
She has met a lot of important people, like Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce (left)
Twins! Madeliene wrote on Instagram that like General James Mattis (left), she is also sometimes called 'Mad Dog'
'It's me! I'm "the greeter girl!"' she gleefully tweeted after being identified by C-SPAN's Howard Mortman and shortly before chowing down on one of Trump Tower's taco bowls.
She's walked in Governor Rick Perry, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, and a parade of generals and admirals, including Gen. Mattis, Gen. John Kelly, Adm. Mike Rogers who have been her favorite to escort.
'I have been fortunate enough to meet some of the most incredible people and leaders- not least of which is General James "Mad Dog" Mattis, our future Secretary of Defense! I didn't mention to him that some people also call me MadDog...hopefully for different reasons,' she wrote on Instagram last week.
Flashback: Madeleine is pictured meeting President George W. Bush before the election
Early work: She was also an intern for Mitt Romney's presidential campaign in 2012
The exposure has meant plenty of her friends and family have been spotting her in the news, and she's been spending extra care picking out her outfits to be camera-ready.
Madeleine also works as a fitness instructor at Pure Barre in Washington, D.C., though she may find herself too busy once the operation officially moves back to the capitol.
A mother-of two who started making chocolate gifts for friends at the kitchen table when she couldn't afford Christmas presents has turned her hobby into a business that's turning over 1 million a year.
Flo Broughton, 37, from Bath, started Choc on Choc 13 years ago, specialising in quirky, handmade creations, such as realistic Brussels sprouts, and her products are stocked by high end retailers such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
She's made personalised creations for celebrities such as Sting, Mary Berry and Michael McIntyre, as well as a chocolate version of a castle owned by Hollywood star Nicolas Cage after he dropped into her workshop.
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Mother-of-two Flo Broughton balances running her 1 million-a-year confectionery business with being a mother to her two children
The entrepreneur at work in her factory; all her chocolates are handmade to ensure quality
'We have since created some really exciting Willy Wonka designs from lifelike models of celebrity homes for Sting and Nicolas Cage to chocolate ice cream cones and igloos. We are innovating all of the time,' Flo told FEMAIL.
'We've been approached by Love Productions, who produce the Great British Bake Off show to create chocolates, and I was invited to attend the show and meet with Mary Berry.'
Flo has also presented chocolate treats to Michael McIntyre and former Prime Minister David Cameron.
Actor Nicolas Cage one day paid a surprise visit to her factory after buying Midford Castle in Somerset in 2007, and Flo created a lifelike chocolate model of the opulent property for him.
Flo was asked to produce chocolates celebrating Mary Berry's cookery show and was invited to present them to the host in person
Former Prime Minister David Cameron with Choc On Choc treats created for the 2015 General Election
Flo backstage with Michael McIntyre at one of his comedy shows after presenting him with personalised chocolate
It all started one Christmas more than a decade ago when Flo had just graduated from her degree in graphic design and didn't have much money to buy presents.
She would often spend time in the kitchen making presents for friends, with the creative input of her dad, an inventor who designed the popular hedgehog boot wiper in the 1980s.
'We started to make rubber moulds, which we filled with chocolate by hand,' Flo recalled. 'The production method we invented, which layers chocolate on top of chocolate, makes the products completely original.
The mother-of-two says her children spurred her on to make the business even more successful
Her son Charlie pictured getting involved in the family passion for chocolate
'It was from there that our family and friends suggested to us to take our hobby full time, as the chocolates were going down a treat with everyone.
'We soon realised we had an exciting business proposition and after receiving a fantastic response at a trade show, I knew it was an idea I wanted to progress.'
Flo's initial product range was 12 very different slabs of chocolates adorned with images such as a chocolate tap, coffee cup, hands, bay trees, Happy Birthday and messages like: 'I love you more than chocolate'.
A chocolate model of Midford Castle in Somerset made for the then owner, Hollywood star Nicolas Cage
'At the very beginning, we invested in the necessary technical equipment to enable us to produce our new chocolates in large batches, but still made them all by hand to ensure the quality of the chocolate remained the same,' she said.
'My father and I then attended a number of trade shows to raise awareness of the brand to potential buyers. Behind the scenes, I was working all day and night on the factory floor making the chocolates, but my determination to succeed always kept me going.
'We have since substantially grown the company, transforming it from a cottage business into an organisation with 30 staff that produces around 60 tons of chocolate a year.
'All the Choc on Choc collection is handmade using Belgian chocolate at our "Chocolate House" in Rode, a small village near Bath.'
Flo had early success thanks to her products being accepted by stores such as John Lewis, Waitrose, Selfridges and Harrods.
'It added great kudos to the brand and really got us noticed early on and resulted in lots of magazine features because the product was so unusual,' she said.
'In 2008 we re-branded the business and launched just as the recession hit. But that year the business grew rapidly.
'We still arent sure if it was the re-brand or the fact chocolate makes you feel good in dark times and we were the prefect affordable treat.'
A chocolate representation of Highbury Castle in Dorset in the winter
Having her first child Charlie, now six, in 2010 was a turning point for Flo who found that becoming a mum made her even more motivated to grow her company.
'I initially struggled with how unable I was to be hands on with the business,' she admitted.
'Up until his birth I had worked 12-hour days in the factory making chocolate and doing invoices by night.
The mother-of-two juggles running her business with making sure she's around to do the school run and help her children with their homework
I suddenly realised it was all still happening without me as I had a great team of staff and that I needed to concentrate on what I was really good at - selling, designing and running the business.
'I learned to work so much more efficiently. Nap time was a godsend - two hours of frantic work, production and planning.
The business woman is completely self taught and had no experience prior to launching her own company
'Sienna was born three years later and the business now is maintaining a 1m turnover and growing each year.
'Yes Ive had family help me, we have had a nanny to help otherwise it wouldnt have happened, but really I have learned to work smarter.
'I am self-taught and it is through sheer determination, drive and hard work that we have grown the business to what it is today.'
'Every day is completely different. One day Ill be developing a new product, and on another, working on a pitch for a new retailer we want to get on board.
'As I am so passionate about the brand, I want to be involved in every aspect of running the company, and this ensures my role is ever-changing and Im always learning, making my job thoroughly enjoyable.'
As her career flourishes, Flo is mindful of maintaining a work-life balance, which she describes as 'extremely important'.
'With two children, it is vital I make time to help them with homework and look after the school run as well as spend quality time with them every day.
Siena and Charlie are following in their mother's footsteps by whipping up their own creations in the kitchen at an early age
'My husband is self-employed and we share the child care responsibilities. I also delegate a lot more tasks at work than I used to and I have learned to say "no" and set boundaries when needed to ensure that I am using my time effectively to oversee the smooth running of the business.
'I also have a terrific team around me of people I really trust and know the brand inside out, so this is reassuring when I have to leave early or take days off when the children are ill. Its all a balancing act.
Doctors diagnosed Brianna Brewer, three, of Ohio, with a hemangioma at two weeks old
A three-year-old girl will be able to smile for the first time ever after having life-changing surgery to remove a kiwi-sized tumour from her mouth.
Brianna Brewer was just two weeks old when her parents first noticed a tiny bruise-like mark appear on her upper lip.
Doctors diagnosed it as a hemangioma - a collections of blood vessels that gather underneath the skin to form a reddish-purple lump.
Within seven months, the small mark swelled in size and became larger than her nose.
After specialist treatment the birthmark stopped growing, but it was still five times the size of her lip, which caused her difficulties talking, eating and smiling.
Fearing her daughter would be bullied, her mother, Hollianna Lockhart, 26, desperately looked for a surgeon to perform intricate surgery to reduce the mass.
Last week, Brianna, from Portsmouth, Ohio, was flown to Miami for the operation to remove the blood vessels and tissue in her mouth as well as reconstruct her lip.
Ms Lockhart, a call centre worker, said: 'At its largest the hemangioma was the size of a kiwi and was so big that Brianna was struggling to eat and we had to feed her from an angle.
'It was in front of where all of her teeth came in, so I've never seen her smile.
Within seven months, the small mark swelled to the size of a kiwi and was larger than Brianna's nose. Hemangiomas are blood vessels that gather under the skin forming a benign tumour
'At one point it was bigger than her nose and poked out far past her nostrils.
'Because it was so large, her speech was affected too, she couldn't use the front of her mouth to make sounds and everything had to come from the back of her mouth.
'I knew she needed surgery because of how hard it would be growing up and looking different from everyone else, I didn't want her to be bullied or embarrassed by how she looked.
It takes between three and ten years for hemangiomas to reduce in size, according to the Vascular Birthmark Foundation (VBF), typically fading completely by adulthood.
However, with larger cases, like Brianna's, her mother feared she would be left with scarring and sagging skin from where the tissue had expanded.
Ms Lockhart said: 'I knew that the hemangioma, if left alone, would eventually shrink, but it would leave residue and a scar which would make her lip look droopy - I didn't want that for her.
The Vascular Birthmark Foundation offered to pay for Brianna's life-changing surgery, which took place last week in Miami, Florida
'But every time we mentioned surgery, doctors were apprehensive and in our eyes came up with a different excuse each time to avoiding operating on her.'
Earlier this year, Ms Lockhart posted her daughter's story on VBF's Facebook page and the organisation offered to pay for her surgery.
And last week, Brianna received the treatment and now she will be able smile fully for the first time, experts say.
Ms Lockhart: 'Now she's had the surgery, I'm very excited to see her little toothy smile.
'We are just waiting for the swelling to go down, and seeing her smile will be the best Christmas present we could have asked for.'
VBF are a charity that networks families with birthmarks, tumours or syndromes to medical professionals for treatment as well as providing info.
They funded Brianna's treatment in Miami making her the 100,000 patient the organisation has helped since being founded in 1994.
Brianna's parents, Robert Brewer, 28, (left) and Holliana Lockart, 26, (right) have never seen their daughter smile. They say seeing it will be the 'best Christmas present'
Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon, VBF founder and president, said: 'When Brianna's mother shared her daughter's story, I knew VBF had to intervene.
'This family's journey is typical of many we have helped over the past 22 years.
'Despite the fact that early intervention could prevent complications, many patients postpone treatment based on physician recommendations to "wait and see".
'I am ecstatic that Brianna has received the surgery she needed with one of VBF's expert surgeons.'
Dr. Chad Perlyn, the paediatric plastic surgeon who performed the operation, said: 'Brianna's story is one of the many that provide hope to young patients with vascular formations.
'I am confident that this surgery will not only improve her physical development, it will also offer Brianna and her family a better social and emotional quality of life.'
For information on birthmarks of the VBF visit: www.birthmark.org
Formerly conjoined twins Jadon and Anias McDonald have transferred to a new hospital to begin rehabilitation nine weeks after being separated.
The twins were separated in a 20-hour procedure at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx on October 13 and 14.
On Wednesday, they left the New York City hospital that had been their home since February, transferring to Blythedale Children's Hospital in suburban Westchester.
There, they'll receive specialized rehabilitation care, the medical center said Thursday.
Both boys continue to battle infections, and Anias struggles with seizures.
But to the delight of the medical team and their families, both boys are getting stronger, often smiling and are able to look at each other, play together and hug one another.
'Jadon and Anias continue to surprise us every day,' said Dr. James Goodrich, the surgeon that has seen them through months of preparation, surgery, and recovery.
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Recovering! Dr. Oren Tepper and Dr. James Goodrich holding a pair of formerly conjoined twins, Jadon, left and Anias in New York on Thursday
The boys were born via cesarean section last September near Chicago, Illinois. They were attached by the brain and the skull
Brotherly love: Jadon (left) and Anias (right) pictured thriving in hospital last week shortly before being discharged to go to rehab
'As one of my most difficult cases, we knew recovery would take time, but we are all amazed by how well the boys are bouncing back and are confident they will continue to achieve new milestones at Blythedale.'
The now 15-month-old twins were attached at the brain and the skull.
They both suffered infections following the surgery, and Anias developed seizures that are now being controlled with medication.
Seizures aren't uncommon among twins who were conjoined at the brain, Montefiore said.
Despite the challenges, the hospital said the boys are able to breathe on their own, eat, interact with their family and play with one another.
The 40-person surgical team that separated the twins was led in part by Dr. James Goodrich.
It's the seventh set of twins joined at the head that he has helped successfully separate.
He called it one of his 'most difficult cases.'
After the twins arrived at the hospital in February, the four-stage separation procedure was planned, in-part, by using 3D printing technology to map the boys' anatomy.
Dr Goodrich and Dr Oren Tepper, who also led the surgery, will continue to monitor the boys' progress during rehabilitation.
Today's announcement marks a significant milestone for the twins who have spent several months in and out of the Pediatric Critical Care Unit since arriving in New York in February.
Nicole and 37-year-old Christian insisted the boys were perfect as they were. But in order to let them lead a normal life, they traveled to Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, New York, to have one of the world's most esteemed surgeons perform the rare operation to separate their heads
Anias and Jadon, who have a three-year-old brother Aza, were technically called 'craniopagus twins' - a phenomenon that occurs just once in every 2.5million births
Last week Nicole posted the first video of them since leaving hospital. The adorable clip showed the boys cuddling - something they could never do before - and speaking
The boys were born via cesarean section last September near Chicago, Illinois, where their parents Nicole and Christian raised their first son Aza, who is now three years old.
But in order to let the twins lead a normal life, they traveled to Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, New York, to have one of the world's most esteemed surgeons perform the incredibly rare operation to separate their heads.
The operation cost $2.5million.
'This is a bittersweet day for us,' said mom Nicole McDonald.
'We are so proud of the strength our boys show us every day as they progress in their recovery, and we are looking forward to seeing them thrive in rehab, but the people at Montefiore have become our extended family.
'They have supported us every step of the way and we will miss them and this community so much.'
Now 15 months old, the boys will return to CHAM regularly for follow-up care with Dr. Tepper and Dr. Goodrich will also continue to closely monitor the boys' progress.
Having the flu in pregnancy increases the risk of the child suffering from depression as they grow older, scientists warn.
It is known that early maternal support can aid the developing brain in its ability to deal with stress.
But any form of viral infection can cause a woman to be less affectionate towards her offspring, a new study has found.
And girls who were born to a mother who was struck down by the flu began learnt to mimic their behaviour.
But any form of viral infection can cause a woman to be less affectionate towards her offspring, a new study has found
Experts say this could lead to subsequent generations suffering from mental disorders as a result of an infection in pregnancy.
Scientists from the Medical University of Vienna stimulated the immune systems of mice, which had a similar effect to contracting the flu.
They were able to prove that the infections led to behavioural changes that then passed from one generation to the next.
Lead researcher Dr Daniella Pollak explained that environmental changes, like the lack of maternal care, change the make-up of DNA.
Early maternal support can aid the developing brain to deal with stress, research found
This leads to a permanent behavioural change or development of a mental illness, like depression.
They also found this caused daughters born to women who had contracted the infection to become less maternal towards their own children when they began to start their family.
However, she said more research is needed to find out whether the mother's infection in itself affects the baby's brain.
And that further studies are needed to determine what actually happens to the mother's brain during an infection.
Dr Pollak also suggested that scientists should look into the role of fathers and their behaviour to complete the research.
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Hawaii has held onto its title as the healthiest state in America, continuing a five-year reign.
With low obesity rates, widespread insurance coverage, and few hospitalizations, the island has been tipped as a shining example of good health in this year's annual Health Rankings Report.
It was followed by three Northeastern states - Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont - and one in the Midwest: Minnesota.
The South, meanwhile, made up the bottom five, with Mississippi being pushed from 49th place to 50th after years at the bottom of the table.
With a staggeringly high rate of smoking, high rate of children in poverty, and typically low birth weights, Mississippi has the most significant gaps in its care for citizens' health.
Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama and Oklahoma rounded out the bottom five.
With low obesity rates, widespread insurance coverage, and few hospitalizations, Hawaii has been tipped as a shining example of good health in this year's annual Health Rankings Report
The report, compiled by the United Health Foundation, ranks each state based on data from the US Census Bureau, American Medical Association, and the CDC.
They assess the state's overall health based on a variety of factors including how much people exercise, smoke, and drink.
Disease rates, crime rates, vaccination rates, premature birth rates, and public health funding are also taken into account.
1. HAWAII
Hawaii was commended in the report for its low prevalence of obesity, widespread health insurance, and low rate of preventable hospitalizations.
In the past two years, drug deaths decreased 4 percent from 11.7 to 11.2 deaths per 100,000 population.
Meanwhile, more and more young girls are getting the HPV jab to prevent cancers such as cervical cancer which stem from the STD.
The rate of females aged 13 to 17 years old getting the jab increased from 38.0 percent to 52.4 percent.
And the rate of diabetes dropped from 9.8 percent to 8.5 percent of adults.
It's triumph was not without criticism.
The state maintains a high prevalence of excessive drinking.
It also has a high rate of Salmonella infections, and a high rate of unvaccinated children and adults.
Physical inactivity also increased, as did violent crime.
2. MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts has climbed from third place to second place in a year.
It was bumped up thanks to its low prevalence of obesity, low percentage of population without insurance, and higher number of primary care physicians.
There is room for improvement, particularly in driving down its high rate of excessive drinking, high rate of Salmonella infections, and large disparity in health status depending on level of education.
But the state holds on to two important statistics: it ranks first for senior health and first for the health of women and children.
And in other good news: child poverty decreased, smoking decreased, and more people got insurance.
However, amid the widespread drug addiction epidemic, drug deaths rocketed and premature death increased slightly.
Hawaii, three Northeastern states - Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont - and one in the Midwest (Minnesota) came top
3. CONNECTICUT
The Northeastern state has frog-leaped from sixth place last year to third this year.
It has a low prevalence of smoking, low incidence of infectious disease, and high immunization coverage among children.
In the past year, HPV immunization among males aged 13 to 17 years increased from 27.0 percent to 42.0 percent.
And cancer deaths have plummeting in the past nine years, dropping from 191.2 to 173.2 deaths per 100,000 population.
Like many of the top-ranking states, Connecticut's good points are offset by a high prevalence of excessive drinking.
It also has high levels of air pollution, and the health of its citizens largely depends on whether they attained a high level of education.
Other bad points include an increase in drug deaths over the past three years, going up from 10.5 to 15.1 deaths per 100,000 population.
Physical inactivity has also increased over the past year, as has child poverty.
4. MINNESOTA
Holding strong in the same spot as last year, Minnesota has maintained its low rate of drug deaths in the face of a national epidemic, as well as a low percentage of children in poverty, and a low percentage of population without insurance.
Drug deaths did increase last year, from 7.1 to 9.3 deaths per 100,000 people, but marginally compared to the staggering rates in other states.
Child poverty dropped from 11.9 percent to 8.0 percent of children.
Meningococcal immunization among teenagers increased, and preventable hospitalization decreased.
However, there remains a high rate of binge-drinking, and a minimal public health funding.
More and more, health depends on education level.
5. VERMONT
Vermont has slipped from second place, but clung onto the top five.
Uniquely, the state ranks second for senior health and second for the health of women and children.
It has a low prevalence of obesity, low violent crime rate, and low percentage of population without insurance.
Preventable hospitalizations have also decreased, as has the rate of people without insurance.
However, there is a high prevalence of excessive drinking, a high rate of cancer deaths, and a large disparity in health status by educational attainment.
Other areas for improvement include the need to boost exercise (physical inactivity increased from 19.0 percent to 22.2 percent of adults) and child poverty (the number of children in poverty increased from 11.5 percent to 17.3 percent).
The South made up the bottom five, with Mississippi being pushed from 49th place to 50th
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE REPORT
EXCESSIVE DRINKING
There was some good news for Mississippi: it was one of the lowest rates of excessive drinking in the country.
Tennessee had the lowest rate, with just 11.2 percent of adults reporting binge-drinking - well below the national average of 17.7 percent.
West Virginia, Utah, Alabama and Mississippi completed the top five for infrequent binge-drinking.
Excessive drinking is most extreme in Norta Dakota, with a quarter of adults admitting to consuming five or more drinks in one sitting.
It was followed by four other northern and cold states - Wisconsin, Alaska, Montana and Illinois.
OBESITY
Obesity is most prevalent in Louisiana, closely followed by Alabama, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
The most slender states, on the other hand, are Colorado followed by Hawaii, Montana, California, and Massachusetts.
However, all states have seen a steady climb in obesity rates since 1990.
PHYSICAL INACTIVITY
Mississippi is easily the least active state, with 36.8 percent of adults claiming they never exercise.
Arkansas (34.2 percent), Oklahoma (33.2 percent), and Kentucky (32.5 percent) follow. Alabama and Louisiana shared the fifth spot in the bottom five, with 31.9 percent of adults inactive.
Corresponding with its obesity figures, Colorado is the most active. Just 17.9 percent of adults in Colorado admit that their only exercise comes from their morning and evening commute to and from work.
Oregon (1.8.8 percent), Washington (19 percent), California (20 percent) and Utah (20.3 percent) complete the list of states with the lowest rate of physical inactivity.
Breakdown By Taylor Downing (Little, Brown 25)
Breakdown
By Taylor Downing (Little, Brown 25)
No one had any idea what was going on when soldiers in Casualty Clearing Stations in 1915 started displaying bizarre symptoms.
Some were paralysed, some had the shakes, some were struck temporarily blind or deaf.
A doctor writing in The Lancet suggested they were suffering from physical concussion caused by shell blasts and so was born the term shell-shock.
As many as one in five soldiers who served on the Western Front suffered from it.
Terrified that the condition might spread further, the Army shipped victims back to London on locked trains with blacked-out windows and then whisked them away to the Maudsley Mental Hospital in South London.
All in the Same Boat by Warren Fitzgerald (Blake 16.99)
All in the Same Boat
by Warren Fitzgerald (Blake 16.99)
Here is one of the strangest and most stirring stories to emerge from the Falklands Conflict. In 1982 a North Sea passenger ferry called the Norland was requisitioned to transport 900 paratroopers to the South Atlantic.
The crew whod been assured they wouldnt be going anywhere near the fighting were as unlikely a bunch of potential heroes as its possible to imagine.
One of the stewards was a part-time drag artiste who went by the name of Wendy, while another had extravagantly permed hair and large gold earrings.
To begin with, relations between the crew and the squaddies were frosty, but by the time the Norland docked in San Carlos Water theyd formed an unshakeable bond.
When the War was over the soldiers as a token of their appreciation presented Wendy with a red regimental beret, and more than 30 years on, ties remain as close as ever with soldiers and crew still attending annual Norland reunions.
Where Poppies Blow By John Lewis-Stempel (W&N 20)
Where Poppies Blow
By John Lewis-Stempel (W&N 20)
One of the best nature writers to have come along in many years, John Lewis-Stempel turns his attention here to the relationship between soldiers and nature on the Western Front during WWI.
It turns out many soldiers were birdwatchers and kept meticulous records of the species they had seen.
There were plenty of other forms of wildlife on the Western Front, of course including rats which grew to over a foot long, bloated on human flesh.
Amazingly, there was also a lion, an orangutan, a kangaroo, assorted wallabies and a koala bear all of them regimental mascots.
The lion grew so tame that it used to follow the regiments commanding officer around like a dog.
All in the Same Boat by Warren Fitzgerald (Blake 16.99)
SAS Rogue Heroes
by Ben Macintyre (Viking 25)
Given access to the SASs wartime archives, Macintyre has unearthed extraordinary tales of courage, recklessness and near-insanity.
Among the early recruits to the SAS were a tomato farmer, a spectacles salesman and an Irish rugby international.
One of the SASs early exploits, the unfortunately-named Operation Bigamy a raid on Benghazi in Libya ended in disaster with a quarter of their men killed, wounded or captured.
Whats remarkable, given the oddballs the regiment attracted, was the apparent ease with which so many slotted back into civilian life once the war was over.
One became manager of the Hyde Park Hotel, one the BBCs chief medical officer and another wrote the classic horror film, Theatre Of Blood, starring Vincent Price.
Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany By Norman Ohler (Allen Lane, 20)
Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany
By Norman Ohler (Allen Lane, 20)
While there have been many explanations offered for why the Nazis behaved as they did, as far as I know nobody before has ever suggested it was because they were stoned out of their minds.
But as Norman Ohler demonstrates, the Third Reich effectively ran on a drug called Pervitin the fore-runner of crystal meth.
In the Thirties, Germans in their millions wolfed down Pervitin pills, convinced they made them more alert, passionate and more hard-working altogether better Nazis.
Meanwhile Hitler was receiving daily doses of a drug closely related to heroin, as well as cocaine.
In the past, Hitlers wildly erratic behaviour in the Berlin bunker has been ascribed to Parkinsons Disease.
The real cause, Ohler argues, may simply have been that he was going cold turkey.
Tank Action
by David Render with Stuart Tootal (W&N 20)
David Render is one of the last surviving WWII tank commanders who took part in the D-Day landings.
Aged just 19, he was put in charge of 16 tanks on a ship bound for France.
In 1944 life expectancy for a British tank commander was a mere two weeks and to begin with it looked as if Render wouldnt even last that long.
He knew as did everyone else that if a tank was hit by a shell, the ensuing fire would be so intense the flesh of the crew often fused with the metal of the chassis.
The GIRL WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS by Matt Haig, illustrated by Chris Mould (Canongate 12.99)
THE GIRL WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS
by Matt Haig, illustrated by Chris Mould (Canongate 12.99)
A sequel to last years bestseller A Boy Called Christmas, this new Matt Haig book is another blend of black humour, tragedy and fantasy.
Amelia, the little girl who inspired Santas first Christmas delivery, watches her mother die in a Victorian slum.
Meanwhile, Father Christmass home of Elfhelm is under attack from vicious trolls and Christmas is cancelled.
A year later, Amelia is a chimney sweep living in abject misery, so Santa sets out to save her and restore Christmas with a little help from Charles Dickens.
Its funny, sad and a bit mad, but full of wonderful characters. (We all need a Truth Pixie in our lives...)
Age 8+
TIME TRAVELLING WITH A HAMSTER by Ross Welford (HarperCollins 6.99)
TIME TRAVELLING WITH A HAMSTER
by Ross Welford (HarperCollins 6.99)
Als father, Pythagorus, died when Al was eight but left his son a letter to be opened on his 12th birthday.
It reveals the location of a time machine Pythagorus had been working on, beneath their former home.
Despite the warnings from his eccentric paternal grandfather, Al becomes convinced that if he travels back through time, he can prevent the accident that would, years later, lead to his fathers death.
With his pet hamster, Alan Shearer (yes, really), he begins his heartbreaking quest with chaotic results.
Cleverly introducing scientific concepts of time, this is a touching and funny portrayal of grief and love.
Age 9+
SONG FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE
by A. F. Harrold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold (Bloomsbury 12.99)
No one at school likes big, smelly, oddball Nick Underbridge, so when he rescues young girl Frank from bullies in the park, she feels oddly conflicted.
But when she visits Nicks house, Frank hears strange music that lifts her low spirits, until she traces the sound to the cellar where a troll-like, shadowy figure lurks.
Nicks secret is so fantastical that Frank swears to tell no one but promises are hard to keep.
This wildly imaginative and heartbreakingly moving story from the author of the award-winning The Imaginary is offset by a robust humour and Levi Pinfolds superbly evocative, misty illustrations complete a glorious and unforgettable tale of loyalty, loss and friendship.
Age 9+
WOLF HOLLOW by Lauren Wolk (Corgi 6.99)
WOLF HOLLOW
by Lauren Wolk (Corgi 6.99)
The year I turned 12, I learned how to lie, says narrator Annabelle, in the opening line of this stunning coming-of-age novel.
Set in rural Pennsylvania during World War II, Annabelles innocently happy life comes to an abrupt halt when a new girl at school, Betty, singles her out for bullying.
The drama escalates when Betty blames Toby a gentle but damaged World War I veteran who walks the hills alone carrying guns for her own appalling act of violence.
When Betty then suddenly disappears, Annabelle is forced to choose between the truth and a dangerous deceit in her race to find Betty before the town turns on Toby.
This is beautifully written, with memorable characters, sensitively handled moral issues and a storyline that lingers long after the final page. I loved it.
Age 11+
MISTLETOE AND MURDER by Robin Stevens (Puffin 6.99)
MISTLETOE AND MURDER
by Robin Stevens (Puffin 6.99)
Robin Stevens detective stories set in the Thirties are firm favourites of mine and this Christmas caper, against a snowy backdrop of Cambridge colleges, sees teenage sleuths and boarding school chums upper-class, impulsive Daisy Wells and scholarly, cautious Hazel Wong investigate an accident they suspect is murder.
Theres a disputed legacy, a rival detective agency and a hint of romance...
Stevens inspired device is to allow Hong Kong-born Wong to narrate the stories, giving an outsiders perspective on eccentric British behaviour, pre-war snobbishness, racism and the restricted role of women while maintaining a high level of genuine tension and humour. Simply spiffing.
As citizens scramble for cash following the government's decision to abolish high-value currency notes, banks and small businesses are struggling to install card machines to meet a surge in demand for debit and credit card payments.
Since demonetisation, beauty salons, dry cleaners, kirana stores and even hawkers have been requesting card-swiping terminals.
'I don't want any loss in business,' said Akhilesh Yadav, a roadside fruit and vegetable vendor.
Since demonetisation, demand for card-swiping terminals has been outstripping supply
'Many of my customers started moving to malls so they can pay with plastic money. I have no option left but to provide e-payment facility to buyers.
'But, my banker has sought time to install a machine. Meanwhile, I have started using an e-wallet.'
The Centre has asked banks to ensure that an additional 10 lakh terminals are installed after demonetisation.
It also removed service charges on debit and credit card transactions until December 31 to encourage more users.
A banker, who has been dealing in card machines - also known as point of sale (PoS) devices, for 12 years, said: 'Earlier we used to push businessmen to install PoS machines, but they rarely showed interest.
'Now they are requesting for immediate installation, but service providers are unable to supply us machines to meet the demand.'
Credit and debit machines are in high demand since demonitisation led to a cash crisis
Sources say, like cash, while some influential people are acquiring the machines illegally in connivance with bank officials, millions of common people are struggling to get them.
Bank officials are alleging that PoS suppliers are favouring some banks over others.
'We don't think service provider companies will give any undue favour to any bank. It is natural that big banks will receive more machines compared to smaller banks,' said an officer working with the IDBI Bank.
Hundreds of small vendors and businesses have also switched to mobile and online payment services that are now expected to more than double their annual growth
With the rise in demand, many banks have changed the criteria to reject requests from small businesses.
For instance, the demand of Mallika Enterprises at Connaught Place was rejected by a leading public sector bank citing little turnover.
'After demonetisation, the bank has raised the criteria of annual turnover to Rs 50 lakh per annum for issuing PoS machines,' said Praveen Singh, owner of the company.
Long queues outside banks have led to millions of people preferring to use plastic forms of payment in shops across India
Banks claim the situation will normalise soon and they will process all demands.
'No body wants to lose business to tech savvy rivals.
'Several small businesses in urban and semi-urban areas are requesting banks to set up card-swipe machines, but we are finding it hard to meet the demand,' said another bank official.
Service providers claim they were not expecting a sudden surge in demand and are trying to meet the requirement.
Worldline, the leading transaction acquiring processor, which manages a third of the 1.5 million PoS terminals in India, plans to ramp up capacity.
Several officials of religious trusts in various centres of faith were caught on camera brokering illicit cash transactions for tax thieves in the wake of the November 8 abolition of high-value notes.
As part of its probe in exposing black money mafias, an India Today team discovered how caretakers of some popular religious organisations in Rishikesh and Haridwar were facilitating the exchange of scrapped currency with legal tender.
Wearing a sacred tika on his forehead, a manager of Rishikesh's Sachcha Dham Ashram offered to exchange scrapped currency for a hefty commission.
Rishikesh's Sachcha Dham was one of the centres which formed part of the investigation
Ramesh, the manager, first suggested depositing the unaccounted wealth in a bank account he claimed would not be scrutinised by tax inspectors.
'RTGS can also be done. There won't be any problem in that account,' he said, sitting inside the sprawling hermitage.
He told this journalist, who was posing as a businessman, that he would help swap his fictitious Rs 1 crore with valid currency through the bank for a commission of 35 per cent.
'Yes, it will be managed. When you give one (crore), we'll charge some commission as well,' Ramesh said.
An India Today TV investigation has revealed that representatives of some of the country's major political parties are double-dipping as brokers for those with undeclared wealth
'They (bank officials) will keep 30 (per cent) with themselves and the rest five is for the intermediaries,' he explained.
Ramesh was also willing to organise a direct exchange of cash for a bigger cut of 45 per cent. 'If you give one (crore), you'll get 55 (lakh) back,' he said.
Jai Prakash, a manager of Rishikesh's Baba Kali Kamli Wale Trust, also promised to convert Rs 1 crore in black money into white through his links.
He was introduced to this reporter by a Sachcha Dham volunteer, Bhoop Singh.
The scandal which has also exposed political figures rocked Parliament on Wednesday. Titu Yadav later denied he had any sort of illicit conversation with the reporter
'Their work should be done and we should get something,' Singh told Prakash.
Kamaldeep Joshi, an administrative officer of Rishikesh's Kailashananda Mission Trust, guaranteed to help interchange banned currency with new notes.
'We'll try to get it done for up to one (crore). Sixty (lakh) is confirmed. We'll try for the rest 40,' he said.
Such illegal innovations are threatening to undercut Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move, which was meant to punish tax evaders and other criminals
Joshi tried to seal the deal for a huge commission of 50 per cent.
'We'll be able to distribute four to five lakh among 10 to 15 of us. We'll dispose of up to Rs 50-60 lakh,' he said.
The reporter next met Anuj Pradhan of Haridwar's Ganga Sabha.
He too agreed to arrange exchange of Rs 2 crore through a third party.
Meanwhile, the India Today TV sting operation that showed leaders of the Congress, SP, BSP and others promising to launder black money for a hefty cut rocked the Parliament on Wednesday.
Virendra Jatav was quick to barter the team's fictitious Rs 10 crore for a big commission in the India Today TV probe. 'It will be exchanged at a cost of 35-40 per cent,' he said
Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar fired a fresh salvo at the Opposition, citing the India Today sting to allege that Congress, SP and BSP leaders have joined hands to finish off the government's efforts to bolster the white economy.
'They have become note-jugaad (managing currency) parties. It is a conspiracy to finish off what Modi brought for the poor,' he said.
Kumar insisted that the ruling side was ready for a discussion on demonetisation but the Opposition was running away and disrupting proceedings.
BJP's Jagdambika Pal claimed the Opposition would be exposed.
Tariq Siddiqui, a member of the Congress party, was willing to introduce the undercover journalists to an NGO for exchanging unlawful money
'It is a matter of shame that the Congress which participated in freedom struggle has become a party of commission agents,' he said, amid vociferous slogan-shouting by the Opposition.
Replying to a question on reports about sting operation in which a BSP member was found accepting black money, Rajya Sabha member and BSP supremo termed the operation pre-planned to defame the opposition.
While she questioned why no sting had been conducted on BJP leaders, she said: 'If anyone from BSP is found indulging in money laundering, strict action will be taken against him or her.'
Titu Yadav, a member of Uttar Pradesh's ruling Samajwadi Party's Noida Mahanagar unit, was caught on film but later denied any wrongdoing
Union minister Prakash Javadekar also used the sting to taunt Rahul Gandhi, saying he should rename All India Congress Committee as All India Currency Conduit.
India Today TV had found leaders from several political groups had turned their party offices into underground banks as a scramble to hide black money peaked after the government scrapped high value banknotes last month.
Representatives of some major political parties were filmed double-dipping as brokers for undeclared wealth.
As someone who made up his mind about becoming a tattoo artist in the eighth grade, Mickey Malani has gone from being a mobile tattoo artist, travelling on a scooter around Mumbai, to now flying between countries for work.
The tattoo artist, who is the cofounder of Bodycanvas Tattoos, recently participated in the Heartwork Tattoo Festival in Delhi.
'Initially, I used to sit outside a McDonald's outlet in Bandra and make temporary tattoos. Whoever ordered a happy meal got a free tattoo from me. My big break came when I worked in a fashion show in 2001 to 2002,' says Mickey.
Mickey Malani decided he wanted to be a tattoo artist in the eight grade
His intricate body art designs have since taken him across the globe and made him a favourite of celebrity fans tattoos
It was when he moved to a studio in Andheri, on top of a gym frequented by Bollywood stars, that he hit the jackpot.
He continued: 'Bandra is the tattooing capital of India. Celebrities are the first people who get tattoos.
'And many people would go to a place because so-and-so actor/actress got a tattoo from that place. The first temporary tattoo I made was for a look-test for Anil Kapoor in Tashan.'
But the tattoo artist says India has a long way to come in accepting the body inkings as 'art' as they are in other countries
Mickey has since worked on Aamir Khan for Dhoom 3, Fardeen Khan and MS Dhoni.
The artist, who trained and interned in Thailand and London, also commented on the tattoo taboo still prevalent in India.
'Outside India, people see tattooing as a form of art and there is no haggling.
I have just returned from Kolkata after spending two days at The Market Place, or Bish Mukto Haat (which when translated from Bangla means 'Poison Free Market'), which brought together traditional farmers who had returned to age-old organic agricultural practices.
Having seen chemicals ruin their land, these farmers are going back to tradition.
They are reviving disappearing grains, such as the short-grained rice variety Tulai Panji, which is a favourite of President Pranab Mukherjee.
Having seen chemicals ruin their land, these farmers are going back to tradition and producing chemical free produce such as these 'sweet-and-tart kiwi fruit'
Chefs visiting The Market Place were struck by how similar Tulai Panji was to the Italian arborio rice, which is the basic ingredient of a risotto.
From picturesque Mirik in Darjeeling came farmers producing exotic items such as deliciously sweet-and-tart kiwi fruit, juicy mandarins, plump and earthy shiitake mushroom, and the feta-like Siri cheese made from the milk of a little-known family of short-statured cows of Bhutanese origin.
Sambit Banik, the management professor-turned-chef and owner of Kolkata's Spicekraft restaurant, used Tulai Panji, Siri cheese and juice from the mandarins to make the fried rice balls called arancini, a Sicilian speciality.
And Abhijit Saha, Bengaluru's celebrity chef who's famous for his Caperberry (Modern European) restaurant and now for Saha (Modern Indian) in Singapore, prepared a risotto with West Bengal's best-known short-grained rice, the fragrant Gobindo Bhog, accompanied by Mirik shiitake and Bengal greens cooked in the aglio-olio style.
Feta-like Siri cheese made from the milk of short-statured cows of Bhutanese origin from Mirik, Darjeeling, are tickling the imagination of the country's most creative chefs.
Our traditional farmers are repositories of ancient wisdom that has helped our agriculture remain sustainable over the centuries.
A West Bengal government official in the state agriculture department shared his experience of visiting Santhal villages in the Jungle Mahal districts that still don't have electricity, but where women are the most ardent upholders of earthfriendly agricultural practices.
These have become fashionable all over again all over the world, thanks to the Slow Food movement and its offshoot, Terra Madre.
The Santhal women of Jungle Mahal, with whom the official and I spoke with had to conduct a meeting using car lights because it was pitch dark, use cow dung and vegetable waste to produce natural manure, and use cow's urine as well as neem leaves as pesticides.
'Plump and earthy shiitake mushrooms' were also on the menu
These are time-tested, fail-safe methods, and even farmers in Punjab are returning to traditional techniques in the plots they reserve for family use.
As a farmer proudly informed me on my last visit to a village in rural Bhatinda: 'The food you're eating is chemical free. Notice the difference in taste?'
The words of the farmer in Punjab came back to me when I sat through a presentation made by Saha, who pointed out that as many as 15 pesticides are used to protect grapes, or that, whereas edible wax is used all over to make apples shine, in India, apple growers use a cheap variant that is harmful to our health.
A growing number of farmers in India are shunning chemicals for traditional practices (photo for representation only)
Initiatives such as The Market Place can achieve little till the farmers find a market for their niche produce.
Achintya Anand, a 23-year-old chef-turned-gentleman- farmer, for instance, couldn't have pursued his passion had 40 restaurants in Delhi-NCR not bought his micro-greens and 'exotic' vegetables.
On a larger scale, First Agro launched a zero-pesticide, non-GMO revolution from Karnataka's Mysore district and found a responsive market for its vegetables.
It is this market that has given the company confidence to start acquiring 1,100 acres of land in 16 locations across the country.
Saha has started working on a national network of stakeholders in the food business to sustain organic farmers.
Closer to home, Chef Manjit Gill of ITC Hotels has brought the global movement to promote the agricultural practices and produce of indigenous people, Terra Madre, to India.
Such networks alone can transform good intentions into sustainable practices.
An intricate edible art struggles to survive
Some time back, I read a news story that said IIT Kharagpur was going to seek G.I. status for West Bengal's gohona or goyna bori.
They are vadis (sun-dried lentil dumplings) in the sense of the better-known Amritsari vadi, but stand out because of their ornamental design and subtle flavours.
These works of edible art have been celebrated in folk ditties and by Rabindranath Tagore as well as his nephew Abanindranath Tagore and acolyte Nandalal Bose, both celebrated artists of their age.
A goyna bori shaped like an ornament sits next to Chef Saha's Mustard Grilled Kolkata Bekti served with Black Rice Risotto.
It was not until I saw these delicately delicious handmade creations during my sojourn to The Market Place that I realised why they tickled the fancy of these great men - and why we must stop them from disappearing from our table.
I met a practitioner of the dying art, Pramilla Maity from Contai (East Medinipur), and her story was shared with me by her daughter, Susmita.
The lentils that go into making the boris are sown in March to April and August.
It is the August crop, harvested in November and December, that yields the best lentils for the boris.
These are soaked overnight so that the skin comes off and the lentils are handground in the morning to yield a paste that is shaped like wedding jewellery and other ornaments on a bed of poppy seeds (the favourite posto of the Bengalis).
The delicate, exquisitely designed boris, with a sliver of posto on one side, are dried in the sun and made ready for the market.
Indian cacao finds artisan ambassador
Indian cacao? If India can have vanilla and worldclass coffee, why can't we produce cacao, the basic building block of chocolate?
Well, it seems Indian cacao can stand up to competition from the more popular South American and African pods, and the credit for making the world know about it goes to David Belo.
The South African was a mixologist in some of London's hippest clubs and bars before he switched gears to become a bread baker and a practitioner of the ancient healing arts.
David Belo (left) with one of his biggest supporters, Bengaluru's celebrity chef, Abhijit Saha
Together with his partner, Angelika Anangnosteau, Belo launched Earth Loaf to hand-craft bean-to-bar chocolate in small batches in Mysore, Karnataka.
At Earth Loaf, according to Belo, 'all chocolate is hand-screened, hand-tempered and hand-filled.' Even the wrappers and boxes are silkscreen printed by hand.
Shaken by India Today's expose of secret notes attributed to him in the AgustaWestland scandal, wanted British arms dealer Christian Michel has admitted that time is running out and that he is considering visiting India to face the CBI's questions.
A day after India Today published his letters regarding the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper contract, the network tracked him down in the UAE on Thursday.
In an interview via video conference from Abu Dhabi, he accepted he did send many of the emails and faxes, which India Today has accessed.
India Today spoke to Michel in an interview via video-link from Abu Dhabi
AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper scam The story broke in early 2013, an Indian national parliamentary investigation began looking into allegations of bribery and corruption involving several senior officials and a British-Italian helicopter manufacturer concerning the purchase of a new fleet of helicopters. Several Indian politicians and military officials have been accused of accepting bribes from AgustaWestland in order to win the Rs 36 billion (US$530 million) Indian contract for the supply of 12 AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters; these helicopters are intended to perform VVIP duties for the President of India and other important state official. A note presented in the Italian court, sent by middleman Christian Michel, asks staff to target key advisors to Sonia Gandhi and lists their names as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Ahmed Patel and Pranab Mukherjee amongst others. The note also contains the bribes to be paid out, divided as 'AF' 6 million, 'BUR' 8.4 million, 'Pol' 6 million and 'AP' 3 million. On 25 March 2013, India's Defence Minister A.K. Antony confirmed corruption allegations by stating : 'Yes, corruption has taken place in the helicopter deal and bribes have been taken.' The deal was cancelled but questions remain unanswered. Advertisement
In an April 10, 2008 letter, for example, he wrote to AgustaWestland's parent company Finemecannica that the cabinet committee on security had appointed a 'spokesperson to interact with us to facilitate an understanding.'
Allegations
Asked to explain the so-called appointment by the CCS, he claimed it was an official position to review bid proposals.
'If there was a member appointed, it would have been an official appointment to examine and question various items of that proposal.
'And I imagine that was done with all the competitors, Michel told India Today.
'I can assure you there is no interaction with the CCS,' Michel added.
India Today also confronted him with his statement about dislodging competitors in the bidding.
'We are consciously and deliberate trying to disqualify the competition at this stage with all the risks involved of it being called a single tender and going for re-tender,' he allegedly wrote on April, 10, 2008.
On Thursday, he insisted businesses do try to outpace each other to win contracts.
'It is the job of all competitors to try and disqualify each other. That is what a tender is all about. That doesn't imply illegality. That implies doing technical studies, looking at their performances, seeing if they meet the criteria. That is perfectly normal,' he said.
The arms broker, who described himself as a consultant for AgustaWestland, strongly denied that the written notes were his own.
Michel has alleged that the notes were planted by Guido Haschke, the other alleged middleman in the scrapped helicopter deal.
'...they were presented in the Italian court and every one of them either was proved to be a forgery or taken out of context. That wasn't from me,' he said.
The British dealer, however, sought to dismiss allegations of bribing top decision- makers in the UPA administration for securing the helicopter contract.
'It is ridiculous to think that the entire government, the entire procurement branch, and the entire military were involved. Who can possibly get every single one of them?' he asked.
Flustered by New Delhi's rapid moves to bring AgustaWestland suspects to justice, Michel admitted he won't be able to evade the CBI for too long now. 'I need to sit in front of the CBI. I do agree,' he told India Today.
'Ultimately, I think it's quite clear the one way or the other, I will be in front of the CBI. I hate what's going on. I am sure no one is getting any pleasure out of this in government or in opposition. So we need to find a way,' Michel said.
The story broke in early 2013, an Indian national parliamentary investigation began looking into allegations of bribery and corruption involving several senior officials and a British-Italian helicopter manufacturer concerning the purchase of a new fleet of helicopters
Bargain
But the arms broker expressed fears he might be jailed in India pending trial.
'I am trying to find a way which doesn't involve incarceration. That is my problem, which is a reasonable issue to be concerned about,' he said.
'If I could get some agreement there will be no incarceration, I am free to travel, I would come. But I understand that's difficult. We are at an impasse, but we are trying to work out a solution,' he said.
A probe into Soma Oil and Gas, chaired by Lord Michael Howard, has been dropped
Investigators have dropped a corruption probe into an oil and gas company chaired by Tory grandee Lord Howard.
The Serious Fraud Office said there was not enough evidence to prosecute Soma Oil and Gas over the allegations of corruption in Somalia.
It brings to an end the probe opened in July 2015 following claims made by a United Nations monitoring group in the country.
The SFO said: 'We have concluded, based on the information and material we have obtained, that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.'
It is believed the inquiry centred on agreements between Soma and the Somalian government to explore for gas in deep water offshore fields.
In 2014 the UN called for a moratorium on new exploration deals in Somalia, fearing they could heighten tensions in the fragile country, where there has been civil war since 1991.
Private firm Soma always denied the allegations and stressed there was no suspicion over Lord Howard, who was an MP for 27 years.
Soma said it had complained to the UN about its report.
A late change to the Lifetime Isa over the 25 per cent exit penalty has sparked fresh criticism from ex-Pensions Minister Steve Webb, who accused the Government of causing confusion and 'making up the rules as it goes along'.
Lifetime Isas will allow under-40s to save for a home and retirement simultaneously from next April, and a recent survey suggests they will be immensely popular due to the difficulty of getting on the housing ladder.
But critics have slammed the 25 per cent penalty on early withdrawals, which is charged if holders take out money for any reason except buying a property or falling terminally ill before they reach age 60, and argued younger savers could make poor decisions that leave them out of pocket in the long run.
Watchdogs have waded in by proposing robust safeguards, including making Isa providers issue risk warnings before accounts are opened.
Lifetime Isas: Under-40s will be helped to save for a home and retirement simultaneously from next April
Now the Government has announced a rule change - the 25 per cent exit fee will not be levied on early withdrawals from April 2017 as originally planned, but only from April 2018 onwards.
This follows an earlier Government decision to contribute its 20 per cent bonus on people's savings only at the end of the first year following the launch, then switch to making monthly bonus payments into pots at the start of the second year, meaning also from April 2018. See the box below for details of how Lifetime Isas will work.
Jane Ellison, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, explained the latest rule change to the House of Commons on Monday, saying the Government didn't want to make a 25 per cent charge on withdrawals during the first 12 months, while people had not yet had time to receive their first bonus.
'If people want to withdraw from their Lifetime Isa in 2017-18, they must close their account, and there will be no Government charge to do so. No bonuses will be paid on such closed accounts,' she said.
'An individual who has closed their account will be able to open another Lifetime Isa in 2017-18 and contribute up to 4,000 into it, if they wish to. From April 2018 the Government bonus will be paid monthly.'
Webb, who was Pensions Minister between 2010 and 2015 and is now director of policy at Royal London, said: 'This announcement is a further sign that the Lifetime Isa has not been properly thought through.
Steve Webb: Ex-Pensions Minister accuses Government of adding 'yet more confusion to an already complex product'
'The new product, which is a complex hybrid between a pension and an Isa, is due to be implemented in just a few months time, and yet the Government is still making up the rules as it goes along.
'To have one set of rules on withdrawals for 2017/18 and another for the year after, and to move from annual government top-ups in 2017/18 to monthly ones in 2018/19, will add yet more confusion to an already complex product.
'It is not too late for the Government to admit that the Lifetime Isa risks undermining the real progress that has been made on getting young people saving through a workplace pension under automatic enrolment, and to reconsider the whole project.
'At the very least the Government should hold off launching the Lifetime Isa until the process of automatic enrolment is complete and every employee has access to a good workplace pension.'
Webb has previously called for a strong regulatory regime to prevent 'a real risk of a mis-buying scandal as the wrong people take out Lifetime Isas'.
Ros Altmann, his successor as Pensions Minister until last summer, has also issued a plea to the Government to think again, and warned: 'Providers beware - don't sell this product carelessly, it could come back to bite you.'
She went on: 'I am calling on the Chancellor to realise the dangers of trying to encourage people to use a so-called "Lifetime Isa" as a retirement savings product. This product is masquerading as a pension, [and] will confuse workers who may opt out of much better workplace pensions. This is an obvious mis-selling scandal waiting to happen.'
Meanwhile, financial services firm AJ Bell has criticised the 'overly punitive' 25 per cent exit penalty, pointing out there will be a heavy cost for savers who suddenly need access to their cash for reasons other than buying a home.
It said the Government would effectively contribute 20 per cent of an investment fund, but slap an exit fee of 25 per cent on the entire amount including all investment growth unless savers stick to the rules or fall terminally ill.
Regarding the rule change announced this week, AJ Bell spokesperson Charlie Musson said it made sense not to apply the exit fee in the first year after Lifetime Isas are launched because no one would have had time to receive the Government bonus yet.
'Removing the exit penalty for the first year of the Lifetime Isa is a welcome move because the penalty is designed primarily to recoup the Government bonus.
'In the first year of the product the Government bonus will be paid at the end of the year rather than monthly and so if the exit charge applied during that year, investors would be paying an exit fee without having received any Government bonus.
'Whilst this is a positive move by the Government we think the 25 per cent exit charge is overly punitive and wed like to see it reduced permanently. Recouping the Government bonus is understandable but the 25 per cent penalty is too high when the Government only contributes 20 per cent of the fund.'
Lifetime Isas were announced by former Chancellor George Osborne in this year's Budget. They are widely believed to be a late substitute for a more radical plan to slash the pension tax relief bill - either by launching a Pensions Isa or imposing a flat rate for all earners - because of fear of a voter backlash ahead of the Brexit referendum.
When the Financial Conduct Authority proposed tough new rules last month for firms intending to sell Lifetime Isas, a Treasury spokesperson said: 'The Lifetime Isa will help people save for later life in a way that works for them, and we have always been clear that it is not a replacement for a pension.
'The FCA regulates all financial products and as with other Isas, its rules ensure consumers have all the information they need before making important financial decisions.'
Colorado's nine electors must vote for Hillary Clinton because she won the state's popular vote, a judge ruled on Tuesday.
The ruling is effectively stopping the state's electors from joining a long-shot effort to unite with Republicans behind a compromise presidential candidate other than Donald Trump.
Denver Judge Elizabeth Starrs also ruled that any electors who fail to do so can immediately be replaced when the Electoral College convenes on December 19.
Colorado's nine electors must vote for Hillary Clinton (pictured last Thursday) because she won the state's popular vote, a judge ruled on Tuesday
The ruling is effectively stopping the state's electors from joining a long-shot effort to unite with Republicans behind a compromise presidential candidate other than Donald Trump
Starrs responded to a request from Colorado's secretary of state, who was seeking a way to prevent electors from diverging from the winner of the state's popular vote.
Electors Polly Baca and Robert Nemanich had sued to overturn a state law requiring them to vote for Clinton, but a federal judge refused to do so on Monday.
There are similar lawsuits in California and Washington state seeking to overturn laws binding electors.
A total of 28 other states have laws binding their electors to the winner of the popular vote.
At least one other Colorado elector has said he will vote for someone other than Clinton in a bid to woo Republican electors to a different GOP candidate, such as Mitt Romney.
Only one Republican elector nationally has publicly said he would do that.
Chris Jackson of the Colorado attorney general's office argued in court on Tuesday that the effort undermines democracy.
Electors Robert Nemanich (left) and Polly Baca (right) had sued to overturn a state law requiring them to vote for Clinton, but a federal judge refused to do so on Monday
Wayne Williams, Colorado's secretary of state, speaks after arguments in a lawsuit were heard on Monday outside the federal courthouse in downtown Denver
'What we're asking the court to do is protect against the chaos that would ensue from faithless electors failing to perform their state law duties,' he said.
Jesse Witt, an attorney for Baca and Nemanich, said he was disappointed at Starrs' ruling and may appeal.
'We feel it is an abridgement of free speech and free expression,' he said.
Earlier, Baca and Nemanich filed an emergency appeal to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to try to get it to suspend the Colorado law.
That comes after U.S. District Judge Wiley Daniel declined to put the law on hold on Monday and called the effort 'a political stunt.'
'Part of me thinks this is really a political stunt to prevent Donald Trump from becoming president,' said Daniel, who was nominated to the bench by Bill Clinton in 1995.
If the Colorado electors had been successful, it could have signaled that similar laws in more than two dozen other states could also be overturned, freeing a large number of electors to defect from Trump.
Trump and Clinton pictured during a presidential debate in September. Trump won 306 electors last month, compared to Clinton's 232. He needed 270 to put him in the White House
It's unclear whether the appeals court will hear the case before the electors vote, but the state judge's order would still stand.
The Colorado electors could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine if they defy the law and vote for someone other than Clinton.
Trump won 306 electors last month, compared to Clinton's 232, and was well over the 270 needed to put him in the White House.
Meanwhile some electors continue their efforts to obtain information about possible Russian hacking during the presidential election before the Electoral College meets.
Hawaii's four Democratic electors on Wednesday called on President Barack Obama to release a CIA report on the topic.
'The information contained in the report is essential to carrying out our constitutional obligation of casting our vote in an election that is free from tampering from outside entities,' the electors said, according to a statement released late Tuesday by one of Hawaii's electors, John Bickel.
A bigamist accused of killing his second wife with the help of his first has been charged with murder months after the victim disappeared.
The body of Cecelia Bravo Cabrera has yet to be found, but investigators say they have evidence implicating Mexican couple Francisco Valdivia, 37, and Rosalina Lopez, 39.
Authorities claim Valdivia, of Visalia in central California, married Cabrera so he could get legal permission to remain in the US.
Francisco Valdivia (left) and wife Rosalina Lopez (right) have been accused of murdering Cecilia Bravo Cabrera, who has been missing since June
Valdivia and Lopez, who married in Mexico in 2007, were arrested on Tuesday. Cabrera has been missing since June 9, when she was seen leaving a casino with Valdivia. He had just finished a 90-day sentence for cultivating marijuana when he was arrested.
Police discovered a number of sites where Valdivia was growing marijuana while investigating his wife's disappearance.
The motive is unclear, but is said to be connected to the relationship between the two suspects, who arrived in the US illegally, and their victim.
Mother-of-four Cabrera, who was very active on social media until her disappearance, knew her marriage to Valdivia was a sham, but investigators believe he and Lopez threatened her if she ended the relationship, the Washington Post reports.
Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said: 'We do believe the motive surrounds this relationship of three people. It revolves around this relationship.'
But he said he was cautious about releasing information. Boudreaux stated: 'We have a great deal of information. But, detectives have put me on notice that any release of information may result in the integrity of this case.'
Sheriff's spokesman Teresa Douglass said authorities have evidence Valdivia and Lopez threatened Bravo and that detectives have 'significant digital forensic evidence' implicating the couple.
Cecilia Bravo Cabrera has been missing since June, and authorities believe she has been murdered
She declined to reveal what this information is.
Cabrera's car was set ablaze in an orchard and her children have not heard from her since her disappearance.
They are in protective custody, Douglass said. Boudreaux said they have been placed with close family members.
Valdivia was already in custody when he was arrested in connection with Bravo's death. He had been arrested on suspicion of cultivation of marijuana and jailed for lack of $1million bail.
A Virginia inmate asked a federal court Wednesday to block the state's plans to execute him next month with lethal injection drugs from a secret compounding pharmacy, suggesting even a firing squad would be more humane.
Attorneys for Ricky Gray said in a federal complaint that there is a serious risk that Virginia will 'chemically torture' the man to death when it uses compounded drugs for his execution scheduled for January 18.
Although firing squads aren't permitted under Virginia law, his attorneys argue even that method would be a more humane alternative.
'It is both more humane, quicker, more effective, and would frankly be completely feasible in Virginia,' Lisa Fried, an attorney for Gray, said of a firing squad. Gray was convicted of killing a well-known family of four, including two young girls, in Richmond on New Year's Day in 2006.
Ricky Gray has asked a federal court to block the state's plans to execute him next month with lethal injection drugs and has suggested a firing squad would be more humane
Gray, 39, was sentenced to die for the New Year's Day 2006 slayings of Ruby Harvey, 4, and Stella Harvey, 9. He also killed their parents, Bryan, 49, and Kathryn Harvey, 39, in their home
Virginia law calls for an inmate to choose between death by injection or electrocution. Pictured is the execution chamber at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt
Gray's attorneys plan to ask Gov. Terry McAuliffe to commute his sentence to life in prison, arguing that jurors did not hear enough evidence about Gray's history as a sexual abuse victim and resulting drug use before they chose to sentence him to death, The Virginian-Pilot reported this week.
Virginia's lethal injection protocol calls for the use of a sedative pentobarbital or midazolam followed by rocuronium bromide to halt breathing, and potassium chloride to stop the heart.
Virginia spent $66,000 to buy enough midazolam and potassium chloride from the compounding pharmacy for two executions, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press. Under a new state law, officials can withhold the pharmacy's identity.
Gray's attorneys said Virginia would be the first state in their knowledge to perform an execution using midazolam or potassium chloride from a compounding pharmacy and the first state to perform an execution using more than one compounded drug.
Lawyers for Ricky Javon Gray went to federal court Wednesday in an effort to block his execution, scheduled for next month, on the grounds it would violate the bar against cruel and unusual punishment
His attorneys argue that midazolam carries significant risks, pointing to several problematic executions involving the drug. During an Alabama execution last week, death row inmate Ronald Bert Smith Jr. coughed, and his upper body heaved repeatedly for 13 minutes as he was being sedated.
Inmates in other states have challenged the drug's use, arguing that it is a sedative, not an anesthetic, and cannot reliably render a person unconscious. But the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 last year that Oklahoma inmates didn't prove that midazolam violated the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
The fact that Virginia obtained the drugs from a compounding pharmacy magnifies the risk of the lethal injection being painful and ineffective, Gray's attorneys argue. Compounding pharmacies are not as heavily regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as more conventional pharmacies.
Bryan Harvey (right), Kathryn Harvey (second from right), and their daughters Stella and Ruby were bound and brutally stabbed to death by Gray in their home on New Year's Day 2006
Gray was convicted of killing a family of four in their Richmond home on New Years Day 2006
'This method for creating drugs unnecessarily adds enormous risk that the drugs will be ineffective, sub-potent, expired or contaminated,' they wrote.
A spokesman for Attorney General Mark Herring declined to comment on Wednesday.
Gray was convicted of killing Bryan and Kathryn Harvey and their 9-year-old and 4-year-old daughters during a home invasion. Bryan was a musician and Kathryn was co-owner of the World of Mirth toy store.
A firing squad, say Gray's lawyers, significantly reduces the risk of severe pain compared with the three-drug protocol planned by the Department of Corrections
The Harveys were preparing to host friends for a holiday chili dinner when Gray and another man spotted their open front door. They tied the family up in their basement, where they were stabbed and beaten to death before their house was set on fire. Gray claims he doesn't remember the killings because he was high on PCP. The other man was sentenced to life in prison.
Gray's attorneys want the judge to declare that the use of a three-drug protocol with compounded midazolam is unconstitutional. They're also challenging the state's secrecy law that prevents Gray and his attorneys from finding out the identity of the compounding pharmacy.
His lawyers say that Virginia's current alternative the electric chair also violates the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Utah and Oklahoma are the only states that allow for the firing squad, but it's a backup method in both states, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
The attorneys wrote in their complaint that Gray was raped repeatedly as a child by his older step brother and physically abused by his father. They say that Gray suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and has recurring nightmares about the rapes that leave him paralyzed.
The lethal injection process will 'mimic this state of paralysis,' playing upon Gray's fears and causing him to experience 'psychological torture,' his attorneys argue.
Also charged with negligent driving, stating a false name, fraudulently altering or using a driver's licence, and not keeping a work diary as required
He was charged with driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period
The 27-year-old was banned from driving until 2019 at the time of the accident
A driver who flipped a truck in Sydney on
A truck driver who crashed on the Cahill Expressway in Sydney and caused hours of traffic chaos was using a fake license and had been banned from driving until 2019.
The 27-year-old man's truck overturned on the expressway about 1.45pm on Wednesday near Sydney's Harbour Bridge, covering the highway with tonnes of sand and rocks.
Police from Sydney Local Area Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol spoke to the man after the accident and became suspicious of the details he provided to them, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
He was taken to Day Street Police Station where police say they found he was banned from driving for at least another two years.
The man was charged with driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period, negligent driving, stating a false name, fraudulently altering or using a driver's licence, and not keeping a work diary as required.
He was released on conditional police bail and will appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on January 13.
During the crash, the vehicle struck a guard rail while navigating the on-ramp, flipping over it before spilling its cargo across the tarmac.
Rush hour commuters faced hours of misery in Sydney after a truck carrying tonnes of sand and rocks overturned on the Harbour Bridge on Wednesday
While the vehicle was removed on Wednesday afternoon, the Cahill Expressway was closed so workers could remove the rubble
The vehicle struck a guard rail while navigating the on-ramp, flipping over it before spilling its cargo across the tarmac - causing chaos on the roads
The driver was reportedly from Sydney-based Double X Trucking Group.
The crash forced the closure of south-bound lanes of the expressway and Sydney Harbour Tunnel for hours.
Traffic was backed up for six kilometres over the Harbour Bridge, causing heavy delays, a Transport Management Centre spokesman said.
While the truck was removed in time for the evening rush-hour, rubble was still being cleared from the road, causing misery for commuters.
It is not clear what caused the crash but miraculously no one was injured in the incident
There were tailbacks of up to six kilometres across the Harbour Bridge as rush hour commuters faced an evening of misery
A Transport Management Centre spokesman said traffic was backed up for six kilometres over the Harbour Bridge, causing heavy delays
Transport bosses advised motorists to completely avoid the Cahill Expressway or to delay their journeys until later in the evening
Motorists were forced to drive through the sand as they made their way off the road
Queues stretched back as far as the Gore Hill Freeway into the Lane Cove Tunnel in one direction, and over the Spit Bridge past Military Road in the other.
The Harbour Tunnel was also closed for an hour while the truck was righted.
Local buses have resumed normal service but could be delayed by up to an hour.
The chaos threatened to cause problems for Coldplay fans heading to a gig at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday night, with drivers warned to take public transport instead.
Motorists vented their frustrations online, including some who are planning to go to the concert
Motorists vented their frustrations online, including some who were planning to go to the concert.
'I just wanna go pick up the keys to my flat... Sydney traffic (and Coldplay plan) makes it virtually impossible,' Rosey tweeted.
Nicole Punsalan wrote: 'Thank goodness I'm not heading north this evening #Sydneytraffic #Sydney.'
Another Twitter user, called Sydney, tweeted: '50 minutes to travel what normally takes 5. #sydneytraffic.'
A U.S. man accused of being behind the largest ever theft of financial data has been arrested at a New York airport after he flew in from Moscow to surrender.
Joshua Samuel Aaron, 32, flew to JFK Airport on Wednesday to face charges he stole contact information for over 100 million customers of U.S. financial institutions, brokerage firms and financial news publishers.
He pleaded not guilty to a 22-count indictment charging him with conspiracy, computer hacking, securities fraud and wire fraud, among other charges.
Joshua Samuel Aaron (pictured) was arrested at New York's JFK Airport on Wednesday after he flew from Moscow to face charges he was behind the largest ever theft of financial data
His lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, said Aaron waived extradition and asylum in Russia and voluntarily returned to the United States 'to responsibly address the charges.'
He is accused of hacking JPMorgan Chase & Co to generate hundreds of millions of dollars of illegal profit in the largest bank breach ever.
Thieves took data on more than 83 million JPMorgan Chase & Co customers in 2014.
JPMorgan Chase is the nation's biggest bank by assets.
It comes after two men were arrested in Israel last year after they conspired with Aaron to carry out the theft of customer data.
Gery Shalon and Ziv Orenstein were extradited from Israel in June. They have pleaded not guilty.
Aaron is accused of hacking JPMorgan Chase & Co to generate hundreds of millions of dollars of illegal profit in the largest bank breach ever
His co-accused, Gery Shalon (pictured) and Ziv Orenstein was arrested in Israel last year after conspiring with Aaron to carry out the theft of customer data
Gery Shalon and Ziv Orenstein (pictured) were extradited from Israel in June. They have pleaded not guilty
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said Aaron was charged with working to hack into the networks of dozens of American companies.
A Manhattan federal court indictment said some of the massive computer hacks and cyber attacks occurred as the men sought to steal the customer base of competing internet gambling businesses or to secretly review executives' emails in a quest to cripple rivals.
If convicted of the charges, the defendants could face decades in prison.
Aaron pleaded not guilty to the charges during a brief appearance Wednesday before a magistrate judge.
With consent from his defense lawyer, he was scheduled to be held overnight pending another court appearance on Thursday before a district judge.
Lawyers for a Minnesota police officer charged with manslaughter over the fatal shooting of a black man claims his victim was responsible for his own death as he was high.
St Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez was filmed shooting dead Philando Castile during a traffic stop on July 6.
Before he was shot, Castile told Yanez that he was carrying a firearm and reached for the weapon to hand it over.
St Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez, right, is accused of the manslaughter of Philando Castile, left, who was shot dead during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights, Minnesota on July 6
Lawyers representing Yanez claimed Castile was responsible for his own death as he had been smoking marijuana before driving his car and as a result failed to follow the officer's orders
Newly lodged court documents show that Yanez's legal team is seeking all the charges against him to be dismissed.
The shooting's gruesome aftermath was streamed live on Facebook by his girlfriend, who was in the car at the time along with her young daughter.
Prosecutors said the 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker was shot at seven times after he told Yanez he was armed and had a license to carry.
Yanez, who is Latino, has been charged with manslaughter and other offenses.
Prosecutors said last month that he acted unreasonably and was not justified in using deadly force.
But in the defense documents, attorney Earl Gray wrote that Castile never told Yanez he had a permit to carry. Gray wrote that an objective review of squad car video confirms Yanez's account of self-defense, 'but more importantly why Mr Castile himself was culpably negligent and was the substantial cause of his own demise'.
He continued: 'He should not even have been driving while under the influence. He should have showed his hands. He should not have reached for the handgun.'
The moments after Castile's shooting were live streamed by his girlfriend who was in the car
Lawyers claim Castile's behavior contracts the firearm training he underwent to get his permit
Glenda Hatchett, the Castile family's attorney, said the charges speak for themselves and she had no further comment on the defense claims.
In the court documents, Gray wrote that autopsy results showed Castile had high levels of THC in his blood, and a defense expert determined he was intoxicated.
Gray said that explains why Castile didn't follow directions, stared straight ahead and didn't show his hands.
Gray said that behavior contradicts training Castile received when he got his permit to carry. He added that Castile kept his right hand in or near the pocket where the gun was found.
Gray wrote, 'How could it be that Officer Yanez knew or could have known that when Mr Castile reached for his gun he would not shoot a police officer dead?'
Castile's family has claimed he was profiled because of his race, and his death renewed concerns about how law enforcement officers interact with minorities.
Today the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services will announce details about a review of the St Anthony Police Department.
The city said in October that it had asked for the review and inclusion in an initiative to help cities build trust between law enforcement officers and citizens.
Ivanka Trump is looking more and more like she'll be fitting into the shoes of the first lady, as Melania Trump takes a backseat role.
CNN reported today that the president-elect's eldest daughter would be getting some office space in the East Wing, where first lady Michelle Obama has her office.
Donald Trump's spokeswoman Hope Hicks pushed back on that report.
'This is false,' she told Business Insider. 'No decisions regarding Ivanka's involvement have been made.'
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FLOTUS? Ivanka Trump (pictured) seems to be filling the shoes of first lady more than Donald Trump's third wife Melania Trump
CNN reported today that Ivanka Trump, seen heading to work this morning in Manhattan, would be getting East Wing office space, where the first lady has her official digs
Ivanka Trump has signaled that she's interested in a White House role, with Politico reporting she plans to take on climate change and hire a chief of staff
Back in February, when a DailyMail.com reporter asked Ivanka if she planned to step into the role of first lady, the eldest Trump daughter scoffed.
That role, she said, would be reserved completely for Melania Trump, the president-elect's third wife.
However, even back during the early GOP primaries, Ivanka Trump was being used as a surrogate more than her step-mom.
Now, the daughter has been seen alongside her dad at meetings with world leaders, such as the one last month with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Today she and her adult brothers attended the president-elect's roundtable with Silicon Valley business leaders.
Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner are also reportedly looking at D.C. real estate.
And she's talked about some issues she's interested in combating global warming and seeking out affordable childcare with Politico also reporting that Ivanka plans to hire a chief of staff and several aides.
Talking to Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday, the president-elect confirmed that he was looking into how Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner could play a role in his administration.
Christmas trees and holiday decorations are seen outside of the East Wing of the White House on November 29
'We will have to see how the laws read,' Trump said, alluding to the federal nepotism statute that could make White House gigs for his daughter and son-in-law a problem.
'If you look at Ivanka, you take a look and she's so strong, as you know, on the women's issue and childcare and so many things, she would be so good nobody could do better than her we'll have to see whether or not we can do that,' Trump acknowledged.
'And I'd love to have Jared helping us with deals with other nations,' Trump added. 'Let's see if we can do peace in the Middle East and other things.'
Meanwhile, besides a speech she gave in suburban Philadelphia and an election night walk across the stage, Melania Trump has stayed out of the public eye.
She's in no rush to move to Washington.
The official first lady won't be heading permanently South until after 10-year-old Barron completes school for the year.
The president-elect told Wallace that he wouldn't be lonely in the White House.
'No, I'll be working, I'll be working,' Trump said.
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Perched on top of a cliff in Palm Beach and awash with models, celebrities and Playboy Bunnies - this is what it felt like to be inside the exclusive Palmbu party that got out of control at the weekend.
Exclusive footage shows crowds of glamorous women and muscled men packing into the $2.4million weekend getaway property owned by Theo Chambers, son of Chambers Cellars tycoon Steven, to party the day away.
But the beautiful scenes turned ugly later on after NRL star Dylan Napa was allegedly knocked unconscious with a fire poker while other revelers were accused of spilling into the streets in 'debauched' scenes.
This was the idyllic view enjoyed by partygoers at the Palmbu charity event hosted at Theo Chambers' $2.4million getaway pad over the weekend - before things turned ugly
Up to 650 guests packed into the plush home for the bash, which was aimed at raising money to help treat vasculitis
Bikini-clad women were joined by models and celebrities at the party, which was due to finish at 10pm but continued into the small hours of the following day
While the party started off glamorous, neighbours described 'debauched' scenes as the day wore on - with scantily clad men and women passed out in the street
Just hours after guests were pictured enjoying themselves at Chambers' party, NRL star Dylan Napa was reportedly knocked out with a fire poker during an early-morning fight
Celebrity guests included Kyle Sandilands' girlfriend Imogen Anthony (left), models Krystal Dawson and Amelia Schubert, and Australia's Next Top Model contestant Vitoria Triboni (partygoers pictured right)
Revelers dressed up in a variety of costumes for the fund-raising event, including this couple who dressed as a butterfly and in a slightly trimmed-down version of John Travolta's suit from Saturday Night Fever
Napa was one of three people taken to hospital after an incident at around 3am which Chambers blamed on cleaners he had hired online.
It is claimed that the cleaners were fired earlier in the evening, but returned to the property to keep partying after it had been locked up, prompting the confrontation.
The Roosters player is thought to have been trying to help a woman when he was struck with a poker, according to the Daily Telegraph. Police say they are investigating.
Neighbours said that after the party finished guests littered the street outside Chambers' home, where some of Australia's wealthiest have getaway homes
Scantily glad guests spent the day uploading images of themselves partying the day away on Instagram
Costumes for the exclusive party included superheroes, tennis players, and air stewardesses
While the celebration appears to have been clam during the day, things reportedly turned ugly later on
Neighbours complained of highly intoxicated people filling their street, with vomit 'everywhere' and trash left around
Meanwhile neighbours said around 650 people attended the event which was scheduled to finish at 10pm but continued well into the small hours of the morning.
One witness said the road was filled with scantily-clad and highly intoxicated people who were passed out in bushes and on grass verges.
The woman added that there was vomit 'everywhere', while images taken over the fence show the property covered with trash.
Napa (left and right) is believed to be among three people taken to hospital at around 3am after a fight broke out
Superheroes were a common theme among the costumed revelers, while others channeled Victoria's Secret Angles
To see and be seen: Those attending the exclusive event wasted no time showing off their costumes on social media
Hundreds of people attended the weekend party, which was held to raise money for those suffering with vasculitis
One of the more unconventional costumes seemed to be a woman about to undergo plastic surgery (right)
Those reports are in stark contrast to earlier in the day, when guests including Kyle Sandilands' girlfriend Imogen Anthony, models Krystal Dawson and Amelia Schubert, and Australia's Next Top Model contestant Vitoria Triboni flocked to the home.
Party-goers donned impressive costumes including Playboy bunny suits, American Indian headdresses, Barbie outfits and sailor hats for the party, which was aimed at raising money for the Vasculitis Foundation.
A statue of a sex slave displayed in a Sydney church has sparked racial outrage.
The Australia-Japan community has lodged a complaint against the Uniting Church using the Racial Discrimination Act's Section 18C.
The community claims the statue in the Ashfield church 'creates racial divisions' and has 'offended and insulted many Japanese expats'.
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A statue of a sex slave (pictured) in a Sydney church has sparked racial outrage. The Japanese-Australia community has lodged a complaint against the Uniting Church using the Racial Discrimination Act's Section 18C
The statue is of 'Comfort Women', and commemorates Korean and Chinese women forced into sexual slavery by military of the imperial Japanese government during the Second World War.
Australia-Japan Community Network president Tetsuhide Yamaoka told ABC's 7.30 the community felt like it had been intimidated and targeted.
'The comfort women statues being erected all over the world have never been a peaceful monument or commemoration or honouring women,' Mr Yamaoka said.
'We have a numerous number of reasons to believe this statue has been promoted as a political tool, causing unnecessary animosity and division to local communities.'
Mr Yamaoka said the statue should be kept somewhere private and discreet 'so that people who are interested can visit but still we can minimise the risk of causing unnecessary harm to the local community'.
Section 18C of the Act states it is unlawful to 'offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate' a person on the basis of 'race, colour, or national or ethnic origin'.
The complaint lodged by the Australia-Japan community has described the statue as a 'hurtful historic symbol' and said it is 'detrimental to the local community and will only result in generating offence and racial hate'.
The statue, on display in Ashfield Uniting Church (pictured) commemorates 'Comfort Women', Korean and Chinese women forced into sexual slavery by military of the imperial Japanese government during the Second World War
Australia-Japan Community Network president Tetsuhide Yamaoka (pictured) described the statue as a 'hurtful historic symbol' and said it 'caused unnecessary animosity and division to local communities'
The network claims to have explained its position to Ashfield Uniting Church Reverend Bill Crews, who agreed to host the statue at the church for the past six months.
'However, so far our concerns have been flatly ignored. Hence we are forced to take a more formal action.'
Reverend Crews said that despite the complaint he wouldn't be removing the statue.
'I just find it outrageous ... bring it on,' he told ABC TV.
Liberal MP and former human rights commissioner Tim Wilson said the fresh complaint under section 18C shows why that law needed to change.
A devastated father has told of the day his 17-month-old daughter tragically drowned in an inflatable pool on Christmas Day two years ago.
James Mataafi was appearing at the High Court in Auckland after his daughter Imogen died during Christmas festivities at the family's home Manurewa home in 2014, the New Zealand Herald reports.
He was charged with manslaughter and pleaded guilty after a High Court judge said on Thursday he would be discharged without conviction.
Toddler Imogen Mataafi tragically drowned in a pool bought as a Christmas present in 2014
Mr Mataafi believed the pool was 'safe' and insisted it was supervised by adults constantly after it had been bought as an early Christmas present by his brother John for the children to play in.
Tragically Imogen's grandfather found her lying face down in the pool a few metres from where he was cooking on the barbeque, and she couldn't be resuscitated.
It is still unknown how the toddler got into the pool but a pram was found pushed against the side of it, which suggests she may have climbed or fallen in.
Mr Mataafi was accused of 'failing to take reasonable precautions' against her death. But despite the charges of manslaughter against him being dismissed Mr Mataafi said the devastation of losing his beautiful baby girl was already a life sentence.
'I hate the fact I let my wee girl down and wasn't there for her when she needed me. The thought of her last seconds haunts me,' father of five, Mr Mataafi said.
'A father should be able to protect his children. I didn't and I will forever judge myself for that.
Imogen's father James Mataafi (centre) appeared at the High Court in Auckland on Thursday
'I felt my heart stop beating then and it feels as though it has not started since. It is hard to describe the hopelessness and guilt I feel.'
A distressed Mr Mataafi tearfully recalled the last time he saw his 'beautiful' daughter alive.
'I was cleaning out the garage for Christmas lunch, she ran up to me and said 'hello' and gave me a big cuddle,' he said.
The father of 'affluenza' teen Ethan Couch has been sentenced to a year of probation after he was found guilty of falsely identifying himself as a police officer in Texas.
Fred Couch, 51, was charged in September 2014 with impersonating a police officer, which is a Class B misdemeanor.
The charge stems from an August 2014 incident in which he was armed with a gun when he went to Keith Capo's doorstep along with a neighbor to talk about a disagreement that took place days earlier, NBC Dallas reported.
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Fred Couch, 51, was charged in September 2014 with impersonating a police officer, which is a Class B misdemeanor. He is pictured above in April
The father of 'affluenza' teen Ethan Couch (pictured above in April) has been sentenced to a year of probation
Once officers from the North Richland Hills Police Department arrived on scene, Couch claimed to be a reserve Lakeside police officer and said, 'I have my Lakeside police stuff in the truck.'
He then displayed a shield-style badge to Capo, who believed that Couch presented himself as an officer.
Capo wanted to press charges against Couch, but officers attempted to talk him out of it once they spoke to the 'affluenza' teen's father.
In addition, Cap claims that Couch received preferential treatment from officers at the scene. However, the North Richland Hills Police Department has denied that, NBC reported.
Couch was later charged with the Class B misdemeanor and on Wednesday he was sentenced to 120 days in county jail, which was probated for one year.
Tonya Couch (left in February), and Fred's ex-wife was charged with hindering the apprehension of a felon and money laundering in connection with his case
He will only have to serve time in jail if he is found guilty of another charge or if he violates the probation.
His son made headlines around the world when he was first given a 10-year probation sentence after killing four people in a drunk driving accident.
The 19-year-old is currently serving a two year sentence in a North Texas jail.
Arguably Australia's most popular buzzword of 2016, 'democracy sausage' has been named word of the year by the Australian National Dictionary Centre.
The term for an election-day sausage sizzle was first used in 2012 but its popularity increased significantly during this year's mammoth federal election campaign.
Its popularity reached such a fever pitch that several websites were set up to map where voters could find the best place to cast their ballot and eat a snag.
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Democracy sausage, an election-day sausage sizzle, is the word of the year for the Australian National Dictionary Centre
The hashtag #democracysausage trended strongly on social media on the July 2 election day.
Labor leader Bill Shorten ate one in front of cameras - 'Tastes like democracy,' he said - and courted controversy for his bite-from-the-middle technique.
The democracy sausage was even introduced to Americans, with the Australian embassy hosting a barbecue on the US presidential election day.
'Arguably, the democracy sausage has been one of the best things to come out of a tumultuous year in politics and political campaigning,' dictionary centre director Amanda Laugesen said.
The word of the year is selected by the centre's editorial staff based on extensive research and public suggestions.
Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten (left) and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (right) were picture having a democracy sausage during the elections
Sausage sizzles have over time become an Australian tradition on election day, with many polling booths offering voters the chance to grab a snack before or after they cast their ballot
Democracy sausage managed to beat both 'smashed avo' (pictured) and shoey, drinking alcohol out of a shoe
A Muslim teenager accused of lying to police about being racially abused by three drunk Trump supporters on a Manhattan train appeared in court with a shaved head - a punishment ordered by her Egyptian parents for bringing shame to their family.
Yasmin Seweid was arraigned at Manhattan's Criminal Court on Wednesday for falsely reporting an incident to police and obstructing governmental administration.
The 18-year-old claimed she was singled out by the hate-spewing Trump supporters on December 1 who branded her a 'terrorist' and tried to rip off her hijab when she boarded a subway on her way home from college.
She shared details of the ordeal on Facebook and won the support of other social media users.
Days after reporting the crime, Seweid went missing, sparking a missing person's appeal and another large police effort.
Sources say she made up the elaborate story to cover up for the fact she had been out drinking late with friends.
Her parents ordered her to shave her head as punishment for the scandal. They are also said to disapprove of her Christian boyfriend, The New York Daily News reports.
Yasmin Seweid, 18, was arrested by police on Wednesday for filing a false report after she claimed she was called a terrorist by Donald Trump supporters on a New York subway train. She is pictured right with a shaved head in court
Among those to support her in court on Wednesday was Seweid's older brother Abdoul who was himself arrested in 2012 for lying to police.
He claimed his friend had been 'assaulted by three unknown males', but was later charged among other teenagers with breaking into cars to steal their valuable contents near their home in New Hyde Park.
Seweid, who is a business major at New York's Baruch College, initially told police she was harassed by three men when she got on the No. 6 train at the 23rd Street station in Manhattan on December 1.
She claimed the drunken white men taunted her, telling her 'you don't belong here' and referred to her hijab as a 'rag.'
Seweid also reported that one of the men grabbed her bag, breaking the strap, and another tried to take off her hijab before she fled the train at Grand Central Station to try and flag down police.
She posted about the 'traumatizing' ordeal on Facebook and it quickly went viral.
'No matter how 'cultured' or 'Americanized' I am, these people don't see me as an American,' she wrote.
'It breaks my heart that so many individuals chose to be bystanders while watching me get harassed verbally and physically by these disgusting pigs.'
Yasmin Seweid was arrested by police on Wednesday for filing a false report. She is pictured here in court
Yasmin's new look was apparently the result of an order given by her parents. Her father Sayed accompanied her in court on Wednesday (above together)
Police originally investigated the case as an anti-Muslim bias incident and spent significant resources trying to track down those responsible.
Seweid even provided police with a description of the 'suspects', one of whom cops thought they spotted on video following her when she got off the subway at Grand Central Terminal, according to the New York Daily News.
'She had numerous opportunities to admit nothing happened and she kept sticking by her story', police said.
Authorities looked at surveillance footage but could not find evidence to corroborate Seweid's story.
Investigators had called in the Long Island teen on Wednesday to work on another sketch of her 'attackers' and confronted her with the inconsistencies, the New York Post reported.
Seweid's older brother Abdoul (above) was arrested in 2012 for filing a false police report claiming he had been assaulted. He later faced charges for breaking in to cars to steal their contents
Abdoul covered his sister's head with his jacket as they left the court on Wednesday afternoon
Seweid's older brother Abdoul (left) was later charged with stealing from cars. Her older sister Sara (right) is vocally anti-Trump
Earlier this year Sara, Yasmin's sister, shared a photograph calling for Trump to be deported
'Nothing happened, and there was no victim', an officer told the New York Daily News.
That's when she finally admitted to police that she had fabricated the story, saying she didn't want her parents angry with her for breaking curfew after being out late drinking with friends.
Seweid's strict, Muslim-Egyptian parents allegedly forced her to shave her head over the incident and are upset she is dating a Christian.
She has reportedly been having problems with her family in North New Hyde Park because they feel she's becoming 'westernized', a source told the New York Post.
Seweid was charged with filing a false report and obstructing governmental administration.
She wrote a Facebook post on December 1 detailing an incident in which she was harassed by men who called her a 'terrorist'
Seweid reported that one of the men grabbed her bag, breaking the strap, and another tried to take off her hijab before she fled the train at Grand Central Station to try and flag down police
She was released without bail early Thursday morning following her arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court.
Neither Seweid or her attorney Benjamin J West would comment, and she didn't speak inside the courtroom. Seweid faces up to a year in jail.
The teenager disappeared for several days after the ordeal and was reported missing by her father Sayeed Seweid.
He was shocked to learn of her arrest, according to DNA Info.
'You try to raise your children as best you can. Maybe she was afraid that night. She was running late,' he said.
'She's a bright, good girl. She's young and maybe she was foolish here. Young kids, you know, you don't understand their mentality.'
Seweid's older sister Sara regularly posts her political beliefs on Facebook. Among photographs shared is one calling for President-elect Trump to be deported.
She could not be reached for comment on Thursday.
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After giving up the rat race to spend their days on a tropical island, one couple are now selling their slice of paradise, which could fetch up to $2 million.
For more than 20 years Tony Briggs and his wife, Vicki, have owned the only property on the secluded Pelorus Island, nestled in the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
'It's so spectacular, you get the sunset almost over the water. During the whale season the whales come right in close to the beach whales and manta rays,' Mr Briggs told Domain.
Tony and Vicki Briggs are selling their beachfront home on the secluded Pelorus Island, nestled in the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef
The two-bedroom house has been the tropical getaway for the couple for the last 20 years
The only way to get to the private island is by helicopter or boat, which is how Mr Brigss, retired owner of Coral Princess Cruises, stumbled across it
Mr Briggs' sister and brother-in-law lived on the beachfront property for about 18 years, working as caretakers, while Tony and Vicki would pop over for weekends, Christmas and Easter.
The only way to get to the private island is by helicopter or boat, which is how Mr Brigss, retired owner of Coral Princess Cruises, stumbled across it all those years ago.
He noticed the small property on the south part of the island next to the beach after taking cruise groups through nearby waters.
His curiosity got the better of him one day, so he made his way onto the island and knocked on the door to see if his guests could swim on the beach.
A friendship struck up between the owner and Mr Briggs, who offered to drop off supplies to island when he sailed by.
When the owner mentioned he was selling, Mr Briggs jumped at the chance to own the stunning island.
Mr Briggs noticed the small property on the south part of the island after taking cruise groups through nearby waters
The time has come for the island to have a new owner, as Mr Briggs and his wife sell the stunning open-plan home
'It's a great island, with good facilities and good cruising waters,' Richard Ferry of Ferry Property told Daily Mail Australia
The once-in-a-lifetime sale of the island could fetch for as much as $2 million
The house is being sold fully furnished, equipped with solar panels and rainwater tanks. It even boasts good mobile phone coverage and a fully equipped work shed
If the fish aren't biting then there is also a barge service that goes past the island every day that can drop off supplies
But now the time has come for the island to have a new owner, there had only ever been two before Mr Briggs and how the original lease was obtained is a mystery.
'It's a great island, with good facilities and good cruising waters,' Richard Ferry of Ferry Property told Daily Mail Australia.
'We're expecting it to fetch between one to two million for it.'
The house is being sold fully furnished, equipped with solar panels and rainwater tanks.
It even boasts good mobile phone coverage and a fully equipped work shed, and the lucky new owners can also enjoy a speedboat that's included in the sale.
If the fish aren't biting then there is also a barge service that goes past the island every day that can drop off supplies.
'It's the seclusion of it. We used to love going there,' Mr Briggs told Domain.
'It'll be a very sad day when we sell it.'
Mr Ferry said he's already had a few parties interested in the slice of paradise after it hit the market four weeks ago.
Mr Ferry said he's already had a few parties interested in the slice of paradise after it hit the market four weeks ago
You can only arrive to the secluded idland by boat or helicopter, where you can land and disembark on your own private beach
The lights of the Eiffel Tower in Paris were switched off tonight to show support for the people of the shattered Syrian city of Aleppo.
The monument was plunged into darkness from 8pm in what Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said was a protest at the 'unbearable' situation for civilians in the city where fighting raged during the day.
Rebel forces announced a new deal late Wednesday to allow residents to be evacuated from the city.
The lights of the Eiffel Tower were slowly switched off tonight as a protest against the 'unbearable situation' in Aleppo
The show of solidarity for those in Syria was supported by several hundred Parisians, according to local reports
The tower usually stands out against the night sky but tonight was far more difficult to make out
Hidalgo said in a statement before the lights on the tower were switched off that 'the final roads of Aleppo held by the opposition are being taken by the regime, creating hundreds of victims'.
Several hundred people demonstrated in Paris on Wednesday in support of Aleppo's residents, according to local reports.
One of five teenagers who allegedly murdered an Alaskan 16-year-old is accused of saying 'what are you going to do?' to the parents of the victim as he left court.
Bradley Renfro, 16, appeared to address the parents of murdered teen David Grunwald as he was escorted out of a courtroom in Palmer, Alaska on Tuesday.
Witnesses in the courtroom claim Renfro cocked his head as he walked past Ben and Edie Grunwald and said 'What are you gonna do?... Do something'.
Bradley Renfro, 16, (second from left) appeared to address the parents of murdered teen David Grunwald as he was escorted out of court in Palmer, Alaska on Tuesday
'It was extremely difficult to be in the same room with the five who brutalized and murdered our son. We felt violated and nauseous. It appeared they were smirking with a gang smugness about them,' Mr Grunwald said in a statement.
Private investigator Luke Smith, who was sitting behind the Grunwald family, told Alaska Dispatch News that Renfro also gestured with his hands in what appeared to be a physical challenge before he was led out.
The remains of 16-year-old David Grunwald were discovered in a remote location in Palmer, Alaska on December 2 after he was reported missing three weeks earlier
Renfro's parents claim that was not the case and said he was trying to talk to his own parents who were sitting behind the Grunwald family.
'He has no disrespect for the Grunwalds, I swear to God,' his mother Brittney Smith said. 'I want justice for David as well. I'm just sorry for everybody involved. But he definitely did not say that to them.'
Renfro was among five teens to enter not guilty pleas over Grunwald's murder.
Grunwald was allegedly beaten, kidnapped and forced to walk into remote woods where he was shot dead execution style on November 13.
His body wasn't found until three weeks later on December 2 following a police investigation.
Erick Almandinger, 16, was the first to be arrested a day after Grunwald's body was found. He was charged with murder and kidnapping.
Four other teens, including Renfro, Austin Barrett, 19, Devin Peterson, 18, and Dominic Johnson, 16, were arrested and charged this week.
Bradley Renfro (center) scans the courtroom in Palmer, Alaska on Tuesday. Beside him are Dominic Johnson (left) and Austin Barrett (right)
Austin Barrett, 19, (left) and Erick Almandinger, 16, (right) have been charged with first and second degree murder and kidnapping over the death of 16-year-old David Grunwald
Grunwald was allegedly beaten, kidnapped and forced to walk into remote woods where he was shot dead execution style on November 13
Johnson and Renfro have been charged with first and second degree murder and evidence tampering. Barrett was charged with first and second degree murder and kidnapping.
Peterson was charged with three counts of evidence tampering.
Almandinger allegedly told police Grunwald had come to his house to drink and smoke in a trailer behind his home.
Grunwald was then bludgeoned with a gun and put in the back of his own 1994 Ford Bronco as he was drifting in and out of consciousness, according to court documents.
The victim was then driven to a remote location where he was forced to walk into the woods before he was shot dead.
Grunwald's car was found burnt out a day after he was reported missing by his father when he failed to return home.
Grunwald's car, a 1994 Ford Bronco, was found burnt out a day after he was reported missing - about 20 miles away from his home
Ben and Edie Grunwald called their son's death 'unconscionable' and called for Alaska to consider the death penalty, which hasn't been in the state since 1959
Erick Almandinger (pictured) was the first charged with Grunwald's murder and kidnapping
Authorities searched the trailer at the back of Almandinger's home on November 29 and investigators reported smelling bleach.
They allegedly found evidence of blood on the floor, walls and in the toilet.
Grunwald's disappearance sparked a widespread search at the time.
He had told his girlfriend Victoria Danielle that he was going to see Almandinger - one of his accused killers - after he dropped her at her house in Palmer on November 13.
The pair, who both attended Mat-Su Career & Tech High School, had dated for more than a year.
'I'll never forget the many times he told me he loved me. And the many times he told me he was going to marry me, he will always have a very special place in my heart,' Victoria told People.
He had told his girlfriend Victoria Danielle (right) that he was going to see Almandinger - one of his accused killers - after he dropped her at her house in Palmer before he disappeared
His parents Ben and Edie said their son was energetic and wanted to join the military
'He was very old-fashioned in many ways. Especially with dating. I was extremely lucky to be introduced to such a gem.
'He never let me open a door, he took me on real dates - he picked me up almost every Friday at 6pm to take me out to a nice dinner- and said 'Yes, M'am' and 'No, Sir'.'
Grunwald's parents called his death 'unconscionable' and called for Alaska to consider the death penalty, which hasn't been in the state since 1959, KTVA reports.
'My son doesnt get to breathe anymore. Hes gone. These kids - or these people - they get to breathe,' Mrs Grunwald said.
She said her son was energetic and wanted to join the military.
A distraught father whose son died in Thailand after a brutal assault is suing a travel insurance company alleging pressure from the insurer for the man to return to Australia contributed to his death.
Rory McDonald, from South Australia, has previously focused on helping police track down the men who attacked his 28-year-old son, Andrew Oake, in March 2010.
Mr Oake died on April 11, 2010 as he prepared to return to Australia after travel insurer Cover-More threatened to cancel his policy unless he was 'on-board the next available flight', Mr McDonald told AAP.
Andrew Oake, 28, from Adelaide, died after being attacked while travelling between villages in Thailand with Som, his pregnant partner, when the pair were set upon by two men
A traditional Buddhist ceremony was held for Andrew Oake in Thailand last Friday, April, 16
AAP has sought comment from Cover-More.
Lawyers from Maurice Blackburn told AAP the firm has been engaged to act in the matter.
Anthony Kerin, a principal at Maurice Blackburn, said the issue was whether Mr Oake's death 'was preventable and what factors may have unnecessarily contributed to this'.
In October this year Thai police arrested the third alleged attacker who assaulted Oake and his Thai wife, Nareerat Suvengdee near her residence in Prasat, 410 kilometres northeast from Bangkok.
Nareerat was six months pregnant at the time of the attack. She recently testified in a Thai court against the man.
Som, the pregnant partner of Adelaide man Andrew Oake who died after being attacked with a machete whilst holidaying in Prasat, near Surin in northeastern Thailand
Mr Oake's father, Rory McDonald, from South Australia, claims the insurance company Cover-More insisted his son return to Australia for further treatment which caused his death
Oake suffered severe lacerations to his arm and deep cuts to his head as he fended off the attackers, who used homemade machetes against the couple.
Initially hospitalised at Bangkok's Bumrungrad International Hospital, Mr Oake was transferred to the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital.
Mr McDonald said Cover-More had insisted his son return to Australia for further treatment.
Cover-More, he said, insisted his son 'be on the next commercial airline that we can arrange for him back to Australia (or) we're going to cancel his insurance policy.'
'(Cover-More) said when Andrew gets back to Australia we'll look after him, we think he's better off because of the infection and we don't think (Thai doctors) can do the operation,' Mr McDonald said.
Oake suffered severe lacerations to his arm and deep cuts to his head as he fended off the attackers, who used homemade machetes against the couple
A traditional Buddhist ceremony was held for Andrew Oak. Mr McDonald says a post mortem showed Mr Oake faced little chance of surviving the flight to Australia
Cover-More's demand meant Oake was forced to travel 18 hours by bus over the weekend to his wife's home of Prasat to collect his passport and return to Bangkok by the Monday morning.
Mr Oake died during the journey back to Prasat.
Mr McDonald says a post mortem showed Mr Oake faced little chance of surviving the flight to Australia due to severe swelling of the brain. He said Thai medical staff at Bangkok Pattaya hospital told him they were equipped to continue his son's treatment.
'He couldn't stand up by himself and he couldn't have got to the toilet by himself. So what they expected him to do was for an air hostess to take him to the toilet. It was just crazy,' he said.
Millions of households could save up to 260 a year on their energy bills simply by switching to the cheapest deal offered by their existing supplier, an official price league reveals.
Many can achieve even bigger savings by moving to a rival firm, the industry regulator Ofgem showed in tables laying bare the full scale of the national energy price rip-off.
Collectively, families could save 3.7billion a year by switching to the cheapest tariffs, according to one price comparison service.
The Ofgem figures reveal that two in three households are on their supplier's standard variable tariff (SVT), which is always the most expensive.
British Gas, the country's biggest supplier, has 6.64million accounts on its expensive SVT three in four of its customers. They typically pay 1,044 a year, but could save 129 by moving to the cheapest deal with the firm. The saving would be around 174 if they moved to one of the ten cheapest deals available.
Nine out of ten customers with SSE 3.86million are on SVT deals and pay an average of 1,068 a year. They could save 98 by moving to the firm's cheapest deal and 198 by switching to a cheaper rival.
German-owned Npower's 1.73million customers on its SVT pay an average of 1,077. The same firm offers a deal that is 261 a year cheaper.
There is a similar pattern with the other members of the 'big six' energy suppliers E.ON, EDF and Scottish Power.
Some small companies have particularly high SVTs. More than 36,000 people using Extra Energy pay an average of 1,130 a year but could save 260 by moving to another firm.
Co-operative Energy charges 1,121 a year for its SVT. The 96,000 households on this tariff could save 245 a year by moving to the firm's cheapest deal.
Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said the new tables would encourage households to shop around.
'Millions of people across Britain continue to pay too much for their energy,' he added.
German-owned Npower's 1.73million customers on its standard variable tariff pay an average of 1,077. The same firm offers a deal that is 261 a year cheaper
But the consumer group Which? is sceptical that publication of the tables will have much effect, saying firms must do more to encourage people to switch to cheaper deals.
Mark Todd, of the price comparison website Energyhelpline, said the tables had 'exposed the extent of over-payment for energy'.
He added: 'SVT energy customers could save an astounding 3.7billion simply by switching to the cheapest tariff.'
Claire Osborne, of the price comparison website uSwitch, said: 'These figures underline that loyalty in the energy market simply doesn't pay.'
Lawrence Slade, of the industry body Energy UK, said: 'We urge all customers to make sure they are taking advantage of all the deals on offer. Switching is easier and quicker than ever.'
The latest 4K TVs could add a total of 82million to consumers' energy bills by 2019, research suggested yesterday.
Prince Harry and girlfriend Meghan Markle looked every inch the loved-up couple as they enjoyed a romantic trip to the theatre last night.
Harry, 32, and Miss Markle were seen strolling hand-in-hand through the heart of London's West End before watching the critically-acclaimed play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Gielgud Theatre.
The couple have kept a low-profile since Miss Markle arrived in London on Monday, although they broke cover to pick out a Christmas tree together.
The actress is believed to be spending the week at Harry's Kensington Palace cottage before flying home this weekend in time for Christmas.
Meanwhile the prince will join other senior royals for traditional celebrations at Sandringham, the Queen's country estate in Norfolk.
Tomorrow's front page: First pictures of Prince Harry and girlfriend Meghan Markle pic.twitter.com/uPGUYHLk8T The Sun (@TheSun) December 14, 2016
Prince Harry, left, and girlfriend Meghan Markle, right, looked every inch the loved-up couple as they enjoyed a romantic theatre date last night in the heart of London's West End
The official Twitter account for the Curious Incident for the Dog in the Night-time posted this message today, confirming Prince Harry attended a performance last night
Last night the couple drew double takes from Christmas shoppers as they walked down some of London's busiest streets wearing matching beanie hats and winter coats, the Sun reported.
It is understood they secured last-minute tickets for the 7.30pm performance of the Curious Incident, which is based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon.
It was initially thought the couple had watched comedy Peter Pan Goes Wrong but the team behind the Curious Incident confirmed Prince Harry was in the audience last night.
The official Twitter account for the Curious Incident posted: 'We were delighted to welcome HRH Prince Harry to last nights performance at The Gielgud Theatre in Londons West End.'
The couple have previously seen the Lion King musical on the West End.
Miss Markle, 35, is currently enjoying a few months off from filming US legal drama Suits. After just a week apart from her boyfriend, the actress hopped on a plane to London for a week of festive activities.
The couple are understood to have secured last-minute tickets for the 7.30pm performance of the National Theatre production at the Gielgud Theatre, pictured in file image
They last saw each other in Toronto, where Miss Markle is based, after Prince Harry made a 1,700-mile detour on his way home from an official tour of the Caribbean.
But while there is every sign the relationship is serious, royal experts have said it is still unlikely that the couple will be spend Christmas Day together.
Miss Markle is expected to spend the day with her family while Harry will join his grandparents, the Queen and Prince Philip, at Sandringham.
It would be unprecedented if Miss Markle attended as the invite is usually reserved for close family.
Kate Middleton only made her first appearance at Sandringham in 2011, the year she married Prince William.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and author of the Queen's speech, said a Royal Christmas would be 'too stressful' for Miss Markle.
Ms Seward told MailOnline: 'At Sandringham it is only close family and occasionally very close friends.
Miss Markle was out with a friend in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday but later flew to London. She is believed to be staying with Prince Harry in his cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace
The couple have kept a low-profile but were spotted picking out a Christmas tree together at Pines and Needles in Battersea Park, south London, pictured, on Monday
'It is not a moment to bring girlfriends. It would be too stressful. They all have their own in-jokes, their own little traditions.'
MEGHAN WHO? MARKLE TOPS 2016 GOOGLE SEARCH LIST Meghan Markle has topped the British list of the most Googled female celebrity in Britain in 2016. The American actress saw the number of Google searches rocket almost over night in October, when rumours of her relationship with Prince Harry first emerged. She beat out actress Stephanie Davis and X Factor contestant Honey G to claim the top spot. Carol Vorderman and Kesha also made the top five. The male celebrity most Googled by British web users was UFC fighter Conor McGregor Advertisement
She added California-native Miss Markle might also struggle with cultural differences.
'Americans are different. They have different ways of thinking and they are different.
'So for somebody from a flat in LA to be with [the Royal Family] it would be like being in outer space.'
However she said it would be possible for Kate and William to invite her to join them at Anmer Hall, their home on the Sandringham estate.
'Kate and William might invite her. It depends if they have got room. It is family first but there is no reason for them not to invite her.'
Ms Seward added it was likely the Queen would advise her grandson to 'take it gently' if asked about the romance.
'It cannot go wrong because it reflects so badly on the institution of the monarchy.
'Unfortunately, everything Harry does reflects on the monarchy. And that is just the way it is. Therefore everything Meghan does also slightly reflects on the monarchy.'
Cavendish was among the 13 appointees of former PM David Cameron
Camilla Cavendish, the policy chief to former PM David Cameron, resigned the Tory whip in the House of Lords to take a new job
David Camerons former policy chief has stepped down as a Tory just months after he gave her a seat in the House of Lords.
Camilla Cavendish was elevated to the peerage by the former Prime Minister in his highly-controversial resignation honours in August.
She was appointed to the lifetime position as a Conservative peer, meaning she owes her position to the party.
But yesterday it emerged she had resigned the Tory whip in the Lords so she can take up a new job.
She will continue to sit in the chamber enabling her to charge the taxpayer 300 a day for attendance but as a non-aligned member.
Last night one furious Tory MP said: 'One might say the Camerons were never really comfortable with the Conservative party and this is proof.
'She thinks shes above party politics, despite only being a peer because of party politics.'
Mr Cameron gave the former Times journalist the honour despite the fact she was only head of the Number 10 policy unit for little over a year.
Baroness Cavendish was granted the honour as part of his resignation honours, when she was among 13 new Tory peers named by Mr Cameron.
The honours sparked fury because many of the recipients were donors or former party workers.
When she took her seat in September, she called herself 'Baroness Cavendish of Little Venice'.
Little Venice, in west London, is not far from the Notting Hill area linked strongly to Mr Cameron and his acolyte George Osborne.
One Tory MP said: 'One might say the Camerons were never really comfortable with the Conservative party and this is proof'
One government source said: 'Camilla had some job opportunity that required her to be not affiliated with a political party.
'So shes becoming an unaffiliated peer rather than a crossbencher or anything else. I would expect her to keep sitting on our benches.'
The aunt of an 11-year-old boy in her care failed to take him to doctors before he died of pneumonia despite the fact she was an experienced nurse, it has been alleged.
Queensland boy Curtis Powell was found dead in a Mackenzie home, south of Brisbane, with suspicious injuries and he had received no medical care for almost five years, a court has heard.
His aunt, Jodie Maree Powell, 43, and her de facto partner, James Colin Burnham, were charged on Wednesday over the boy's July 2015 death after relatives found his body.
The Brisbane Magistrates Court heard on the morning of the discovery, the boy had been vomiting and was found with 'non-accidental' injuries.
Curtis Powell, 11, was found dead in a Mackenzie, Queensland home in July 2015
Powell worked as the head of infection control at Brisbane's Mater Hospital and had been a nurse for 16 years.
During a bail application her solicitor, Brittany White, told the court her client had no criminal history and was aware of the police investigation for 18 months.
'She has not attempted to abscond in any way from the jurisdiction,' she said.
Ms White said Powell had significant ties to the community, a job and a mortgage.
If convicted, Powell could face a jail term of between eight and 10 years.
Both she and Burnham, 35, were charged with manslaughter, child cruelty and interfering with a corpse.
Powell sat with her back to the public gallery for the duration of the hearing.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Josh Kelly opposed bail.
The deceased child did not receive any treatment for any illness or injury since September 2010. Police prosecutor Sergeant Josh Kelly
'The deceased child did not receive any treatment for any illness or injury since September 2010,' he said.
The boy was found with injuries to his back, groin and legs that appeared to be caused by blunt force trauma, Sgt Kelly said.
'The deceased child, prior to the death, had many bruises to his body inconsistent with normal sibling or pet interactions, or even child's play,' he said.
Police also alleged Powell, who has been in hospital with suicidal ideation since the incident, attempted to sway witnesses.
Magistrate Penelope Hay denied bail and said there was a strong prima facie case against Powell.
'It is also concerning that the defendant poses ... a risk to herself because of her mental state,' she said.
'The risk of interference with witnesses is concerning, particularly given in circumstances where the defendant is suffering from a mental health condition.'
Powell's matter will next be mentioned on February 13 next year.
Burnham was remanded in custody until December 23 for a bail application.
Shocking footage has been revealed of young children appearing to have been forced to work on railway lines in North Korea.
It is understood children are taken out of school and can spend up to 10 hours per day hammering away at metal rails.
And it has also been claimed some of the them are as young as five, raising more questions about human rights abuses in the country, where experts say the government makes $2billion a year from trafficking its own citizens.
The footage, obtained by the Daily Mirror, was allegedly recorded using hidden cameras by undercover informers over the past year.
Children are seen working on railway construction near Rimpo Station in the Chagang Province in the north of the country.
Aidan McQuade who has been director of charity Anti-Slavery International since 2006, told MailOnline: This is deeply shocking, but not at all surprising.
In North Korea there is a whole range of issues ranging from this to prison camps.
There are lots of reliable reports on the government trafficking its own citizens and sending them abroad.
So the fact that children as young as five are working on the railways is profoundly shocking and deeply disturbing, but not at all surprising.
Most of these people sold by their own government are sent to China and Russia, but there are also reports of North Koreans being sent to Qatar, Poland and Malta as well as the Middle East.'
According to the UN, at any given time there are 50,000 North Koreans working in forced labour overseas having been sold by their own government
This trade is estimated to be giving the government a profitable return of $2billion
Aidan McQuade who has been director of charity Anti-Slavery International since 2006, told MailOnline: When you consider the countrys export trade in 2013 was $7billion, then you have the reason Kim Jong-un can live in such luxury'
In China and Russia the sold citizens are forced to work as lumberjacks, in Qatar they are in the construction trade and in Poland as agricultural workers and in the shipping yards.
According to the UN, at any given time there are 50,000 North Koreans working overseas.
This trade is estimated to be giving the government a profitable return of $2billion.
Mr McQuade added: When you consider the countrys export trade in 2013 was $7billion, then you have the reason Kim Jong-un can live in such luxury.
These children are just a small part of what goes on in North Korea.
Theres a difference between child labour and child slavery.
Child labour usually occurs of in poor families when children are made to work, but I suggest these children have been handed over to the government to work to benefit the countrys trade.
This is child slavery.
It will have a profound and severe effect on their lives, not only because they have been deprived of school and a childhood, but because they will be subjected to violence in the environment.
Human rights experts have hit out at North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his dictatorship for 'robbing children of a chance at a happy childhood'
Speaking to MailOnline, Ryan Mahan, head of public campaigns and trafficked boys youth worker at ECPAT UK, said:These gross abuses of children should have been consigned to history a long time ago.
Sadly, vulnerable children continue to bear the brunt of brutal economic, political and social inequality around the world, toiling in dire circumstances of what has been called modern slavery from North Korea to our very doorsteps in the UK.
Every scene of child exploitation, and the psychologically destructive aftermath left in its wake, should be met with public outrage and meaningful action.
We all have a part to play whether it is by applying public pressure on offending regimes and corporations or recognising that many of the products we buy are produced in exploitative situations and supporting calls for the rights of children everywhere to be protected.
ECPAT UK is a leading childrens rights charity campaigning to protect children from child trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
It comes after a senior US official warned North Korea was capable of launching nuclear weapons
Michael Glendinning, who works for humanitarian organisation the European Alliance of Human Rights in North Korea, told the Mirror the footage was startling and described child labour as one of the worst abuses the North Korean state inflicts.
He added: Millions of North Korean children are forced to work in back-breaking roles that rob them of the chance of a happy childhood.
The impact of the work on their physical development, their physical and mental health, and on their education cant be understated.
Mr Glendinning said the psychological harm the labour would cause to the children was just as terrible as the physical damage it could do.
But in another section of the footage, children at elite schools are seen smiling and taking part in exercises set to music, while parents watch from the school gates.
According to the Global Slavery Index 2016, around 1.1million North Koreans are currently involved in forced labour, almost five per cent of the 25million population.
The country is led by dictator Kim Jong-un, who allegedly recently ordered military chiefs to stay up all night writing apologies for their failures after getting drunk at his holiday villa.
The communist dictator is said to have got boozed up in September when he ordered elderly soldiers to put pen to paper detailing their weaknesses or an apology.
A source said Kim raged at the military officials and told them to stay up all night to write up their statements, but appeared confused as to why they were there when he woke up the next morning.
Meanwhile fears are growing in the international community after a senior US military official warned North Korea was capable of launching nuclear weapons - although could not confirm whether they could hit a target.
The secretive state can mount a nuclear warhead on a missile, the official stated, but may not be able to get the weapon back through the atmosphere without it burning up.
The two-year-old boy who was killed by a train while he and his babysitter walked along the tracks in Florida has been pictured.
Hunter Fink and his babysitter, Heather Henderson, 26, were hit by a CSX train in Tampa just before noon on Monday, according to WPTV.
Deputies from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call about the incident around 11.55am.
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Two-year-old Hunter Fink (pictured) and his babysitter, Heather Henderson, 26, were hit by a CSX train in Tampa just before noon on Monday
Fink and Henderson, 26, were rushed to a local hospital, where Hunter later died. Hunter is pictured with his four-year-old sister Maddie, who survived with cuts and scrapes
Hunter and his babysitter were flown to local hospitals.
The child died from his injuries at St Joseph's Hospital and Henderson is listed in stable condition.
Sheriff Chris Nocco told the station that Hunter and his four-year-old sister were walking along the train tracks on a bridge with Henderson and another adult, Cody Williams.
Hunter and his babysitter were flown to local hospitals. The child died from his injuries at St Joseph's Hospital and Heather Henderson (pictured left and right) is listed in stable condition
Investigators are pictured working the scene shortly after the incident
Deputies (pictured) from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call about the incident around 11.55am
Williams, 27, was able to grab four-year-old Maddie once they realized the train was coming.
He then jumped nearly eight feet off the bridge to safety with the child in his arms.
At the time, Henderson was holding Hunter, but she was unable to jump out of the way.
Cody Williams was able to grab four-year-old Maddie once they realized the train was coming. He then jumped nearly eight feet off the bridge to safety with the child in his arms. At the time, Henderson was holding Hunter, but she was unable to jump out of the way
Nocco, according to WTSP, said: 'The 27-year-old, he grabs the four-year-old little girl, they jump into the water. They're okay, thank God.
'Unfortunately, the babysitter grabs the two-year-old, they were impacted. The little boy suffered injuries that unfortunately took his life.'
Amanda Lindsay told the TV station: 'My daughter-in-law [Henderson] was walking her kids that she was watching to the river.'
Hunter's sister Maddie survived with cuts and scrapes, WTSP reported.
A GoFundMe page says that Hunter (right) 'was so full of life, all smiles, silly just like little boys are. He loved everyone'
The sheriff's office and CSX officials are continuing to investigate. The train was traveling from Tampa to Georgia
Authorities said the bridge where they were walking comes after a sharp turn on the tracks, which is why they probably didn't see it coming. Police work the scene where the incident occurred
Authorities said the bridge where they were walking comes after a sharp turn on the tracks, which is why they probably didn't see it coming, WPTV reported.
The sheriff's office and CSX officials are continuing to investigate.
Officials told the station that the train was traveling as much as 60mph at the time of the incident.
The train was traveling from Tampa to Georgia.
Area resident Bill Hart told the Tampa Bay Times that people often go through private property to reach the tracks.
A GoFundMe page set up on behalf of the boy's mother says: 'He would have been 3 next month, until the tragic train accident took his young life.
Jeremy Corbyn defended strikers who completely closed a major commuter railway today, insisting they were 'not militants'.
The Labour leader said striking workers on Southern rail were battling over safety issues and making sure the service was 'efficient'.
Services were completely cancelled for two days this week and will be again tomorrow after a day of chaos today.
Conciliation talks ended without resolution today meaning the long-running dispute will continue.
British Airways cabin crew yesterday joined train drivers, post office staff and Argos drivers plotting a Christmas of discontent.
Jeremy Corbyn, pictured at homeless charity Centrepoint today, defended strikers who completely closed a major commuter railway today, insisting they were 'not militants'
A Tory MP accused 'hard left union allies' of Jeremy Corbyn of 'co-ordinating' a wave of Christmas strikes.
Mr Corbyn was yesterday urged by the Prime Minister to pick up the phone to Aslef and call off the rail strikes.
But the Labour leader, who is close to Aslef union boss Mick Whelan, claimed there were genuine 'safety' issues with driver-only trains, even though they operate widely across the rail network.
The Labour leader yesterday confirmed he had spoken to the union boss, who helped bankroll his leadership campaign, but indicated he had no intention of telling him to end the walkouts.
He added: 'I have spoken to the general secretary and he explained the issues and their concerns about the safety of driver-only trains on very busy routes like London to Brighton.
'It is not a militant approach in the case of Aslef and the RMT it is about efficiency and safety.'
Tory MP Chris Philp, who has held talks with Mr Grayling this week on possible union reforms, said: 'I am not sure it is a coincidence that we are getting all these strikes in the run-up to Christmas.
'It is starting to look like it is co-ordinated by Jeremy Corbyn's hard-Left union allies.'
British Airways cabin crew haved voted in favour of strikes in a dispute over pay
Mr Philp added: 'The RMT and Aslef have massively overstepped the mark and unfortunately that means the Government has to legislate.
Other countries, such as Italy and Canada, already have laws requiring unions to show that strikes on critical infrastructure are proportionate.
'In the case of the Southern strike, no-one is losing their jobs and there are no safety issues it's a dispute about who presses a button to shut the doors.
'For that, they are inflicting misery on 300,000 passengers, and I don't think any court would consider that to be proportionate.'
Former justice minister Dominic Raab added: 'Targeting strike action to inflict misery at this time of year is deeply irresponsible and cynical on the part of union bosses. The Government is right to keep its options open and resist this licensed blackmail.'
Demonstrators stage a protest at Victoria Station against Southern Rail and its parent company Govia Thameslink Railway
Demonstrators holding placards stage a protest at Victoria Station against Southern Rail and its parent company Govia Thameslink Railway
Talks held at ACAS between Southern Rail and the Aslef union over driver-only trains ended without agreement today
Commuters are set to face another day of strike action by Southern Rail tomorrow
In the Commons, Theresa May rounded on Jeremy Corbyn over the 'appalling' strikes on Southern Rail and urged the Labour leader to tell his union cronies to back down
British Airways cabin crew have become the latest to announce industrial action, joining rail worker and Post Office staff in walk outs.
The giant Unite union - led by Corbyn-supporting Len McCluskey - said BA cabin crew had voted overwhelmingly to strike over pay, with walkouts potentially starting as soon as December 21.
The move threatens to wreck the holiday plans of thousands of families.
Post Office workers are planning five days of strikes starting next week.
And rail workers on the troubled Southern network inflicted another day of misery on hundreds of thousands of travellers yesterday.
In the Commons, Theresa May rounded on Jeremy Corbyn over the 'appalling' strikes on Southern Rail and urged the Labour leader to tell his union cronies to back down.
Conservative MP Chris Philp accused the unions of a 'coordinated' attempt to disrupt Christmas with a wave of strike action
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling floated the idea this week of a total ban on rail strikes. But ministers are also considering alternative plans that could require unions on key services to prove their action was 'proportionate' and force them to operate at least a 50 per cent service.
Welfare minister Penny Mordaunt said the situation at Southern, where commuters have suffered months of misery, was so serious that ministers may have to take extra action.
'Something needs to be done,' she said. 'The public have had enough.'
British Airways crew in 2013. The union Unite claims 'mixed fleet' crew are underpaid
BA says the 'mixed fleet' crew represents only 15% of its cabin crew. Pictured: Staff in 2013
In the Commons, the Prime Minister rounded on Mr Corbyn over his close links to the RMT and Aslef rail unions behind the Southern dispute.
Both unions have bankrolled Mr Corbyn's regime, as has Unite.
Branding the strikes 'appalling', Mrs May said: I've got a suggestion for the Leader of the Opposition I think the Leader of the Opposition could do something to help members of the public.
'The Labour Party is funded by Aslef. Why doesn't he get on the phone and tell them to call the strike off immediately?'
But despite the chaos on the railways, Labour confirmed it was supporting the strikes. Asked if he backed the unions involved in the Southern dispute, shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald replied: 'Absolutely.' Mr McDonald, who has praised the 'guts' of striking railway staff, claimed there were 'critical safety issues' around driver-only trains, despite the fact they have been used on the rail network for years.
Unite said its members had overwhelmingly backed the BA walkouts in a dispute over pay involving around 2,500 workers.
The action will begin after 21 December but it is claimed it will not affect Christmas travelers
Union representatives will meet over the next two days to decide what action to take, with a strike possible at any date from December 21.
But there are fears the union will orchestrate strikes to cause maximum disruption for those planning to fly abroad to spend Christmas with friends and family. The pay dispute involves 'mixed fleet' cabin crew who fly a combination of short-haul and long-haul and who have joined the airline since 2010.
Unite claims they earn less than other staff. It said earnings were advertised between 21,000 and 25,000 but in reality started at just over 12,000 plus 3 an hour flying pay.
Members voted to strike after rejecting a 2 per cent pay offer on what Unite has described as 'poverty pay' levels. It said crew had been forced to resort to moonlighting in other jobs or sleeping in their cars between shifts to survive. Unite's regional officer Matt Smith said crew members were 'at breaking point'.
He said: 'Mixed fleet crew earn just over the minimum wage and below the national average. Significant numbers of crew are taking on second jobs, and many go to work unfit to fly because they can't afford to be sick. British Airways bosses need to wake up to the anger and the injustice here.'
BA said it had made an offer that would lead to basic pay and hourly duty rates increasing by a minimum of 7 per cent.
A spokesman said: 'We are extremely disappointed that the union is creating uncertainty for our customers.'
An abandoned factory in Geelong has become a haven for Apex gang members, thieves and vandals terrorising the neighbourhood.
The former Alreco MHM Metals factory is targeted 'every other night' with $300,000 worth of copper wires stolen and Apex graffiti covering the walls.
A neighbour who used to work at the site, disused for almost two years, said it was now a 'shambles' and thieves even tried to steal employee files.
An abandoned factory in Geelong has become a haven for Apex gang members, thieves and vandals terrorising the neighbourhood
The former Alreco MHM Metals factory is targeted 'every other night' with $300,000 worth of copper wires stolen and Apex graffiti covering the walls
'The Apex gang has gone into the facility theyve completely ransacked the place and just graffitied everything and made a really big mess,' they told the Geelong Advertiser.
Trashing the factory left it increasingly unsafe with asbestos roofs fallen in and 15,000 tonnes of industrial waste lying around the site.
'There could be fluorides, there could be cyanide, and there could be a whole host of other things there,' the neighbour said.
A neighbour who used to work at the site, disused for almost two years, said it was now a 'shambles' and thieves even tried to steal employee files
Barely any of the former aluminium plant has been left untouched by vandals
Trashing the factory left it increasingly unsafe with asbestos roofs fallen in and 15,000 tonnes of industrial waste lying around the site
'The asbestos is in the factory roof, which has collapsed in six areas, its lying on the ground and the wind is blowing it into all the neighbouring factories.'
Three armed men, aged 34, 37 and 46 were caught on December 6 allegedly stealing files and paperwork containing personal details of past staff.
Another neighbour, Darrin Hill, said nearby residents stopped them by blocking the driveway with a truck and calling police.
Apex is usually active in Melbourne but incidents potentially linked to the African gang are increasing in the city to the 75 kilometres southwest.
Three armed men, aged 34, 37 and 46 were caught on December 6 allegedly stealing files and paperwork containing personal details of past staff
The factory has been abandoned for almost two years with lots left behind
It used to be a salt cake recycling facility but now lies derelict
This chained up fence is little deterrent to the Apex gang and an assortment of other lowlifes
Less than five months ago, four teenagers allegedly went on a spree of home invasions, car thefts and carjackings in Geelong.
They on July 20 allegedly broke into a 72-year-old's house while he was home and stole his car, then led police on a wild chase before police road spikes stopped them.
The gang members were then accused of forcing a pregnant woman off the road and stealing her car, leaving her by the side of the road.
The gang members were then accused of forcing a pregnant woman off the road and stealing her car (pictured), leaving her by the side of the road
Apex is usually active in Melbourne but incidents potentially linked to the African gang are increasing in the city to the 75 kilometres southwest
Former NSW Minister Eddie Obeid has been sentenced to five years imprisonment with a non-parole period of three years for a misconduct offence.
The 73-year-old, who has a 'constellation' of medical issues and suffered a stroke in August, was sentenced in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday.
In June, a jury found him guilty of lobbying a senior public servant about lucrative Circular Quay leases without revealing his family's stake in the outlets.
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Eddie Obeid has been sentenced to five years behind bars with a minimum sentence of three years
Justice Robert Beech-Jones rejected the defence claim that a jail sentence will play a role in reducing Obeid's life expectancy as ailments at his age are not unusual.
Justice Beech-Jones said he is satisfied 'he [Obeid] would receive an adequate level of care' in jail.
The judge also noted that it was inconceivable that Eddie Obeid didn't know he should not use his position in such a way.
In doing so, Obeid was found to have abused the public's trust 'to advance the financial interests of himself or at least his family'.
'If Mr Obeid had not willfully abused his position as a Parliamentarian, then his life and career would be a testament to the values of hard work, family and public service. Instead, his time in public life has produced a very different legacy.'
'He intentionally abused the public trust proposed in him as a member of the legislative council of NSW,' he said.
Judith Obeid, (left), the wife of former NSW Labor minister Eddie Obeid for 51 years was present as the sentence was handed down
Former NSW Labor minister Eddie Obeid arrives at the NSW Supreme Court in Darlinghurst, Sydney on Thursday
Flanked by family, Judith Obeid, exits the Supreme Court while her husband was taken to the cells beneath the court
Justice Beech-Jones did take into account that Eddie Obeid had no past criminal record and that there was a possible loss of parliamentary pension and the loss of superannuation pension but said there was no evidence Obeid had shown any remorse or accepted responsibility of his crime.
The judge said he did not agree that Obeid's offence was 'at the very bottom of the scale of objective seriousness'.
It was the one phone call to maritime bureaucrat Steve Dunn that was deemed to be his undoing.
'As noted, even though it was effectively constituted by a single telephone call, his conduct was a very serious example of that offence given the nature of the duty owed by him as a parliamentarian and the extent of his departure from that duty,' he said.
Immediately after the sentencing Obeid's barrister, Guy Reynolds SC, said he will submit an appeal as well as make an application for bail.
Justice Beech-Jones refused bail and said an appeal will most likely be heard between March and May.
Obeid was found to have abused the public's trust 'to advance the financial interests of himself or at least his family'
It is likely an appeal would be heard sometime between March and May
In light of the sentencing Obeid will be stripped of his annual $120,000 parliamentary pension.
Premier Mike Baird announced that he will amend Parliamentary pension laws to ensure MPs convicted of a serious offence will in office suffer the consequences, reported The Sydney Morning Herald.
'The crimes of Eddie Obeid and his cronies are the most serious instance of official corruption we have seen in our lifetimes,' Mr Baird said.
Current laws dictate an MP can keep their pensions if they are not charged while in office.
'Regardless of political affiliation, any MP who commits a serious offence while in office should face the consequences, and should not be shielded simply because they resign before being charged.'
Robin Page is one of the countryside's most colourful - and controversial - characters, but he has a kindred spirit in Prince Charles.
I hear the heir to the throne invited the former One Man And His Dog presenter to Clarence House for private talks on Tuesday.
'Very privileged, as chairman of the Countryside Restoration Trust, to have a meeting with Prince Charles yesterday,' Page confirms. 'What a good, green man.'
The Prince of Wales (left) with his friend Robin Page
Page does not say what they spoke about but on the same day he posted online about the damaging effect of 'overpopulation' on Britain.
'Why do all our bigwig conservationists talk about protecting the planet none will talk about UK's environmental disaster over-population?' he asked.
Page established the Countryside Restoration Trust in 1993 in response to growing fears about intensive and industrialised farming.
His co-founders were artist Gordon Beningfield and conservationist Sir Laurens van der Post, Charles's mentor and Prince William's godfather.
Sir Laurens was hailed as a 'modern sage' in life, but his reputation took a battering after his death in 1996 with revelations that he had fathered a child with a 14-year-old girl who had been under his care during a sea voyage to England from South Africa.
There were also embarrassing claims that he had embellished the truth in his memoirs and travel books.
Page has never shied away from controversy himself. After he was sacked as a columnist by a broadsheet newspaper in August, he attacked the 'corporate, urban money men' responsible. He said the axing of his rural affairs column after some 30 years represented the latest blow to 'Britain's most endangered minority in multi-cultural Britain traditional country people'.
Page quit as an independent councillor in Cambridgeshire earlier this year, claiming both local and national government policies were 'trashing' the countryside.
He previously hit the headlines when he compared the approval of an affordable housing development to 'jihadists trashing their history in Iraq'. A 'joke' about giving contraceptives to immigrants in raisins also landed him in hot water.
A Clarence House spokesman declines to comment.
LOST YOUR MANKINI, BORAT? Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen famously wore a very risque lime green 'mankini' while publicising his Kazakh alter-ego, Borat, at Cannes in 2006. But the 45-year-old Ali G actor opted for a somewhat more restrained outfit on holiday in Australia this week when he visited Bondi Beach with his wife, Aussie actress Isla Fisher. The 40-year-old Wedding Crashers star and mother-of-two (left) sported a kaftan over a polka-dot bikini while the comedian showed off his physique in crimson board shorts. Advertisement
Boris's office forks out 60k on suppers
Theresa May is reportedly coming to the end of her tether over Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson's diplomatic gaffes, but at least he's taking his fine dining duties seriously.
New expenses documents show the Foreign Office splashed out more than 60,000 on entertaining foreign dignitaries since Boris's appointment in July.
The hospitality bill for the FCO's 'state and guest of government visits' includes 8,142 on 'entertaining' Australia's defence and foreign ministers.
It also spent almost 20,000 on accommodation for the president of Latvia, Raimonds Vejonis even though he was in the UK just three days.
Boris's underlings aren't having quite such a jolly time. According to the latest survey of Foreign Office staff, six per cent want to quit their jobs 'as soon as possible'.
Queen Victoria's beach holiday ban
Star of ITV's Victoria, Jenna Coleman has discovered a downside to her role as Queen: a bikini ban.
'I'm staying in England for Christmas and going back to my mum's. I won't be having a hot Christmas because I can't get a tan before filming in February,' says Jenna, 30, after reading at the Nordoff Robbins Christmas Carol concert with boyfriend Tom Hughes, who plays on-screen husband Albert.
'I'm planning on eating lots of turkey,' she adds. 'I think Christmas is the one day you shouldn't feel guilty about that kind of indulgence. I like going home because it stops me taking any of this too seriously.'
One in seven airplane pilots are suffering from depression, research has revealed. The first study of pilots' mental health was carried out after clinically depressed Andreas Lubitz, pictured, crashed a Germanwings flight on purpose
Almost one in seven airline pilots are suffering from depression, research has revealed.
The first study of pilots' mental health was carried out after clinically depressed Andreas Lubitz last year steered Germanwings flight 4U 9525 into the French Alps, killing 150 people.
It shows almost 14 per cent of working pilots meet the threshold for depression, reporting symptoms like suicidal thoughts, trouble concentrating and feelings of failure.
A 'veil of secrecy' has been drawn over pilots' mental health, according to researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The study authors, who surveyed people in the UK and internationally, say long flights can disrupt sleeping patterns while flying a plane is categorised as a high-stress job. But the stigma of seeking help, for fear of being 'grounded', may be putting pilots off having treatment.
Senior author Joseph Allen, assistant professor of exposure assessment science, said: 'We found that many pilots currently flying are managing depressive symptoms, and it may be that they are not seeking treatment due to the fear of negative career impacts.
'There is a veil of secrecy around mental health issues in the cockpit. By using an anonymous survey, we were able to guard against people's fears of reporting due to stigma and job discrimination.'
Co-author Alex Wu said: 'This is important to address, so that we can hope to mitigate, or even prevent, future incidents similar to the Germanwings incident.'
The figure of one in seven is higher than the incidence of depression in the population at large. Studies in the US have suggested one in ten adult will suffer depression at some point in their lives, but no more than around six per cent at any one time.
A previous study published in the journal Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance looked at 65 cases of pilot suicide and 18 cases of homicide-suicide, where passengers died, mostly after a pilot was left in the cockpit alone.
They found pilots killed themselves and others when driven by conflict at work, relationship and financial problems, among other factors.
The study found the figure of one in seven to be higher than the incidence of depression in the population at large
The latest study states that pilots may become depressed through sleep disturbance from flying at night, which upsets their circadian rhythms. Those using sleeping aids were more likely to suffer from depression, and rates are similar to those seen in other high-stress jobs like the military.
The researchers surveyed at random 1,848 pilots on their mental health, with 13.5 per cent who had worked as a pilot within the last week meeting the criteria for depression. Of these, more than four per cent said they had suffered suicidal thoughts within the last fortnight.
Around 95 per cent of pilots are men, and those in their forties are most at risk, the study found.
Previous research has found pilots have a lower incidence of depression, but underreporting of symptoms has been found in previous tragedies.
The study states: 'Underreporting of mental health symptomsand diagnoses is probable among airline pilots due to the public stigma of mental illness and fear among pilots of being 'grounded' or not fit for duty.'
However the research also uses self-reported signs of depression, rather than medical records, which experts say produce a high incidence of symptoms wrongly interpreted as depression.
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: 'I know of little or no evidence that pilots are more at risk of depression than other occupational groups, and instead it is likely that they have less because of stringent medical checks and drug and alcohol checks.
All new police officers will need a degree under major changes to forces' recruitment rules.
Before pounding the beat, recruits will either have to study policing at university, complete a conversion course if they graduated in another subject, or do a three-year 'degree apprenticeship'.
The move, announced by the College of Policing today, is set to cost forces millions as they will pay for many courses.
The College of Policing (pictured here) implemented the changes after three quarters of respondents to a public consultation said they wanted accreditation for existing skills
And critics questioned how the move would benefit the public, warning that it could put off potential recruits who could not afford a degree.
It is a far cry from the entry criteria Sir Robert Peel applied when recruiting his first policemen in 1829. Candidates simply had to be under 35, at least 5ft 7ins and have no history of any wrongdoing.
Even Britain's most senior policeman Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe head of London's Metropolitan Police did not have a degree when he joined South Yorkshire Police in 1979. It was only at age 28 that he was sent to Oxford to study law. The changes follow criticism about officers' educational standards. Around 40 per cent of serving police already have a degree.
In 2011 a review by Tom Winsor warned that some policemen and women were 'barely literate' because the educational standards required to join the service were so low.
The lawyer, who became Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary a year later, said reading, writing and arithmetic skills had fallen within forces since the 1930s. Now the College of Policing wants all police to have degrees, so 'the public should receive the same level of service regardless of where they live'.
Chief Con Alex Marshall, the college's chief executive, said: 'At the moment, it is very lopsided and we don't do a lot of professional development in policing. The nature of police work is getting quite complex and it is quite contentious and the public expectation is that you'll be patrolling in my street, and by the way you'll (also) be patrolling online.'
There will be three options for people wanting to join one of the 43 forces in England and Wales under the new rules.
They can complete a 'degree apprenticeship', due to be introduced next year, which will see recruits undertake a three-year course while receiving a salary and having the university academic component funded by their force.
Critics of the recruitment changes say that the move will cost at least 3 million and affect the social mobility of minorities
Alternatively would-be officers who already have a degree in a different subject can do a six-month postgraduate conversion course, which would also be funded by police.
The third option is for them to fund their own studies for a degree in policing, although they will still have to successfully apply to become a police officer after completing it. Mr Marshall said the college was in discussions with 12 universities about the new system. The money for the apprenticeships is expected to come from the apprenticeship levy, due to come into force in April.
This forces employers with an annual salary and pay bill of more than 3million to spend the equivalent of 0.5 per cent of it on apprenticeships.
But Andy Fittes, general secretary of the Police Federation of England and Wales, asked: 'What is the benefit to the public, in terms of policing delivery, to have officers hold pre-joining qualifications, or serving officers becoming accredited?'
He added: 'There is a balance to be struck around encouraging people to have a certain level of education before joining the force, and marginalising and excluding good quality candidates from all communities by limiting the pool of potential candidates if they are unable to afford it.'
But the College of Policing said research suggested that it would not prevent those from ethnic minority groups from applying as academic standards were often higher amongst black and Asian students.
The college's announcement follows a public consultation which received more than 3,000 responses, almost 80 per cent of them from police officers.
Police officers visit the family home of a man accused of making millions by manipulating stock markets. Police candidates will have the choice of studying policing at university, completing a consultation course or completing a degree apprenticeship
Almost three-quarters of police responders were interested in gaining accreditation for existing skills. But other professions such as nursing have moved away from degrees.
The National Police Chiefs' Council lead for workforce, Chief Constable Giles York, said: 'The changes announced today will help modernise the service and improve our ability to attract and retain really good people.'
But last night Conservative MP Phil Davies said: 'This is completely idiotic. There is a skill set that you need to be a police officer and it has got nothing to do with academic achievement. This also flies in the face of social mobility.
Britain is set for a great Christmas shutdown with millions starting their holidays early because they can use just eight days of annual leave to enjoy a 17-day break.
Many workers have taken to social media to boast about finishing work for the year today, even though it still is only December 15.
The rare long break is possible because people can easily more than double their time off because of extra bank holidays and weekends this year.
This is because Christmas Day and New Year's Day both fall on a Sunday, meaning December 27 and January 2 are being used as substitute days off.
It came as police warned revellers to behave ahead of 'Mad Friday' tomorrow - also known as 'Black-eye Friday' - the busiest night of the year for Christmas partying.
Bragging rights: Many people took to Twitter today to gloat about having an extra long Christmas holiday
The holiday exodus came as police warned revellers to behave ahead of 'Mad Friday' tomorrow - the busiest night of the year for Christmas partying, pictured last year in Blackpool
Some schools across Britain have already closed for 2016 with children not set to return to class until as late as January 10 - a full 24 day break for students and their teachers.
But there are concerns for working parents struggling to find childcare and worries that public services could suffer and leave services such as rubbish collection delayed or cancelled.
The CBI, the top business organisation, said they weren't expecting businesses to be paralysed by the longer than usual Christmas break.
A spokesman said: 'Businesses need staff who feel they have balance in their lives. As well as being productive people need time off too. It us up to individual businesses to decide how best to manage that'.
Some workers have said that their offices already have an 'end of term' feeling.
Kelly Freeman wrote on Twitter: 'Today is my last day of work before Christmas. I am wearing Angel Wings and a Halo! <3 Merry Christmas everyone'.
Police issue warning ahead of 'Mad Friday' Police have issued a warning to Christmas revellers ahead of 'Mad Friday' tomorrow. With many set to start their holidays on Friday - or attend their Christmas party - forces across Britain are preparing for a busy night. Greater Manchester Police is asking party-goers to curb their bad behaviour. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit the city on December 16 and extra officers will be out on patrol on foot and in cars to ensure everyone has a fun and safe time. Drink driving, violence and antisocial behaviour will be targeted during one of the busiest nights of the year. Chief Inspector Gareth Parkin said: 'While enjoying the festivities, one thoughtless act after too much alcohol can have disastrous results. Its those split-second actions that we want people to stop and think about. These actions can result in devastating life-long consequences and we dont want anyones Christmas or the rest of their lives ruined'. Advertisement
Victoria Jepson said: 'Last day of work today for me...I can not wait for the Christmas break. This year has been one to remember #RollOnTheWinterBreak'.
John Bailey tweeted: Last day of work until 2017!! Christmas officially starts at 1700hrs, clock watching has started'.
@mrsbdxb wote: 'So many people work finish today for Christmas it feels strangely like the last day of term!! Should have brought games in!'.
Parents unable to take the whole of Christmas off are already wrestling with how to manage childcare lasting three weeks.
Some private schools broke up at 12.30pm yesterday, and most will close for the year tomorrow until around January 5. Some will not be back until January 9 or 10.
State schools in Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol and Sheffield all finish tomorrow , with youngsters not returning to school on January 3.
Other local authority areas with schools marking the end of term on Friday include Hampshire, Sunderland, Durham, Devon and Cornwall.
Children in places such as London, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle all have to wait until at least next Wednesday before their Christmas break begins.
Parents able to take annual leave to enjoy time off with their children are also set to down tools for Christmas on Friday.
Lucky them: Millions of families are set to start their Christmas holidays early by using just eight days of annual leave to enjoy a 17-day break (file picture)
Shoppers and commuters in London will have to plan their journeys around the full or partial closure of five stations during the Christmas period
Tomorrow is expected to the busiest day on Britains roads in the run up to Christmas - followed by next Tuesday, according to traffic analysts Inrix.
Journeys on some major routes could take almost four times as long this Christmas period compared to other times of the year, the company warned.
Tomorrow will see the worst delays at about 4pm when Christmas traffic combines with the usual Friday evening peak period.
And things could be made worse by continuing strike on the Southern Railway network with more motorists taking to the roads in the South of England.
Tomorrow is also expected to be the busiest day for London Heathrow Airport, with 235,003 passengers arriving and departing compared to 200,000 on a typical day.
The airport said its most popular destinations are normally New York, Dubai, Dublin, Amsterdam and Hong Kong. Travellers also face a British Airways cabin crew strike.
Drivers on a 32-mile section of the M25 expect delays of up to two hours and 20 minutes, extending a journey normally taking 35 minutes to nearly three hours.
Motorists heading westbound on the A4 and southbound on the M5 towards the West Country should be prepared for delays of up to one hour and 25 minutes.
Delays of one hour and 20 minutes are also expected on the M6 between Stoke and Warrington in the North West.
Tuesday is expected to be the favoured day for people working into the final week before Christmas to hit the roads and falls on the same day as a Southern strike.
Delays are predicted to peak between 12.30pm to 1pm and then again at 4pm, with delays expected on similar stretches of roads.
Mapped out: The worst delays expected tomorrow, which is expected to be the busiest day on the roads around the Christmas period
British Airways cabin crew haved voted in favour of strikes in a dispute over pay
And any families hoping to travel on the railways over Christmas could face chaos and cancellations for a third year in a row.
Network Rail is warning of major disruption caused by around 200 improvement projects. London, Manchester and Cardiff are among the cities worst affected.
Many of the capital's main stations will be disrupted over the holiday season affecting journeys to and from the South West, Wales, East Anglia and Kent.
Meanwhile it has also been announced that 2,500 members of British Airways cabin crew are set to strike following a vote for industrial action.
Employees who have joined the airline since 2010, known as 'mixed fleet' crew, could begin action as soon as December 22 but exact dates are not yet known.
Greg Hallsworth, UK traffic analyst at INRIX, said: Our data shows that Friday December 16 will be the busiest period on the roads this Christmas.
There will be significant disruptions on the road due to the regular post-work peak, the start of the school holidays and people heading home for Christmas, as well as the number of delivery vehicles making their drop offs as ecommerce in the UK reaches a record high.
Highways England has announced that it will complete or lift 448 miles of roadworks between 6am on Friday December 23 until Tuesday January 3.
It said this would leave 98 per cent of its 9,534-mile network free of roadworks over the festive period.
The AA are advising motorists to be prepared, including planning a route and carrying out basic car checks before making the Christmas journey.
John Snowling, AA patrol of the year, says: The run up to Christmas is always a busy time on the roads with a combination of work traffic, last-minute shopping and the big getaway. Whatever your plans, a little preparation goes a long way.
Check the traffic reports before you leave and try to travel when its quieter take advantage of late night Christmas shopping or park and ride facilities or, if you have no choice, consider taking an alternative route to beat the jams.
A man jailed for abusing a young woman on a bus turned to drugs to help deal with his shame after a video of the incident went viral, and said he now fears reprisal when he walks the streets alone.
A confronting video of Hayden Stewart, 24, unleashing a torrent of racially motivated abuse at a French woman on a Melbourne bus in November 2012 earned him a place in newspapers and on television programs across the globe.
Mike Nayna filmed the incident and uploaded the clip to the internet where it was viewed by millions - many of whom launched a vicious hate campaign against Mr Stewart and his family, including death threats directed at his infant daughter.
'People picked me out, 'there's that bloke, teach him a lesson',' Mr Stewart said.
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Mike Nayna (right) said he had no idea of the consequences for Hayden Stewart (left) when he uploaded a video of a racist tirade he filmed on a Melbourne bus
Mr Nayna thought he was doing something 'righteous' by filming the incident but later realised he was motivated by 'revenge' and had in fact become the instigator in a much larger attack on Mr Hayden who was struggling after his release from jail.
'Hayden was just out of prison three weeks and he missed the birth of his daughter so he was feeling guilty about that,' Mr Nayna told Daily Mail Australia.
'He already felt outside of culture and was angry at the system so for us to put that out there then pushed him further and further from that,' he added.
Mr Stewart was with his girlfriend and daughter on the bus when he jumped in as David Graham told Fanny Desaintjores to speak 'English or die' and threatened to slice her breasts off with a box cutter.
'I'll f***ing box cut you right now, dog. Come on c*** get off, f***ing ding, look at ya,' Mr Stewart can be heard saying before exiting the bus and smashing a window.
But Mr Nayna said the clip was only a snippet of an 'infinitely complex event', which involved him defending his partner.
'I'll f***ing box cut you right now, dog. Come on c*** get off, f***ing ding, look at ya,' Mr Stewart can be heard saying before exiting the bus and smashing a window
Mr Stewart was with his girlfriend and daughter on the bus when he jumped in as David Graham (pictured) told Fanny Desaintjores to speak 'English or die'
Fanny Desaintjores (pictured) said she was painted a 'victim' and had not felt under physical threat during the altercation which took place on a Melbourne bus in November 2012
'When his girlfriend stood up and started having a fight with the woman at the back of the bus he clicked into prison mode and thought 'I have to act bigger and scarier here',' Mr Nayna said.
'That was the world the guy lived in I don't think there was any racial intent,' he added.
Mr Stewart said she was ashamed he lost control and took it out on the group of girls, but explained to Mr Nayna it can be difficult to get back to normal after serving time.
'I'd only been out three weeks so I was still kind of in that mind frame of jail mode, you've got to threaten them before they get you first, you've got to make sure they are not going to come after you,' Mr Stewart said.
Mr Nayna decided to track down all the people involved in the incident and has created 'Digilante', a documentary that explores the unintended consequences his actions had on those he was trying to 'shame'.
'It is horrible stuff and you can't really stand up for anyone on the abusive end but if you break it down to who it affected the most it was clearly them by far,' he said.
'You can't play dumb anymore, you know what is going to happen it is a dangerous game,' he added.
'I'd only been out three weeks so I was still kind of in that mind frame of jail mode, you've got to threaten them before they get you first,' Mr Stewart revealed
Mr Nayna tracked down all the people involved in the incident to created 'Digilante', a documentary that explores the unintended consequences's for those he was 'shaming'
Mr Stewart initially declined Mr Nayna's request to be interviewed, fearful of the public's perception of him, but fate brought the pair together on the street and gave the filmmaker a chance to better understand what had happened after the video.
'I was walking behind him and kept thinking it couldn't be him, I must be editing too much because I am seeing things,' he said.
'So I stalked him through the streets for about thirty minutes before I got the guts approach him - I mean I was the guy who ruined the better half of his 2012.'
Mr Nayna said Mr Stewart appeared 'sheepish' when he called his name and later explained he had developed anxiety about walking around since copping abuse from random passersby who had seen the clip and recognised him.
'He just looked really shocked and almost looked like he was waiting for something it's a bit telling of the world that he lives in,' Mr Nayna said.
Mr Stewart appeared 'sheepish' when Mr Nayna called his name and later explained he had developed anxiety about walking around since copping it from passersby who recognised him
Mr Stewart agreed to be in the documentary after being assured it was not going to be an 'A Current Affair style grilling' and that he was in a way attempting to redeem him
'I think he was expecting me to hit him but at that point I explained who I was,' Mr Nayna said.
'Then he was very apologetic, and I was very apologetic.
'It was weird... he wasn't the guy I was expecting him to be.'
Mr Stewart revealed he was on his way to rehab and explained he started abusing drugs after serving more jail time for the 2012 incident and hitting 'rock bottom'.
He agreed to be in the documentary after Mr Nanya assured him it was not going to be an 'A Current Affair style grilling' and that in a way he was attempting to redeem him after turning the public against him.
'[The public's reaction] was the bus incident but in a digital world people don't get it's the same thing really.'
Mr Nayna admits he was 'poking and prodding the emotional chords' when he uploaded the first video but said he is not the same man who felt 'belittled' and pointed his mobile phone camera at Mr Stewart all those years go.
Mr Nayna admits he was 'poking and prodding the emotional chords' when he uploaded the first video
But the filmmaker said he is not the same man who felt 'belittled' and pointed his mobile phone camera at Mr Stewart all those years ago
'I was angry so I poured that into the video and it makes sense to me now people would take that and run with it.'
'I like to think the documentary was able to complicate that perception.'
Mr Nayna said he became very conscious of the rise of online vigilante justice and felt guilty for filming him without thinking of the lasting ramifications it may have.
'You have to remember someone hit record and shoved a camera in their face while they are having a breakdown or are drug affected and I feel exposing racism has become only a very small part of what is happening in these situations'
The filmmaker spoke with Ms Desaintjores who said she was painted a 'victim' and had not felt under physical threat during the altercation.
Mr Nayna said he realised in the end, Mr Stewart was the victim of his actions and urged others who were contemplating publicly shaming another person to think about if they could handle the guilt of 'ruining someones life'.
Many worry the UK's departure from the EU, coupled with the crisis in Syria, could lead to an 'explosive' atmosphere
European Council summit in Brussels and then meet with Martin Schultz, the leader of the European Parliament
Britain is sending 40 immigration officials to Greece to weed out economic
Theresa May will warn EU leaders they risk destroying public trust and undermining the continent's 'values' if they do not do more to root out economic migrants posing as refugees.
At a one-day summit in Brussels, the Prime Minister will deliver the blunt message that while genuine refugees must be helped the EU must also remember how communities in Britain and elsewhere are feeling the 'pressure' of mass migration.
Her remarks come at a time when Angela Merkel, in particular, is facing controversy at home for throwing its doors open to more than one million migrants.
A Number Ten source said Mrs May would underline the 'huge challenge that Europe faces in dealing with global mass migration flows and the need to find a practical, sustainable way' to control it.
Migrants walk in a refugee camp in December in northern France. Britain's Primer Minister Theresa May will warn EU leaders to root out the migrants posing as asylum seekers
The official said that, while the EU needs to recognise humanitarian need, Europe's leaders also need to be 'aware of the way some of our communities are experience the pressures of migration '
The source said: 'A failure to respond risks undermining our values and damaging consent of our people to provide support and sanctuary to those who need it the most'.
Britain is to set an example by sending 40 immigration officials to Greece over the winter months.
The staff case workers who are experts in spotting false papers or people making bogus claims will help the Greeks to identify economic migrants posing as refugees.
They will then be put into a fast-track asylum system with the aim of sending them home in only eight weeks.
The Prime Minister speaks at the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2016 addressing the large movement of refugees and migrants. Britain is sending 40 officials to Greece in the winter to help identify economic migrants posing as refugees
Government insiders said the aim was to send the message out to people intending to make the journey to Europe from countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Eritrea that bogus claimants will not get through.
They hope this will have a 'deterrent effect' on attempting the perilous journey to Greece or elsewhere and later travelling on to the UK.
Up to 4,000 people registered in Greece's migrant camps are unaccounted for and could have slipped into the rest of Europe.
Mrs May will also urge the EU to work more closely with the authorities in Egypt from where many of the children heading for Europe originate.
EU countries will also be urged to share intelligence on the routes being used by people smugglers in countries such as Libya so they can be blocked.
Her call for a fresh migration blitz will take place during an afternoon session at the European Council summit in Brussels.
The PM will then be excluded from a special dinner of the other 27 member states during which they will discuss Brexit and how to squeeze Britain in the upcoming talks.
She is planning to use her visit to meet with Martin Schultz, the leader of the European Parliament, and the leaders of Latvia and Lithuania to have preliminary talks on Brexit.
But EU officials yesterday predicted that she will be walking into a 'minefield'.
A senior diplomatic source said that the UK's departure from the EU, coupled with the crisis in Syria, could lead to an 'explosive' atmosphere.
The insider said: 'It feels like we are treading on a minefield. There are so many issues that still can go wrong.'
A migrant walks in a refugee camp in December in northern France. Ex-Ukip leader Nigel Farage criticised the Prime Minister for 'dithering' over triggering Article 50
The official claimed that leaders from the other 27 member states have already agreed upon key stipulations they will bring to Brexit negotiations.
Michel Barnier - who will be officially appointed the EU's negotiator at the dinner - has been conducting meetings with other European leaders in recent weeks to iron out their demands.
In the European Parliament, ex-Ukip leader Nigel Farage criticised the Prime Minister for 'dithering'.
He said: It's been six months since we voted for our liberation.
'Had she triggered Article 50 immediately, there would be no court cases. Once we trigger Article 50 it may become so unworkable that we simply have to say we' re going, goodbye.'
Meanwhile, splits are emerging in the EU's ranks over who will be involved in the negotiations with the EU.
Guy Verhofstadt, who has been appointed to lead the talks on behalf of the European Parliament, is fuming that he will not be given an official seat at the table. This is despite the fact the Parliament will have to approve the final deal.
Yesterday, he threatened to start his own separate negotiations with Britain.
involving former minister Daniel Randall plan to review reports about the death of his first wife
Police investigating a murder-suicide involving a former minister plan to review reports about the 1993 death of his first wife in Maine, officials said.
Daniel Randall drove to the home of his estranged family in Hebron, Maine, and killed his daughter, 27-year-old Claire Randall, before turning the gun on himself, police said.
The killings last week prompted detectives to ask Cape Elizabeth police and the state medical examiner's office for reports on the death of Randall's first wife, Greta Randall.
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Police investigating a murder-suicide involving former minister Daniel Randall (pictured) plan to review reports about the 1993 death of the his first wife Greta Randall, officials said
The death of Daniel's first wife was ruled an accident after she fell off a cliff at Two Lights State Park in 1993 (file photo of the park shown above)
Greta's death was ruled an accident after she fell off a cliff at Two Lights State Park in 1993 while Daniel and their two daughters Claire and Molly were picnicking.
Police believed wet, slippery rocks contributed to Greta's fall, according to reports at the time.
Greta, 32, was pregnant at the time and the baby, named Lucas Barron Randall, was born three months prematurely, the Portland Press Herald reported.
The baby boy then died the next day.
Police said they have no plans to reopen the investigation of Greta's death at the moment, but want to review the investigative reports.
Daniel, an Iowa native, was working at the First Parish Congregational Church in Saco when Greta Randall died during a Fourth of July weekend outing.
He took a two-month leave of absence before leaving the church in early 1994 and moving to Arizona.
There he met his second wife, Anita, before returning to New England.
Claire Randall, 27, was in the home when her father broke in at about 2pm. He shot her in the bathroom multiple times before leaving graffiti on the walls and surfaces
Video courtesy WGME
The two were estranged at the time of last week shootings, and Anita had filed for a divorce.
Police said they have determined where Daniel purchased the shotgun used in the killings, but declined to release the gun shop's name.
The gun purchase appears to have been legal and in compliance with all laws, authorities said.
Daniel, a former Air Force and university chaplain, had just finished a 90-day program for alcohol abuse in Portland, Maine, last Thursday morning when he made the 50-mile journey to Hebron and bought the gun on the way.
He then broke into the home where his wife, son and daughter lived at around 2pm and shot Claire multiple times before spray-painting messages in five rooms of the house and killing himself, police told the Portland Press Herald.
Claire had just moved into the home from Rhode Island to stay with her stepmom, Anita, and brother, Gabriel, police said.
Claire (pictured in 2008) had moved to the home, where stepmom Anita lived, from Rhode Island shortly before
She was alone in the house when her father broke in.
Randall had broken into the home through the garage because he didn't have any keys, police said.
He had been served divorce papers earlier in the week by wife Anita.
Police believe he shot Claire in the bathroom before spray-painting messages - including 'Vow breaker' and 'Anita, it's all your fault' - on five rooms in the house and shooting himself on the porch.
Neighbor Carroll Daggett, 71, discovered the bodies after Anita asked him to check on her daughter, who had not been answering her cell phone.
He had initially thought Daniel's body, lying face down on the porch, was a leftover Halloween decoration and walked past it to enter the home.
Daggett then discovered spray painted messages on the kitchen counter-top, and on the walls of a room. He walked outside and called 911.
The elderly neighbor then called Anita, he told the Portland Press Herald.
'I said "Claire isn't answering, there doesn't seem to be anyone inside the house... But from what I've seen here I'm not going upstairs,"' he explained.
'And I'm glad I really didn't go upstairs.'
The Randalls had moved to Maine from Rhode Island in the summer so that Gabriel could study at nearby Hebron Academy prep school.
In total, five rooms in the home (pictured behind trees) were spray-painted with messages like 'Vow breaker'. Randall had been served with divorce papers from Anita earlier in the week
According to Daggett, Daniel was 'very pleasant' and 'a take-charge, family-type person', but also said he showed signs of stress or possibly PTSD.
They included not making eye contact and starting sentences and then stopping himself.
Daniel had been a chaplain in the Air Force, and had also been an affiliated chaplain at Roger Williams University from 2009 to 2012.
He was also a former pastor at First Congregational Church in Bristol, Rhode Island, where he had served for 12 years.
He resigned in December 2014, and said in a resignation letter that the decision was 'challenging' but 'also is flavored with a hopeful and peaceful feeling'.
Claire was one of three children. Her brother, sister and mother were all out of the house when the murder-suicide took place. Randall had been a chaplain in the Air Force and at a university
'Anita has served in a variety of roles. But, most of all, she has been the steady and strong supporter and vibrant energy for our family during our time here,' he wrote.
'I know how much you all love her. My love for her is endless, as is my gratitude.'
Friends and acquaintances of Claire said she was a gifted musician who was passionate about domestic violence prevention and substance abuse treatment.
Claire lived in Brooklyn, New York, and wrote and sang for various music groups, The Portland Press Herald reported.
She was valedictorian at her Rhode Island high school and later earned a music degree from Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
want their kids brought up in a normal environment
Peter Dutton has called on Australians to 'rise up' and defend Christmas after a school rejected traditional carols for more secular songs.
Appearing on talkback radio, the furious Immigration Minister said his 'blood was boiling' after learning there was 'not one Christmas carol' at the celebration at Kedron State School in Queensland.
'It is political correctness gone mad and I think people have just had enough of it,' he told 2GB radio host Ray Hadley.
Peter Dutton (pictured) called for Australians to 'rise up' and defend Christmas after a school rejected traditional carols for more secular songs
A member of Mr Dutton's Dickson electorate Jim told the radio show the public secondary school ceremony did not have 'one Christmas carol'.
The lyrics to We Wish You A Merry Christmas were replaced with 'we wish you a happy holiday', The Age reported.
'Many of the people, regardless of their religious belief, would be there happy to sing Christmas carols, happy to enjoy the fact that we celebrate Christmas as a Christian society,' Mr Dutton told 2GB
'It's beyond my comprehension but it has gone too far.'
The pro-Christmas politician likened the current climate of political correctness to when Prime Minister Paul Keating was in charge in the mid-1990s.
Mr Keating was known for his role in social issues - promoting Indigenous affairs, multiculturalism and inclusiveness.
The Santa supporter said his 'blood was boiling' after learning that Kedron State School rejected traditional tunes (stock image)
'People had a gutful of it and I think we're back to the same stage now, and I think we need to rise up against it. People need to speak against it as they are,' Mr Dutton said.
'Because the vast majority of Australian people want to hear Christmas carols. They want their kids to be brought up in a normal environment and they don't want to be lectured to by do-gooders who frankly don't practise what they preach in any case.'
Radio host Ray Hadley was also outraged over the rejected Christmas carols, pointing the finger of blame at 'left-wing teachers' and the principal of Kedron State School.
'It's insulting, it's demeaning and it's a farce,' he said.
The radio announcer had a similar discussion with Treasurer Scott Morrison just days prior to speaking with Mr Dutton.
Saudi Arabia is said to be considering plans aimed at warning schoolchildren against 'Westernisation' and atheism.
The kingdom's education ministry is thought to be preparing a project called 'Immunity' which is described as 'inoculating' children from ideas that could threaten their 'ideological security'.
Among the list of threats the ministry lists to children are westernisation, atheism, liberalism and secularism.
Saudi Arabia is said to be considering plans aimed at warning schoolchildren against 'Westernisation' and atheism (file picture)
And according to the Middle East Media Research Institute, the only threats that come after this are extremism from the likes of ISIS and al-Qaeda.
However, news of the new plans for schools provoked an angry reaction from some Saudi citizens on social media.
They protested against the ministry's perception that liberalism was a bigger threat to the country than extremists.
News of the new plans for schools provoked an angry reaction from some Saudi citizens on social media (file picture)
Media personality Nadine Al-Budair wrote on Twitter: 'If only our highly intellectual education minister would tell us what his very personal definitions of 'liberalism' and 'secularism' are.'
However, others praised the plan and tweeted under the hashtag 'Liberalism is a dangerous group.'
Saudi Arabia, one of the world's most conservative nations, has long been accused of fuelling extremism by promoting the teachings of 18th century Sunni preacher Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab.
Wahhab's ideas have been decried as a driving force behind sectarian divisions in Islam and an inspiration to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
You cant get too much winter in the winter, wrote the poet Robert Frost. And even winter-phobes will admit that this season has a few good things going for it gluhwein (mulled wine) at the Christmas market, steaming bowls of hearty soup, long duvet days and giant woolly socks.
The Danish word hygge has made it big this year, describing that cosiness and conviviality that can only come from hunkering down in winter-tide.
Yet what about other words to describe this season that took its name from an ancient word for wet and white?
When it comes to expressing the joys (and occasional miseries) of wintertime, theres a shiveringly good way to express it whether youre nesh, shrammed, taters, nithered or Baltic.
Here, SUSIE DENT, the lexicographer and the self-styled woman in Dictionary Corner for the TV words and numbers quiz Countdown, offers some less well-known gems from the winter dictionary all of which evoke for her this time of year . . .
APRICITY: Probably my favourite winter-word of all. Apricity is the warmth of the sun on a chilly day. Its sister is apricate: to bask in the sun.
BRUME: A winter mist. The perfect word for the low-lying vapour that shrouds the land on a frosty morning. Its roots lie in the Romans word brumalis belonging to the winter.
CLINKABELL: A pretty alternative to icicle, local to Somerset and the West Country. Devon also offers cockbell. Icicle itself is made up of ice and ickle, a frozen drop of water.
CRUMP: If youre lucky enough to go walking across a wintry landscape, crumping is treading over lightly compressed snow.
DORMITIVE: Sleeping through the winter. Usually applied to animals but also useful for some members of the human species (for example, teenagers!).
EGG NOG: A curious term (and an even more curious drink), but one with the unmistakable resonance of Christmas time. The nog here was originally a particularly strong ale brewed in Norfolk the type that goes straight to your noggin (head).
FIRKYTOODLING: A Victorian euphemism for a bit of kissing and cuddling, as might take place below a sprig of mistletoe.
MISTLETOE: Given its smoochy reputation, this seasonal plant has rather unromantic beginnings
FLOCOON: A small flake of snow. Flother is another term for a single snowflake.
FRORY: Frosty. This word perfectly conveys a bitterly cold day when you can no longer feel your hands.
GLOGG: What that Danish concept of hygge is all about. Glogg is a Scandinavian mulled wine, sweetened with honey, almonds, raisins and spices. Its name suits its purpose so beautifully.
GWENDERS: A disagreeable tingling in your extremities during the cold weather. Quite where this ancient Cornish word comes from no one knows, although wonders was another word for the same unpleasant sensation.
HELLER: A dark word for an intensely cold winters day, or a bitter winter storm. It is indeed related to the dwelling place of the dead.
HIBERNACLE: The place where dormitive people go to sleep a hibernacle is a winter retreat.
HUFFLE-BUFFS: The old, comfy and warm clothes you might put on of a Friday evening and not take off again until Monday morning.
LATIBULIZE: To hide away somewhere warm and snuggly for the winter. The related word latibulate means to hide secretly in a corner.
MISTLETOE: Given its smoochy reputation, this seasonal plant has rather unromantic beginnings. Its old name was mistletan, in which tan is a twig, and mistle the name for the whole plant but that itself probably comes from a Germanic word mist meaning dung, because the plant is propagated in the excrement of the pale, black-spotted mistle thrush.
MOG: To trudge laboriously over snow. Another word for reluctant mogging is trampoosing.
NINGUID and NIVEOUS: Two poetic and euphonious adjectives for snowy weather.
OXTERFUL: As much as you can carry within one arm, and a useful word for the effort to transport Christmas presents from the house to the car. To oxtercog a person, meanwhile, is to carry them by supporting them under the armpits.
SNIFTER: To snow slightly. A word that fills a linguistic gap to describe a sprinkling of snow that never quite settles
PANDICULATE: A highly useful verb for the act of yawning and performing a long stretch at the same time.
PIBLOKTO: A highly specific term for the condition affecting Inuit peoples in winter, characterised by episodes of wild excitement and irrational behaviour followed by a period of stupor. A handy term for the aftermath of the office Christmas party.
QUAFFTIDE: The time of day when you can finally down tools and have a glass of something nice. May come a bit earlier on winter days.
SCURRYFUNGE: The hasty tidying up of the house that immediately precedes the arrival of visitors.
SNIFTER: To snow slightly. A word that fills a linguistic gap to describe a sprinkling of snow that never quite settles.
SYLVAN: An animal or bird that lives in the woods. Silvanus was a Roman god of fields and forests, often identified with Pan (from whom we get the word panic, because legend held that Pan would hide in the woods and make strange noises to terrify passers-by).
THUNDERPLUMP: Downpours of fat raindrops, which are accompanied by a lot of ominous sky-rumbling.
YULE-HOLE: The hole in your belt that allows the greatest amount of girth, and that we all traditionally adjust to after a festive feast.
ZWODDER: A state of comfortable drowsiness and relaxation. This dialect word perfectly describes Saturday slothfulness by the fire.
A young woman hit and killed by an alleged drunk driver was in the prime of her life and walking home from her 'dream job' when she was tragically killed, her devastated father said.
Nicole Lewanski, 22, was crossing the Princes Highway near Brodie Spark Drive in Wolli Creek, in Sydney's south, at 6pm on Wednesday when police said she was struck by a utility which allegedly ran through a red light.
Despite the efforts of witnesses and emergency services, Ms Lewanski died soon after from massive head and internal injuries.
Her father, Henry Lewanski, told Daily Mail Australia his daughter was in the prime of her life and had just begun a librarian internship at the University of Technology in Sydney.
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Nicole Lewanski, 22,was killed in an horrific accident in Wolli Creek on Wednesday
A woman, 22, has died after being hit by a man, 35, driving a utility truck in Sydney's south
Patrick Nealon, 35, (pictured) refused to take a breath test at the scene, police said
Patrick Nealon is pictured on the side of the road following the accident speaking with police
'She is a beautiful girl, words can't describe how we are feeling right now,' Mr Lewanski said.
'People should be able to be safe in the street.'
The young woman who has a twin sister and older brother had only just moved from the family home to be closer to work.
'She had just moved in with two of her friends, closer to the university,' Mr Lewanski said.
A long time friend of Ms Lewanski told Daily Mail Australia the young librarian was excited for her first 'holiday away with friends'.
'We were going to go to Tasmania for a music festival for ten days over New Year,' the friend said.
'Nicole was really excited about it - she loved music and was just so much fun to be around and had never been away with friends before. But now she isn't here to go with us.'
The grieving friend said Ms Lewanski was 'never one to judge and would always listen to people and try new things and saw the best in people'.
Flowers have been tied to the fence at the scene where the young librarian was hit
The bright flowers were a stark contrast to the grey sky and bitumen
'She loved people and valued her friendships. People always saw something special in her.'
'She was really excited about how her life was going, and now she is gone.'
Her brother, Steven, posted a heartfelt tribute to his sister on social media saying: 'Nicole's beautiful soul has shed this worldly vessel.'
'Alcohol is a cancer upon humanity and we have absolutely no need for it,' he told Daily Mail Australia from his Wakeley home.
'It's a carcinogenic it ruins lives, it's poison.
Mr Nealon did not apply for bail when appeared before Sutherland Local Court
Ms Lewanski's brother posted this heart-felt message on social media following her death
Ms Lewanski had just landed her dream job as a librarian at the University of Technology in Sydney
Steven, a vegan, said he was 'proud' of his little sister who had just turned vegetarian.
'She had just moved out of home six weeks ago, she landed her dream internship.
'Everything was coming up for her and it is such a shame it had to end like this.'
Police arrested the driver of the ute, 35-year-old Patrick Nealon, at the scene.
He was taken to Kogarah Police Station where he was charged with a range of driving offences including dangerous driving occasioning death.
Nealon, who is a tradesman, was refused bail.
In Sutherland Local Court on Thursday, Nealon sat with his eyes down on the dock while his matter was briefly mentioned. He did not apply for bail.
A female and male friend sat in the court for support, but refused to comment outside
The man's friends did not wish to speak following his appearance in court
A female and male friend sat in the court for support, but refused to comment outside.
Nealon will spend Christmas in jail and is due to appear in court again on January 10.
'Police from St George Local Area Command were called to the scene locating a 22-year-old woman who was unconscious in the middle of the road,' a NSW Police statement said.
'She was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics at the scene before being conveyed to St George Hospital where she later died.'
Ms Lewanski's father said she will be missed most by her older brother and twin sister, Christina
There was extensive damage to the front of the utility truck
Floral tributes gave been left at the scene of the accident - marking where the 22-year-old woman lost her life
The driver apparently refused to take a breath test at the scene and was taken to Kogarah Police Station
The driver is understood to have run a red light, and witnesses described hearing a 'loud thud'.
'We heard a loud thud and that's it... no screams... no screeching of brakes... just a loud thud at 5:45pm followed by a collective gasp and a woman lying on the pavement with the blue ute at a distance,' a local resident posted to social media.
'People frantically tried to revive her around 5:48 pm and the police and ambulance arrived minutes later.
'My heart just goes out to the young woman and her family.'
Rubber stains the white divider in the centre of the road
German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen was widely praised by her choice to not wear a veil during a trip to Saudi Arabia after she said it was her 'right as a woman'.
But after Foreign Minister Julie Bishop opted to wear an embroidered head scarf 'out of respect' during a similar trip to Iran in 2015, many social media users said she had failed to 'stand up for women'.
Ms Bishop received more criticism from supporters of Ms von der Leyen on Thursday after the German Minister announced 'no one from her delegation' would wear a veil.
'Fortunate there are still women who dare to stand by the freedom of women and fight back, unlike Julie Bishop,' one man wrote to social media with a picture of the German Minister without a head scarf.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop opted to wear an embroidered head scarf 'out of respect' during a trip to Iran in 2015 (pictured)
On Wednesday, Ursula von der Leyen was widely praised by her choice to not wear a veil during a trip to meet deputy crown prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud in Saudi Arabia
The Foreign Minsiter was widely criticised for her choice at the time, including by commentator Andrew Bolt, and was targeted again on Thursday
Westerners are not required by law to wear a head scarf in the Middle East, but most dress conservatively out of respect for the culture.
Bishop donned the black head scarf during a meeting with the Iranian president Hassan Rouhani and her Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in April last year.
While many praised the Minister's decision to 'respect Iran and their culture,' others believed she was not 'empowering women'.
Andrew Bolt said she 'looked ridiculous' and failed to 'stand up for western culture'.
'I don't understand why she or any other woman should [wear a head scarf], it's different to those who are believers,' one man wrote on Twitter at the time.
Ms Bishop strongly defended her decision to cover her head after she was criticised.
'When I went for an audience with the Pope, they told me I had to wear a scarf,' the Foreign Minister told the Australian.
'So I wore a scarf. You respect the culture wherever you are.'
In 2015, Ms Bishop opted to wear an embroidered head scarf during her visit to Iran out of 'respect for the culture'
Westerners are not required by law to wear a head scarf in the Middle East, but most dress conservatively out of respect for the culture
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark also decided to wear a headscarf out of respect during a speech on United Nations day in Tehran
Ms Clark was seen laughing with Iranian Vice President Massoumeh Ebtekar in 2013
In 2013, former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark also decided to wear a headscarf out of respect during a speech on United Nations day in Tehran.
On Wednesday, Ms von der Leyen shunned traditional Saudi attire, opting instead for a dark blue suit when she met her counterpart at the Divan Palace in the country's capital.
Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen's stand came a week after Chancellor Angela Merkel called for the burka to be banned.
Von der Leyen was in Saudi capital Riyadh to meet deputy crown prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, where she voiced her annoyance at the expectation that women cover up.
But it sparked anger in the deeply-conservative state, where social media users called for her to be arrested.
It comes in a week when a Saudi woman was arrested for taking off her veil in public.
Her decision sparked anger on Twitter in Saudi Arabia, Al Bawaba reported.
One Twitter user wrote: 'Ok so why didn't they arrest her? The hypocrisy and double standards.'
The German minister voiced her annoyance at the expectation that women should wear traditional clothing when visiting the country
Ms von der Leyen was widely praised after her refusal to wear a head scarf
German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen wore a suit as she was received by Saudi Assistant Defence Minister Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al-Ayesh at the King Salman Air Base in Riyadh
Another posted: 'The German Defense Minister: Not wearing the hijab in Saudi was deliberate. This is an insult to Saudi Arabia!'
Speaking of her refusal to wear full-length robes, known as the abaya, Das Bild reports, she said: 'No woman in my delegation has to wear the abaya.
'The right to choose your own clothing is a right shared by men and women alike. It annoys me, when women are to pushed into wearing the abaya.'
The newspaper reported that although servants looked 'astonished' at the sight of the German minister in traditional dress, it did not spark any protests.
All women in Saudi Arabia local and foreign are legally required to wear an abaya which is a traditional full-body covering.
Muslim women must also wear a headscarf or hijab but foreigners do not need to.
US First Lady Michelle Obama was last year criticised in Saudi Arabia when she went out bare-headed on a visit with her husband
The Prince Of Wales and The Duchess Of Cornwall met King Abdullah in Riyadh in 2013, but as a member of the royal family, Camilla is not required to wear an abaya
Camilla did, however, wear a headscarf when she arrived in Saudi Arabia during a tour of the Middle East in 2013
The face does not need to be covered, but some opt to wear the full burka.
Von der Leyen followed the example set by US First Lady Michelle Obama, who was condemned in Saudi Arabia when she went bare-headed on a visit with her husband last year.
In 2013, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Saudi Arabia, where they met Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud.
Camilla was also bare-headed when she met King Abdullah, but as a member of the royal family, Saudi laws mean she is not not required to wear an abaya.
British Foreign Office guidelines state: 'Women should observe the strict Saudi dress code and wear conservative and loose-fitting clothes, including a full-length cloak (abaya) and a keep a scarf with them in case they are asked to cover their head by the Hai'a, commonly known as Muttawa (Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice/Religious Police).
'Men should not wear shorts in public or go without a shirt. Visitors should always seek guidance concerning acceptable clothing.'
Last week Angela Merkel called for a burka ban, saying the 'full veil is not appropriate' in Germany.
The German chancellor told her conservative CDU party conference that wearing the burka should be outlawed 'wherever that is legally possible'.
Merkel said she would back a nationwide ban just months after revealing that she believed the burka was a barrier to Muslim women becoming integrated into German society.
British Prime Minister Theresa May last week met King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia in Manama, Bahrain
Last week Angela Merkel told her CDU party conference that the full veil is 'not appropriate' in Germany
The James Bond film Skyfall was a hit with critics and audiences around the world, and won two Bafta awards in 2013.
But if rules just revealed by the film academy had applied then, the title character's background as a privileged white heterosexual public school-educated man might have damaged the movie's chances of scooping a gong.
The organisation is bringing in diversity rules which films will have to comply with to be eligible for two of its top annual awards.
Too white and privileged? Daniel Craig in Spectre
From 2019 it will be a requirement that films put forward for the Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer categories must meet the new criteria.
The academy said the 'significant change' demonstrated its intention to take a leading role in 'increasing the representation of under-represented groups in front of and behind the camera'.
A Bafta spokesman said: 'Under-represented groups in the film industry include people from minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, women and LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender]. It also includes people from lower socio-economic groups.'
In order to meet the standards, productions will need to demonstrate that they have worked to increase the representation of these groups in two out of four areas on-screen characters and themes; senior roles and crew; industry training and career progression; and appeal to under-represented audiences.
Quite how the diversity drive might have affected recent past winners of Outstanding British Film such as Skyfall, 2010's The King's Speech, 2001's Gosford Park or 1995's The Madness Of King George is not clear.
However, 2002 winner The Warrior, by British-Indian filmmaker Asif Kapadia and set in feudal India, and 2007's This Is England, which told the story of young skinheads growing up in a deprived area of the Midlands in the 1980s, would probably have done just as well.
How would they fare? The King's Speech (2010) with Colin Firth as King George VI and Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth
Gosford Park (2001), with Maggie Smith as Constance Trentham and Kelly Macdonald as Mary MacEachran
Charles Thompson, the founder of Screen Nation, an annual TV and film awards event for Britons of African heritage, suggested that Skyfall 'might struggle' under the new Bafta rules.
He welcomed the move, telling the Daily Telegraph: 'I think it's a good step. It's a first step and it's the beginnings of the work they need to do.'
But the rules were criticised by Philip Davies, the Conservative MP who was on Tuesday elected to Parliament's women and equalities committee.
'I am sure that this new criteria will be welcomed by the politically correct, out-of-touch, privileged film industry luvvies who will be patting themselves on the back for being trendy and right on,' he said.
'In the real world the vast majority of people believe in merit and want awards to go to the best films rather than the most politically correct films.'
An Illinois woman has made a life changing decision by making her dying best friend's last wish come true and adopting her three young children.
Sara, 36, is in the final stages of ALS in hospice care and is not expected to make it to Christmas.
'She said she can deal with the fact that she's dying, but she can't deal with the fact that her kids will be split,' her best friend, Missy Armstrong told WQAD.
The two women have been inseparable for over a decade after first meeting in 1999 while attending cosmetology school.
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Missy Armstrong (left) has made a life changing decision by making Sara (right), her dying best friend's last wish come true
Sara (left), 36, is in the final stages of ALS in hospice care and is not expected to make it to Christmas. Armstrong has decided to adopt Sara's three children (pictured together right), 11-year-old Cayden, 9-year-old Micah and eight-year-old Amara
'(We) automatically became best friends,' Armstrong said.
Taking their friendship a step further, Armstrong, 42, is in the process of legally adopting Sara's three young children, 11-year-old Cayden, 9-year-old Micah and eight-year-old Amara.
'She would do it for me,' Armstrong, who is already a mother to two of her own children, said.
When she told Sara that she was going to take care of her kids, Armstrong said, 'She just balled and was like are you kidding me and she said 'you swear' and I said 'yeah'.'
As Armstrong prepares to take on the huge task, one of her longtime friends, Rhonda DeBruyn, is lending a helping hand.
Armstrong (above), who is already a mother to two of her own children, said: 'She would do it for me'
As Armstrong prepares to take on the huge task, one of her friends, Rhonda DeBruyn, is lending a helping hand by asking for Christmas gifts to be donated for the children (above)
DeBruyn posted a status on Facebook asking for gifts to be donated so the growing family can have a great holiday.
'My main focus was to make sure that the kids had a good Christmas because I wasn't sure that Sara was going to be here,' DeBruyn said.
Since posting the status, donations have been pouring in for the family.
'I know there`s good people out there, but to see it happen for me is just kind of overwhelming,' Armstrong shared.
'They deserve it, they really do, it's been a rough road.'
'Missy is an amazing friend and person,' DeBruyn told DailyMail.com. 'I've known her 11 years and she has never been anything less than what you see.
'This doesn't surprise me one bit that she stepped in. Her and Sara's friendship is one of a kind.'
Armstrong currently lives in a three bedroom home, which is not large enough for the growing family.
'Missy is needing a ton of support...we have a deadline for the 5 bedroom house she plans to purchase by Dec 26th and have a goal to reach for the down payment which is due that day,' DeBruyn said in a Facebook post.
'Her current 3 bedroom will not be enough room for her growing family. We are not even a 1/3 of the way to our goal.
'Once we get her into her new house, then everything left over that we raised will go to future financial expenses...Every little bit helps.'
To donate, an account has been created at the Southeast National Bank under the name of Melissa Armstrong.
Meals on wheels for vulnerable pensioners have been axed by 45 per cent of councils since 2010, figures show.
Others have increased their fees by an average of 20 per cent, leaving many unable to afford the service and contributing to malnourishment across the country.
The revelations come as ministers unveil plans to allow town halls to increase council tax by up to 6 per cent to help pay for social care services.
Meals on wheels for vulnerable pensioners have been axed by 45 per cent of councils since 2010, figures show (stock image)
They will pile pressure on Theresa May to divert the 12billion foreign aid budget to help tackle the elderly care crisis.
The average cost of a meal is now 3.80. One tenth of the foreign aid budget 1.2billion would pay for more than 315million hot meals for the elderly.
Chancellor Philip Hammond suggested on Monday that there would be a review of the target of spending 0.7 per cent of national income on foreign aid.
Conservative MP Peter Bone said last night: 'Meals on wheels is one of the most sensible things that councils do and fund and it is a great shame that they are being stopped or people are being forced to pay out significant sums for them.
'That ought to be a priority. We cannot spend billions on foreign aid when we don't know where it is going. We could be using that money to look after our elderly.'
Fellow Tory MP David Nuttall said: 'Many of my constituents will be concerned that we are spending so much overseas whilst our elderly are facing reductions in service.'
Former pensions minister Baroness Altmann said: 'We really should be ashamed of our care system, which is cutting back on vital lifelines for frail elderly people.
PM: I STILL WON'T DIVERT FUNDING TO HELP THE ELDERLY Theresa May defended plans to raise council tax by up to 6 per cent yesterday as she refused to divert millions from Britain's bloated aid budget to help social care. In a major announcement today, Sajid Javid will unveil plans to allow town halls to add 160 to the average bill for a Band D property by 2018 to fund the sector. As the Mail revealed on Tuesday, he will also announce a 100million funding boost to help local authorities in poorer areas which cannot raise as much council tax. But many believe the funds raised will only amount to a sticking plaster solution, and that money should be taken from the foreign aid budget instead. Yesterday at Prime Minister's Questions, Tory backbencher Philip Davies told MPs: 'Surely the Government priority should be to look after the elderly, vulnerable and disabled people in our own country before we hand money over to other countries.' Mrs May admitted there were 'immediate pressures on social care' which will be addressed by Mr Javid in the provisional local government finance settlement today. But she said: 'We should be proud of the help we are giving to people around the world who, often, are living in incredibly difficult circumstances.' Advertisement
'We are creating a Third World care system that serves nobody well. Councils are under constant pressure, the NHS is facing intolerable strains and our elderly citizens are being denied basic decent care.'
Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request show 63 out of 140 councils that responded have got rid of their meals on wheels services.
On average, councils increased prices by 20 per cent, with some more than doubling the cost over five years to 6 a meal.
Between 2010-11 and 2015-16, the number of meals on wheels handed out across the country fell from 6,736,104 a year to 3,460,583.
Diane Jeffrey, of Age UK's malnutrition task force, said more than one million elderly people were malnourished or at risk.
She added: 'Services such as meals on wheels are a lifeline for many who are finding it too much to shop and cook, helping them to manage at home for longer.
'This vital service is withering away as local councils face deep cuts to their social care budgets.
'These worrying new figures mean more older people will be left to cope alone and I fear there is no doubt they will be more vulnerable to illness and more unhappy.'
Herefordshire Council, which supplied 106,830 meals on wheels in 2010-11, has now axed its service. Gateshead Council in Tyne and Wear provided 58,299 meals but has also ended its service.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: 'Meals on wheels is so much more than just a hot and healthy meal'
Denbighshire County Council in north-east Wales also cut its service, having provided 20,956 meals on wheels five years ago.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: 'Meals on wheels is so much more than just a hot and healthy meal it is a vital lifeline for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
'Slashing this important service means other agencies like the NHS and social services pick up the pieces later on. This is fuelling Britain's social care crisis.'
Other councils increased the prices of their meals significantly, leading to a dramatic reduction in numbers using the service.
Shetland Council more than doubled its price over the period from 2.85 to 6. The number receiving the meals fell from 42,449 to 18,183.
Brent Council in London pushed up its price from 5.91 to 7, and numbers using its service fell by 82 per cent from 112,959 to 20,077. Redbridge Council in north-east London increased the cost of meals from 3.05 five years ago to 5.55.
Councillor Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the Local Government Association's community wellbeing board, said the issue should be a 'national priority'.
She added: 'The services elderly and vulnerable people rely on, including meals on wheels, are coming under increasing threat due to the under-funding of adult social care.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said that at least 20 high profile people are at the centre of Scotland Yard investigations
At least 20 high profile people are at the centre of Scotland Yard investigations, Britains top police officer said yesterday.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, who retires from policing in a matter of weeks, described some of them as very significant public figures.'
He said the force investigates 800,000 crime reports a year, including an awful lot which are of public interest or concern prominent individuals.
Sir Bernard pointed out that Scotland Yard handles numerous high-profile cases at any given time, without details becoming public.
I could probably run through at least 20 that you would regard as high-profile, he said. Some of them are very significant public figures.
His comments came as he publicly defended his forces disastrous inquiry into historic allegations of child abuse and murder against senior Establishment figures.
Sir Bernard insisted he was unaware of the scale of the failings of Operation Midland until an independent review was published last month.
And he confirmed that he has apologised personally to former military chief Lord Bramall and ex-MP Harvey Proctor.
The top police officer believes the controversy bolsters his argument that all suspects should be given automatic anonymity until charged.
But critics have pointed out that the failures of the 2.5million 16-month inquiry in fact make the case for more transparency around police operations, not less.
They argue that it is entirely possible the appalling blunders in Operation Midland might never have been made public if the investigation took place behind a veil of secrecy.
MPs have called on Sir Bernard to write out substantial cheques of compensation to those caught up in Operation Midland.
They said Lord Bramall and Mr Proctor should not have to go through the courts because of the extraordinary circumstances.
The probe saw raids on the homes of highly-decorated soldier Lord Bramall, former home secretary Lord Brittan and Mr Proctor.
All three men suffered horrendous ordeals, with Lord Brittan dying before he was told he had been cleared and a huge team of officers scouring Lord Bramalls rural home.
Commissioner Hogan-Howe's statement comes following the disastrous Operation Midland. Lord Bramall, left, and Harvey Proctor, right, were personally apologised to by Hogan-Howe
Mr Proctor has complained fighting the allegations against him has left him unemployed, destitute and in poor health.
Sir Bernard told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I think all we are waiting for now is for them to formulate what they would explain are the damages in this case.
Asked if they would receive compensation, the Scotland Yard Commissioner said: I think it is perfectly possible. He added: We are eager to resolve things as quickly as possible.
A review by a retired High Court judge highlighted 43 failings in the police operation, including grave errors of judgement, and five officers are now under investigation.
One accuser, known only as Nick, was referred to Northumbria Police, where he is under criminal investigation for perverting the course of justice.
In testy exchanges with John Humphrys on Radio 4, Sir Bernard said: The sad reality is in these cases, which are very high profile, we got it wrong.
In testy exchanges with John Humphrys on Radio 4, Sir Bernard said: The sad reality is in these cases, which are very high profile, we got it wrong.
He also said sensitive investigations into historic sex offences must change with officers dropping the requirement to always believe victims.
Sir Bernard is at odds with almost the entire police establishment on this point, with other senior officers insisting crimes will go unpunished if police are more sceptical.
I think we should be independent, rigorous and sympathetic but we shouldnt believe the complainant, he said.
Because to believe leaves us in a difficult position when it comes to the suspect who says, Well, hang on, you just believed the victim, what are you going to believe of my case?
Earlier this week Sir Gerald Howarth, a former Tory defence minister, suggested Sir Bernard should act before he steps down.
Sir Gerald Howarth suggested that Sir Bernard must act before he steps down
He cannot be allowed to leave before resolving what has been a grotesque miscarriage of justice and a grotesque maladministration on behalf of the Metropolitan Police, he said.
It is quite clear that the leadership of the Metropolitan Police is completely unaccountable and this is unacceptable.
Asked about the continuing threat of terrorist attack, Sir Bernard insisted that the UK is in a good place to keep people safe at the moment.
He said the one reason there has not been an atrocity in recent years similar to those in France and Belgium is that terrorists regard it as a risky place to operate.
We dont have a land border with the rest of Western Europe, so we have not seen a million people walk through, he added.
We dont have automatic weapons in the hands of organised criminals in the way that we see and, finally, we have an integrated society including the police, which is able to patrol all of our streets.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, chief of the defence staff
The head of the Armed Forces yesterday warned Islamic State jihadis were 'moving in migrant flows, hiding in plain sight'.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, chief of the defence staff, said foreign militants were being moved from their shrinking stronghold in Iraq and Syria.
And he warned copycat terrorists are now 'popping up all over the world' as propaganda spreads through social media.
In his first major speech since taking up the role in July, Sir Stuart said Britain also faced an 'era of competition' with other states and that Russia was not playing by the rules.
He continued: 'I would argue that all this combines to [be] a threat and a risk to our way of life and an element of a sense of uncertainty and, indeed, I would use the word danger.'
Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute, he said: 'We face a potential network of combat experienced terrorists.'
He added that the UK was playing a 'full part' in the campaign against IS, which is also known as Daesh. But he said: 'I worry about the global reach of Daesh as an idea, using the internet ... using social media.
'They are losing territory rapidly, foreign fighters are being killed and displaced but they are moving in migrant flows, hiding in plain sight.'
Terrorists are able to destroy their passports and change their identities using forged documents to travel to other countries, he warned, adding: 'How we manage identity in a world where people are deliberately trying to destroy their identity documents and move in migrant flows it is a very important subject.'
Sir Stuart also warned Britain should be 'really worried' that the international consensus-based approach to peace and security, which emerged after the Second World War, was now challenged by states such as Russia.
The UK is now in a 'strategic state-on-state era of competition' which requires us to respond to propaganda, hybrid warfare and cyber attacks, he said.
His comments follow the Russian incursion in Ukraine and worries that Moscow influenced the US presidential election won by Donald Trump by allegedly hacking email accounts linked to his rival Hillary Clinton.
Refugees hoping to cross into Europe, arrive on the shore of Lesbos Island, Greece (stock)
BRITAIN SENDS OFFICERS TO ANALYSE ISIS FILES IN MOSUL Britain is sending military intelligence officers to trawl through files seized from Mosul amid fears of terror plots on the UK. Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon will today announce more data recovery experts will 'exploit data and technical equipment' recovered from Islamic State. They will work from a secret base in Iraq and scour intelligence from hard drives, mobile phones and documents. They will also try to gather data which can be used to help prosecute terrorists and track British jihadists. Sir Michael will announce the deployment as he hosts the quarterly, top-level meeting of defence ministers from the coalition of nations fighting IS for the first time in London. The UK effort to help in the fight against the barbaric militants in Mosul comes as another front emerged in Syria's Raqqa in an attempt to attack them from all sides. Sir Michael said: 'Daesh (IS) is being taken on in Eastern Mosul. Last week we opened up a second front around Raqqa. Daesh is losing ground, finance, and fighters. 'As part of the 68 member Coalition, Britain is playing a leading role, through our airstrikes, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and our training. 'In 2017 we must maintain momentum to deal these terrorists a decisive blow.' Advertisement
'There's no doubt, it's not a secret, that Russia is using cyber as a part of [its] power,' Sir Stuart said. 'This is in direct competition with our approach to sustain the rules-based order.' He continued that he was 'happy to talk to Russia', but that this 'does not mean business as usual'.
He said he had visited the country last year to talk about deconfliction as Russia sent warplanes close to UK airspace.
US intelligence officials believe 'a high level of confidence' that Russian president Vladimir Putin was personally involved in ordering Russian operatives during the election hack.
New intelligence reveals that Putin not only ordered the hack but also controlled the way that the materials obtained in the operation from was leaked and used during the election two senior officials told NBC News.
One official said that Putin's did this as a 'vendetta' against Hillary Clinton in the beginning, but then turned it into an exercise attempting to hint at corruption in US politics to 'split off key American allies by creating the image that [other countries] couldn't depend on the U.S. to be a credible global leader anymore.'
The CIA has said with 'high confidence' that Russians did this because they wanted to elect Donald Trump.
Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed these claims of Thursday however, saying they were nothing more than 'laughable nonsense.'
This news comes as the White House suggests that President-elect Donald Trump knew Russia was interfering in the election, despite his claims to the contrary.
Trump responded to this on Twitter Thursday morning, writing: 'If Russia, or some other entity, was hacking, why did the White House waite [sic] so long to act? Why did they only complain after Hillary lost?'
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US intelligence officials believe with 'a high level of confidence' that Vladimir Putin (above on December 1) was personally involved in efforts to meddle in the election
Putin is reported to have done this in revenge against Hillary Clinton for publicly questioning the integrity of Russian parliamentary elections back in 2011 (Putin and Clinton above in 2012)
The White House dodged Thursday when it was asked about its knowledge of the intelligence claiming that Putin himself ordered the attack.
'I do not have an additional intelligence assessment to share from the podium,' press secretary Josh Earnest said during his daily briefing.
Earnest said intelligence officials are 'apparently' calling up reporters and telling them anyway. 'I am not in a position to confirm them,' he said of those reports.
'It's particularly concerning in those circumstances when people are sharing information that's classified or sensitive. But this is not a new phenomenon,' he added.
President Barack Obama's deputy national security adviser told MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell this afternoon that he suspects that Putin was directly involved in the cyber crime.
'I don't think things happen in the Russian government of this consequence without Vladimir Putin knowing about it,' Ben Rhodes said. 'Everything we know about how Russia operates and how Putin controls that government would suggest that... ultimately, Vladimir Putin is the official responsible for the actions of the Russian government.'
In October, all 17 intelligence agencies signed onto a statement attributing the Democratic National Committee hack to Russia
In that statement they also said that 'only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities.'
That statement did not however explicitly name Putin as having any role in the hack.
Earnest said Thursday it's 'pretty obvious' which high-ranking official the statement was referring to.
'My reading of it was that it was not intended to be subtle,' Earnest said Thursday.
'The reference to senior most officials in Russia would lead me to conclude that, based on my personal reading, and not based on any knowledge that I have that may be classified or otherwise, it's pretty obvious...that they were referring to the senior most govt official in Russia.
Putin is said never to have forgiven Clinton publicly questioning the Russian system and integrity of parliamentary elections back in 2011 while serving as secretary of state.
He also accused her of encouraging street protests with her statements at the time
Michael McFaul, who was ambassador to Russia from 2012 to 2014, said of the hack, 'It is most certainly consistent with the Putin that I have watched and used to work with when I was an ambassador and in the government.'
'He has had a vendetta against Hillary Clinton, that has been known for a long time because of what she said about his elections back in the parliamentary elections of 2011. He wants to discredit American democracy and make us weaker in terms of leading the liberal democratic order. And most certainly he likes President-elect Trump's views on Russia.'
The CIA has concluded that Russia tried to interfere in order to elect Trump (above), a claim the President-elect has rejected
U.S. officials have now begun a probe of Putin's personal wealth in preparation for any possible retaliation by the Russian leader.
They believe that Putin's network controls around $85billion worth of assets, though the CIA would not comment on that number or the probe.
And US lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for a formal congressional investigation into the hacking.
Obama's spokesman hinted at Trump's possible knowledge of the situation this week, saying: 'There's ample evidence that was known long before the election, and even in most cases long before October, about the Trump campaign in Russia, everything from the Republican nominee himself calling on Russia to hack his opponent.
'It might be an indication that he was obviously aware and concluded, based on whatever facts or sources he was - he had available to him, that Russia was involved, and their involvement was having a negative impact on his opponent's campaign.'
He continued: 'That's why he was encouraging them to keep doing it. You had the Republican nominee refer to the president of Russia as a strong leader.
'The Republican nominee chose a campaign chair that had had extensive, lucrative, personal, financial ties to the Kremlin and it was obvious to those who were covering the race that the hack and leak strategy that had been operationalized was not being equally applied to the two parties and to the two campaigns.
'There was one side that was bearing the brunt of that strategy and another side that was clearly benefiting from it,' Earnest said.
Trump has rejected the CIA's conclusion that Russia tried to interfere with the presidential election and blamed 'very embarrassed' Democrats for the public release of the assessment.
The president-elect called the CIA's assessment 'ridiculous' while speaking to Fox News in an interview that aired on Sunday.
'I don't believe it. I think it's ridiculous,' said the president elect.
As Earnest pointed out on Tuesday, however: 'He called on Russia to hack his opponent. He called on Russia to attack Secretary Clinton. So, he certainly had a pretty good sense of which side this activity was coming down on.'
Kellyanne Conway lashed out at the Obama spokesman on Thursday during an appearance on Fox & Friends, saying: 'That is just remarkable. That is breathtaking. I guess he's auditioning to be a political pundit after his job is over soon.
'That is incredibly disappointing to hear from the podium of the White House press secretary, because he basically - he essentially stated that the president-elect had knowledge of this, maybe even fanned the flames. It's incredibly irresponsible and I wonder if his boss, president Obama agrees.'
She was once dubbed 'the funniest comedian you've never heard of' - so you could be forgiven for scratching your head at the name Amy G.
The American native is in fact a multi-talented performer, with skills stretching from circus acts to stand up, singing, writing, directing, and even speaking six languages.
But she is perhaps most famous for a video, shot back in 2008, in which she plays 'America the Beautiful' on three kazoos using three different orifices.
Amy G, a variety act from New York, is currently performing in Australia - and possesses odd talents including being able to play the Kazoo with her privates
And now she is performing in Australia in new show called Club Swizzle, which was attended by Shia LaBeouf on its opening night at the Sydney Opera House.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Amy says she was inspired to take to the stage by her grandfather, who was an amateur performer.
An obsession with depression-era vaudeville and cabaret acts then led her to develop a truly boggling skill set, which includes rollerskating, dancing, signing, pyrotechnics, circus performance and stand up.
Among her many talents are signing, dancing, writing, directing, circus performance, pyrotechnics, and speaking six languages
The American is currently performing in Club Swizzle, a variety show at the Sydney Opera House which attracted celebrities such Shia LeBeouf to the premiere
She also writes, directs, and has helped to produce two shows which played on Broadway, as well as creating solo shows that have toured more than 60 countries.
Speaking to Broadway World about the new show, she said: 'With a cast like this, that is so multitalented, and everybody's so funny, so full of characters, I think the mix of this cast is going to be truly intoxicating.
'I don't know what the taste is going to be exactly yet. It is going to be quite unique.
'It will be funny, stunning, shockingly skillful, it will be sexy and it's going to have a funky beat you can dance to.'
DNA samples from the car of Daniel Morcome's killer were not examined for eight years - soon before he was arrested in 2011.
Inspector Darren Pobar told the re-opened inquest into the 13-year-old's 2003 abduction and murder by Brett Cowan that such samples were a 'low priority' at the time.
'Hair examinations and tape lifts were a low priority back in 2003... they were a lower-yield item,' he said on Thursday.
DNA samples from the car of Daniel Morcome's killer Brett Cowan (pictured) were not examined for eight years - soon before he was arrested in 2011
'Most likely more probative exhibits were submitted over that time, which would re-prioritise the hair.'
Tape lifts were on December 24, 2003, taken from each seat in Cowans car and another from the boot, collecting hair and other DNA to be matched with Daniel's.
Inspector Pobar, who reviewed to forensic examination, said examining hair was very labour-intensive at the time and better forensic techniques and technology developed since then.
Daniel, 13, was abducted from a Sunshine Coast bus stop in 2003 and the inquest into his death resumed on Wednesday
He said the samples were pushed back in priority several times and first looked at in 2008 before finally being examined in 2011.
Cowan was arrested and charged with Daniel's murder on August 13, 2011, when he confessed, and sentenced to life in jail 2.5 years later.
Inspector Pobar said the samples were sent to Queensland Health, which would be in a better position to to explain the delay.
He said he couldn't comment about what police did to chase up the examinations.
Daniel was abducted and murdered by serial paedophile Brett Peter Cowan, who is serving a life sentence
The inquest also heard police did not properly respond to reports Daniel was missing and inappropriately assumed he was a 'teenage runaway'.
Counsel assisting Peter Johns said the police at Maroochydore failed to recognise his disappearance was sufficiently out of character.
Earlier in the inquest a former detective on the case claimed his superior told him to 'f*** off' and that he 'wouldn't know anything' after he suggested Brett Cowan was responsible for Daniel disappearance.
Tape lifts were on December 24, 2003, taken from each seat in Cowans car and another from the boot, collecting hair and other DNA to be matched with Daniel's (pictured)
Despite Cowan's arrest and sentence, Daniel's parents Bruce and Denise Morcombe asked the coroner to reopen the inquest into their son's disappearance
Ex-detective Dennis Martyn interviewed Cowan and told his boss, the then head of the Homicide Squad Mike Condon, he believed they had 'their man'.
'F*** off, you wouldn't know anything,' Condon, now an assistant commissioner, allegedly said in response.
On Wednesday, Coroner Terry Ryan asked Assistant Commissioner Condon to step out of the room so Mr Martyn could give evidence 'without fear of intimidation'.
Former police officer Dennis Martyn said he told the then head of the Homicide Squad Mike Condon (pictured), now an assistant commissioner, Cowan was 'their man' soon after they interviewed him, but was told to 'f*** off'
Daniel vanished from a Sunshine Coast bus stop in December, 2003 and Cowan was interviewed by police two weeks later.
He was charged in 2011 after he eventually confessed to murdering the schoolboy and taking police to his remains on a macadamia farm.
'[Cowan] was a highly probable person of interest after my first conversation,' Mr Martyn told the inquest, The Courier Mail reported.
'He put himself in the vicinity... He had a white vehicle and it was possible that there were two witnesses that reported seeing a white vehicle on the opposite side of the bus stop.
Another former police officer, Kenneth King, told the inquest Mr Martyn had documented why Cowan was a 'good suspect' in a notebook to give to detectives.
He claims the notebook, with Cowan's criminal history, vanished years later.
Mr King said police questioned Cowan twice, two weeks after Daniel (pictured) vanished, and his cooperation struck him as strange
Mr King told the inquest he had always considered Cowan a key suspect.
'Cowan was a very strong suspect. I thought it was odd, given the normal investigation practice,' Mr King said.
'No one had ever come back to me to clarify or check details.'
He agreed with lawyer Peter Boyce, who is representing Daniel's parents Denise and Bruce Morcombe, that Cowan ticked a lot of boxes.
Cowan was in the vicinity at the time Daniel went missing, there was a 45-minute hole in his alibi, he owned a white vehicle and had a criminal history of pedophilia, he told the court.
Former detective Dennis Martyn told the inquest he believed 'more focus' should have been on Cowan during the investigation as he was a 'strong suspect'
Mr King said police questioned Cowan twice, two weeks after Daniel vanished, and his cooperation struck him as strange.
Mr Martyn told the inquest he believed 'more focus' should have been on Cowan during the investigation.
Cowan was caught in August 2011, after a complex and lengthy police investigation, parts of which were sparked by the evidence presented at the initial inquest, which was adjourned four months earlier in April.
Despite Cowan's arrest and sentence, Daniel's parents asked the coroner to reopen the inquest into their son's disappearance.
The Morcombes say while they're happy with the police investigation and the eventual outcome, they want the coroner to examine some aspects of the case.
'Now we have the answers, the resumption will focus on investigative methodology,' they said in a statement on Tuesday.
'What systems worked and what could have been done better.
'If we help one family's tragic case reach a conclusion and not have it destined to become a cold case, then the resumption has a purpose and is worth it.'
The inquest is scheduled to run until Thursday.
'If we help one family's tragic case reach a conclusion and not have it destined to become a cold case, then the resumption has a purpose and is worth it,' Daniel's parents said
TIMELINE OF EVENTS IN THE MURDER OF DANIEL MORCOMBE December 7, 2003: Daniel, 13, vanishes waiting for a bus on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
October 13, 2010: Coronial Inquest, headed by state coroner Michael Barnes, opens.
April 2, 2011: Inquest adjourns and police continue their investigation.
August 13, 2011: Brett Peter Cowan is charged with murder, child stealing, deprivation of liberty, indecent treatment of a child, interfering with a corpse.
August 17 to September 9, 2011: Shoes and bones found in bushland at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast.
Aug 28, 2011: Forensic analysis confirms bones are Daniel's.
November 26, 2012: Cowan's committal hearing begins in Brisbane Magistrates Court.
November 29, 2012: the State Coroner orders Daniel's remains be released to the Morcombes.
December 7, 2012: Daniel Morcombe's funeral is held, nine years to the day after the vanished.
February 7, 2013: Cowan is ordered to stand trial for Daniel's abduction and murder.
February 10, 2014: Cowan's trial begins in the Supreme Court in Brisbane.
March 14, 2014: Jury finds Brett Peter Cowan guilty on all three counts - murder, indecent treatment of a child and interfering with a corpse. He is sentenced to life in jail.
April 9, 2014: Cowan files notice to appeal over his conviction, arguing the jury should have never heard his confession to undercover police in 2011.
May 21, 2015: Cowan's appeal is dismissed.
December 14, 2016: Coronial Inquest reopens hearing claims senior police ignored initial advice that Cowan was the main suspect. Advertisement
He is also accused of faking his brother's signature as a witness on documents
Ms Bricknell accused him of mortgaging their $15 million home behind her back
'If Nicole was available she would sign them... if she wasn't I
Former Billabong boss Matthew Perrin has admitted he regularly signed his wife's name on legal documents.
The former CEO is on trial in the Brisbane District Court for fraud and forgery after he allegedly faked his wife's signature on bank documents in 2008.
Perrin allegedly used their family house in Surfers Paradise as security for $13.5 million credit from the Commonwealth Bank to fund his failing business investments.
Former Billabong boss Matthew Perrin admitted he signed his wife's signature on legal documents, the Brisbane District Court heard on Thursday
Ms Bricknell is accusing her ex-husband of mortgaging the $15 million waterfront property on Cronin Island behind her back
His former wife Nicole Bricknell accused him of mortgaging the $15 million waterfront property on Cronin Island behind her back.
He said he had her permission to sign on her behalf and would give her a 'general overview' of what he was doing.
'Nicole wanted to be a homemaker and a mother and I was to be the business person, and it was generally discussed that they were our roles,' he said.
Perrin added that he signed her name on important documents throughout their relationship, including on share sales in her name and a planning permission application.
'If Nicole was available and convenient she would sign them ... if she wasn't I would sign them for her,' he added.
The jury was shown a document which Perrin said gave him authority to act on Ms Bricknell's behalf in respect of their finances, including debts in her name.
Mr Perrin said in court: 'Nicole wanted to be a homemaker and a mother and I was to be the business person, and it was generally discussed that they were our roles'
In court yesterday Ms Bricknell she 'never, ever' gave him permission to sign on her behalf.
'This man has taken from me and my children without my permission and knowledge, that's worse than having an affair in my opinion,' Ms Bricknell told the Brisbane District Court on Wednesday.
'I always protected my children and I never, ever would have allowed him to sign my name on anything - that was not the right thing to do,' she said.
Ms Bricknell said: 'I always protected my children and I never, ever would have allowed [Matthew] to sign my name on anything - that was not the right thing to do'
Perrin said they made a total of around $57 million from their investment in Billabong before he resigned as CEO in 2003.
By 2009 they had lost it all and he was declared bankrupt, the court was told.
Perrin is also accused of faking his brother Fraser Perrin's signature as a witness on the paperwork.
The wife of an Islamic State recruiter who refused to remove her burqa in court has lost a brutality complaint against counter terrorism police and is facing a legal bill of up to $100,000.
Moutia Elzahed accused police of assaulting her during an early morning counter-terrorism raid at her southwest Sydney home in September 2014.
District Judge Audrey Balla threw out all six brutality claims on Thursday morning.
Ms Elzahed, whose husband Hamdi Alqudsi is a convicted Islamic State recruiter, had refused to take off her burqa to give evidence over the six-day hearing.
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Moutia Elzahed had accused police of assaulting her during counter-terrorism raids at her southwest Sydney home in September 2014
District Judge Audrey Balla threw out all six brutality claims on Thursday morning brought by Ms Elzahed and her family
Ms Elzahed, who was the lead plaintiff, said police tried to pull the blankets off her when they entered her bedroom to raid the Revesby home she shared with Alqudsi and her two teenage sons at 4.30 in the morning.
She alleged she was punched in the ear, eye and head, called a 'b****', handcuffed in an aggressive manner, screamed at, and humiliated.
Both Australian Federal Police and NSW Police refuted her accusations.
Judge Balla ruled in favour of police in part because Ms Elzahed would not directly give evidence because she refused to take off her burqa.
Ms Elzahed's husband Hamdi Alqudsi (pictured) is a convicted Islamic State recruiter
'Ms Elzahed is a religious Muslim and she refused to give evidence in open court with her face uncovered. She also refused to give evidence from a remote room with her face uncovered (so that she could choose not to see who was watching her give evidence) with the court room closed so that only lawyers involved in the proceedings would be in the court room,' Judge Balla said in her judgement.
'I refused to permit her to give evidence with her face covered. Accordingly there is no direct evidence from Ms Elzahed.'
Ms Elzahed insisted 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'.
Alqudsi is serving a six to eight year sentence for recruiting men to fight terrorist organisations including Islamic State in Syria
District Judge Audrey Balla threw out all six claims of police brutality on Thursday
Alqudsi and her son Hamza George, 17, gave evidence as to what Ms Elzahed had told them, but Judge Balla ruled their accounts were 'hearsay'.
Alqudsi gave evidence his wife's face was red the morning of the raid. But on cross-examination, he agreed she had been wearing a niqab and only her eyes were visible at the time.
Ms Elzahed was alone in her bedroom when police entered, meaning there were no witnesses to the alleged brutality - other than herself and police.
The claims of brutality brought forward by her sons Hamzah and Abdulla George, 16, were also dismissed.
One son claimed to have been 'pushed down on the floor with violence' and and handcuffed 'in an aggressive manner injuring his arms and wrists.'
The other son alleged he was slammed on a cupboard and still has marks on his stomach.
Ms Elzahed could be charged under new NSW legislation for disrespectful behaviour in court after refusing to stand for Judge Balla
'He was also pushed on the floor in a violent manner and handcuffed,' the son had alleged.
The family may now have to fork out legal costs of up to $100,000, Daily Telegraph reported.
Ms Elzahed could be charged under new NSW legislation for disrespectful behaviour in court after refusing to stand for Judge Balla.
When asked why, Ms Elzahed's barrister Clive Evatt said: 'She's a Muslim, Your Honour, a strict Muslim and according to my instructions she won't stand for anyone except Allah which I'm not particularly happy with, Your Honour'.
The offence went into force on September 1 and carries a maximum penalty of up to 14 days in prison or a fine of up to $1,100 if a person is found guilty.
Alqudsi is serving a six to eight year sentence for recruiting seven men to fight with terrorist organisations including Islamic State in Syria.
James Ruse Agricultural High School has taken out the top spot in the HSC results for the 21st consecutive year in a row.
The results revealed 73 per cent of students at the selective school, based in Carlingford, north west of Sydney, scored exam results in the highest band.
Baulkham Hills High School came in second place and North Sydney Boys High School came in third, followed closely by North Sydney Girls High School, reported the Sydney Morning Herald.
James Ruse Agricultural High School (pictured) has taken out the top spot in the HSC results for the 21st consecutive year in a row
In the top 10, eight of the schools were selective, while one was non-government and one was a selective non-government.
Sydney Grammar was the top scoring private school, coming in sixth place.
Reddham House scored top place in the non government school category, coming in eighth place overall.
The top rating government school was Cheltenham Girls School - which came in 53rd place.
Sefton High School was the top rated partially selective school, ranked 52 overall.
The school that jumped highest in the rankings was Wenona, which jumped 17 places) followed by Normanhurst Boys, Reddham House and Conservatorium.
The results revealed 73 per cent of students at the top school, based in Carlingford, north west of Sydney, scored exam results in the highest band (stock image)
Wenona congratulated its students on Twitter, saying: 'Wenona received exceptional HSC results today. Congratulations to the Class of 2016 for taking to the year with diligence, tenacity and focus.'
The biggest drop in rankings was PLC (Croydon) which fell 16 places, Girraween which dropped out of the top 10 and Sydney Girls, which dropped 10 places.
Hicham Jansis, a refugee from Homs in Syria, topped the HSC in Arabic Extension only two years after arriving in Australia.
Baulkham Hills High School (pictured) came in second place and North Sydney Boys High School came in third, followed closely by North Sydney Girls High School
On Wednesday in Sydney, he received the HSC award and revealed his dreams of studying to become a doctor.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney, Dr Michael Spence, offered advice for students who may have fallen short of scoring a perfect ATAR.
'If you didn't get the marks you need to get into that particular course at that particular institution, remember these days there are many alternative routes,' Dr Spence said.
Workers on one of Australia's biggest natural gas projects have threatened court action after their bosses banned them from taking part in their New Year's Eve party.
A variety of employers including Downer and Bechtel at the $45 billion Wheatstone project in Western Australia have refused to grant leave to 130 of the 200 employees for the New Year's bash in nearby Onslow, Perth Now reports.
The move to severely reduce the numbers was taken by the project's main contractor Chevron after talks with police and other local authorities.
Bosses at the $45 billion Wheatstone project in Western Australia have refused to grant leave to 130 workers for New Year's Eve
Following their meeting only 300 workers will now be allowed in Onslow before 9.30pm and 70 allowed to stay overnight.
Sergeant Kevin Jones, who is the station commander at Onslow police station said, the change in numbers from Wheatstone was generally due to safety concerns.
Maintaining order will be difficult on the night as only four police officers will be on duty, and the nearest police station was 300km away if any trouble did break out.
'The mentality is that they come in and they drink, and drink, and drink, and drink,' he said.
Many of the workers work in the Indian Ocean on rigs like this one
The official ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of Chevrons's $A29 billion Wheatstone LNG project at Onslow in Western Australia's Pilbara region takes place in 2011
Only 300 workers will now be allowed in Onslow before 9.30pm and 70 allowed to stay overnight
However some unions working on the project were enraged at the move, with the Electrical Trades Union saying it would formally oppose the decision.
They also warned that if necessary, they would pursue the matter through the Fair Work Commission.
It was argued by ETU State secretary Les McLaughlan that the 200 workers were first told that anyone who got accommodation in Onslow would be granted approval to go there on New Year's Eve.
'They are grown adults who want to spend new year away from an industrial worksite. This is all about the company having total control, to the nth degree,' he said.
A Downer spokesman however denied that employees were told they would get approval to have celebrate New Year's Eve if they managed to secure accommodation in Onslow.
A woman has received a debt recovery letter from Centrelink telling her she's been overpaid and had to return the money.
But rather than a massive bill, the government agency was chasing Kerry King from Rowville, Victoria, for two cents.
So she paid up - by sending Centrelink a two cent coin.
Kerry King from Victoria received this letter from Centrelink demanding she paid back two cents
Ms King's response to the debt recovery letter - including the two cent coin
The letter from Centrelink stated: 'Our records show you have a debt of $0.02 and you have not made an arrangement to repay this debt' (stock image)
She had received the letter which stated: 'Our records show you have a debt of $0.02 and you have not made an arrangement to repay this debt'.
It went on to say: 'We would prefer to settle this matter without taking action'.
Ms King decided she should pay up, so replied to Centrelink with a two cent coin attached to the letter and wrote: 'please find attached amount owing .02 cents. Merry Christmas' - and finished by drawing a smiley face with a Santa hat.
An Australian two-cent coin
Although still legal tender, two cent coins were withdrawn from circulation in February 1992, according to the Royal Australian Mint.
'I was contemplating sending them a five cent piece and asking for the change,' Ms King told Mamamia.
Social media users were quick to ridicule Centrelink for the bill after hearing the news.
Some suggested Ms King would likely be fined for sending money in the mail or that the letter to collect the money probably cost more than the fine itself.
Another joked: 'these are hard times... government needs our support'.
Yet another posted: 'I would of rung them and asked if I could pay half now half next fortnight'.
Parents were outraged the material had been 'sneakily' presented as a gift
Bus drivers distributed the 'Christmas present' on the way home from school
Outraged parents have claimed bus drivers handed out pamphlets opposing marriage equality to primary school children in a golden envelope to disguise them as Christmas presents.
Up to ten drivers are believed to have been involved in handing out the envelopes to students from Kyabram P-12 College, north of Melbourne, on Wednesday as they made their way home from school.
The young pupils were asked to pass the envelopes on to their parents, many of whom were outraged to find anti-marriage equality letters from the Marriage Alliance tucked away inside.
Outraged parents have claimed bus drivers handed out pamphlets opposing marriage equality to primary school children in a golden envelope to disguise them as Christmas presents
'Changing the marriage laws will impact your family,' the pamphlet read.
The material claimed students could be taught about gender and sexual diversity without parental consent or knowledge and said the Safe Schools program used 'a cover of anti-bullying to promote gender ideology'.
Kyabram College principal Stuart Bott advised parents the pamphlet did not represent the school's position on marriage equality but confirmed a 'member of the community' had distributed the letters to bus drivers.
Other parents have reported members of the Marriage Alliance boarded the buses themselves to hand out the 'presents'.
The pamphlet claimed students could be taught about gender and sexual diversity without parental consent or knowledge
It also stated the Safe Schools program used 'a cover of anti-bullying to promote gender ideology'
A woman whose brother attends the school said he was thrilled to hand the letter over so he could see what the present was, but ended up bitterly disappointed with its contents.
'If they're going to hand out something like that it should be approved it's sneaky and it's really targeting the children,' she told the Gay News Network.
'Mum was offended and it's upsetting for my brother... it's not cool.'
The woman, who did not want to be identified, said it was concerning to think anyone could just wander on to a school bus and hand out mysterious gifts to underage children.
'It could have had anything in it That's alarming in itself. They let anyone on the school bus,' she said.
Mr Bott said he was not impressed by the stunt and had been fielding calls from concerned parents unhappy with the school allowing their children to be handed politically motivated material.
Kyabram College principal Stuart Bott (pictured) advised parents the pamphlet did not represent the school's position on marriage equality
Students from Kyabram P-12 College (pictured) received the letters on Wednesday
'We are an inclusive school, and are working with families to say that won't happen again,' he told The Age.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Bott for comment.
The college has not signed up to the Safe Schools program, despite it being compulsory.
The school's council claim they already promote the inclusion of all students, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity, making it unnecessary to align themselves with the controversial program.
LGBTI advocate Damien Stevens said he was shocked when a student told him an 'older looking person' boarded the buses outside the school before asking the drivers to distribute the 'little gift-wrapped presents'.
Damien Stevens said he was shocked when a student told him an 'older looking person' boarded the buses and asked the drivers to distribute the 'little gift-wrapped presents'
Social media users were concerned about a random stranger being able to lurk around the bus stop undetected
He slammed the Marriage Alliance for forcing the material on children, adding that the pamphlets had also been distributed in the local newspaper.
'To do that around Christmas and to disguise the information in the form of a present is foul. The parents have opened it up in front of the child, the child says 'what is this', and then they have a conversation about it,' he told The Age.
The Marriage Alliance said the bus campaign was not carried out by an official member and did not condone the volunteer worker distributing the material, according to The Age.
Social media users were concerned about a random stranger being able to lurk around the bus stop undetected.
I would have an issue with somebody boarding my childs school bus to push a personal agenda like this. I hope the bus drivers asked them to leave. Entirely inappropriate way to get any sort of message across, one person wrote.
So the police let strangers on a school bus, thats not right. I thought our kids are supposed to be safe, wrote another.
Many have called for the police to intervene, but a spokesperson from Victoria Police advised it is not a police matter.
Hundreds of people have gathered to remember the Lindt Cafe siege victims in a touching church service two years after the tragedy that took two lives.
Among those who attended the service in St Stephen's Uniting Church in Sydney were the family members of victims cafe manager Tori Johnson and customer, barrister and mother, Katrina Dawson.
On December 15, 2014, Man Haron Monis with a sawn-off shotgun and a backpack sprouting wires pledged allegiance to Islamic State and took 18 hostages inside the cafe at Martin Place in central Sydney.
For 17 excruciating hours, snipers trained their weapons on the Martin Place cafe and tactical officers stood ready to pounce as negotiators tried in vain to make direct contact with gunman Monis.
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Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (C-L) gives a scripture reading during a public service commemorating the two year anniversary for Lindt Cafe siege victims
Reverend Ken Day (left), leads a public service for two year anniversary for Lindt Cafe siege, at St Stephen's Uniting Church in Sydney on Thursday
Ken Johnson (left), the father of Tori Johnson, and Alexander Dawson the father of Katrina Dawson
Ken Johnson (centre), the father of Tori Johnson, hands out sunflowers
Jane Dawson (centre), the mother of Katrina Dawson is hugged by NSW Premier Mike Baird while Katrina's father Alexander and her brother Sandy stand by
Attendees embrace after the service in Sydney on Thursday afternoon
Attendees embrace following a public service for two year anniversary for Lindt Cafe siege
Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull (centre), hugs Rowena Johnson, the mother of Tori Johnson
Cafe manager Tori Johnson (left) and barrister Katrina Dawson were killed during the siege
Thousands of flowers laid in Martin Place after the siege in 2014
It wasn't until Monis, who was out on bail for violent and sexual crimes, executed cafe manager Tori Johnson that police were forced to launch an assault.
Officers stormed inside the building and killed Monis in a hail of bullets shortly after 2am on December 16, 2014.
Hostage Katrina Dawson, a barrister and mother-of-three, was killed by police bullet fragments as she hid under a chair during the bloody shootout.
All of those touched by the tragedy will on Thursday stop to remember Mr Johnson and Ms Dawson as well as the surviving hostages and their families.
The second anniversary is a day to remember the terrible loss and violent deaths, as well as the tolerance and compassion which flowed in the days afterward, says NSW Premier Mike Baird.
A public service will be held at St Stephen's Uniting Church in Macquarie Street, Sydney at 12.30pm.
Emergency services on the scene at the siege two years ago in 2014
Hostages flee from the Lindt Cafe on Martin Place after escaping in December 2015
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull addresses the public service
Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, his wife Lucy Turnbull, NSW Governor David Hurley and NSW Premier Mike Baird, speak with the family of Tori Johnson
A woman laying flowers in Martin place alongside others following the siege
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Twitter has been snubbed by Donald Trump after the social media company was left off an invitation list for a roundtable meeting with Silicon Valley executives.
Apple's Tim Cook and Tesla founder Elon Musk were among the biggest names present on Wednesday as the President-elect attempted to smooth over frictions after a contentious presidential campaign.
But the omission of Twitter from the meeting surprised some in the industry given Trump's prolific use of the social media platform during his election campaign.
Twitter was left off the invitation list because it is too small, according to a spokesman for Trump's transition team
'They weren't invited because they aren't big enough,' the transition official said.
With a market capitalization of $13.85 billion, Twitter is smaller than Facebook and Amazon - companies that were both included in the meeting in New York.
The smallest company in attendance was electric car maker Tesla, with a market capitalization of $31.92 billion.
However, Yahoo! which is worth about $33bn was not on the list, neither was AOL.
Uber and Airbnb were both invited to yesterday's meeting but did not attend.
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Silicon Valley bigs: Amazon's chief Jeff Bezos, Larry Page of Alphabet, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, President-elect Donald Trump, Peter Thiel, co-founder and former CEO of PayPal, Tim Cook of Apple and Safra Catz of Oracle attend a meeting at Trump Tower
Twitter's platform played a big role in Trump's ability to speak directly to millions of voters. Trump leveraged his sizable following on Twitter to circumvent traditional media to speak directly to the public and to bash his opponents.
During the Obama administration, Twitter was a regular participant in meetings meant to address technology concerns, especially given its use by groups such as Islamic State and the ease with which the site is used for online bullying.
One source familiar with Trump's relationship with Twitter said the decision to exclude Twitter Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey was motivated by the president-elect's ire at the company, which rejected an advertising deal with his campaign in October.
Trump's election campaign had offered to pay to have an emoji that would show up on tweets during the second presidential debate anytime Twitter users tweeted the phrase "#Crooked Hillary", which was Trump's nickname for his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.
Twitter rejected the deal, saying it might mislead users who would not be able to tell that the campaign had paid for the emoji.
The Trump spokesman said the emoji had nothing to do with the invitation omission.
The official said Trump has had public spats with other tech leaders who were invited, including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, and Apple CEO Tim Cook, who hosted a fundraiser for Clinton.
Trump, speaking to the group of technology officials at the meeting, acknowledged others had been left off the list, but he did not mention Twitter specifically.
During the meeting he called the group gathered 'amazing' and then boasted about the stock market 'bounce' that followed his election, which helped many of the businesses represented in the room.
'So right now everybody in this room has to like me at least a little bit,' Trump told the crowd.
'But we're going to try and have that bounce continue,' Trump pledged.
The CEOs of Airbnb and Uber were invited but did not attend Wednesday's gathering. Uber's Travis Kalanick is traveling in India all week, although he will be joining Trump's strategy and policy forum.
Donald Trump entertained a number of Silicon Valley CEO's and bosses including Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg
Donald Trump (left) thanked his one Silicon Valley backer, Peter Thiel (right), who brought a number of tech titans to Trump Tower today
'Right now everybody in this room has to like me - at least a little bit,' said Donald Trump to tech executives including PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel (center) and Apple CEO Tim Cook (right)
Oracle's CEO Safra Catz, one of the top women in tech, attended today's meeting at Trump Tower, along with top executives from Facebook, Tesla, Google and IBM
The president-elect's children: Donald Jr. (left), Ivanka (middle) and Eric Trump (right) sat through the meeting today with Silicon Valley bigwigs
Donald Trump's three adult children including Eric Trump (left) and Ivanka Trump (right) attended the meeting today with Silicon Valley leaders, again raising questions about the role they will play in both the Trump White House and the handling of the Trump business empire
Donald Trump's incoming economic adviser Gary Cohn (left), the current president of Goldman Sachs, along with Trump's commerce pick Wilbur Ross, sat through today's meeting with Silicon Valley's top brass
United States President-elect Donald Trump, US Vice President-elect Mike Pence, cabinet nominees and technology company chiefs are seen at the meeting
Facebook's Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg (left) attended a meeting for Silicon Valley executives alongside Vice President-elect Mike Pence (center) and Donald Trump (right)
While Mark Zuckerberg skipped the meeting, Facebook's COO Sheryl Sandberg (left) attended, as did Jeff Bezos (right) of Amazon and the Washington Post. Trump was critical of the Post's coverage through the campaign
It was Peter Thiel, Trump's one prominent Silicon Valley backer, that brought the tech titans and the president-elect face-to-face.
Safra Catz, the CEO of Oracle, had been the first to arrive at Trump Tower, after issuing a statement setting out what she, and likely the others, were likely to say.
'If he can reform the tax code, reduce regulation, and negotiate better trade deals, the U.S. technology community will be stronger and more competitive than ever,' Catz said in a statement.
Soon after Amazon.com's Jeff Bezos arrived. He's also the owner of the Washington Post, one of the many media outlets that Trump took issue with during his presidential campaign.
Other attendees included Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg, Alphabet's Larry Page and Eric Schmidt, Palantier's Alex Karp, Intel's Brian Krzanich, Cisco's Chuck Robbins, IBM's Ginni Rometty and Saya Nadella of Microsoft.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates paid the president-elect a visit yesterday at Trump Tower.
Reporters were briefly led into the room, in which Trump hosted the tech titans, along with his three adult kids, Ivanka, Eric and Donald Jr.
The adult children's presence comes at a time when their expanded role is sparking controversy, as they were originally supposed to be charged with handling Trump's business ventures while he was in the White House.
Trump's Vice President-elect Mike Pence, adviser Steve Bannon, incoming chief-of-staff Reince Priebus, commerce secretary pick Wilbur Ross and economic adviser selection Gary Cohn, were also in attendance.
Trump kicked off the meeting by complimenting Thiel.
'He got about just the biggest applause at the Republican National Convention,' Trump said.
'He's ahead of the curve. And I want to thank you. You're a very special guy,' Trump added, grabbing the hand of Thiel, who was sitting on his left-hand side.
The president-elect then addressed the full group.
First arrival: Safra Catz, the CEO of Oracle, was the first of the tech giant bosses to arrive at Trump Tower
Amazon.com's CEO Jeff Bezos, who also owns the Washington Post, arrived for a meeting with Donald Trump today at Trump Tower
Google giants Larry Page (left), now the CEO of the search engine's parent company Alphabet, and Eric Schmidt (right), the chairman of Alphabet, are spotted arriving at a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump
Tesla's Elon Musk (right) participated in a roundtable meeting with President-elect Donald Trump and met with him personally after the big meet-and-greet
Ginni Rometty, the president and CEO of IBM, was among the Silicon Valley titans spending time with President-elect Donald Trump and his team today in New York
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella was spotted leaving a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump and his team at Trump Tower today in New York. Yesterday's the company co-founder, Bill Gates, took a meeting with the president-elect
Cisco's CEO Chuck Robbins is caught entering Trump Tower today for a meeting with the president-elect, his team, and other Silicon Valley bigwigs
'So I want to add that I'm here to help you folks do well,' Trump said. 'You're doing well right now and I'm very honored by the bounce.'
Trump was referring to the post-election bounce on the stock market.
'They're all talking about the bounce,' he repeated.
Trump said the most important thing was 'we want you to keep going with the incredible innovation.'
'There's nobody like you in the world, in the world. There's nobody like the people in this room,' the president-elect told the titans.
HOW MUCH ARE TRUMP'S TECH EXECUTIVES WORTH? Elon Musk (CEO, Tesla) $11.5 billion Tim Cook (CEO, Apple) $503 million Larry Page (CEO, Alphabet) $40.7 billion Eric Schmidt (Executive Chairman, Alphabet) $11.5 billion Jeff Bezos (CEO, Amazon) 66.9 billion Sheryl Sandberg (COO, Facebook) $1.27 billion Safra Catz (CEO, Oracle) $525 million Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft) $84 million Brian Krzanich (CEO, Intel) $14.6 million Chuck Robbins (CEO, Cisco) $17 million (base yearly salary) Ginni Rometty (CEO, IBM) $45 million Peter Thiel (PayPal founder) $2.7 billion Donald Trump (president-elect) $3.7 billion Advertisement
Trump pledged to be there for Silicon Valley and make it easier for American companies to trade.
'And you'll call my people, you'll call me. It doesn't make any difference,' Trump continued. 'We have no formal chain of command over here.'
After several minutes, reporters were ushered out of the room.
Attendees, like Sandberg, will likely bring up their own priorities like strong encryption and liability protections from content shared by their users.
The meeting was billed as an introductory session, said four sources briefed on the talks, all of whom requested anonymity to discuss a private meeting.
Early reviews of the meeting suggested it went as well as it could.
Bezos labeled the get-together 'productive,' according to Politico.
'I shared the view that the administration should make innovation one of its key pillars, which would create a huge number of jobs across the whole country, in all sectors, not just tech agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing everywhere,' the Amazon CEO and Washington Post owner said in a statement.
Trump clashed with Silicon Valley on several issues during the campaign, including immigration, government surveillance and encryption, and his surprise victory last month alarmed many companies that feared he might follow through on his pledges.
He has said that many tech companies are overvalued by investors.
'You look at some of these tech stocks that are so, so weak as a concept and a company and they're selling for so much money,' he told Reuters in an interview in May.
Those concerns have not been assuaged in recent weeks as Trump has threatened to upset trade relationships with China, a key market for US tech companies, and appoint officials who favor expanded surveillance programs.
'For some of the companies, there was some hesitation about whether to attend' because of sharp political and personal differences with Trump, one tech industry source said.
Nearly 600 employees of technology companies pledged in an open letter on Tuesday to refuse to help Trump's administration build a data registry to track people based on their religion or assist in mass deportations.
Silicon Valley enjoyed a warm rapport with President Barack Obama and heavily supported Democrat Hillary Clinton during the presidential campaign.
Schmidt was photographed on election night at Clinton headquarters wearing a staff badge, and Musk said in interviews before the election that Trump's character reflected poorly on the United States.
Musk was quoted saying that Trump 'is probably not the right guy' to be president of the United States.
Despite those tensions, Trump named Musk to a business advisory council that will give private-sector input to Trump after he takes office on January 20.
Uber's Kalanick was also appointed to the council.
Invitation: Trump's move to reach out to Silicon Valley also saw Elon Musk and Uber's Travis Kalanick appointed to his business advisory council
Not attending: Travis Kalanick, of Uber, is in India but was named to Trump's business advisory panel
Tech mogul Peter Thiel, a Trump supporter who spoke at the GOP convention, helped organize the Silicon Valley get-together
From the employees of the 10 largest Fortune 500 tech companies, Trump raised just $179,400 from 982 campaign donors who contributed more than $200.
Clinton raised $4.4 million from the employees of the same companies, with more than 20,400 donations, a Reuters review of contribution data found.
Trump publicly bashed the industry during the campaign. He urged his supporters to boycott Apple products over the company's refusal to help the FBI unlock an iPhone associated with last year's San Bernardino, California, shootings, threatened antitrust action against Amazon and demanded that tech companies build their products in the United States.
In another attack on Bezos, he suggested that the Amazon CEO was using is ownership of The Washington Post as a tax-dodging 'scam.'
He also got in a spat with Facebook's Zuckerberg over immigration.
Trump has also been an opponent of the Obama administration's net neutrality rules barring internet service providers from obstructing or slowing consumer access to web content.
Two advisers to his Federal Communications Commission transition team are opponents of the rules, as are the two Republicans on the FCC.
Police are investigating but say they don't have any suspects and have so far been
Her family says people have posted disturbing things on memorial pages
is continuing online with fake Facebook profiles being set up
They sent her abusive messages over encrypted apps which school officials and police could not trace
Brandy had been tormented by bullies using the internet to tease her
Brandy Vela shot herself in front of her horrified parents at their home in Texas City
A high school senior who shot herself dead in front of her horrified parents and grandparents after being tormented by anonymous bullies is still being harassed online on Facebook pages set up in her memory.
The family of Brandy Vela, 18, pleaded with her not to take her own life after finding her pinned up against the wall of her bedroom with a gun to her chest in their Texas City home.
But the troubled teenager ignored their desperate pleas, pulling the trigger in front of her loved ones.
Her family says that the harassment that drove her to end her own life is still continuing, weeks after their girl died.
Within days of her death, someone had opened a social media page paying tribute to her memory, but it was quickly taken over by disturbing posts about her, with the cyber-bullying continuing.
Brandy's family says the online harassment is continuing days after her death with abusive messages plastered on Facebook pages that were supposed to be a memorial for the teen
'Two days after her funeral, somebody opened up a social media page in her name,' dad, Raul Vela said to CNN, 'and people thought the family did it, so it started with people putting sincere condolences.
'After a few minutes, either four people or the same person posting four times said some things harassing Brandy about being a big fat cow, writing "you finally did it" with a picture of a gun, writing "you're a coward," "you should have done this a long time ago," some really horrific things.'
Bogus Facebook accounts of the high school senior have continued to crop up online.
One of the profiles depicts her with guns while another shows the teenager, who was bullied for her weight, as a pig.
Another of the posts reveals a smiling Brandy with the words 'my face when you shoot yourself in front of your family.' Another is a stick figure holding a gun with the words, 'oops am I dead?' A third shows a gun hidden inside a book.
Since Brandy's death, the family has been avoiding going on social media, but the fresh abusive posts were first brought to their attention by friends.
'Theyre still harassing her, but shes no longer with us, so its more like theyre harassing me and my family,' said Raul.
Police have told the family that they will be able to trace the posts, and the culprits will be prosecuted.
Fake Facebook pages laced with insults about Brandy have been shared with the Texas City Police Department. The 18-year-old's father calls them sick and disgusting
Brandy's sister Jacqueline (center) said she was being tormented by bullies who used encrypted messaging apps to tease her
'The continued harassment reported by Mr. Vela is being investigated,' Texas City police Capt. Joe Stanton said. 'We currently do not have any suspects or persons of interest identified.'
'I know what she was going through now. It's not that easy just to shut it off and let it go,' Raul toldKHOU . 'I thought all this was behind us but it's not over.
'I want justice. And I will for years. We'll never, we'll never stop.'
Brandy's father is hoping to persuade state lawmakers to increase restrictions on social media and make it harder for cyberbullies to hide behind their computer screens.
'Right now, my job is to raise awareness. Im not trying to blame people or point fingers. I want people who are still being bullied to know that I want to change things. I feel like she put this in my hands to try and get help for people in the same situation. Its unfortunate that something tragic has to happen to make changes come,' Raul told CNN.
The 18-year-old sent her siblings this heartbreaking text message before taking her own life
Brandy's parents Raul and Juana (pictured right) pleaded with their daughter (center) to put down the gun
The tasteless pages have since been removed from Facebook after the family complained, but police, who are are still investigating the death as a cyber-bullying crime, have so far been unable to determine who was behind the bullying.
'I feel like these people are cowards, these people hiding behind the texts and fake pages. Theyre the ones who pushed her to this point. She lost all her self-esteem, lost all her self-worth,' Raul said.
Before she died, Brandy had gone to the cops to file police reports about the harassment and fake accounts.
She also changed her number after receiving harassing calls, but the bullying did not stop.
Raul has spoken of how he would like each police force in the country to have an officer dedicated to pursuing those who perpetrate online crimes including cyber-bullying.
Brandy's brother Victor addressed her bullies as he spoke about her death, telling them: 'I hope this makes you happy'
Brandy's 22-year-old sister, Jacqueline, told Click 2 Houston how she was tired of being the subject of cruel bullies who taunted her about her weight in dozens of untraceable messages.
They also made fake profiles for Brandy on dating websites, she said, where they left her cell phone number and said she would 'give herself for sex for free'.
On the day of her death, Jacqueline was at home when she heard her sister crying in her bedroom. The tormented teenager also sent her siblings a text message to say goodbye.
It read: 'I love you so much just remember that please and I'm so sorry for everything.'
Jacqueline ran towards her sister's bedroom where she found her standing against the wall with the gun pointed at her chest.
She pleaded with her not to shoot before running to get her parents for help.
The 22-year-old remained in their room while they, alongside her grandparents, tried in vain to calm Brandy down.
'I was in my parents' room and I just heard the shot and my dad just yelled, "Help me, help me, help me,''' Jacqueline recalled through tears.
Victor Vela, Brandy's brother, issued a sinister message to her tormentors. 'I'm glad you got what you wanted. I hope this makes you happy,' he said.
The school district said coming to class was a 'safe environment' for the student.
'School was a safe environment for Brandy,' Melissa Tortorici,Texas City Independent school District's director of communications, said in a statement.
'She had a lot of friends and was thought of warmly by her peers and teachers. She did bring it to the school's attention before Thanksgiving break that she was getting harassing messages to her cellphone outside of school.'
Officials could not pin down the bullies at the time and told Brandy to change her phone number instead.
'Our deputy investigated it and the app that was being used to send the messages was untraceable. We encouraged her to change her phone number.'
Two teens who are accused of starting wildfires in Tennessee that left 14 dead, injured 175 and destroyed 2,400 homes and businesses could spend the rest of their lives in jail.
The youths are currently sitting in a Sevier County detention center but if they are convicted of aggravated arson, they could each be facing prison terms of 60 years.
If the duo are slapped with more serious charges, including first-degree murder and are convicted, they could be jailed for life.
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The toll of the wildfires that ravaged Gatlinburg,Tennessee, in recent weeks is staggering with 14 people dead, another 175 injured, and more than 2,400 homes and businesses destroyed
The remains of several businesses smolder in the wake of a wildfire on November 30. Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters estimates the damage to be more than $500 million
Fire erupting on the side of The Spur on Highway 441 between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. In Gatlinburg, smoke and fire caused the mandatory evacuation of downtown and surrounding areas
'If in fact they did set the fire, and they did it on purpose, I cannot think of a punishment severe enough for them,' Kent Emmons, whose home was destroyed, told CNN.
The deadly wildfires caused more than $500 million in damage as they tore through a tourism community in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
'Everything is on the table,' is how local prosecutor James Dunn presents the case against the juveniles, who remain anonymous because they are under the age of 18.
It's not yet known whether prosecutors will charge them as adults.
A bond hearing was supposed to have taken place within three days of their December 7 arrest but so far nothing has been scheduled.
Also, despite charges being levied, authorities have not yet determined if the youths had intentions to do harm to people and property.
Prosecutors are therefor leaving 'everything on the table' before deciding how to proceed.
The next after first-degree murder would be reckless homicide, which is punishable by up to 12 years in prison, or criminally negligent homicide, which is up to six years.
The remains of Cupid's Chapel of Love, in Gatlinburg. Amid deadly wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains, the city nicknamed the wedding capital of the south lost one of its most recognizable places to get hitched
As the full extent of the catastrophic damage reveals itself, authorities who early on suspected arson, have since confirmed that the blaze was man-made
Drought conditions and high winds helped the fire spread through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains
The fires blew into the city on November 28 on gusts around 87 miles per hour that knocked down power lines and started other fires. People fled the city on foot or by car as walls of fire closed in.
The fires damahed more than 2,400 buildings in the Gatlinburg area, including more than 2,100 homes and almost 60 businesses destroyed, officials have said.
Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters put a dollar figure on the damage for the first time at a news conference on Tuesday, where officials also defended their emergency response in the Gatlinburg area and promised to conduct wide-ranging reviews of what can be done better.
For the first time since the fires, Gatlinburg officially reopened to the public Friday, and its main downtown district was largely unharmed.
'It was a great sight, a beautiful sight, to see this weekend our streets once again filled with visitors and locals alike,' Gatlinburg City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle said.
The remains of a home smolder in the wake of the fire. Two Tennessee youths are sitting in a Sevier County detention center while prosecutors decide what will happen to them next
At the time, thousands of people were evacuated from the area with the damage estimated to be around $500 million
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials defended the way they fought the fire, which started November 23 at just 1 acres in a remote part of the park and traveled 5 miles to singe Gatlinburg five days later.
The embers either hopped around, starting new fires that dropped more embers, or the embers somehow sailed airborne for miles. That happens in extreme conditions in the West, but it's 'nearly unheard of' in the East, said Park Deputy Superintendent Clay Jordan.
'First, we believe there was no way we could have controlled the fire prior to the wind event,' Jordan said. 'And second, the reality is that we believe that no number of firefighters or fire engines could have stopped the spread of the fire in such extreme wind conditions.'
Senior Pastor Kim McCroskey inspects a statue outside the remains of the family life center at Roaring Fork Baptist Church in Gatlinburg. The church and the center burned down
Although they've levied charges, authorities have not yet determined what, if any, intentions the two youths had when they first lit the fire
Smoke fills the air and surrounds businesses and resorts in the wake of a wildfire November 30, 2016 in downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The town reopened for business last Friday
Also on Tuesday, Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller further explained why a text message evacuation notice never was sent.
On November 28 at 8:30 p.m. John Mathews of the Sevier County Emergency Management Agency tried to call the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to discuss sending the text, and that was about when two cell towers went down, Miller said.
Miller said TEMA tried to reconnect to get approval of the language of the alert, but couldn't, and didn't send the message because the wording wasn't approved.
'That's important to note because we didn't want an inappropriate message to be disseminated which could have evacuated people toward an area of concern, rather than away from it,' Miller said.
Officials went door-to-door to evacuate people, used social media and news releases and sounded a downtown siren with a spoken message.
A woman from the southernmost town in New Zealand has claimed Prince is the father of her adult son, and he's getting a DNA sample in an attempt to prove it.
Caren McCormack of small South Island town Invercargill claims to have had sex with the iconic pop star in 1976 when she was just 16-years-old and Prince was 17, Stuff.co.nz reported.
Her son, Max Stacey McCormack, has proceeded with DNA testing and samples are waiting to be shipped to the U.S. so the New Zealand family can make a claim on his estate.
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Caren McCormack (pictured) of small South Island town Invercargill claims to have had sex with the iconic pop star in 1976
Ms McCormack said a court in Minnesota gave them until December 12 to confirm they would go ahead with DNA testing.
They did so, and samples provided in August are waiting to be shipped from Auckland, Ms McCormack told Stuff.co.nz.
She said there was no time frame of when to provide the samples and the court was 'sorting out the logistics of the whole thing'.
Caren McCormack (pictured) claims to have slept with Prince when she was just 16-years-old and Prince was 17
Famed singer Prince (pictured) was found dead aged 57 of an overdose of the opioid fentanyl
An address of where to send the samples is yet to be provided, she said.
Prince died in April without a will prepared and no living heirs to his estate.
Ms McCormack said she genuinely believed Prince was the father of her son, even though it sounded so unlikely.
'I realise what the public opinion will be like it's understandable,' she said.
Doubt has been cast over Ms McCormack's claims, as Prince was finishing high school in 1976 and his music career was only just beginning.
There are no records of Prince being in Invercargill that year, and why he would be there.
A judge recently dismissed a claim from Carlin Williams (pictured), an imprisoned rapper who said his mother had sex with Prince in a Kansas City hotel
Invercargill was famously called the 'a**hole of the world' by Rolling Stones' Keith Richards.
A judge recently dismissed a claim from Carlin Williams, an imprisoned rapper who said his mother had sex with Prince in a Kansas City hotel.
The family of a 73-year-old grandfather with dementia who was fatally shot by police is calling his death a murder and want the U.S. Justice Department to investigate.
Rookie cop and former-Marine Reagan Selman, 26, fired seven rounds at a confused Francisco Serna in Bakersfield, California, at around 12:30am Monday.
Police responded to reports that a man was brandishing a firearm in the neighborhood, and a witness pointed to Serna, who had both hands 'concealed inside his jacket', according to police.
But the elderly man was unarmed, and instead of a gun, police found a dark colored simulated wood-grain crucifix.
His family is calling his death a murder and want an independent investigation into the shooting to be conducted.
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Officer Reagan Selman (left) fired seven rounds around 12.30am Monday, and killed Francisco Serna (right) in Bakersfield, California even though the 73-year-old was unarmed, police said
Serna had five children and was a 'retired grandpa, just living life,' his son said. Family members said he exhibited signs of dementia, and took walks at night when he couldn't sleep
Selman (pictured) has been a member of the Bakersfield force since July 2015 after a stint in Afghanistan. He and six other cops were put on administrative leave pending an investigation
They also want the Justice Department to look into whether police violated Serna's civil rights.
'It's difficult to accept that our dad's life ended so brutally, abruptly and with such excessive violence,' according to a family statement.
'Our dad was treated like a criminal, and we feel like he was left to die alone without his family by his side.'
Serna's son, Rogelio Serna, posted on Facebook that his father had dementia and would go on small walks when he had trouble sleeping.
'Last night he took his last walk,' he wrote.
The tragic shooting happened moments before Serna's neighbor returned home with a friend and got out of the car in her driveway, only to find the 73-year-old standing behind her with his right hand hidden inside his jacket, according to police.
Sleman (pictured with his wife Crystal) allegedly started firing at Serna less than 30 seconds after arriving on the scene. Serna's family is now calling for an independent investigation into the shooting
Rogelio, above, who goes by Roy, posted a video on Facebook claiming police murdered his father, and pointed to the area where it happened
Serna questioned her about living in the neighborhood, and told her to open the car door so he could have a look inside. The woman's friend complied.
The neighbor saw a 'dark brown or black handled object that she believed was a gun,' and ran inside the house, telling her husband to call the police.
When the husband called 911, he told the dispatch without expressing any doubt that Serna was armed and brandishing a revolver, according to Assistant Police Chief Lyle Martin.
When Selman and several other officers arrived, the neighbor pointed at Serna and yelled, 'That's him!'
The elderly man walked towards them with both hands concealed inside his jacket, and did not follow orders to stop and show his hands, police said.
Selman fired seven rounds at the 73-year-old even though he did not lunge at the officers or exhibit any threatening behavior, Martin said.
Martin also said the police failed to utilize 'lower levels of force'.
Selman was the only officer who opened fire just 20 to 30 seconds after the neighbor yelled, and Serna was pronounced dead in the driveway on the same block of his home.
A search of the scene revealed Serna was not armed. Police found a dark colored crucifix instead.
Selman and six other officers have been put on administrative leave pending an investigation, Martin said.
While the 73-year-old's son claimed he was shot nine times, Martin told reporters on Tuesday that Selman fired seven rounds.
'Right across the street is where the police shot my father with nine bullets to his body, and my dad was not armed,' Rogelio Serna said in a video on Facebook.
'My father was MURDERED by BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT' he wrote.
Rogelio wrote in another post that his father was in the early stages of dementia and would go on walks when he had trouble sleeping.
'My dad did not own a gun. He was a 73-year-old retired grandpa, just living life,' Rogelio Serna told the Times.
Serna's son paid tribute to his father and said: 'He was taken from us sooner than expected. Not from a sickness, but from senseless police'
'He should have been surrounded by family at old age, not surrounded by bullets,' he added.
Serna was a father of five, grandfather of 16 and great-grandfather of five.
He lived with his wife and one of his daughters. He worked at a cotton gin in California's Central Valley until he retired more than a decade ago.
Rogelio Serna said his father had been suffering from delusions and other early signs of dementia over the course of the last year, and his condition had deteriorated in the past month.
Police had visited the house twice before because his confused father activated a medical alarm, Rogelio Serna said.
Rogelio Serna filmed another video on Tuesday, alerting supporters to a candlelight vigil that was being held that day.
He paid tribute to his father and said: 'He was taken from us sooner than expected. Not from a sickness, but from senseless police.'
Rogelio Serna added that his father was not tasered, and said: 'I've got nothing against the police, but it's got to stop against innocent people. Enough is enough already. '
Both guilty of publishing details about a defendant that could prejudice a jury
A Sydney journalist and her employer Yahoo7 face a hefty penalty for publishing a story that resulted in a Melbourne murder jury being discharged.
Victorian Supreme Court Justice John Dixon last month found reporter Krystal Johnson and Yahoo7 guilty of contempt of court for publishing details about a defendant that could prejudice a jury.
Johnson bypassed sub-editors because they were too 'busy' to publish a news story about the trial of Mataio Aleluia on August 17.
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Johnson (pictured outside Supreme Court of Victoria in August) bypassed sub-editors because they were too 'busy' to publish a news story about the trial of Mataio Aleluia on August 17
Sydney journalist Krystal Johnson (second from left) and her employer Yahoo7 (Johnson's boss Simon Wheeler fourth from left) face a hefty penalty for publishing a story that resulted in a Melbourne murder jury being discharged
The finding of contempt can be revealed after a guilty verdict was delivered in Aleluia's retrial on Thursday.
Aleluia was found guilty of murdering mother-of-two Brittany Shamanic Harvie, 22, in a violent rage in Clayton South in June 2015 because he thought she had cheated on him.
In delivering his finding in the contempt matter, Justice Dixon said Aleluia was standing trial for the most serious offence known to the law.
'As a matter of fact, the content of the article clearly had a real and definite tendency to prejudice the accused's trial,' Justice Dixon said.
Crown prosecutor Kerri Judd QC had described the publication of the article as serious contempt.
'What was published was effectively the publication of prior criminal conduct of the same kind alleged in the trial.'
Defence barrister William Houghton QC, in defending the article, had said modern juries should not be equated with 'mere peasants'.
Young Sydney journalist Krystal Johnson (pictured) has been guilty of contempt of court
He said the trial judge, Justice Lex Lasry, had given a stern and solemn warning to the jury to ignore media coverage.
The contempt trial heard there was a 'large spike' in access to the Yahoo7 article the day it was uploaded to the website and it was still receiving hits a day later.
The offending article was accessed about 4000 times in Victoria, the court heard.
Children in England are less fat than they were last year but almost half of primary school children in some parts of the country like London are still too heavy, according to official NHS data. Nationally, only one in 10 youngsters are now obese by the time they start Reception, compared to one in seven in the year Covid struck. Obesity rates also dropped in Year 6, with the proportion too fat falling to just one in five, compared to one in four last year. While obesity rates dropped compared to last year, the NHS Digital report revealed English children are still too fat compared to pre-pandemic. Shockingly almost half of Year 6 children in some parts of the country, like areas of London and Birmingham, are now obese. While obesity rates have been climbing for years, they shot up last year sparking alarm among childhood health experts. There were the Covid lockdowns had stopped children from exercising in public spaces like parks and disrupted PE lessons in schools, leading them to pile on the But NHS Digital has decided to stop calling children who are too fat obese or severely obese. Instead, the health service's data body has opted to refer to such children as those who are 'living with obesity' or 'living with severe obesity'. Health experts criticised the 'clumsy politically correct terminology' as trying to frame obesity as an 'affliction' rather than something people can change.
A vicious thug who stopped to have a smoke as he brutally bashed his girlfriend to death has been found guilty of murder.
Jealous Mataio Aleluia, 20, killed mother-of-two Brittany Harvie, 22, in Melbourne in June last year after he suspected she was cheating on him, a court heard.
Aleluia, who was homeless, first attacked Ms Harvie in the Mitsubishi Magna they were sleeping in, kneeing her in the head.
Jealous Mataio Aleluia (right), 20, killed mother-of-two Brittany Harvie (left), 22, in Melbourne in June last year after he suspected she was cheating on him, a court heard
He then dragged her out of the car and beat her over the head for 15 minutes, prosecutor Andrew Tinney told the murderer's first trial, which was called off after a news story by Yahoo 7 News was found to be in contempt of court.
The jury also heard how he punched Ms Harvie several times in the chest and stomach as she pleaded with him, telling him that he loved him and would never leave him.
At one point during the attack, Aleluia stopped to roll and smoke a cigarette.
Aleluia then placed her lifeless body in the front passenger seat of the car, covering it with clothes and a blanket before going to sleep.
He woke the next morning to find his girlfriend dead and went to his family home to tell his sister he had made a terrible mistake.
Aleluia then drove to see his counsellor and was arrested after admitting to killing Ms Harvie.
Ms Harvie had two children who were aged just four and 10 weeks.
Aleluia punched Ms Harvie (pictured) several times in the chest and stomach as she pleaded with him, telling him that he loved him and would never leave him
Aleluia, who was homeless, first attacked Ms Harvie in the Mitsubishi Magna (pictured) they were sleeping in, kneeing her in the head
He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter but was found guilty of murder today.
Aleluia initially confessed to police that he killed Ms Harvie after he became 'crazed' with jealousy.
'I bashed her up man, I bashed her up. I killed my girlfriend for a stupid f*****g reason,' Aleluia told police, prosecutor Mr Tinney said.
George Georgiou, defending, had told the court that Aleluia had acted out of anger and jealousy and realised he had done wrong.
Prosecutors said that the accused believed Ms Harvie had been unfaithful to him but stressed that there was no evidence to suggest that was true.
Aleluia will be sentenced at a later date.
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Terrified civilians that have fled the besieged city of Aleppo could risk becoming caught up in yet another massacre in Idlib, experts have warned as Britain pledges an extra 20million in aid.
A huge convoy of green buses has evacuated the first residents out of besieged Aleppo, which is part of a ceasefire deal that would end years of fighting for the city and mark a major victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebel forces.
A convoy of ambulances and buses with nearly 1,000 people aboard - many of them injured - has driven out of the devastated rebel-held area towards the town of Idlib.
It comes as the UK announced it will provide a further 20million of aid for Syria as Prime Minister Theresa May condemned Assad and his Russian and Iranian supporters.
But Syria's envoy to the UN, Staffan de Mistura has warned that without a political accord for the ceasefire, the violence could move to Idlib, and once again affect those that have fled Aleppo.
An aerial shot showing a line of green buses and ambulances driving in convoy as they evacuate residents out of Aleppo
This morning, at least 20 empty buses (pictured) and five ambulances were ready to pick up evacuees. Syrian state television reported that some 4,000 rebels and their families were to be evacuated
The leader of the eastern part of Aleppo, Brita Hagi Hassan has warned that 50,000 civilians in eastern Aleppo 'are about to be victims of a general massacre'
The convoy of ambulances and buses with nearly 1,000 people aboard - many of them injured - has driven out of the devastated rebel-held area towards the town of Idlib
The buses and ambulances in the convoy make their way to Idlib but have to stop at a crossing point in the Amiriyah District of Aleppo
Residents gather around a green government bus in Aleppo in the hope of getting a seat on board to be evacuated
He said: 'I don't know what will happen in Idlib, but if there is no ceasefire or political accord then it will become the next Aleppo.'
He also added that there were 'not enough' UN observers on the ground at present to observe the evacuation.
Mr de Mistura added: 'There are about 50,000 people, including 40,000 civilians that will go to West Aleppo.
'For those we need to be present to ensure they aren't disturbed.'
He said the remaining 10,000 were made up of between 1,500 to 5,000 fighters and their families, who would be evacuated to Idlib.
His comments come as there were also warnings that tens of thousands 'are about to be victims of a general massacre.'
The leader of the eastern part of Aleppo, Brita Hagi Hassan, appealed to the EU to push for the rescue of 50,000 as the evacuation got underway.
Rescue: A child waves through the window of a bus as it takes civilians to safety in a mass evacuation this morning
A boy lets out a slight grin as his smiling father opens up a window to the bus as the pair escape Aleppo and land in Khan-al-Aassal, west of the city
A little girl bundled up in her winter coat arrives in the town of Idlib after being evacuated out of the besieged city of Aleppo
Two young boys flash the peace sign as the pose for the camera on the buses after being driven away from Aleppo
Hassan, who was invited to address European Union leaders at a summit in Brussels, said history would judge them if they failed to protect the innocent from Assad's regime.
'The 50,000 citizens of eastern Aleppo are only waiting for their deaths after the failure of the international community,' he told reporters alongside EU President Donald Tusk.
'We need an urgent coalition to force the regime and the Iranian militias present on the ground to respect the ceasefire and we need the organisation of the safe exit of civilians,' he said.
Speaking through an interpreter, he added: 'History will not forgive. History is registering the international silence in front of the crimes against humanity in Syria.'
Outside the meeting, he warned civilians in the city could face a 'general massacre'. But Syrian president Bashar Assad said 'history is being made' with the defeat of insurgents of Aleppo.
Evacuees from rebel-held east Aleppo hold up a peace sign as they hang out of the window as they arrive in the town of al-Rashideen, which is held by insurgents
A Syrian waves to the reception party in opposition-controlled Khan al-Aassal region, west of Aleppo, on the first stop of their trip to safety
A youngster hold up a peace sign on board a bus heading west where humanitarian groups will transport the civilians to temporary camps on the outskirts of Idlib and the wounded to field hospitals
A World Health Organization official in Syria helping monitor and carry out the evacuation of people from eastern Aleppo says it's 'going smoothly' and that 'around 1,000 have left
He has been associating himself heavily with the evacuation operation.
In a video message posted on the Syrian presidency's Telegram channel, Assad said 'what is happening is bigger than congratulations', and the footage was beamed on his state TV programmes.
Meanwhile Theresa May has rounded on the Syrian government, Russia and Iran as she called for robust condemnation of events in Syria. The Prime Minister said in Brussels: 'President Assad and his backers in Russia and Iran bear responsibility for the tragedy in Aleppo.'
Rebel fighters and civilians take pictures of the convoy of evacuees from rebel-held east Aleppo, upon their arrival to the town of al-Rashideen, which is held by insurgents
This morning there were already claims that people had been wounded when pro-Assad forces fired on an ambulance convoy leaving the area. Staff from the Syrian Red Crescent group wait near buses as the evacuation gets underway
A convoy of ambulances carrying injured people has moved to a staging area where the first evacuees were expected to arrive for transport to the west of Aleppo province
An injured man is helped as Syrian rebels and their families gather at the rebel-held al-Amiriyah neighbourhood while waiting to be evacuated to the government-controlled area of Ramoussa on the southern outskirts of the city
An injured man and a young boy are driven in an ambulance out of Aleppo after stopping at a crossing point in the east of the city
A little boy wearing a sling is ushered off one of the ambulances that were arriving in the town of Idlib close to Aleppo
Younger Syrians pulled together to help the elderly residents of Aleppo with two men carrying an older man during the evacuation
A man holds the Syrian flag bearing a portrait of the Syrian president as residents in a government-held area of Aleppo gather in the street during an evacuation operation today
The leader of the eastern part of Aleppo, Brita Hagi Hassan (pictured), appealed to the EU to push for the rescue of 50,000 as the evacuation got underway
Syrians evacuated from rebel-held neighbourhoods in the embattled city of Aleppo, celebrate as they arrive in the opposition-controlled Khan al-Aassal region, west of the city
The Russian military's Center for Reconciliation says 's preparing for the rebels' exit together with the Syrian government. It says Syrian authorities have given security guarantees to all rebels willing to leave Aleppo
And announcing another 20million in aid for Syria after a European Council meeting, where she discussed the situation in Aleppo.
She added: 'We have discussed a number of issues here today at this European Council meeting, including how to deal with migration issues, also strengthening Europe's security.
'But perhaps the most important issue we discussed was the appalling situation in Syria.
'We heard from the mayor of eastern Aleppo, he had one plea for us: to allow the safe evacuation of the people in the city.
'President Assad and his backers, Russia and Iran, bear responsibility for the tragedy in Aleppo.
'They must now allow the United Nations to ensure the safe evacuation of the civilians who are left there.
'The UK is going to provide a further 20 million of practical support for those who are most vulnerable.
'The mayor of east Aleppo said to us that we can't bring back those who are lost but we can save those who remain and that is what we must now do.'
Turkey's deputy prime minister said today that up to 100,000 civilians could end up being evacuated from the city with Turkey possibly setting up a huge camp in Syria for displaced civilians.
THE TRUCE EXPLAINED: TERMS OF THE EVACUATION At least 4,000 rebels and their families will be evacuated from the last opposition-held districts of Syria's Aleppo, under the terms of the latest truce. A convoy of 20 buses and 10 ambulances have been lined up to transport the first wave of residents towards the Idlib province, which is controlled by a powerful rebel alliance that includes the extremist Fateh al-Sham Front. Russia says it has launched drones to monitor the evacuation, which will see buses travel through the government-controlled south-western district of Ramousseh towards the rebel-held town of Khan Touman, about five miles away. At least 4,000 rebels and their families will be evacuated from the last opposition-held districts of Syria's Aleppo, under the terms of the latest truce The UN's Syria humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland said that while most of those evacuated will go to Idlib, others may choose to go on to camps in Turkey, A man id pictured receiving treatment after arrival in opposition-held areas west of the city The UN's Syria humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland said that while most of those evacuated will go to Idlib, others may choose to go on to camps in Turkey. The Russian military's Center for Reconciliation says it's preparing for the rebels' exit together with the Syrian government. It says Syrian authorities have given security guarantees to all rebels willing to leave Aleppo. A source close to the regime with knowledge of the negotiations initially said the army would 'receive the names of all evacuees' but subsequently said it was unclear if such a list would be turned over. The issue of the handover of a list of names had reportedly been one factor in the collapse of the earlier deal. The source also said the agreement would involve the evacuation of sick and wounded residents of Fuaa and Kafraya, two government-held villages in Idlib province that are besieged by rebel forces. Russia says it has launched drones to monitor the evacuation, which will see buses travel through the government-controlled south-western district of Ramousseh towards the rebel-held town of Khan Touman, about five miles away Observation: A pro-Assad soldier watches out over Aleppo as a convoy carrying injured fighters and civilians moves out of the city The United Nations was not involved in mediating the evacuation deal but was ready to monitor and accompany evacuees all the way to their destination, Egeland said. Russia confirmed at a meeting with the UN 'that this is a swift, unbureaucratic, non-intrusive evacuation and no harm will meet those who are evacuated,' Egeland told reporters in Geneva. 'It's a three-pronged evacuation - of wounded and sick, of vulnerable civilians, and evacuation of fighters,' he said. 'All in all it surely must be well over 1,000, it could be in the thousands.' The U.N. had contingencies to receive 100,000 people in Idlib, he said, but that was not an end to the problem, Egeland said. The U.N. was in contact with Turkey about the possibility of setting up 'major new camps'. 'I am afraid for what may come when this operation is over, both for the people of Idlib and all of the other areas that are still contested and where there are hundreds of thousands displaced in the middle of a war zone,' Egeland said. Advertisement
Earlier, children from the only orphanage left standing in ravaged eastern Aleppo who lost their parents in the brutal bombing recorded a heart-rending video message pleading with the international community for help.
In the harrowing footage obtained by MailOnline, 10-year-old Yasmin Kanuz says she believes this 'may be the last time you see me or hear my voice'.
Watched by about 30 pale-faced, silent children, including babies and toddlers, the child reveals how her parents were killed by Syrian warplanes - and then begs the outside world for help.
One little girl, wearing a pink woolly hat and a striped jumper, said: 'I have been living there for two years with my parents, who were killed by Syrian warplanes,' she says, standing among a crowd of children lit by a weak lightbulb.
'I appeal to human rights organisations and children's rights organisations all over the world to help us get out of Aleppo right now.
'There are 47 children with me here and I consider them all my brothers and sisters. We need to get some food and water as we are starving.
'All of us here love peace. We cannot get out of the centre of the city because of the heavy, barbaric shelling all around us.
A still image taken from drone footage and released by Russia's Defence Ministry shows what is said to be the evacuation getting underway this morning
Drone footage captured the moment buses made their way out of the city earlier today. An initial 1,000 people have been evacuated
Syrian president Bashar Assad said 'history is being made' with the defeat of insurgents of Aleppo. In a video message posted on the Syrian presidency's Telegram channel on Thursday, Mr Assad said that 'what is happening is bigger than congratulations'
A World Health Organization official in Syria helping monitor and carry out the evacuation of people from eastern Aleppo says it's 'going smoothly' and that 'around 1,000' have left
A man carries an elderly woman on his back alongside one of the many buses leaving the battered Syrian city of Aleppo
A man hangs out of the window of one of the buses heading west out of Aleppo in an evactuation operation President Bashar al-Assad has been associating himself heavily with
A convoy carrying the first evacuees from rebel-held parts of the Syrian city of Aleppo arrived in opposition territory
A man holds his hand to his head and weeps after finally managing to escape the besieged city of Aleppo amid a ceasefire
Staff from the International Red Cross and from the Syrian Red Crescent were called in to monitor the evacuation
Trapped residents were seen taking trolley-loads of belongings along the street as they waited to be evacuated
On the move: A government bus - bearing a flag with an image of Bashar al-Assad - arrives at a check point before the evacuation this morning
The ceasefire in Aleppo was restored last night, just hours after it collapsed amid claims of backsliding by Syrian president Bashar al-Assad
'We are too afraid of the war planes, and kindly ask you to try and get us out of here. We want to live like all the other people and children in the world. Please.'
About 18 adults have been looking after the children at the the Moumayazoun (Outstanding Guys) orphanage, including cooks, teachers and psychologists. They have been funded by charitable donations by well-wishers both in Syria and abroad.
However, according to Muhammad Azraq, the director, eight members of staff decided to leave when the bombing intensified, leaving just 10 brave adults behind who decided to 'stay until the end'.
'I will stay and protect the children. They are like my brothers and my own children. If I didn't care about them, I would have left long ago,' he told MailOnline.
'The children in the orphanage asked me to make the video and send their words to show the world what is happening in Aleppo.'
The youngest child in his care, a 10-month-old baby, was rescued from beneath the rubble last month, he said. The baby's entire family were killed in the bombardment.
Children from the only orphanage left standing in ravaged eastern Aleppo who lost their parents in the brutal bombing have recorded a heartrending video message pleading with the international community for help
In harrowing footage obtained by MailOnline, 10-year-old Yasmin Kanuz says she believes this 'may be the last time you see me or hear my voice'
According to Muhammad Azraq (pictured), the orphanage director, eight members of staff decided to leave when the bombing intensified, leaving just 10 brave adults behind who decided to 'stay until the end'
Hundreds gathered as they waited for buses and ambulances to arrive in the rebel-held area this morning
A wounded boy sits inside an ambulance as Syrian civilians and their families gather at the rebel-held al-Amiriyah neighbourhood ahead of being evacuated
PRESIDENT BASHAR AL-ASSAD HAS 'NO FUTURE IN SYRIA', ACCORDING TO THE UK DEFENCE SECRETARY Minutes after President Assad (pictured right, left) said 'history is being made' after 'liberating' Aleppo from rebel groups, Britain and the US said there was no future for him in Syria. UK Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon also lashed out at Vladimir Putin (pictured right, right) for his role in the worsening humanitarian crisis, telling a press conference in London today that Aleppo is 'a tragedy of Russia's making'. Speaking alongside US Defence Secretary Ash Carter in a show of strength from the Western allies, Sir Michael said: 'We don't see for a future for President Assad in Syria even if he defeats the opposition in Aleppo there is no victory in bombing hospitals, in restricting humanitarian aid and ending up in a country that you only control 40 per cent of and is half destroyed with millions dispersed and hundreds of thousands killed. 'We don't see a future for Syria with Assad on the contrary we continue working for apolitical settlement in Syria that is genuinely purist that can involve all sectors of Syrian society.' He added: 'Aleppo is a tragedy of Russia's making but that is not going to distract us from our central purpose which to degrade and defeat Daesh which in the end is a menace, a menace to the world, as well as the people of Iraq and Syria.' Advertisement
'The situation for thee children is very bad,' he said. 'They are starving, thirsty and scared, and they cannot leave the orphanage because of the heavy shelling. Abdulrahman, a 10-year-old, went outside and was suddenly wounded by shrapnel.'
The Moumayazoun (Outstanding Guys) orphanage was set up last year to provide care to the increasing numbers of children who have lost their parents in the brutal five-year conflict.
Many of their mothers and fathers were killed by bombs, while others became mentally ill or were separated from their children by the war. Moumayazoun became the only orphanage able to function.
The orphanage moved below ground when the bombing campaign intensified, and the children, the oldest of whom is 14, are now forced to sleep two floors underground. Many now barely see the light of day.
The ceasefire in Aleppo was restored last night, just hours after it collapsed amid claims of backsliding by Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.
Syrians gather at the rebel-held al-Amiriyah neighbourhood as they wait to be evacuated to the government-controlled area
A convoy of 20 buses and 10 ambulances have been lined up to transport the first wave of residents towards the Idlib province, which is controlled by a powerful rebel alliance that includes the extremist Fateh al-Sham Front
Russia, Syrian military sources and rebel officials confirmed that a new agreement had been reached after a first evacuation plan collapsed yesterday
Russian president Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan held urgent talks in a bid to rescue the truce
A truce brokered by Russia and Turkey came to a deadly end yesterday with seven killed in fresh clashes and jets seen pounding the city once again. A fresh attempt to evacuate residents is being made today
Russian president Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan are due to hold urgent talks in a bid to rescue the truce. Evacuees are pictured on a bus heading out of the city this morning
Syrian pro-government forces patrol the embattled city of Aleppo after airstrikes and shelling sent terrified residents running through the streets. An injured man waits to be evacuated from the city
Rebels in the city said that the truce deal would be implemented once again to allow the safe evacuation of fighters and civilians from eastern Aleppo.
This morning, at least 20 empty buses and five ambulances were ready to pick up evacuees. Syrian state television reported that some 4,000 rebels and their families were due to be evacuated.
Spokesmen for three rebel groups said that implementation of the deal was due to have started on Thursday at 5am. The International Committee of the Red Cross will help with transporting injured rebels out of Aleppo.
Russia's defence ministry said its soldiers are now preparing to lead rebels out of the city under orders from President Vladimir Putin.
But this morning there were reports that pro-Syrian government fighters had opened fire on a convoy as it prepared to leave rebel-held eastern districts.
Smoke is seen billowing in the background yesterday as deadly clashes erupted - despite attempts to broker a peace
Terrified women in Aleppo have started killing themselves to escape being raped by Assad's soldiers after the Syrian ceasefire collapsed, it has been claimed. Pictures show how buildings have been reduced to ruins
There were conflicting claims about why fighting broke out yesterday. Russia claims rebels had resumed fighting at dawn and that Assad's forces had moved to repel the attacks
'The convoy was shot at by regime forces and we have three injured, one of them from civil defence ... They were brought back to besieged areas,' Ahmed Sweid told the pro-opposition Orient TV.
The White Helmets' official photographer told MailOnline that two rescuers and three patients were injured in the attack.
He added: 'Two of our volunteers were wounded by a regime sniper while clearing the ambulance route in western Aleppo using a heavy vehicle.
'They were trying to open the road so the al-Ramosa neighbourhood could be evacuated.'
Mr Khatib, who named the two injured rescuers as Mohammed al-Zahra and Bebars Mishal, was deeply saddened by the attack.
Barely able to put his anguish into words, he explained: 'I don't know what to say. Assad and the Russians are criminals.'
He claimed the Putin-backed Syrian regime has killed 153 volunteers from the organisation which was this year nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Orient TV also said a first group of wounded people had reached the Ramousah area on their way out of eastern Aleppo.
Syrian troops were poised to recapture all of the country's war-torn second city. Rights group Amnesty International has described global inaction over the siege as 'shameful'
Another activists, Lina shamy, warned that the 'revolutionaries will fight until the last breath'. Explosions could be heard over head
Activist Mojahed Abu Joud filmed himself walking around the bomb ravaged city as war planes and shells battered the area
An official with an Aleppo rebel group said the first convoy had crossed out of the eastern district, but later said it was only half way along the road out of the besieged rebel enclave where it had stopped.
A Reuters witness in nearby government-held territory heard a burst of gunfire that lasted several minutes
'The first batch of wounded civilians, their relatives, and some other civilian families is being prepared,' said Ahmad al-Dbis, who heads a unit of doctors and other volunteers that are coordinating the evacuation of wounded people.
'The gathering point for civilians and wounded in Aleppo city is in Al-Amiriyah, and people are starting to board the buses now,' Dbis said, speaking to AFP from a rebel-held area in the west of Aleppo province.
He said about 200 people were expected to be evacuated on three buses and head to a handover point in rebel-held territory.
A source close the regime with knowledge of the negotiations said the army 'will receive the names of all evacuees,' as part of the deal.
VIGILS ARE HELD FOR CIVILIANS TRAPPED IN ALEPPO A crowd gathers in Centenary Square in Bradford for a vigil in honour of the civilians still trapped in the Syrian city of Aleppo A woman takes the microphone and gives a speech during the vigil for Aleppo in Bradford city centre earlier this evening Campaigners in Bradford have held a candle light vigil for the people of Aleppo who are still trapped in the city. Hundreds gathered in Bradford's Centenary Square, where people gave speeches and held up signs saying 'Bradford stands with the people of Aleppo. Some people even came donning white hats to honour the work of the voluntary organisation The White Helmets, who act as first-responders in Syria. The vigil mirrors thousands that have taken place across the world as people raise fears of a humanitarian crisis in Aleppo. Two young women hold up a sign saying 'Save Humanity' and '#AleppoBleeds' at the vigil in Bradford this evening The vigil in Bradford mirrors thousands that have taken place across the world as people raise fears of a humanitarian crisis in Aleppo Advertisement
The issue of the handover of a list of names had reportedly been one factor in the collapse of the earlier deal.
The source also said the agreement would involve the evacuation of sick and wounded residents of Fuaa and Kafraya, two government-held villages in Idlib province that are besieged by rebel forces.
The evacuation from the sliver of territory that remained under rebel control was supposed to begin at dawn on Wednesday, but shelling resumed in the morning.
Rebels accused the Syrian government and its allies of derailing the deal. But Ahmed Karali, spokesman for the Ahrar Sham rebel group, said on Wednesday that the deal was subsequently salvaged.
He added that the first group of wounded people and civilians was due to leave the conflict zone early on Thursday morning.
It comes amid reports that women have started killing themselves to avoid being subjected to sex attacks by Assad's soldiers.
Russia claims 6,000 civilians, among them 2,000 children, have left rebel-held districts over the past 24 hours and that 366 rebels had laid down their arms
The organised pull out, brokered by Russia and Turkey, was expected to begin around 5am after a ceasefire was finally agreed yesterday
In a message passed to MailOnline, Um Qusai, 40, begged the outside world to 'please get me out of here' as she revealed that frightened women are prepared to end their lives to avoid being tortured in the war-torn city.
As a truce aimed at evacuating thousands of trapped residents collapsed yesterday morning, Qusai said: 'We're not afraid of death. We're afraid of rape and torture'.
'Women are preparing to commit suicide out of fear of rape,' she added in a message from inside the city. 'Are you hearing us? We are Syrian women Aleppo women. Please get me out of here, because rape I cannot stand. We do not fear death but we are afraid of rape and torture.'
One rebel group has claimed that up to 20 women had killed themselves over fears they would be subjected to sex attacks by soldiers.
There were conflicting claims about why fighting broke out earlier yesterday. Russia said that the rebels had resumed fighting at dawn and that Assad's forces had moved to repel the attacks.
Rebels accused Iran of reneging on the deal. Along with Russia, Iran backs Assad and has committed advisers and elite Revolutionary Guard forces to the war. Turkey backs the rebels fighting to topple the President.
Assad has claimed that western countries are seeking a ceasefire in the northern city of Aleppo in order to save 'the terrorists'. He said in an interview yesterday that the ceasefire was intended to slow his advance into the city and to 'keep the terrorists and save them.'
Media activist Mahmoud Raslan said aircraft bombed the rebel Ansari district 'as if there's no such thing as a ceasefire or evacuation of civilians.'
Residents of Corpus Christi, Texas, are being warned not to use tap water after possible contamination by an unknown chemical.
The city blames a recent 'back-flow incident' in the industrial district. Officials are telling its 300,000 residents to use only bottled water until the safety of the tap water can be confirmed.
Multiple stores in the area are sold out of bottled water.
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The 300,000 residents of Corpus Christi, Texas, are warned not to drink the tap water because it may contain a dangerous 'oil-based petroleum chemical'
According to the city's release, 'boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting the water stand will not make the water safe'.
Officials were notified about dirty water near the downtown area, city spokesman Kim Womack said. Investigators traced it to an area between two industrial companies.
The city suspects an 'oil-based petroleum chemical' is the culprit, Womack told the Caller-Times.
Womack said the city is working with industry, state regulators and consultants to fix the situation as quickly as possible.
Local schools have cancelled classes as a precautionary measure.
The municipal water supply in Flint, Michigan, became contaminated with lead in April 2014
Corpus Christi is the latest city in the country to have a water supply scare since the crisis in Flint, Michigan.
In April 2014, Flint's municipal water supply was poisoned with lead that leached from old pipes.
This raised concerns that US cities aren't maintaining its infrastructure and are allowing industrial pollution.
Millions of Americans drink water with cancer-causing chemicals, according to a study published in August in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
The study examined 36,000 water samples collected by the Environmental Protection Agency between 2013 and 2015.
A pair of Irish backpacker friends found themselves on the front line in Iraq after a boozy night out with a Canadian soldier, it has emerged.
Craig Reynolds, 24, and William Meara, 26, had been in the Middle East for several weeks before they made friends with a group of Kurds fighting ISIS.
The two men, from Dublin, say a Canadian freedom fighter they met in the Kurdish city of Sulaymaniyah then introduced them to a friend during a late night drinking session.
Irish backpacker friends, Craig Reynolds (holding the gun), 24, and William Meara (to Craig's right), 26, found themselves on the front line in Iraq after a boozy night out with a Canadian soldier, it has emerged
Craig Reynolds (left), 24, and William Meara (right), 26, had been in the Middle East for several weeks before they made friends with Kurdish fighters fighting ISIS
The two men, from Dublin, say a Canadian freedom fighter then introduced them to a friend during a late night drinking session
The following day, they ended up on the front line at the Daquq Peshmerga military base in northern Iraq.
They were taken to a bunker where, just a week earlier, a Kurdish fighter had been gunned down by an ISIS sniper.
Mr Meara told the Irish Independent: 'We must have said something when we were out with him the night before and that's how he got the idea.
'Before we knew it we were meeting all of these high-profile officials. There was a commander of the local area with us.
'It was absolutely terrifying to be honest. It was probably one of the scariest things I've ever done.'
According to the Irish Independent they had been convinced to jump on to the back of a military people character 'after a couple of whiskies' and were told to dress in army clothing.
Mr Meara said three soldiers had been killed at the outpost by ISIS fanatics in the last month.
The following day, they ended up on the front line at the Daquq Peshmerga military base in northern Iraq.
Mr Reynolds and Mr Meara, who had been travelling across the region for the previous two months, posted pictures of their experience online
Adventure: Mr Meara described experience as 'one of the scariest things I've ever done'
Eventually the men were told it was no longer safe for them to be in the area because they had no military training
Pictures show the men posing with Kurdish fighters and, in one photo, Mr Reynolds is seen holding a gun.
Mr Reynolds and Mr Meara, who had been travelling across the region for the previous two months, posted pictures of their experience online.
At one point they were told to put their cameras away with fighters telling them 'no stand back, this is serious'.
Eventually they were told it was no longer safe for them to be in the area because they had no military training.
Kurdish peshmerga fighters - whose name literally means 'those who face death' - have proven vital US allies in the war against ISIS, which seized a third of the country in 2014 when Iraqi forces collapsed.
Kurdish peshmerga fighters - whose name literally means 'those who face death' - have proven vital US allies in the war against ISIS, which seized a third of the country in 2014 when Iraqi forces collapsed
The two men admitted they 'must have said something' when they were out the night before that prompted their journey to the front line
Bad news: EU leaders last night tried to hand Theresa May a 50billion bill for Brexit - only hours after leaving her friendless on her arrival in Brussels
EU leaders are trying to handTheresa May a 50billion bill for Brexit - only hours after leaving her friendless on her arrival in Brussels.
The Prime Minister was left awkwardly looking around for a fellow leader to greet at the start of a tense European Council summit, while her counterparts hugged and kissed each other. She ended up taking a seat on her own.
At the end of the meeting she also returned to the UK without dinner while the remaining 27 EU leaders discussed their tactics in the Brexit negotiations.
But they did find time to threaten Britain with a Brexit divorce bill of up to 50billion, including payments to cover pensions for EU staff.
Czech minister Tomas Prouza told Sky News the demand would form part of the negotiations.
He said: 'We're talking about payments to the existing budget that the UK already voted for.'
When asked if the British people should expect a bill worth tens of billions of pounds, Mr Prouza added: 'Definitely. We would expect the UK would honour its commitments. It will be one of the first issues coming up on the table.'
French former minister Michel Barnier is believed to have told EU leaders the same figure during his tour of EU capitals.
And it is reportedly the same figure that was mentioned to Brussels-based diplomats during a meeting last month.
Theresa May, who was not invited to dinner with the other EU leaders, leaves the European Summit in Brussels looking glum after talks with other EU leaders
An EU government minister told Sky News that the bill will be one of the first hurdles that is discussed as soon as Theresa May triggers Article 50.
Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has told EU minister of the 50bn figure during meetings
Meanwhile, a separate EU source also told the network: 'We were told 50-60 billion euros. We were told informally at sherpa level.'
It is believed the bill has been calculated to include the obligation for Britain to pay into the EU budget until the end of 2020.
Other associated costs include outstanding pensions liabilities, and payments in connection with loan guarantees.
However, a Downing Street spokesman insisted that any future costs to Britain will be 'open to negotiation.'
The figure comes as the Prime Minister was in Brussels yesterday warning a 'smooth and orderly Brexit' was in everyone's interest amid claims the talks could take a decade.
In a highly symbolic event, Mrs May's counterparts from the 27 other EU nations were also meeting without the presence of the UK's Prime Minister in order to agree how to approach the Brexit talks.
Following the summit, Mrs May departed looking glum without answering questions on Brexit following the end of the formal European Council summit, leaving the other leaders behind.
Mrs May was earlier told in talks with senior members of the European Parliament that there will be 'complexities and difficulties' in the Brexit negotiations, as Downing Street rejected suggestions a final deal could take a decade.
Mrs May's woes came as Czech minister Tomas Prouza told Sky News the 50bn demand would form part of the negotiations
It comes after it emerged Britain's ambassador to the trading bloc warned the Government finalising a Brexit trade deal could take 10 years.
Sir Ivan Rogers, the UK's ambassador to the EU, privately warned ministers in October striking a Brexit trade deal could take 10 years
Sir Ivan Rogers reported the views of Brussels officials and other EU leaders to Downing Street in October, the BBC said.
The startling claim emerged just a day after Brexit Secretary David Davis told MPs a short 18 month timetable to hammer out a deal was possible.
Mrs May did not directly address the 10 year timetable - which has been played down by No 10.
As she arrived, Mrs May said: 'I welcome the fact the other leaders will be meeting to discuss Brexit tonight.
'As we are going to invoke Article 50 and trigger Brexit by the end of March next year, it is right the other leaders prepare for those negotiations as we have been preparing.
'We will be leaving the EU, we want that to be a smooth and orderly process as possible - it's not just in our interests, it's in the interests of Europe as well.'
Sir Ivan Rogers warned ministers in October that other EU members believe a trade deal may not be hammered out until the early to mid-2020s, according to the BBC.
The main business of the summit is on the migration crisis. The rest of the EU will discuss Brexit tonight once Mrs May has left
Mrs May held a meeting with Latvian PM Maris Kucinskis in Brussels on the fringes of the EU summit today as she continues preparation for official Brexit talks next year
Even when complete, it will then have to go through a marathon and hazardous process of ratification in all the other EU states.
He also reportedly said European leaders believe the deal is likely to be a free trade arrangement rather than continued single market membership.
WHAT DOES THE DIVORCE BILL COVER? The huge 'divorce' bill set to be presented to the UK by Brussels is intended to settle all joint liabilities. Payments could continue until around 2020, under the proposals - after we formally leave the bloc. The UKs share would include covering part of the hundreds of billions of as yet unfunded budget commitments. The EU has gone on a spending spree following the enlargement to 28 members, and many projects such as motorways and infrastructure in eastern states have been completed based on pledges that Brussels will contribute later. The value of these liabilities was said to total 218billion euros in 2015. Meanwhile, pensions for Eurocrats are thought to amount to more than 60billion euros. The EU is insisting that the UK will be on the hook for a share of all the retirement handouts - not just those for around 1,700 British officials. A range of other smaller liabilities could add billions more. Advertisement
A No 10 spokesman said the Government was not familiar with the remarks attributed to Sir Ivan and remained positive it could broker a Brexit deal.
He said: 'We don't recognise this.
'The Government is fully confident of negotiating a deal to exit the EU that works in the interest of both the UK and the rest of Europe.'
At a briefing in Westminster, Mrs May's official spokesman said the remarks were not Sir Ivan's 'personal view' but those express to him in Europe.
The spokesman said the Government still believed it was possible to do a deal on leaving the EU that allowed the 'maximum possible access' to the single market within the two year Article 50 negotiating window.
A senior source said: 'It is wrong to suggest this was advice from our ambassador to the EU.
'Like all ambassadors, part of his role is to report the views of others.'
Vote Leave campaigner Dominic Raab dismissed the warning from Sir Ivan today, insisting it was the 'worst time' for the EU to erect trade barriers that would damage its own interests.
Mr Raab told the Today programme: 'He was the diplomat who persuaded David Cameron to dilute his ambitions for the renegotiation, which was one reason the referendum was lost. So, he has been rather scarred, in fairness, by his own pessimistic advice in the past.
Theresa May, pictured at the Military Awards last night, is in Brussels today for a regular EU summit amid warnings Brexit could take 10 years
'But, I think it's reasonable to set out the very worst case scenario for a five to 10-year period to iron out all the details of a trade deal.
'I respect the Foreign Office's professionalism, but they have always been very pro-EU, and very anti-leaving the EU.
'Let's not be consumed by Sir Ivan's gloomy pessimism, let's get behind the Government, let's set out the case for a strong, post-Brexit relationship with the EU on trade, security, and other areas.'
But Labour grandee Peter Mandelson warned a long time scale was 'realistic'.
In evidence to a Commons committee, Lord Mandelson said: 'It will not be achieved simply or quickly.
'While we can't be certain about how long it will take, a time-span of between five and 10 years seems to me realistic.'
Former cabinet secretary Gus O'Donnell has told the BBC Westminster Hour the deal will take 'at least five years... maybe longer.'
Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (left) and Council President Donald Tusk (right) are the senior officials in Brussels charged with orchestrating a deal with Brussels
Later tonight, the remaining 27 EU leaders will discuss Brexit during a dinner to which Britain has not been invited.
British sources welcomed the talks among other leaders, saying they showed that the EU recognised that the UK would be leaving the bloc as promised by Mrs May.
Vote Leave supporter Dominic Raab dismissed Sir Ivan's warning
The discussion will decide how the EU will organise itself for the talks which will follow Mrs May triggering Article 50, the formal legal mechanism which officially begins the two-year countdown to Brexit.
A Number 10 source said: 'It shows that they are facing up to the reality that the UK is leaving the EU, that we are going to be triggering Article 50 by the end of March.
'That means they are going to need to know how they are going to handle the process where they have got to work out the position of 27.'
The 27 national leaders are expected to agree the plan over a working dinner in the Belgian capital.
But there could be complications as MEPs claimed the leaders' plan - revealed in a leaked draft - sidelined the European Parliament's Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt.
The former Belgian prime minister said: 'If the government leaders do not take the European Parliament's role seriously, we'll negotiate directly with the British.
'If that's what they want, they'll get it.'
Giving officials from president Jean-Claude Juncker's European Commission the central role could also weaken the ability of Mrs May and her ministers to use their influence directly with counterparts in other governments to secure a favourable Brexit deal.
NICK CLEGG WARNS SECURITY WILL BE HURT BY QUITTING EU COURT Theresa May's determination to take the UK out of the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice is likely to be 'a serious stumbling block' to the country's post-Brexit safety, Nick Clegg has claimed. In a new report, the Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman warned the UK could be cut off from access to crime databases and victims of crime could face long waits for justice if Britain fails to maintain the police and security elements of EU membership. The UK could tumble out of EU co-operation measures on crime and security in 2019 unless it secures an 'unprecedented' deal in Article 50 negotiations, warned Mr Clegg. Speaking to the Conservative conference in October, the Prime Minister vowed: 'We will be free to pass our own laws.' Advertisement
Mr Schulz and Mr Verhofstadt, who met Mrs May before the summit, are furious at the prospect of being sidelined, as MEPs will have to approve any deal.
In his address to the European Council, Mr Schulz warned the assembled leaders that a failure to fully involve the parliament could result in MEPs vetoing any deal, resulting in the 'hardest Brexit possible'.
Earlier, in talks with Mrs May, Downing Street said Mr Schulz and Mr Verhofstadt said they wanted a 'constructive process' and 'while we recognise there may be complexities and difficulties at times, because that is the nature of any negotiation, overall we should keep our focus on: how do we get to the right outcome at the end?'
Mr Schulz, who is leaving his role as European Parliament president, was emotional as he talked about Brexit at a farewell press conference, warning it would weaken the EU.
'My feeling is that on both sides we have underestimated the drama behind Brexit. I myself during the past month have learned more about the real dramatic situation in which we are.
'There is a G7 country, the second (largest) economy in the single market of the EU, it has a veto power on the Security Council of the United Nations, leaving the European Union. This is weakening the EU without any doubt.'
But he added that the UK's economic strength was due to its single market membership.
He said: 'This is not a win-win situation for both sides.'
The Prime Minister will also meet Latvian prime minister Maris Kucinskis and Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite, meaning that she will have held talks with leaders from all EU countries apart from Austria and Bulgaria by the time the summit starts.
Yesterday, in one of the clearest signals yet on the direction of the talks, the Brexit Secretary said it was vital to respect the referendum demand for lower migration.
Mr Davis said he believed that the UK's Brexit deal should be 'negotiable' within the 18-month timetable set out by Michel Barnier, the chief Brexit negotiator for the EU.
He played down suggestions that the EU will take a punitive approach to negotiations.
In one of the clearest signals yet on the direction of the talks, Brexit Secretary David Davis (pictured during his evidence to Parliament yesterday) said it was vital to respect the referendum demand for lower migration
In his first evidence session with the Brexit committee, Mr Davis said it was not his job to set immigration policy only to regain complete control over it.
DOES BREXIT REALLY MEAN BREXIT? CHECK THE DICTIONARY Theresa May famously declared that 'Brexit means Brexit', but now the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has come up with its own definition. Six months after the Prime Minister first delivered the elusive explanation, lexicographers have clarified that 'Brexit' is 'the (proposed) withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, and the political process associated with it'. The definition continues: 'Sometimes used specifically with reference to the referendum held in the UK on 23rd June 2016, in which a majority of voters favoured withdrawal from the EU.' Lexicographers said the word filled an empty space in the language, but is now used globally to describe the phenomenon - appearing in many foreign language newspapers. Advertisement
Asked if border control would be up for negotiation, Mr Davis said: 'No.'
The move suggests the Government will completely leave the EU's free movement of workers system - implying a full exit from the single market.
Mr Davis also told the MPs - led by senior Labour MP Hilary Benn - the Government would not publish its Brexit plan before February.
And the Brexit Secretary admitted he was yet to meet with any ministers in Germany, Europe's biggest economy.
Grilled on migration, Mr Davis told the committee: 'The example I will point you to is the Swiss example.
'They thought they had control over their own migration via an emergency brake system.
'When they tried to exercise it they were unable to because it was tied into so many other treaties.
'What we have to bear in mind is we have to pay respect to the outcome of the referendum, there has got to be clear control by this Parliament.'
The toppled tree later smashed into a car that was parked nearby
Worker looks up as tree falls but then carries on
A Christmas tree is blown over in gale force winds almost ruining the festive season in one Russian town - but a disinterested council worker barely notices.
The moment was captured in the central town square in Mariinsk in Russia's Kemerovo Oblast region.
A man's voice is heard shouting: 'Look, it's falling!' as the tree starts to topple.
A Christmas tree was blown over during strong winds in a small Russian town - but a disinterested council worker (pictured) barely notices.
A council worker, who is clearing the square of snow, looks up as the huge tree crashes to the ground.
But, clearly deciding it has nothing to do with him, he quickly returns to his snow-clearing duties.
The toppled tree later smashed into a car that was parked nearby.
A town council spokesman said: 'The Christmas tree came down because of the strong winds. We're just glad that nobody was hurt.'
The artificial Christmas tree was later put back in its position once the winds had died down.
The video quickly went viral when it was posted online.
The worker, who is clearing the square of snow, looks up as the huge tree crashes to the ground (left). But, clearly deciding it has nothing to do with him, he quickly returns to his snow-clearing duties (right)
One man commented: 'That worker made my day! I wonder what was going through his mind when he saw the tree falling?'
Another added: 'This is hilarious all right, but people could have been hurt.
Two young girls who went missing after leaving a school in London have been found safe and well nearby.
Isabelle Thacker, 12, and Erica Madjidian, 13, were both reported missing to police on Wednesday after failing to return home from lessons in Fulham.
The girls, who were believed to have been together, both attend the same school in West London and have links to the South Kensington and Wandsworth areas.
Found: Isabelle Thacker (left), 12, and Erica Madjidian (right), 13, were both reported missing to police on Wednesday after failing to return home from lessons in Fulham, West London
But the Metropolitan Police revealed last night that both girls were found safe and well in the West Brompton area of the capital at about 11pm yesterday.
Isabelle is a light skinned and 5ft 4in girl with Oriental features and has long, dark brown hair with dyed reddish tips.
She had last been seen wearing a school uniform of a black blazer, black skirt, white shirt and black tights.
It is in the Guinness World Records as the most
Ten firefighters had to don hazmat suits to deal with a spider whose venom can cause deadly four-hour erections.
The alarm was raised by customs officials in Bremerhaven, a harbour city in north-western Germany, and the police were called in to seal off the area after the venomous spider was spotted in a shipping container.
A single bite from the Brazilian wandering spider has been shown to have side-effects including four-hour long erections, loss of muscle control, severe pain, difficulty breathing and if its victim is not treated with anti-venom, could lead to death due to oxygen deprivation.
Ten firefighters had to don hazmat suits to deal with a spider whose venom can cause deadly four-hour erections
A single bite from the Brazilian wandering spider has been shown to have side-effects including four-hour long erections, loss of muscle control, severe pain, difficulty breathing and if its victim is not treated with anti-venom, could lead to death due to oxygen deprivation
The spider, whose scientific name is Phoneutria nigriventer, was spotted in the container during a routine customs check.
Because the spiders bite can cause a fatal allergic shock, the firefighters had to wear the chemical protective suits to open the shaft and flood the container with carbon dioxide from a fire extinguisher.
The spider was killed by the gas and firefighters were able to safely retrieve the dead arachnid from the container afterwards and even dead, emergency services crew still used a shovel to scooped it up
The spider was killed by the gas and firefighters were able to safely retrieve the dead arachnid from the container afterwards.
When it was dead, emergency services crew still had to use a shovel to handle it.
Brazilian wandering spiders appear in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most venomous spider.
They state that although the Brazilian wandering spider venom is the most toxic, anti-venoms that are available are very effective, and therefore there are relatively few bite fatalities.
The spiders, often called banana spiders as well, are mainly found in tropical South America, with one species found in Central America.
A cheese festival held at London's trendy Borough Market has been branded a disaster by punters.
The annual Evening of Cheese event descended into chaos, with many people complaining of not seeing 'a bit of cheese' due to massive crowds.
On the event's official Facebook page, 18,000 said they attended while more than 47,000 people registered their interest in going, leading to 'scuffles' as people battled to make their way through the market.
The few who did manage to squeeze their way to the 'underwhelming' amount of stalls described the producers as 'totally unprepared and totally disorganised'.
Many people blamed a selection of vegans who attended the event to protest against the use of dairy products.
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A cheese festival held at London's trendy Borough Market has been branded a disaster by punters
The annual Evening of Cheese event descended into chaos, with many people complaining of not seeing 'a bit of cheese' due to massive crowds
Posting to the event Facebook page, Emma McCann said: 'What a huge fail, too many people not enough stalls open! Queues for a drink ridiculous!
'The only thing I experienced was abuse from the anti dairy protesters! Worst event I have attended in years.'
Kelly Fox wrote: 'Got there about 6 and it was completely rammed! Couldn't get a look in at any of the stalls.
'At one point we were just stuck in the middle of everyone and no one was moving. I got elbowed in the boob and backpacked in the face.
The few who did manage to squeeze their way to the 'underwhelming' amount of stalls described the producers as 'totally unprepared and totally disorganised'
Many people blamed a selection of vegans who attended the event to protest against the use of dairy products
Borough Market was forced to make a statement online after it was criticised for not ticketing such a popular event
Gave up in the end and went to regents street to look at the Christmas lights. Was looking forward to this all month. Disappointing.'
Facebook user Vron Willis added: 'So disappointed with this event. Very poorly organised.
Not enough stalls, staff could not cope with the crowds and some sellers where totally unprepared and totally disorganised.
Scrums of people waiting and shoving for mulled wine which after a huge wait ran out! What a shambles.'
Barbara Sewell said: 'Was not what we thought it would be. Didn't even see a bit of cheese was so packed.'
This meme was posted by vegans in reply to people who attended the event and complained about the protest online
Some of those in attendance saw the funny side, choosing to poke fun by using cheese puns
While Carissa Heighway added: 'Absolutely ridiculous night of nothing. You should be ashamed to even promote such a debacle.'
Some of those in attendance saw the funny side, with Jamie Brimage posting to the event's Facebook page: 'Mega cheesed off about tonight.
'Poor organisation and the sellers just out to milk it, its like the organisers didn't give Edam.
'I thought when I got there I could Brieeze round the stalls but I was left feeling Blue. You need to do Feta next time.'
Meanwhile others were critical of those complaining about the event.
Posting to the event Facebook page, Emma McCann said: 'What a huge fail, too many people not enough stalls open! Queues for a drink ridiculous!'
A selection of photographs from the night, which shows stalls overwhelmed with punters
Amalia Di Prosecco said: '"A debacle", "shambolic", "disaster", and my own favourite: "You should be ashamed".
'I'm sorry - we are still talking about a free cheese night and not the war in South Sudan, the famine in Yemen or the well-documented Syrian invasion aren't we?
'We aren't talking about the poverty in our own backyard, the 5-10,000 rough street sleepers in London tonight I take it. Phew.
'Get a grip you pretentious beard sporting, (faux) guardian reading, skinny jean wearing no f***ing sense of what anything is worth unless money is involved, middle class, white, spoilt, lacking in manners, c**kwombles.
'And yes, I popped in tonight. And yes there were queues. The queues didn't put me off - it was what was f***ing in them that did.'
Meanwhile others were critical of those complaining about the event, pointing to issues in Syria and Yemen in comparison
Darren Henaghan, Managing Director at Borough Market following the Evening of Cheese event, told MailOnline: 'We want to thank everyone who attended.
'Whilst it went off without incident, we were saddened to hear that a small minority of visitors were disappointed with the Evening of Cheese.
'For the last 10 years we have opened this historic and unique market at Christmas for this special event, and this year saw unprecedented numbers attend, making the market much busier than usual.
'Clearly there are some lessons to be learnt due to the events popularity and well be taking feedback into account for next year.
'Despite this weve also received positive comments about the variety of cheese on offer from artisan producers around the world, and it is good to see the market, which is over 1,000 years old, as popular as ever.'
One hospital worker in Chicago has been using money from her paycheck to help sick children feel better during the holidays.
For the past eight years, Jessie Tendayi, a food service aide with Trinity Hospital, has worked additional shifts and saved money to fund her mission.
'It brings joy to me, and also brings joy to the children, that I'm making a difference', Tendayi told WGN.
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Jessie Tendayi, a food service aide with Trinity Hospital, works additional shifts and saves money to buy holiday presents for sick children
She and her husband, Wendell, moved to Chicago 19 years ago from Zimbabwe. They have no children of their own.
'But I do now. I do have a lot', Tendayi told the Chicago Tribune.
Tendayi began the gift-giving in 2009 with 100 toys, but her generosity has multiplied tenfold.
This year Tendayi said she spent $5,000 on 1,000 toys for sick children at Advocate Childrens Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois, a Chicago suburb, CNN reported.
Tendayi's gift-giving began in 2009 with 100 toys, but her generosity has multiplied tenfold
She has spent an estimated $5,000 on 1,000 toys this year
'It's amazing that someone's giving their time and effort to make sure children in the hospital have a great Christmas too', one of the recipients of Tendayi's generosity told WGN.
Another child's mother said Tendayi has helped lift her son's spirits.
'He doesn't leave this room', the mother said. 'For him to have more toys to play with and keep him happy while we're here is incredibly helpful, humbling and amazing'.
She and her husband, Wendell, moved to Chicago 19 years ago from Zimbabwe. They have no children of their own
Tendayi said her goal is to donate toys to sick children in hospitals year-round.
'It's a very good day for me. I'm happy, I'm happy to do this,' she told the Chicago Tribune. 'When God puts this in your heart, you don't get tired. You love what you're doing. I love helping other people'.
There's more hustle than hope behind an effort to derail Donald Trump's presidency in the Electoral College.
Republican electors are being swamped with pleas to buck tradition and cast ballots for someone else at meetings across the country Monday that are on course to ratify Trump as the winner.
Associated Press interviews with more than 330 electors from both parties found little appetite for a revolt.
Whether they like Trump or not, and some plainly don't, scores of the Republicans chosen to cast votes in the state-capital meetings told AP they feel bound by history, duty, party loyalty or the law to rubber-stamp their state's results and make him president.
Appeals numbering in the tens of thousands - drowning inboxes, ringing cellphones, stuffing home and office mailboxes with actual handwritten letters - have not swayed them.
Something to celebrate: Donald Trump and Vice-President-elect Mike Pence will be voted in by the electoral college on Monday if the results of the Associated Press survey hold
Duty: Hector Maldonado, one of Missouri's electors, dismissed calls for a rebellion, saying: 'This was the third oath that I've taken to execute what I promised to do.'
Get used to this life: Hillary Clinton will not score an upset in the electoral college. She spent Wednesday night at one of New York's most difficult to get into restaurants chatting to Christie Brinkley (right)
The interviews found widespread Democratic aggravation with the electoral process but little expectation that the rush of anti-Trump maneuvering can stop him. For that to happen, Republican-appointed electors would have to stage an unprecedented defection.
Still, people going to the typically ho-hum electoral gatherings have been drawn into the rough and tumble of campaign-season politics.
Republicans are being beseeched to revolt in a torrent of lobbying, centered on the arguments that Clinton won the popular vote and that Trump is unsuited to the presidency.
Most of it is falling on deaf ears, but it has also led to some acquaintances being made across the great political divide.
'Let me give you the total as of right now: 48,324 emails about my role as an elector,' said Brian Westrate, a small-business owner and GOP district chairman in Fall Creek, Wisconsin.
'I have a Twitter debate with a former porn star from California asking me to change my vote. It's been fascinating.'
Similarly deluged, Republican elector Hector Maldonado, a Missouri National Guardsman, has taken the time to console one correspondent, a single mother and Air Force veteran who is beside herself with worry about what a Trump presidency will mean.
'Everything's going to be OK,' he said he told her. 'I know you're scared, but don't worry. Everything's going to be OK. And I know that it will be.'
Maldonado, a Mexican immigrant and medical-equipment seller in Sullivan, Missouri, backed Ted Cruz in the primaries but will cast his vote for Trump with conviction.
'I took an oath once to become a U.S. citizen,' he said, 'and on Aug. 14, 1995, that was the first oath that I've taken to support the U.S. Constitution.
'A year later I took the oath again, to support the duties of being an officer in the U.S. Army. This was the third oath that I've taken to execute what I promised to do.'
Even a leader of the anti-Trump effort, Bret Chiafalo of Everett, Washington, calls it a 'losing bet' but one he says the republic's founders would want him to make.
Threatened: Rex Teter, a Texas elector, has received about 35,000 emails and 200 letters urging him not to support Donald Trump. 'Some have been very personal letters. Some threatening. One was very funny,' he said.
Wanting to foment a rebellion: John Bickel, a Hawaii Democrat, joined a movement to request information about possible Russian hacking during the presidential election - part of an attempt to discredit the election outcome
'I believe that Donald Trump is a unique danger to our country and the Founding Fathers put the Electoral College in place to, among other things, stop that from happening,' said Chiafalo, 38, an Xbox network engineer who backed Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primaries.
It takes 270 electoral votes to make a president. Despite losing the national popular vote, Trump won enough states to total 306 electoral votes.
He would need to see three dozen fall away for him to lose his majority. Only one Republican elector told AP he won't vote for Trump.
Over the sweep of history, so-called faithless electors those who vote for someone other than their state's popular-vote winner have been exceptionally rare.
Nashville attorney Tom Lawless, who chose Marco Rubio in the primaries, described his vow to cast his electoral vote for Trump in blunt terms.
'Hell will freeze and we will be skating on the lava before I change,' he said. 'He won the state and I've pledged and gave my word that that's what I would do. And I won't break it.'
Nor will Jim Skaggs, 78, a developer from Bowling Green, Kentucky, despite deep concern about Trump.
'His personality worries me,' Skaggs said. 'He is not open-minded.' Skaggs knew Trump's father through the construction business, met the son in his 20s, and 'I wasn't impressed.'
'I hope he is far better than I think he is,' Skaggs said. Even so, 'I fully intend to vote for Donald Trump,' he said. 'I think it's a duty.'
State law and practices vary for electors, but even in states where electors don't take an oath to vote a certain way or don't face legal ramifications for stepping out of line, the heavy expectation is for them to ratify the results.
As much as they don't want Trump in office, some Democrats are as reluctant as Republicans to go rogue.
Hand-written, some of them five or six pages long, quoting me the Federalist Papers, the Constitution, asking me again out of desperation not to vote for Donald Trump. The election is over. They need to move on. Carol Joyce, Arizona elector
'We lost the election,' said John Padilla of Albuquerque, New Mexico, a Democratic ward chairman.
'That's how elections are and you shake hands with your opponent and you get on with what you have to do and support your candidate.'
Yet Democratic electors, stung by losing an election to a Republican who trails Clinton by more than 2.6 million votes nationwide, spoke strongly in the interviews in favor of overhauling or throwing out the electoral system.
Republican electors generally supported it, reasoning that it provides a counterweight to political dominance by coastal states with huge, and largely Democratic, populations, like California and New York.
Chiafalo is a co-founder of the Hamilton Electors, a group formed to steer other electors from both parties to a third candidate. 'We've stated from Day 1 this is a long shot, this is a Hail Mary,' he said.
But if the effort fails, it won't be from lack of trying. Most of the pleas to reject Trump are coordinated, automated, professionally generated and, for those reasons, none too persuasive.
'We got a stack of letters from idiots,' said Republican elector Edward Robson, 86, a Phoenix, Arizona, homebuilder.
Fellow elector Carole Joyce, 72, a state committeewoman in Phoenix and retired public health nurse, was more charitable.
'They've caused me great distress on my computer, that's for sure,' she said.
'I average anywhere from a thousand to 3,000 emails a day. And I'm getting inundated in my regular mailbox out front anywhere from 17 to 35 letters a day coming from Washington state, Oregon, all around the country.
'Hand-written, some of them five or six pages long, quoting me the Federalist Papers, the Constitution, asking me again out of desperation not to vote for Donald Trump.
More than 1,000 British Muslims attended a demonstration and chanted 'Allahu Akbar' as they heard from speakers from a group who once described Jihadi John as 'beautiful'.
Those at the protest outside the Syrian Embassy in Belgrave Square, London, chanted the Islamic phrase - translated as 'God is the greatest' - while a number of people talked through a megaphone.
Asim Qureshi, the research director CAGE - which has been linked to extremism - blamed America for the situation in Aleppo.
He said: 'Never forget who is the problem here.
Asim Qureshi (pictured), the director of Muslim rights CAGE - which has been linked to extremism - blamed America for the situation in Aleppo
Moazzam Begg, 48, from CAGE - which claims to 'campaign for communities affected by the war on terror' - also spoke at the demonstration
'When they come and say "look, America is the one who is going to come and help you in this", then we have to remind them.
'Go back to the beginning of the war on terror when we were investigating cases of individuals being put on rendition flights to Syria where they had the soles of their feet beaten by the Syrian regime the moment they arrived in prison.
'And who sent them there? The Americans, the CIA sent them there.'
Moazzam Begg, 48, from CAGE - also blamed the US for what is currently happening in Syria.
He said: 'In 2002, in the beginning of the War on Terror, that means the Americans were working close, hand in hand, hand in glove, with the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
'My colleague Asim Qureshi has already said that the cases of several individuals who were extraordinarily renditioned by the US regime, by the US government, to the regime of Bashar al-Assad.'
Earlier this year, it was revealed that CAGE described Jihadi John - the man behind ISIS beheadings - was a 'beautiful, and kind man'.
At the end of the video, a poet (pictured) said: 'We need a Caliph who will clean up these streets'
The poet spoke in rhyme throughout and said 'we need a Caliph who will smack up armies'
And after Begg spoke at the demonstration, a poet added that 'we need a Caliph' who will 'smack up armies' and 'will back' fighting.
He said: 'We need a Caliph who will clean up these streets, who will smack up armies and who will back beef.
'Backhand your missiles back to your land, that's the plan. World domination at hand. We can expand and take out these fools.'
The protest blocked lanes of traffic when it got underway at around 9pm on Tuesday night.
A 270,000 Lamborghini supercar was smashed to pieces in public by Taiwanese officials because the owner had attached fake number plates.
The custom Murcielago - though to be an LP 6704 SuperVeloce - had been impounded because it was being driven on a public road without a valid registration number in 2013.
After three years of appeals, the government decided to demolish the luxury car in front of horrified onlookers.
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A 270,000 Lamborghini supercar was smashed to pieces in public by Taiwanese officials because the owner had attached fake number plates
The custom Murcielago - though to be an LP 6704 SuperVeloce - had been impounded because it was being driven on a public road without a valid registration number in 2013
All that was left of the high-end vehicle was the chassis and the limited edition gold-rimmed alloys attached to the tyres
The owner of the Lamborghini is reportedly a commercial pilot with the surname Lin, according to Focus Taiwan.
He was pulled over at a routine checkpoint and police officers found he had attached the licence plates belonging to a Ford Sedan which sells brand new for less than 18,000.
Mr Lin had appealed after his car was impounded under the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act when prosecutors believed him to have attempted to evade law enforcement.
But after a 30 minute discussion on Wednesday, the authorities ordered the car to be destroyed at a yard in Taichung, central Taiwan, so that the parts could not be sold on separately.
The owner was pulled over at a routine checkpoint and police officers found he had attached the licence plates belonging to a Ford Sedan which sells brand new for less than 18,000
Children cowered as a JCB with a mechanical claw made light work of the supercar's expensive body
The custom matte black finish was non-existent by the end of the scrapping operation and the Italian flag-style leather bucket seats were torn from the car
After a 30 minute discussion on Wednesday, the authorities ordered the car to be destroyed at a yard in Taichung, central Taiwan, so that the parts could not be sold on separately
Children cowered as a JCB with a mechanical claw made light work of the supercar's expensive body.
It ripped off the bonnet with ease before smashing up the headlights as the public watched on.
The car's iconic upward-opening doors were the next to go as they were ripped from the chassis, and the metal claw tore through the roof of the car effortlessly.
The custom matte black finish was non-existent by the end of the scrapping operation and the Italian flag-style leather bucket seats were torn from the car.
Democrats in the Senate are rallying around to prevent one of their party members from joining the Trump administration.
Heidi Heitkamp has been linked with a post in the incoming team after a meeting with the President-elect at Trump Tower.
The North Dakota lawmaker is being considered for the agricultural secretary post.
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North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp pictured arriving at Trump Tower last week, where she met the President-elect
A second senator, West Virginia's Joe Manchin, was linked with the energy secretary job, but was passed over in favor of Republican Rick Perry.
Democrats launched a 'full court press' to retain the duo, Fox News reports.
It is not unusual for administrations to appoint members from rival parties, with Barack Obama appointing Republican Ray LaHood as transport secretary in 2009.
Senator Joe Manchin was also linked with the energy secretary post after meeting President-elect Donald Trump
If Heitkamp joins Trump's team, Democrats would lose a vote, which could prove significant when the new President puts his Supreme Court nomination in front of the Senate.
Republicans currently have a 52-48 member majority, but would hope to add to this if an election is held for her seat.
Although Heitkamp is reported to be keen to take up the position, it has caused uproar among Republicans.
Washington-based lawyer Gary Baise, who supported the Trump campaign, told Politico: 'There is pushback, and its strong... She wasnt out there supporting Trump, she wasnt making contributions to the campaign. Why would you do this?'
Following Perry's appointment, Manchin said in a statement: 'I had a very productive and informative meeting with President-elect Trump.
'I was honored that the President-elect asked me to meet with him and discuss ways we can work together and improve the lives of millions of Americans, and the hard-working people of West Virginia.
Donald Trump is reportedly keen to bring North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp into his team
'I was humbled to be considered for the Secretary of Energy position.'
He called on both parties to work with the incoming President, stating: 'I hope all Americans join me in working with President-elect Trump in a bipartisan way to bring our country together and make it successful.
A multinational stockbroker has been accused of cheating a dying man out of his $1million life savings as he battled with Alzheimer's disease.
The family of the man called Harry - who has since died - claim a Bell Potter financial adviser made a series of unauthorised trades in his self-managed superannuation fund.
The family, who do not wish to be identified, claim the advisor was supposed to contact them before making any trades and say his poor decision making cost them $800,000 over seven years.
They are now suing Bell Potter for $1million in the district court of New South Wales.
Harry (pictured with his daughter Felicity at her wedding) was allegedly cheated out of $1million by stockbroker Bell Potter
Harry and his wife, Lesley, asked stockbroking giant Bell Potter for financial advice in 2004 and planned to invest nearly $1million, the ABC reported.
The couple, from Sydney, hoped their hard-earned money would provide them with a comfortable $45,000-a-year income during their retirement.
Former Bell Potter financial advisor Tim Tersteeg set up a self-managed superannuation fund for them and the family claim that an agreement was made whereby he would recommend shares to buy and sell, but Harry or Lesley would make the final decision.
Harry was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2007 and the family claim he told Mr Tersteeg about his medical condition.
By 2011, Harry was too unwell to make serious financial decisions, his doctors said.
But his family claim Mr Tersteeg continued to use Harry and Lesley's fund to buy and sell shares without their permission.
Former Bell Potter financial advisor Tim Tersteeg allegedly used Harry and his wife's fund to make unauthorised trades
They also claim Bell Potter charged $133,516 in brokerage commissions despite the original agreement station such fees would not be levied.
Harry's daughter, Felicity, told the ABC that the loss of money was 'devastating'.
Harry died in 2015 after a long battle with dementia.
Bell Potter has handed the money charged in brokerage commissions back to his family.
A spokesman for Bell Potter said the firm was trying to resolve the issue with Lesley.
The company added that Mr Tersteeg no longer works for them.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Bell Potter for further comment.
Mr Tersteeg now works for another stockbroker, Morgans Financial, in Geelong.
Edinburgh's world famous New Year celebrations could turn into something of a Silent Night after plans were put forward to use noiseless fireworks.
The move has been suggested in a bid to ease children, sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and even pets during the Scottish city's Hogmanay display.
Councillors in the capital today decided to investigate the proposal, which were inspired by the outright ban of noisy pyrotechnics in the town of Collecchio, Italy.
A meeting of the city's council agreed to commission a report into the impact of noise from firework displays, which is expected to be completed by March.
Conservative councillor Joanna Mowat said Edinburgh residents were overwhelmed by noisy fireworks, which are prominently used in the city throughout the year.
Fireworks go off over Edinburgh Castle as part of the 2013 Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland
Most of its popular summer festivals employ the attraction, while fireworks are used every night of its military tattoo in August.
She told The Times: 'Pets are being affected, small children are being woken up and and there is evidence that people with PTSD really struggle with loud bangs.
'The time has come to look at this, especially since silent fireworks are now available.
'The spectacle is beautiful but it does impact quite significantly on those who can't see it.'
Among those to use silent fireworks is Disneyland Paris, which employed their use following complaints from residents.
Collecchio, near Parma, became the first place in the world to ban their use due to its supposed effect on animals.
Penny Dougherty, director of Unique Events, which organises the annual Hogmanay, said the city's residents would lose out if the plans were given the go-ahead.
She called the fireworks the 'signature element' of the celebrations, which is attended by upwards of 150,000 people and generates 42 million.
A drunk man who killed three people in a fiery crash before walking home, taking a shower and going to bed, has been jailed for nine years.
Amiel Tittums, 36, was driving up to 165km/h in a 90km/h zone in Geraldton, north of Perth, when he collided into the back of a Holden Commodore killing those inside the vehicle in August 2015, The West Australian reported.
Tittums pleaded guilty to three counts of dangerous driving causing death, failing to render assistance and failing to report an incident.
Amiel Tittums, 36, was jailed for driving under the influence of alcohol and crashing into a car killing three people. The driver Felicity Pallett, 23, and passengers Michael Hook, 31, and Coen Kentwell, 27, burned to death at the scene (pictured)
The impact of the crash was so hard the fuel tank burst and quickly engulfed the car in flames and killed driver Felicity Pallett, 23, and passengers Michael Hook, 31, and Coen Kentwell, 27, who burned to death at the scene.
When police later questioned him hours later at his home, he said he did not know where his car was or who had it, the court heard.
Officers also said when they asked him to remove his shirt, he had a bruise across his chest that appeared to come from a seat belt.
Tittums recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.135, and was discovered with diazepam and methamphetamine in his system.
Prosecutor Mark Nicol said Tittums, a father-of-two, fled the scene and walked 1.5 kilometres to his home instead of trying to save them and called his actions selfish, reckless and callous.
'They were lost in the most horrific and unnecessary way,' Mr Nicol said, according to Perth Now.
Tittums recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.135, as well as diazepam and methamphetamine in his system. Prosecutor Mark Nicol said the victims 'were lost in the most horrific and unnecessary way,' when Tittums walked back to his home, showered and slept
In a letter read in court, Tittums said: 'From the time of the accident, I've been trying to keep away from Geraldton.'
Linda Black, his lawyer said Tittums had 'struggled with is the fact he didn't stay and help' and 'understands he has to pay a price for the crimes that he's committed.'
She claimed that her client used to drink alcohol in the past as a way to cope with problems in his life.
Several victim impact statements read during sentencing expressed the pain, grief and frustration caused by the accident,PerthNow reported.
'A parent who loses a child in such tragic circumstances loses an essential part of their being,' Justice Corboy said.
Justice Corboy accepted Tittums was genuinely remorseful and has acknowledged he had drug and alcohol issues, which he is seeking treatment for.
Tittums was sentenced to seven years non-parole. He will be disqualified from driving for three years upon his release.
Austria's lower house of parliament has approved the compulsory purchase of the building Hitler was born in, paving the way for the site to be changed beyond recognition to reduce its appeal as a pilgrimage site for neo-Nazis.
The bill did not specify what form the planned overhaul of the building will take, or whether it would be demolished completely.
Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka has previously said that 'a thorough architectural remodeling is necessary to permanently prevent the recognition and the symbolism of the building.'
The home where Adolf Hitler was born in Braunau could be demolished and replaced with another building
The bill must now be passed by the upper house, which is expected to be a formality.
Opponents to the bill included some members of the small, liberal Neos party, but the number of members who voted against was not immediately available.
Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka has said the government supports a planned 'thorough architectural rearrangement' of the house Hitler was born in near the border with Germany in 1889, which could include demolishing the building.
The compulsory purchase of the house in the town in Braunau am Inn should put an end to a long-standing dispute with its owner, a retired woman who has turned down previous offers by the state to acquire the site.
Hitler was born in the building on April 20 1889. During the Third Reich it was a place of pilgrimage for loyal Nazis
Sobotka has said the three-storey building could be used by the town of Braunau for 'charitable or official purposes' after its conversion. The Interior Ministry has been renting the building since 1972 and sublet it to Braunau.
Sobotka says he wants to ensure that any association with Hitler be eliminated at the site, now an occasional place of neo-Nazi pilgrimage.
Hitler was born in the building on April 20 1889 and it has been a thorn in the side of politicians and townspeople for decades.
The owner of the former pub in Braunau-am-Inn, north of Salzburg, had repeatedly refused to sell the building
The former pub in Braunau-am-Inn, north of Salzburg, will be purchased by the government
The taxpayer has been paying over 4,000-a-month rent to the woman who owns the building for years, just to keep it empty.
During the Third Reich it was a place of pilgrimage for loyal Nazis. After the war it served, at various times, as a workshop for disabled people, a library and a storeroom.
Earlier this year Austrian authorities took the decision to compulsory purchase the building, fearful that it could one day fall into the hands of neo-Nazis who journey with infuriating regularity to the site to pay homage to their idol.
Kenny, the Pakistani Mastiff, has a huge list of fears that may have stemmed from time locked up as a puppy
He may look like a terrifying beast, but this huge hound has a list of fears as long as he is tall.
Kenny the Pakistani Mastiff is scared of squeaky toys, cars, the dark and even rain.
Pakistani Mastiffs are a rare breed with an average weight of 12st 5lbs and height of 2ft 7in, but Kenny has a long list of phobias and refuses to go outside in even the lightest drizzle.
He is currently being looked after at Pennine Pen Animal Rescue in Oldham, Greater Manchester, where founder Michael Waugh is helping him overcome his fears.
The 32-year-old believes big wuss Kenny's precipitation pain stems from the fact he may have been locked indoors for most of his life before he was rescued, and so had probably never felt drizzle before.
Mr Waugh said: 'Kenny will not take a single step outside if it is raining. We try to coax him out but as soon as he sees it he puts the brakes on - it terrifies him.
'When we get him out for a walk when it's dry, he jumps at the sound of traffic and even once got a fright when a twig brushed against him.
'When it's dark he gets really nervous and you can just see this look of fear on his face. We bought him a squeaky toy to cheer him up and he ran away from the squeak.
Kenny would much rather stay inside when he sees the rain, and has to be coaxed out for his walks
Mr Waugh tries to persuade Kenny to come outside for his walk. Kenny once got a fright because a twig brushed against him
Left, Mr Waugh shelters scared Kenny from rainfall and right, Kenny when he was found by the rescue centre, with sores and mange
'It is so funny because you just don't expect this big dog to be so terrified of all these things.
'We don't know where he came from but he hasn't had a good start in life. We think he was kept inside all his life and that's why he's so scared - everything is new to him.
'It's so important to socialise dogs but poor Kenny has never had that so now it's like having a giant puppy and starting from scratch. Luckily, he's getting there bit by bit.'
Kenny was found collapsed and starving on the streets of Oldham last month with such a bad case of sarcoptic mange - a highly contagious dog skin disease - he had virtually no fur and his skin was cracked and infected.
The mutt, whose unusual breed is also known as a Bully Kutta and is traditionally used as a fighting dog in Pakistan, was in such a bad way his carers had to collect shovel-loads of dead skin from his kennel each day.
Michael Waugh with Kenny. Mr Waugh said Kenny won't take a step outside if it's raining and ran away from the toy they bought him to comfort him
Mr Waugh, who has been running the animal rescue for 15 years, said Kenny was the worst case of neglect he has ever seen and was so heartbroken after picking up the poorly pooch he cried.
But thanks to daily baths in special medicated shampoo, Kenny's condition is improving and as his health gets better the lily-livered mutt is coming out of his shell.
Mr Waugh said: 'Someone called into the centre and told us there was a dog dying on the street. When we got there Kenny was just collapsed, he didn't have the strength to stand.
'He had virtually no fur and sores all over his cracked skin where his mange had been allowed to get so bad. I didn't think he was going to make it.
When Kenny was found he has virtually no fur and his skin was covered in sores which has been treated with specialist products and shampoos
He was severely malnourished and could barely stand. Mr Waugh was so heartbroken by his state, he cried
'We put him straight into the back of the van to take him to the vets and I just broke down while I was driving. He was the worst thing I have ever seen.
'That first week or so we were having to sweep up all the dead skin coming off him - shovels full of it - and feed him little and often because he was so emaciated.
'But he is coming on so well. He's been having medicated baths and he's actually got some fur now and we're starting to see his cheeky character come out.
'It just makes me smile every day seeing how much progress he's making, especially after he's been through something so horrendous.'
As Kenny's mange is still contagious, he faces a wait before he can be put up for adoption.
But Mr Waugh is sure whoever does give Kenny his forever home will be getting a 'cracking' - albeit very slobbery - companion.
Mr Waugh said: 'Kenny is a big dog so we will need to find him the right home but he has the most amazing temperament.
'Whoever takes him in will be getting a cracking dog, that's for sure. He is absolutely lovely even if he does slobber a lot.
A man has been charged with terror offences after he allegedly filmed videos demonstrating how to kill Jewish people.
The 50-year-old Adelaide man, who cannot be named, posted videos to social media that encouraged people in overseas conflict zones to commit terrorist acts, police alleged.
Adelaide Magistrates Court heard the videos gave graphic evidence and detailed instructions, as well as demonstrations on how to commit terrorist acts, Nine News reported.
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A man has been charged with terror offences after he allegedly filmed videos demonstrating how to kill Jewish people (his image and name have been suppressed)
The 50-year-old Adelaide man, who cannot be named, posted videos to social media that encouraged people in overseas conflict zones to commit terrorist acts, police alleged (his image and name have been suppressed)
They were filmed at his Flinders Park home and shared online. It is believed the videos are still on social media and have been viewed thousands of times.
The man was already being held at Yatala Prison in Northfield by counter terrorism police following a tip off and was arrested there on Thursday.
He was charged with four counts of advocating terrorism.
He faced a hearing in Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link. His lawyer Stacey Carter did not make an application for bail.
Australian Federal Police, who were present in court, said 'there are no current or impending threats to the Australian community as a result of these activities,' in a statement released on Thursday.
The man was remanded in custody and is set to appear in court again in February.
Uber has suspended the operator of a self-driving cab in San Francisco after the car was filmed jumping a red light.
A fellow motorist, who was correctly stopped at the light, spotted the distinctive Volvo blasting through the junction.
A pedestrian had just stepped onto the roadway as the car crossed the junction, but fortunately there was no collision.
This is the moment a self-driving Uber jumped a red light in San Francisco during a trial
The car can be clearly seen going through the junction as a pedestrian, right, attempts to cross
Fortunately the pedestrian, pictured, escapes injury as he manages to safely cross the road
The company yesterday launched a fleet of the self-driving cars onto the streets of San Francisco - but the state DMV ordered the firm to stop the trial straight away.
A spokesman said the incident was a result of 'human error'.
All of the self-driving cars have a human operator who monitors the journey from behind the steering wheel and can take over control at any time.
Uber introduced the first self-driving cars in September in Pittsburgh.
However, the San Francisco launch is facing additional problems as officials claim the company requires an additional permit to operate the self-driving cars in the city.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles wrote to Uber ordering the company to stop the experiment until it seeks and receives the appropriate permits.
The company said because the cars use a human operator, they do not meet the definition of 'autonomous'.
In a statement, Uber claimed: 'For us, it's still early days and our cars are not yet ready to drive without a person monitoring them.'
While 20 other companies exploring self-driving cars, including Google, Tesla and Ford, have obtained a DMV permit, Uber has not. Uber's self-driving cars have been seen around San Francisco since at least September.
The highly distinctive Volvo cars have a range of sensors on the roof for detecting danger
The self-driving Ubers have an operator, pictured left, and an engineer, right, monitoring the systems and ready to take control in the case of an emergency
When working normally, the operator does not have their hands or feet on any of the controls
In its letter to Uber, the DMV's chief counsel said it 'will initial legal action' if 'Uber does not confirm immediately that it will stop its launch and seek a testing permit.'
California defines autonomous vehicles as cars that have the 'capability' to drive 'without the active physical control or monitoring of a natural person'.
Uber argues that definition does not apply to its cars, which are equipped with a driver and an engineer in the front seats to take over in situations such as a construction zone, pedestrian crossing or taking a left turn across a lane of traffic.
A spokesman said: 'All of our vehicles are compliant with applicable federal and state laws.'
In a company blog post, Uber called on California to take a more 'pro-technology' approach to regulating autonomous cars.
and warn they could face jail time
Police are hunting for the
Wildlife carers hold fears for an injured kangaroo which was spotted with an arrow sticking out of its chest.
The injured kangaroo was spotted on both Tuesday and Wednesday at Point Vernon in Queensland, but an extensive search failed to find the animal.
Fears are held the kangaroo's condition may have deteriorated since it was last seen and may also be caring for a joey, reports 7 News.
A kangaroo has been spotted with an arrow sticking out of its chest in Queensland
Police are hunting for the perpetrator, and warn they could face jail time if caught.
'I think everyone should take cruelty to animals very seriously but once again it depends on the situation, but blatant cruelty won't be tolerated,' Constable Mick Gray said.
The local council has condemned the cruel attack and voiced their concerns.
'This is a really sad event, they are a protected animal, they're a much loved animal,' said Councillor David Lewis.
Natalie Richardson from Wildlife Rescue Fraser Coast said people had sent images of the injured kangaroo, reports Daily Mercury.
'We have people out searching for her,' she said.
The injured kangaroo was spotted on both Tuesday and Wednesday at Point Vernon
The maker of the celebrated Pink Panther wafer biscuits has gone bust, blaming the fall in the value of sterling in the wake of the Brexit vote.
Almost 100 jobs have been lost after the collapse of Rivington Biscuits in Wigan, which has made the vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavour cream filled wafer biscuits for years.
The Greater Manchester-based maker of Pink Panther wafers has appointed FRP Advisory as administrators.
Shame: The maker of the celebrated Pink Panther wafer biscuits has gone bust, blaming the fall in the value of sterling in the wake of the Brexit vote
FRP said in a statement: 'Rivington Biscuits experienced particularly challenging trading conditions over the past year, resulting in significant pressure on profit margins and cash flow.
'The problems were compounded by the sharp decline in the value of the pound against the euro. The company was left with no viable alternative other than to seek the protection of administration while a long-term solution can be explored.'
Rivington employs 123 staff, of which 99 will be made redundant with the remaining 24 staying on while a buyer for the business is sought.
Russell Cash, partner at FRP Advisory, said: 'A sustained deterioration in trading conditions and significant additional pricing costs since the summer following the sharp fall in the value of the pound, left the business facing unsustainable cash-flow pressure.
'Rivington Biscuits continues to trade through administration but with a reduced staff base in order to fulfil current orders into the New Year.'
Experts have said that the Brexit vote will add five per cent to food prices.
Justin King, who ran Sainsburys for 10 years, said a fall in the value of the pound means imported food and ingredients will be more expensive.
He calculates there will be a 10 per cent rise in the cost of these foods which make up half of a typical shopping basket.
Almost 100 jobs have been lost after the collapse of Rivington Biscuits in Wigan, which has made the vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavour cream filled wafer biscuits for years
As a result, he says this will add 5 per cent to annual food bills equivalent to around 250-300 a year.
However, the warning fails to take into account promises from supermarket chiefs to fight any rises demanded by manufacturers.
For example, Tesco was recently involved in a stand-off with Unilever over attempts to force through a 10 per cent increase on everything from Marmite to Pot Noodle and Persil.
At the same time, a vicious supermarket price war driven by the rise of Aldi and Lidl mean retailers have little room to push up prices without losing customers.
Mr King, a self-declared remoaner, told the BBCs Newsnight that the fall in the value of the pound would cause a profound change for supermarkets.
Exports of British goods have soared to a record high following the slide in the pound in the wake of the Brexit vote, official figures showed last week.
The countrys factories sold 26.8billion worth of goods to foreign buyers in October up 8.7 per cent on the previous month and 17.9 per cent on a year earlier.
Analysts said the report, by the Office for National Statistics, showed British companies are benefiting from the fall in the pound since the vote to leave the European Union in June.
The majority of exports are going to countries outside the sclerotic EU as firms look to faster growing markets all over the world for business.
While exports to the EU were up 1.5 per cent to 12.4billion in October, sales to the rest of the world jumped 15.7 per cent to a record 14.4billion.
A former Republican presidential nominee has accused the Russian government of hacking his campaign email accounts - and called for 'crippling sanctions' against Moscow.
Senator Lindsey Graham rubbished Donald Trump's rejection of Russian interference in the election, and warned that inaction against Putin would mean China and Iran would follow suit.
He said he was told by the FBI that his campaign had been hacked in June.
Senator Lindsey Graham, pictured during his presidential campaign in June last year, said his campaign had been hacked by Russia
Graham, who ended his campaign for presidency in December last year, told CNN's Wolf Blitzer: 'They're trying to destabilize democracy all over the world.
'We should tell the Russians, in uncertain terms, you interfered in our elections, we don't care why. We're going to hit you and hit you hard.'
And he said: 'If you don't stop Russia, China and Iran will eventually do this'.
Graham called for 'crippling sanctions' against Vladimir Putin following attempts to interfere with the US election
The CIA and the FBI have both concluded that Russia stole data from campaign computers, and were behind the leak of documents from the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign chief, John Podesta.
The CIA concluded that the Kremlin had intended to boost Trump - but Graham said he did not think the outcome of the election was affected by Russian meddling.
He said: 'I do believe the Russians hacked into the DNC. I do believe they hacked into Podesta's email account.
Graham called for action against Russia after revealing that his campaign was hacked
'They hacked into my campaign account. I do believe all the information released publicly hurt Clinton, didn't hurt Trump. But I don't think the outcome of the election is in doubt.'
Graham, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has called for a congressional probe into Russian election hacking.
And he said on Twitter that Russia would pay.
The Republican senator called for 'crippling sanctions' against Russia over allegations of meddling in the Presidential election
President-elect Donald Trump has rejected claims that Russia attempted to interfere with the presidential election
'My goal is to put on President Trump's desk crippling sanctions against Russia. They need to pay a price,' he posted.
Graham also posted: 'Russian hacking during the US presidential election is not a Republican or Democrat issue. It's an American issue. We must stand together.'
A curator at the Victoria & Albert museum discovered the throat sweets in the jacket pocket of the blue Aquascutum woollen suit she wore to cast her ballot in the 1987 General Election (pictured)
Her speeches had the ability to captivate a nation, with numerous politicians since attempting to emulate the clarity and intensity in which she spoke.
Now a museum in London has discovered the secret behind Margaret Thatcher's authoritative tone - throat sweets.
While a curator at Victoria & Albert Museum was measuring the blue Aquascutum woollen suit she wore to cast her ballot in the 1987 General Election (her third victory in a row), he discovered two lozenges in the jacket pocket.
The small dark throat sweets were later identified as Nipits - a popular brand in the 1920s and advertised under the brand slogan 'clarifies the voice and clears the throat'.
Baroness Thatcher received voice training in 1975 to try and lower the pitch in which she spoke to make her sound more commanding before challenging the then party leader, Ted Heath.
Daniel Milford-Cottam, cataloguer of 20th and 21st century fashion at the museum, explained: 'I was measuring the clothes when I found two small, dark pellets, which mystified me. At first I thought they could be beads, but they had no holes for stringing.
'They did look like some kind of confectionery or medicine. I consulted colleagues and friends. At first they were just as puzzled as I was.'
After further research, he discovered they were indeed Nipits throat sweets.
Claire Wilcox, senior curator of fashion at the V&A, told the Daily Telegraph: 'As someone who had to do a lot of public speaking - and always spoke very clearly - Baroness Thatcher would have been careful to look after her voice.
'The discovery gives a wonderful insight into the person behind the suit we now know the secret behind that distinctively recognisable voice.'
The suit, which she also wore during the Tory Party Conference in Blackpool the same year, was donated to the museum as part of collection of six outfits by her family.
The small dark throat sweets were later identified as Nipits - a popular brand in the 1920s and advertised under the brand slogan 'clarifies the voice and clears the throat'
They initially turned down a gift of her clothing, claiming it would be 'best suited to another collection'.
However they performed a U-turn after an outcry from senior Tories such as Sajid Javid and John Whittingdale.
Other outfits donated included custom-made brocade suit and taffeta opera cape with sweeping train designed by Marianne Abrahams and a wool crepe suit in fuchsia-pink by Starzewski.
In Baroness Thatcher's 1993 memoir, The Downing Street Years, she said: 'I took a close interest in clothes, as most women do: but it was also extremely important that the impression I gave was right for the political occasion'.
The museum said the sweets - still available for 1.39 a tin - would be kept at the V&A, rather than eaten.
Britain's worst female paedophile Vanessa George is eligible for parole today - if she can convince a parole board she is no longer a danger to the public.
George, 45, who worked at Little Teds nursery in Plymouth, Devon until her arrest in 2009, described herself to a lover as a 'paedo whore mum' and the scale and depravity of her crimes shocked the nation.
She completes her minimum term of seven years in prison today and could be set free.
Horrified parents of some of those she abused say they are now living in fear of her potential freedom after outrage at the leniency of the minimum term went unheeded at the time.
George, 45, worked at Little Teds nursery in Plymouth, Devon, sent indecent photographs of children in her care to her online lover, Colin Blanchard in Greater Manchester.
In jail: George completes her minimum term of seven years in prison today and could be set free if she can convince a parole board she is no longer dangerous
Her ex-husband Andrew George, who divorced his wife following the scandal, has begged the parole board not to free her.
Mr George said she never fully revealed the scale of her sex attacks on babies and toddlers in her care, or apologised to him and their daughters for the disgrace and embarrassment she caused them.
18-stone George bought herself a second, secret mobile telephone, which she referred to as her 'fun phone' or 'dirty phone', pictured
George's court case heard she was part of one of the 'most sickening paedophile rings this country has ever seen'.
She sent indecent photographs of children in her care to her online lover, Colin Blanchard in Greater Manchester.
'Warped and wicked' Blanchard, a twice-married father-of-two, had a 'Svengali-like' influence over four women including George, who filmed and photographed themselves carrying out their appalling actions.
George refused to identify her victims to police.
The Honourable Mr Justice Royce described Blanchard's emails and text messages to George as 'deeply disturbing', saying they were 'sickening to read and reveal attitudes of breathtaking depravity'.
The judge cited one example in which 'you [Blanchard] discus with Vanessa George raping a baby until it dies'.
Blanchard, 40, was said by the judge to be the 'hub of this paedophile wheel' which had caused 'widespread revulsion and disbelief'. He was handed an indeterminate prison sentence and told he would serve a minimum of nine years.
George, 45, worked at Little Teds nursery in Plymouth, Devon until her arrest, where she was secretly abusing children
Two of the women - George and Angela Allen - received indeterminate sentences in December 2009.
Officers in Manchester used Blanchard's computer and phone to trace George , who abused children at Little Ted's nursery in Plymouth.
They also found Allen, 40, a former prostitute, Lyons, 41, a mother-of-nine, and Dawber, a 44-year-old grandmother and care worker. Dawber was the only one to have met Blanchard face to face.
If George's application for parole is refused, she would not be able to apply again for a further three years, bringing her time up to 11 years.
Lead investigator in the case Supt Michele Slevin said: 'In each case she must satisfy the board, following lengthy examination by experts, that she is no longer a danger'.
A source at the probation service attempted to reassure worried parents and said George would be resettled a long way from Plymouth if she were to be released.
They said: 'The chances of George being given plastic surgery to change her appearance is extremely remote - it's not even worth thinking about.
'It's also likely she would be resettled a long way from Plymouth. It's almost certain she'll be banned from ever returning, for the sake of her victims.'
The source also described prison as 'extremely stressful and debilitating' and for those serving long terms changed people 'dramatically' over the years.
Anger: Parents and members of the public scream abuse at her ahead of her court appearance in Plymouth in 2009
Horrified parents of some of those she abused say they are now living in fear of her potential freedom after outrage at the leniency of the minimum term went unheeded at the time
George hours glued to the screen of her laptop, she used chatrooms and social networking sites to 'meet' and flirt with strangers.
With a husband who was computer illiterate, she felt free to write countless sexually explicit messages and persuaded men to send her intimate images of themselves.
These were regularly shown to colleagues at the nursery where she worked three days a week as 'deputy special needs co-ordinator'.
Personal phones were not allowed in the nursery - George was once told off for having one - but rules were 'relaxed' because the in-house phone was unreliable.
In addition to her usual mobile, 18-stone George bought herself a second, secret mobile telephone, which she referred to as her 'fun phone' or 'dirty phone'.
George was in contact with up to 15 men at a time and would boast of her extra-marital sexual exploits to friends - who said she acted 'like a bitch on heat'
This she kept hidden in her expansive cleavage so she could furtively look down at her chest to check for indecent messages.
She was in contact with up to 15 men at a time and would boast of her extra-marital sexual exploits to friends - who said she acted 'like a bitch on heat'.
These included engaging in oral sex with a stranger on moorland near her home for which she received money. She also offered her services to a mechanic in exchange for work carried out on her car.
None of these men, however, were as special to her as Colin Blanchard, whom she met online in December 2008.
Their abuse began in September last year and carried on until this June. On one occasion they decided to meet in person and she travelled from her home in Plymouth to meet him in Manchester.
He failed to turn up, and George managed to find another man to spend the night with. But still she remained besotted with Blanchard.
Personal phones were not allowed in the nursery - George was once told off for having one - but rules were 'relaxed' because the in-house phone was unreliable.
George hours glued to the screen of her laptop, she used chatrooms and social networking sites to 'meet' and flirt with strangers. Police, pictured, here removing the potties from Little Teds Day Nursery
George engaged in oral sex with a stranger on moorland near her home, for which she received money
She regularly asked him if he wanted to carry on sending her pictures of her abusing children under the age of two in the nappy changing area of Little Ted's Nursery.
When she had taken the photographs she would send him a text message informing him that more images were on their way. 'Two more pics for you baby' she wrote on one occasion, signing off: 'Your paedo whore mumma'.
In a police interview George indicated that she had fallen in love with Blanchard, and hoped to impress him enough to win a marriage proposal.
She explained to detectives: 'I said to him (Blanchard) like, I work in a nursery and it was just 'take some pictures' or something like that.
'And I've gone, 'Yeah all right,' and then I said 'well what would you do for me if I done that for you', like joking. And I said, you'd have to put a ring on my finger to make me do things like that. I knew it was wrong when I was doing it, it was vile. 'The more photos you take the more you get back, you know, in interest ...'
Former England player Rio Ferdinand has donated 500,000 worth of toys to needy children this Christmas.
The 38-year-old made the generous offer on behalf of himself and his Italian restaurant Rosso to the 'Cash for Kids' campaign, the official charity of Manchester radio station Key 103.
The ex-Manchester United defender said he 'couldn't bear' to think of any child going without a gift on Christmas Day.
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A huge pile of children's toys arrived at the charity's warehouse and will now be given out to needy children thanks to Ferdinand's generous 500,000 donation
Ferdinand, who now works as a pundit on BT Sport, said: 'As a father myself I couldn't see children going without opening a present this Christmas Day - the work that Cash For Kids at Key 103 do is truly amazing.
'I'm glad that my restaurant Rosso and I can be involved in this and certainly help put a smile on locals kids' faces this Christmas Day.'
The donation was made last week and an enormous pile of children's toys arrived at the charity's warehouse where they will now be handed out to children in poverty around the city.
Ferdinand said: 'As a father myself I couldn't see children going without opening a present this Christmas Day'
Ferdinand has also donated 11,500 sleeping bags to the city's homeless community
Key 103 breakfast show host Mike Toolan was told about Ferdinand's tweet this morning that mentioned the donation, and called him live on air.
The former England captain said: 'Me and the guys at Rosso have seen what's been going on in the city, and with obviously it being Christmas we know there are a lot of people less fortunate than we are so we've decided to donate 500,000 worth of toys and gifts.
'But Manchester has got to get behind what we are doing, everyone can get involved and donate what they can.'
Toolan, who admitted he was 'shocked', replied: 'Half a million pounds? Rio I love you! Rio you've always done loads of good stuff for the city, you have changed so many lives in Manchester.'
Ferdinand said: 'We're not looking for a thank you, we're just trying to help people out.'
Ferdinand revealed on Twitter this morning how he had donated to the charity for deprived children in Manchester
Toolan told him: 'I tell you what, one day you're going to get some special attention from that big guy.'
The Cash for Kids Mission Christmas campaign provides help for children living in poverty, or those who have suffered abuse, deprivation or neglect across Manchester.
The charity said: 'We can't tell you what a difference this is going to make.'
The wife of Amir Khan today fired the latest shot in an deepening row engulfing the boxer's family, claiming his relatives made plastic surgery jibes and that the feud began before their marriage.
Faryal Makhdoom Khan's comments are the latest twist in a row which is tearing the Bolton family apart and has led Amir to threaten to abandon her and his family.
In an extraordinary statement this week Amir urged his wife and other relatives to stop rowing in public, but undeterred Mrs Khan still gave a bombshell TV interview.
The 25-year-old model insisted today that it was not in my nature to ever go public about personal matters but she suffered a campaign of abuse from his relatives.
She dramatically spoke out after allegations that she was tormented by Amir's brother Harroon three years ago when he compared her to Michael Jackson.
Speaking out: Faryal Makhdoom Khan, 25, spoke to ITV presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby after it was revealed she was allegedly tormented by her husbands brother
Events in recent days also include her posting a picture of Haroon, the other son of Amir's parents Sajjad and Falak, lying on a bed naked and claiming he was drunk.
And yesterday it emerged a rant by Mrs Khan claiming Falak wants her to be his 'slave' or face divorce sparked his plea to end the feud or 'lose a son and a husband'.
Today, Mrs Khan told This Morning: Being so young and getting married into a very big family and then having to hear in the media about Amir in the beginning, I had a rough time reading that. I was pregnant and I had my in laws; it was just a mess.
Over the years Amirs brother and sister went on Twitter rants, went on Instagram rants talking about me saying I dont get along with them, saying I'm very fake, saying I've done plastic surgery, calling me Michael Jackson I was a pregnant woman; reading all that was not really nice.'
Mrs Khan also revealed how problems with Amir's family began a few months before the wedding when she was banned from seeing him on a surprise visit to Dubai.
And she claimed on ITV that Amir's family 'stopped talking to me and Amir for absolutely no reason' and told of her doubts that there will ever be a reconciliation.
This Morning interview: Faryal Makhdoom Khan, 25, said it was not in my nature to ever go public about personal matters but she suffered a campaign of abuse from his relatives
Amir and Faryal Khan, pictured in the Royal Box on Centre Court at Wimbledon in July 2013
Speaking more about the abuse, Mrs Khan said: Anyway, I used to take it in, I was very, very patient about it I thought my silence would probably make them stop.
'Just recently I think it just started to build up, build up, build up, and I had done a catwalk and I was very proud of myself, Amir was very, very supportive and proud of me and I had seen Amir's youngest sister had said something like dog walk and made a comment and laughed about it.
'It really, really hurt me, because when I didn't work and I used to just stay home I was called a golddigger, I was called Im with Amir for his money.
Mrs Khan - who has not said whether she has ever had plastic surgery - told how problems with Amirs family began around six months into her engagement and she realised she wouldn't be able to fit into the family.
A few months before the wedding she went to Pakistan to do shopping and chose to make a surprise visit to see Amir who was a few hours away by plane in Dubai.
But she was banned from seeing Amir, telling presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby: I went to go see him and I thought it would have been a surprise.
Viewers voiced their opinions of Mrs Khan during the interview on ITV's This Morning today
And I remember Amirs mum and dad saying that she's ruined our family holiday and were going to take you back the next day.
Amir had to fly back out to the UK the next day, he was not allowed to see me, and thats when I knew, you know what if I'm not getting accepted being Amir's fiance, I'm not sure how easy it will be to be accepted being his wife.
She added: For Amirs sake I had always tried and played my part and I felt like it was one-way love. I went to Amirs brothers wedding.
I wasnt invited but I still went out of respect and I danced with his mum and I could see that smile on Amirs face that we were getting along.
We never stopped talking to Amir's family, I want to make that clear, they stopped talking to me and Amir for absolutely no reason.
Amir had nothing to do with this whatever problems we had. I would really like for us to all get along - it wasn't our choice for them to move out, they wanted to move out and Amir supported them in that.
Mrs Khan spoke out after it was revealed she was allegedly tormented by her husbands brother Harroon three years ago when he compared her to Michael Jackson
In another apparent insult posted in October, Harroon said: I'm sure in Islam it says you shouldn't change your features you should live the way you been born'
It would be nice for them to eventually get on with us. I always tried and I'll keep trying but I don't know how possible that is - especially being in marriage for three years and not having great communication.
Viewers voiced their opinions of Mrs Khan during the interview on ITV's This Morning today, with one saying it 'isn't right to disrespect your partner's parents like this'.
Another said she was 'making it harder every day by constantly airing private matters in public', but one viewer claimed she 'handled herself very well'.
In an apparent jibe at model Mrs Khans appearance, Harroon tweeted in 2013: Who says Michael Jackson is dead lol. Jacko lives with us now hahahahaha.
The damning tweet emerged after Mrs Khan claimed she has been 'physically and mentally' bullied by her in-laws for three years. She married Amir in June 2013.
Haroons 38,000 Twitter followers were quick to suggest he was referring to his brothers wife in his post in December 2013, even mentioning her in replies.
One user created a montage of Mrs Khan and the late Jackson using the hashtags #faryalmakhdoom and #plasticcow.
A family photo was allegedly cropped to take Faryal out and then reposted on social media
Another, who has Haroon as her profile picture, took a jab at Mrs Khan, saying: Everyone hates Faryal #chuckles.
But many jumped to the models defence, with Bismah Jallani writing: Youre such a mean bro-in-law.
Dispute: Model Mrs Khan (pictured with her boxer husband), 25, claimed last week that for the past three years she had been bullied 'physically and mentally' by her in-law
And an infuriated Farhan0161 wrote: What the f*** bro, thats your sister in law youre talking about, or am I wrong?
Syed Mahmad added: Thats actually shameful. People of Pak [Pakistan] used to talk about the Khan family proudly. Tragic to see you like this.
In another apparent insult in October, Harroon said: I'm sure in Islam it says you shouldn't change your features you should live the way you been born.
The tweets were posted before Mrs Khan put out a picture of their other son Haroon lying on a bed naked and claimed he was drunk.
Yesterday it emerged a rant by Mrs Khan claiming Amir's mother wants her to be his 'slave' or face divorce sparked his plea to end the feud or 'lose a son and a husband'.
Mrs Khan used Snapchat to accuse Falak Khan of encouraging her husband to end their marriage after just three years.
The British boxer's mother has previously slammed Mrs Khan, who is in Canada on business, for wearing un-Islamic clothes and no headscarf.
Mrs Khan wrote on Snapchat: 'Even if YOUR mother tells you to DIVORCE your wife. You should listen to her because she is your mother and she comes first - WOW! So what's a wife? Exactly what I've said - a slave!'
She also said she was considered a 'bad Muslim' if she bared any skin and claims she was even cropped out of family photographs.
Row: Earlier this week the 25-year-old model and cosmetics entrepreneur claimed Amir's mother Falak was encouraging him to end their marriage after just three years
The parents of British boxer Amir, Sajjad and Falak (pictured), have slammed his wife for wearing un-Islamic clothes and no headscarf while denying she has suffered domestic abuse
About three hours after she said his family were pushing for a divorce, a furious Amir begged his parents and wife to stop 'bashing one another' in public.
He said: 'I apologise for the silly picture and message my wife Faryal put up. Here is me working my ass off helping the less fortunate with charity dinners and my family and wife are just destroying my good name.
'I didn't want to get involved in this mess. There is NO reality television show. My parents are my parents and my wife is my wife.
'Whatever misunderstanding has happened they should keep it private. This is getting to the point where they will lose a son and a husband. Childish behaviour. Both parties need to stop this. I've had enough.'
Yesterday his wife took to social media and said: 'I wanted to apologise for the picture I put out earlier. I was a bit angry and felt I like I needed to justify myself' - but did not mention her husband's call for calm.
Plea: Amir Khan has told his family and wife to stop 'bashing one another' on social media
She added: 'I was just getting so stressed out reading the comments of people talking about my dressing. Not realising anger took over and that it would hurt so many of my followers, and the young girls that follow me. I really do apologise.
Earlier this week, speaking for the first time over the growing rift, Amir's parents rejected accusations of bullying and domestic abuse by their daughter-in-law.
Speaking on Geo News, Sajjad and Falak rubbished Mrs Khans allegations, claiming she is 'lying' they never laid a hand on her and treated her like their own daughter.
Mr Khan said: 'Faryal was adopting a dress code which in the Islamic faith was not acceptable. I ask Faryal to produce evidence of violence. Where is the evidence?
We have always held her in highest esteem and gave her the same level of respect and love that we gave to our two daughters.'
Falak said her daughter-in-law has called them 'paindoo' - Urdu for 'villagers' - used as a slur for primitive people from the Pakistani countryside.
Rowing back: Amir's wife took to Snapchat and said: 'I wanted to apologise for the picture I put out earlier' - hours after she posted a picture of their other son Haroon lying on a bed naked and claimed he was drunk
Falling out: Amir;s glamorous wife, who he married three years ago, insists his family believes she should be his 'slave'
She said: 'I am a proud Pakistani, I have always respected my in-laws and we have our traditions and values.
No one abused Faryal and I once asked her to take dupatta (veil) and she didn't listen and I never brought up the subject again.
Amir told us that she doesn't listen to him and that we should tell her parents about that. We lived in the same house but Faryal never mixed with us.
She called us paindoo. She has forgotten that the same paindoo parents gave birth to Amir Khan and brought him up'.
Their son called the actions of both parties 'childish'. In a statement on Twitter, Amir said: 'I have supported my wife, and that's because she was in the right.
'Since I've been married I've seen how my family and siblings have treated her. It wasn't fair. I'm not happy that it's come out.
Much loved: Mrs Khan does business in the US and Britain, and has posted selfies like these for her husband while they are apart
Internet star: Mrs Khan has more than 100,000 followers on Instagram and YouTube and has become a celebrity in her own right
Blow up: Details of her feud with Amir's family only fully emerged a week ago and her husband has begged both sides to end their war of words
It was a private matter and should've kept private. My siblings were posting on social media over and over again.
I asked my father to have them remove it and no one listened to me. I was patient and kept quiet but FARYAL said she couldn't take it anymore and had to speak up.
So she did. I supported her when it came to family bothering her or upsetting her.
But I did not support siblings or my wife to be this childish all over the media, crying and bashing one another. It's really getting out of control and needs an end.'
The family feud appears to have spiralled out of control in recent days.
Sajjad, speaking from his home in Bolton, said: 'I am a father to two daughters whom I have treated exactly the same way as I have treated Faryal.
'All this started with the issue of dressing. We kept asking Amir to tell her not to adopt such a dress code. And even if she had to wear such dresses, please don't post it on social media.'
She hit back on Snapchat with a picture of their other son Haroon lying on a bed naked
Mrs Khan posted a number of messages on Snapchat hitting out at Amir's parents
He denied the allegations of violence, calling them unfounded, but declined to comment further on what he called 'false accusations by Faryal'.
Amirs father also said there had been 'trying times' between Mrs Khan and Amir. A family photo was cropped to take Faryal out and reposted on social media.
Following the interview, Faryal took to Snapchat to hit back. She said 'U (sic) can fake tear. But you can't fake proof. I have a mother too, who's cried.
Just because she's not done it in the public to look innocent doesn't mean she doesn't have a heart.
Soon I'll reveal everything, I hate liars! And I will keep speaking up.'
The next message read: 'You can be a robber, a thief, a murderer but as long as you're a 'mother' and you cry, people will sympathize ... whether you're lying or telling the truth? How unfair!'
The third Snapchat said: 'After all, the biggest issue is my dressing?! What the actual f..... my biggest issue is NOT getting accepted and going through 3 years of hell and that's ok? Because? What disgusting thinking. TYPICAL.'
The final message had a picture of Haroon naked.
Amir's father Sajjad (pictured with the boxer's sister Mariyah), speaking from his home in Bolton, said: 'Faryal was adopting a dress code which in the Islamic faith was not acceptable'
Couple: Mrs Khan (pictured with her husband), who married Amir in 2013, had earlier told The Sun her in-laws said she was 'too modern', adding that she was 'miserable' and 'depressed'
Praise on Twitter: Amir's wife Mrs Khan made her catwalk debut on Monday last week
Under the image, she wrote: 'My dressing is an issue? Double standards? Like harry laying naked and drunk at a girls house, sisters wearing no dupatta I guess that's ok bc that's there blood & I'm just a daughter in law.'
Mrs Khan, who married Amir in 2013, had earlier told The Sun her in-laws said she was 'too modern', adding that she was 'miserable' and 'depressed'.
She said: 'I never felt I could do anything right. I was bullied physically and mentally. One day I said, Enough of this s***, I'm going to speak up.'
She also claimed her boxer husband had stood up to his parents, saying: 'My husband feels like a man now. He's much happier and so am I.'
Last week Mrs Khan launched an astonishing Snapchat rant in which she accused her in-laws of trying to destroy the couple's marriage.
She suggested that Amirs parents had tried to break them up, adding that the family's treatment of her husband was 'disgusting'.
Falling out: Amir's parents are said to have disapproved of some of her clothes saying it was unacceptable
Mrs Khan claimed the 'abuse' took place while she was pregnant with their now two-year-old daughter.
In the messages, Mrs Khan, who made her catwalk debut on Monday last week, wrote: 'Don't get your sons married if you're going to abuse and bully the wife.
The model even claimed her 'evil, hating sister-in-law' Mariyah (pictured) 'came to hit' her while her husband was not at home
'I've always been so quiet but seriously this message is for everyone! When you bring someone's daughter treat her as your own. Your son will be much happier & so will you. :)'
She and her husband share a house in Bolton with Amirs father, mother, brother Haroon, 25, and sister Mariyah, 19.
Mrs Khan added: 'It's funny how you expect your daughter-in-laws to live with you and be your slaves.
'But your own daughters never lived a day with their in-laws. Think it's OK to boss me around?'.
The model and make-up artist even claimed her 'evil, hating sister-in-law' Mariyah 'came to hit' her while her husband was not at home.
Mariyah then fired back four messages of her own. In one, she said that she 'didn't need to justify herself on social media as 'Allah is watching'.'
People on Queensland's Russell Island have been urged to abandon their homes and evacuate as a large bushfire continues to tear through the island.
No homes have been lost or damaged, but about 60 are still under threat as fire crews and water-bombing helicopters work to contain the blaze.
Located on the southern end of Russell Island, which is off Queensland's east coast, the fire has been steadily burning since it was first reported shortly after 2pm on Thursday.
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Fire crews on the ground and water-bombing helicopters (pictured) work to contain the blaze
The fire is travelling south-west across the island, so local emergency services have stressed to residents they should migrate to the northern end of the Island, where Redland City Council activated a Local Disaster Management centre.
While emergency crews continue to fight to control the blaze, the Queensland Fire Emergency Service have now downgraded the fire from emergency to 'watch and act'.
But they still urge residents to ready their bushfire plans in preparation.
Emergency services urge residents on the island to ready their bushfire plans in preparation
Local emergency services have stressed to residents they should migrate to the northern end of the Island
The immediate threat to homes has eased, but emergency services say the bushfires look set to burn for several days while emergency services work to contain it
The immediate threat to homes has eased, but emergency services say the bushfires look set to burn for several days while emergency services work to contain it.
Authorities said they believed three separate fires were threatening the island, and two of those remain a concern.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) superintendent Wayne Waltisbuhl told the ABC that conditions had started to ease by 6.30pm Thursday.
'The main run of the fire will probably be over very early this evening once the weather helps us out a bit and our crews can wrap it up,' he said.
'But the mopping up and the containment of the fire to make sure it stays within those perimeters will take some time.'
Not long ago, during the presidential campaign, Republican leaders in Congress had serious qualms about Donald Trump.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said Trumps private remarks about women were repugnant. House Speaker Paul Ryan said his statements about a Mexican American judge were racist. Sen. Ted Cruz called him a pathological liar (to be fair, that was in the heat of a nasty primary campaign). Twelve of the 54 Republicans in the U.S. Senate, including Sen. John McCain of Arizona, either did not endorse or disendorsed their own partys nominee.
But that was all before Election Day. Now Trump is their leader, and the same GOP skeptics are doing their best to give him a cheerful honeymoon. If you were hoping Republicans in Congress would step up to provide vigorous checks and balances on the Trump administration, the signs arent encouraging.
We are committed to working hand in glove with Trump and his aides, Ryan said recently, before traveling to Trump Tower for a meeting with the president-elect. If we are going to go big, we have got to hit the ground running.
GOP senators are issuing statements supporting Trumps nominees for cabinet positions before their confirmation hearings have been held.
And on the first real controversy of the new administration, Trumps insistence that he doesnt need to divest any of his businesses while hes in the White House, the partys leaders are studiously silent.
This is not what Im concerned about, Ryan said. I have every bit of confidence hes going to get himself right with moving from being the business guy that he is to the president hes going to become however he wants to.
Its as if congressional leaders knowing that Trump derided them during the campaign as a bunch of establishment pols who couldnt get anything done are subjecting themselves to a lengthy job interview, trying to win Trumps confidence so they can handle the details of his legislative program.
In years gone by, Congress would exercise oversight even if the president came from their own party, said Norman Ornstein, a congressional scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. But now the tribal instinct has taken over.
The reasons arent mysterious. However improbable his election, Trump is now the undisputed leader of the party, with support from 89 percent of Republican voters, according to a recent CNN Poll.
And by winning, hes given Republican leaders in Congress an opportunity theyve yearned for since at least 1994: one-party government from the right.
Weve been given the responsibility to govern, McConnell said last week. Thats what happens when you have the same party in control of the White House, the House and the Senate.
Moreover, the GOP leaders have noticed that despite Trumps populist rhetoric, his legislative program is essentially the same small-government conservatism theyve long been preaching: lower taxes, fewer federal regulations (including environmental and financial regulations) and an end to President Obamas health insurance program.
Naturally, there are some divisions in the GOP over Trumps policies, but theyve been muted so far.
Republicans dont agree on exactly how to replace the health care law, but the leadership has coalesced behind Trumps position that the program should continue until a replacement is ready, perhaps as long as three years. (A wait that long would also push the moment of truth past the next congressional election, an advantage in the eyes of some strategists.)
Trumps warning last week that he might slap punitive tariffs on American companies that send jobs overseas met with some mild pushback from Ryan and others who consider that kind of retaliation an intrusion on business freedom. We believe that the best way to get at this issue is through comprehensive tax reform, the speaker said.
And free-market, tea party Republicans are worried that Trump may propose an infrastructure plan that includes significant new federal spending.
If he can make that work through the private sector, it might be acceptable, Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.), a leading fiscal conservative, told Politico. But aaaah! Its hard to do that.
Brats was a lonely voice, though. Deficits were a big deal for Republicans during the Obama administration, but I dont think deficits matter much to them anymore, said John Feehery, a former aide to the House Republican leadership.
In the face of the incoming Trump administration, the Obama-era divisions among Republicans in Congress dont matter as much anymore. Whatever their doubts before Nov. 9, theyre all Trump Republicans now.
These women work as traffic police in North Korea - a job that appears to be reserved only for the most beautiful.
Believed to be hand-picked for their looks, Pyongyang's female traffic police are a familiar sight at intersections around the capital, where traffic volumes have noticeably increased in recent years.
To land the prestigious job of being a traffic officer in the country, it helps to be tall, beautiful and female.
Pyongyang's female traffic police are a familiar sight at intersections around the capital
As well as directing vehicles through Pyongyang, the traffic girls customarily give a crisp salute to passing military and government officials
Traffic girls are perhaps the most iconic symbols of the capital, Pyongyang, though they can also be found in other cities throughout North Korea
The women have developed something of a cult following, and even have a website dedicated to them
Traffic girls are perhaps the most iconic symbols of the capital though they can also be found in other cities throughout North Korea.
As well as directing vehicles through Pyongyang, the traffic girls customarily give a crisp salute to passing military and government officials.
The women have developed something of a cult following, and even have a website dedicated to them, which features a 'Pyongyang Traffic Girl Of The Month'.
To land the job of a traffic officer in the country, it helps to be tall, beautiful and female
The traffic girls fansite even features a 'Pyongyang Traffic Girl Of The Month'
In North Korea the women are obsessed over to the point of near absurdity
Images of the traffic women are widely used on stamps, flyers, posters and billboards as a form of propaganda
The website also has a game, and a forum where lovesick fans share messages and even poetry expressing their feelings about the traffic policewomen.
And it's not just online that Traffic girls are held in such esteem - in North Korea itself the women are obsessed over to the point of near absurdity.
Images of the women are widely used on stamps, flyers, posters and billboards as a form of propaganda - and traffic girl dolls have even been produced as toys for children.
Traffic volumes have noticeably increased in recent years in recent years although there are still fewer cars than in many other countries
In North Korea dolls have even gone on sale, aimed at children, which wear the uniform of the traffic policewomen
The job of traffic cop in North Korea appears to be reserved only for the most beautiful
The women who work as traffic officers are believed to be hand-picked for their looks
In 2013, a 22-year-old traffic girl named Ri Kyong Sim was awarded the country's highest civilian honour, the Hero of the Republic, for helping traffic safety in the city.
However, it was rumoured that she may actually have saved the life of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un during a failed assassination attempt.
An Evangelical minister from Texas has described his ascension to Heaven and meeting with Jesus on a religious television series.
Speaking with Sid Roth on his show It's Supernatural!, Dr Gary Wood said he was 18 when he was driving with his sister Sue at night in their hometown of Farmington, New Mexico.
It was December 23, 1966, and they were heading home singing Christmas songs when Sue spotted a tow truck parked in their lane of traffic.
There wasn't enough time for Dr Wood to avoid the truck's protruding tail and the car crashed headlong into it.
Dr Gary Wood (pictured with his wife Deena) was 18 when he was pronounced dead at the scene of a car crash. He had crashed headlong into a tow truck parked in his lane of traffic
What happened next changed the course of Dr Wood's life.
While Sue escaped relatively unscathed, Dr Wood's larynx and vocal chords were crushed. He also broke several bones and his nose was ripped off.
When paramedics arrived, they pronounced Dr Wood clinically dead at the scene.
Dr Wood said he was in agony after the car crash, until he was suddenly relieved of pain as he died.
'Dying is just like taking your clothes off and just laying them aside,' he said.
He recently recounted his experience on Sid Roth's (pictured) show It's Supernatural!
But death was just the beginning.
Even after 50 years, Dr Wood says he vividly remembers ascending to Heaven: 'I stepped out of this body, this Earth suit, and then was lifted up through the top of my car and my whole life just passed before my eyes in just an instant.
'Then I was caught in a swirling massive funnel shape cloud that grew brighter'.
He added that the experience of dying and his voyage to Heaven was 'peaceful' and 'calm'.
'Then this cloud opened up and I saw this giant golden satellite, suspended in space that the Bible calls Heaven', Dr Wood said.
During his 20-minute visit to Heaven, Dr Wood said he was greeted by a 70ft angel who stood in front of gates that were '500 miles wide'.
Dr Wood claims a friend took him on a tour of Heaven and introduced him to Jesus
Dr Wood said of the angel: 'He had a sword, he had beautiful gold, spun hair. And there was an angel inside of the city that was holding some books.
'There was some exchange between the two angels and then I was allowed into the city'.
Dr Wood claims he was then given a tour of Heaven by his best friend from high school who died in a lawn mower accident.
'About 500 yards from the throne room of God, my friend took me and I was captivated by the sign on the outside that said "Unclaimed Blessings".
'When I opened the door, to my astonishment I saw legs hanging there from the wall, real legs.
'Every part of ones anatomy was there in that room and people asked me, "Why do you need a place like that?" Because God has a spare part when God has a miracle'.
A highlight of the celestial tour was meeting Jesus, who gave him a mission for when he returned to Earth: 'I was sent back to tell people that Heaven is real, there is a song to sing, there is a mission or journey to take, there is a book to write.
'Youre unique in purpose on this Earth. Jesus told me to give a specific message - there will be a spirit of restoration that would prevail throughout the land, there would be a teaching and emphasis on prayer'.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, paramedics were trying to revive Dr Wood and his sister kept screaming his name.
He said: 'When my friend was taking me on this tour, as Sue began to cry out, my friend said to me, "Youve got to go back, shes using that name."
'And so I just shot right back down into my body. They noticed life signs, they rushed me to the hospital to stabilize me'.
was having depressive episodes and split up with his girlfriend
A mother has made an emotional plea to find her son who vanished from their family home in south-east Sydney.
Karl Melo-Richards was last seen by his mother at the family home on Broome St, Maroubra at 1.45pm on September 2 when she left for work.
His family returned home that afternoon to find him gone, with the front and back doors open.
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Karl Melo-Richards was last seen by his mother at the family home on Broome St, Maroubra at 1.45pm on September 2 when she left for work
His mother, Vanessa, addressed her missing son in an emotional video, urging him to seek immediate medical attention after results of tests performed before he went missing revealed high levels of heavy metals and traces of uranium in his blood
Mr Melo-Richards' left his keys, wallet and car behind but took his mobile phone, which has since been switched off.
Earlier that day, he had split up with his long-term girlfriend and had been suffering from frequent depressive episodes in the last year. He had not slept for four days before his disappearance.
His mother, Vanessa, addressed her missing son in an emotional video, urging him to seek immediate medical attention after results of tests performed before he went missing revealed high levels of heavy metals and traces of uranium in his blood.
'They can make anxiety, insomnia and depression a lot worse and you can be detoxified from those,' she says in the video.
She then tells him to go to a doctor who performs chelation to detoxify and remove heavy metals or minerals from the body, which will gradually lift the depression.
'If you can hear this message please go to a doctor that does chelation. I hope then that you may be able to think more clearly and return to us some day,' she says, tearing up.
'If you can't return, just to let us know that you're out there and you're okay would be a great comfort. We miss you so much.'
Missing posters have been placed in south Maroubra and surrounding suburbs.
Mr Melo-Richards had just completed his carpentry. He spent the last three years working as an apprentice plumber and was almost qualified.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 175-180cm tall, broad-shouldered with a fit medium build, olive skin, close-cropped brown hair and brown eyes.
When he was last seen he was wearing a T-shirt or long sleeved, dark blue fleecy lined hooded canvas jacket, dark blue jeans and closed-in shoes, and carrying an 'FCS' brand backpack.
Anyone who saw Mr Melo-Richards between 2pm and 5pm on September 2, particularly in the South Maroubra area, near Broome St or the surf club, is urged to call police.
Mr Melo-Richards (left) had just completed his carpentry. He spent the last three years working as an apprentice plumber and was almost qualified
Missing posters have been placed in south Maroubra and surrounding suburbs
Newly-released footage from the New Year's Eve sex attacks in Cologne show how powerless the vastly-outnumbered police were in handling the out-of-control crowd.
More than 500 women were assaulted and robbed by mobs of immigrant, mostly North African men in the German city during last year's New Year's Eve celebrations.
Harrowing cries of a girl shouting: 'No! You cannot touch me!', can be heard at the beginning of the new footage which was filmed by specially-trained police officials.
Newly-released footage from the New Year's Eve sex attacks in Cologne show how powerless the vastly-outnumbered police was in handling the out-of-control crowd
It also shows fireworks being repeatedly fired into groups of people with many of them exploding at the feet of the police officers trying to control the 2,000-strong crowd
Harrowing cries of a girl shouting: 'No! You cannot touch me!', can be heard at the beginning of the new footage which was filmed by specially-trained police officials
More than 500 women were assaulted and robbed by mobs of immigrant, mostly North African men in the German city during last year's New Year's Eve celebrations
It also shows fireworks being repeatedly fired into groups of people with many of them exploding at the feet of the police officers trying to control the 2,000-strong crowd.
Revellers pay little or no attention to instructions from police officers who can be heard expressing their frustration at their inability to deal with the mob and one police officer can be heard complaining, 'I'm standing here all by myself'.
Police in Cologne this week revealed that 1,500 officers - ten times as many as last year - will be on duty this New Year's Eve to avoid a repetition of last year's events.
They are also planning helicopter surveillance of revellers, limiting the number of people in certain areas and deploying police officers trained in investigating sexual assault.
VICTIMS DESCRIBE TERRIFYING ORDEAL AT HANDS OF MOB ATTACKERS Since the vast scale of the attacks emerged, several victims have come forward to describe terrifying scenes in the marauding mob. An 18-year-old had an abortion after she was raped in the mass sexual frenzy at Cologne train station on New Year's Eve. She was thrown around a group of men before eventually falling on the floor, where she was raped alongside another girl. Fireworks are set off among revellers in the city town square on New Year's Eve. The evening was marred by a wave of sex attacks that police say witnesses claim were carried out by 'Arab' or 'North African' men Frauke Mahr, 63, who is the manager of the Project for Girls in Cologne, told prosecutors on her behalf: 'She was separated from her girlfriend, and ended up being shoved from one man to another. She was then thrown to the floor and raped. 'She told me that a few metres away she saw another girl lying on the ground, also being raped. 'She had tried to signal to the other girl that she should close her eyes, but the man then grabbed her own head and forced her to look at him.' Her ordeal ended when a policeman pulled the man away and she ran home in a panic. Katja L, 28, said she was with three friends outside the station when they encountered a group of 'foreign-looking men'. 'Suddenly I felt a hand on my bottom, then on my breasts, then I was groped everywhere,' she told Cologne tabloid Express. 'It was horrible. Although we screamed and flailed about, the guys didn't stop. I was beside myself and think that I was touched about 100 times across around 200 metres [220 yards].' A woman in her 30s, interviewed on rolling news channel N24, said she was groped by a group of 'Arab-looking men'. 'They didn't look at me aggressively, they seemed more curious than anything, and a little drunk,' she said. 'I was furious.' According to Bild, a student named Evelyn, 24, from Rheinland-Pfalz, who was at the train station in Cologne, said: 'I had a knee-length skirt on, and suddenly I felt a hand on my backside under my dress. I turned round immediately and saw a grinning face.' She said that she managed to get to the cathedral and sat on a bench and suddenly she was surrounded by men once again, and had only heard them speaking Arabic. 'The only English they knew was "Hey Baby". I was grabbed and held by the arm and it was a nightmare. We were trapped in a mass of people.' Lea Westkamp, 19, told a TV station: 'I was surrounded and helpless. I could do nothing. These men were all over me.' Advertisement
Meanwhile, one teenage victim of last year's sex attacks, who was named only as Lisa S, 18, has spoken publicly about her ordeal for the first time.
Lisa, from Bavaria, was on her way to the New Year's Eve celebrations in the city's cathedral square with her two cousins when they were assaulted.
She said: 'We were immediately grabbed in our genital area from all sides, my dress was raised.
'My cousin was grabbed by her arm as they tried to pull her away.
'We tried to defend ourselves but we had no chance, as soon as we could escape one of them groping us, we were again groped by others.'
Revellers pay little or no attention to instructions from police officers who can be heard expressing their frustration at their inability to deal with the mob
Police in Cologne this week revealed that 1,500 officers - ten times as many as last year - will be on duty this New Year's Eve to avoid a repetition of last year's events
After they managed to escape, the three cousins spoke to the first policeman they saw but he told them he was busy and could not help, Lisa said.
In total, 1,222 criminal complaints were investigated by the authorities in Cologne, of which 513 involved an accusation of sexual assault.
These included sexual coercion, rape and sexually motivated insults.
So far only 35 of the accused men have appeared in court with a total of 24 found guilty.
Six of the 24 cases are still pending appeals, while 18 sentences have been made final.
Of these, just three related to sexual assaults.
Cologne was not the only German city were sex attackers escaped from prosecution after out-of-control New Year's celebrations.
In Hamburg, 245 investigations into sex attacks resulted in only four accusations and one prosecution, according to prosecutor Nana Frombach.
Frombach indicated the number of attacked women was 410 at last year's celebrations in the city.
Similar incidents were reported in Frankfurt, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, and Bielefeld.
Happy Days star Scott Baio has reported the wife of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith to the sheriff over claims she attacked him during an elementary school function in California.
Baio, who publicly endorsed Donald Trump ahead of November's election, claims Nancy Mack accosted him at an event in Thousand Oaks, California on Saturday.
The actor claimed Mack kept asking him how he could support a man who said 'Grab them by the p****' after the pair met at the event for the school where their children study.
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Actor Scott Baio was one of the only celebrities to endorse Donald Trump before November
The former Happy Days star delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention in Ohio
According to TMZ, Baio told Ventura County Sheriff's Department that Mack repeatedly used the notorious phrase attributed to the President-elect.
Baio reportedly asked Mack to cease as there were children present. He said Mack then grabbed him under his arms and began shacking and pushing him.
Sources close to Mack said she did not assault the actor and was merely demonstrating how Trump hugs a woman.
Baio's endorsement of the billionaire businessman was rare in showbusiness circles, as many celebrities backed Hillary Clinton.
Baio had previously campaigned for Ronald Reagan in his youth.
Baio claims he was accosted by Nancy Mack, left, at an event at an elementary school in California pictured with her husband, Red Hot Chili Pepper drumer Chad Smith, right,
Baio, right rear, appeared in Happy Days between 1977 and 1984 playing Chachi
During a speech to the Republican National Convention, Baio said: 'Let's make America America again'.
He added: 'It doesn't mean getting free stuff. It means sacrificing, winning, losing, failing, succeeding, sometimes doing the things you don't want to do, including the hard work in order to get where you want to be.
'Is Donald Trump a messiah? No. He's just a man, a man who wants to give back to his country, America. A country that has given him everything.'
He described Hillary Clinton as a 'woman who somehow feels she's entitled to the presidency'.
Alison Chabloz, 52, is accused of posting a 'grossly offensive' video
A blogger accused of calling Auschwitz a 'theme park' and gas chambers a 'hoax' appeared in court today in what is believed to be the first private prosecution in the UK for anti-jewish racism.
Alison Chabloz, 52, is accused of posting a 'grossly offensive' video, called 'Survivors', online on June 8 this year.
The prosecution has been brought by the charity the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism, which said it decided to do so after the Crown Prosecution Service did not press charges.
The anti-Semitic 'phenomenon' has 'grown enormously' in the UK, a court heard.
The video allegedly included lyrics such as 'Did the Holocaust ever happen? Was it just a bunch of lies? Seems that some intend to pull the wool over our eyes', according to the charity.
The clip also included lines such as 'Now Auschwitz, holy temple, is a theme park just for fools, the gassing zone a proven hoax, indoctrination rules', the charity claims.
Other lines are said to have been: 'History repeats itself, no limit to our wealth, thanks to your debts we're bleeding you dry.
'We control your media, control all your books and TV, with the daily lies we're feeding, suffering victimisation.
'Sheeple have no realisation, you shall pay, all the way, until the break of day.'
Chabloz, who is also a musician, is charged with improper use of public electronic communications network, and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today to enter a plea.
Wearing a black fur jacket, black jeans and with short brown hair, she spoke only to confirm her name, age and address, and to enter a plea of not guilty.
She smiled and waved at her supporters in the full public gallery during the hearing, which consisted mostly of older men and women.
District Judge Shenagh Bayne set a trial date for March 24 next year.
Members of the charity, whose chairman Gideon Falter was present claim it is the first private prosecution of its kind in the UK.
Outside court, member Stephen Silverman said: 'I believe it is the first private prosecution of its kind in the UK.'
Prosecutor Jonathan Goldberg QC said: 'We act pro bono for a charity called the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism.
Chabloz is charged with improper use of public electronic communications network, and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today to enter a plea
'As you know, there is a charge laid present against this defendant under the Communications Act of 2003.'
Mr Goldberg told the court: 'The very reason this charity is making an example of this case is because of their disappointment that the Crown Prosecution Service have investigated 15,442 cases in recent times, but only 12 of those cases have involved anti-Semitic hatred.
'Even though the fact is this phenomenon has grown enormously within our society at alarming proportions.'
An application by the defence to adjourn the case, on the grounds it was a 'malicious prosecution', was rejected by the judge.
Kevin Lowry-Mullins, defending, said: 'I have invited the Crown Prosecution Service to take over this prosecution, and to discontinue it.
'But before they can review the case, they may have to have representations from parties if they so wish.
'That application is made on behalf of the defendant, and I would submit that it is a proper application to make because we say, the defence say, this is a malicious prosecution.
'In the first place, the police were investigating the matter. It has been taken out of the hands of the police.
'The private prosecution stems from the fact the police have not made a decision yet.'
Mr Goldberg said: 'I would strongly object on behalf of my clients. First is the suggestion this is a malicious prosecution - with great respect, there is no finding for that.'
He said there was a six-month window to bring a prosecution, and 'it seems to us that the police would now be out of time'.
Only days before his inauguration President-elect Donald Trump will be deposed for seven hours in New York as part of his $10million lawsuit against celebrity chef Jose Andres.
The Spanish-born Andres had agreed to be the star chef at Trump's new hotel in Washington DC but he fell out with the tycoon after he said many Mexican immigrants were 'rapists' and he would build a wall to keep them out.
Trump then sued Andres for breach of contract, claiming $10million in damages.
Jose Andres (pictured, left) had agreed to work for Trump (right) at his new hotel at the Old Post Office in Washington DC
The hotel tycoon will be inaugurated as the 45th President on January 20 but he has been told he must make himself available a few days before then to give testimony in the dispute with Andres.
Trump had wanted to limit questioning to two hours and prohibit questions covered in a previous deposition.
CNN reported that DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ruled yesterday that Trump must sit for a deposition in New York City in the first week of January.
His transition team had argued that it was not necessary but Judge Di Toro was not moved, and said 'Mr Trump's own statements are at the heart' of his lawsuit.
Andres backed out of working as the chef at Trump's new hotel in Washington (pictured) after Trump made comments about Mexicans during the campaign
Andres offered this week to settle the action and donate the money to charity.
He tweeted to Trump: 'Can we end our lawsuits and donate $ to a Veterans NGO to celebrate? Why keep litigating? Let's both of us win.'
Andres is known for popularizing the small dishes known as tapas in the United States.
Andres claimed Trump's derogatory comments about illegal immigrants made it impossible for him to run a successful restaurant.
He said the statements made it 'impossible for my company and I to move forward'.
Andres said more than half of his team was Hispanic, as were many of his restaurant guests.
'As a proud Spanish immigrant and recently naturalized American citizen myself, I believe that every human being deserves respect, regardless of immigration status,' he said at the time.
He was slated to run a restaurant in the 270-room Trump International Hotel, which was built in the historic Old Post Office on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the Capitol.
Andres (pictured, left) appeared at a rally for Hillary Clinton in Tampa in October, on the same day Trump (right) was opening his new hotel in Washington, where Andres was supposed to be working
The Trump Organization said at the time Andres had agreed to a 10-year lease and the company would seek to recover any unpaid rent for the full term.
Donald Trump Jr. said at the time: 'Our relationship with Jose Andres has always been a good one, but simply put, Jose has no right to terminate or otherwise abandon his obligations under the lease.'
Andres enraged Trump even more in October when he flew to Tampa and appeared on stage with Hillary Clinton on the same day Trump was in Washington for the grand opening of the Trump International Hotel in the Old Post Office on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Andres, who was born in the Asturias region of Spain, gained US citizenship in 2013.
He currently runs a number of restaurants across the country, including Minibar in DC, e in Las Vegas, and a series of other outlets mainly in Washington, Los Angeles and Nevada.
A group of 34 Afghan asylum seekers - including rapists and killers - who returned home today after being deported from Germany said they were happy to be home.
One of the group, 22-year-old Matiiullah Azizi from Kabul who spent seven years in Frankfurt, said he was glad to be back.
'I love Afghanistan, it's my country,' he said.
The move to deport the men - a third of whom had committed criminal offences - was made possible after a recent Afghan-Germany deal to stem the influx into the European country.
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One of the 34 Afghan asylum seekers who returned home today after being deported from Germany. MailOnline is not suggesting he is one of those convicted of a crime
Another Afghan kisses the ground in joy after returning to his home country. MailOnline is not suggesting he is one of those convicted of a crime
The plane carrying the deportees - all young men without families - landed in Kabul around 5am, said the Kabul airport chief of police, Mohammad Asif Jabarkhil.
Germany's top security official, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere, told reporters in Berlin that about a third of the men had been convicted of crimes in Germany, including rape, manslaughter, assault and drug offences.
Fifty were scheduled to be on the plane, but in six cases courts intervened at the last minute on appeal, and 10 'irritatingly' went into hiding, de Maiziere said, promising unspecified consequences.
Fifty were scheduled to be on the plane, but ten went into hiding before they could be deported. MailOnline is not suggesting these men were among those convicted of a crime
However, the feeling was not universal, and some of the deportees expressed their disappointment, saying they had lived and worked in Germany for years and were now forced to come back without any job prospects.
'I am not happy, everything is different for me here,' said Sidiq Kuchai, a 23-year-old from northern Baghlan province who was in Germany for seven years.
'I had a good job and was working in a restaurant in Cologne. But in Afghanistan, I have no job and no security.'
The memorandum of understanding that Berlin and Kabul recently signed is part of Germany's efforts - after allowing in 890,000 migrants last year - to manage the influx by speeding up the asylum process for the applicants most likely to receive it, such as Syrians fleeing civil war.
In turn, German authorities accelerated the expulsion of unlikely candidates for asylum, such as people seeking to escape poverty in the Balkans.
De Maiziere called them 'two sides of the same coin.'
The memorandum of understanding that Berlin and Kabul recently signed is part of Germany's efforts - after allowing in 890,000 migrants last year - to manage the influx
'Such deportations are justified and important for our asylum system to function,' he said.
But Afghans fell somewhere in the middle, with some areas of the country, like the Kabul area for example, considered safe, and some not.
Until now, few were deported with many instead being convinced to go home voluntarily with financial incentives.
Some 12,500 Afghans in Germany have been ordered to leave the country.
German officials said the deportation was considered a successful pilot project, and was part of a Europe-wide initiative to begin returning Afghans whose asylum had been rejected.
The EU recently also signed an agreement with Afghanistan that mirrors the German agreement, and Sweden deported a dozen Afghans earlier this week.
In turn, German authorities accelerated the expulsion of unlikely candidates for asylum, such as people seeking to escape poverty in the Balkans
At the Kabul airport on Thursday, some deportees - such as 24-year-old Mohammad Khan who said he had spent 10,000 euros to get to Europe and had lived in Germany for almost six years - complained over the behaviour of the German police.
'Two days ago, two policemen came to my home and said, `Let's go on a picnic,' and took me to the deportation centre,' he said.
'The next day, I was brought to the Frankfurt Airport.
Bitter about his fate, Khan said that if he can't find a job, he would join the Taliban.
Afghan ministry of repatriation's media adviser Hafiz Ahmad Meyakhil defended the deportation, saying it was done under a proper agreement and according to law.
'The Afghan government has the obligation to provide shelter and better life for its citizens,' Meyakhil said, but warned that as long as there is instability in Afghanistan, European counties need to brace for a further influx.
'We also have 92,000 internally displaced this year from the fighting in our country,' he added.
This is the first picture of the 14-year-old boy who was shot by a cop at his Reno, Nevada high school last week, as he continues to recover from his injuries in the hospital.
Logan Clark is in extremely critical condition and remains in a medically-induced coma at Renown Regional Medical Center. Just last week he suffered a stroke after undergoing surgery to remove part of his lung.
The teen was shot by a police officer at Procter R. Hug High School on December 7, after he brandished two knives in a fight with another student.
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This is the first picture of 14-year-old Logan Clark recovering in the hospital, more than a week after he was shot in the chest by a cop after getting into a fight at his Reno school
Clark's father Justin (pictured) defended his son on the Today Show, saying he was being bullied at school
Witness video shows Clark moments before he was shot, holding the knives in front of him while pacing inside a circle of students gathered to see the fight.
Seconds later, a police officer arrives and orders Clark to drop his weapons and when he refuses - shoots him once in the chest.
In an interview with the Today show Thursday morning, Clark's father Justin spoke out to defend his son - saying that administrators knew he was being bullied and did nothing.
'My son wasn't just some knife-wielding psychopath. It felt like he wanted to make sure he wasn't beat up and robbed,' Mr Clark said.
Witness video shows Logan brandishing two knives in a fight with another student at school moments before he was shot. His mouth is bloody - from wounds his father says were inflicted by his bullies moments before he began flailing with knives
Unwarranted? Mr Clark has criticized the cop for shooting his son instead of finding other ways to subdue him
Mr Clark also took issue with the police officer who he says jumped to using lethal force before trying other means of subduing his son.
He said it's 'easy to see' in the video that his son's posture is 'defensive' and 'not an attacking posture'. He's also bleeding from the mouth, a sign of the fight he had allegedly just gotten into with an 'older' and 'quite a bit bigger' student who had been bullying him.
'He just doesn't want to be attacked anymore and that's what happened...I think the officer could have evaluated that if he just paid attention a little bit,' Mr Clark said.
The troubled father added: 'I'm upset that he didn't have another alternative or he didn't spend more time trying to talk my son down. For me it would have been hard for me to shoot someone's 14-year-old son so easily.'
Mr Clark says his son was previously suspended for fighting, something he says was the result of bullying that he reported to the school.
'My son wasn't just some knife-wielding psychopath. It felt like he wanted to make sure he wasn't beat up and robbed,' Mr Clark, right, said of his 14-year-old son, left
The school has not released an official statement on the incident, but on the day of the shooting the superintendent praised the cop's actions. The Reno police chief also said that the use of force was warranted. The officer nonetheless remains on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated.
Mr Clark has already hired high-profile defense attorney David Houston, suggesting a possible lawsuit.
Houston has said that the videos online suggest that none of the students felt threatened and were more shocked when the officer opened fire.
The lawyer suggested that the officer who fired the shot had alternative methods at his disposal that could have rendered the situation harmless, he told the station KRNV, before adding: It is my belief we do not send our children to school to be shot.
A little-known Second World War raid in the Channel Islands which prompted Adolf Hitler to introduce his order to execute captured commandos has emerged.
A crack team of 12 British commandos took part in the daring Operation Basalt to capture German troops on the tiny Nazi-occupied island of Sark in October 1942.
After going to the isolated house of a local widow who gave the men crucial intelligence about the enemy positions, they captured five German soldiers.
Capture mission: German soldiers, who considered the Channel Island of Sark to be a 'little paradise', are pictured relaxing in the sunshine during the Second World War
Two who tried to break free and alert their comrades were shot and killed. A third German soldier, a sentry, was also knifed to death in the night-time mission.
The 12 men, who invaded Sark with no intelligence and used a 1920s guide book, made it off the island unscathed and with one German prisoner.
The purpose of the raid was fairly minor - to terrorise the occupying force and gather intelligence - but its consequences were far-reaching.
Two weeks later Hitler issued the 'Kommandobefehl' Commando Order, saying all those operating against German troops in commando raids must be 'annihilated.
More than 100 captured Allied commandos, including over 30 SAS soldiers, were then executed. Most were shot, but at least three were killed by lethal injection.
The Commando Order was later to be recognised as a major war crime at the Nuremburg trials in Germany between November 1945 and October 1946.
The remarkable raid and its devastating aftermath have now been documented in historian Eric Lee's new book called Operation Basalt.
In 1942 Sark which is just 5 square miles in size - had a population of less than 500 people and 103 cows.
Island: A view of the east coast of Sark, as seen from the Hog's Back, which was invaded by the 12 British commandos with no intelligence and used a 1920s guide book
So little was known about the tiny isle that German soldiers sent to occupy it had to wire Berlin to find out if Sark was even technically at war with the Third Reich.
The German soldiers assigned to guard Sark described it as a 'little paradise' because it was never bombed by the Royal Air Force.
At 11.30pm on October 3, 1942, the Small Scale Raiding Force - No 62 Commando, led by Major Geoffrey Appleyard, landed on Sark in a small boat.
The raid didn't get off to the best of starts after they landed in the wrong spot and had to re-embark to reach their intended target.
They quickly came across what appeared to be a German patrol, but it turned out to be dummies on a firing range.
They then broke into another house, La Jaspellerie, belonging to British widow Frances Pittard. She gave them valuable intelligence about the German occupiers.
On her advice, they headed for the Dixcart Hotel Annexe. They stormed it, killing a sentry and capturing five soldiers. They tied their hands but did not gag them.
When one of the German soldiers made a run for it the others followed his example.
As they headed for the nearby Stocks Hotel, where many German troops were stationed, two of them were shot and killed under Major Appleyard's orders.
Involved: Major Geoffrey Appleyard (left), the leader of the Basalt raid; and Frances Pittard (right), who gave the British men valuable intelligence about the German occupiers
The dramatic incident is described in one of several accounts found by Mr Lee and which feature in the book.
The commando, known only as Gunner Redborn, said: 'I didn't quite realise what was happening, I was having so much trouble with my prisoner.
'He had freed his hands - we were struggling - and he was getting away from me. Then I bowled him over with a rugby tackle. We rolled over and he got free again.
'He was a much bigger fellow than I was, but I managed to knock him over again, and we lay struggling among some cabbage plants.
'One of the officers shouted loud enough for his voice to be heard above the din, "If they try to get away - then shoot him!"
'Captain (Philip) Pinckney's prisoner broke free and set off towards the hotel, shouting at the top of his voice. Captain Pinckney chased him and a shot ran out.
'I had had more than enough of my prisoner. I couldn't manage him and so I had to shoot him.
'And I found that the others were doing the same with their prisoners, except Andy (Lieutenant Anders Lassen) who was still holding on to two prisoners.
'More shots sounded - and shouting and screaming, a terrible row, and lights began to come on in various parts of the hotel.'
Troops flooded out and chased after the raiders for 25 minutes in the dramatic escape. They only just made it back to their boat and sailed to safety.
Raided: Petit Dixcart, which was the commandos' primary target, but was found to be empty. In 1942 Sark had a population of less than 500 people and 103 cows
One year before, in October 1941, Hitler said 'on political and propaganda grounds isolated English attacks must be expected at all times'.
He made orders for the Channel Islands to be heavily fortified. The Commando Order was marked 'secret' and was limited in its distribution to just 12 copies.
It read: 'For a long time now our opponents have been employing in their conduct of the war, methods which contravene the International Convention of Geneva.
'The members of the so-called Commandos behave in a particularly brutal and underhand manner.
'In future, Germany will adopt the same methods against these sabotage units of the British and their Allies, that, whenever they appear, they shall be ruthlessly destroyed by the German troops.'
Among those who died because of the Commando Order were two of the officers who served on Operation Basalt.
Lieutenant Patrick Dudgeon and Captain Philip Pinckney were both killed by the Germans following their subsequent capture in Italy in 1943.
The courageous Mrs Pickard was deported to Germany as a punishment for assisting the raiders.
Mr Lee, who lives in London, spent several years researching the little-known raid. He visited Sark and spoke to survivors.
He said: 'Like so many people I first heard of the Channel Islands as a tourist location.
Aerial view: Eric Lee spent years researching the little-known raid and visited Sark. He said the story of the British commando raid on Sark was 'one of great personal courage and daring'
'When I heard the story of what happened it struck me as an amazing story which no one had told in great detail before.
'I was struck by the amateurness of some of the aspects of the mission. They invaded an island with no intelligence using a guide book from the 1920s.
'Clearly they bungled it (the prisoner situation), they should never have had a situation where tied up guys are able to run away.
'But it was probably legal as tying up a prisoner in a battle field situation is not breaking any law (it is in prison).
'In the Nuremburg trials it was revealed that quite a number of Allied officers were killed under the Commando Order.
'Churchill and Hitler's interest in the Sark raid and its tragic aftermath make it worthy of our attention.
'But for me, what is really engaging about the story is the people, in particular 12 incredibly brave young men and one woman whose fate has largely been unknown until today.
'In the intervening decades, numerous accounts of the raid have appeared that often contradict one another.
'In this book, I've tried to disentangle the facts from the rumours that surround the raid.
'The story of the British commando raid on Sark is one of great personal courage and daring, and the 12 men and one women who played a role in it should be honoured and remembered.'
Heres the fact: Reindeer cant fly.
And before you helicoptering mommies and daddies get your overprotective undies in a bunch, any kid precocious enough to be reading the newspaper is precocious enough to apprehend that simple fact without undue emotional distress and ought not be believing in Santa in the first place.
Its not good for people to believe in things that just arent so. Its even worse when entire countries fall into the habit.
Welcome to our new fantasy-based reality where facts are always optional and as long as your pumpkin patch is sufficiently sincere, what you believe is what you get.
Which I believe is going to get us into deep, deep do-do. Just remember, what those folks believed they really, really believed, but it was too late for Heavens Gate when they learned there was no space ship waiting for them behind comet Hale-Bopp.
Over the years, the more rational among us have learned that facts have a nasty habit of asserting themselves whether we want them to or not.
Take gravity, for example as George Carlin summed it up, not just a good idea, but the law... And for generations of clever, wing-wearing boys climbed atop the barn roof and when they fought the law, the law won.
It happens all the time. Some folks learn from it. Some folks dont. The brighter bulbs learn early on to consider the source before betting life and fortune on the latest oddball notion to come their way.
And what may have been best source yesterday may not hold that status tomorrow. When Bishop James Ussher sat down to figure out how old the earth was, the best source he had was an oft-translated collection of Bronze Age manuscripts. Its not to disparage Holy Scripture to observe that the state of paleontology in the 16th century wasnt quite what it is today, and had the good bishop contemporary information available to him, he may well have concluded that the earth predated Oct. 23, 4004 B.C.
Or maybe not.
They just opened the replica Noahs ark in Williamstown, Kentucky. Where they came up with all the gopherwood is anybodys guess neither Menards nor Home Depot stocks it. Anyway, those folks insist that the Flintstone lifestyle is historically accurate, right down to the bronto burgers and house breaking Dino. And folks believe it believe it to the tune of $40 a pop.
Id remind folks that we live in a time when men have visited the moon ... but somebody would just point out that was all done in a Hollywood studio and all the tens of thousands of Project Apollo employees and contractors have kept mum about it for the past 50 years.
Besides, we all know the moon consists of green cheese an over-ripe Camembert to be precise.
Believe the one, you may as well go for the other.
And you wont believe it if I tell you Al Qaeda was behind 9/11 not the CIA.
Or that the only thing in Area 51 are a bunch of tourist traps for gullible suckers.
Or that vaccines prevent disease, not cause it.
Or the Masons dont really rule the world.
That there are no witches.
Really.
Thats what the facts say. But who listens to facts anymore?
The leader of North Carolina's NAACP has filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, saying he was removed from a flight earlier this year because he is black.
Reverend William Barber alleges in the lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia, that he was unfairly removed from an American flight from Reagan National Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in April.
Barber said he asked a flight attendant to ask two white passengers who were talking loudly in the row behind him to quiet down.
Reverend William Barber (pictured in September) alleges in the lawsuit he was unfairly removed from an American flight from Reagan National Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in April
The white passenger responded that he had a problem with 'those people' and made fun of Barber for purchasing two seats, according to the lawsuit.
Barber alleges in the lawsuit that the confrontation had dissipated when police officers boarded the plane and had him removed at American's request.
The white passenger was allowed to remain on board.
According to the lawsuit, a black American employee who rebooked Barber on a flight the next day told Barber that 'this tends to happen a lot' and expressed frustration with the airline.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and changes at the airline.
Barber, a pastor in Goldsboro, North Carolina, brought the crowd to its feet when he spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
Barber said he asked a flight attendant to ask two white passengers who were talking loudly in the row behind him to quiet down
Barber was trying to fly from Ronald Reagan National Airport (left) to Raleigh on American Airlines (right)
He is also the organizer of a progressive protest movement in North Carolina known as 'Moral Mondays.'
The airline declined comment Thursday, citing the ongoing litigation, but said it does not tolerate discrimination.
The former leader of far right group Britain First has been jailed for eight weeks after breaching a court order banning him from entering mosques.
Paul Golding, 34, who handed over leadership of the movement to Jayda Fransen last month, was sentenced to eight weeks in prison at London's High Court.
The court order was put in place after Golding and Fransen lead a 'Christian Patrol' in Bury Park, Luton, in January.
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Britain First leader Paul Golding (centre) has been jailed for eight weeks after breaching a court order banning him from entering mosques
During the rally they were said to intimidate Muslims in the area and handed out newspapers.
London's High Court heard that nine days after the injunction - which prohibited entering any mosque in England and Wales without prior invitation - was imposed in August this year, Golding drove four Britain First members to the Al-Manar Centre in Cardiff for a 'mosque invasion'.
Golding stayed outside and there was no violence but there was a verbal confrontation between his four colleagues and a mosque trustee.
It is believed they accused the imam at the Al-Manar Islamic Centre in Cathays lodge of being a radical preacher.
James Weston, counsel for the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police who brought the committal application, said that members of the mosque found the conduct provocative and unnerving and were concerned that it could have escalated if prayers had not been over.
Pictured: Golding turns his back when Sadiq Khan delivers a speech after winning the London mayoral election in May this year
Sentencing Golding on Thursday, Judge Moloney said the breach was a 'deliberate and cynical defiance' of the court's order as well as an affront to the Muslim community not merely in Cardiff but throughout the country where Britain First might circulate its propaganda.
President-elect Donald Trump slammed the White House this morning, suggesting President Obama and Democrats only cared about Russian interference in the election because their chosen candidate didn't win.
'If Russia, or some other entity, was hacking, why did the White House [wait] so long to act? Why did they only complain after Hillary lost?' Trump tweeted Thursday morning, misspelling the word 'waite.'
He dashed off an identical, second tweet, making the spelling correction.
Both the White House and Democrat Hillary Clinton addressed the Russian-led hacks before the election.
Though the New York Times reported yesterday that there was some dragging of feet, with the White House not holding a Situation Room meeting on the matter until July, three months after the Democratic National Committee was compromised.
Additionally, the White House rejected more robust responses that would have gotten Moscow's attention, the Times wrote.
Today NBC News is reporting that intelligence sources now believe with a 'high level of confidence' that Russian President Vladimir Putin was directly involved.
Asked about this revelation in today's press transition call, spokesman Jason Miller said: 'I'll let the president-elect's tweets speak for themselves.'
'I'd say the continued efforts to try to de-legitimize the election at a certain point, at a certain point you kind of realize the election from last month is going to stand whether it's the recount or continued questions along this line,' Miller told reporters.
'And we're moving ahead and putting together a successful administration that's ready to go to work serving the American people,' he added.
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President-elect Donald Trump is questioning the White House's motives for being so interested in Russia's hacks into the Democratic National Committee
Donald Trump tweeted this morning asking why the White House was so concerned with the Russian hacks now - suggesting it had to do with the election result
Donald Trump's campaign manager pointed fingers at Hillary Clinton this morning as she pushed back on White House claims that Donald Trump knew Russia was responsible for hacking the Democrats
The hacks became widespread knowledge back on October 7, one month and one day before the presidential election.
The Homeland Security Department and Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a joint statement saying they were 'confident that the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of emails from U.S. persons and institutions, including from U.S. political organizations.'
The White House and Clinton began addressing the hacks after that.
'We have 17 intelligence agencies, civilian and military, who have all concluded that these espionage attacks, these cyberattacks, come from the highest levels of the Kremlin, and they are designed to influence our election,' Clinton said at the final presidential debate. 'I find that deeply disturbing.'
On Friday, the Washington Post broke the news that the CIA had told members of Congress that Russia's intention with the hacks was to assist Trump in winning the White House.
'I think it's ridiculous,' Trump said when asked about it by Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace. 'I think it's just another excuse. I don't believe it. I don't know why and I think it's just you know, they talked about all sorts of things. Every week, it's another excuse.'
'We had a massive landslide victory, as you know, in the Electoral College,' Trump added, pushing back against the fact that his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton had won the popular vote.
On Monday, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest suggested that Trump knew Russian actors were responsible for hacking the Democratic National Committee and Clinton's campaign chairman John Podesta because of remarks the Republican hopeful made at a press conference in July.
'Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,' Trump told reporters at the time. 'I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press.'
Clinton had deleted some 30,000 personal emails from her private server before turning the rest of the contents over to the feds.
Trump used this heightened campaign rhetoric at a time when Clinton's homebrew server was already offline and thus couldn't actually be hacked by the Russians.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest interpreted Trump's statement literally telling reporters on Monday, 'He called on Russia to hack his opponent. He called on Russia to attack Secretary Clinton.'
'So he certainly had a pretty good sense of which side this activity was coming down on,' Earnest added.
Earnest made similar claims Wednesday during the White House press briefing.
'There was ample evidence that was known long before the election, and in most cases long before October, about the Trump campaign in Russia, everything from the Republican nominee himself calling on Russia to hack his opponent,' Earnest said.
'It might be an indication that he was obviously aware and concluded, based on whatever facts or sources he had available to him, that Russia was involved and their involvement was having a negative impact on his opponent's campaign,' the press secretary added.
Trump's Campaign Manager Kellyanne Conway shot back this morning on Fox & Friends calling Earnest 'incredibly irresponsible.'
'That is just remarkable,' the top Trump aide said. 'That is breathtaking.'
'I guess he's just auditioning to be a political pundit after his job is over,' she continued. 'That is incredibly disappointing to hear from the podium of the White House press secretary.'
'Because he basically he essentially stated that the president-elect had knowledge of this, maybe even fanned the flames,' she added.
She wondered aloud if President Obama held these same views.
The hosts pointed to Obama's recent sit-down with Daily Show host Trevor Noah.
'The president-elect in some of his political events, specifically said to the Russians, "Hack Hillary's emails so that we can finally find out what's going on and confirm our conspiracy theories,' Obama said on Monday.
Conway called Obama's statement 'unfortunate too' and suggested the White House was 'trying to re-litigate a political campaign.'
'[Americans] are going to see this as a continuation of the permanent campaign of people who just can't get over themselves, their bad predictions, frankly, and the fact that they wanted a different result,' Conway said.
She then turned her attention to Clinton.
'She got this party started,' Conway said of Clinton. 'Look, we should really be talking about what we know, not what we don't. And what we know is that Hillary Clinton selfishly set up a private server that put us all at risk.'
'So when you're talking about hacking into emails, why have we left behind this piece of evidence that's right in front of us?'
'But she started this with her illegal server,' the Trump aide stated.
Expanding on Trump's tweets asking why the White House suddenly cared about the Russian hacks, Conway pointed a finger at team Clinton, wondering why they didn't bring up the Russian hacking before the election results were in.
Many of the stories about Russian interference were eclipsed by other news of the day, including the leak of the 'Access Hollywood' video, which briefly looked to have doomed the Trump campaign.
'Let's roll the tape of everyone, all those geniuses on TV, all the people on Team Clinton. Let's roll the tape leading up to the actual Election Day,' Conway said. 'How many people were actually talking about this as interfering in the election?'
'They were talking about what they were going to do in the West Wing, that the path was closed, we can never win,' she continued. 'Nobody talked about this.'
And, as a final ding, Conway ridiculed the celebrity-filled campaign rallies Clinton hosted in the campaign's last days.
His right arm strapped with a tourniquet and numbed by anaesthetic, Azad Hassan sat before the crowd waiting for ISIS militants to chop off his hand as a punishment.
First, he had watch them do the same to his brother.
Freed from ISIS rule in Mosul by Iraqi forces who are fighting to recapture the city, the Hassan family bear more scars than most from two years under the jihadists' self-declared caliphate.
The family tragedy parallels Mosul's own recent history, from its storming by ISIS in 2014, and the imposition of the group's ultra-hardline rule in its de facto capital, to the Iraqi military campaign to retake it which has led to ferocious fighting in eastern districts.
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Azad Hassan (right) and his brother Mohammad, both had a hand chopped off by ISIS militants in Mosul, Iraq
Azad Hassan (left), whose hand was chopped off by ISIS fanatics, cries as he stands beside his wounded father in a house at Nimrud village, south of Mosul
According to ISIS fanatics' warped reading of Shariah law, thieves have a hand cut off. It is unclear whether the victim can choose which hand is removed (file picture)
A dispute over flour deliveries brought the two brothers before an ISIS court more than a year ago.
Militants had already taken another brother a few months before - a document given to the family says he was shot suspected of working with the Iraqi army, but they never saw his body.
A younger brother has joined the Sunni militia brigades, one of the forces fighting in support of the army around Mosul.
On a small USB stick, Azad, 21, carries a copy of the ISIS video made of his and his brother Mohamed's public amputations, hoping someday for some form of justice.
'As long as I live I won't forget that moment they cut off my brother's hand,' Azad said. 'Then they tied down my hand. They had to hit it twice to cut it off. I wanted the ground to open up.'
Freed from ISIS rule in Mosul by Iraqi forces who are fighting to recapture the city, the Hassan family bear more scars than most from two years under the jihadists' self-declared caliphate
Their father Hussein lies in a small bed in the family's farm in the village of Al-Dhibaniyah outside Mosul, his legs seeping blood through bandages over wounds from an explosion after he returned to their former home in a recaptured but still fragile area in Mosul.
'They cut the hands of two of my sons, and my third son they took him - Daesh hurt my family badly,' said Hussein, whose wife is Kurdish, using an Arabic acronym for ISIS. 'We are all Iraqi, all the same people. I don't know why they did this to us.'
Iraqi forces, engaged in a nine-week-old U.S.-backed campaign to crush ISIS in its last urban bastion in the country, have retaken about a quarter of Mosul, but their advance has been slow and punishing.
As they slowly gain ground, refugees fleeing the city and those living inside recall a brutal life under ISIS, whose religious police would patrol and enforce their laws.
Men were forced to wear beards to lengths deemed Islamic. Women had to cover up from head to foot. Some people were beaten for infractions, others were shot - their corpses sometimes crucified - with punishments decided by ISIS courts.
One refugee in Khazer camp outside the city showed Reuters scars from where he says his teeth were pulled out and his tongue slashed for smoking in public.
Azad said they were summoned by ISIS judges, detained and accused of theft. An Iraqi judge known as the 'Blood Judge' sentenced them to be beheaded and crucified, but a Saudi judge changed the sentence to amputation
ISIS also systematically killed, captured and enslaved thousands from the Yazidi minority in northern Iraq region around Mosul, regarded by Sunni militants as devil-worshippers, and targeted Christian towns for desecration and Shi'ites who they deem apostate.
When militants overran the city in mid-2014, Azad was helping in the family's small flour delivery business.
'Daesh came to Mosul and turned our lives upside down,' he said. 'At first they tried to come as if they were revolutionaries. But then they showed their real face, torturing, cutting off heads, treating people extremely badly.'
The Hassan brothers said they ran foul of ISIS in May last year because they were selling flour to a baker who was loyal to the militants and who didn't pay his debts.
One day the brothers broke into his business to take back flour in lieu of cash.
Azad said they were summoned by ISIS judges, detained and accused of theft. An Iraqi judge known as the 'Blood Judge' sentenced them to be beheaded and crucified, but a Saudi judge changed the sentence to amputation.
The brothers were taken to a public square where ISIS had gathered hundreds to watch since early morning. A doctor administered anaesthetic to their wrists
Later, they were taken to a public square where ISIS had gathered hundreds to watch since early morning. A doctor administered anaesthetic to their wrists.
In the ISIS video, a militant fighter was the first to be punished, screaming 'God is Great' after his hand was hacked off by a masked jihadist who smashed a cleaver's blunt edge down onto another blade set against the man's wrist.
Then it was the turn of 25-year-old Mohamed, and finally Azad's hand was amputated after his right arm was strapped to a table. Another militant wrapped the bloody stump in bandages.
'They are not human, they are against all humanity,' Mohamed said. 'I wanted to die when I saw them cutting my brother.'
Now both the married men, who are unemployed and supported by their family, are looking to aid agencies for help with artificial limbs. Neither has much hope.
Their younger brother Niad, 20, has taken another route, joining a local government-sponsored Sunni militia taking part in the Mosul campaign.
On his right forearm, Niad tattooed the face of a woman with hair flowing free, an image he says was to defy ISIS.
'Daesh would never let us do that so that's why I did it,' he said. 'It was to say no to Daesh.'
Last year ISIS released a document on social media, explaining the rules of its penal code, which is being brutally enforced across the terror group's territory in Syria and Iraq.
Entitled 'Clarification [regarding] the Hudud', the document contains a list of the punishments handed out for crimes, in accordance with the extremist group's radical interpretation of Shariah law.
All punishments are carried out after a 'trial' at an Islamic State court. After the sentencing, the prisoner is taken into the centre of the town or city.
An ISIS fighter then reads out the charges found against the victim before the punishment is carried out in public.
According to ISIS fanatics' warped reading of Shariah law, thieves have a hand cut off. It is unclear whether the victim can choose which hand is removed.
Their penal code also states that anyone found guilty of banditry and caught stealing will have their right hand and their left leg amputated. This terrible punishment is done so that every member of the public can identify the victim's past crime.
The grandmother of two small children who swallowed heroin at her northeast Ohio home and had to be revived with an overdose drug has been sentenced to 90 days in jail.
A judge on Wednesday sentenced 44-year-old Lisa Davis, of Warren, to the three-month jail term, followed by five years of probation after the woman pleaded guilty in late October to a felony charge of allowing drug abuse.
Davis' two grandchildren, aged nine months and 21 months, and their teenage mother were living in Davis' home on Randolph Street earlier this year when they ate heroin and had to be treated with a heroin antidote at a hospital emergency room.
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Grandma sentenced: Lisa Davis, 44 (left), has been sentenced to 90 days in jail after her two grandchildren ingested heroin while in her care. Her daughter, Carlisa (right), was convicted of child endangering last month
Drug den: Davis' two grandchildren, ages 9 months and 21 months, and their teenage mother were living in Davis' Warren, Ohio, home (pictured) earlier this year when they ate heroin
A jury last month convicted the children's mother, 19-year-old Carlisa Davis, of two counts of child endangering publishable by up to six years in prison. She awaits sentencing.
Lisa Davis' attorney called it a 'tragic situation' during her sentencing hearing Wednesday. Lisa Davis' mother now has custody of her two great-grandchildren, according to The Tribune Chronicle.
On February 2, Carlisa Davis, then 18 years old, woke up to discover her two young children lying unconscious on the floor, having ingested heroin.
The boy and girl were rushed to ValleyCare Trumbull Memorial Hospital, where doctors administered to them two doses each of the opiate-reversal drug Naloxone.
Mom convicted: Carlisa Davis is pictured at the conclusion of her trial in November
The emotional teenage mom was taken way in handcuffs after the guilty verdict. She is awaiting sentencing
During her trial, prosecutors played a videotaped interview with Carlisa, who told investigators she was aware that her bothers and his friends had been selling drugs out of her mother's home.
Davis attorney, Michael Scala, asked the jury to consider his client's difficult circumstances, namely, that she was a mother-of-two, with a third on the way, who was working and going to school, reported WKBN.
Lisa Davis testified during the week-long trial that she had warned her drug-dealing sons to get rid of the opiates.
The 44-year-old woman also told the court she had been trying to move her daughter and her two children out of her home because of the drug activity.
A beauty blogger died on dream holiday to Bali after allegedly being electrocuted by a faulty shower.
Rini Cesillia, 26, had travelled from her home in Jakarta, Indonesia, for a luxury holiday on the popular tourist island.
But she went for a shower at the hotel on Tuesday morning and friends became worried when she didn't pick up her phone.
Rini Cesillia, 26, had travelled from her home in Jakarta, Indonesia, for a luxury holiday on the popular tourist island
Rini was found naked lying unconscious on the bathroom floor still clutching the shower hose in her hand
Horrified friend Maria Istella Bambang, 20, went into the room and saw water spilling out of the bathroom onto the bedroom floor.
She found Rini naked lying unconscious on the bathroom floor still clutching the shower hose in her hand.
She also had burn marks on her chest.
Police believe that Rini died after being electrocuted in the shower and have sent her body for a post mortem examination.
The 26-year-old went for a shower at the hotel on Tuesday morning and friends became worried when she didn't pick up her phone
Friends paid tribute to Rini, who had tens of thousands of followers on Instagram
Eric Jansens said: 'RIP my friend. We first met nine years ago. I can't believe we won't see each other again. Hopefully you are happy now in heaven.'
Inspctor Bangkit Dananjaya, from the South Denpasar Police Criminal Investigation Unit in Bali, said: 'We suspect Cesillia died from electric shock.
'The body has been evacuated to Sanglah Hospital.
'We are waiting for the post mortem examinaion to ascertain whether the cause of death was electrocution or not.'
Friends paid tribute to Rini, who had tens of thousands of followers on Instagram.
These are the haunting scenes from inside the Marine Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee which was opened in 1884 and was once used as a research center to battle the Yellow Fever menace. The main building, a three-story neo-classical brick hospital, was completed in 1937.
The magnificent building was built in the Georgian style, with slate roofing and large limestone columns. The hospital, which was designed to treat Marines and other seamen, closed in 1965. Part of the property was leased to a group of businessmen to house a metal museum and the Federal Government used part of the campus to house soldiers during Desert Storm.
Developers are now looking to turn the historic structure into apartments and a boutique hotel.
Dashcam footage shows a lorry driver taking his hands off the wheel while steering a 7.5tonne vehicle so he can eat crisps and smoke - just moments before he killed an elderly couple.
Michael Boothman, 38, was jailed for two years last Friday after he admitted causing the deaths of Brian Dickinson, 82, and his wife Ruth, 77.
Boothman can be seen in the footage - released by police - steering the lorry down narrow country lanes with his forearms as he tips a crisp packet into his mouth.
He also spent minutes of the journey using one hand as he ate a sandwich on the B1188 in Metheringham, Lincolnshire.
In the footage, he can be seen eating a sandwich while driving the lorry in Lincolnshire
He used his forearms to steer the vehicle in the dashcam footage which has been released by police
Brian Dickinson (left) and his wife Ruth (right) were killed in a tragic accident on January 11
The scene of the tragedy: In the minutes leading up to the fatal double crash Boothman was filmed eating a sandwich and crisps and driving with one hand on the steering wheel
The collision occurred after Boothman entered a right hand bend too fast on the B1188 at Metheringham, Lincolnshire
A judge told Boothman, from Leeds, the fact he was smoking at the wheel of the Mercedes box truck made his offence worse.
In the minutes leading up to the fatal double crash Boothman was filmed smoking one handed and eating a snack of sandwiches and crisps, Lincoln Crown Court heard.
He appeared to not be fully concentrating as at times he was driving with one hand on the steering wheel.
The collision occurred after he entered a right hand bend too fast on the B1188 and went onto the opposite carriageway where he collided head on with an oncoming Lexus.
The Lexus driver, Mr Dickinson, a farmer, and his wife Ruth, a retired nurse were both killed.
The devoted couple from Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, had been married for 56 years and were affectionately known by their family as 'Grannie and Grandpa Greengrass.' They had two daughters and four grandchildren.
Boothman, who worked for a logistics company, and his passenger Robert Fagg, were both seriously injured. Neither was wearing a seat belt at the time.
Michael Boothman from Leeds, pictured, was jailed for two years after he crashed into the elderly couple while smoking a cigarette and driving his truck one handed in January
He admitted two charges of causing death by careless driving as a result of the incident on the morning of 11 January this year.
Boothman was also banned from driving for three years and ordered to pass a re-test before he can have his licence back.
He was in breach of his employer's policy not to smoke while driving and, although he was never charged, it was committing a criminal offence as he was smoking while his co-worker was in the cab alongside him.
Judge Michael Heath told Boothman: 'You simply took the bend too fast and your vehicle went into the oncoming carriageway.
'Mr Dickinson was driving perfectly properly and had no chance to avoid a collision.
'There are a number of aggravating factors in this case. The first is the fact that there were two deaths caused by your careless driving.
'Secondly there are the serious injuries caused to Mr Fagg and then there is the fact that you were smoking at the time.
'In these circumstances that was unlawful. It was illegal but also it was in breach of your company's policy. Their policy was that drivers should not smoke while driving so as to avoid distraction.'
> Clive Stockwell, prosecuting, said that Boothman dropped his speed to 40 mph as he reached the bend and began to brake heavily.
He said: 'He was still smoking a cigarette with one hand. He took the bend too fast in respect of the road conditions that prevailed at the time.
'His vehicle veered to the left and in an effort to correct it he over-compensated with the result that his lorry crossed the centre line and headed towards oncoming traffic.
'This was an accident waiting to happen. The Dickinsons were travelling in the opposite direction.
'Mr and Mrs Dickinson did not stand a chance. They did not have any opportunity to take evasive action.'
Lincoln Crown Court heard Boothman had ignored his company's policy on not smoking
Three air ambulances were called to the crash. Mrs Dickinson was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband was airlifted to hospital in Nottingham where he passed away three days later.
In a victim impact statement which was read out in court Lynn Richardson, one of the couple's two daughters, admitted being 'very angry' with the lorry driver in the month after the collision which took her parents' lives.
She said: 'We went to the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham to dad's bedside. He still had his humour and a determination to get better.
'We were able to say our full goodbyes to him before he died. I never got to say goodbye to mum.
'During February I felt very angry with the driver of the lorry.
'Mum and dad should have lived many more years. They have missed many future family events.
'During harvest we got a new combine. I so wanted to tell dad and to take him to see it.
'I don't think a day has passed when I haven't shed a tear. It should never have happened and my life will never be the same.'
James Leonard, for Boothman, said his client suffered significant injuries himself and has since had to have a total hip replacement.
Eve Magiera has won a battle to fight her ex-husband Edward for their 2million home
A divorcee has won the right to fight her globetrotting ex-husband for their 2million home after he banned her from entering it.
Eve and Edward Magiera were married for 27 years but have been battling over money ever since she filed for divorce 15 years ago.
Their marriage was finally ended in France in 2013, but millionaire Mr Magiera, 58, is still trying to convince a Polish court that he should have 90% of their wealth.
Now, in a decision that clarified the law, Appeal Court judges have opened the way for the battle to move to London as well.
The focus of their dispute is a 2 million house in well-heeled Chiswick, which they bought as a family home in 1990.
Mrs Magiera wants it sold so that she can have her 1 million half share, but her ex-husband insisted that the English courts have no business interfering in the row.
Disagreeing with him today, Lady Justice Black ruled that a dispute over an English property should be heard by an English judge.
The court heard the ex-couple married in London in 1985, before separating in 2001, and their three children are now adults.
Whilst married, the couple built up an international property portfolio, in the south of France, Warsaw and London.
The Chiswick house was bought in their joint names and, although they intended to live there together, it was never used as a family home.
Instead, whilst their parents argued, two of their children moved in.
The dispute became so heated that, in 2004, Mr Magiera was granted a High Court injunction, banning his ex from the house.
However, Mrs Magiera argues that she has been 'left with absolutely no capital'whilst her ex continues to earn 'a very high income.'
She also insists that the house must be sold, and the proceeds split 50/50,to give her enough capital to live on.
The couple are already engaged to the hilt in court action in Poland,with Mr Magiera claiming that 90% of the marital assets should be his.
Mrs Magiera wants to sell the couple's 2million home (pictured) in Chiswick, west London, and split the profits between them
But Timothy Amos QC, for Mrs Magiera, said that case was set to last 'more than 12 years' and accused her ex of mounting a legal 'filibuster'.
She was joint owner of the Chiswick house and reasonably wanted to sell it, he argued.
Mr Amos also claimed that Mr Magiera still 'earns a very high income' but his client has struggled financially since the split.
The barrister added: 'The wife needs the court's protection. She can illafford this litigation.'
Michael Horton, for Mr Magiera, said his ex-wife's bid to have the dispute decided in an English court was an example of 'forum shopping'.
Following 'protracted divorce proceedings in France', and with the case in Poland on-going, Mr Magiera had no wish to litigate in England as well.
The former couple are British citizens, as well as Polish nationals, and they were married in the UK. Their children are also British.
But Mr Horton argued that, as Mr Magiera is 'domiciled' in Poland, that is where the battle with his ex-wife should be fought.
Opening the way for further hostilities in London today, Lady Justice Black ruled that the English courts have 'exclusive jurisdiction' over the case.
The judge, sitting with Lord Justice Sales and Lord Justice Irwin, said that was because the Chiswick house is 'immovable property' situated in England.
A bricklayer has been convicted of trying to join ISIS after 'training' for battle at a British paintballing centre with three other men linked to the terror group.
Humza Ali, 20, posed for 'promotional' photos alongside Mohammed Ali Ahmed, Gabriel Rasmus and Abdelatif Gaini at a paintballing centre in Solihull months before border staff in Turkey sent him back to Britain.
The pictures - released by police after reporting restrictions were lifted - show three of the four Birmingham men making the single-fingered salute of the so-called Islamic State as other paintballers walk and sit nearby.
Humza Ali (top right), Mohammed Ali Ahmed (bottom left), Gabriel Rasmus (front row, second left) and Abdelatif Gaini (front row, second right)
The gang gave ISIS-style one-finger salutes as they posed next to a tank at the centre
A three-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court heard that Ali wanted to 'fight until I die' in Syria and was covertly recorded telling a fifth ISIS sympathiser that his mother had confiscated his passport.
Ahmed, who is seen smiling on the 'bonding' session pictures, was jailed earlier this week for his part in handing 3,000 to Brussels 'man in the hat' bombing suspect Mohamed Abrini.
The trial also heard that pictures recovered from Ali's phone showed him with would-be jihadist Rasmus, posing beside a tank at Delta Force paintballing in Cut Throat Lane, Hockley Heath, in June 2014.
Gaini, who is thought to be in Syria, is seen crouching near a military vehicle in one of the pictures.
Ali, of Birmingham, wanted to 'fight until I die' in Syria, his trial heard
Ali - a student at Birmingham's South and City College who lived with his parents - told his trial he had no intention of travelling to Syria when he made his way by sea and air routes to Istanbul via Ireland in January 2015.
But jurors convicted Ali, who will be sentenced in January, of attempting to travel for terrorist purposes and disseminating numerous video messages to other men showing beheadings and atrocities carried out by ISIS.
Ali, of Birmingham, was also found guilty of sending malicious communications after directing 'abusive' anti-democracy messages at a local councillor.
During Ali's trial, prosecutor Anne Whyte QC said the paintballing photos were proof that Ali was preparing for terrorist acts.
She told jurors: 'If you step back you will understand that for an inexperienced but committed young man like Humza Ali, who intends to leave his Western urban life for war in the Middle East, the opportunities for handling anything remotely resembling a type of firearm are extremely limited.
'Membership, for example, of a gun club might draw unwanted attention, but the occasional paintballing session with friends is ideal, however bizarre that may seem, and at least enables the participant to handle a type of weapon and to take broad aim.
'Should you be in any doubt about the serious intent behind this activity in June 2014, you will be able to consider evidence which we say demonstrates that this was in fact a sort of training exercise, and of itself an act of preparation.'
A video found after his arrest showed Ali alongside the radical preacher Abu Waleed, an associate of the jailed preacher Anjem Choudary
A selfie taken by Ali suggests he also played the violent video game Call of Duty
The prosecutor said: 'During it, the participants posed for photographs in quasi-combat gear, holding their paint-filled weapons, including Ali.
'They were able to use the occasion to take a sort of promotional photo sealing their common sense of identity.
'It was a bonding act of preparation between men of like mind and like intent. They were doing what passed, in their limited circumstances, for training. Three including Ali have been thwarted in their plans to get to Syria.'
Ahmed paid for the paintballing exercise, added Ms Whyte, who told jurors that he had already pleaded guilty to an offence under the Terrorism Act.
Ahmed, 27, of Small Heath, Birmingham, was jailed for eight years on Monday at London's Kingston Crown Court.
Restrictions in the case of Ahmed had prevented reporting of his presence at the paintballing centre and references to the fact that 41-year-old Gaini travelled to Syria.
Public servants in Victoria have been advised not to use the words 'husband' and 'wife' in order to promote 'safer spaces' for the LGBTI community.
The Inclusive Language Guide is a government initiative to keep people safe, particularly LGBTI people, The Australian reported.
Workers are being encouraged to adopt gender-neutral pronouns 'zie' and 'hir', and to avoid using derogatory terms.
Victorian Equality Minister Martin Foley (pictured) said the guide is part of a measure to eliminate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia
They are also being discouraged from asking 'offensive questions', particularly to transgender people, such as whether they have had surgery or not.
The guide encourages both the public and businesses to use the word 'partner' than wife, girlfriend, husband or boyfriend, to avoid heteronormativity and promote sexual freedom and equality.
Victorian Equality Minister Martin Foley said the guide was part of a measure to eliminate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
But Mr Foley said the document was not a new one and followed a 'long-standing practice of government departments having guides on language.
'The facts are that LGBTI people have higher levels of anxiety, depression and suicide - they achieve lower educational outcomes - and words matter,' Mr Foley told Daily Mail Australia in a statement.
'Again it is a guide which suggests that you should try and avoid the use of husband and wife - it doesn't ban it.
The guide encourages both the public and businesses to use the word 'partner' than wife, girlfriend, husband or boyfriend, to avoid heteronormativity and promote sexual freedom and equality
'It makes the point that we shouldn't assume that a person is married. Not everyone is heterosexual - and at the end of the day we should also remember that marriage rates in Australia are also declining.'
But the guide has been met with criticism for perpetuating the idea that gender is a social construct.
The Coalition's parliamentary secretary spokesman Tim Smith told The Australian: 'Heaven help the next generation of Victorians who have been indoctrinated into a sinister postmodernist ideology'.
Centre for Independent Studies senior research fellow Jeremy Sammut said the guide was seemingly written by 'academics wielding their critical postmodernist theory of the world'.
Rome is on the verge of war after the city's poorer population reacted angrily to migrants moving into their neighbourhoods.
Virginia Raggi, mayor of the Italian capital, has warned a battle between the two groups is imminent and that the city should be doing all it can to welcome refugees.
The situation is particularly prickly in the suburbs where deprived locals are mixing with migrants fleeing Africa and the Middle East.
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Rome is on the verge of war after the city's poorer population has reacted angrily to migrants moving into their neighbourhoods. Pictured is a protest of neighborhood committees against the welcoming of 8,074 refugees to the capital
Virginia Raggi, mayor of the Italian capital, has warned a battle between the two groups is imminent and that the city should be doing all it can to welcome refugees
Ms Raggi said: 'Our cities seem to be closed off with their self-interest and the mayors are the ones who should give the first reception,' according to the Express.
'We must guarantee human warmth, shelter, accommodation.
'The attitude that we have seen, unfortunately, offends our dignity as mayors and people.
'For this we must take action, even more in the suburbs, which are the most abandoned parts of the city, where there is a risk of a war between the poor.'
She explained how a Moroccan family were chased away from a flat given to them by the local council as locals hurled racist obscenities towards them.
Earlier this month, Rome welcomed 8,074 refugees into the city, sparking protest marches.
'For this we must take action, even more in the suburbs, which are the most abandoned parts of the city, where there is a risk of a war between the poor,' Ms Raggi said
Earlier this month, Rome welcomed 8,074 refugees into the city, sparking protest marches
The Vatican City mayor told the Express: 'In Rome, we are trying to provide stability with temporary shelters and tents.
'We want everyone to have a roof over their heads.
'Rome is working hard to respect the dignity of people.
'We are historically open to reception and we want to continue.'
But last month the anti-establishment mayor said she was proud of the Italian referendum that shook the EU establishment and will change the future of Europe.
The 38-year-old told MailOnline: People rose their heads against the establishment and I am very proud of this.
Citizens are beginning to understand what is going on in Europe and who should be really in control. We are writing a different story now in Europe.
Italy rejected Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's proposed constitutional reforms in a vote that took on an anti-establishment significance after he promised to step down if defeated.
The was also a slap in the face of EU leaders, who were perceived to have supported Renzi.
Political earthquake: Raggi, 38, a married lawyer, is the poster girl for Italy's anti-establishment Five Star Movement, who campaigned for a no vote. She said the referendum result was about people beginning to understand who should really be in control in Europe
And in an exclusive interview, mother-of-one Raggi told MailOnline: 'People are no longer just doing what they are told.
'They can get information from many sources, they dont just believe the media and political leaders. It makes me very proud.
Romes first female mayor, a married lawyer who lives in a working class suburb of the capital, swept to victory in June, replacing 61-year-old Ignazio Marino who had stepped down amid an expenses scandal.
She soon became the pin up of Italy's Five Star Movement, a rule-breaking, populist party founded by comedian Beppe Grillo, which has taken Italy by storm and rattled EU leaders.
The mother of white supremacist Richard Spencer claims she is suffering financially due to the backlash against her son's controversial views.
Sherry Spencer, who lives in Whitefish, Montana, said she is being forced to sell a building she owns in the small town because residents are rebelling against her son.
Richard Spencer shot to prominence last month when footage emerged of him delivering a 'hateful speech' at a white nationalist meeting held to celebrate Donald Trump's election win.
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The mother of white supremacist Richard Spencer claims she is suffering financially due to the backlash against her son's controversial views. Richard Spencer is pictured at Texas A&M on December 6
Sherry Spencer is pictured with her husband Dr. Rand Spencer at a benfit in April 2016
A video by The Atlantic taken inside the Ronald Reagan building showed Spencer, leader of the National Policy Institute, shouting, 'Hail Trump, hail our people, hail victory!' as some of the people in attendance lifted their hands in a Nazi salute.
He also claimed America belongs to white people, who he suggested are faced with the decision to either 'conquer or die'.
The speech drew intense criticism from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, which said in a statement Spencer made: 'several direct and indirect references to Jews and other minorities, often alluding to Nazism.'
'He spoke in German to quote Nazi propaganda and refer to the mainstream media. He implied that the media was protecting Jewish interests and said, "One wonders if these people are people at all?"'
And according to Sherry Spencer, the criticism has been echoed by people in her hometown - where he son also has a business registered and visits regularly.
Sherry Spencer told KTMF she is selling a building she owns at 22 Lupfer Avenue, which she currently sublets. It houses a beauty salon and vacation rentals. She also runs a real estate business from the building.
Spencer's mother, Sherry, lives in Whitefish, Montana (pictured). Her son regularly visits her, and his National Policy Institute is registered to her home
Sherry Spencer says she is being forced to considering selling the building she owns at 22 Lupfer Avenue (pictured), because of backlash against her son
'As painful as this is, I am exploring a potential sale of the building,' she said.
She also took aim at a local human rights group, Love Lives Here, and accused it of damaging her family.
'We are stunned by the actions of Love Lives Here, an organization claiming to advocate tolerance and equal treatment of all citizens, yet coursing financial harm to many innocent parties,' she said.
One of the strongest opponents to Sherry is local real estate agent Tanya Gersh, who said Spencer has backed her son and allowed him to spread his views.
Tanya Gersh (left) has called on Sherry Spencer to sell the building, while Ina Albert's Love Lives Here group has criticized Richard Spencer's statements
Richard Spencer is pictured before an interview at Texas A&M in College Station on December 6, 2016
'She is profiting off of the people of the local community, all the while having facilitated Richards work spreading hate by letting him live and use her home address for his organization,' Gersh told the network.
Love Lives Here also responded to Sherry's remarks, saying it 'did not know what she (was) talking about'.
'We don't cause financial harm to anybody,' co-founder Ina Albert said, before going on to say the group does not have a specific problem with the Spencers.
'I don't know what (Richard) does when he comes here. But that is not our problem with Richard Spencer.
Richard Spencer shot to national prominence after he was filmed by The Atlantic in November delivering a speech in Washington D.C
During his address, Spencer used 'Nazi-like' language, according to his critics, and said 'Hail Trump'
Many in the audience for Spencer's speech raised their hands in Nazi salutes during the address
'It is the National Policy Institute and what that stands for and our town being smeared by his philosophy.'
The National Policy Institute was established in 2005 by Spencer, and it is described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as 'hate group'.
Gersh went on to call for Sherry to sell the building immediately, and then use the money to help human rights causes.
'(She) Could address this by selling the building, making a donation to human rights efforts, and making a statement in opposition to white supremacist ideas spread by Richard,' Gersh said.
Sherry Spencer also told the network she loves her son, but does now agree with his 'extreme positions'.
A North Carolina man charged with hitting a protester at a Donald Trump rally hugged his victim in court after receiving a suspended sentence on Wednesday.
John Franklin McGraw, 79, was caught on camera hitting Rakeem Jones, 26, as the protestor was escorted out of a Trump rally in Fayetteville on March 9.
He was later arrested and, on Wednesday, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of assault and battery and disorderly conduct. McGraw received a 30-day suspended sentence and 12 months of unsupervised probation, plus must pay $180 in court costs and a $250 fine.
McGraw apologized for his actions, before shaking hands and hugging Jones before the court.
Face-to-face: John McGraw, 79 (left) speaks with Rakeem Jones, 26 (right), the man he ran up to and hit at a Donald Trump rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in March
McGraw apologized for his actions, describing what happened as a 'political mess', before shaking hands and hugging Jones before the court
Sucker-punch: This is the moment McGraw (cowboy hat) hits Jones in the face at the rally. Jones was being escorted out already by police for protesting
'We are caught up in a political mess today,' an emotional McGraw told Jones.
'And you and me, we are going to heal our country,' McGraw added, with the two men then hugging.
An applause broke out in the courtroom as the two men embraced.
Jones did not say anything to McGraw, but afterwards he told CBS: 'It just felt good being able to shake his hand and face him.'
It was a stark contrast to what happened in Cumberland County earlier this year.
McGraw, who was wearing a cowboy hat, attacked the Jones in plain sight of police at the Cabarrus Arena - but it was the protester who ended up being taken down by cops.
Neither were detained at the scene, but McGraw was arrested and charged the next day.
Suspended sentence: On Wednesday McGraw pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of assault and battery and disorderly
McGraw received a 30-day suspended sentence and 12 months of unsupervised probation, plus must pay $180 in court costs and a $250 fine
Before he was arrested, McGraw told Inside Edition that he assaulted Jones because 'we dont know if hes ISIS'.
'Well, number one, we dont know if hes ISIS. We dont know who he is, but we know hes not acting like an American and cussing me and sticking his face in my head. If he wants it laid out, I laid it out,' he said.
'He deserved it,' McGraw added. 'The next time we see him, we might have to kill him. We dont know who he is. He might be with a terrorist organization.
'You bet I liked it. Clocking the hell out of that big mouth.'
Video of the punch and the deputies escorting the black man out of the rally was widely viewed and prompted scrutiny over violence at Trump's campaign rallies.
The footage shows Jones walking up a set of steps to leave the arena and giving the crowd the finger before he is punched
Jones said he was with a group of anti-Trump protesters which included a Muslim and a gay man a the time of the attack
The footage shows Jones walking up a set of steps to leave the arena and giving the crowd the finger.
At that moment, McGraw turns and hits the demonstrator in the face.
Jones is seen walking away from the protester and does not appear to retaliate, but the footage later shows a group of police officers wrestling the 26-year-old to the ground.
'Boom, he caught me,' Jones told the Washington Post at the time.
'After I get it, before I could even gain my thoughts, I'm on the ground getting escorted out. Now I'm waking up this morning looking at the news and seeing me getting hit again.'
Jones said he was with a group of anti-Trump protesters which included a Muslim and a gay man.
Jones is seen walking away from the protester and does not appear to retaliate, but the footage later shows a group of police officers wrestling the 26-year-old to the ground
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office and Fayetteville Police Department both said its officers were not the ones who detained the men, who were not arrested at the scene
He said he did not shout during Trump's speech, but that a woman in his group did, drawing anger from the crowd.
'She shouted, but at the same time, they were shouting too. Everyone was shouting, too. No one in our group attempted to get physical,' Jones said.
Jones blamed the police for not stopping the assault.
'It's happening at all these rallies now and they're letting it ride. The police jumped on me like I was the one swinging,' he said.
'My eye still hurts. It's just shocking. The shock of it all is starting to set in. It's like this dude really hit me and they let him get away with it. I was basically in police custody and got hit.'
Donald Trump was speaking at a campaign rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina (pictured), when the assault took place on March 9
Musician Ronnie Rouse, who was with Jones at the rally, claimed the group were racially abused by Trump supporters.
Rouse said someone shouted 'go home n*****s' as they were led up the stairs by police officers.
'I wanted to take my 11-year-old child, to give him a touch of what's happening political-wise. I'm glad I didn't. I've never been more embarrassed to be from here in my life. It's just appalling,' he said.
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office and Fayetteville Police Department both said its officers were not the ones who detained the men, who were not arrested.
Trump's rally was disturbed 17 times yesterday, but The Donald refused to be stopped by the demonstrations.
A Chinese woman has been caught falling down an escalator in an embarrassing manner after losing her balance while wearing high heels.
She was helped by a sanitation worker who hit the emergency stop button.
The incident reportedly took place at a subway station in Nanning, southern China, on December 13.
Dangerous: The woman, wearing high-heeled shoes, lost her footing soon on the escalator
The woman was exiting the Dongmen Business District Station on Nanning Metro Line 1 at around 5pm, reported Nanning News.
Soon after she stepped onto the escalator, the woman appeared to lose her balance and her body began swinging from side to side.
She then kept rolling down the stairs somersaulting head over heels until she reached the foot of the escalator.
The incident was captured by a surveillance camera. The footage has appeared on Chinese social media platform, Weibo.
There was no other people near her on the same escalator at the time.
Be careful: The woman then started rolling down the escalator in a subway station in China
Ouch: She fell down somersaulting head over heels until she reached the foot of the escalator
This must hurt: There was no other people near her on the same escalator at the time
Another woman who was travelling in the opposite direction on another escalator witnessed the incident. She stood still and did not rush down to help the falling woman.
The woman was saved when a nearby sanitation worker saw her rolling down and brought the escalator to an emergency stop.
The sanitation worker then walked up to the woman to check if she was injured.
Staff at the subway station arrived at the scene soon afterwards and took the woman to a room to rest.
She reportedly suffered from bruises and left the station after treatment.
Prosecutors believe they have identified a yob who kicked a woman down a flight of stairs at a Berlin subway station but he has fled to his native Bulgaria.
A local tabloid has reported that public prosecutors in Germany have identified him as Svetoslav Stoykov, 26, but cannot arrest him because he has left the country.
The incident in October was captured in a video shared this week.
Bulgarian media say Stoykov is married to a woman called Tsvetanka, with whom he has three children.
The subway attacker has been identified as Svetoslav Stoykov (pictured), who has fled Germany and returned to his native Bulgaria
Bulgarian Nova TV reported Stoykov had a long criminal record in Bulgaria.
He was born in the city of Dobrich in northern Bulgaria, but currently lives in Varna, a resort on the Black Sea coast.
A Bulgarian TV journalist who visited the house in the Maksuda district spoke to Tsvetanka's parents through a huge iron gate at the front of the house.
The man believed to be Stoykov, dressed in jeans and a leather jacket, aims a targeted kick at her back, toppling her down the stairs
A Bulgarian TV journalist tracked Stoykov down to this house in Varna but he was not there
Stoykov's mother-in-law Ibryan said: 'We don't know about the video. We haven't seen it, and I don't want to watch it.'
They said that while the pair were in Germany, they were staying at the house and looking after the children but they refused to let the TV team inside.
German media had reported earlier that the culprit had gone back to Bulgaria, and if this turns out to be the case, they are likely to request his extradition.
Stoykov's in-laws, Elmaz (left) and Ibryan (right) spoke to a TV reporter. Ibryan said she had no wish to see the video
In the video the four men can be seen following the young woman down into the metro, with one of them kicking her while she is going down the stairs.
A crowd of people quickly came to help the woman, who was taken to hospital, according to local media.
Bulgarian media reported that all four men in the shocking video were Bulgarians.
German police had only interviewed one of the men who apparently in the video and who gave the crucial information about the attacker before he was released on bail.
The woman is seen landing on her face on the floor several steps down, with other people rushing over to help her as the contents of her purse are scattered. The gang then wander off with one stopping briefly to retrieve a dropped beer bottle.
The Bulgarian Interior Ministry said they have had no extradition request but will cooperate with German police if they get one.
After the video went viral, a 2,000 (1,677) reward was offered by bodyguard Michael Kuehr, 54, who worked for Lady Gaga and Charlize Theron.
CCTV shows the young woman walking through the metro station in Berlin when the man comes up behind her, holding a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other
A businessman has also offered a cash reward, and Mr Kuehr and said he was one of many Germans left in shock after watching the CCTV footage.
He claimed he 'almost had to vomit during breakfast' when he saw the footage of a slim young woman going down a tiled staircase, followed by a heavyset man in blue jeans and a leather jacket, clutching a beer bottle and smoking a cigarette.
When she is still at least eight steps from the bottom, the perpetrator raises his leg and kicks her hard in the back, sending her flying several feet down to the ground.
She lands painfully on her face, sprawling on the hard surface, the contents of her handbag scattering across the floor.
The attacker, flanked by three friends, walks back up the stairs and saunters away.
One of his accomplices lingers for a second to retrieve a dropped bottle and then strolls away with the rest.
Mr Kuehr said: 'I am an absolute opponent of vigilantism, there are laws. I see myself as a supporter of the police.'
A courageous 11-year-old boy from Texas has been hailed as a hero after police say he helped rescue a seven-year-old girl from the clutches of a suspected sexual predator.
Raeshawn Perez, 26, was prevented by two witnesses from kidnapping the girl in Wichita Falls on Saturday.
But it has now emerged one of the Good Samaritans was quick-thinking 11-year-old TJ Smith.
Speaking to the local station KAUZ on Monday, TJ recounted how the girl was riding her scooter along Elizabeth Avenue when a man came up to her, picked her up and started walking away.
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Heroes: TJ Smith, 11 (left), and his neighbor Brad Ware (right), of Wichita Falls, Texas, have been praised for rescuing a seven-year-old girl who was abducted on Saturday
The boy, who was playing nearby, said initially he thought the stranger, later identified as Perez, was a relative of the girl, but when he realized that something was amiss, he gave chase.
'If I was a little girl I would be scared too,' the curly-haired hero said of the victim.
'Predator': Raeshawn Perez, 26, was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping
Along the way, TJ stopped by the home of his neighbor, Brad Ware, and told him of the abduction.
Ware and his wife jumped in their car and went looking for the suspected child-snatcher.
With the help of neighbors, Ware was able to track down Perez to a vacant home on a nearby street. TJ was already there, waiting for him. He told Ware the suspect and the girl were in an alley behind the residence.
Ware's wife yelled at Perez to let the girl go just as he was about to carry her into the empty house through a window.
As Ware approached the suspect, the man released the seven-year-old and took off running, but the Good Samaritan was able to catch up with Perez.
Ware said he kicked the man in the groin, but Perez escaped his grasp and sprinted across the street. Undeterred, Ware went after him, tackled Perez to the ground and held him down until police arrived to arrest him.
Team effort: Smith (left) witnessed the kidnapping Saturday and ran for help to Ware (right), who then went in pursuit, freed the child and tackled the suspect to the ground
In the nick of time: Perez released the girl just as he was about to carry her into this abandoned home through a window
Ware said when he asked Perez what he was doing with the girl, the 26-year-old allegedly replied that he just wanted to have sex with her.
Police later stated that Perez told them he was planning to let the child go after sexually assaulting her.
Ware says if it were not for TJ's valiant actions, this story might have had a very different ending.
'Hes the one that more or less saved this kid from being killed or raped,' Ware told the station KFDX of Smith.
Honorary cop: Smith received an honorary police member badge from the Wichita Falls Police Department, which he proudly wore to school this week
The heroic 11-year-old was rewarded for his bravery with an honorary police member badge from the Wichita Falls Police Department, which he proudly wore to school on Monday.
The man suspected of three notorious Bowraville murders 25 years ago will face court again in an extraordinary case.
The man, who was acquitted of the alleged murder of two Aboriginal teenagers and a young child more than 20 years ago has been ordered to face court again in a hallmark double-jeopardy ruling, reports ABC.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has long been suspected of killing Evelyn Greenup, 4, and Clinton Speedy-Duroux, 16, in late 1990 and early 1991, who went missing around the same time as , Colleen Walker, 16, in Bowraville, NSW.
Clinton Speedy-Duroux (pictured), 16, and Evelyn Greenup (pictured) went missing outside Bowraville in NSW more than 20 year ago
This week police issued the man with a notice to appear in the Court of Criminal Appeals next February, and it is expected he will be charged with the murders.
NSW police allege all three victims were murdered by the same person within the time period of a couple of months.
Considerable pressure from the public, including claims the murders were not sufficiently investigated because the children were Aboriginal, led to the unsolved cases being reopened.
There was a major turning point in May 2016, when NSW Attorney-General Gabrielle Upton referred the application for a re-trial to the Court of Criminal Appeal.
The case led to an overturning of the double jeopardy laws where a person could not be tried for the same crime twice.
In August this year NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione visited Bowraville to personally apologise to the families of the victims.
The wife of a man seriously wounded in a 'kill a Muslim' attack on a London train has described the horrifying ordeal.
Kulsuma Ali, 39, who wore a hijab, was sitting beside husband Muhammed Askar during the alleged attack on a train at Forest Hill station.
She said the man stabbed her husband in head first, then twice in the chest and finally three times in the back.
Muhammed Askar was stabbed in the head first, then twice in the chest and finally three times in the back
Her family released a picture of the father-of-three, who is fighting for his life in hospital.
Speaking to the London Evening Standard, Mrs Ali said the man was screaming 'I am going to kill a Muslim' and 'go back to Syria'.
'The blade was a big kitchen knife. The man was wandering around with it and showing it but no one had stopped him.
'No one came to help us at first. My husband had been stabbed loads of times before anyone moved.'
She then revealed how a hero nurse helped her wounded husband as there was 'blood everywhere'.
'I have not slept since. The scene keeps playing in my head', she added.
Graphic images taken at the scene show blood on the station floor after a man was stabbed
Passengers said they ran for their lives after a man was seen waving a knife at the station and shouting 'kill all Muslims'.
Members of the public fled as the attacker 'screamed' at other travellers asking them if they were Muslim before knifing his victim who was sat next to his wife, it was claimed.
Miguel Oliveira, 36, said he came 'face-to-face' with the attacker, who was 'shouting uncontrollably'.
Mr Oliveira, a composer, said he was met with a 'wave of people' when he arrived at the station shortly after 1pm following the incident.
He said: 'The first few were shouting 'he's got a knife, he's got a knife' and then all of a sudden the next ones said 'Oh he's been stabbed, call the police'.'
He added that some members of the crowd were shouting: 'He wants to kill Muslims'.
Mr Oliveira left the station but returned a few minutes later amid confusion over the whereabouts of the attacker.
He said: 'I doubled back and I went back to the station and actually came face-to-face with him.
'He had just come out - not the way they were saying. He was walking towards me and he was shouting stuff like 'Death to Muslims' and 'Go back to Syria'.'
Witness Richard Etienne was on the train to Forest Hill when he was confronted by the attacker.
The videographer, from Forest Hill, said: 'I was on the third carriage and the man with the knife was walking from the fifth carriage at the back.
'I don't know when he got on, but I realised he was marching down the carriages as the train left Honor Oak Park, which is the stop before Forest Hill.
'He was marching down the train kind of muttering loudly to himself, so everyone could hear: 'I'm going to kill me a Muslim', that's what I kept hearing him say.
'His facial expression was like a man on a mission, full of anger and rage.
'He then turned away from me to look at a woman with a hijab sitting opposite me. She looked in her twenties.
'I could see the back of him and that's when I saw the knife in his right hand.
'The blade looked about five to six inches and it looked like a kitchen knife with a black handle.
Police at Forest Hill station yesterday after a man stabbed a train passenger and made threats
'He was holding it at hip level but his hands were stiff and the blade was pointing towards her, so he was holding it to her.
'I think I heard a woman next to her, say: 'Oh God, he's got a knife.'
After a tense few seconds the attacker said: 'I don't want me a Muslim woman, I want me a Muslim man.'
He then stormed off towards the first carriage.
At this point several passengers began setting off alarms on the train and hurrying towards the back carriage.
Mr Etienne said: 'I set off an alarm. It was like everything was in slow motion.'
Then as the train pulled into Forest Hill station, the attacker launched his assault, it was said.
Shellby Curry, 24, was with her one-year old child when she saw a man 'waving what looked to be a knife in his hand' near the station and screaming words like 'Muslims f****** hate them, kill them all'.
Adrian Brown, 38, is accused of carrying out the knife attack at Forest Hill station on Monday afternoon.
Brown, who also uses the name Adrian McKenzie, appeared in the dock on Wednesday to face charges of attempted murder, possession of a knife, and assault by beating.
Members of the House Intelligence Committee are fuming that the CIA is refusing to provide an immediate briefing on Russian interference in the U.S. elections, after media reports that the intent of hacking was to boost President-elect Donald Trump's chances.
The panel had hoped to hold a briefing with the CIA Thursday, although the agency is declining to participate, prompting panel member Rep. Peter King of Long Island to suggest U.S. intelligence could be perpetuating a 'disinformation campaign' designed to undermine Trump as he prepares to take office.
The infighting is coming out into the open amid reports of hardening conclusions about Russian government motives and chain of command with NBC reporting Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin was 'personally involved' in the covert campaign to interfere with the elections through hacks of the Democratic National Committee and other political figures.
'This violates all protocols and it's almost as if people in the intelligence community are carrying out a disinformation campaign against the president-elect of the United States,' fumed King in an appearance on 'The Kelly File' on Fox News Wednesday night.
Rep. Peter King called it 'absolutely disgraceful' that the CIA wouldn't brief a House panel on its latest findings about Russian interference in the elections
'It's absolutely disgraceful and if they're not doing it, then it must be someone in the House or the Senate who's leaking false information and there should be a full investigation of this.'
King said information the intelligence had put out publicly and privately before the elections indicated it wasn't entirely clear why Russia was meddling in the elections, although The Washington Post reported late last week that the CIA has concluded the purpose was to help Trump.
'Somebody has the time to leak it to the Washington Post and the New York Times, but they don't have the time to come to Congress,' King vented. 'It's their job to come. They don't have any choice. They have to come in, especially when they have created this.'
On the subject of a Russian campaign to help Trump, King said: 'There was nothing at all, ever told to us, in fact they said they couldnt prove it, that there was an attempt to favor one candidate over the other. [James] Clapper, the director of national intelligence, said that publicly on Nov. 17.'
House Intelligence Committee chairman Devin Nunes complained about the CIA's failure to send a briefer, after seeking a briefing by the end of the week.
'It is unacceptable that the Intelligence Community directors would not fulfill the House Intelligence Committee's request to be briefed tomorrow on the cyber-attacks that occurred during the presidential campaign,' he said in a statement Wednesday.
King vented about the intelligence community during an appearance on 'The Kelly File' on Fox
An NBC report said Russian President Vladimir Putin was personally involved in the Russian effort to interfere with the elections
Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com
'The Committee is deeply concerned that intransigence in sharing intelligence with Congress can enable the manipulation of intelligence for political purposes.'
Asked for comment about the charges, the CIA responded with an 'Intelligence Community Statement on Review of Foreign Influence on U.S. Elections.'
'Senior Administration Officials have regularly provided extensive, detailed classified and unclassified briefings to members and staff from both parties on Capitol Hill since this past summer and have continued to do so after Election Day,' according to the statement.
'Last week, the President ordered a full Intelligence Community review of foreign efforts to influence recent Presidential elections from 2008 to present,' the statement continued. 'Once the review is complete in the coming weeks, the Intelligence Community stands ready to brief Congressand will make those findings available to the public consistent with protecting intelligence sources and methods. We will not offer any comment until the review is complete.'
Nunes has written Director of National Intelligence James Clapper seeking clarification.
'On November 17, 2016 you told the Committee during an open hearing that the intelligence community lacked strong evidence connecting Russian government Cyber-attacks and Wikileaks disclosures,' he wrote, referencing hacked materials posted on the leak site before the elections.
Fox News reported there is pressure on the intelligence community to declassify as much of its findings as possible before Trump's January 20 inauguration.
A terrorist group planning 'high profile' bomb attacks in Moscow over the festive season has been smashed by the FSB security service.
The attacks were being plotted on the orders of Islamic State group, according to the agency that Vladimir Putin once headed up.
Firearms, rounds of ammunition, self-made explosive devices, and a 'large quantity of substances for making powerful explosives' were seized.
A member of a group affiliated with ISIS who allegedly have been planning terrorist attacks in Moscow is detained by police
During the operation by the FSB security agency to detain four members of the group suspected of plotting the attack, ammunition was found
A mobile phone containing explosives was also discovered during the operation by the FSB security agency
Russian security agency officers storm to detain four members of a group suspected to be behind the terror attacks
A member of a group affiliated with ISIS who was detained by police. The attacks were reportedly planned for the New Year holidays
'The militants prepared the terrorist attacks upon the direct order of an emissary of the Islamic State international terrorist organization outlawed in Russia,' the FSB said.
'The activity of a subversive terrorist group consisting of nationals of Tajikistan and a citizen of Moldova, who were planning to commit a series of high-profile terrorist acts in Moscow with the use of high-power improvised explosive devices, has been terminated,' a spokesman added.
Four members of the group, from the ex-Soviet republics, were detained in Moscow, added the agency, formerly part of the KGB.
FSB and police officers stormed a residential neighbourhood to arrest the suspects, who came from the ex-Soviet republics
Four men were arrested, but the alleged mastermind is now in Turkey and was on an international wanted list issued by Tajikistan
Firearms, rounds of ammunition, self-made explosive devices, and a 'large quantity of substances for making powerful explosives' were seized during the raids
Russia is seen by some experts as a target for revenge attacks by terrorists due to its large scale military action in Syria
As the agency siezed the weapons it said it had stopped several attempts by natives of former Soviet states to carry out terrorist attacks in crowded places and transport facilities
TV Dozhd reported the attacks were planned for the New Year holidays.
Russia does not mark Christmas in December, but two weeks later in January under the old Orthodox calendar.
The country closes down for holidays from the New Year until 9 January and it was during this period it is believed the attacks were scheduled.
The alleged mastermind - now in Turkey - was on an international wanted list issued by Tajikistan, said the FSB.
Russia is seen by some experts as a target for revenge attacks by terrorists due to its large scale military action in Syria.
Pictured is a component of an improvised explosive device that was discovered by security services during the operation
Following the operation police sealed off part of a residential area. Members of the alleged cell who were detained are migrants to Russia
A rifle and ammunition were found among the huge cache of weapons discovered during the raid in Moscow
After the agency siezed the weapons and detained the men, it said some 42 terrorism-related crimes had been prevented in Russia this year
It is believed that the ammunition had been stockpiled ahead of a planned terrorist attack during the Russian Christmas holidays in January
Members of the alleged cell who were detained are migrants to Russia, said the FSB.
A Tass report quoted FSB director Alexander Bortnikov as saying recruiters 'deliberately use migrants for the radicalisation of citizens coming from former Soviet countries who failed to adapt to life in Russia.'
They form 'autonomous groups for carrying out terrorist attacks'.
Some 42 terrorism-related crimes were prevented in Russia this year, Bortnikov said earlier this week.
Free gourmet cafeterias, laundry on site, massage rooms and even a candy shop are just a few of the perks that have made Google seem like the ultimate dream job.
But now current and former employees are claiming that not all is what it seems at the tech company, no matter how many of their friends are jealous.
The complaints, listed on a Quora forum, range from the food, the commute, to being in an office full of brilliant people - with nothing challenging to do.
For some, the gripes were small as they complained that the free food served at the cafeterias on Google's Mountain View headquarters was 'getting worse by the day'.
Current and former Google employees have revealed what they hate the most about working at an office that has become famous for its free perks
'Ten years ago we used to get prime ribs, sushi, freshly made rolls, fresh coconuts...Today's food is totally meh by comparison,' one former Google employee wrote.
'I know, I know, many companies today don't even offer food, but try to look at it from the Googlers' perspectives.'
'The company took us in for an amazing deal and then the deal just went down the hill.'
Many employees also complained about the headquarter's location, nothing that the upper-class Mountain View neighborhood was an expensive neighborhood and living anywhere else involved a horrible commute.
'In the Bay Area, the cost of living is insane,' wrote former Google software engineer Adrian Carballo.
'If you wrote off of the MTV campus there isn't even much to do other than working or hanging out with your coworkers. Lame.'
'You do have free food available all the time, and many cafes, gyms, laundry rooms, etc.'
'But over time as you start using all these perks (because it's just too convenient) you spend more and more of your time at the office.'
'You start making the same choices day in and day out. You hang out more and more with the same people you work with.'
A former senior account manager likewise found that all the perks that came with Google eventually began to consume his life.
'Basically, you end up spending the majority of your life eating Google food, with Google coworkers, wearing Google gear, sending Google email on Google phones,' wrote Joe Cannella.
One former senior account manager revealed that all the perks made him so comfortable that Google began to consume his life, to the point it decided where he ate, hung out, and wore
'You eventually start to lose sight of what it's like to be independent of the big G, and every corner of your life is set up to reinforce the idea that you would be absolutely insane to want to be anywhere else.'
Cannella wrote that he realizes others would criticize him as being a 'poor spoiled Googler', but he believes that's the exact mindset the environment is meant to create.
'You are given everything you could ever want, but it costs you the only things that actually matter in the end.'
For many that was the feeling of actually being challenged by their work, and feeling like they were contributing and making a difference inside their own company.
'I often say Google has a great problem: Too many outstanding people,' wrote one former employee who worked at the tech company for seven years.
'I left a great seven-year career...because it just wasn't that challenging. My growth would have stunted, and I would have been unhappy.' 'When I left, my direct reports were outstanding, my boss was outstanding, my peers were outstanding'.
Former staff software engineer John L Miller said the worst part about working at the company was 'feeling under-utilized'.
'As someone with ~25 years of programming, management, and architecture experience, I wasn't doing anything that a good college hire with ~2 years of experience couldn't do faster and just as well,' he wrote.
'That's a depressing situation.'
Many Google employees said the company was filled with so many brilliant people that it was impossible to keep them all challenged, leaving many left with menial tasks
Another former employee said they left Google after three years because they felt the impact they could ever make on the business 'was minimal'.
'Unless you are an amazingly talented engineer who gets to create something new, chances are you're simply a guy/girl with an oil can greasing the cogs of that machine,' they wrote.
Many joked that the hardest part about Google was the interview to get in, leaving the company with hundreds of brilliant people with nothing challenging to do.
'There are students from top 10 colleges who are providing tech support for Google's ads products, or manually taking down flagged content from YouTube, or writing basic code,' wrote one former employee.
'They can hire the very best people - so everyone is overqualified.'
Cannella, who left Google after nine years, emphasized that it wasn't that there was no work to do at the company - but it wasn't the revolutionary kind people expected.
'In the end, what I started to see was the most amazing, talented, passionate group of people I've ever known, all in one place, with no free time or energy to pursue the things that mattered the most to them,' he wrote.
'Many want to change the world, and they thought that's what they'd do while at Google. Sometimes that happens...but not nearly enough.'
This roster of incredible employees can make getting a promotion at the company nearly impossible, one former Googler wrote.
'You can fall through the cracks, and you can fall hard,' they said. 'I know people who have been software engineers for eight plus years (that) have never been promoted.'
Another former employee complained that Google has a type, and ends up hiring the 'same people over and over again'.
'Same background, same 10 schools, same worldview, same interests,' they wrote.
'It's no exaggeration that I met 100 triathletes in my three years at Google. Only a handful of them were interesting people.'
Others complained that one of the worst things about working at Google was dealing with the people who didn't work there, who believed it was an adult Disneyland.
Former software engineer Katy Levinson found that everyone from her mother to a cab driver demanded an explanation as to why she would ever leave Google.
'People feel justified asking you why you left or if you still work there, and insist that everything must be perfect,' she wrote.
Others complained that one of the worst things about working at Google was dealing with the people who didn't work there, who believed it was an adult Disneyland
'They don't want to hear anything less than total enthusiasm for your luck getting into Google, and how much you want to stay.'
Another employee noted that whenever they mentioned their time at Google, it would suddenly become the only topic of discussion.
'It's as if everyone who hasn't worked there has somehow been indoctrinated into believing that it's the holy grail of employment,' they wrote.
'Any word of negativity almost angers them as if it destroys all of their hopes and dreams - similar to if a child were to catch a glimpse of the reality behind Santa Clause.'
But Google Chrome inventor Jeff Nelson said that a large faction of what people outside of the company hear about it is 'bulls***'.
'Often, this bulls*** is propagated by Googlers, because it helps the company's reputation,' he added.
'When someone comes up with a really good piece of bulls***, they may even earn some respect among the other Google engineers.'
'It's considered "Googley" to make Google sound like an amazing place to work, even if the statement is largely bulls***'.
When an 89-year-old Florida woman was evicted from the house she had lived in for decades a neighbor came to her aid.
Angie Tyma recently moved back into her Hudson, Florida, home after being forced to spend three weeks at a Days Inn hotel until she found a new place to stay.
'I went through hell and back', Tyma told TODAY. 'I've lived in this house for 35 years'.
Tyma was evicted last month after she learned a family friend, now living in Europe, who she had sold the house to several years earlier and was renting from had stopped paying the mortgage.
Heartwarming: Neighbor Danielle Calder, left, passes house keys off to Angie Tyma, 89, after Tyma was evicted from her home and Calder helped her buy it back
The house went into foreclosure and an investment firm bought the property.
Despite a warning, Tyma didn't think she would be evicted.
On November 16, a company representative showed up and forced her to leave.
She had lived in the house with her husband and then alone when he died more than two decades ago.
Evicted: Angie Tyma, 89, was evicted from her Florida home after a family friend to whom she had sold the house and was renting from had stopped paying the mortgage
'They threw me out', said Tyma. 'I couldn't believe it'.
A neighbor saw Tyma's belongings being moved out of the house and offered to buy it.
Danielle Calder, who lives a few houses away, contacted the investment firm that had purchased the property at auction and bought it for $167,500.
The 65-year-old said: I couldnt see her living in a motel room. Shes been here so long, everyone looks out for her.
'Everybody knows Angie': Danielle Calder, 65, bought the house Tyma was evicted from and handed the keys back to Tyma on her 89th birthday
Everybody knows Angie. She has two little dogs that she walks. Shes an elderly woman, but shes pretty feisty, and she has lots of energy'.
Calder and others in the neighborhood painted the house before she handed the keys back to Tyma on her 89th birthday.
Tyma, who now pays rent to Calder for an undisclosed amount, said returning home was her best birthday present.
The education department is investigating teachers at a Sydney school after Year three students were made to launch a petition against child refugees in detention.
The NSW Department of Education is investigating a petition from Year 3 students at Helensburgh Public School, south of Sydney.
In the petition sent to politicians students as young as nine-years-old said they were heartbroken after being told of 'trapped' children living in 'detention like-like conditions,' The Daily Telegraph reported.
The NSW Department of Education is investigating a petition from Year 3 students at Helensburgh Public School, south of Sydney
Year three students at a Sydney public school have launched a petition against child refugees in detention as the education department questions their teacher's motives (rally held in Melbourne in February pictured)
The letter from class 3L signed 'Friends of Children in Detention' reads: 'There are more than one hundred children on Nauru, who are living in detention-like conditions, trapped, with no hope for a better life.'
The children also wrote handwritten messages and drew pictures of children behind bars.
The education department has confirmed it was investigating if staff were involved in the matter.
One politician sent the letter, Independent Senator David Leyonhjelm, wrote to NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli asking for an explanation.
'What we've seen is a decline in education standards. What's obvious is teachers are being diverted from teaching useful things to politics,' he told The Daily Telegraph.
The principal at the school, Chris Connor is a councilor at Wollongong Council and a former Labor deputy mayor.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Helensburgh Public School for comment.
Most people think of Joseph Stalin as an evil tyrant who was responsible for the death of millions of people and is almost on a par with Hitler.
But not 73-year-old Nazi Stefanishvili, or her friends who have formed a fan club for the great dictator in the town where he was born.
Although Stalin's rule was marked by mass repression, labour camps and famine, Mrs Stefanishvili says she has admired him since her childhood and over the years has filled a room in her daughter's house with memorabilia.
'Every morning I go to the room to say good morning to Stalin,' she said.
Loyal to the end: This is the United Communist Party of Georgia, a group who still revere Stalin, 60 years after he died
Nazi Stefanishvili, a 73-year-old retired economist, poses for a portrait in a room dedicated to Stalin at her home in Gori, Georgia
Although he led the Soviet Union - which was dominated by Russia - for nearly three decades, Stalin was not Russian, but Georgian.
Nowadays Russia and Georgia are at loggerheads - they went to war in 2008 - and few Russians or Georgians have anything good to say about the man born Joseph Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili.
Mrs Stefanishvili, a retired economist, says: 'I have paintings, a lot of books about Stalin, busts, old newspapers, souvenirs. Most I bought, others were gifts, some were even found in the garbage.'
Georgia became independent of the rapidly collapsing Soviet Union in 1991 and since then most of the memorials to Stalin have been dismantled, most recently in 2010 when authorities removed a statue of the dictator from Gori's central square.
But Stalin is still revered by a small group of mainly elderly supporters who stress his role in the industrialisation of the Soviet Union and in defeating Nazi Germany in World War Two.
Retired builder Vasili Sidamonidze, 70, poses for a portrait at his home in Gori, Georgia. He says: 'Unfortunately, Stalin is not popular nowadays. Our people don't respect him'
'Unfortunately, Stalin is not popular nowadays. Our people don't respect him. Only we, members of the Communist Party, respect him,' said retired builder Vasili Sidamonidze, 70, who has a huge painting of Stalin at his home.
'I always try to attend Stalin's birthday anniversaries in Gori. Unfortunately many people don't want to join us even if they live nearby. They look at us from their windows,' he added.
Every year a few dozen people mark Stalin's birthday by gathering outside a Gori museum dedicated to the dictator, where they make speeches and walk to the square, demanding the statue be replaced.
Retired driver Ushangi Davitashvili, 86, poses for a portrait at his home in Tbilisi. He says Stalin got a bad press. 'He saved the world from fascism. He cared about people. Under his rule there was no unemployment. We had free education and healthcare. He was a great man,' he said
Retired economist Otar Chigladze, 82, poses for a portrait at his home in Gori. 'I travelled a lot around the USSR and never missed a chance to buy Stalin memorabilia,' he said
Retired builder Shalva Didebashvili, 78, poses for a portrait at his home in Mtskheta, Georgia. 'What Jesus Christ is for many religious people, Stalin is the same for me,' he said
'I cannot say how many people support us but we have regional offices all around Georgia,' said 77-year-old Jiuli Sikmashvili, one of the leaders of the United Communist Party of Georgia.
'Unfortunately the youth don't want to join our party, so our members are mostly elderly people,' he added.
The communist parties, which tend to be pro-Russian, are not popular in Georgia, which wants to move out of Moscow's sphere of influence and join NATO and the European Union.
Following a 2011 law, dozens of Soviet-era monuments and symbols were removed and street names which referred to Georgia's communist past changed.
Retired engineer Guram Kardanakhishvili, 86, poses for a portrait at his home where he lives alone in Tbilisi. 'I have been a fan of Stalin since school,' he said
Natia Babunashvili, 40, poses for a portrait with her children, 13-year-old Giorgi (left) and Tamuna, 14 (right), at her home in Tbilisi. She says: 'My father was a party boss in one of the regions of Soviet Georgia and he taught me to love Stalin from childhood'
Retired railway worker Suliko Berdzenishvili, 82, poses for a portrait at his home in Tbilisi. He said he goes to Stalin's hometown of Gori every year to mark his birthday
Natia Babunashvili, who lives in the capital, Tbilisi, is one of the few Stalinists who are under 60.
The 40-year-old said: 'My father was a party boss in one of the regions of Soviet Georgia and he taught me to love Stalin from childhood.
'I tell my children of my childhood during Soviet times...how good my life was, how happy I was in the USSR. They form their own opinions but they share my views for now,' said Natia, whose children are aged 13 and 14.
Retired librarian Tsitsino Tsintsadze, 77, poses for a portrait at her home in Tbilisi. She said: 'I have portraits of Stalin, books about him, souvenirs. Some I bought, some were given to me. My relatives and friends know about my love of Stalin and often gift me memorabilia'
Levan Gongadze, 87, poses for a portrait at his home in Tbilisi. 'I have been a fan of Stalin all my life, but there was a time when I almost changed my mind'
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is being sued by 30 former IT staff from its Florida offices who claim they were unfairly replaced by foreign workers - but only after being forced to train them up.
The suit, filed Monday in an Orlando court, alleges that Disney laid off 250 of its US IT staff because it wanted to replace them with staff from India, who were hired in on H-1B foreign employee visas.
That, the suit says, is racial discrimination - and it's now demanding damages, in a case that has also caught the eye of President-elect Donald Trump, The Register reported.
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Tragic Kingdom? American ex-Disney employees say they were fired because the company wanted to replace them with cheaper Indian workers on visas; Disney denies the claim
The suit claims that between October 2014 and January 31, 2015, the 30 Florida IT staff members applied for employment in various positions within Disney.
They were turned down, it said, despite being 'well-qualified', and then terminated on or after January 31 'based solely on their national origin and race'.
Employing staff on H-1B visas gives companies more control over staff because if they lay them off, the staff have just 14 days to leave the country.
That means, critics argue, that they are more likely to put up with worse pay and working hours than US employees.
Sara Blackwell, who is representing the workers, admitted the case would be difficult to win. 'Businesses have tweaked the laws to make this happen,' the attorney said.
Support: Disney employee Leo Perrero (left) got support from Donald Trump on his election campaign. Perrero is one of 30 suing Disney in an Orlando court
'These are hard claims to win but what these companies are doing is morally and legally wrong. Just because they've figured out a way to do this doesn't make it right.'
In a statement to the Register, Disney said the lawsuit was ' nonsense' and that it would 'defend it vigorously'.
The case caught the eye of Donald Trump while he was campaigning at the start of the year, with the now-President-elect promising to crack down on the misuse of H-1B visas.
Trump even invited one of the fired employees named in the suit, Leo Perrero, to speak at one of his rallies in Alabama.
Perrero had previously broken down in a Senate hearing while speaking out about his alleged treatment by Disney.
The former Disney worker audibly sobbed as he recalled how he'd had to tell his children that he couldn't buy a pumpkin at a church sale because he was about to lose his job.
A March 3 post on Trump's website quotes the President-elect as saying: 'The H-1B program is neither high-skilled nor immigration: these are temporary foreign workers, imported from abroad, for the explicit purpose of substituting for American workers at lower pay.
'I remain totally committed to eliminating rampant, widespread H-1B abuse and ending outrageous practices such as those that occurred at Disney in Florida when Americans were forced to train their foreign replacements.'
Trump has set up a group, the President's Strategic and Policy Forum, to shut down outsourcing by companies and fulfill his pledge to return jobs to America.
A British expat couple 'living the dream' in Cyprus died of carbon monoxide poisoning after a mystery fault with their gas heater, an inquest heard today.
Retired builder Kenneth Lincoln, 59, and his wife Linda, 56, both from Norfolk, were found unconscious on the sofa of their apartment in the town of Paralimni.
Mrs Lincoln worked as a clerk at a private school called the Xenion School, and a colleague went to the flat and raised the alarm after she failed to report to work.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: Kenneth Lincoln (left), 59, and his wife Linda (right), 56, both from Norfolk, were found unconscious on the sofa of their apartment in the town of Paralimni
Coroner Yvonne Blake, reading from a translated report written by police in Cyprus, told Norfolk Coroner's Court the couple had emigrated to Cyprus in 2005.
'He [the colleague] realised there was condensation on the window and immediately contacted the police,' said Ms Blake.
'After opening the shutters of the back door he discovered Mr and Mrs Lincoln were sitting unconscious on the sofa.'
She said the colleague checked an outdoor gas cylinder, saw the switch was in the on position and turned it off, then alerted emergency services.
Found unconscious: Mr Lincoln (left) was a retired builder, while his wife (right) worked as a clerk at a private school called the Xenion School
Police forced entry and there was a strong smell of gas, Ms Blake said.
A post-mortem examination found no external injuries, and blood tests showed the couple had died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
'The trouble is no one has been able to find out why the gas was leaking into the house,' said Ms Blake.
'They looked at it and said the heater wasn't damaged but there was a strong smell of gas in the house.
'They were enjoying living there. Mrs Lincoln had a job and that's how they were found.'
Workplace: Mrs Lincoln's colleague at the Xenion School (pictured) went to the flat and raised the alarm after she failed to report to work
She said there was no evidence of violence, nothing was missing and she was 'completely satisfied there's no evidence whatsoever that suicide is even an issue'.
Recording an open conclusion, Ms Blake told two relatives who attended the brief hearing: 'I just don't know how they were poisoned by it.
'I'm very sorry for your loss. It's a horrible thing to happen, especially as they appeared to be living their dream.'
A rescued elephant sounds like a cross between a revving motorbike and a dinosaur as carers treat his arthritis.
Phuki is an Asian elephant who was rescued from exploitation in Thailand's logging industry, and now resides in a sanctuary in Chiang Rai.
He has bad ankles, chronic abscesses, arthritis, and a poorly healed broken ankle after years moving huge quantities of wood.
Phuki is an Asian elephant who was rescued from exploitation in Thailand's logging industry but he was left with many existing health problems
He has bad ankles, chronic abscesses, arthritis, and a poorly healed broken ankle after years moving huge quantities of wood everyday and his handlers must administer daily treatments
Footage captures his new handlers trying to calm him down while administering his daily leg treatments that help reduce his pain.
Phuki is also in musth, a periodic condition in male elephants characterised by highly aggressive behavior due to a large rise in reproductive hormones.
This means he is agitated easily during his procedures, as is evident from his roar.
Elephants tuck their trunks in their mouths when they are trying to keep calm and Phuki's handler is seen attempting to comfort him by touching his upper palate.
The video shows Phuki's handlers trying to calm him down while administering his daily leg treatments to his reduce the pain
An Illinois woman has been reunited with the kindhearted woman who consoled her last month after the death of her mother.
Angel Mott, 31, received the devastating news while in a store on the morning of Black Friday, The Des Moines Register reported.
Mott was there to buy a pair of dog beds for her German shepherds when she received a call from the nursing home where her mother lived.
'Angel, honey', said the nurse on the phone, 'your mom passed away'.
Mott was able to return the hug Uhlenberg gave her the day she found out her mother had died at the visitation in Des Moines
Motts mother, Rose Danylchuck, was only 57 when she died of complications from a blood clot in her head that triggered strokes.
'I just kind of blacked out and I just started crying uncontrollably. And I sat down on the shelves probably for about five minutes and just bawled', Mott said.
A female stranger stopped and asked Mott if she was okay. When Mott told her what had happened they sagged to the floor and sobbed together.
She held Mott in a tight embrace until she was able to regain her composure and led her to the checkout line.
Stephanie Uhlenberg, 42, (pictured) saw Mott crying in the store and consoled her
Mott, who didn't ask the woman for her name, sat dazed in her car for 20 minutes before she drove to see her mother's body.
'It was the worst sight Ive seen in my life', she said.
In the days following her mother's death, Mott searched for the female stranger to thank her.
All Mott remembered of her was that she was a 30-something with dark, purple-streaked hair.
Angel Mott, 31, (left) received the devastating news that her mother, Rose Danylchuck, 57, had died while shopping for dog beds the morning of Black Friday
So, Mott turned to Facebook and posted a paragraph on the 'I grew up in Iowa!' group page: 'Hoping you nice people can help me find a lady. I was out shopping on Black Friday at six in the morning at Mills Fleet Farm in Ankeny.
'In the middle of shopping I got a phone call that my mom had passed away. I sat down on the shelf in the aisle and must've bawled for several minutes.
'Some nice lady with black hair (I think) and purple highlights, sat down with me and hugged me for about five minutes. She cried with me. I would just like to thank her very much.
'Not one person stopped to see if I was OK. But her and her sister did and I appreciate that more than they'll ever know! My mom was my best friend. I felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest. She was only 57. I'm only 31, I still need my momma!'
Someone shared Mott's post, and it was read by the sister of the female stranger, Sara Ross.
Mott had scoured Facebook in an attempt to reunite with Uhlenberg
Ross said: 'The lady she is looking for is my lovely sister Stephanie Uhlenberg. She just saw her there crying and couldn't just walk by.
'She had to make sure she was OK. Once she found out why she was crying her heart just went out to her. Doesn't matter if a stranger or not no one needs to be alone when receiving news like that'.
Once Stephanie Uhlenberg, 42, realized Mott had been looking for her on Facebook she and Ross attended Danylchuk's visitation in Des Moines.
When Mott recognized Uhlenberg, the two hugged and shed tears of joy.
'My heart just went out to you', Uhlenberg said to Mott. 'I just wanted to know if you were going to be OK'.
At least three quarter of ISIS fighters have been killed during the campaign of airstrikes against the terror group, US officials have said.
The US anti-ISIS envoy said ISIS' ranks had fallen from more than 60,000 to between 12,000 and 15,000 'battle ready' fighters.
The bombing campaign against ISIS, which began two years ago, has taken out more fighters in Iraq and Syria than currently remain on the battlefield.
Last week a US official said the American-led coalition had killed 50,000 ISIS militants since 2014.
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A picture taken from the Turkish side of the border shows smoke rising after attacks by war planes during an operation against Islamic State in Syria
Speaking at the White House Tuesday, Brett McGurk, the US special envoy to the anti-ISIS coalition, predicted the number of ISIS fighters would continue to decline, as the terror group is no longer able to replenish its members.
'The number of battle-ready fighters inside Iraq and Syria is now at its lowest point that it's ever been,' McGurk said, according to CNN.
The aerial bombing campaign has conducted 17,000 strikes against ISIS targets, with the most recent including three ISIS leaders the US says were responsible for plotting the attacks in Paris and Brussels last year and earlier this year.
The targets were taken out in Raqqa, ISIS' self-declared capital in Syria.
Smoke rises over Bartila in the east of Mosul, Iraq during clashes with Islamic State militants
Attempts to take out ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who appeared on a recent audiotape, have as yet been unsuccessful
However, he said attempts to take out ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who appeared on a recent audiotape, had not been successful.
'Issuing audiotapes deep in hiding is not really a sign of a confident leader, particularly in today's media age,' McGurk said.
'So eventually, we will find and eliminate him as well, but the leadership ranks continue to diminish.'
He was one of the highest-profile celebrity pro-EU campaigners during the Brexit referendum and famously led a flotilla on the River Thames.
But Bob Geldof today unleashed a blistering attack on the European Union - saying it does not work and that Brussels quickly needs a radical overhaul.
Speaking at Trinity College Dublin, Geldof also said there could be a European war within a generation or two as the West moves towards nationalism and populism.
Fears: Bob Geldof speaks at Trinity College Dublin's Law Society today as he warned of a European war within a generation or two as the West moves towards nationalism and populism
Europe needs reform - it is sclerotic, he told the TCDs Law Society, which awarded him its Praeses Elit medal for his contribution to music and the greater good.
The whole system is constipated. It needs a laxative to clear it out. Geldof said half of Europe is desperately unhappy.
It doesnt function, he said. It is ignoring the wishes of European citizens. What worked for six (member states) doesnt work for 28.
One of the most outlandish stunts of the in/out referendum campaign was the clash of Geldof and Ukip leader Nigel Farage aboard flotillas on the Thames.
But the Irish rocker said he met his arch-opponent and key Leave campaigner Mr Farage earlier this week at a party and shook his hand.
He was one of the highest-profile celebrity pro-EU campaigners during the Brexit referendum
Two fingers up: The Irish rocker famously led a flotilla on the River Thames in London in June
He is an immensely dedicated populist... You have to hand it to the guy, he said.
However, he insisted Brexit remains part and parcel of a reactionary movement galvanising the planet that is really, really dangerous.
England - that place that represented openness and tolerance, when I couldnt find it here (in Ireland) seems to be closing down, he said.
It is increasingly less comfortable for me, and others who think like me, being there.
The UK was resiling from the 21st century, he said.
Memorable: One of the most outlandish stunts of the in/out referendum campaign was the clash of Geldof and Ukip leader Nigel Farage aboard flotillas on the Thames
Rival: Geldof said he met his arch-opponent and key Leave campaigner Mr Farage (pictured on a boat in his flotilla in June with Kate Hoey MP) earlier this week at a party and shook his hand
Geldof said the countries in the West are being reduced to economically competing states - and in that scenario countries go to war at a scratch.
I think we will go to war - possibly within a generation, possibly two. I really think that, he said.
A thuggish, predatory Russia being led by a brute was already invading Europe as we speak, he added.
The poverty campaigner urged students to stop venting their spleen on social media - which he said was just cyber-wanking -and get involved in protest and activism.
Donald Trump's transition team says the president-elect has been utterly transparent about his business dealings and the role his children are playing in the formation of his government.
Transition spokesman Sean Spicer told CNN's Chris Cuomo Thursday morning that the billionaire will follow through on plans to separate himself from his business before his January inauguration.
He's been busy filling his cabinet with 'world class people,' Spicer said, and it's going 'to take a little bit more time' to figure out what to do with his commercial interests and properties.
'The American people have understood exactly what they're getting, and they voted overwhelmingly for him. He has been very clear about what he owns, the role of his family, and everything else,' Spicer told the New Day host.
Donald Trump's transition team says the president-elect has been utterly transparent about his business dealings and the role his children are playing in the formation of his government.
Cuomo and Spicer picked up where the Republican flak left off the day before with the CNN host's colleague Kate Bolduan. They dueled on Wednesday over Ivanka, Don Jr. and Eric Trump's involvement in their father's transition and the possibility that they could advise his government.
All three are part of the Trump Organization, though the president elect announced this week that only Don Jr. and Eric would continue on.
Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner are expected to become unpaid advisers to the Trump White House. Nepotism laws prevent them from being paid for their work.
Spicer contended Thursday on CNN that 'some on the left' and the media want to harp on conflict of interest issues 'but the American people are clearly satisfied with what they got, not only on Election Day, but since he's been elected.'
Cuomo took issue with Spicer's claim that Americans 'overwhelmingly' put Trump in office, pointing out that his electoral vote count is lower than other recent presidents and he lost the popular vote by more than 2.6 million ballots.
His approval rating is also low in comparison to other president elects, the CNN host said.
'He won. He's the president elect. He will be the next President of the United States,' Cuomo asserted. 'If you want to be straight about it, and transparent. It wasn't overwhelming.'
The two sparred over the definition of 'overwhelmingly,' with Cuomo telling Spicer 'I know you like that as a distraction, and I'm not giving it to you today.'
'There is no suggestion of delegitimizing the victory. What I'm saying is, transparency, which you were touting yesterday, is woefully lacking where it matters most.'
Spicer scoffed at his interviewer and said, 'You can see every single person go up and down Trump Tower, for goodness sake.'
'That's great. Are any of those people in business with Donald Trump right now?' Cuomo asked.
After a little more back and forth, Spicer told him, 'Mr. Trump has some of the most iconic properties throughout the world. He has put his entire focus on building a cabinet.
'These are world class people. Every single one of them, you name it, boom boom boom....These are the best and brightest,' he said of Trump's cabinet nominees.
The president elect gave that his full attention and is now ahead of past presidents. He'll turn his attention to disentangling himself from his business within the month, Spicer stated.
'He will get it done. It will happen in January. We'll all be good, I promise you on that.'
Former White House top ethics officials are urging Trump to liquidate his real estate empire by the time he takes office to avoid running afoul of the Constitutions 'Emoluments' clause
On a conference call later in the morning with reporters another Trump spokesman, Jason Miller, said, 'The president-elect, being one of our country's most successful business leaders, obviously has a great number of businesses, a great number of properties and developments that he has put together.
'And quite frankly, that takes time as he transitions away from being the leader of this very successful company to becoming solely focused on being President of the United States.'
Miller said 'there are obviously internal considerations as far as what the structure will look like...and I think the priority here is to make sure that we get it right.
'And if that takes a little bit more time...I think the American people understand that,' he said. 'And I think they realized this when they voted for a successful business leader as opposed to a politician in last month's election.'
Wednesday afternoon Bolduan confronted Spicer about reports that Don, Jr. interviewed candidates for secretary of the Interior, and Eric Trump sat in on a meeting with Mitt Romney.
Ivanka Trump was in her father's meeting with the Japanese prime minister. Kushner handled invitations for the president elect's tech summit.
'Is this the level of family involvement that the country should expect going forward?' she asked.
Defiant, Spicer told her, 'Every one of those people was listed on the transition team Web site. They all have been named a senior part of it.
'So this is a totally transparent process. The people that he has trusted, he has made it very clear how much he values the input of his family. He put their names on the transition committee.'
Spicer argued that Trump has 'been unbelievably transparent in the role that his family will play in this, I think from day one.'
The role of Trump's children in his transition also came in for criticism at a Democratic-run House forum that formed the basis for Spicer's heated debates on CNN
Bolduan said that Trump never indicated that his family would work in his government, though
'What we've seen in government for so often is that people have been shady about their roles, hidden things, not released things,' Spicer rebutted. 'We have a camera, for goodness sake. Every single person who enters Trump Tower, you get to see them go up, come down. They talk to the press.'
Trump's family was critical to his election, Spicer eventually told her. 'They'll continue to provide counsel to him.'
'Ultimately, he's always the decider.'
This morning Alisyn Camerota asked Trump transition team member and Tennessee Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn how the situation the president elect and his family are in differs from the complaints Republicans lodged against the Clintons.
'The Clinton Foundation is a separate matter, and that is something that transpired over a decade and there was lack of transparency there,' Blackburn told the New Day host. 'You're trying to compare apples to oranges.'
The former top ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush is urging the president-elect to liquidate his entire financial empire or risk violating the Constitution from the moment he is sworn in as president.
'The business empire is going to have to be sold if the president is going to be able to be free of conflicts of interest, or were going to have a disaster on our hands,' Richard Painter warned House Oversight Committee Democrats, who convened a 'forum' about potential ethics conflicts facing Trump on Wednesday.
The experts said at a House Democratic forum that Trump could run into constitutional problems after January 20 if he receives payments through his hotel although a government agency disputes a claim that it has already decided the matter
Among the array of issues facing Trump are the payments, royalties, and rents that come to him from his overseas business empire which could violate the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution barring gifts from foreigners or foreign powers.
'I dont know if this problem isnt solved whether the Chief Justice can even show up to give him the oath of office,' he said.
'This is not some arcane provision. All it says is no for government payoffs for anybody holding a position of trust with the United States Government, not just the president,' he said.
Painter helped vet Bush cabinet officials, including former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, who had to dump stock in Goldman Sachs when he took office. He is now a law professor at the University of Minnesota.
He said Trump was putting members of the Electoral College, who meet Monday to choose the president, in a 'very, very unfair position telling the electors that they should be voting for him for president when he has not assured them that he is going to be compliant with the Constitution the minute he is sworn into office.'
Former ambassador to the Czech Republic Norm Eisen, President Obama's former ethics counsel who is now at the liberal Brookings Institution, called for Trump's empire being transferred to an independent trustee.
'Let that trustee tomorrow start to worry about all of these financial entanglements,' Eisen said. 'Let Donald Trump focus on his job as president-elect and then liquidate those assets and put them behind that big beautiful wall, an ethics wall, where he doesnt know whats being done with his funds.'
A general view of the entrance to the Akoya by Damac Trump International Golf Club on December 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirate
Eisen has joined with 'Clinton Cash' author Peter Schweizer, who exposed myriad financial connections between Clinton Foundation donors, friends, former aides, and Hillary Clinton's State Department, in an op-ed urging Trump to put his holdings into an independent blind trust.
'We are faced with the extraordinary situation, should the president-elect continue on this course, that on the first day that hes in office, indeed the first hour, the first minute after he takes his oath of office he will have these flow of for government payments,' Eisen said.
He mentioned Trump's new luxury hotel in Washington, saying, 'Every one of those dollars that hits the hotel come January 20 will be in violation of the United States Constitution.'
Business offers are still coming across the president-elect's desk. Trump says one major player presented him with seven offers in a single week.
'If I were really going to do new deals right now I am turning down billions of dollars of deals,' Trump told host Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday when pressed about his array of business interests and potential conflicts.
'I turned down seven deals with one big player, great player, last week, because I thought it could be perceived as a conflict of interest,' Trump said, without specifying who made the offers.
Trump estimated that he turned down 'probably a billion dollars of deals.'
He said it wouldn't be the same thing if his adult children did deals on behalf of the company although he later said his kids weren't doing deals either.
A panel of Democrats released a letter Wednesday where they stated the the General Services Administration, the government's landlord, has told them Trump would be in violation of his lease if he maintains ownership of the hotel lease when he takes office.
Trump owns the 60-year lease to the government's Old Post Office, although the contract bars any elected official from being ''admitted to any share or part of this Lease or to any benefit that may arise therefrom.'
But the GSA countered that it 'does not have a position that the lease provision requires the president-elect to divest of his financial interests,' according to a statement from its spokeswoman.
'We can make no definitive statement at this time about what would constitute a breach of the agreement, and to do so now would be premature.'
Business offers are still coming across the president-elect's desk. Trump says one major player presented him with seven offers in a single week. 'If I were really going to do new deals right now I am turning down billions of dollars of deals,' Trump told host Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday
The letter stated that the deputy commissioner had informed staff that Trump 'will be in breach' of the contract on January 20.
Trump repeatedly praised the agency during the campaign.
'I could care less if Donald Trump wants to keep this name on this television show, Celebrity Apprentice,' said ranking panel Democrat Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland. 'Some people may say thats beneath the president. But that is not what this forum is all about.'
He added: 'Even from a purely political perspective, do Republicans really want the head of their party to be dogged the next four years by conflicts of interest?'
Darren Byrne faces a life sentence for setting fire to his wife and then trying to cover up her murder
A banker who burnt his wife alive after she discovered he was having an affair - then claimed she died whilst making him a BLT sandwich - has been jailed for life.
Darren Byrne doused his wife Maria with white spirit and turned on the gas in the kitchen of their 450,000 home in Theydon Bois, Essex.
He then rang 999, claiming he had come home from walking their dog to find her on fire in the kitchen.
Mrs Byrne was killed she found a text between her husband and his London osteopath revealing an illicit relationship.
Byrne was sentenced to life imprisonment today and must serve a minimum of 24 years before he can apply for parole.
Judge Charles Gratwicke told him: 'You were convicted by the jury of a cruel and merciless killing of your wife Maria.
'What exactly happened in that kitchen on the 13th of February of this year and why, I will never know for certain.
'She died and you lied at the start to the police, you lied to her family and friends. Certainly from the jury's verdict you lied to them.
'What is clear is since she became unconscious you decided to burn her to death. Knowing her still to be alive and intending to kill her and at the same time to cover your tracks by setting the house on fire.
'No body sitting in the court room listening to the evidence concerning the application of white spirit and the setting on fire of her body can have found anything other than sickness at revulsion to what you did.'
Mrs Byrne's mother Linda Biggs, speaking on behalf of the family, said: 'Maria was our only child. She was beautiful, loving, loyal, kind, gentle and funny. She was everything to us, our whole world.
'She was brought up surrounded by love and she was simply our darling girl. Our world ended on February 13 this year when we were told by police that Maria was dead.
'I have lost the daughter of my dreams, my baby. Maria and I did everything together and we confided in each other.'
A jury heard how furious Maria confronted her husband as he had promised he would stop seeing married Deborah Houlihan.
Ms Houlihan had told the court she carried on seeing Byrne despite both of their partners believing the affair was over.
Byrne had told his wife, who was also the mother of his two children, that the affair was over on February 13, but she discovered a text on a secret phone he used to speak to his mistress and a furious argument ensued.
Maria Byrne was brutally attacked by her husband after she discovered he was having an affair
Byrne knocked Maria out and, as she lay on the floor, he poured white spirit on her and set her alight. He then turned on the gas stove in a bid to set fire to his house.
After this failed, he moved the his wife's body to make it look like a tragic cooking accident. He then called the emergency services, saying 'My wife is dead she is dead. She's burnt badly.'
Byrne told police he been out walking the dog whilst his wife made him a BLT sandwich but returned home to find her lying on the floor.
The court heard how the couple met in the City when they both worked at banks and fell in love before having two children who 'mercifully' were not present when their mother was killed.
Jurors heard they were a 'happy family unit' until she discovered her husband's infidelity and their relationship deteriorated.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Jennings said: 'On February 13, Byrne thought of no-one but himself.
'He told the court he had panicked. But that is absolutely no justification for what he did.
'He will now have plenty of time to reflect on his actions that day and the devastation he has caused to his own family and those who loved Maria.'
Police outside the couple's home in Theydon Bois, Essex following the murder
Mrs Bryne's mother added today: 'Our hearts are broken in two. One half is filled with rage towards Darren and the other is filled with the overwhelming love for Maria and her two boys.
'The boys were her life and she adored them, supporting everything they did.
'We cannot bear the thought that she will never walk through our gate, that we will never be able to kiss her again and she will never again dance around the kitchen table with her boys.
'It is an honour and privilege to be looking after them, but we shouldn't be doing it. This is Maria's job.
'Her death has affected so many people. More than 200 people attended Maria's funeral but the biggest victims in all of this are the boys.
'I can only hope that when they are adults, they will say that they had a wonderful childhood as they were surrounded by love from their family.
'This is all we wish for as we now dedicate the rest of our lives to Maria's darling boys, for they are the most wonderful legacy and we see Maria in them every day.'
The former boyfriend accused of assaulting a Vogue model and holding her captive in his home after she dumped him today admitted breaching the peace.
Nathan Gray allegedly held ex-lover Elaine Ford against her will and then dragged her across her bedroom floor after she said she wanted to end their short fling.
Gray, 27, of Weymouth, Dorset, was then said to have conducted a stalking campaign against the model from Stirling in the months after their split in 2013.
Trial: Nathan Gray (left) allegedly held ex-lover Elaine Ford (right) against her will and then dragged her across her bedroom floor after she said she wanted to end their short fling
But moments before the seventh day of his trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court was due to start, the court heard Gray had pleaded guilty to a breach of the peace.
Not guilty pleas to abduction, assault and engaging in a course of conduct that caused the underwear model fear and alarm were accepted by the prosecution.
But following Grays guilty plea, the court was told the engineering graduate continues to believe 28-year-old Miss Ford was an MI5 operative.
He allegedly thought she used their relationship to gather business secrets from his father Iain who worked for Airbus at the time.
After the guilty pleas acceptance, Sheriff Alastair Noble said: Is Mr Gray still maintaining the complainer is a spy?- and Iain Smith, defending, replied: Yes.
Sheriff Noble said: I am a little concerned you still maintain Ms Ford is a spy.
I believe your father said he believed he was under surveillance by American secret services and I am not sure if that is what has led you to believe what you did about Ms Ford. I do wish to make sure Ms Ford is protected from any contact by you.
Sheriff Noble deferred sentence for reports and told Gray he must not make any contact with Miss Ford until then.
Model: Previously the court was told Gray believed Miss Ford (pictured) was an MI5 operative who had begun their liaison so she could get close to his father and his business dealings
Yesterday, John Ford - the model's father - told the court his daughter had become stressed and agitated in the weeks after she broke up with Gray.
Mr Ford, 63, said: She had gone from being a confident person to being unsure about decision making. She was basically stressed and fragile.
She basically wasn't eating as much as I wanted her too, she just picked at food. Whenever her phone went off she jumped and she was still in a state of nervous tension, jumpy, agitated and fragile.
She was becoming very fearful about going out. I was very concerned for her health and her wellbeing.
Previously the court was told Gray believed Miss Ford was an MI5 operative who had begun their liaison so she could get close to his father and his business dealings.
The model was also said to have drugged Gray on the night she claimed he assaulted her at her Edinburgh student flat
She was also said to have ended the relationship with him in a bid to send him into a depressive state.
When confronted with the spy allegations during her evidence a stunned Ms Ford told the court they were ludicrous and ridiculous, and she had never heard the conspiracy theory until the case called to court.
Nigel Farage has fuelled frantic speculation he might be about to join Team Trump by paying a second visit to the president-elect's New York HQ.
The former Ukip leader delivered a fresh humiliation to Theresa May by turning up at Trump Tower overnight - and taking the famous golden elevator to the billionaire's office for a two-hour meeting.
The visit came despite Mr Farage playing down the prospects of an encounter earlier in the day, saying he was in the US to do some 'Christmas shopping' and expected the new commander-in-chief would be too 'busy with other stuff' to see him.
Nigel Farage visited Trump Tower on yesterday despite insisting he didn't expect to be invited for a meeting with Donald Trump while he was in New York. He was accompanied by a team including former Ukip official Matthew Richardson (right)
Farage grinned widely as he arrived at Trump's New York HQ, later explaining that he was there to see 'old friends who are part of his[Trump's] team'
Mr Trump has already called for Mrs May to make the MEP Britain's ambassador to the US - an idea that was quickly knocked back by Downing Street.
No10 has also infuriated Mr Farage by ruling out using his close ties to Trump's team to foster the special relationship.
But there have been suggestions that the president-elect could take matters into his own hands by giving him some kind of role advising on US-UK trade relations.
Mr Farage entered the building for shortly before 3pm local time and got into an elevator without speaking to the assembled press.
He was accompanied by former Ukip comms chief Andy Wigmore, and another ex-senior figure in the party Matthew Richardson. The American strategy guru Gerry Gunster, who helped forge Mr Farage's links to Trump, was also seen with the group.
Wigmore was one of the so-called 'Brex Pistols' who joined Mr Farage on his previous visit to Trump Tower.
Millionaire Ukip donor Arron Banks was not there as he is skiing in the Alps, and ex-aide Raheem Kassam was sending tweets from Washington DC at the time.
Asked if Downing Street was worried about Mr Farage's influence with Mr Trump, a Number 10 spokesman said: 'No.'
The former Ukip leader also said that he hoped to do 'a bit of Christmas shopping' on his trip to the city
Farage appears surprised at something as he visits the lavish Trump Tower on December 15
Farage told journalists he was in New York 'catching up with old friends who are part of his team, doing a bit of Christmas shopping, no plans to meet the great man at all, he's busy with other stuff'.
He added: 'If the Queen asks me for tea I'll go, but I'm not expecting an invite.'
The Prime Minister was embarrassed last month when Mr Farage became the first UK politician to meet Mr Trump after his dramatic election victory - being pictured laughing and smiling outside the gold-plated Trump Tower.
By contrast Mrs May had to make do with a brief phone conversation after a slew of other world leaders had already spoken to Mr Trump.
Later, the incoming US commander in chief shocked Westminster with a late-night tweet declaring that Farage would do a 'great job' as Britain's ambassador to the US and that 'many people' wanted to see him as the UK's senior diplomat in Washington.
Farage was flanked by former Ukip comms chief (second from left) and American strategy guru Gerry Gunster (third from left) at Trump Tower, but left without speaking to the media
He looked pleased to see one of the men he delightedly shook hands with in the lobby
Farage, who campaigned for Trump during his election, was enthusiastic as he greeted one of the 'old friends' he said he was visiting at the tower
The former Ukip leader grins as he meets friends who it is believed work with the President-elect, who has recommended Farage for the next UK ambassador the the U.S.
But Downing Street brushed off suggestions that he could act as a go-between between the UK and Trump, insisting there was 'no vacancy.'
Asked if Farage not receiving an invitation to see Trump on his current New York trip represented a downgrade in relations, a Ukip source said: 'Hardly. He doesn't expect the president-elect to be on call, nor does anyone.'
'Nigel has been going to the States for years and will continue to do so,' the source added.
Farage ally Andy Wigmore joked about Mr Farage playing down the significance of his visit to the US in this tweet from Trump Tower
The district attorney in the JonBenent Ramsey case whose 2008 DNA tests have come into question in recent months remains convinced that the murdered beauty queen's parents and brother played no role in her death.
Despite problems with the samples obtained at the time which led to then-Boulder County District Attorney Mary Lacy exonerating the family, she is standing by her statement.
'Heres what I was doing with the exoneration letter. I was trying to prevent a horrible travesty of justice. I was scared to death that despite the fact that there was no evidence, no psychotherapy and no motive, the case was a train going down the track and the Ramseys were tied to that track,' Lacy said back in October.
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Former Boulder County District Attorney Mary Lacy (above in 2006) details what she believes happened the night that JonBenet Ramsey was killed
'Whoever did this sat outside of her room and waited until everyone was asleep to kill her,' said Lacy of the murder, citing a butt imprint on the rug as evidence (JonBenet above)
She then cited an indentation found outside JonBenet's bedroom during the investigation.
'It was a butt print. We all saw it. The entire area was undisturbed except for that place in the rug,' said Lacy.
'Whoever did this sat outside of her room and waited until everyone was asleep to kill her.'
Boulder police and prosecutors are now planning a new round of testing on DNA evidence found in the case, and on Friday's episode of 20/20 on ABC District Attorney Stan Garnett will speak about the next steps.
Also speaking with on of the jurors who served on the grand jury that voted to to indict John and Patsy Ramsey.
December 26 will mark the 20-year anniversary of JonBenet's murder.
Police and prosecutors are hoping that new advancements will help them in their search for JonBenet's killer after an investigation by the Daily Camera and 9NEWS uncovered major flaws in the way the DNA in the case had previously been tested.
The tests would also tap into an FBI database that includes genetic profiles from more than 15.1 million known offenders.
Garnett and Boulder police Chief Greg Testa said that they have already discussed the matter with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation during a meeting that took place just before Thanksgiving.
Earlier this year, forensic experts took a look at the lab results and reports in the case and came to the conclusion that the DNA samples taken from Jon Benet's long johns came from at least two people in addition to the victim, while the sample taken from her underwear could be a composite and not a single individual.
These findings were based on the experts looking at the same reports Lacy cited back in July 2008 when she made the decision to officially exonerate the child beauty queen's parents John and Patsy and her brother Burke in her murder.
Based on their findings, these results would not be enough to clear the Ramseys of suspicion in the case. It would also not be enough to implicate any member of the family.
The findings of these forensic experts also presented another problem as they suggested that the unknown male killer who law enforcement officials have been searching for over the past decade does not exist.
Instead of being the DNA of one person, they have instead created a composite of someone who does not exist.
Meanwhile, documents show that Lacy was informed that the DNA samples which had been recovered from the evidence in the case came from at least two people, but chose not to address or reveal this in her letter exonerating the Ramseys.
That is not all either, as the experts also believe there is a chance that the DNA samples have no value in the case.
The DNA could have come from earlier contact or even another article of clothing JonBenet had been wearing prior to her death.
It was recently revealed that the DNA test used by Lacy to exonerate the Ramsey family in JonBenet's murder had multiple flaws
Despite this, Lacy says she stands by the letter she wrote publicly declaring JonBenet's parents John and Patsy and brother Burke innocent
'It's certainly possible that an intruder was responsible for the murder, but I don't think that the DNA evidence proves it,' said William C. Thompson, a professor in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society at the University of California-Irvine.
Lin Wood, the attorney for the Ramseys, said in a statement: 'I have absolute and total confidence in the integrity of former District Attorney Mary Lacy, and I am also aware of internet comments by former Boulder police Chief Mark Beckner where he, within the last several months, affirmed that the Ramsey case was a DNA case.'
Burke Ramsey is currently suing CBS for $150million after the network aired The Case Of: JonBenet Ramsey last month, which concluded with investigators revealing that after extensive research into the events that happened on the night of the murder they believed Burke Ramsey was responsible for killing his sister.
The body of JonBenet, a child beauty queen, was found bludgeoned and strangled hours after she was reported missing and covered by a white blanket with a nylon cord around her neck, her wrists bound above her head and her mouth covered by duct tape.
John and Patsy had called police to report her kidnapping and said they found a note demanding a ransom of $118,000 for her safe return - and that they had not contact the authorities.
Despite this, police arrived to their home shortly after in clearly marked vehicles.
John and Patsy would remain the primary suspects in their daughter's death for more than a decade, and it was not until 2008 that police finally cleared them of any wrongdoing.
At that time, Patsy had been dead for two years after a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer.
She was initially suspected by many of being the murderer after reports emerged that handwriting on the ransom note was similar to her own, but after she willingly provided a sample to police it was determined she did not write the note.
Many also suspected someone in the family as they claimed there were no footprints in the snow around the house.
Nigel Farage can't get enough of Donald Trump so he's jetted into New York for more talks with the President-elect's team.
But the former Ukip leader said he is 'not expecting an invite' from Mr Trump this time because the Republican is 'busy with other stuff'.
Instead, Mr Farage says he will meet with his 'old friends' in Team Trump - as well as fitting in a bit of Christmas shopping.
Nigel Farage remains the only UK politician to have met Donald Trump since the Republican won the US Presidential election last month. The pair posed for a picture laughing and smiling in a gold-plated lift with the president-elect at Trump Tower four days after the election
He remains the only UK politician to have met with Mr Trump since his shock election victory last month.
Mr Farage had an hour-long meeting with the tycoon four days after the election, humiliating Theresa May in the process.
He embarrassed the Prime Minister by posing for pictures laughing and smiling in a gold-plated lift with the president-elect at Trump Tower.
In contrast, Mrs May was given just 10 minutes on the phone with the President-elect.
Days later Mr Trump shocked Westminster with a late-night tweet declaring that Mr Farage would do a 'great job' as Britain's ambassador to the US and that 'many people' wanted to see him as the UK's senior diplomat in Washington.
Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said he is 'not expecting an invite' from Donald Trump this time because the Republican is 'busy with other stuff'
Theresa May, pictured meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Parliament chief Martin Schulz at an EU summit in Brussels today, was left embarrassed by Nigel Farage after he exposed her team's lack of relations with the President-elect's administration
But Downing Street brushed off suggestions that Mr Farage could act as a go-between between the UK and Mr Trump, insisting there was 'no vacancy'.
Asked what he is planning for his trip to New York, Mr Farage said: 'Catching up with old friends who are part of his [Trump's} team, doing a bit of Christmas shopping, no plans to meet the great man at all, he's busy with other stuff'.
He added: 'If the Queen asks me for tea I'll go, but I'm not expecting an invite.'
Asked if Mr Farage not receiving an invitation to see Mr Trump on his current New York trip represented a downgrade in relations, a Ukip source said: 'Hardly.
'He doesn't expect the president-elect to be on call, nor does anyone.
'Nigel has been going to the States for years and will continue to do so.'
Members of the Electoral College are being threatened as they plan to vote on Monday for Donald Trump.
The New York Post found a number of Republican electors who find themselves being berated by Americans who would prefer them not to cast a vote for the Republican president-elect, who won the Electoral College, but not the popular vote.
One elector, Michael Banerian, a 22-year-old college student at the Oakland University in Michigan, told the Post he was getting death threats sent through the mail and over the internet via email, Facebook and Twitter.
'Somebody threatened to put a bullet in the back of my mouth,' Banerian told the newspaper.
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Electors supporting Donald Trump in Georgia, Idaho, Tennessee, Arizona, Utah and Michigan have reported being harassed
Members of the Electoral College are being threatened as they plan to vote on Monday for Donald Trump
Electors in Georgia, Idaho, Tennessee, Arizona, Utah and Michigan have reported being harassed.
Sharon Geise, a grandmother who lives in Mesa, Arizona, said on Wednesday she woke up to 1,500 new emails demanding that she not select Trump.
'They just keep coming and coming,' Geise told the paper.
She said she believes she's received 50,000 emails since the results were called.
Michael Banerian, a 22-year-old college student and elector, says he's been getting death threats
'They're overpowering my iPad,' she added, saying that she just does a mass delete.
'Obviously their minds are made up and they're not going to change,' she continued. 'I'm not either.'
Another Republican elector, 74-year-old Patricia Allen of Tennessee, said she received 2,000 emails, 120 letters and five phone calls asking her to switch her to not vote for Trump.
Calling it a 'siege,' she maintains that she'll still be voting for The Donald on December 19.
'This has never happened before,' she said. 'Do you know how long it takes to delete all those emails every day?'
Allen also divulged that she had been approached by the Harvard University group, led by professor Lawrence Lessig, called 'Electors Trust.'
The group is offering free legal advice to electors who defect from their state's popular vote total and vote against Trump.
'Trump won the Electoral College fair and square,' said one Utah elector who said he won't be swayed by threats
'That borders on bribery,' she told the Post. 'Carried to this extreme, the day might come when an elector could be sold to the highest bidder.'
At last count, Lessig said that 20 of Trump's electors could flip, though didn't identify which electors said they were open to making that move.
Trump won 306 electoral votes and needed just 270 to win, so even if all 20 decided to cast a vote for another Republican candidate, or Democrat Hillary Clinton, the president-elect would still win.
The Clinton campaign the efforts of a small number of electors who requested a security briefing after government sources and news reports continue to point fingers at Russian President Vladimir Putin attempting to sway the election toward Trump.
In Utah, the Post reported that another group called Democracy and Progress PAC had placed a full-page ad in a Salt Lake City, Utah, paper telling electors they were 'not bound' to vote for Trump.
There is a law in place in the state that compels electors to vote for the popular vote winner, in this case Trump, or be replaced.
There is, however, no legal punishment for a defiant elector.
The Post interviewed one of the electors who said that he wouldn't cave into the pressure.
'No, Trump won the Electoral College fair and square,' said Salt Lake County Councilman Richard Snelgrove.
A council will pay up to 40million compensation to thousands of former residents of a care home where abuse took place on an industrial scale.
The biggest payout of its kind was authorised yesterday after an explosive report claimed to have uncovered widespread sexual and physical abuse of at least 700 children over 30 years. Lambeth council took the unprecedented step of agreeing to pay compensation to every former resident, even if they did not suffer abuse.
Blanket payouts were offered because the council felt that all children were judged to be at risk. Those who suffered abuse will receive larger compensation payments.
Campaigner Lucia Hinton (left), Lib Peck of Lambeth Council (second left), Shirley Oaks Survivors Association founder Raymond Stevenson (third left), former Shirley Oaks resident Shayne Donnelly (third right), MP for West Norwood Helen Hayes (second right) and MP for Streatham Chuka Umunna (right) pose for a photograph before the report's unveiling today
Doctors, teachers, priests, police officers, sports coaches and council workers were part of a 60-strong paedophile ring at the councils flagship childrens home, Shirley Oaks, the report found.
The compensation figure is far higher than the reported 3million paid to the 160 alleged victims of the North Wales historic care home scandal. And 166 victims of Jimmy Savile are understood to have been paid a total of 2.3million from his estate.
Yesterdays report claims senior figures at the council covered up multiple assaults allowing staff at the home to carry on abusing in packs. Football coaches who had links to Chelsea scout Eddie Heath named as a paedophile by former players were also named as paedophiles at the home.
And corruption at the heart of Scotland Yard meant that almost all of the abusers have escaped justice, it said.
It found that 48 children died in Lambeths care system from 1970 to 1989, of which 20 were abuse victims linked to Shirley Oaks.
The report was written by Raymond Stevenson, the head of the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association (SOSA), who was abused during his 11 years at the home.
Paul (left) and David Annon (right) speak to guests today about their late brother Mark, at the unveiling of an interim report on findings by the 'Shirley Oaks Survivors Association'
Residents of the Lambeth Council care system and survivors of the systematic abuse that took place there, watch a film of archive footage as they attend the unveiling the report today
'Sandra' (left) and 'Bill' (right) speak about their experiences of abuse in London today
He began investigating two years ago when a survivor approached him and described his ordeal. His 130-page report, which came after interviews with 400 former residents of the home, concluded: We can now confirm that sexual abuse, on an industrial scale, started in the 1950s.
Mr Stevenson discovered that changes in the care system were not being implemented even though 15 reports detailing allegations of abuse, neglect and corruption were commissioned by Lambeth council.
Last night experts said the extraordinary move by Lambeth which no longer runs any childrens homes to offer compensation could lead to other local authorities being forced to pay out for claims of historic child abuse. Mark Stephens, of the Howard Kennedy law firm, said: This will be the first of many similar cases.
The council has accepted liability for abuse carried out at Shirley Oaks (pictured) in Croydon and said ex-residents would be paid - whether or not they were abuse victims
Sosa founder Raymond Stevenson holds up a printed copy of the report in London today
WERE THEY ALSO SAVILE VICTIMS? Prolific paedophile Jimmy Savile may have abused children from Shirley Oaks, the report claims. It tells of how the late BBC DJ visited numerous childrens homes in the Lambeth area, including one where many children from Shirley were sent. He was also friends with a superintendent at Shirley Oaks during the 50s and 60s, survivors have alleged. The report adds: Having learnt that Jimmy Savile had a fixation with children who had mental disabilities, we are concerned that he may have visited three cottages at Shirley Oaks which were designated for children with various disabilities. Savile, pictured right, also DJd at the Shirley Oaks Community Centre, ex-residents claimed. Although the report cannot make direct allegations against Savile, it questions how he was granted unhindered access to Lambeths childrens homes. It adds that paedophiles considered Lambeth a welcoming place. Advertisement
Claude Knights, who runs anti-child abuse charity Kidscape, said: This abuse was widespread and many different agencies are responsible for the dark times that the victims endured. If [the compensation payouts] fall to Lambeth alone, where is it going to be coming from, given other services need to be funded?
I believe the other agencies responsible should pay a share.
Mr Stevenson found that the council destroyed 140 care records during the mid-2000s, despite legislation stipulating all records should be left untouched for a further 70 years. In his report, he accuses the council of being institutionally evil and acting to protect perpetrators of corruption and abuse.
Labour MP for Streatham Chuka Ummuna speaks to survivors of abuse at the event in London
Kenneth Hewitt, a former resident of the Shirley Oaks care home and survivor of the systematic abuse that took place there, speaks today
Russell Specterman (left) looks on as his sister Samantha holds up a rattle that belonged to their 11-month-old sister Sarah, who died while in the care system in South London
Shane Donnelly (left) and Pauline Blackwood (right), who are former residents of the Lambeth council care system and survivors of the systematic abuse that took place there
Yesterday Mr Stevenson said SOSA had uncovered a number of other Lambeth-run homes where a paedophile network of up to 30 members operated. He said many of these abusers are still alive.
Lambeth council leader Lib Peck made an unreserved apology to everyone who spent time at Shirley Oaks, which was one of the biggest childrens homes in the UK from the 1950s until its closure in 1983.
This is an incredibly powerful report, she said. It is very, very distressing to hear about their suffering, which continues today. The report shines a light on a very, very dark period in Lambeths history which I feel ashamed to be in any way associated with.
Six fresh police investigations into abuse at Shirley Oaks are ongoing after SOSA passed on information.
THE CHELSEA CONNECTION A football coach at Shirley Oaks was friends with a former scout at Chelsea Football Club alleged to have abused young players, the report reveals. John Butcher, who has been convicted of possessing child abuse images, was associated with Eddie Heath accused by ex-Chelsea players in recent weeks of abuse in the 1970s. Butcher, now 67, is said to have been involved in child pornography movies, the report says, although he has never been investigated in relation to the claims. He said this week: Ive never physically abused any children. The dossier said Butcher had connections to Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Millwall as a scout. It adds: John Butcher knew Eddie Heath, a football scout at Millwall who has been accused in the latest allegations. Advertisement
'Adrian' speaks about his experiences of the historical systematic abuse in the care system
An investigation is underway into a series of mysterious booms that have been rocking a small town for decades.
Residents of Cheverly, a town of about 6,000 people located less than 10 miles northeast of Washington D.C, say the 'booms' are a part of life there.
Nikki Greco said they happen so frequently she decided to keep a calendar to record every incident.
'It sounds like it strikes the side of the house... it sounds like a Mack truck rams into your home,' Greco told NBC4.
An investigation is underway into a series of mysterious booms that have been rocking the small town of Cheverly (pictured), Maryland, for decades
Incredibly, no one has been able to figure out what causes the noises, including the town's mayor.
'The booms are one of our amazing little mysteries that drive us closer together,' Mike Callahan told the network.
'You know, every community has its lore, has its myths.'
The mayor also discussed some of the theories he has heard from residents about the booms, including one that goes all the way to the White House.
'There's always the popular theory that they are digging an escape tunnel under our town to get from Washington D.C to Andrews Air Force Base,' Callahan said.
The airfield, known officially as Joint Base Andrews, is the home base for Air Force One.
Nikki Greco (left) said they happen so frequently she decided to keep a calendar to record every incident. Mayor Mike Callahan (right) said it is the town's 'little myth'
Greco said the booms have cracked the floor in her basement (pictured), and she has had to pay about $50,000 to fix it
However, the tunnel theory would appear to be untrue, considering the military base is about 15 miles south of Cheverly.
But despite geographical factors suggesting otherwise, some residents remain convinced someone is digging under their town.
'I wonder about the underground digging,' Greco told NBC4. 'What's going on there?'
She went on to say the booms have caused $50,000 worth of damage to her home by creating massive cracks in the basement.
But it might not remain a mystery for much longer, with the University of Maryland's seismology department officially investigating what is behind the bangs.
Two soldiers and an accomplice have been sentenced for 'stealing to order' more than 45,000 of state-of-the-art equipment from the SAS.
Night vision goggles, sniper scopes, rifle aiming devices, body armour, distraction grenades and flares were among the items stolen by sergeants Craig Davenport and Stephen Suffield.
The pair took items from the MoD's stores at Stirling Lines Army Camp, Hereford, which they passed on to Andrew Stevens, from Horndean, Hampshire, who sold them internationally through contacts made on eBay.
All three defendants pleaded guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court to an offence of conspiracy to commit theft.
Sergeants Craig Davenport, left, and Stephen Suffield, right, stole night vision goggles, body armour, distraction grenades and other SAS equipment from an army camp in Hereford
The soldiers passed on the stolen goods, worth more than 45,000, to Andrew Stevens, pictured, who sold them on internationally through contacts on eBay
Stevens was sentenced to two years in prison while Davenport, 30, of Crewe, Cheshire, was jailed for 22 months.
Suffield, 28, who has resigned from the Royal Logistics Corp, Chippenham, Wiltshire, was sentenced to an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay 2,500 compensation.
Sentencing Davenport, Judge Claudia Ackner told him: 'You have thrown away all you have achieved from your long career.'
Adam Norris, prosecuting, said that some of the stolen items were on an official list of items Attractive to Criminal and Terrorist Organisations (Acto).
He said: 'The night vision goggles are military specification equipment that could have the potential of aiding people who should not have them and are on a list of items that are attractive to criminals or terrorists.
'The significance is our security forces, if dealing with a situation, would not want to be confronted with the sort of equipment they themselves use.'
Mr Norris said that Stevens ran an Airsoft military gaming business called Cracking Day Ltd which is how he met Davenport who was a keen player.
Suffield and Davenport took the haul of equipment from Stirling Lines camp in Hereford, pictured
He arranged for the non-commissioned officer and his friend, Suffield, to steal the items and they used a Whatsapp group called Boys Toys to communicate.
Mr Norris said: 'There are thousands of messages and the messages show discussions about stealing property from the stores, in some cases it appears stealing to order, that pieces of equipment should be ordered into the stores to be passed on.'
Stevens, 41, was arrested at Heathrow Airport in June 2015 when a radioactive alert went off caused by a pair of night vision goggles he was taking to Hong Kong to sell.
Nina Tavakoli, defending Stevens, a father-of-two, said that he was addicted to collecting military items and boosting his reputation in the world of collectors.
She said: 'He was blinded with his obsession with collecting military paraphernalia, it is not making money but it is getting the items that gives him the kicks.'
All three men pleaded guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court, pictured, with Stevens and Davenport jailed while Suffield received a suspended sentence
She added: 'He no longer wants anything to do with it, he is now collecting Star Wars paraphernalia instead.'
Naomi Parsons, defending Davenport, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, said he was remorseful for his actions and added it would lead to the 'loss of a career he loved and in which he excelled.
'He was someone who was going to go far.'
But a court in Lahore has granted him bail after a judge ruled he was 'honest' with police
Her father Muhammad Shahid had been held accused of
Samia Shahid, 28, from Bradford, was allegedly the victim of a 'devious plan' by her family who wanted her dead because she left the cousin she was forced to marry
The father of a British beauty therapist who was murdered in an alleged honour killing in Pakistan has been granted bail after a judge ruled he was 'honest' with police.
Samia Shahid, 28, from Bradford, was allegedly the victim of a 'devious plan' by her family who wanted her dead because she left the cousin she was forced to marry.
Police in Pakistan have accused her first husband Mohammad Shakeel of murder and prosecutors want the death penalty if they are convicted.
Her father Muhammad Shahid was also being held as a suspected accessory to the crime after being accused of luring his daughter to Pakistan by telling her he was sick.
But a single bench of the Lahore High Court heard the case today and has granted Shahid bail due to a lack of evidence.
At the hearing, his lawyer Waheed Anjum told the court that his client was the one to inform police after the death of his daughter and also asked police to perform an autopsy.
He also added that police had not provided any direct or circumstantial evidence to connect his client with the murder.
He said: 'Samia was found dead in Muhammad Shakeels house. When Shahid reached there, he found her dead and informed police.
'The confessional statement of any accused in police custody carries no weight unless police provide solid direct or circumstantial evidence to the court. Police have not recovered anything from Shahid.
Her father Muhammad Shahid, pictured, was being held as a suspected accessory to the crime after being accused of luring his daughter to Pakistan by telling her he was sick
Samia's father and ex-husband Muhammad Shakeel, left,are chased by journalists as they arrive to appear in court in Jhelum, in eastern Pakistan in October
'It also cannot prove that Shahid ever showed his intentions to murder Samia in front his friend or family members.
'This means that this bail will have no impact on proceedings of the trial court. But confessional statement of accused in front of police has no value.'
However, Muhammad Afzal, the investigating officer of the case said he believe Shahid's bail would have no bearing on the trial.
He added: 'The bail will have no impact on the trial of murder case. We have strong evidence against him.'
Also at the hearing, Mian Arif, the lawyer for Shakeel said that he would too apply for bail in the next few days.
Samia Shahid, left, was allegedly raped and murdered in a so-called honour killing in Punjab in July by her cousin Muhammad Shakeel, right, who was her first husband
Her family deny murdering the 28-year-old, but Ms Shahid's second husband Syed Mukhtar Kazim, claims she was killed by the family who disapproved of their marriage (they are pictured on their wedding day)
He said: 'I will move Shakeels bail in a day or two. I hope court will grant him bail as well. There is no solid evidence against my clients.
'Focus of international media of the case has put everybody under pressure but courts will decide only on the basis of evidence.'
It is believed that Samia died in July this year, just five days after she landed in Pakistan.
Court papers claim that after arriving at her ancestral village in the Punjab her first husband Mohammed Shakeel was ordered by her father to watch her at all times.
On July 20, the day before she was due to return to her husband in Dubai, she refused to tell Shakeel where her passport and plane ticket were kept.
'Shakeel then, after terrorizing her, threw her on the bed and committed rape', the report says.
Samia then rushed out of the room and said she would go straight to the British High Commission.
The family quickly had her buried in the local ceremony claiming Samia died of natural causes - the police later began investigating
Her father was on a veranda and met them at the bottom of the stairs where she told him she was leaving.
The court report claims 'Shahid gave Shakeel a nod' and 'Shakeel started to strangle her with her scarf whereas Shahid held her legs, killing her within a short span of time'.
The family then allegedly carried out a 'cover up', claiming she died of natural causes, and she was quickly buried in the village cemetery.
In the days following her death,her current husband Syed Mukhtar Kazim lodged a complaint with the police, claiming his wife was killed by her family who then tried to cover it up
He became suspicious and flew to Pakistan and went to the police, who would later arrest her father and first husband.
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In a galaxy not so far away, some particularly excited Star Wars fans stormed the streets of London.
Fans dressed as Stormtroopers were seen in London this morning at commuter hot spots including the Millennium Bridge and Canary Wharf tube station.
The troopers, from the 501st UK Garrison and Rebel Legion Elstree Base, were en route to a special fan screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ahead of the film's nationwide release.
They paid homage to one of the film's shooting locations, Canary Wharf tube station, surprising commuters as the intergalactic warriors boarded a Jubilee line train.
Fans dressed as Stormtroopers took to the streets on London on their way to a special screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ahead of the film's premiere
Don't mess with the Stormtroopers: A group of fans dressed as Stormtroopers marched near iconic London sites such as the Millenium Bridge
Protecting the Empire: The Stormtroopers marched across Millenium Bridge en route to a special screening of Rogue One
Onward march: The troopers hailed from the 501st UK Garrison and Rebel Legion Elstree Base
Admiring the view: A Stormtrooper pauses to observe the Shard at dawn en route to a special screening of Rogue One
Get in formation: The Stormtroopers stop against the iconic backdrop of the Millenium Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral
Ready to rumble: Stormtroopers stand in formation as the City of London starts to wake up. Commuters were amazed at the site of Stormtroopers en route to a special screening of Rogue One
Rogue One is the first standalone film from the Star Wars franchise.
It details a group of heroes that bands together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction.
The force is with Canary Wharf: A commuter, right, seems puzzled by the sight of Stormtroopers invading the station this morning
Waiting to defend the Empire: Stormtroopers wait to take the Tube at Canary Wharf this morning
A procession: The Stormtroopers are visions in white as they descend an escalator at Canary Wharf station
Divided: Commuters, left, appear amused at the sight of Stormtroopers descending an escalator at Canary Wharf station
Next stop, Millennium Bridge: Stormtroopers walk along London's Southbank this morning en route to a special screening of Rogue One
To bigger things: The Stormtroopers walk along a nondescript pavement, perhaps between the iconic sites they visited
Not quite the empire's headquarters: Stormtroopers walk in front of a futuristic building somewhere in London
Is it Endor? Stormtroopers walk along a leafy pathway near the Thames en route to a special screening of Rogue One
Pit stop: Stormtroopers descend on a Hilton hotel en route to a special screening of Rogue One
Walk on: Stormtroopers walk along a pavement in London en route to a special screening of Rogue One
To the cinema they go: Stormtroopers head toward a special screening of Rogue One ahead of the film's premiere
The film was directed by Gareth Edwards, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
Mr Edwards said: 'I've always been a huge Star Wars fan and grew up with the original trilogy.
'To me they're the ultimate movies.
'Stormtroopers are synonymous with the Star Wars franchise and what better way to celebrate the launch of Rogue One than by bringing together fans to celebrate the release of the new film.'
Cheeky photo: A man, no doubt amused at the sight of Stormtroopers walking along Millennium Bridge, takes a photo
'Don't mind us, we're just on our way to the cinema': Stormtroopers walk along Millennium Bridge and pass a lone man, left
Yet more cheeky photo opportunities: One can imagine that many perplexed commuters and others took photos of the Stormtroopers
A flash of white in a sea of grey: The Stormtroopers march along Southbank on a dreary morning in London
A couple more cheeky photo ops: Passers-by take photos from all angles of the Stormtroopers, who are artfully reflected in the Millennium Bridge's glass, right
A covert hand, left, snaps another photo of the Stormtroopers as the walk across Millennium Bridge
The angle is key: From this angle the Stormtroopers appear to disappear along Millennium Bridge's horizon line
Catwalk: The Stormtroopers appear svelte as they purposely walk along Millennium Bridge - despite their bulky costumes
Here they come: The Stormtroopers heading across the Millennium Bridge toward Southbank this morning
'Do not mess with us': The Stormtroopers pose in an intimidating manner with St Paul's Cathedral seen behind them
A force to be reckoned with: The Stormtroopers strike a fierce pose on Millenium Bridge
'But first, let me take a photo': The Stormtroopers took an extended photo stop on Millennium Bridge
On to the cinema: The Stormtroopers stopped for a photo en route to a special screening of Rogue One
Malinowski, a recovering opiate addict and cancer survivor, has undergone more than 50 surgeries so far, and doctors say she likely won't make it
Slager has always maintained that he set Malinowski on fire by accident while trying to light his cigarette
On Monday, Michael Slager, 41, pleaded no contest in the aggravated arson case and was
Having been denied the opportunity to testify at the trial of her ex-boyfriend about the night he doused her with gasoline and set her alight, an Ohio woman summoned the media to her hospital room to talk about the nightmare shes been living.
On Monday, Michael Slager, 41, pleaded no contest to charges of aggravated arson, felonious assault and possession of criminal tools in the August 2015 attack targeting his then-girlfriend, Judy Malinowski.
A judge in Columbus then found the Gahanna man guilty and gave him the maximum sentence of 11 years in prison.
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Then and now: Judy Malinowski, 33, is pictured left before she was set on fire, and right speaking from her hospital bed in Ohio, 16 months after the arson
Fire starter: Michael Slager, 41, on Monday pleaded no contest to a charge of aggravated arson in the attack on Malinowski and was sentenced to 11 years in prison
Malinowski, 33, who has spent the past 16 months in the hospital recovering from her life-threatening injuries, had been determined to testify against Slager, but Monday's plea deal foiled her plan.
So instead, Malinowski spoke to the station WSYX about the attack from her hospital bed at OSU Wexner Medical Center.
Recounting the moment Slager poured gasoline on her during an argument behind a Speedway gas station in Gahanna on the evening of August 2, 2015, Malinowski said the look in his eyes was 'pure evil.'
'I never knew that a human being could be so evil. He just stood there and did nothing,' Malinowski told NBC4i.
Slager has always maintained that he set Malinowski on fire by accident while trying to light a cigarette. His attorney argued that he also suffered severe burns while trying to extinguish the flames.
In court Monday, Slager's father, Harold, said of his son: 'He loves Judy,' according to the Columbus Dispatch.
But Judge Judy Lynch rejected the defendant's version of events, telling him during his sentencing: 'There's nothing to say to a person like you, Mr Slager. You really do seem like one of those people who have no soul.'
Malinowski has two daughters, ages nine and 12 (seen left), who are now being cared by her mother, Bonnie Bowes (pictured right)
His story: Slager, 41, has maintained all along that he set his girlfriend on fire by accident
The incident took place behind this Speedway gas station in Gahanna, Ohio, on August 2, 2015
The arson attack left the mother-of-two with fourth- and fifth-degree burns to more than 80 per cent of her body, and cost her two fingers and both her ears, which melted in the fire.
Nearly a year-and-a-half after her brush with death, Malinowski remains in the ICU, where she breaths with the help of a ventilator, cannot walk and talks in a whisper due to the extensive damage to her trachea.
She still has massive open wounds on the back and buttocks, which cannot be skin-grafted and have no chance of healing because Malinowski is unable to lay on her stomach due to difficulty breathing, according to the description of an online fundraiser that has been launched on her behalf.
Dire prognosis: Malinowski and her mother said her doctors warned them that the 33-year-old likely will not survive
Horrific toll: The fire left the woman with forth- and fifth-degree burns to 80 per cent of her body and cost her two fingers (right)
Malinowski, pictured with her mother, still has massive open wounds, which cannot be skin-grafted and have no chance of healing
On the eve of her 52nd surgery this week, Malinowski, a recovering opiate addict who had survived ovarian cancer, lamented from her hospital bed that no human being deserves to endure as much pain as she had suffered.
She said Slager's sentence is inadequate, and she only agreed to the no contest plea for him on the condition that he would face murder charges if she succumbs to her injuries in the future.
'He got off easy,' she said.
Her mother, Bonnie Bowes, told 10TV Slager deserves nothing less than a life sentence.
Slager's father said in court his son (left) still loves Judy, pictured right in the hospital, but but the judge told the defendant he is 'one of those people who have no soul'
Bowes added that Malinowski's doctors warned them that she likely will not survive.
From her sick bed, Malinowski had a message for other victims of domestic violence: 'Get help. Run.'
Supermarket giant Aldi is facing calls to ditch its range of Christmas Prosecco tea bags from Italian producers of the fizz
Supermarket giant Aldi is facing calls to ditch its range of Christmas Prosecco tea bags from Italian producers of the fizz.
Prosecco makers said the supermarket has no right to use its name to sell the herbal tea across the UK.
Italian winemakers, who make Britain's favourite sparkling drink, were tipped off about the new product which only launched this month.
The 'Italian Prosecco Infusion' tea bags are branded as a Christmas drink and according to the slogan are a 'vibrant festive taste with an invigorating Italian prosecco profile'.
Within hours off launching the tea bags which retail at 1.89 for a box of 15, they sold out online after being snapped up by thirsty buyers.
And they are so in demand desperate drinkers are swapping sightings on Facebook and Twitter.
Food critics say the tea bags are a festive must have as they contain no caffeine and are a guilt-free way to enjoy the festive season.
One fan on Twitter wrote: 'Prosecco tea bags will make work mornings so much easier.'
But Italian producers are demanding the tea bags are withdrawn immediately and have vowed to launch legal action against the budget High Street chain.
Stefano Zanette, who runs the Consortium for the Protection of Prosecco in Italy's Veneto region said: 'They just cannot rip off our name like this.
Italian producers are demanding the tea bags are withdrawn immediately and have vowed to launch legal action against the budget High Street chain
'Prosecco is a particular product made here in our region with the finest grapes and traditional skills of winemakers.
'We are demanding this product is banned and will look at legal action if it is not removed immediately from shops.
'We have had several similar legal battles in the past and won them. We will win this one as well if needs be.'
Last month it was revealed that the consumption of the prosecco in the Britain had risen by 48 per cent between 2014 and last year.
An Aldi spokesperson said: 'The packaging clearly states that these tea bags are an infusion consisting of a range of ingredients such as white hibiscus, apple pomace and rosehip.
A teenager has been left paralysed for life after falling backwards out of a basket swing and breaking her neck in four places.
Georgia Rawlings, 18, from Lincoln, snapped four vertebrae when she fell backwards from one - leaving her tetraplegic.
Doctors have told the Lincoln college student, who has been in hospital since the fall in September, she will never walk again and will be wheelchair-bound for life as they do not expect her to regain movement or sensation lower than her chest.
Georgia Rawlings has been left paralysed for life after falling backwards out of a basket swing and breaking her neck in four places
Doctors have told the Lincoln college student, who has been in hospital since the fall in September, she will never walk again and will be wheelchair-bound for life as they do not expect her to regain movement or sensation lower than her chest
Georgia Rawlings, 18, from Lincoln, snapped four vertebrae when she fell backwards from one - leaving her tetraplegic
Georgia's mother Michelle Rawlings, 44, said the swing could have killed her daughter and is now desperate to raise 20,000 to take her to America for stem cell treatment.
The wills and probate manager said: 'Georgia was on the basket swing and we think when the children got off it flew back from underneath her. She fell backwards and the impact as she hit the ground snapped her neck.
'When I got to the park she was face down on the floor, she couldn't move. All I could see was my little girl lying there. It is just such a freak thing to have happened.
'When the doctors told me she had broken her neck I was devastated. She is going to be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life and I am grieving for what she should and could have been doing.
'Basket swings are unpredictable, when people get off it is easy for it to start swinging away from you. I wouldn't let my other children go on one of them now and I don't think any of the local kids are allowed to go near that park after what happened. There was always the potential for danger.
'It came as quite a shock when I heard the council had taken all the basket swings down - I was quite emotional. I am over the moon, but I wasn't expecting it.
'I don't know where Georgia gets her strength from but she is incredible, it is just mind-blowing. Her positivity is absolutely amazing.
'We are determined to do anything we can for her which is why we are looking into stem cell treatment because this can't be the end, she is too young. So we have to do whatever it takes.'
Georgia's mother Michelle Rawlings, 44, said the swing could have killed her daughter and is now desperate to raise 20,000 to take her to America for stem cell treatment
Georgia celebrates her 18th birthday in hospital with her mother Michelle (far left), step-father Steven (second from right), sister Charley (top), and step-brothers Oliver (right and Joshua
Georgia's step-father Steven shows her how to use an iPad with a special clicker under her chin
Georgia had taken two other children, an 11-year-old girl and boy, to Victoria Street Park in Lincoln on September 22 this year when the accident occurred between 7.30pm and 8pm.
She was riding on the swing, which is designed for multiple children to use at the same time, but when the two youngsters got off it sent her tumbling backwards onto the ground.
The impact left Georgia, who was in her second year of a college animal management course, with four fractured vertebrae in her neck which trapped her spinal cord.
Georgia had taken two other children, an 11-year-old girl and boy, to Victoria Street Park (pictured) in Lincoln on September 22 this year when the accident occurred
The teenager, known as Gee to her loved ones, was rushed to intensive care at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham before being transferred to a spinal unit in Sheffield.
The teenager, known as Gee to her loved ones, was rushed to intensive care at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham before being transferred to a spinal unit in Sheffield.
While her spinal cord later released itself, by then irreversible damage had been done and she was left paralysed from the neck down but later regained some sensation down to her chest.
At one point doctors told Michelle her daughter might not survive the night but she battled through although she is not expected to regain more sensation and will spend the next six to eight months in hospital.
Michelle and prison officer stepdad Steven, 50, are now searching for a more wheelchair-friendly home and as well as stem cell treatment are researching pioneering electrode therapy.
Pictured is Georgia Rawlings before the accident
For Michelle, who is also mum to daughter Charley, 16, and stepmum to Oliver, 19, and 15-year-old Joshua, the incident was particularly tragic because it happened on late son Connor's birthday after he died at two weeks old on September 22, 1997 after he was born with a rare heart defect.
But animal lover Georgia's beloved pets Smudge, a seven-year-old Yorkshire Terrier and Lhasa Apso cross, and six-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Murphy have kept her motivated by visiting her in hospital.
Part-time dog kennels worker Georgia said: 'I don't remember falling off the swing or how it happened - next thing I knew I was face down on the ground.
'I was trying to find my glasses but I didn't know where my arms were, that was when I realised something bad had happened.
'I regularly take children from our street to that playground to give their parents a break and we had been on that swing loads of times, it was their favourite thing to go on.
'I am taking things one day at a time - I was in quite a bad situation at the beginning, it could have been fatal.
'My two dogs and the dogs in the kennels where I work are a big part of my life and my motivation - I want to be able to care for them and give them cuddles with my arms working.
'Everyone would handle this situation differently but it's just a case of taking things one step at a time, staying positive and putting on a brave face because there's nothing you can do about it.
'I think what happened shocked a lot of people - I would never go on a swing like that again because I wouldn't be able to physically.'
A spokesman for Lincoln City Council confirmed six basket swings have been removed from six play areas across the city - including the park Georgia was injured in - while a review takes place.
Simon Walters, Strategic Director for Lincoln City Council, added: 'As soon as we became area of this accident, we made contact with the family and asked to be updated on their daughter's condition.
'We have a programme of inspections in place for all our play areas but, after a serious incident such as this, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are undertaking a review.
'Therefore, it would be inappropriate for us to comment until this review is completed.
'Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.'
A man who planted a bomb on a bus in Ireland during a state visit by the Queen has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years.
Donal Billings was found guilty of making an explosive device by packing a pipe with gunpowder and two litres of petrol and hooking it up to a fireworks timer.
He placed the explosive in a bag and put it in the luggage compartment of a bus bound for Dublin in May 2011.
Police subsequently found a haul of weapons owned by the 66-year-old, including a pistol, a box full of bullets and fireworks, after arresting him.
Donal Billings, pictured, was jailed for eight-and-a-half years after placing an explosive device on a bus bound for Dublin during a state visit by the Queen
A huge haul of weapons was subsequently found by Garda after they arrested Billings, including a pistol, bullets and a firework, pictured
Billings created his explosive by packing a pipe full of gunpowder and petrol and hooking it up to a fireworks timer
Billings, of Co Longford, was also found guilty of four charges of making hoax bomb threats claiming 'mortars' would detonate at Dublin Castle during a state banquet attended by the Queen.
The attempted bombing happened the night before the Queen arrived in Dublin and Billings was caught after calling the Garda with a bomb warning, causing the bus to be stopped near Maynooth.
Billings, a lone wolf with no known links to dissident groups, was accused of placing it on the bus when it stopped at Longford Railway Station.
There were 31 people on board when it was stopped by Irish gardai, who had launched a huge security operation for the Queen's visit.
He also made fake bomb threats against a Sinn Fein office in Dublin, a bus station in Dublin and Cork airport.
Billings was found guilty of all five charges in the non-jury Special Criminal Court in Dublin in October.
He was caught after gardai traced phone records and SIM cards.
After the sentencing, Detective Inspector Patrick Finlay welcomed the sentence.
The incident occurred during an historic state visit to Ireland in 2011. Billings also made a hoax bomb threat against a banquet at Dublin Castle attended by Her Majesty, pictured
The Garda said they had monitored Billings until they could obtain evidence to bring him to justice
Billings was caught after he called in a warning about the bomb on the bus and Garda were able to trace him via his mobile phone records
He said: 'You had an individual who was capable and intent on causing disruption to a state visit.
'The investigation itself shows the An Garda Siochana is carrying out inquiries behind the scenes that the public are unaware of and this particular individual we monitored and obtained evidence so we could bring him before the courts and prosecute.'
A Garda spokesman said the investigation was centred in Longford and involved local officers as well as specialist national units.
'This investigation highlights the continuing significant challenges faced by An Garda Siochana in the context of monitoring and bringing to justice persons who have the capability and intent of disrupting particular events and being reckless as to the potential lethal consequences of the use of improvised explosive devices,' he said.
However, they don't believe the two men actually planned rob the BBQ
Two men were arrested in Danville, Kentucky last weekend after one of them accidentally butt-dialed 911 and emergency dispatchers overheard their conversation about robbing a local BBQ joint.
The incident happened Saturday night at the Brothers BBQ restaurant, where the local Chief of Police, Tony Gray, just happened to be eating.
One of the men, either 59-year-old Robert Bourne or 50-year-old David Grigsby, accidentally activated an emergency feature on his phone which called 911.
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David Grigsby, left, and Robert Bourne, right, were arrested on Saturday after one of them accidentally called 911 while they were discussing robbery plans
Police found the two men sitting in a car of the parking lot of Brothers BBQ, the restaurant they were talking about robbing
Emergency dispatchers then heard the two men discussing robbing the establishment.
'There was some conversation about when they should do it, they might be recognized if they do it in Danville, and I think they did talk about some different locations,' Gray told WLEX.
The dispatch center informed police who then went inside the restaurant to discuss the issue with the police chief.
Officials were able to triangulate the call to the Brothers BBQ restaurant, and after a search they found Bourne and Grigsby sitting in a vehicle.
Police patted down the two men - who were reportedly drunk - and found a mask on one of them. However, authorities no longer believe that the two actually planned to carry out a heist.
Nevertheless the two men were charged with public intoxication.
Owner Mike Southerland described the two men as 'drunk and stupid' and that they will not be allowed in his restaurant again.
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After the carnage and bloodshed in Aleppo, a bizarre 2017 calendar called 'From Syria with Love' has been released featuring young women praising the heroics of Vladimir Putin's military men.
One model named as Tamara Ishak from Tartus - site of a Russian naval base - coos: 'I am at peace when my land is under your control.'
Yet the calendar does not appear to be a spontaneous outpouring of love for Russian troops by the female population of Syria.
The cover of the 2017 'From Syria with Love' calendar that is thought to have been published by a grant from the Kremlin
It appears to have been funded by a grant from the Kremlin, and published by an organisation called the Russian Union of Youth, suggesting it is part of Putin's alleged propaganda offensive.
And even its introduction admits the project is a riposte to the US and European media's coverage of the presence of Moscow's forces in Syria.
It states: 'Talking about Syria, the Western media often forgets about Russian humanitarian aid, about the unparalleled courage of Russian military men, about thousands of civilians rescued from virtual slavery.
'But those who went through the hardships of this war remember about it well.
Rasa Dib from Latakia, the face of January 2017, pictured, tells the Russian officers: 'I realised straight away that your intention were serious'
For February 2017, Maisaa Salman, pictured, refers to February 23, Red Army Day in Soviet times, which is marked annually in Russia, and on which men are given gifts by women
Miss March, Sara Saker, also from Latakia, poses with her hands on her chest and declares: 'I got scared that we will never see each other again'
'Syrian girls have prepared a New Year present for Russian soldiers and officers.'
Traditionally, Russians exchange presents at New Year, not on 25 December.
The introduction adds: 'This is a calendar where 12 different residents of Syria address those who risk their lives every day to protect their Motherland.
'Each of the young Syrian ladies has their own story - but they all are united by a feeling of sincere gratitude to Russian military men.
'As a sign of respect to Russia and its culture, all the models are wearing a traditional Russian hat - the kokoshnik.'
On the front page, it shows a Syrian woman wearing a kokoshnik in the white, blue and red colours of the Russian flag.
For April 2017, Carina Yunes, yet again from Latakia, tells Russian forces: 'And I offered you to move in at Tartus' - the military base used by Russian troops
May 2017 is represented by Ilka al Hatib, from Homs, who is quoted saying: 'How did you know that I loved classical music?' in reference to a musical performance in Palmyra
The face of June 2017 is Lujayn Mhana from Latakia, who tells her Russian admirers: 'I already knew how I would spend that summer'
The calendar - with its writing in Russian - names all the participants, although a native of Aleppo who examined it said that many of the names are not typically Syrian.
Rasa Dib from Latakia, the face of January 2017, tells the Russian officers: 'I realised straight away that your intention were serious.'
A comment is added that Putin's forces have freed more than 300 villages, which are now back in control of President Bashar al-Assad, seen in the West as a cruel and murderous tyrant.
For February 2017, Maisaa Salman from Latakia, declares: 'It was your holiday, but it was me who got the getting presents.'
This refers to February 23 - Red Army Day in Soviet times, which is marked annually in Russia, and on which men are given gifts by women.
July 2017 features Fatima Duksi from Aleppo, who poses wearing ornate, heavy jewellery and whispers: 'To see you at least for a moment!
In August 2017, Kamilia Searanim from Suveda, tells the Russian troops in the calendar: 'My Palmyra's destiny is in your hands'
Miss March, Sara Saker, also from Latakia, declares: 'I got scared that we will never see each other again.'
For April 2017, Carina Yunes, yet again from Latakia, tells Russian forces: 'And I offered you to move in at Tartus.'
This comment evidently links to Assad in April 2016 offering Russian troops a full scale military base at Tartus.
May 2017 is represented by Ilka al Hatib, from Homs, who is quoted saying: 'How did you know that I loved classical music?'
It relates to a concert - A Prayer for Palmyra - by the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra, conductor Valery Gergiev.
In September 2017, Maram Homsi from Aleppo asks the Russians: 'Do you remember how we met?' This alludes to the 2016 start of the Russian Aerospace Forces' operation in Syria
The face of the following month - June 2017 - is Lujayn Mhana from Latakia, who tells her Russian admirers: 'I already knew how I would spend that summer.'
Below is written: 'Taking control of the Syrian-Lebanese border.'
July 2017 features Fatima Duksi from Aleppo, who whispers: 'To see you at least for a moment!"
Here moment is spelled as as MiG, alluding to the famous Russian fighter jets, which are taking part in Putin's aerial operations in Syria.
In August 2017, Kamilia Searanim from Suveda, tells the troops: 'My Palmyra's destiny is in your hands.'
In October 2017, Yara Hasan from Tartus, asks: 'Tell me who is your Commander-in-Chief, and I will tell you who you are'. This refers to Putin, whose birthday is in October
For November 2017, Mary Sayed Omar from Aleppo asks: 'Is it your aircraft carrier moored by the shores of Syria?'
The calendar notes that this month marks the anniversary of the 2016 agreement between the Russian Federation and Arab Republic of Syria to place an Aviation Group of the Russian Armed Forces in Damask, Syria as Putin came to fully to the aid of his beleaguered ally Assad.
In September 2017, Maram Homsi from Aleppo asks the Russians: 'Do you remember how we met?' This alludes to the 2016 start of the Russian Aerospace Forces' operation in Syria.'
Then in October 2017, Yara Hasan from Tartus, asks: 'Tell me who is your Commander-in-Chief, and I will tell you who you are.'
Finally for December 2017, there is the message from Tamara Ishak with the words: 'Happy New Year! Thank you Russian officers and people of Russia for protecting the state of Syria!'
A key date is ringed here is October 7. This will be the 65th birthday of Putin, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces.
For November 2017, Mary Sayed Omar from Aleppo asks: 'Is it your aircraft carrier moored by the shores of Syria?'
The date marked here is November 12, the anniversary of the arrival of Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov to the shores of Syria.
Terrified residents have described how they heard a 'big boom' and narrowly escaped being crushed after the balcony above them collapsed.
Lulu Masilo was 'cuddling' with her boyfriend on the balcony of his Carlton home in Melbourne's north at 6pm on Thursday when the couple heard a 'rumbling' and saw tiles fall off the roof.
Ms Masilo said she instantly sprinted for the front lawn as the facade crumbled to the ground with a sound that 'shook her whole body'.
'Exactly where my body was, there is now a big slate of metal, Ms Masilo said, according to Nine News.
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A Carlton balcony in Melbourne's north has collapsed and terrified residents have described how they ran for their lives
None of the 12 occupants were injured and most moved to the rear of the terrace home, away from the balcony
'I just head the sounds which happened a few seconds beforehand, it was so quick.'
None of the 12 occupants were injured and most moved to the rear of the terrace home, away from the balcony.
'We are ridiculously lucky, everyone is always up there or just down below it,' Ms Masilo said.
Ms Masilo said she initially thought the rumbling was an earthquake.
Firefighters said the Drummond Street building is 'older' and were amazed the entire second floor managed to remain in tact.
Engineers were on the scene on Friday morning to assess the building.
Lulu Masilo was 'cuddling' with her boyfriend on the balcony of his Carlton home in Melbourne's north at 6pm on Thursday when the couple heard a 'rumbling'
Burke's attorney John Meringolo said in a statement that the 'allegations against my client do not warrant a comment'
serving a 46-month sentence in prison after beating a thief who stole sex toys and
On Thursday, Ray brought forth a woman who said Burke forced her to perform rough oral sex on him in the same area near where Gilbert went missing
The search for her body uncovered 10 more corpses in the following months and years
The attorney for the family of a New Jersey escort who was strangled to death in 2010 said on Thursday that a disgraced police commissioner may have connections to the 10 to 17 women who are believed to have been murdered by a serial killer in Long Island.
John Ray said that he believes that former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke should be investigated for his possible ties to these women, before introducing a woman who claims she had a sexual encounter with the man.
That woman, who asked to be identified as 'Leanne,' claims that she was at a party one year after the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert when Burke choked her and forced her to perform rough oral sex on him before throwing several hundred-dollar bills at her and saying she was a 'bad w****' when he failed to reach climax.
The incident occurred at a home in the same area where Gilbert disappeared according to 'Leanne.'
'I say it brings a direct connection between Burke and those poor dead victims lying along Ocean Parkway,' said Ray according to NBC New York.
Ray said Burke attended parties with drugs and prostitution and Leanne claims she saw Burke 'grab a girl by her hair and drag her to the ground', according to the New York Post who report that Leanne is a prostitute.
Ray has been the lawyer for Gilbert's family since she was reported missing in May 2010. It was the search for her that uncovered over 10 bodies in the area of Gilgo beach in Long Island in December of that same year.
Burke's attorney John Meringolo said in a statement that the 'allegations against my client do not warrant a comment.'
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Disgraced: John Ray said that he believes that former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke (above on November 2) should be investigated for his possible ties to murdered sex workers
Victim: Ray represents the family of Shannan Gilbert (above), an escort who was strangled to death in 2010
On Thursday, Ray brought forth a woman (above) who said Burke forced her to perform rough oral sex on him in the same area near where Gilbert went missing
Leanne said she made the decision to come forward at this time in hopes of helping the investigation.
She also said that she realizes now she could have lost her life that night.
'That could have been my grave. This is bigger than me,' said 'Leanne.'
As head of the Suffolk Police Department Burke's jurisdiction included the tony Long island enclaves of Southampton and Montauk.
Burke is currently behind bars after he orchestrated a cover-up when he and other officer beat 26-year-old Christopher Loeb, who had stolen a duffel bag of items from his car while he was in handcuffs.
One of the men also allegedly told Loeb he was going to rape his mother while another said he would make it appear as if he had fatally overdosed on heroin.
Burke meanwhile allegedly began to attack Loeb when he called him a 'pedophile.'
The stolen duffel bag contained sex toys and, according to an article Vice, pornography that appeared to feature prepubescent boys.
Burke ordered officers to lie to investigators and on the stand as to what happened, but to no avail.
He was sentenced to 46 months in prison last month for the assault, which took place in December 2012.
His first brush with law enforcement came when he was just a teenager and he was a witness in the murder of 13-year-old named John Pius.
The young boy was found dead near his school by a neighbor having died of asphyxiation when at least four stones were shoved down his throat.
Burke helped the district attorney in getting four teenage boys convicted of the crime.
Burke ran into some trouble early on in his career because of his relationship with a prostitute and drug dealer, Lowrita Rickenbacker.
Despite this he managed to rise through the ranks and then become head of the force of over 2,500 officers.
Crime scene: The search for Shannan Gilbert's body uncovered 10 more corpses in the following months and years
Gilbert's remains were found miles away from Gilgo Beach at a private community in 2011, and police have insisted she is not connected to the remains of eight women and a toddle found in the area.
Authorities also found the body of a man.
Police had long theorized that Gilbert fled a client's house along Gilgo Beach in May 2010 in a drug-induced stupor before getting lost in a marsh and dying.
That was proven to be false however when her body was discovered and showed signs of strangulation.
At this same time it had been reported that Burke refused to let the FBI get involved in the investigation, with the agency not coming on board to offer help until December 2015, just as Burke was sent to jail awaiting trial.
Relatives argue that, on the night she vanished, Gilbert called police saying that somebody was trying to kill her.
Emergency services are fearful that there may have been people inside an old paper mill which was destroyed by a huge fire.
Around 100 homes had to evacuated around the vicinity in Oldham, Greater Manchester, as fire crews have so far spent more than 12 hours tackling the blaze.
About 50 firefighters were still on the scene as of this Friday, with Greater Manchester Police telling MailOnline that the fire could still be burning by Monday.
The fire is still considered too dangerous to allow firefighters into the building, with the blaze being extinguished from outside.
Around 100 homes had to evacuated around the vicinity in Oldham, Greater Manchester, as fire crews have so far spent more than 12 hours tackling the blaze
At about 4.15am, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) was alerted to the fire at the old Maple Mill
Parts of the structure collapsed as the whole site was engulfed in flames with firefighters resorting to pumping supplies from nearby open water
At about 4.15am on Thursday, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) was alerted to the fire at the old Maple Mill.
And locals reportedly told crews that the building has been used recently by rough sleepers, but nobody can get inside to investigate because the flames are still too intense.
Up to 80 firefighters and officers were called to the scene to tackle the blaze which is still burning at the four-storey industrial building.
A total of 10 fire engines attended along with support vehicles, including a command support unit.
Up to 80 firefighters and officers were called to the scene to tackle the blaze which is still burning at the four-storey industrial building
Parts of the structure collapsed as the whole site was engulfed in flames with firefighters resorting to pumping supplies from nearby open water.
Oldham Council later opened a rest centre for residents affected by the incident.
GMFRS said parts of the building remain 'unstable' as crews tackle the blaze from outside the structure.
A spokesman said: 'Firefighters have worked hard to protect surrounding buildings, including a sub-station, and continue to work with partners including Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and Oldham Council.
'Residents in areas affected by the smoke should stay indoors, keep their doors and windows closed, and tune in to the local radio station for advice and information.
A total of 10 fire engines attended along with support vehicles, including a command support unit
GMFRS said parts of the building remain 'unstable' as crews tackle the blaze from outside the structure
'Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.'
In a statement, Public Health England said: 'It's important that local residents understand that the risks to their health are low - however, because any smoke is an irritant, it can make people's eyes and throat sore.
'People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication (such as inhalers) as usual.
'The general advice therefore remains that if possible people should try to remain out of the smoke.'
Firefighters have previously been called out to Maple Mill, the former headquarters of kitchens firm boss Vance Miller.
Substantial damage was caused to the premises in September while the premises went up in flames more than four years ago when arsonists torched wagons containing kitchen furniture.
Firefighters have previously been called out to Maple Mill, the former headquarters of kitchens firm boss Vance Miller
Substantial damage was caused to the premises in September while the premises went up in flames more than four years ago
Parts of the structure collapsed as the whole site was engulfed in flames with firefighters resorting to pumping supplies from nearby open water
Earlier this year, six people connected with Miller received jail sentences at Manchester Crown Court after Trading Standards brought a prosecution following hundreds of complaints nationwide about the quality of kitchen units sold.
Miller, who has been charged with conspiring to defraud the public, is thought to be in China or Indonesia.
The sister of a Muslim teenager accused of lying to police about being abuse by Trump supporters has blamed the NYPD for the scandal, arguing they should never have pursued the case.
Yasmin Seweid, 18, has been charged with falsifying a police report and obstructing governmental administration.
The teenager claimed she was called a 'terrorist' by Trump supporters as she boarded a subway on December 1.
NYPD officers investigated her story but found no evidence of it. She later confessed to making it up to get out of trouble for staying out late drinking with friends.
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Sara Seweid (right) defended her younger sister Yasmin (left in court on Wednesday) after she admitted lying to police about being the target of a hate crime
On Thursday, her older sister Sara penned a furious Facebook post blaming the police and the media for her family's ordeal.
Hours earlier, it was revealed their brother Abdoul was arrested in 2012 for telling police a friend of his had been assaulted. He was later charged with breaking into cars to steal their valuable contents.
In her rant on social media, Sara, who is 23, said she could not condone her sister's dishonesty but fumed that the situation had been escalated by police and media.
'The NYPD should never have been involved in the first place even if the incident did happen.
'It became super clear to me the police's first instinct is to doubt your story and to try to disprove it.'
Sara said she was 'deeply concerned' about young Muslim women who feel they 'have to lie so intensely' to survive.
'My sister may have lied but she has dealt with an insurmountable amount of violence and trauma both publicly and privately these past two weeks,' she went on.
In a ranting Facebook post before she deleted her profile, Sara said NYPD officers 'leaked' personal information about their family
Yasmin told police the group of men called her a 'terrorist' on December 1. She appeared in court on Wednesday with a shaved head (right), an apparent punishment from her parents for the ordeal and for dating a Christian boy
The sisters' brother Abdoul (above) was arrested in 2012 after lying to police. He was accused of breaking into cars to steal their valuable contents
Earlier on Thursday, it was revealed the pair's older brother Abdoul also lied to police.
In 2012, he told officers his friend had been assaulted. He was later charged with breaking in to cars to steal their contents.
Sayed Seweid, their father, collected newspapers outside their home on Thursday
Abdoul covered his younger sister's head as they left court on Wednesday.
She appeared with a shaved head, an apparent punishment by her strict Egyptian-immigrant parents for the scandal and for dating a Christian, according to The New York Daily News.
Yasmin's family did not reply to DailyMail.com's requests to comment on the case on Thursday.
NYPD confirmed she was facing one count of falsifying a police report and obstructing government administration on Thursday.
Seweid claimed she was attacked by a group of drunk men chanting 'Donald Trump' on December 1.
In a lengthy Facebook post about the incident, she said she was targeted by them because she is Muslim and claimed they branded her a 'racist'.
When NYPD investigators looked into her claims, they could find no evidence of it and questioned her.
She admitted making the whole thing up to avoid being told off by her strict parents for staying out late and drinking with friends, it was reported.
Mother-of-two Connie Overstreet Woolweaver, 37, was found murdered in her Birmingham, Alabama home on Wednesday
An Alabama mother-of-two was brutally murdered in her own home inside a gated community on Wednesday.
Connie Overstreet Woolweaver, 37, was found dead by her 13-year-old son after he returned to their Birmingham home from school around 3.45pm.
Shelby County Sheriff's Capt Jeff Hartley described the scene as 'terrible' and said Woolweaver's death is being investigated as a homicide.
No other details have been released and an investigation is ongoing.
Woolweaver is also the mother of a seven-year-old girl and had just celebrated both of her children's birthdays in the last week.
The son's father died last year, according to AL.com.
Just hours before she was found dead, Woolweaver posted an illustration on Facebook of a woman awake in bed.
It read: Ive got 99 problems and 86 of them are completely made up scenarios in my head that Im stressing about for absolutely no logical reason.
And this is why I cant sleep. Brain shut up! she wrote in the caption of the post.
Woolweaver leaves behind a 13-year-old son and a seven-year-old daughter. She had just celebrated both of their birthdays in the last week
Major Ken Burchfield told the Daily Mail Online investigators do not believe the murder occurred during a home invasion.
Sheriff John Samaniego assured the community that their safety was not in danger.
'I do not believe there is a related threat to any of the residents in Highland Lake or other local communities related to Ms Woolweaver's death,' he said in a statement.
'Her intentional death was the result of a calculated act and our investigators are making progress identifying her killer.'
'This was a senseless act and I am very saddened for her family and friends.'
Friends from Woolweaver's high school have created a GoFundMe to help raise money for her children.
In custody: Tinisha Delacruz, 31, allegedly stole the snowman in order to buy drugs
A Long Island was been arrested for allegedly stealing an inflatable snowman from her neighbor's front yard in order to sell the decoration for drugs.
The theft occurred late in the night of November 28 outside the Ackerman St. home, with the crime caught on camera.
The homeowner, Edison Sepulveda, posted the surveillance to his Facebook page, hoping that it help bring the robber to justice.
Cops then recognized the woman as Tinisha Delacruz, 31, and arrested her on Wednesday.
She has been charged with petit larceny and misdemeanor drug possession, according to the New York Daily News.
Caught: The theft occurred late in the night of November 28 outside the Ackerman St. home in Long Island, New York, with the crime caught on camera
The man who owns the house, Edison Sepulveda, posted the surveillance to his Facebook, which helped police catch the person responsible
Cops were able to study the footage and recognize the woman caught on camera, who lives two blocks from the crime scene
Running away: The woman is seen in the four-minute video deflating the snowman and then making off with it down the street
After Sepulveda's video spread on social media, an anonymous Good Samaritan sent him a replacement, which was delivered to the house.
'Thank you to whoever sent it!' he wrote on Facebook December 8.
Just one week later, Sepulveda had more to celebrate, after learning the thief was in custody.
'They got the woman who stole frosty!' he wrote.
Police said Delacruz lives about two blocks from where she allegedly stole the snowman.
She told police she doesnt know Sepulveda.
Kind gesture: Sepulveda received this delivery from an anonymous Good Samaritan
President-elect Donald Trump has hired former Fox News Channel commentator Monica Crowley to head up communications efforts for his National Security Council, his transition office said Thursday.
The Trump team also announced that retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg will be the NSC's Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary.
Like Flynn, Crowley chooses to use the term 'radical Islamic terrorism' as the way to describe the threat the nation is facing. Her contract with Fox was terminated Thursday, the day of the announcement of her appointment.
In an August appearance on Sean Hannity's show on Fox, Crowley went after the parents of longtime Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin, saying they were 'essentially tools of the Saudi regime' after a report that Abedin was listed on the masthead of the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, a publication founded by her late father.
President-elect Donald Trump's transition announced that Monica Crowley, a conservative radio host and Fox News analyst, will be a deputy national security advisor
'This is Huma Abedin's life's work. This is what her parents do,' said Crowley. 'They are essentially tools of the Saudi regime in order to make this transition globally [to sharia law]. So this is not some innocent journal she was working for.'
The Clinton camp said she played no role in the journal despite being listed as an assistant editor on the masthead for a number of years.
Crowley, who holds a doctorate in Ph.D. in international relations from Columbia University, will hold the title 'Senior Director of Strategic Communications.'
In the Obama White House, Ben Rhodes serves in a similar role but is known as the 'Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting.'
Both will report to retired Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, who will serve as National Security Advisor.
Flynn said in a statement that 'these are two exceptional individuals who have agreed to fulfill the President-elect's pledge of putting America first once again.'
The Washington Post reported Tuesday that a military investigation found Flynn 'improperly shared' intelligence with allied foreign military officers while serving in Afghanistan.
Crowley will report to National Security Adviser-designate Michael T. Flynn
The Trump team also announced that retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg will be the NSC's Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary
Crowley went after the parents of longtime Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin during an August appearance on Fox News
Incoming Deputy National Security Advisor KT McFarland is another Fox news alumna. She said Crowley and Kellogg have 'decades of combined experience and unique skill sets.'
Kellogg was the chief operations officer for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq in 2003 and 2004, helping the Middle Eastern country rebuild its armed forces and rebuild critical infrastructure.
He also commanded the U.S. Army's legendary 82nd Airborne Division from 1997 to 1998.
He is the fourth general on the Trump team and evens the score to two Army and two Marine Corps generals.
As well as his boss, Lt Gen Flynn, the Pentagon will be led by retired Marine General James 'Mad Dog' Mattis and Homeland Security by retired Marine General John Kelly.
Crowley's practical experience includes a stint advising former President Richard Nixon on foreign policy and communications strategy during the last four years of his life.
She is also a former member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Crowley and the Fox News Channel agreed to terminate her on-air contributor contract on Thursday morning, fueling speculation that she would be taking a job inside the White House.
Some people live life to the full. Chris Connors lived life till it was overflowing.
The Massachusetts man liked to think of himself as just a 'regular Irishman', but his 67 years on the planet - which ended due to pancreatic cancer amid a whisky-soaked house party last Friday - were anything but regular.
When he was 26 he spent 40 hours on a life raft in the Caribbean Sea; at 64 he climbed to the base camp of Mount Everest. And the years around those two points were just as lively, as his incredible obituary revealed Tuesday.
Fighting Irish: The obituary of Chris Connors - boxer, sailor, drinker and self-styled 'man of the world' - who died aged 67 last Friday while naked and drinking champagne, has gone viral
High life: Connors (pictured) climbed to the base camp of Mount Everest when he was 64 - one of a long line of extraordinary events. He also tried to sail around the globe aged 26
'Irishman Dies from Stubbornness, Whiskey,' the obituary begins. 'Chris Connors died, at age 67, after trying to box his bikini-clad hospice nurse just moments earlier.'
The rest of the tale - written by his eldest child, Caitlin Connors, 33, and her cousin Liz Connors - is the stuff of local, and thanks to the internet national, legend.
Connors, a 'ladies' man, game slayer, and outlaw' - and runner of a charity fund - from Quincy, Massachusetts, had spent his life living to extremes, they wrote.
In 1975, at the age of 26 he attempted to circumnavigate the globe - an expedition that ended with him spending two days floating in a life raft off the coast of Panama.
He became a Golden Gloves boxer - despite his skinny physique - following a passion that would, quite literally, last the rest of his life.
His sense of adventure also took him to Wall Street, where - despite a complete lack of any financial background - he made a career.
And in-between, the obit says, he got into a fight in a Jewish deli while dressed as a priest, would swim in the Atlantic in January, founded a rugby club and saved a woman from a knife-wielding mugger in NYC, walking away with the scar to prove it.
After his brother died in the September 11 attacks Connor biked 530 miles to visit all three of the place crash sites.
Connors was a man who 'attacked life; he grabbed it by the lapels, kissed it, and swung it back onto the dance floor,' his obituary read.
No wonder his business card read 'Christopher C Connors, Man of the World' and promised such skills as 'revolutions started', 'tigers tamed', 'bars emptied' and 'vibrators repaired.'
In the drink: Connors' round-the-world trip ended with him floating for two days in a life raft off Panama, but he continued to love water - and booze; he was known the life of the party
Remembered: Connors (right, with family) died of pancreatic cancer, but left behind many stories - which will be compiled into a book for his two sons, aged 11 and 8, to read
He even bought up the York, Maine, fire departments search-and-rescue boat in 2003, and opened, with his family, a fund to educate children about the dangers of open water, the Boston Globe reported.
'His regrets were few, but include eating a rotisserie hot dog from an unmemorable convenience store in the summer of 1986,' the obituary noted.
Caitlin Connors told the Globe that there were 'a million other stories I wish we could have put together, but the point was to get the stories out'.
And out they have indeed got - his obit has gone viral since it was published Tuesday.
Even after he was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in September, he didn't let the party stop, his daughter said.
She arrived at his York, Maine home in September to see him with his arm around the shoulder of a friend holding a shotgun and wearing just a bikini.
'This is the first night of hospice and Im having a great time!' he told her.
He died surrounded by his friends at a house party, stark naked, drinking champagne.
A celebration of Connors's life - expected to number 200 people - will be held on Monday in York, Maine, at 4pm in the York Harbor Inn.
Each person is asked to bring along a story of the man, which will be bound into a book and given to his sons, Chris, 11, and Liam, 8.
Connors' family have requested mourners forego sending flowers and just pay the open bar tab at the wake instead - or contribute to The Chris Connors Fund for water safety instead.
A heroin addict rolling pin murderer who beat her pensioner neighbour to death played Candy Crush in the aftermath, it was revealed today.
Legal secretary Sandra Weir, 41, was yesterday convicted of robbing and then murdering Mary Logie, 82, by striking her head 31 times in Fife, Scotland.
A jury took just 55 minutes to find her guilty of killing Mrs Logie - a crime which the judge called 'breathtakingly wicked'.
Weir, a secret heroin addict who drained her victim's accounts for drugs money, had tried to claim that she had died in an accident.
Extraordinarily emergency service sources have claimed that when they arrived she took out her phone for a game of Candy Crush.
Heroin addict Sandra Weir, 41, pictured, has been found guilty of murdering her 82-year-old neighbour by battering her 31 times with a rolling pin
Edinburgh High Court heard victim Mary Logie, pictured, thought of Weir as a 'trusted friend'. But the legal secretary was actually stealing cash from her to fund her drug habit
The trial at Edinburgh High Court heard Weir was a 'trusted friend' of Mrs Logie's who would help around her around the house, pick up her groceries and even gave her bank card to Weir so she could
But legal secretary Weir was actually stealing cash from Mrs Logie and raided her bank account for 4,000 to fund her drug addiction between November 2014 and January 2016.
Despite confessing the thefts to Mrs Logie, who forgave her, Weir continued to steal cash from the widow and eventually attacked her on January 5 this year.
The court heard the pensioner's family - who live in England and Australia - believed Weir was a 'helpful neighbour' and even gave her a bottle of whisky last Christmas to say thank you for helping her.
Mrs Logie's son Ronald, 60, told jurors that Weir helped his mother around the house.
He told defence barrister Murray Macara QC that he spoke to his mother weekly and that she often talked favourably about her neighbour.
But he added his mother had started noticing she was losing money and could not remember spending it.
He said: 'Money went missing and she could not explain it.'
Giving evidence, Weir admitted that she paid for her 'fearsome' heroin habit by stealing from the pensioner's bank account.
She told jurors that she 'abused' the pensioner's trust after Mrs Logie gave her bank card to her so she could pay a vets bill for her sick cat - but actually took 1,150 for herself in December 2014, followed by another 3,000 over the course of the next year.
Weir told the court she confessed the thefts to Mrs Logie and told her she 'had every right to call the police'.
But the court Mrs Logie declined to press charges and gave Weir the opportunity to pay the sum back.
By late 2015 Weir had lost her job in a solicitor's office while her drug problems continued.
Grandmother Mrs Logie, pictured, was found dying on the floor of her home, with Weir still in the building claiming the pensioner 'fell'
Referring to Mrs Logie as Rae - the name which friends and family called her - Weir told the court she accepted money from her neighbour but continued to plunder her bank account.
She said: 'I had told Rae about the trouble I was in and she offered to help me. She offered to help by giving a tenner here and a tenner there.
'I abused that.'
Prosecutors told the court Weir then attacked Mrs Logie in the morning of January 5 and left her lying on the floor of her property unable to call for help.
They then claimed Weir returned to the house just before 8pm to 'finish her victim off'.
Weir initially claimed that she had merely discovered Mrs Logie lying on the floor and said the pensioner 'must have fallen over'.
But concerned paramedics and police who were called to the scene grew suspicious.
Officers began to piece together a compelling case which showed that Weir was a thug who murdered Mrs Logie in cold blood.
Weird said that at approximately 8pm, she decided to pay a visit to the pensioner's house after spending the day collecting for Guide Dogs for the Blind outside a shop in Leven.
She claimed she had a key and went into Mrs Logie's home and 'shouted for her' only to get no response.
Weird said: 'Rae was lying on the floor. There was a lot of blood.'
She added: 'I could hear her breathing. It was gurgly.'
Weir told the court that she stamped on the floor to get the attention of her downstairs neighbour. She also shouted for her husband to come and help her.
Police and paramedics became suspicious of Weir while attending the scene, pictured, and the rolling pin was later found to have Weir's DNA on it
When Mr Macara asked if Weir 'attacked' Mrs Logie, she replied: 'No.'
Neighbour Gwen Smith, 64, lived directly beneath Mrs Logie. She was one of the first people to arrive at the property after Weir 'discovered' the pensioner lying on the floor.
Ms Smith said she went there after hearing noises like 'somebody hammering' coming from the pensioner's property.
She told jurors that she ran to her neighbour's door and Weir answered it.
Ms Smith told prosecution lawyer Alex Prentice QC on the third day of proceedings that it was a 'horrible situation'.
Telling Mr Prentice that Sandra told her that Mary was injured, Ms Smith added: 'Sandra says to me 'she's fell' and there's blood everywhere.
'I said 'It's alright, calm down, I will go and see,' and then I opened the door and there's Mary.'
Paramedic Alan McIntyre, 60, told a jury that he and a colleague came to Mrs Logie's house thinking they were answering a 'routine' call.
But Mr McIntyre said he changed his opinion after seeing the nature of Mrs Logie's injuries.
He said there were large amounts of blood near to where Mrs Logie lay on the floor.
Mr McIntyre also said he saw a 'circle' of blood on the ground which looked as though it had been cleaned.
He said Mrs Logie's heart rate was 'chaotic' and her breathing was 'intermittent'.
Mr McIntyre told Mr Prentice that he thought there had been a murder and he asked people who had been present in the house to leave.
He said: 'I thought something bad has happened here. I could hear a moaning coming from her.
Neighbours said they heard what sounded like 'hammering' at the property in Fife, pictured, and went to investigate, finding Weir and a prone Mrs Logie inside
'I really couldn't see. It was badly lit. I immediately went into rescue mode to try to save her life.
'I remember thinking this woman has just died. Her injuries are catastrophic and I'm going to try to save her.'
However, Mr McIntyre told the court that his attempts to keep her alive were 'futile'.
Police became suspicious at the circumstances surrounding Mrs Logie's death.
Detectives discovered Weir's DNA on the rolling pin which killed Mrs Logie. Weir was unable to provide any explanation to why the DNA got there.
In his closing statement to jurors , barrister for the prosecution Alex Prentice QC urged the jury to convict Weir on murder and theft charges stating that prosecutors had a 'compelling and convincing case' against Weir.
He said: 'I suggest there is a motive in this case and it is this - it is greed. Simply greed. Greed for heroin. Greed for money to buy drugs because her addiction was such that acquiring money was the sole focus of her life.
'I suggest she would do anything for heroin - even murder.'
In the end the jurors agreed with Mr Prentice. They took just 55 minutes to return unanimous verdicts of guilty on charges of theft and murder.
The most senior Australian Islamic State terrorist was leading a sub-cell 'missile project' using drones for remote attacks.
Neil Prakesh, 25, was arrested by Middle Eastern government in October, six months after he was meant to have been incinerated in a U.S. drone strike and is now been behind bars in a Turkish jail.
Turkish and Australian counter terror investigators have discovered Prakesh and at least three others were developing drones to carry explosives up to 100 kilometres to Syria, The Herald Sun reported.
Neil Prakesh, 25, was arrested by Middle Eastern government in October, six months after he was meant to have been incinerated in a U.S. drone strike
Turkish and Australian counter terror investigators have discovered Prakesh and at least three others were developing drones to carry explosives up to 100 kilometres
Authorities in Turkey have reportedly raided several properties in Istanbul in relation to Prakesh's English-speaking sub-cell.
The IS recruiter had planned to meet engineer Syed Muhammed and at least two others in Istanbul before his arrest to continue with the 'missile project'.
Authorities discovered a drone in his apartment that could travel with explosives up to 30 kilometres away, but sources told The Herald Sun the group had been planning to use ones that could be remotely guided up to 100 kilometres.
They believe the drones would have been directed to Syria or Turkey.
Prakesh had planned to meet engineer Syed Muhammed and at least two others in Istanbul before his arrest
Prakash was a senior terrorist recruiter for the group and had often appeared in extremist propaganda and magazines
Prakesh, originally from Melbourne, is in a maximum security prison in Gaziantep city, near the Turkish border.
In May this year, the Federal government announced the wannabe rapper turned religious radical had been killed in Iraq.
But the report said he was only wounded by the bomb dropped on him at the terrorist stronghold of Mosul.
Prakash was a senior terrorist recruiter for the group and had often appeared in extremist propaganda and magazines.
He had also recruited jihadists for operations in Australia.
It's a trademark Buffalo Bills fan move - and it cost this guy a broken leg.
A video of the silly man has emerged showing the moment he leaped off the roof of a car and onto a folding table.
The footage, shot on Sunday, shows the fan smashing on top of the table, crushing it, and then falling on the snow-covered parking lot ground in pain.
Watch out below!: This is the moment the Buffalo Bills fan leaps off the car, headed for the table
Crash: Upon landing the folding table instantly folds under the weight of the man
Ouch: Collapsing to the parking lot ground, the man screams out in pain and grabs his leg
Onlookers can be heard in the video yelling out, some laughing, that the man had broken his leg on impact.
'His leg is broken,' one woman can be heard saying.
'It's bent the wrong way,' a man adds.
The video is believed to have been taken outside the finals game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Sunday.
The Bills ended up losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-20.
Roxy Jacenko appeared downcast after learning her husband Oliver Curtis will remain behind bars for Christmas, as she shares a candid snap of her daughter getting her make up done professionally for her last day of school.
The PR maven's investment banker husband was found guilty of insider trading and jailed for a minimum one-year sentence in late June, but launched an appeal to have the conviction overturned.
The 31-year-old hoped to walk free just in time to spend Christmas with his family, but on Friday he was told the appeal has been dismissed and will stay in Cooma prison for a further six months.
Ms Jacekno did not make a comment about the appeal as she made her way to work on Friday and appeared disheartened as she entered the lift.
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Roxy Jacenko appeared downcast after learning her husband Oliver Curtis will remain behind bars for Christmas
Curtis's daughter Pixie had her last day of Kindergarten on Friday and a picture was uploaded to her Instagram page of the little girl in a make up chair
Jailed investment banker Oliver Curtis (pictured with daughter Pixie and son Hunter) has lost the appeal against his insider trading conviction and will remain behind bars for Christmas
Curtis (seen at court with wife Roxy Jacenko) appealed his conspiracy to commit insider trading conviction to the Criminal Court of Appeal
Curtis's legal team had said the jury's verdict was 'unreasonable or could not be supported by the evidence'.
But, the Court of Criminal appeal ruled the jury were 'satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the accused was guilty' and the 'appeal should be dismissed'.
Sweaty Betty chief Ms Jacenko had told the couple's children Pixie, four, and Hunter, two, that their father is in China and will be home for Christmas.
But in reality Curtis has been serving time at Cooma Prison, an hour south of Canberra, and working as a prison clerk.
Ms Jacenko was not in court when Curtis lost the appeal against his conviction just after 10am on Friday.
The former Celebrity Apprentice contestant has flown by private jet to visit her husband at least once since the trial.
On Friday morning, she posted a selfie to her Instagram page, captioned with a single love heart and later shared a picture of her daughter Pixie getting glammed up in a makeup chair.
Holly Asser stands between waiting paparazzi and Ms Jacenko in a lift on Friday
Ms Jacenko will have to tell her two children their father won't be home for Christmas
Happy times: Curtis is seen with his young family in a candid family picture
On Friday morning, Roxy Jacenko posted a selfie to her Instagram page, captioned with a single love heart
Ms Jacenko described Curtis as the 'primary carer' of their two children in a letter to the Supreme Court earlier this year
Ms Jacenko has also supported her husband through his daily struggles behind bars, putting $100 a week into his buy-up for essentials like a doona to cope with the area's cool alpine climate.
But Ms Jacenko did not attend Curtis's appeal hearing in October, unlike his father Nick and mother Angela.
At sentencing in June, Justice Lucy McCallum said Curtis had 'not embraced responsibility for his offending'.
He and his former best friend John Hartman earned a net profit of $1.43 million through their alleged agreement.
Justice McCallum said despite Curtis knowing what he was doing was 'very wrong' he used the alleged deal to 'fund a lifestyle of conspicuous extravagance'.
A jury found him guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit insider trading.
Curtis's counsel Bret Walker SC told the Court of Criminal Appeal in October that Curtis and Hartman's agreement did not meet the definition of an insider trading offence.
Prosecutors argued their agreement was very clear and it was not necessary to prove an offence had occurred for a jury to find Curtis guilty of conspiracy.
The decision will be heard December 16.
A lawyer for Mr Curtis said he would not be commenting.
The former wife of Orlando nightclub mass murderer Omar Mateen has filed to change their son's name and wipe away any trace of his father's identity.
Noor Salman filed the petition in a California court to legally change the name of her four-year-old son.
The middle name of the child is Omar and he shares his father's surname, which became infamous when he murdered 49 people at Pulse nightclub on June 12.
Salman, 30, did not reveal in court records what she wants her son's new name to be, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The mother revealed she has moved three times since the shooting, settling in Southern California with her son to live with her family.
Noor Salman has filed a petition in a California court to legally change the name of the four-year-old son she shares with Omar Mateen
She has only spoken once to the media since her husband committed the worst mass shooting in US history, divulging his long history of abuse.
Salman told the New York Times that things were going surprisingly well at the family's Fort Pierce home just weeks before the shooting.
Mateen had been accepted to a police training program. He had recently given her jewelry and, hours before the shooting, gifted Salman $1,000 to visit her mother in California.
He had also stopped hitting her, a pattern that began just six months into their marriage.
Mateen murdered 49 people at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida on June 12
Salman told the paper that he once hit her shoulder so hard that she bruised. He would pull her hair, choke her, threaten to kill her.
He would threaten to take away their son if she ever left.
'You have no proof I hit you,' Salman recalled Mateen telling her. 'No job.'
Salman knew her husband had been watching jihadist videos, but didn't ask her husband about it after the FBI cleared him twice.
But suspicions arose when it was revealed Salman had gone to Walmart with her husband to buy Walmart, and took a trip with him to Orlando.
Salman said she did not find the Walmart trip suspicious because he was a security guard and regularly visited the shooting range.
She also believed Mateen just wanted to go on a trip when he asked her to come on a drive to Orlando, and didn't know he was checking out Pulse, Salman claims.
Salman has denied any knowledge or involvement in Mateen's plan, maintaining that she found out only when he texted her during the shooting asking if she had seen what happened.
The middle name of the child is Omar and he shares his father's surname. Salman did not reveal what she wants her son's new name to be
'I was unaware of everything,' she said. 'I don't condone what he has done. I am very sorry for what has happened. He has hurt a lot of people.'
Salman was a person of interest after the shooting and prosecutors have not yet decided if she will face charges.
Six months after the shooting, Salman said she rarely gets out of bed and often relies on relatives to care for her son.
Her current location remains a mystery, but Salman said she wanted to speak out to show the public who she really was.
'I want people to know I am human,' she said. 'I am a mother.'
He is also accused of faking his brother's signature as a witness on documents
Ms Bricknell accused him of mortgaging their $15 million home behind her back
'If Nicole was available she would sign them... if she wasn't I
The bitter ex-wife of former Billabong boss Matthew Perrin has said she will not be at peace until he is behind bars, a court heard.
The former CEO is on trial in the Brisbane District Court for fraud and forgery after he allegedly faked his wife Nicole Bricknell's signature on bank documents in 2008.
Ms Bricknell told Gold Coast property developer Karl Rameau 'the only way I'm going to get peace is with him in jail', The Courier Mail reports.
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Former Billabong boss Matthew Perrin admitted he signed his wife's signature on legal documents, the Brisbane District Court heard on Thursday
Ms Bricknell is accusing her ex-husband of mortgaging the $15 million waterfront property on Cronin Island behind her back
In court the mother-of-three was accused of making 'threats' to 'sort out' her ex-husband if he fought for a larger portion of the family's fortune when their estate was split in 2012.
Perrin allegedly used their family house in Surfers Paradise as security for $13.5 million credit from the Commonwealth Bank to fund his failing business investments.
Ms Bricknell accused him of mortgaging the $15 million waterfront property on Cronin Island behind her back.
He said he had her permission to sign on her behalf and would give her a 'general overview' of what he was doing.
'Nicole wanted to be a homemaker and a mother and I was to be the business person, and it was generally discussed that they were our roles,' he said.
Perrin added that he signed her name on important documents throughout their relationship, including on share sales in her name and a planning permission application.
'If Nicole was available and convenient she would sign them ... if she wasn't I would sign them for her,' he added.
The jury was shown a document which Perrin said gave him authority to act on Ms Bricknell's behalf in respect of their finances, including debts in her name.
Mr Perrin said in court: 'Nicole wanted to be a homemaker and a mother and I was to be the business person, and it was generally discussed that they were our roles'
In court yesterday Ms Bricknell she 'never, ever' gave him permission to sign on her behalf.
'This man has taken from me and my children without my permission and knowledge, that's worse than having an affair in my opinion,' Ms Bricknell told the Brisbane District Court on Wednesday.
'I always protected my children and I never, ever would have allowed him to sign my name on anything - that was not the right thing to do,' she said.
Ms Bricknell said: 'I always protected my children and I never, ever would have allowed [Matthew] to sign my name on anything - that was not the right thing to do'
Perrin said they made a total of around $57 million from their investment in Billabong before he resigned as CEO in 2003.
By 2009 they had lost it all and he was declared bankrupt, the court was told.
Perrin is also accused of faking his brother Fraser Perrin's signature as a witness on the paperwork.
Donald Trump Jr. helped steer the process that resulted in the selection of Rep. Ryan Zinke as President-elect Donald Trump's choice to run the Interior Department, the Trump transition confirmed Wednesday.
First thing Thursday morning, team Trump made it official.
'America is the most beautiful country in the world and he is going to help keep it that way with smart management of our federal lands,' the president-elect said in a statement.
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MAKING THE CUT: Zinke, displaying one of the knives in his collection, advanced through a process that Donald Trump Jr. helped guide
SEAL OF APPROVAL: Zinke spent two decades as a member of the Navy SEALs, and is expected to get the official nomination to run the Interior Department
'At the same time, my administrations goal is to repeal bad regulations and use our natural resources to create jobs and wealth for the American people, and Ryan will explore every possibility for how we can safely and responsibly do that,' Trump added.
The Montanan was thrilled to be nominated for the role.
'As inscribed in the stone archway of Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana, I shall faithfully uphold Teddy Roosevelt's belief that our treasured public lands are "for the benefit and enjoyment of the people,"' Zinke said.
It was the eldest Trump child, who has a formal role in the Trump transition, who took part in interviews and phone calls with potential candidates for the Interior Department position, Politico reported Wednesday.
The Trump transition didn't dispute his involvement, even as Trump and his brother Eric Trump are set to assume a new role running the Trump business organization when their father takes office as president.
'I would say that the transition team has been very transparent in the fact that Donald Trump, Jr. is on the transition team, that he is someone who is helping us on this government, put things together,' said transition spokesman Jason Miller.
Donald Trump Jr. helped vet candidates to be the new Interior Department secretary. He also met with tech executives at Trump Tower on Wednesday
'We've announced that right from the beginning,' he continued, when asked about the dual roles on a conference call with reporters. 'And so, it only makes sense if a transition team member was active in the process.'
Trump and Zinke share at least one thing in common: both love hunting and the outdoors. Trump has posted images of many of his most impressive kills, and Zinke, 55, is a hunter and fisherman who has showed off hunting knives from his collection of blades.
Zinke also spent two decades as a Navy Seal, studied geology, and sits on the House Natural Resources Committee.
Like many previous nominees for the agency, he hails from a western state where federal lands are a major economic and cultural issue.
STRAIGHT SHOOTER: Donald Trump Jr. is an avid hunter, and joked that Interior would be the agency he would most like to run
Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Ivanka Trump sat in on a meeting President-elect Trump held with tech leaders Wednesday
NEIGH, DON'T SHOOT!: One of the issues Zenke will have to confront if confirmed is controversy over thousands of wild horses that the Bureau of Land Management holds in pens to prevent them from ravaging federal lands
Interior is the nation's largest landowner. Although it maintains multiple recreation areas, it also controls vast oil and gas resources, leases land to ranchers for grazing, and interfaces with Native American tribes through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Trump joked about his own interest in the job in an interview with the publication Wide Open Spaces in November.
'The big joke at Christmas this year was the only job in government that I would want is with the Department of Interior,' he said. 'I understand those issues. It's something I'm passionate about. I will be the very loud voice about these issues in my father's ear. No one gets it more than us.'
Former ambassador to the Czech Republic Norm Eisen told a forum of House Oversight Committee Democrats Wednesday that he finds the role of Trump's children concerning.
'Theyre on the board of the transition, theyve been in meetings,' he said. 'What on earth are they thinking?'
'I saw this as an ambassador and Im so sad that its come to my own country,' he continued, referencing 'princelings' in China. 'The kids are used [in other countries] as a vehicle, a conduit to influence the parents all over the world.'
A Thai tuk tuk driver accused of raping an Australian tourist turned himself in to police but denies the charges.
Ekburut Ritrakkhaphan, 32, surrendered on Thursday after police got a court-issued warrant for his arrest after seeing CCTV footage of the area near alleged attack.
The 23-year-old tourist told officers she was raped after a night of heavy drinking in the Khao San Road precinct, popular with backpackers, on December 5.
She claimed to have been taken to an isolated location near an abandoned building, and raped by the driver and one other person.
Thai tuk tuk driver Ekburut Ritrakkhaphan, 32, (pictured) is accused of raping an Australian tourist and turned himself in to police but denies the charges
Thai police said images of Ekburut were captured on CCTV and the Australian was also seen riding the motorbike as a pillion passenger.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Sanit Mahathavorn said on Thursday investigations were continuing, with the case being treated as sexual assault after the woman had a medical examination.
Ekburut denied the rape during interrogation by investigators and claimed the woman had consented to sex, according to local media.
He told police she waved him down and asked to be taken to the Taling Chan area on the outskirts of Bangkok, and then 'hugged and fondled him'.
Thai police said images of Ekburut were captured on CCTV and the Australian was also seen riding the motorbike as a pillion passenger
Ekburut denied the rape during interrogation by investigators and claimed the woman had consented to sex, according to local media.
Ekburut said they traveled to the deserted building in the district where they had sex and he then left without her.
Thai police moved quickly to investigate the case amid concerns about its impact on the tourism industry.
But senior Thai police earlier publicly denied the allegations, saying the rape was reported too quickly to be 'likely'.
He told police she waved him down and asked to be taken to the Taling Chan area on the outskirts of Bangkok, and then 'hugged and fondled him'
Senior Thai police earlier publicly denied the allegations, saying the rape was reported too quickly to be 'likely'
'If there was a sexual assault, it would have taken her longer [to get to the police station],' Pol. Col. Thanawat said.
Besides, at the time she claimed the assault took place, she was seen on Khaosan Road,' he added.
The police officer said it can take up to 25 minutes for a tuk tuk to travel from Khao San Road to the abandoned building where the alleged rape took place.
He also explained CCTV cameras place the tourist with the bike and its rider just four minutes before she entered the police station.
The 23-year-old tourist told officers she was raped after a night of heavy drinking in the Khao San Road precinct (pictured), popular with backpackers, on December 5
The police officer said it can take up to 25 minutes for a tuk tuk to travel from Khao San Road (pictured) to the abandoned building where the alleged rape took place
The young Australian arrived at the police station on the back of a motorbike after fleeing from her alleged attackers.
It was understood the Australian woman arrived in Thailand on December 2 and is due to go home on December 19.
Migrants are being offered illegal passage across the Channel in the back of Lidl lorries for a fee of several thousand pounds.
People smugglers who previously operated in the Calais migrant camp are targeting vehicles transporting goods to the UK.
Undercover reporters found trafficking gangs who had been booted out of the Jungle, which was closed in October, have moved their operations to Paris.
An agent for a people smuggling gang was seen offering to traffic people across the Channel for a fee of 5,000 in footage revealing their operations from Paris
Describing the process and the enormous fees he demands the man, called Sultan, told BBC South East: 'For an Iranian it will not be less than 5,000, but for Afghans it is 3,000
It came as refugee charities operating in the Mediterranean were accused by the EU's border agency of colluding with smugglers to transport migrants to Europe.
An agent for one of the Paris smuggling gangs boasted that they were able to make sure the migrants went undetected, adding: 'You will be in London 100 per cent.'
Describing the process and the enormous fees he demands the man, called Sultan, told BBC South East: 'For an Iranian it will not be less than 5,000, but for Afghans it is 3,000.
'They don't tear the tarpaulin off the vehicles. They open it and place you in. They will fit you in a way that even the dogs will not sniff you out. You will be in London 100 per cent.'
Friends or relatives are asked to make the payment via Sultan's brother Sayed, who runs a mobile phone repair shop in London.
Yesterday a spokesman for Lidl said: 'Upon being alerted to this report, we immediately contacted the haulier companies that we work with to ensure that the matter could be urgently investigated and we are still awaiting the conclusions.
Migrant camps like this one pictured in October began to spring up in Paris after the Jungle in Calais was closed and people-smuggling gangs are now working from the capital
'Lidl does not tolerate the facilitation of people smuggling through its international transport network.' The firm added that its hauliers are required to immediately report any matters relating to illegal migration to ensure the appropriate investigations take place.
Non-governmental organisations working in the Mediterranean have also found themselves embroiled in a smuggling row. In a confidential dossier, border agency Frontex claimed there were 'clear indications' that human traffickers were in cahoots with NGOs.
More than 170,000 people have attempted to cross from Libya to Italy this year about 15 per cent more than last year of whom around 4,700 have died, according to the UN refugee agency.
Following the launch of Operation Triton in 2014, the EU's maritime efforts have shifted from search and rescue to border control.
Since then, several NGOs have attempted to fill the gap by rescuing migrants and distributing medical care while they await a larger ship to an Italian port.
A ship packed full of migrants rescued in October near Libya, from which 170,000 people have attempted to cross into Italy this year, according to the UN refugee agency
In a secret report written last month, and seen by the Financial Times, Frontex said migrants had been given 'clear indications before departure on the precise direction to be followed in order to reach the NGOs' boats'.
Frontex explicitly accused charities of colluding with smugglers in another report last week, which said: 'First reported case where the criminal networks were smuggling migrants directly on an NGO vessel.' Frontex also said that people rescued by NGO vessels were uncooperative with some claiming 'they were warned [by NGOs] not to co-operate with Italian law enforcement or Frontex'.
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For most nine-year-old children, life should be fun and carefree. However, little Li Chunyan from China has already become the pillar of her family at the tender age.
The primary school pupil, who lost her mother to cancer six years ago, has been looking after her father who became paralysed in a work accident in 2012, reported the People's Daily Online.
Strong-willed Chunyan feeds, walks, bathes and accompanies her father. Besides, she manages to be a top pupil at her school.
Loving daughter: Li Chunyan (left), from China, has been looking after her wheelchair-bound father after her mother died
Time for a stroll: The nine-year-old girl, who lives in Chongqing, likes taking her father out for some fresh air at the weekend
Wholehearted care: The devoted daughter helps her father wash his feet every night before he goes to bed
Total devotion: Chunyan feeds her father Li Lu. When he became paralysed in 2012 he had to cover his own medical bills
Chunyan's mother died of cancer when she was four years old. Her father, Li Lu, went to work at a construction site in Chongqing leaving Chunyan to live with her grandmother.
People's Daily reports that two years later in 2012, Mr Li fell off a building at work and was paralysed. He has to use a wheelchair to get around their home.
Now living with her wheelchair-bound father and grandmother, Chunyan is an emotional rock for her family.
The motherless child helps her 70-year-old grandmother with daily chores, and takes care of her father.
Family portrait: Chunyan (right), her grandmother (left) poses with her father (middle) in their home in Chongqing
Little helper: Chunyan helps her grandmother make dinner for the family. She helps with other chores around the house, too
Self sufficient: Chunyan gets dressed in her room. The nine-year-old's mother died from cancer in 2010
Chunyan does not cry in the face of tragedies. She is optimistic about the future even through all of her misfortunes.
Mr Li's company would not cover his medical expenses because his boss fled after the accident. This put the family in a perilous financial situation.
The family is on government assistance. Mr Li and his mother get 400 yuan (46) a month in addition to a 600 yuan (69) per month subsidy for Chunyan.
Good pupil: Chunyan held her award (left) after she was named one of the Top 10 Filial Youngsters by the CPC Chongqing committee. She not only takes care of herself (right), but also her family
Time for school: Chuanyan is also a popular and outstanding pupil at her primary school. She is always happy to go to school
Four years later he is still in pain. Chunyan tried to comfort her father when he screams out in pain, telling him: 'Dad, you must take care of yourself.'
Chunyan's resilience impresses her family and neighbours. Even though she is not yet a teenager, last month she was one of the Top 10 Filial Youngsters by the CPC Chongqing committee.
Chunyan holds back tears because she worries it would distress her family. She fears her father and grandmother would be upset if they saw her cry.
Despite all of her hardships Chunyan is opimistic for the future.
She said: 'I want to thank the uncles and aunties who help us. I will study hard and repay them in the future.'
Bonding time: Chunyan looks at a marraige certificate with her father in their home in a Chongqing municipality
what the object could be, with some suggesting UFO
Resident in a Chinese village were left baffled after an unknown object had apparently fallen from the sky and left a big hole on the ground.
They said the object landed on the top of the mountain with a loud bang on December 12 in Zhangjiapan village, Shaanxi Province, reported People's Daily Online.
The crater was burning when some residents rushed over but mysteriously no object was reportedly found in the hole. Some people have linked the incident with a UFO.
Mystery: A crater was created after an unidentified object had apparently fallen from the sky
The crater reportedly measured one metre long (3.2 feet) and 50 centimetres wide (1.6 feet).
The police of Fugu county, which manages the village, said they had found objects that might be related to the incident in three locations, according to HSW.cn.
All of the locations were in the south-western part of Fugu county.
Among them, one was a large metal ring, said the police. Letters and numbers could be seen marked on the surface.
The ring is thought to have fallen at high speeds and crashed into the rooftop of a house.
The police said all the objects had been sent to experts for tests.
No injuries have been reported.
Baffled: The crater, in China's Zhangjiapan village, was burning when the villagers found it, however no object had been seen in the hole, according to local reports
Police said they had found objects that might be related to the incident in three locations. The above pictures show two of them
QQ.com posted a video on December 13, which was thought to be taken by an eyewitness.
The clip shows fire burning in the crater, however no solid object can be seen in the crater.
A villager, surnamed Zhang, told a reporter of HSW.cn that he heard a deep sound in the sky at around 1pm on Friday.
He looked up and saw an object rapidly falling towards the mountain, the villager said.
'[It] made a loud bang when it hit the ground. Then it started burning. The dry grass nearby was quickly set aflame,' Zhang added.
The police of Fugu County also found a large metal ring in the surrounding areas of the crater
The ring is thought to be related to the loud bang apparently caused by an unidentified object
Letters and numbers can be seen marked on the surface of the metal ring found by the police
The mysterious incident has attracted thousands of comments from Chinese netizens on QQ.com, a major portal in China.
Many are guessing what the object could be, with some suggesting it could be a part of a UFO.
'It must have fallen from a crashed alien spacecraft,' one such person wrote while another one said 'the ring looks like the door of a UFO cabin'.
'It must have been the wheel of an alien's vehicle,' another user suggested.
A web user asked: 'Are they parts of Shenzhou 11 spacecraft?'
'It probably came from a failed time-traveller,' another user commented.
A fourth user, apparently terrified by the incident, said: 'I will look to the sky while I am walking.'
The fire has been put out by the villagers.
The incident is being investigated by the police.
The parents of a critically ill six-year-old girl threw her the fairy tale wedding of her dreams in a Chinese city.
On December 14, Shi Haiqing walked down the aisle to Here Comes the Bride to 'marry' her Prince Charming, who just happens to be her father.
At her hospital ward in Tai'an, Shandong Province, Haiqing dressed up as Snow White for the bittersweet occasion and her father dressed up as a prince.
Shi Haiqing (right) dances with her father Shi Xinzhan (left) at their 'wedding'
Shi Haiqing walked down the aisle to Here Comes the Bride at a hospital in Tai'an
People's Daily Online reports Haiqing's father, Shi Xinzhan, isn't sure if his daughter will grow up to have her dream wedding.
Shi Xinzhan wed his daughter in a make-believe ceremony attended by doctors, nurses and other patients in the hospital.
The sick girl was 'Princess Haiqing' for a day and danced with her father in front of a balloon heart backdrop.
Shi Haiqing suffers from nephrotic syndrome
Haiqing gained 13lbs as a result of hormonal treatment for nephrotic syndrome. She held a picture of herself before she fell ill
Haiqing suffers from nephrotic syndrome which causes the kidneys to leak large amounts of protein into the urine.
She has taken hormones the past three months which caused her to rapidly gain weight. She gained 13lbs total which drastically altered her appearance, especially in her face.
A new spider species found in the central Western Ghats in Karnataka, India, bears an uncanny resemblance to the sorting hat in the Harry Potter films.
The spider, Eriovixia gryffindori, is named after the original owner of the hat, Godric Gryffindor, one of the four founders of the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.
JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series tweeted the researchers to congratulate them on their discovery.
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The spider (left) bears a strong resemblance to the sorting hat in the Harry Potter films (right)
SEXUAL COMPETITION IN SPIDERS Male spiders have developed a number of tactics to ensure successful fertilization of a female, and secure paternity. Madagascan Darwins bark spiders engage in 'cunnilingus-like' behaviour with females, and say it may work to signal the male's quality or reduce sperm competition. Some guard the female after copulation, or manipulate her appeal through chemical substances. They've even been observed using a 'mating plug' to block the reproductive opening. Some types of orb-weaving spider mutilate the genitalia of females after sex. Mutilation thus establishes monandry, in which the female has just one mating partner during the reproductive period. Advertisement
The small spider, which is seven millimetres (0.28 inches) long, is nocturnal and takes refuge in dead, dry leaves which they're well camouflaged for.
The spiders shape and colour allow it to mimic the look of dead leaves when it's asleep during the day so that predators don't see it.
The spider was discovered by a team of scientists in India, led by Javed Ahmed, an arachno-naturalist
Mr Ahmed, who's been studying spiders for almost a decade, told MailOnline that we has a Harry Potter fan, saying: 'My colleagues and I feel ecstatic; being huge fans of the books and films, it was wonderful to be congratulated by the person from whose imagination stemmed this fantastic world we so relish!'
JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books tweeted: 'I'm truly honoured! Congratulations on discovering another #FantasticBeast.'
When it comes to the geographical distribution of the spider, Mr Ahmed says: 'T he range of species is not set in stone; animals get around, more so in the anthropocence (the current geological period during which human activity has been been the dominant influence on climate and the environment).
'Not all species have rigid environmental requirements, some species such as the Brown Widow, a member of the medically significant Widow spider family, happily get around, being tucked away under vehicles and actually prefer hanging out, around human habitation.'
The spider got its name from its 'sub-triangular abdomen,' which looks like the Hogwarts sorting hat in Harry Potter.
The spiders shape and colour allow it to mimic the look of dead leaves when it's asleep during the day so that predators don't see it
JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series tweeted the researchers to congratulate them on their discovery
Mr Ahmed wrote in the paper, published in the Indian Journal of Arachnology:
'This uniquely shaped spider derives its name from the fabulous, sentient magical artifact, the sorting hat, owned by the (fictitious) medieval wizard Godric Gryffindor, one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and stemming from the powerful imagination of Ms JK Rowling, wordsmith extraordinaire, as presented in her beloved series of books, featuring everyones favorite boy-wizard, Harry Potter.
'An ode from the authors, for magic lost, and found, in an effort to draw attention to the fascinating, but oft overlooked world of invertebrates, and their secret lives.'
Water ice has been confirmed at poles of the dwarf planet Ceres.
The ice is buried in craters around the planet's darkest regions, which are perpetually shielded from the sun.
They confirm that Ceres contains ice in its crust, which could point to a subsurface ocean and the possibility of life.
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Ceres is only the third planetary body, after the Moon and Mercury, where water ice has been found. Craters at Ceres' poles (pictured) are permanently engulfed in darkness, and these spots are cold enough to have been collecting ice over billions of years
STRANGE WORLD OF CERES Ceres is 590 miles (950 km) across and was discovered in 1801. It is the closest dwarf planet to the sun and is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, making it the only dwarf planet in the inner solar system. Ceres is the smallest of the bodies currently classified as a 'dwarf planet'. It lies less than three times as far as Earth from the sun - close enough to feel the warmth of the star, allowing ice to melt and reform. Nasa's Dawn spacecraft made its way to Ceres after leaving the asteroid Vesta in 2012. There is high interest in the mission because Ceres is seen as being a record of the early solar system. Advertisement
Ceres is only the third planetary body, after the moon and Mercury, where water ice has been found in permanently shadowed areas.
Craters at Ceres' poles are permanently engulfed in darkness, and these spots are cold enough to have been collecting ice over billions of years.
'The icy craters we found show that there is a lot of ice present in the crust of Ceres,' says lead researcher Dr Thomas Platz.
'Now we are investigating whether there could be an ocean under its surface.'
'If this subsurface ocean exists, it is technically possible that it could support life.'
'But personally, I'm skeptical.'
The icy craters found by Dr Platz's team built up because of the way the dwarf planet is tilted.
Ceres's poles never receive direct sunlight.
Even the indirect sunlight that reaches the poles never heats it up to more than minus 151 degrees Celsius (minus 240 degrees Fahrenheit), making both the poles a 'cold trap'.
'We knew that Ceres was similar to the moon and Mercury with impact craters near the darkened poles,' Dr Platz told MailOnline.
'Shadows are always a good place to look for ice.'
About one out of every 1,000 water molecules generated on the surface of Ceres will end up in a cold trap over the course of one of Ceres's years, which last 1,682 Earth days.
Craters at Ceres' poles are permanently engulfed in darkness, and these spots are cold enough to have been collecting ice over billions of years. In this graphic, the blue regions show the darkened craters where the ice has formed
Even the indirect sunlight that reaches the poles never heats it up to more than minus 151 degrees Celsius (minus 240 degrees Fahrenheit), making both the poles a 'cold trap'. This graphic shows another angle of the cold traps, in blue, where ice forms
Animation shows how the dwarf planet Ceres spins, casting its poles in permanent darkness
Water had previously been found on Ceres by Nasa's Dawn spacecraft, which has been orbiting the planetary body since March last year.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Gottingen, Germany, found the ice by processed images taken by Dawn's state-of-the-art Framing camera.
They focused their search on the craters in the northern polar region of Ceres, which can reach temperatures of minus 200 degrees Celsius (-333 degrees Fahrenheit).
The team spotted areas of perpetual shadow in more than 600 craters dotted over Ceres (artist's impression), ten of which exhibit bright features. A detailed radiation analysis of the darkened areas confirms that ice is present in these craters
Image: artists impression of the crust makeup of Ceres, including the slushy ice ocean under its crust, which may host alien life
The team spotted areas of perpetual shadow in more than 600 craters.
A detailed radiation analysis of the darkened areas confirms that ice is present in these craters.
Ceres is 590 miles (950 km) across and was discovered in 1801.
It is the closest dwarf planet to the sun and is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, making it the only dwarf planet in the inner solar system.
Ceres is the smallest of the bodies currently classified as a 'dwarf planet'.
It lies less than three times as far as Earth from the sun - close enough to feel the warmth of the star, allowing ice to melt and reform.
Shadow maps created by the team show craters that never see sunlight, shown here in black, which hold the perfect conditions for the accumulation of water ice
This image shows how Ceres's ocean may feed up into icy volcanoes on the dwarf planet's surface. The ice may then spray out onto Ceres's surface
There is high interest in Ceres because it is seen as being a record of the early solar system.
The researchers hope that the relatively small number of icy dark spots on Ceres can provide insight into how water collects on the dwarf planet.
The team also hope to look further into how the ice is dispersed across the surface, which they predict is through asteroid impacts.
Scientists have grown a super-wheat which produces a harvest a fifth larger, without being genetically modified.
Researchers at Oxford University used a molecule to help wheat plants soak up a sugary fuel generated during photosynthesis. The fuel drawn into the grains makes them larger, increasing the yield by up to 20 per cent.
They produced the monster wheat using a simple crop spray, avoiding any of the controversy which comes with GM crops.
It comes as other scientists await a decision from Defra on permission to carry out GM field trials in Hertfordshire. The controversial technology moves ever closer, but a 730,000 trial to create a GM wheat which could drive away insects and dispense with powerful insecticide sprays failed last year.
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Researchers at Oxford University used a molecule to help wheat plants soak up a sugary fuel generated during photosynthesis
The new technique, published in the journal Nature, builds up starch within wheat without any accusations of genetically engineered 'Frankenfood'. The crop has not been successfully grown in fields, but grew larger in the lab after just one spray.
Professor Ben Davis, from the department of chemistry at Oxford University, said: 'The tests we conducted in the lab show real promise for a technique that, in the future, could radically alter how we farm not just wheat but many different crops.
'The 'Green Revolution' in the 20th century was a period where more resilient, high-yield wheat varieties were created - an innovation that has been claimed to have helped save one billion lives.
'By now developing new chemical methods based on an understanding of biology, we can secure our food sources and add to this legacy.'
Rothamsted Research, which developed the wheat molecule with Oxford University, was responsible for last year's failed GM trial, which cost 2.23 million in total because of the bill for fencing and other security measures after threats of attacks by anti-GM activists.
T he crop spray was also found to boost wheat plants' ability to recover from drought.
Rothamsted Research, which developed the wheat wheat molecule with Oxford University, pictured here, was responsible for last year's failed GM trial, which cost 2.23 million in total
It uses a synthetic version of the molecule T6P, which is crucial in controlling how wheat uses sucrose - the main fuel from photosynthesis. The more T6P available to wheat grains in sunlight, the more they draw in sucrose, converting it into starch and growing larger as a result.
The method has potential to increase yields across a wide number of crops, as T6P is present and performs the same function in all plants and crops.
From the icy glaciers in the Arctic, to the vast jungles of South America, the Earth today has widely varying climates.
But this has not always been then case, and 650 million years ago, our planet was a snowball, covered in glaciers as thick as 1.2 miles (2km).
New research suggests that an intense period of acid rain, lasting 100,000 years, could be responsible for melting the vast glaciers and pushing the Earth towards the environment we know today.
650 million years ago, our planet was a snowball, covered in glaciers as thick as 1.2 miles (two kilometres). New research suggests that an intense era of acid rain, lasting 100,000 years, could be responsible for melting the vast glaciers (artist's impression)
THE END OF THE MARINOAN PERIOD To understand how the period ended, the researchers reconstructed the history of chemical weathering during, and following the end of the Marinoan glaciation in South China. Their results suggest that the period may have come to an end as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases built up from volcanic activity. The high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere led to very acidic rain, which would have washed over the continents and left chemical signatures in the surface rocks. Acid rain led to the development of cap carbonates characteristic layers of rock that form when chalk is present in water. The researchers' chemical analysis of rocks in southern China showed there was direct evidence for chemical weathering, suggesting that the acid rain could have brought an end to the ice age. Advertisement
Researchers from Peking University in Beijing suggest that intense chemical weathering was likely the cause of the end of the Marinoan glaciation period.
The period, which occurred from 635 to 650 million years ago saw huge glaciers covering the entire planet, in an event called the Snowball Earth.
Until now, there has been little evidence to show how this icy period came to an end.
In their paper, published in PNAS, the researchers, led by Kang-Jung Huang, wrote: 'According to the snowball Earth hypothesis, cap carbonate deposition was driven by intense continental weathering during deglaciation, but geochemical evidence is lacking.'
To understand what happened, the researchers reconstructed the history of chemical weathering during, and following the end of the Marinoan glaciation in South China.
Their results suggest that the period may have come to an end as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases built up from volcanic activity.
The high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere led to very acidic rain, which would have washed over the continents and left chemical signatures in the surface rocks.
Acid rain led to the development of cap carbonates characteristic layers of rock that form when chalk is present in water.
The researchers' chemical analysis of rocks in southern China showed there was direct evidence for chemical weathering, suggesting that the acid rain could have brought an end to the ice age.
And the acid rain storm wasn't simply an outburst over a few hours.
The researchers believe that the downpour lasted hundreds of thousands of years towards the end of the Marinoan period, pushing it out of its freezing state.
The researchers added: 'Our finding confirms intense chemical weathering at the onset of deglaciation.'
The researchers believe that the downpour lasted hundreds of thousands of years towards the end of the Marinoan period, pushing it out of its freezing state (stock image)
The de-glaciation could in turn have led to The Cambrian Explosion, a period beginning around 541 million years ago during which most major animal phyla appeared.
As the glaciers melted, huge amounts of nutrients were released into the oceans.
This caused oxygen levels to rise deep in the oceans as bacteria and other microbes flourished, resulting in more plankton.
This plankton buried organic carbon in seafloor sediments when they died, causing the proportion of oxygen in the atmosphere to rise.
A treatment that could turn back the ravages of time is edging closer as scientists have discovered how to reprogram cells to stop them growing old.
The process involves taking skin cells and making them partly revert to how they were in the embryo.
Mature mice that underwent the process were found to appear younger, had better functioning hearts and lived 30 per cent longer.
Translated to humans it would mean - potentially, at least - the average human lifespan would reach 108.
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The technique involves reprogramming cells, which the researchers say could help people live nearly a third longer, without the blemishes of age such as wrinkled skin, grey hair and aches and pains (stock image)
HOW DOES IT WORK? The researchers discovered that halting or reversing ageing may lie in cellular reprogramming. This is a process in which the expression of four genes, known as the Yamanaka factors, is induced, allowing scientists to convert any cell into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Like embryonic stem cells, iPSCs are capable of dividing indefinitely and becoming any cell type present in our body. The researchers found that when cellular reprogramming was induced, cells looked and acted younger. Advertisement
Although women tend to outlive men, the average life expectancy in currently 81 in the UK, and 78 in the US.
Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, author of the study, said: Our study shows that aging may not have to proceed in one single direction.
'It has plasticity and, with careful modulation, aging might be reversed.
Professor Belmonte, of the Salk Institute in California, explained that the cell is reprogrammed by altering genetic factors that change it to become like a stem cell universal cells present in the embryo that can transform into any cell in the body.
Alejandro Ocampo, first author of the paper, said: What we and other stem-cell labs have observed is that when you induce cellular reprogramming, cells look younger.
The next question was whether we could induce this rejuvenation process in a live animal.
Converting large numbers of the bodys cells back into stem cells could lead to organ failure or death, the authors said.
Multiple ageing signs were reversed, without losing the skin cell identity. Pictured left are the skin cells before, and right, after the technique was used
WHAT IS PROGERIA? Progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), is a rare genetic condition that causes a child's body to age fast. Most people with progeria do not live past the age of 13. The disease affects both sexes and all races equally. It affects about one in every four million births worldwide. A single mistake in a certain gene causes it to make an abnormal protein. When cells use this protein, called progerin, they break down more easily. Progerin builds up in many cells of people with progeria, causing them to grow old quickly. Advertisement
The team used DNA reprogramming methods in live mice with progeria, the premature ageing disease progeria, which also affects humans.
Compared to untreated mice, the reprogrammed mice looked younger.
Their cardiovascular and other organ function improved and - most surprising of all - they lived 30 percent longer, yet did not develop cancer.
The process also worked in normal, disease-free mice which experienced improvement in the regeneration capacity of the pancreas and muscle tissue.
Professor Belmonte said: Obviously, mice are not humans and we know it will be much more complex to rejuvenate a person.
But this study shows that ageing is a very dynamic and plastic process, and therefore will be more amenable to therapeutic interventions than what we previously thought.
He said it could be 10 years before a clinical trial is ready to take place in humans.
The final test involved trying the method on normal aged mice. When it was used for a short period, the pancreas and muscles showed improved regeneration. Pictured left are muscle cells before the technique was usedfactors were induced, and right, after
The bronze figurines first appeared in Wroclaw in 2005 but symbolise an anti-communist movement from the 1980s
Most cities are famous for something but Wroclaw in Poland has a particularly quirky trademark.
The city is home to 163 small bronze dwarves - and that's just the official figure.
Some think there may be as many as 350 of the cheeky foot-tall dwarf statues dotted round the city.
Called 'krasnale' in Polish, the dwarves first appeared on the streets of Wroclaw in 2005.
They are actually a symbol of anti-communist movement Orange Alternative, which began in the 1980s as a peaceful protest against the government.
The group would graffiti dwarves across streets in the city and so the cheeky figures became their emblem.
The anti-communist movement Orange Alternative used to spray-paint dwarves round the city
Official figures say there are 163 dwarves but some think there are as many as 350 in the city
Polish artist Tomasz Moczek was the one to design the initial five dwarves in 2005
He said he took inspiration from memories, childhood, literature and from conversations
'I worked the day and the night, I thought only of it,' said Tom, who designed the first five
In 2001 the government unveiled a statue of a dwarf on Swidnicka Street in the city to commemorate Orange Alternative and it obviously captured the imagination of people there.
Now the 163 figurines are a tourist attraction, with visitors going 'hunting for dwarves' with special maps and smartphone apps.
Polish artist Tomasz Moczek was the one to design the initial five dwarves in 2005.
He told Telegraph Travel what his inspiration was.
'From memory, from conversations, from literature, from the memory, from the childhood, from everything,' he said.
'I worked the day and the night, I thought only of it.'
There are 52 of the dwarves located in Wroclaw's Old Town and the rest are just outside.
The figurines are a tourist attraction, with visitors going 'hunting for dwarves'
Tourists can buy special maps or download apps on their phone to help them find the dwarves
The statues are roughly a foot tall and most of them are made of bronze
They are called 'krasnale' in Polish and have grown in popularity in the last 11 years
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From a snow-streaked Manhattan street to a donkey caravan snaking across Ethiopias desert the breath-taking winning entries of the Travel Photographer of the Year 2016 (TPOTY) competition have been revealed.
They were taken by photographers hailing from 20 countries including India, the US and China in categories spanning cities and architecture, people and culture, wildlife and nature.
With his diverse portfolio entered into the Land, Sea, Sky and Journeys & Adventures categories, Portuguese photographer Joel Santos took the crown as overall Travel Photographer of the Year. His staggering work includes a dramatic shot of Ethiopias lava-spewing Gateway to Hell and candid snaps of a Ghanaian fisherman at work.
Self-taught 14-year-old photographer Darpan Basak was named Young Travel Photographer of the year for his vibrant depiction of the excitement of fishing in India. Judges commended his storytelling prowess.
Other spell-binding winners include Ruiyuan Chens powerful portraits of ethnic Yi people from Chinas Daliang mountains, which won the Mankind category, and a tender series of fox images on a windswept New Jersey beach by Courtney Moore, who won the 15 to 18-year-old Places and Experiences category.
Shutterbugs from over 123 countries entered the prestigious annual contest and the winning images can be seen at TPOTY exhibitions at the UK City of Culture Celebrations in Hull, from May to June 2017, and at the University of Greenwich, London, from August to September, 2017.
Portuguese photographer Joel Santos took the crown as overall Travel Photographer of the Year. This image of an Ashanti fisherman was taken on Lake Bosumtwi, Ashanti, Ghana
Joel Santos' aerial of the Salt Desert, Danakil Depression, Afar,Ethiopia, shows saltminers guiding a dromedary and donkeycaravan through this desert's unique saltpatterns
Michele Palazzo from Italy won the Cities: Architecture &Spaces award for this snowstorm shot of theFlatiron Building in New York set against a backdrop ofswirling snow
At 18-years-old Courtney Moore from the US won the Young TPOTY 15-18 for this tender shot of a windswept fox being pelted by sand on Island Beach State Park, New Jersey, USA
Ruiyuan Chen from China was the winner of the Mankind portfolio with powerful portraits of the ethnic Yi people who live in great poverty in the Daliang Mountains, Sichaunprovince, China
Kyle Adler from the US was the joint runner-up in the Wildlife & Nature category. He said: 'This alligator lay out in the middle ofthe waterway seeking what littlesunshine was offered on a cloudyDecember day as we sailed by'
Self-taught 14-year-old photographer Darpan Basak was named Young Travel Photographer of the year for his vibrant depiction of the excitement of fishing in Chadipur, India. Judges commended his storytelling prowess
A flock of flamingos take flightabove Tanzania's salt and soda LakeNatron in this shot taken by 13-year-old Ankit Kumar. The image won the Young TPOTY 14-years-old and under award
The best single image in a mankind portfolio, above, was taken by Jeremy Woodhouse from the UK. He captured an elderly woman cutting grassfrom a small plot to feed herlivestock in Coltesti, Romania
The one-shot award went to Biran Zhao for this snap taken in Baiyu County, Ganzi, SichuanProvince, China. Every morning, the nuns walk aroundthe mountain. Judges said: 'The early morning light catching part of the mountain defines and shapes this image, creating the atmosphere and framing the moment in light. The image is unusual, captivating and intriguing, leaving the viewer asking questions as to what the scene depicts'
Professional photographer Beniamino Pisati won the award for his Journeys & Adventuresportfolio taken in Bayankhongor, Mongolia. Judges commented: 'Shot from a viewpoint which draws the viewer into the heart of the action, these beautifully lit photographs of the people and horses of Bayankhongor in Mongolia are dynamic and engaging. Full of action, the viewer has a real sense of being part of the experience'
Lluis Salvado from Spain won the Best Single Image in aJourneys & Adventures portfolio for this fiery snap taken at the festival of San Anton at San Bartolome de Pinares, Spain
Craig Easton from the UK won an award for his Land, Sea, Sky portfolio. In this image, above, a lone Buddhist monk walks aroundthe boundary wall of the West KirbyMarine Lake
Mysterious and ancient celebrations in the forests on the Falakro mountain in Greece were the subject of Panos Laskarakis' Mankind portfolio. He was a runner-up in this category
Captured between Sichuan and Tibet, a young child was the star of this image taken by Zijie Gong, who was a runner-up in the Young TPOTY 15-18 category (left). An image of a flamingo at Prague Zoo (right) taken by Magdalena Strakova was given a special mention in the Wildlife & Nature category
This adorable snap of a young bear cub playing with a stick in Kamchatka, Russia, by Marco Urso from Italy was given a special mention in the Wildlife & Nature category
Raimondo NorbertoGiamberduca from Italy was highly commended in the New Talent, Eye to Eye category for a shot of reindeer races in Jokkmokk, Sweden
The eruptions of Batu Tara volcano on Komba Island, Indonesia, were photographed by Martin Siering from Germany and received a special mention in the Land, Sea, Sky category
The winner of the New Talent, Eye to Eye category was Alison Cahill from the UK for her portrait of Elyas, the head barber and owner of Son&Dad Barbers in George Town, Penang,Malaysia
An image of an interesting art installation in Astana, Kazakhstan, taken by Dominic Byrne from Ireland was highly commended in the Cities:Architecture & Spaces category
A portfolio of vibrant celebrations captured during a pilgrimage to Andalucia, Spain, by Timothy Allen from the UK was the runner-up in the Journeys & Adventures category
Two women waiting for the 14th Julyparade on the Champs Elysees were snapped by Marina Spironetti, Italy, to win her the Smart Shot award
The rarest cat in the world, the Iberian lynx, is caught on camera by Luke Massey from the UK to win him the One Shot Wildlife & Nature award
Her glitter and diamonds-inspired collection is set to hit shelves on Thursday.
And one day prior to its release, Mariah Carey took to Instagram to show off her very own Snapchat filter.
The 46-year-old looked extra glamorous in dramatic, evening make-up and a sparkling necklace and earrings.
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Taking over! Mariah Carey, 46, took to Instagram to show off her very own Snapchat filter
The All I Want For Christmas is You vocalist was clad in yet another low-cut, black look.
The blonde beauty wore her long locks curled down and parted to one side.
The Mariah's World star showcased perfectly manicured hands, painted with dark nail polish.
'So excited for my @MACcosmetics collection available in-store tomorrow! Check out the #MACMariahCarey #snapchat filter available today only!' read her post.
Dripping in diamonds: The singer looked extra glamorous in dramatic, evening make-up and a sparkling necklace and earrings
Go-to look: The All I Want For Christmas is You vocalist was clad in another low-cut, black look
Last year, Mariah released a nude lipstick for MAC called All I Want.
And one year after her initial teaser release, the mum to twins Moroccan and Monroe Cannon launched a full make-up line in partnership with the brand.
From body shimmer to eye shadows, lip colours, blushes, liner and lashes, fans of the pop diva have plenty to choose from.
The packaging itself is enough to lure any skeptics with its silver glitter and gold design.
Prices range between $18.50 and $59.50.
All that glitters: Mariah wore a shimmering body suit for a promotional ad for her new line
Coming to a store near you! Her glitter and diamonds-inspired collection is set to hit shelves on Thursday
Mariah split from billionaire fiance James Packer, 49, in October after a two year relationship and nine-month engagement.
Since their break-up, the E! reality star has been dating backup dancer Bryan Tanaka, a relationship her manager, Stella Bulochnikov approves of.
'Well, when you're Mariah Carey you're one of the most coveted women in the world so I can't blame Tanaka for having a crush on her,' she told E! News.
'Tanaka is definitely charming. I think he might dance his way into her heart. I don't know.'
She's the beloved Australian entertainer who's enjoyed the best year of her career.
And now Jessica Mauboy has told Who Magazine she's in no rush to marry her longtime boyfriend, Themeli Magripilis.
Wedding bells aren't on the horizon any time soon, according to the vocal powerhouse.
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No wedding bells yet: Jessica Mauboy says she is in no rush to marry her longtime boyfriend, Themeli Magripilis
'I'm with the love of my life and he's taught me a lot of things,' she said.
'If it does happen, it happens - I'm not in a rush.'
The couple, who have been together for nine years, moved in together for the first time in a $1.8 million two-level apartment in Sydney in October.
'I've been really independent so it's special coming home and seeing him and waking up and he's there. And he's a good cook!' she said.
Shining star: While the chanteuse reached an unprecedented level of success this year, she's taking it all in her unassuming stride (pictured at the 30th Annual ARIA Awards in November)
Winner: She scored her first individual number one album in October with The Secret Daughter (Songs From The Original TV Series) after also playing the title character
Meanwhile, the brunette beauty credits her milestone year to working her 'butt off'.
She scored her first individual number one album in October with The Secret Daughter (Songs From The Original TV Series) after also playing the title character.
With that achievement she became the first Indigenous artist to debut at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart.
Tireless: The brunette beauty credits her milestone year to working her 'butt off', including her standout performance at the 6th AACTA Awards in December (pictured)
The proud Aboriginal entertainer was surprised her idols like Yothu Yindi, Christine Anu and Gurrumul Yunupingu hadn't been afforded the same accolade before her.
'I think we are a bit behind with that kind of recognition and I hope there is more diversity of music given broader acknowledgment,' she told the Daily Telegraph.
Born and raised in Darwin, she said the one thing she missed out on doing this year was catching a 'barra'.
'I'm looking forward to getting out on the dinghy just before Christmas and catching a fish for the family,' she enthused about her holiday plans (pictured with her father Ferdy Mauboy)
'I'm looking forward to getting out on the dinghy just before Christmas and catching a fish for the family,' she enthused.
Her All The Hits Live - Australian Tour starts in March 2017, where she will share her early beginnings and perform songs from the last 10 years.
She described the upcoming live experience as 'kind of like an autobiography' where she will reveal personal moments on stage for the first time.
Powerhouse: Her All The Hits Live - Australian Tour starts in March 2017, where she will share her early beginnings and perform songs from the last 10 years
She's brought joy to fans around the world with a music career spanning four decades.
But the holiday season is a particularly somber time for Olivia Newton-John.
The 68-year-old was on Sunrise on Thursday with John Farnham to promote their new album, and opened up about the loss of her late sister Rona Newton-John.
Bittersweet: Olivia Newton-John, 68, was on Sunrise on Thursday with John Farnham to promote their new album and she opened up about the loss of her late sister Rona
'Christmas can be hard. It's a little hard for me still because I lost my sister a few years ago,' the visibly emotional entertainer said.
'I know that Christmas brings back all those memories for people, so it can be difficult.'
Rona passed away in May 2013 after a battle with brain cancer.
Tragic: Rona [L] died in May 2013 after a battle with brain cancer and in a sad twist, passed away on their mother Irene's birthday
Olivia was in the middle of a performance residency in Las Vegas and rushed to her sister's side after she was diagnosed just a month before she died.
'I will miss her forever - my beautiful, smart, talented, funny, brave sister Rona,' she wrote on her Facebook page as a dedication to her older sibling at the time.
In a tragic twist, Rona passed away on their mother Irene's birthday.
'Christmas can be hard. It's a little hard for me still because I lost my sister a few years ago,' the visibly emotional entertainer said
Olivia herself was diagnosed with breast cancer on the same weekend her father died of the disease in 1992.
She created the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in 2013 to support cancer patients and their families with wellness programs.
'It had to be cancer and wellness because I believe you can go from cancer to wellness as I have,' she told The Sydney Morning Herald during the opening.
Glad she got the text: Olivia agreed to John's proposal to make an album by responding with a smiley face emoji
She teamed up with longtime friend John Farnham to record Friends For Christmas.
When he texted her with the suggestion to collaborate on the album, she replied with 'yes yes yes' and a smiley face emoji.
'This CD is very uplifting, so I hope that it cheers people up and they remember the good times,' she said.
The 23rd annual SAG Award nominations have been released.
And Australia's very own sweetheart Nicole Kidman has scored a nomination, as well as Mel Gibson's war drama Hacksaw Ridge.
Nicole's appearance as Sue Brierley in Lion has been nominated for outstanding performance by a female in a supporting role.
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Up for the gong: Australians Nicole Kidman and Mel Gibson have been nominated for next year's SAG Awards
For the category, the 49-year-old is up against Viola Davis, Naomie Harris, Octavia Spencer, and Michelle Williams.
The SAG nomination is Nicoles fourth for her appearance in award-winning flick.
Mel's popular new flick, Hacksaw Ridge has also claimed two nominations, including outstanding performance by a stunt ensemble in a motion picture.
Earning it: Nicole's appearance as Sue Brierley in Lion has been nominated for outstanding performance by a female in a supporting role
Hacksaw Ridge will be going up against Captain America: Civil War, Dr. Strange, Jason Bourne and Nocturnal Animals on the night.
The Australian filmed movie's actor, Andrew Garfield has also been put up for outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role.
The 33-year-old finds himself in a tough category this year, as he goes up against Casey Affleck, Ryan Gosling, Viggo Mortensen and Denzel Washington.
Top of its game: Mel's popular new flick, Hacksaw Ridge has also claimed two nominations, including outstanding performance by a stunt ensemble in a motion picture
The SAG nomination for the top actor award is Andrew's sixth for his role in Hacksaw Ridge.
The SAG Awards are presented in both movie and television categories and honour the year's best performances for individuals and ensembles.
Nominees are selected by separate film and television panels, each comprised of over 2,000 randomly selected SAG-AFTRA members.
The 23rd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will be broadcast live on TNT and TBS on January 29 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Recognised: The Australian filmed movie's actor, Andrew Garfield (L) has also been put up for outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role
She picked up her first Logie Award this year for her starring role in Australian drama 800 Words.
And Melina Vidler, 23, now has her sights at breaking into Hollywood, having confirmed to OK! magazine that she will travel to the States in search of silver screen roles next year.
'I'm planning on heading over there next year to suss it out. The dream would be a Disney character or a superhero, or a film witha gritty character,' she revealed to the glossy publication.
'I'm planning on heading over there': Melina Vidler, 23, now has her sights at breaking into Hollywood, having confirmed to OK! magazine that she will travel to the States in search of silver screen roles next year.
Her Hollywood plans are dependent on whether 800 Words is renewed for a third season.
'800 Words is such an amazing show, we are all like family and I love living in New Zealand, it starts to feel like home,' the Australian beauty explained.
The small screen star has spent much of her career jetting between her current home in Sydney, her parents' home in Brisbane and the New Zealand set of 800 Words.
'We are all like family and I love living in New Zealand': Her Hollywood plans are dependent on whether 800 Words is renewed for a third season
Melina plays Erik Thomson's teenage daughter Shay Turner in the hit drama series.
Despite Erik's impressive resume, she has previously said she isn't intimidated by his on-set presence.
'I don't freak out or get nervous around celebrities, Erik's like a mate,' Melinda told Sydney Confidential earlier this year.
Breakout star! Melina plays Erik Thomson's teenage daughter Shay Turner in the hit drama series
Melina has previously been compared to Erik's other onscreen daughter from his time on Packed To The Rafters, Jessica Marais.
In October the beauty opened up to News.com.au about the comparisons, saying she has no qualms about them.
'It's a massive compliment,' she told the publication.
'Not only is Jessica physically gorgeous but she is just so talented. She's in amazing productions and smashes it.'
'It's a massive compliment': Melina has previously been compared to Erik's other onscreen daughter from his time on Packed To The Rafters, Jessica Marais
She found fame on reality show Love Island this summer.
And Olivia Buckland has been ensuring her followers don't forget about her, showcasing her ample assets in a black lace bra in her latest Instagram post on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old star decided to offer an insight into her cleavage-boosting tricks, sharing her top tip for faking a buxom look this festive season.
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Stripping off: Olivia Buckland showcased her ample assets in a black lace bra in her latest Instagram post on Wednesday
Cheeky: The 24-year-old star decided to offer an insight into her cleavage-boosting tricks, sharing her top tip for faking a buxom look this festive season
Olivia's post, which she accompanied with the hashtag #BucksBeautyDay, sees her attach a small gold clip to her bra cups, instantly doubling her cup size.
The star poses like a pro for the camera, displaying the effects in her skimpy lingerie.
With her blonde blocks styled in loose waves and her lips enhanced thanks to a slick of shimmery red lipstick, she looks every inch the pin-up.
Before: Olivia displayed her voluptuous figure in her skimpy lingerie in her latest upload
Glamorous: With her blonde blocks styled in loose waves and her lips enhanced thanks to a slick of shimmery red lipstick, she looks every inch the pin-up
Magic: Olivia's post, which she accompanied with the hashtag #BucksBeautyDay, sees her attach a small gold clip to her bra cups, instantly doubling her cup size
After: The star poses like a pro for the camera, displaying the effects in her skimpy lingerie
Olivia was seemingly yearning for the sun when she shared a throwback snap on Tuesday - showing her sizzling physique in a shot taken during her Caribbean break with Alex Bowen.
The star, who met her handsome man during her stint on the ITV2 dating show, looked incredible in a hot pink bikini complete with dazzling adornments.
Olivia and Alex found love when they met on the dating show earlier this year, although their romance hit some rocky ground before taking off after the hunk hooked up with Zara Holland.
Missing the sun! Olivia was yearning for the sun as she shared a throwback snap on Tuesday - showing her sizzling physique in a shot taken during her Caribbean break with Alex Bowen
Since leaving the show, where they came second to Cara De La Hoyde and Nathan Massey, the couple have gone from strength-to-strength with Alex moving from his native Wolverhampton to Olivia's home county of Essex.
After their Barbados break the couple have returned to their usual glamorous life, yet Olivia clearly misses the sun as she shared a snap of her bikini body.
No doubt encouraged by the blistering December climes descending on the UK, the blonde beauty flashed her washboard stomach and perky cleavage in the stunning two-piece with gold attachments at the hip.
Way back when: The 24-year-old Love Island star, who met her handsome man during her stint on the ITV2 dating show, looked incredible in a hot pink bikini complete with dazzling adornments
The happy couple: Olivia and Alex found love when they met on the dating show earlier this year, although their romance hit some rocky ground before taking off after the hunk hooked up with Zara Holland
As ever her tattoos helped highlight her very best features including her waist tattoo narrowing her middle while her inking under her bust boosted her assets.
She added a caption on the shot reading: ' Going through memories in Snapchat and found Barbados I miss the sun and living in kinis!'
Olivia's candid display of her phenomenal frame will no doubt act as a final dismissal of the haters, who claimed she was doctoring her images in August.
Stunner: As ever her tattoos helped highlight her very best features including her waist tattoo narrowing her middle while her inking under her bust boosted her assets
Defensive: After spending six weeks in swimwear during her Love Island stint, which kicked off in June, she enjoyed a relaxing trip to Marbella, where she littered her social media accounts with sexy shots
After spending six weeks in swimwear during her Love Island stint, which kicked off in June, she enjoyed a relaxing trip to Marbella, where she littered her social media accounts with sexy shots.
Yet many of her 781,000 Instagram followers accused the star of digitally altering one image in particular.
When Olivia wowed in a tiny pink bikini, which exhibited her phenomenally slender waist, she lashed out at followers for accusing her of using Photoshop.
Stunner: When Olivia wowed in a tiny pink bikini, which exhibited her phenomenally slender waist, she lashed out at followers for accusing her of using Photoshop
Look at me! An incensed Olivia was adamant her reduced waist was the result of her dark tattoos along the length of her sides - not down to digital alteration or manipulation
Some Instagram comments read: 'Deffo edited her waist init... Mate that's a joke saw her for 6 weeks straight in a bikini on tv and was nowhere near that hahah... I don't remember your waist being that thin though... tell me that ain't photoshopped she looks abnormal.'
An incensed Olivia was adamant her reduced waist was the result of her dark tattoos along the length of her sides - not down to digital alteration or manipulation.
She wrote in her caption: 'Getting in the Marbs swing of things - bikini and heels - always a winner!... P.S I don't have photoshop on my phone, I edit my pics and put a filter on. I have a tattoo on my waist. You guys really need to move on and accept it.'
Alessandra Ambrosio turned a casual shopping trip into just another chance to show off her flair for fashion on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old was spotted out in West Hollywood, looking every bit the trendsetter in her off-the-shoulder blouse and blue jeans.
Good looks aside, Alessandra was bound to stop some people in their tracks in her see-through top that also flashed her bra.
She's got style: Alessandra Ambrosio was spotted out in West Hollywood on Wednesday, looking every bit the trendsetter in her off-the-shoulder blouse and blue jeans
Working the sidewalk like a runway, Alessandra hit her stride in a pair of suede ankle boots, a large leather purse, and a pair of cool sunglasses.
She accessorized the look with a gold choker necklace and a pair of dangly earrings.
And the star wore her brunette locks down in a sleek and straight style, with her fringe skimming above her eyes.
Among Alessandra's stops that day was the popular Brentwood Country Mart, where she was spotted leaving her car, phone pressed against her ear.
Cool customer: Working the sidewalk like a runway, Alessandra hit her stride in a pair of suede ankle boots, a large leather purse, and a pair of cool sunglasses
Duty calls! Among the model's stops that day was the popular Brentwood Country Mart, where she was spotted leaving her car, phone pressed against her ear
The busy model was engrossed in conversation as she headed out of her car.
Alessandra has just returned from a trip to the Bahamas with supermodel pals Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid and Hailey Baldwin.
While they did not say specifically what their trip was for, it is believed to be for work as well as a vacation.
Retail therapy: The mother-of-two splashed some cash on some new goods while shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills
Decisions, decisions: The star thoroughly inspected a playful top
And by the looks of how relaxed she was on Wednesday, it appeared to be a good trip.
Alessandra has two children with her fiance Jamie Mazur - daughter Anja Louise, age eight, and son Noah, age four.
Jamie popped the question to Alessandra in 2008.
Walk and talk: The busy model was engrossed in conversation as she headed out of her car
Margot Robbie's sky-rocketing fame has made her the target of an American comedian, who has relentlessly teased the Aussie actress in a YouTube comedy skit.
The five-minute video, titled 'Escape Margot Robbie's Moment!', was made by Billy On the Street host Billy Eichner and pokes fun at the Aussie star's success.
Actress and comedian Rachel Dratch is shown being put through an obstacle course that re-creates Margot's movie roles and talk show appearances in 2016.
Slippery slope: Actress Rachel Dratch poked fun at Margot in video titled 'Escape Margot Robbie's Moment!' made by 'Billy On the Street' host Billy Eichner
Wearing a red jumpsuit and helmet, Rachel is first seen 'firing her Australian management' by blasting three mannequins with a fire hose.
Next, the 30 Rock star races through a mock TV studio, dodging a gyrating extra in an Ellen DeGeneres mask.
As the challenge continues, the 50-year-old pours a keg of beer over an actor in a Jimmy Fallon mask and is asked to tell a funny anecdote.
The most amusing moment in the skit comes when Billy Eichner forces the actress into a bathtub and asks her to recreate Margot's infamous cameo in The Big Short.
Talk show circuit: The skit lampooned the Aussie actress' appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Blonde bomshell: In reality the Gold Coast born star was stunning and charming when she appeared on Jimmy Fallon's talk show
'Talk about people losing their homes, but sexy!' he cries to which Rachel answers, 'Oh, the banks ! Ooh, banks ...' in a lusty tone.
Rachel then races to another mock studio scene and is covered in netting as Billy predicts Margot will be embroiled in an online controversy before the year ends.
The video ends with Rachel sliding down a cardboard cut-out of Margot's IMDB page and finally winning the challenge by fighting off 'rival' actress Hailee Steinfeld.
To make the whole joke more surreal the confused actress is rewarded with a pair of earrings made in the shape of the Google Chrome search engine logo.
Bath time: Rachel awkwardly recreated Margot's infamous scene in The Big Short
Bubbles and bubbly: The scene may have been mocked in the comedy skit but the former Home and Away star's cameo in The Big Short was a highlight in the film
The former Home and Away star is one of Australia's most dazzling exports but that's clearly made her a target for some good-natured, albeit cutting gags.
No doubt the 26-year old Gold Coast native will take the skit in her stride.
She's got her next six film roles lined up and her 'moment' wont be over any time soon.
She has become a beloved part of the Strictly Come Dancing team since joining the judging panel in 2012.
And it has now reported that Darcey Bussell is seeking to assume the role of Head Judge next year, after Len Goodman bids farewell to the show.
According to The Sun, the retired ballerina, 47, has been in talks with Strictly bosses to convince them that she should take over the coveted role after four years on the panel.
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Promotion: Darcey Bussell has been 'convincing Strictly bosses to make her Head Judge after Len Goodman leaves', according to The Sun
The 2016 series marks Len's last as Head Judge after 12 years - and sources claim Darcey is vying to take over his position, despite having held a place on the panel for less time than her fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.
An insider told the paper: 'The job is quite a calm and level-headed one, for which Darcey would be perfect and the viewers love her.
'The executives would like to see a female in the role, and Darcey has established herself as a major figure on the show.'
Who will it be? The 2016 series marks Len's last - and sources claim Darcey is vying for the role, despite having been on the panel for less than Craig Revel Horwood (L) and Bruno Tonioli (R)
However the insider was quick to dispel any prospect of rivalry between the judges, adding that long-standing stars Bruno and Craig are not interested in the authoritative position.
The source continued: 'Bruno and Craig have both made it clear they're not looking for a promotion and Darcey is extremely well thought of.'
The new reports join a whole host of rumours as to who will take over Len when he makes his departure.
Keep dancing! However the insider was quick to dispel any prospect of rivalry between the judges, adding: 'Bruno and Craig have both made it clear they're not looking for a promotion'
So far it has been speculated that stalwart dancers on the show Karen Hardy and Anton du Beke could be in the running - alongside Helen Richey, 71, who judges on the Australian version of the show.
However Len appeared on Strictly spin off It Takes Two earlier this week to express his desires for a judge who is an expert in the dances performed on the show.
He admitted to host Zoe Ball: 'My take is whoever they pick is good with me but I do hope they pick somebody from the world of ballroom and Latin.
Up against: The new reports join a whole host of rumours as to who will take over Len - with pro dancers Karen Hardy, Anton du Beke and Helen Richey, 71, also reportedly in the running
'So whether that was Iain Waite or Karen [Hardy] or Anton [Du Beke] or Brendan [Cole], whoever. I just hope it would be someone that wouldn't upset the balance.'
Explaining that the panel already has variation from other worlds of dance from his fellow judges, he continued: 'We've got Darcey from ballet, Craig from musical theatre and directing and Bruno from pop videos and choreographing. So I think you need someone who says, ''Oh you did a heel there''.'
Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday to talk about why he quit the show, the 72-year-old remained coy about his top choice to replace him.
'Or even someone new': Len later appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday where he remained coy about his preferences for a replacement
Offering up Anton Du Beke, Brendan Cole as names, Len replied: 'Any of them, or even someone new.'
He even gushed of how much he got on with Darcey, who is reportedly vying for his title.
He said: 'I was worried that she'd be posh but she's so lovely and we get on so well.'
Talking to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid, the 72-year-old also admitted he was concerned he had made a mistake following his 12 years on the show.
Like a house on fire: Speaking of co-star Darcey, the dancer went on to admit that the pair 'got on so well', despite him fearing she would be 'posh'
'I'm sure that in a year's time, I'll be sitting at home and I'll say to my wife Sue, I should have done it again.
'I would rather people miss me rather than say, 'he's got a bit dithery'.'
Regardless, Len said that he is taking some happy memories from the show and revealed that becoming friends with veteran Bruce Forsyth was a real highlight.
You lead the way: With that, he agreed to give Piers a dance lesson, waltzing around the studio with him, with Piers leading the way
Having a hoot: The host yelled to a giggling Susanna: 'I am the new Ed Balls, coming to the Strictly dancefloor'
He said: 'Bruce was one of my heroes when I was growing up. For me to be there shaking his hand was incredible.'
With that, he agreed to give Piers a dance lesson, waltzing around the studio with him, with Piers leading the way.
The host yelled to a giggling Susanna: 'I am the new Ed Balls, coming to the Strictly dancefloor.'
Jazz hands: Len showed off some of his own moves along the way
A fan: He also told Piers and Susanna that he was surprised at how well he had bonded with Darcey Busell on Strictly
Artie Lange has taken the gloves off with Howard Stern.
The New Jersey comedian tore into the King of All Media like never before, revealing for the first time how he believes how Stern confidante Jimmy Kimmel has heavily influenced the direction Stern's taken his career in, while calling the radio legend an a**hole who abandoned his fans' and longtime staffers in his bid to replicate the mainstream success Kimmel's had.
The 49-year-old funnyman was Sterns right-hand man of nearly 10 years, taking the seat vacated in 2001 by former head writer Jackie The Jokeman Martling, who was his guest on the Artie Quitter podcast Friday.
Influential: Howard Stern's rash changes in recent years might have been triggered by the King of All Media's desire to achieve the level of success enjoyed by his protege Jimmy Kimmel, his former co-host Artie Lange said. Here, Stern and Kimmel were pictured at the shock jock's 2014 birthday bash in NYC
Martling, 68, told Lange he was going to be the subject of an upcoming documentary, and invited the Beer League star to participate in it.
Lange agreed, then bluntly told The Jokeman that Stern, whose 180 degree turns personally and professionally are frequently dissected - and reviled - on forums such as Radio Gunk, Dawgshed and Reddit, wouldnt likely participate in it.
Lange suggested the radio icon wouldn't lift a finger to help a key contributor to his programs success 'because he's an a**hole,' turning his back on nearly two decades of key contributions from his longtime joke writer.
'Seventeen years he helped create the f***ing show, he gets rid of him when he asks for more money, he wouldn't sit down for 20 minutes and talk - whatever,' said Lange.
Man with a mic: Lange held little back while discussing Stern on his Artie Quitter podcast
The new king? Kimmel's career continues to reach new heights, as he's been tabbed to host the Oscars in February, coming off a strong outing hosting the Emmys in September, as seen in this shot
Lange said that a major cause behind the aforementioned changes trace back to Marci Turk, the show's chief operating officer who the Private Parts star minted in 2013 after they worked together on a time-management system called Getting Things Done.
Turk, who rocketed to the top of the shows totem pole in short order, was subsequently hailed by The New York Post as The woman responsible for Howard Sterns PC behavior in an August 2015 piece.
I don't care anymore, [Stern] did a lot of good things but he's undoing it' with the recent changes, Lange said.
Funny fellas: Lange (left) criticized Stern's treatment of former writer Jackie Martling, who was his guest on the scintillating podcast
The Dirty Work star said that in appointing Turk, Stern made an 'emasculating' statement toward Stern's longtime producer Gary 'Baba Booey' Dell'Abate, sharing an anecdote of how Stern brushed Dell'Abate's three-plus decades of loyalty by the wayside.
A bunch of people told me this, so this one's true: Gary gets up at a meeting and asks, Is Marci my boss? And Howard said, Yes.
Lange said that he felt Stern appointed Turk to bring order to a perpetually-disorganized back office - and help clean up his and the shows image - to be more in the mainstream vein of his show biz confidante, Kimmel.
Bringing the laughs: Stern appointed Marci Turk (left) to bring order to a perennially-disorganized back office and help streamline the show for mainstream purposes, according to Lange. Here, Turk shared a few laughs with Stern exec Jeremy Coleman and producer Jason Kaplan at a 2014 Comic-Con event in San Diego
I really think Jimmy Kimmel had a lot to do with it. I think he looked at Jimmy and saw guy who, deep down, he doesn't think Jimmy is as funny as him - he thinks Jimmy rips him off, as a matter of fact - but he loves Jimmy cause he's a good guy.
Lange said that Stern might have made adjustments after growing envious of Kimmels mainstream success, with high-profile gigs like hosting the upcoming Oscars, coming off a successful stint in September hosting the Emmys.
Lange said that Stern's physical appearance is the chief reason he isn't seriously considered for such high-profile gigs in Hollywood, where optics play a huge role in who gets the job.
'Emasculating': Lange criticized Stern's handling of producer Gary 'Baba Booey' Dell'Abate, a Stern soldier of more than 30 years, who's humiliated himself for the good of the radio show countless times
The people that hes sucking d*** for right now kept him away from the Emmys because he's a six-foot-five guy who looks like a pelican,' Lange said.
Lange said that while the former America's Got Talent star gave his fans years of great radio, he did betray them, and all of his longtime associates, in appointing Turk to put the show on a celeb-friendly trajectory that stands in stark contrast to the raunch-fest that was advertised with his move to uncensored satellite radio in 2006.
Martling said that the anti-celebrity revelry Stern engaged in during his radio rise of the 1990s was, in hindsight, a facade.
In recent years, Stern has fawned over the Ellen DeGeneres dancing bit he formerly maligned; attended the wedding of Jennifer Aniston, who he once called an annoying c***; and asked longtime target Kathie Lee Gifford, Can you forgive me?
Envy? Kimmel's enduring mainstream appeal caused Stern to evaluate his own career, Lange said on his podcast. Here, the two were pictured on Kimmel's show when it stopped in Brooklyn in October of 2015
While Stern presented the image of a 'ballbuster' and an 'outsider,' Martling said, the truth of it is he wanted to be in the room with the Jennifer Anistons. He had his nose up against the window pane the whole time and ... he realized, "Wait - I can get in that room!"
Lange said that he and Sterns fans all thought that he wanted to get in that f***ing room to say, F*** you Aniston."
'Only he wants to be there, and I think the Jimmy and other people in his life had a lot to do with that, Lange said, adding, Ive never said any of that out loud.
Martling - who was not invited to Sterns celeb-packed 2014 Birthday Party despite his longtime affiliation with the show - said that Stern put a certain amount of people on the table and pushed other people off the table.
Stumbling block? Stern will not pass the eye test with Hollywood producers as a 'six-foot-five guy who looks like a pelican,' Lange said on his podcast. Here, the radio icon was seen with wife Beth at a North Shore Animal League benefit in November 2015
Lange agreed, adding he thought that both of them were pushed to the side, along with longtime writers Fred Norris and Benjy Bronk, 'and all of [Stern's] fans,' as the one-time bad boy of radio stopped fighting the establishment and became a part of it.
'Everyone else, he left behind, the people that helped him get in that room,' said Lange, whos written two New York Times bestsellers with 2008s Too Fat to Fish and 2013s Crash and Burn.
Lange - who credited Stern for launching him into fame and success that saw him go 'from playing Yuk Yuk's to G--damn Carnegie Hall' - said that he was fairly paid for his time on the show, taking his lucrative slate of comedy shows into account.
Revelation: Martling, a native of Bayville, New York, said in hindsight, it's clear Stern 'wanted to be in the room with the Jennifer Anistons' of the world despite his celeb-bashing ways of the 90s. He was seen at a film festival in his native Long Island in July
He said that Stern - whose massive wealth is estimated to be in the billion dollar range following a string of lucrative contracts with SiriusXM - should dig into his own pocket for Martling, Norris and Dell'Abate, to make up the difference between what they had been compensated and their actual worth to the show.
Im not kidding, he's a billionaire and you guys created that show with him,' Lange said. 'He's amazing, alone it would've been a hit, but I'm not kidding you. I would give Jackie and Fred $50 million in an envelope and say, Thanks, guys ... you think Im kidding - thats the figure.
Lange and Martling ruminated on the fact they receive no royalties from their oft-replayed highlight clips on the show.
I don't even tell people anymore I don't get paid for any of that, Martling said, because they don't believe that.
Underpaid? Lange said that Martling and Stern writer/sound effects ace Fred Norris, seen here with wife Alison at a 2008 event in NYC, should get envelopes with $50 million a piece for the value they brought to the show in relation to how they were actually compensated
Lange said anyone characterizing him as obsessed with Stern for repeatedly talking about him has it wrong, as he said that Sterns the one whos shown bizarre behavior in his admitted uneasiness with discussing Lange on the air.
He's obsessed with me,' said Lange, who's snared a role on Judd Apatow's upcoming HBO series, Crashing. 'He doesn't bring up my name and I was there for 10 years, that's calculated.'
Lange acknowledged that his recent rants arent likely to garner him an invite to Sterns Hamptons mansion anytime soon.
Hell never talk to me again,' Lange said. 'Talking like this is too honest.
Daily Mail has reached out to Stern's reps for comment.
He welcomed his first child with with fiancee Laura Gallacher last month.
And Russell Brand was putting in an appearance at Her Majestys Prison in Brixton, London on Wednesday evening, joined by a host of famous faces.
The reformed bad boy - who has ditched his womanising past for family life - took part in a Letters Live broadcast to 110 prisons across England and Wales, supporting the 10th anniversary of the Prison Radio Association.
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Star-studded affair: Russell Brand was putting in an appearance at Her Majestys Prison in Brixton, London for a special Letters Live broadcast on Wednesday evening, joined by a host of famous faces
Russell had the crowd in stitches as he read the letter of complaint penned in 1932 by comedian Fred Allen to the State of New York Insurance Department.
The 41-year-old was in his element, drawing upon his comedic talents for the dramatic reading.
Also taking part in the event were Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Mark Strong and Mariella Frostrup.
Good cause: Benedict Cumberbatch also took part in a Letters Live broadcast to 110 prisons across England and Wales, supporting the 10th anniversary of the Prison Radio Association
Dramatic reading: The Hollywood star commanded attention as he took to the stage
In his element: Russell had the crowd in stitches as he read the letter of complaint penned in 1932 by comedian Fred Allen to the State of New York Insurance Department
Russell revealed he had become a dad during a performance at the Nottingham Playhouse, but didn't confirm the sex of the child until two days later.
Fan Daniel Crann, 29, told The Mirror newspaper at the time: 'He didn't confirm if it was a girl or a boy.'
'He was conscious of the clock and made sure he was off stage by just approaching 9pm as he "needed to get down the f***ing M21 as my girlfriend has just had a baby.
Taking to the podium: Broadchurch favourite Olivia Colman also took part
Putting in appearance: The Wire actor Clarke Peters delivered a stellar reading
Meanwhile, Russell recently revealed that he was looking forward to becoming a father in an interview with Evening Standard magazine.
The comedian told the publication: 'I feel lit up by the idea. Im very excited about becoming a dad and Im preparing myself.
'I am just getting ready to be with a new little person and see what it is they want.'
Hollywood heavyweight: Mark Stron was also one of the big names in attendance
Dramatic event: Joining the likes of actor Matt Berry (pictured) were former prisoners who read letters sent to National Prison Radio (NPR) over the years
Meanwhile, a source previously told MailOnline: 'Its all about Laura and becoming a dad now.
'They have been living as a couple for the past six months and are determined to make a go of their relationship.
Famous womaniser Russell has been involved with a host of high-profile names including Kate Moss, Courtney Love, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, Australian actress Teresa Palmer and billionaires daughter Jemima Goldsmith.
She debuted her new hair do at the BBC Music Awards on Monday night.
And Katie Piper continued to flaunt hew fresh chop as she sported a sleek look while attending the Military Awards in London on Wednesday night.
The 33-year-old TV presenter wore an elegant gown to the awards ceremony, honouring British servicemen and women.
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A new do: Katie Piper continued to flaunt her fresh hair do as she sported a sleek look while at the Military Awards in London on Wednesday night
With a barely-seen black open toed shoe to add to the glamorous frock, Katie made sure that all the attention was on her elegant frame.
The author and activist wore a light pink lipstick and rocked heavy eye make-up to tie her look together but made sure that her blonde bob was styled.
She accessorised with a simple silver chain as she walked the carpet at the awards, held at Guildhall.
So classy: The 33-year-old TV presenter wore an elegant gown to the awards ceremony honouring British servicemen and women
A fierce cut: With a hardly seen black open toed shoe to add to the glamorous frock, Piper made sure that all the attention was on her straight do and her slender frame
So straight: The author and activist wore a light pink lip and rocked heavy eye makeup to tie her look together but made sure that her blonde bob was styled
Katie had clearly decided it was time for a festive change when she arrived at the BBC Music Awards on Monday, showing off her new bobbed hair do.
She took a few inches chopped off her longer blonde tresses, debuting the style at the Royal Victoria Dock.
The 33-year-old looked stunning in a sleeveless rust-coloured dress which accentuated her svelte figure.
Glamorous: Katie's svelte neck was complemented well with a simple silver chain as she walked the carpet at the awards there were held at Guildhall
Trim trim and more trim: Katie had clearly decided it was time for a festive change when she arrived at the BBC Music Awards on Mondays showing off her new bobbed hair do
Rustic look: The 33-year-old looked stunning with her new, shorter hair (right, last week)
Katie was pictured without husband Richard at Monday's event after the couple recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary following their fairy tale ceremony last November.
Katie, who shares a two-year-old baby Belle with her beau, recently revealed they're feeling the pressure to have another baby from their daughter.
Speaking to MailOnline, Katie admitted that she wouldn't be adverse to welcoming another child, confessing: 'Its great having her [Belle]. But me and my husband both have brothers and sisters so we know what its like to have that sibling relationship.'
Shia LaBeouf and his artistic collaborators have touched down in Sydney and to celebrate they took in a show at the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday.
And they certainly copped an eye full.
The 30-year-old was presented with a moment of performance patriotism that rivaled anything he and his collaborators have produced, as performer Amy G performed the song America The Beautiful on the kazoo, which she played with her vagina.
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Laughing LaBeouf: Shia LaBeouf and performance art colleagues Luke Turner and Nastja Sade Ronkko share a laugh waiting for Club Swizzle to begin
The jaw-dropping moment of patriotic pelvic floor fervor was presented as a quasi-apology, quasi-explanation on behalf of her country for Donald Trump.
It is a performance that Amy G has delivered everywhere from the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal to French reality show France Has Got Talent, usually to a loud mixture of shock and laughter.
LaBeouf and his two collaborators laughed along with the crowd as Amy G introduced a second kazoo and a pelvic floor key change to bring the song to a show stopping conclusion.
Hidden talents: Club Swizzle cast member Amy G performed the song America The Beautiful on the kazoo, which she played with her vagina
The Hollywood superstar and now acclaimed artist is in Sydney to perform at the Opera House on the weekend, but he dropped in on Wednesday night to take in performances of an entirely different nature.
The star of Transformers, Fury and Nymphomaniac appeared relaxed as he joined the audience for the opening night of Club Swizzle, a bawdy blend of cabaret, circus and burlesque that includes a drunken striptease, incredible acrobatic alcohol pourings and the hilariously witty MC Murray Hill.
LaBeouf really came to life and took great glee cheering on the audience participation segment in which two unsuspecting individuals took part in a spot of dueling pole dancing.
Alcoholic acrobatics: Club Swizzle delivers a bawdy blend of cabaret, circus and burlesque that includes incredible acrobatic alcohol pourings
The peo-pole's champion: LaBeouf cheers on an audience member called on stage to try his hand at pole dancing
Amy's on a roll: Amy G dabbled in a little roller skate tap dancing end entertained the crowd with a few songs as well as her kazoo show-stopper
LaBeouf has reinvented his career as a performance artist in recent years, working with UK artist Luke Turner, and Finnish artist, Nastja Sade Ronkko on a series of pieces under the brand thecampaignbook.
The collaboration began at the Berlin Film Festival in February 2014 when LaBeouf took to the red carpet wearing a paper bag over his head on which was written the phrase 'I Am Not Famous Anymore'.
Since that time, the trio have collaborated on a series of projects, including a live stream of LaBeouf watching his own films and a thirty day road trip around the United States in which they posted their location to social media and invited strangers to come and give them a lift in their cars.
Trouble making trio: LaBeouf has reinvented his career as a performance artist in recent years, working with UK artist Luke Turner, and Finnish artist, Nastja Sade Ronkko on a series of pieces under the brand thecampaignbook
Boy in a bag: The collaboration starting at the Berlin Film Festival in February 2014 when he took to the red carpet wearing a paper bag over his head on which was written the phrase 'I Am Not Famous Anymore' in a work entitled IAMSORRY
LaBeouf by the lake: The trio took a thirty day road trip around the United States in which they posted their location to social media and invited strangers to come and give them a lift
Their stated aim is to utilise 'empathy, emotion and social interaction to foster new forms of communality across digital and physical networks.'
LaBeouf's team will be delivering a new participatory performance artwork at the Opera House on Saturday and Sunday night, inviting audiences to join them for free for two consecutive overnight sessions.
His Sydney stay hasn't been entirely confined to the midnight hours however, as LaBeouf was spotted taking a jog through the streets of Sydney on Wednesday.
The new work was commissioned as part of the BingeFest program running over the weekend.
Yes, it's wheelie Shia: LaBeouf took a jog around Sydney - and its iconic wheelie bins - on Wednesday and was snapped by an excited Twitter user
There have been a few surprise celebrity weddings this year, most notably Jesinta and Buddy Franklin's secret nuptials last month.
But fellow former Miss Universe Australia Monika Radulovic has admitted she'll be so excited to marry fiance, Alesandro Ljubicic, she won't be able to keep it quiet.
'I'll be too excited to not share it with everyone to be honest,' the 26-year-old confessed to Daily Mail Australia, at the Chandon S launch in Sydney on Wednesday.
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'I'll be too excited to not share it with everyone': Monika Radulovic told Daily Mail Australia she won't be having a secret wedding when she does marry her fiance, Alesandro Ljubicic
'Yes, I'll be too excited, too excited to keep it a secret,' she beamed.
The blushing bride-to-be also gushed about the 30-year-old painter, saying: 'He's so great... he's perfect, he's just so supportive and he's wonderful'.
With a range of projects in the pipeline - all of which can't be talked about as yet - it seems there's little time for a wedding next year.
'I don't think so... just leave that with me, we'll see what happens,' Monika giggled about the nuptials, before adding 'literally nothing' has been organised for the big day as yet.
'Literally nothing': Monika and Alesandro (pictured) don't have anything organised as yet for their big day but are in no rush to get down the aisle
'Both of us have worked so hard': The loved up couple are putting their careers first in 2017 with the former Miss Universe Australia determined to keep up the momentum and build her brand
Although, Monika is adamant her artist beau is just as busy and the couple are in no rush down the aisle.
'For me and actually my fiance, for both of us, our careers are really number one now so I think just keep going with that and both of us have worked so hard,' the beauty confessed.
'I want to share with people and hopefully inspire others, that I'm not willing to let that go yet and start planning a wedding,' she added.
The former Miss Universe Australia has been busier than ever since handing over the reins to Caris Tiivel in August.
'The sky's the limit!' The brunette beauty was cryptic about upcoming projects but hinted big things were in the pipeline for 2017
And after signing to influencer agency Max Connectors, 2017 is set to be even bigger for the brunette beauty.
'2017, I feel like, is the year of new beginnings,' Monika said cryptically, adding that it's set to be 'the best year yet' with 'the sky's the limit'.
The intimate launch of the summer champagne cocktail also doubled as an early Christmas dinner with family and friends for the media personality, before she and Alesandro jet off on holiday for the festive season.
Despite the thunderstorms, Monika was dolled up in her summer best - wearing a vibrant tangerine strapless Kookai playsuit along with Swarovski jewellery.
Double duty: The intimate Chandon S launch also doubled as an early Christmas dinner with family and friends for Monika, before she and Alesandro jet off on holiday for the festive season
Adding to her statuesque height, the model donned tan suede espadrille wedges
Her long brunette locks were left out and in bouncing curls, which a smokey eye and lighter lip for the sunset event.
The couple are bound for New York and hoping for a white Christmas as they unwind for the year in the Big Apple.
She welcomed her second daughter via a surrogate based in the United States, earlier this week.
And new mother Sally Obermeder has shared another adorable tribute to her newborn daughter Elyssa Rose via Instagram on Thursday.
Sharing a sweet photo of herself beaming and cuddling up to her precious bundle of joy, Sally wrote to her fans: 'My heartfelt thanks for all the lovely messages, calls and texts.
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'I feel more grateful than words can describe': New mother Sally Obermeder has shared another adorable tribute to her newborn daughter Elyssa Rose via Instagram on Thursday
'I feel more grateful than words can describe. That weve been blessed to have so much support and to have so many people who we dont know send their love to this baby, makes her very fortunate,' she continued.
'I feel like this was a baby who was cheered on long before she arrived. How blessed is she and how lucky are we.'
The photo was tagged as having been taken in Wisconsin.
Heart-warming: Sally Obermeder has shared an adorable video of herself cuddling up to her newborn daughter Elyssa Rose and her five-year-old daughter Annabelle
On Wednesday, the Daily Edition host shared an adorable video of herself cuddling up to the tiny tot and her five-year-old daughter Annabelle.
While laying back on a hospital bed, the mother and daughter beamed as Elyssa slept peacefully against Sally's chest while wrapped in a blanket.
Alongside the sweet snap, Sally wrote: 'Indescribable joy and gratitude'.
Overwhelmed: Alongside the sweet snap, the Daily Edition host captioned: 'Indescribable joy and gratitude'
It's a girl! The day earlier, the TV presenter took to Instagram to reveal she had welcomed daughter Elyssa Rose with an adorable image of her cradling the bub
A day earlier, the TV presenter took to Instagram to reveal she had welcomed her little girl and revealed her full name.
The 43-year-old announced the news by sharing an adorable image of herself cuddling up the the tiny tot.
While holding the baby close to her chest, Sally displayed a proud smile as she glued her eyes on her newborn daughter.
Spreading the news: The 43-year-old simply announced the news by captioning an Instagram photo with 'Elyssa Rose Obermeder' along with a single love heart
The Daily Edition host arrived in the US state of Milwaukee last week with her five-year-old daughter Annabelle as they counted down the days until the baby's arrival.
Sally's Channel Seven colleague Larry Emdur was quick to send his well wishes to the new family-of-four, writing on Instagram:' Wooooooooooohooooooo...so much love .. xxxxxxxx.'
Reality TV star Anna Heinrich shared, 'CONGRATS Sally. Xx,' as Edwina Bartholomew commented: 'Wonderful news Sal xx'.
Long time coming: Sally arrived in the US state of Milwaukee last week with her five-year-old daughter Annabelle as they counted down the days until the baby's arrival
Newsreader Natalie Barr added: 'Huge congrats Sal!!!! Such an amazingly emotional ride you have all been on. Sending love and best wishes. Beautiful name. Nat.'
On Saturday, Sally took to Instagram to share a special moment, seemingly inside the obstetrician's office, as Annabelle met with her then-unborn sibling.
The image showed the five-year-old with her little hand spread out out across surrogate Rachel's belly as she gently touched the baby bump.
First meeting: On Saturday, she took to Instagram to share a special moment, seemingly inside the obstetrician's office, as Annabelle met with her then-unborn sibling
'Everything about this picture makes my heart explode with love and gratitude,' Sally captioned the heart-warming photograph.
The published author chose to use a surrogate mother for her second pregnancy after she was diagnosed with breast cancer the day before giving birth to Annabelle in 2011.
Though extensive treatment, including 16 rounds of chemotherapy put her in remission, doctors warned her becoming pregnant again would be incredibly dangerous for her health, reported Woman's Day.
Expanding: Sally and her husband Marcus chose to use a surrogate mother for their second child after she was diagnosed with breast cancer the day before giving birth to their first daughter Annabelle in 2011
She and her husband Marcus first met Rachel, from Wisconsin, in 2014 and the already mother-of-three agreed to carry her child for no financial gain.
Newborn Elyssa is something Sally feels she could never truly repay the American woman for.
'How do you even repay someone, like a bottle of perfume just doesn't cut it. The gift, I mean, it is priceless,' she gushed during an interview with Sunday Night.
'How amazing that there are people like Rachel in this world, like a woman from the other side of the world who I don't even know who would do this for me?'
Many holidaymakers may shelve their typical exercise regimes and relax when they fly off for a trip abroad.
Gina Rodriguez, however, put aside a bit of time during her sojourn in Thailand to squeeze in a workout.
She was spotted on Wednesday ambling about AKA Thailand, a Muay Thai, MMA and fitness training centre in Phuket, with her new boyfriend Joe LoCicero.
Rigorous holidaying: Gina Rodriguez was spotted on Wednesday at AKA Thailand, a Muay Thai, MMA and fitness training centre in Phuke
The Jane The Virgin star was seen with her hair pulled back and trammelled into a bun, wearing a flowing black tank top.
She'd combined it with a pair of tiny black shorts that exposed almost the entirety of the 32-year-old's legs.
A backpack slung over her right shoulder, she'd slid on a pair of what appeared to be black and white striped shower slippers.
Ab fab: She was joined by her boyfriend Joe LoCicero
After the workout: The couple were seen ambling down a grass-framed path
Ready to exercise: The Jane The Virgin star was seen with her hair pulled back and trammelled into a bun, wearing a flowing black tank top
Meanwhile, her man had got on a charcoal and light grey FIVE GI.NOGI GRAPPLING T-shirt that showcased his toned arms.
A grainy pearl grey pattern was splattered all over the pewter grew field of short shorts that bared his muscled legs.
He'd allowed a bit of fringe to grow into his tousled hairdo, and facial hair was beginning to creep onto the actor's face.
Feeling the heat: She'd combined it with a pair of tiny black shorts that exposed almost the entirety of the 32-year-old's legs
Multitasking: Holding a water bottle, she seemed to be showing him a couple of the moves he'd learned
As he walked along a grass-framed pathway in a pair of flip flops, he held a couple of small bags in his right hand and carried a backpack.
His girlfriend, holding a water bottle, seemed to be showing him a couple of the moves he'd learned.
He appeared to be smiling and laughing as she raised her leg in a mock kick and swung her elbow toward his face.
When you got it: Meanwhile, her man had got on a charcoal and light grey FIVE GI.NOGI GRAPPLING T-shirt that showcased his toned arms
Having a laugh: They both smiled as she demonstrated a manoeuvre she'd learned
Laden: He held a couple of small bags in his right hand and carried a backpack
They were seen together at another point, strolling down a pavement together whilst holding one another's hands.
His outfit was unchanged, but she'd switched out her black tank top for a flowing grey, white and red AKA Thailand number that obscured her shorts.
During their time at AKA Thailand, they'd both been wearing different outfits. Her gleaming yellow and black shorts were from the Thai brand Fightlab.
How long?: They appear to have been together for roughly a month
He'd got on tiny blue shorts with quite a bit of sheen and with swirling off-white patterns sprawling about the hems.
At one point, he lifted his shirt to wipe his chin, exposing his impressively chiselled abs in the process.
Rodriguez, who turned out this week to have been nominated for yet another Golden Globe for Jane The Virgin, appears to have been with LoCicero for roughly a month.
They were seen together at another point, strolling down a pavement together whilst holding one another's hands
They are the best of pals.
And on Thursday, Sonia Kruger and David Campbell were close to taking their friendship to the next level.
While broadcasting on live national television, the mother-of-one jokingly attempted to shave her Today Extra co-host's beard off after admitting to disliking it.
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Fun and games: Sonia Kruger jokingly attempted to shave her Today Extra co-hosts David Campbell's beard off on Thursday after admitting to disliking it
After asking a panel of guests and fans on social media what they thought about the 43-year-old's facial hair, Sonia decided it was time for it to go.
With a big cheeky smile displayed across her face, the TV presenter unexpectedly leaned towards David with a pair of electric clippers.
As she burst into laughter, she quickly went for his cheeks but the father-of-three managed to duck.
Enjoying it: With a large cheeky smile displayed across her face, the TV presenter unexpectedly leaned towards David with a pair of electric clippers
While moving his head from side to side in a bid to dodge the clippers, David covered his precious beard with his hands as he cupped his cheek in his palms.
But after many failed attempts, Sonia gave up on the mission and allowed her co-star to rock the beard for one more day.
On social media, the Today Extra team joked: 'Looks like @davidcampbell73's beard is here to stay!'
Trying to get away: As she burst into laughter, she quickly went for his cheeks but the father-of-three managed to duck
Fans on social media were left divided about his new hairy addition.
In David's defence, one fan commented: 'yayyyyyyy !!!!! Looks very #manish (in my creepy deep voice) lol.'
'Sorry D.C. It's gotta go,' a follower posted, while another wrote: 'Yuk. GO. Sorry David.'
Staying away: But after many failed attempts, Sonia gave up on the mission and allowed her co-star to rock the beard for one more day
She is the Sydney-born actress who's now one of America's favourite TV stars.
And while Phoebe Tonkin's Instagram feed usually features cheery photos for her almost 3.5 million followers to enjoy, her latest post was an unsettling one.
The 27-year-old uploaded an image on Thursday showing the inside of both her arms with Band-Aids, revealing she'd been in hospital on a drip for food poisoning.
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Unsettling: Actress Phoebe Tonkin uploaded an image on Thursday showing the inside of both her arms with Band-Aids, revealing she'd been in hospital on a drip for food poisoning
The black and white capture saw the star of The Originals looking sullen, with her head tilted to the side and her dark hair wet and messy.
She made light of the situation with the hashtag #mariotestinostowelseriesfromhell, alluding to the famous photographer's Towel Stories series published on Instagram.
The model used the words: 'Emerging from death, 24 hours of food poisoning hell' to describe her unfortunate situation.
Stunner: The Sydney-born talent made her transition to the Hollywood big screen earlier this year in the short film thriller Cul de Sac
With a glimpse into what was getting her through the ordeal, she thanked God for Powerade, IV drips and the actress Gillian Anderson.
Referring to her Vampire Diaries co-star and boyfriend Paul Wesley, a fan said 'I knew he had to have some kind of flaw...obviously his cooking gave you food poisoning?'
Another well wisher added, 'Slow down, meditate and chill, drink water, sleep and listen to good tunes.'
She's a natural: The actress started her career as a mermaid in the teen fantasy series H20: Just Add Water and rose to fame when she starred in Home and Away in 2010
The Sydney-born talent made her transition to the Hollywood big screen earlier this year in the short film thriller Cul de Sac.
She started her career as a mermaid in the teen fantasy series H20: Just Add Water and rose to fame when she starred in Home and Away in 2010.
In 2011 she started a lifestyle website called Your Zen Life with fellow Australian actress Teresa Palmer.
Jennifer Lawrence pulled out all the stops Wednesday night in Los Angeles for the premiere of her new film Passengers.
The 26-year-old put on a sophisticated show in a full-length strapless white gown with her blonde hair styled into a classic chignon with several loose tendrils.
The low-cut bodice featured an embroidered heart on her left breast and the full tulle skirt floated to the floor.
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Dazzled: Jennifer Lawrence pulled out all the style stops Wednesday night in Los Angeles for the premiere of her new film Passengers
Jennifer added an intricate diamond and black choker and a pair of large floral-design diamond earrings.
Her eyes were lined with dark brown kohl and her lashes teased with black mascara.
She added a dusting of blusher and plenty of crimson red lip color to complete her dramatic look.
Classic beauty: The actress, 26, contrasted her white strapless gown with crimson red lips and an intricate diamond and black choker
Cool blonde: Her white dress featured a full tulle skirt and an embroidered heart over her left breast, while the back consisted of three straps fastened with silver buckles
When she turned around, she revealed the back of the bodice consisted of three wide straps across her upper back that were secured with silver buckles.
Despite the chilly LA night, she gamely went without a coat so as to show off her gorgeous attire.
Jennifer stars in the sci fi drama, that opens December 21, with Chris Pratt and Michael Sheen.
Said hello: The Hunger Games star happily spent time greeting fans and signing autographs ahead of the screening
In demand: The Silver Linings Playbook Oscar winner caused quite a commotion
In the spotlight: Jennifer was naturally the center of attention as she posed for photos on the red carpet
They're a team: Chris Pratt arrived hand in hand with his wife Anna Faris and the two made a handsome pair on the event's black carpet
Chris Pratt arrived hand in hand with his gorgeous wife Anna Faris.
The Jurassic World star chose a navy suit with white shirt and charcoal patterned tie for his big night.
Anna looked lovely in a gossamer gray dress with a low-cut embroidered neckline and a skirt that fell to her ankles.
The sleeveless semi-sheer number had exquisite detailing and proffered a glimpse of side boob.
The devoted couple couldn't take their eyes off each other as they walked the red carpet together.
Happy together: The couple, who share son Jack, couldn't take their eyes off each other as they posed for photographers
So in love: They even puckered up for the cameras
Pretty: Actress Anna looked lovely in a gossamer gray dress with low-cut embroidered neckline. The sleeveless semi-sheer number had exquisite detailing
Firm friends: Anna was spotted wrapping Jennifer in a big hug when they ran into each other
Michael Sheen showed up in a bespoke dark blue suit and tie with a bright bue handkerchief in his breast pocket.
The Welshman sported a neatly trimmed salt and pepper beard and a pair of shiny back shoes.
He was accompanied by girlfriend Sarah Silverman who opted for a long-sleeved black blouse and black pencil skirt that fell to mid-calf.
She went bare-legged in black suede ankle boots and wore her long dark hair piled into a bun on top of her head.
Dashing: Michael Sheen, who stars in the sci fi drama with Jennifer and Chris Pratt, was dapper in a bespoke dark blue suit and tie and was accompanied by girlfriend Sarah Silverman
Classic look: The comedienne opted for a long-sleeved black blouse and black pencil skirt that fell to mid-calf and went bare-legged in black suede ankle boots
In good form: The Masters Of Sex star gets to have fun with special effects as a robot bartender on the spaceship in the sci fi adventure
In Passengers, Jennifer and Chris are two out of five thousand people being transported in hibernation pods to a far flung planet for a new colony.
But on the 120-year journey, something goes wrong and they find themselves awoken with only the A.I. Arthur, played by Michael, for company.
And in the best tradition of Hollywood, being the only two alive on a spcaeship 90 years from its destination with an intelligent on board computer is only the start of the adventure.
In Passengers, Jennifer and Chris play two people being transported on a spaceship carrying thousands of hibernation pods to a far-flung planet with Michael as the on board A.I. Arthur
Dilemma: The two are woken from hibernation early and must figure out how to survive as they hurtle through space ninety years away from their destination
Also on the guest list for the premiere was actress Rachael Leigh Cook who knocked it out of the ball park in a semi-sheer dress.
The Josie & The Pussycats star wore the high-necked see-through white patterned number over a black bra and with a black band at the waist.
The dress featured a layered skirt and an asymmetrical hem that fell around her ankles and she added black strappy heels.
Sheer beauty: Rachael Leigh Cook was on the guest list, wearing a high-necked see-through white dress with a layered skirt and an asymmetrical hem and black strappy heels
Stylish: Rachel Roy showed up wearing a black jumpsuit with buttons on the bodice and tapered legs at the heel. She added open-toe heels that showed off a matching black pedicure
Model Kara Del Toro turned heads as always in a cut-out gown that bared some skin.
The stunner's sequinned and embellished number had cut-outs on either side to show off her taut midriff and a plunging bodice that revealed some cleavage.
Slit to the thigh at the front there was ample opportunity to show off her long legs that were accentuated with a pair of stiletto heels.
Stunner: Model Kara Del Toro turned heads as always in a cut-out gown that bared some skin and showed off her long legs thanks to a front slit and stiletto heels
Figure-hugging: The full-length gown featured a small train and a scoop back and she wore her blonde hair in sleek loose curls
Coordinated: Former iCarly star Jennette McCurdy bared her tummy in a black bandeau top under an open red jacket with matching red pants
New do: The actress and singer added a wide black choker and wore her brunette hair with full bangs
Putting on a show: Suzanne Somers made an entrance in a sparkly LBD with silver pumps and a fur wrap
She's the South African-born, Australian-raised sweetheart who now lives and works in Los Angeles.
And Pretty Little Liars star Tammin Sursok has been adding more stamps to her passport recently after travelling to Europe with her husband Sean McEwan and her three-year-old daughter, Phoenix.
On Wednesday the 33-year-old star actress shared several adorable Instagram posts as the family holidayed in Reims, France.
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Doting mother: Tammin looked content as daughter Phoenix planted a kiss on her cheek
In one snap, the brunette beauty, who recently celebrated ten years with Sean, showcased her close bond with Phoenix.
The adorable mother-daughter duo are pictured embracing as the toddler plants a kiss on her mother's cheek.
Rugged up against the chilly European weather, the former Home and Away star was wearing a stylish grey jacket and white winter ski boots.
The force is with her: Phoenix brandished a lightsaber in a Boomerang clip shared on Tammin's Instagram
Tammin looked fresh-faced as she stared into the distance. She wore pink lipstick, as her curly-haired daughter held onto a balloon of the same colour.
'Life is the greatest adventure,' Tammin captioned the snap, clearly relishing the time with her loved ones on the family holiday.
She also included the hashtags: 'travelwithkids' and 'wintertravel.'
Festive cheer: Tammin wrapped up presents by the fire place with Phoenix
The Euro-trip coincides with ten years together with husband Sean.
Tammin, who dated Sean for five years before they married in 2011, previously called him 'the love of my life.'
Shortly after, the star uploaded a short Boomerang video from the same location, in which her daughter brandished a lightsaber in one hand and a toy shark in the other.
Possibly excited for the upcoming installment in the Star Wars series, young Phoenix looked joyful in the clip as she ran towards the camera.
Ten years together: Tammin and husband Sean share a kiss
In another photo shared to Instagram hours later, the star is seen wrapping Christmas presents with her daughter.
Explaining her approach to buying Christmas presents, Tammin captioned, 'We bought presents for her friends from @mattel because they make toys that portray such strong female characters for young girls.'
She continued, 'It's so important to empower our girls from such a young age.'
Sharing her story: The star also runs a female-focused blog called Bottle + Heels
Activist Tammin, who runs a female-focused blog called Bottle + Heels, recently spoke with Today Extra about her experience as an overweight child.
During the interview, Tammin said that it was the young girls on social media who are suffering from bullying who inspired her to speak out.
'I wanted to share my story with these girls felt less alone in being bullied, or whatever they were going through,' she explained.
Star: Tammin Sursok juggles acting, blogging and raising young daughter Phoenix
They fell in love on reality TV series The Biggest Loser, and welcomed their first child together last year.
And with their busy schedules, it's likely Michelle Bridges and Steve 'Commando' Willis find it hard to squeeze in time for romance.
But the happy couple nevertheless enjoyed a date night at Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood's concert in Sydney on Wednesday.
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Lovebirds: Michelle Bridges and Steve 'Commando' Willis enjoyed a rare night enjoying Keith Urban's Sydney concert on Wednesday, with Michelle uploading fun snaps to her Instagram
The loving parents left son Axel, who celebrates his first birthday on December 19, at home as they made the most of their date night.
'On our way to Keith Urban, so excited!' exclaimed Michelle at the start of her live video as they drove to the show, with Steve pulling funny faces beside her.
Subsequent snaps featured snippets of the couple enjoying of the show, with Michelle captioning one photo: 'Country music legends, we're ready!'
'On our way to Keith Urban, so excited!' exclaimed Michelle at the start of her live video as they drove to the show, with Steve pulling funny faces beside her
'For a long time, making season after season of The Biggest Loser, we were just friends,' Steve recently told the Sydney Morning Herald of their relationship.
'The thing about Michelle that got my attention was her willingness to listen and you could sit for minutes, hours and just talk and she would be like a sounding board.'
They began dating after leaving their respective partners - Michelle had divorced her husband Bill Moore and Steve broke up with his de facto wife Froso.
Baby love: The fit couple welcomed son Axel in December 2015, and Michelle became a mother at 45
They welcomed Axel in December 2015, and Michelle became a mother at 45.
In 2015 she joined the BRW Rich Women list for the first time and is worth an estimated $53 million.
'Seriously, Im not living in the Bahamas with my own yacht, trust me that aint happening,' she told the Financial Review.
'Im still out there doing the grind, getting out there, hands on, grassroots, keeping it real.'
Rebecca Judd showed off her slender post-pregnancy figure as she stepped out in Noosa for a morning coffee run on Tuesday.
The model and TV presenter, who is currently holidaying with her four children and her AFL star hubby Chris, was spotted with two-year-old daughter Billie.
Bec, who gave birth to twins Tom and Darcy almost three months ago, flaunted her toned figure in a mismatched two-piece ensemble, with the jovial toddler by her side.
Post-baby figure: Rebecca Judd stepped out for a coffee run with two-year-old daughter Billie while on holidays in Noosa on Tuesday
Her very trim pins were highlighted by a pair of black mini shorts, while her slender arms were showcased in an orange singlet top.
Forgoing footwear for the outing, Bec wore her long brunette locks tied up and into a loose bun.
At one point, the mother-of-four appeared to break into a light jog with Billie smiling behind her.
They're off! The mother-of-four appeared to break into a light jog with Billie smiling behind her
Later, the media personality held the toddler's hand while carrying a tray of coffees.
Bec was seen arriving at Sunshine Coast airport in Queensland on Friday, as she disembarked a flight with her man and their kids.
It is unclear if they plan to remain in Noosa over Christmas.
Home time: The media personality was seen holding the toddlers hand while carrying a tray of coffees
The glamorous couple have had their hands full since welcoming their newest additions.
In an interview with Today's Lisa Wilkinson, Bec revealed exactly what it takes to juggle her busy career with being a mother to newborn twins as well as two young kids.
Admitting she's a 'crazy routine lady,' the model told her fellow Channel Nine presenter she's also enlisted the help of a part-time nanny and other family members to assist her.
Doting dad: Former West Coast Eagles and Carlton star Chris is seen with newborn twins Tom and Darcy
'I've got a part-time nanny, she's with us three days a week and then Chris' family who live down the road, which is great,' she revealed.
And as of next year, the lifestyle blogger will have even more help around the house.
'Next year we're very excited because my mum is moving in over from WA so she's going to live with us for 12 months,' Bec said.
He has been busy promoting his new villainous role as Star Wars' Imperial officer Orson Krennic.
And Ben Mendelsohn has now been announced as one of the leads in Robin Hood: Originals remake, the Sheriff of Nottingham.
The 47-year-old actor was first rumoured to be in final negotiations to play the role of Robin Hood's enemy by Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday.
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New role: From Stars Wars villain to luckless Sheriff, Actor Ben Mendelsohn has been announced to play Sheriff of Nottingham as part of Robin Hood: Originals remake
Since the publication's speculation, Ben has been added to an IMDb page for the upcoming Lionsgate film.
The former Neighbours star will feature with stars Taron Egerton as the English outlaw, Jamie Foxx as Little John and Eve Hewson as Maid Marion.
It is also rumoured Jamie Dorman could join the cast as prominent Robin Hood's Merry Men member Will Scarlet.
Confirmed? The actor has now been added to an IMDb page promoting the film, with Taron Egerton listed as the English outlaw, Jamie Foxx as Little John and Eve Hewson as Maid Marion
Meanwhile, Ben is fresh off the biggest role of his acting career - starring as Orson Krennic in Star Wars: Rogue One.
Having become a self-confessed mega fan of the sci-fi franchise at age seven, landing a role as the Empire's villainous director was a dream come true for the actor.
He told The Fix: 'My inner child has been very, very happy.'
Ben stars alongside Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen and Forest Whitaker in the live-action film, which is set before Episode IV: A New Hope and after Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
'My inner child has been very, very happy': Ben told The Fix it was a dream come true to land the Star Wars role
The star recently won a best supporting actor Emmy in September for his role in Netflix series Bloodline.
He played Danny Rayburn - the 'black sheep of the family' - in the hugely popular dramatic thriller series which has now been axed.
Robin Hood: Originals is likely to be released in cinemas in March 2018.
She's the glamorous PR maven who has never been shy to flaunt her designer wardrobe.
And Roxy Jacenco, 36, didn't dissapoint fans when she shared a video of herself shopping for diamond rings this Thursday.
Taking to her Instagram story, the blonde socialite filmed herself searching through a case of sparkling jewellery, while praising the designer Nicholas Haywood Jewellery in the caption.
Diamond are a girl's best friend! Roxy Jacenco, 36, didn't dissapoint fans when she shared a video of herself shopping for diamond rings this Thursday
'Visiting the best in the business', read the caption alongside the brand's Instagram name.
Later, she uploaded another video from inside the jewellery shop, this time filming herself trying on some designer rings.
It comes after Roxy revealed to Who magazine that she won't be able to spend the festive season by her jailed husband Oliver Curtis' side.
'Visiting the best in the business': Taking to her Instagram story, the blonde socialite filmed herself searching through a case of sparkling jewellery, while praising the designer Nicholas Haywood Jewellery in the caption
'It was so far away then... now here we are': Roxy recently admitted to Who magazine that she had previously lied to her two children Pixie, five, and Hunter, two, that their father would be home by Christmas
Speaking to the publication, Roxy admitted that she had previously lied to her two children Pixie, five, and Hunter, two, that their father would be home by Christmas.
'My mum said to me the other day, 'I think I'm going to get a Christmas tree.'And I said, 'You can't, because I told Pixie and Hunter their father would be home by Christmas.'
'It was so far away then... now here we are'.
Family: The pair share five-year-old daughter Pixie and two-year-old son Hunter
Oliver was sentenced to two years imprisonment in June after he was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading.
NSW Supreme Court Justice Lucy McCallum said the banker, knew what he was doing was 'very wrong' - but he had used his insider trading with his former best friend to fund a 'lifestyle of conspicuous extravagance'.
Shortly after his sentence, Roxy revealed Oliver had taken up working as a clerk while behind bars.
Behind bars: Oliver was sentenced to two years imprisonment in June after he was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading
'He has a job, he works as a clerk in an administrative role. They go to the gym a lot,' she told KIIS FM's Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson.
'He's said everyone is really nice. He has settled in as well as he can. He likes his job, it's good to have a job.'
In August, Roxy revealed she has lied to her two children about their father's whereabouts.
Keeping busy: Shortly after his sentence, Roxy revealed Oliver had taken up working as a clerk while behind bars
Speaking once again to Kyle and Jackie O, the PR queen said she had told her children Oliver was in China for work.
'Its not unusual for them. When he was working he spent a lot of time there,' she explained, adding: 'So when they first asked. I said back hes in China.'
'I think I was asked on the spot when dad was coming home and I said Christmas. I will have to say he's still in China,' she added.
She is dating one of the hottest men in Hollywood.
So no wonder Sarah Silverman looked so proud as she escorted her boyfriend Michael Sheen down the red carpet at the premiere of his latest film Passengers in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
The self-styled comedienne had a great time hamming it up for the cameras and mingling with fans while her man did the rounds.
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Lovely pair: Michael Sheen showed off girlfriend Sarah Silverman at the Passengers premiere in Los Angeles on Wednesday
Sarah, 46, looked in fine form indeed in a flattering black blouse, maxi skirt and pixie boots.
Ruggedly handsome taffy Michael meanwhile looked every inch the beefcake in a smart navy suit, white shirt, tie and shiny leather shoes.
The 47-year-old Damned United star delivers a characteristically mechanical performance in the film as a robot bartender named Arthur, who befriends the movies main characters, played by Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence.
Michael has been dating Sarah since February 2014, and in the past she has lathered the Welsh hunk with praise.
Happy couple: They could not stop grinning as they posed up on the red carpet
Having a rearly great time: She could not resist flaunting her delightful derriere as she posed
A bun-believable look: Sarah opted to wear her long hair up for the showpiece event
She told her ex Jimmy Kimmel: 'I really am so happy to have him be a part of my life and to get to be a part of his life.
'And I realised, like, I don't think I ever really knew what love was. I don't think I've ever really been in love before, I realized, you know what I mean?'
She has also joked how popular she is with the hunk's family in the famously picturesque Welsh town of Port Talbot.
Game for a laugh: The self-styled comedienne had a great time mixing with fans
Suit you sir: Fast Show tailors Ken and Kenneth would approve of his lovely bespoke number
Hunk: It is easy to see why the likes of Sarah, Rachel McAdams and Kate Beckinsale have fallen under the ruggedly handsome star's spell
Sarah said: 'They don't have Jews in Wales I'm pretty sure. His mother, I think she thinks I can grant wishes.
'That's leprechauns. Jews don't have pots of gold - we just love pot and gold.'
Sarah is far from the first famous beauty to fall under Michael's spell, for he previously dated actress Rachel McAdams and has a child with his former partner of eight years Kate Beckinsale.
So excited: Michael looked thrilled to pose up with his less talented co-stars Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt
One year ago she was strutting down the world stage in the Miss Universe pageant.
But on Wednesday, at the Chandon S launch in Sydney, Monika Radulovic admitted she's looking forward to the next phase of her career and doesn't miss being the reigning beauty queen.
'For me, Miss Universe was always that platform, it was never that end goal,' the 26-year-old told Daily Mail Australia.
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'Miss Universe was never the end goal': A year on from the Miss Universe pageant, Monika Radulovic is happy to be entering the next phase of her career
'I was so grateful to have had that - it was able to lift me to where I am now and to introduce me to amazing people and companies,' the brunette beauty added.
'I did everything I wanted to do while I was Miss Universe,' she noted, adding that she feel the title served its purpose.
'I'm so grateful and I loved it but I'm so happy where I am now and moving onto that next chapter, which I'm very, very excited about.'
The former Miss Universe Australia handed over the reins to Caris Tiivel in August and hasn't looked back since, saying she was very ready to hand on the baton.
'Caris, is such a beautiful, lovely girl inside and out and I'm so excited for her and her journey now - I can't wait to watch it on TV, when she walks out on stage,' Monika said of the upcoming pageant to be held in Manila at the end of January.
'I'm so grateful': While the former beauty queen says she appreciates the introductions and opportunities that come with the title, she's been fine to pass on the baton
Moving on: After giving up her pageant crown, Monika signed to influencer agency, Max Connectors and teased to a range of new projects in the works
Still on call: After taking part in the Las Vegas show last year, the brunette beauty has offered to be on call to dish out advice to 2016 contestant Caris Tiivel, who will compete in the Philippines in late January
'I'm still in contact with her. I contacted her today - she's in the Philippines and I said "if there's anything you need, any advice...", but I'm sure she's gonna kill it,' the 26-year-old noted of her successor.
After giving up her pageant crown, Monika signed to influencer agency, Max Connectors and teased to a range of new projects in the works.
'2017, I feel like, is the year of new beginnings,' Monika said cryptically, adding that it's set to be 'the best year yet' with 'the sky's the limit'.
'Sky's the limit': The 26-year-old teased to a number of project in the works but couldn't reveal any details as yet
'Literally nothing': The blushing bride revealed she hasn't got a dress or organised anything yet for the big day
Although, it seems the new year won't include a wedding for the busy bee and her artist fiance Alesandro Ljubicic.
'I don't think so... just leave that with me, we'll see what happens,' Monika giggled about the nuptials, before adding 'literally nothing' has been organised for the big day as yet.
'For me and actually my fiance, for both of us, our careers are really number one now so I think just keep going with that and both of us have worked so hard,' the beauty confessed.
Too busy: It seems the new year won't include a wedding for the busy bee and her artist fiance Alesandro Ljubicic as the busy couple focus on their careers
'I want to share with people and hopefully inspire others, that I'm not willing to let that go yet and start planning a wedding,' she added.
Crediting her family and fiance for keeping her grounded, the brunette beauty is adamant to remain true to herself during the next phase of her career.
'The best advice I got... to make sure that I'm myself because that's what got me there and I don't want to be anything other than authentic'.
These two have been hot stepping it around New York all day.
But despite their long day, Julianne and Derek Hough certainly outdid themselves for a radio interview.
The dancing siblings were ready for their close-up as they arrived at the SiriusXM studios in Manhattan to have a chat to Jenny McCarthy on Wednesday.
We are family: Julianne and Derek Hough were stylish siblings as they arrived at SiriusXM studios for an interview with Jenny McCarthy in New York on Wednesday
Julianne wowed in white for the radio show while her brother took a more casual approach.
The 28-year-old actress wore a pair of wide-leg crisp white trousers with a matching square-cut top.
As there was a definite chill in the air, the Dancing With The Stars judge perched an off-white duster coat on her shoulders.
The star further accessorized her look with a pair of white and black circular drop earrings and a black clutch.
Wowed in white: The 28-year-old actress wore a pair of wide-leg crisp white trousers with a matching square-cut top
Topping it off: As there was a definite chill in the air, the Dancing With The Stars judge perched an off-white duster coat on her shoulders
Julianne wore her blonde locks poker straight and with a centre part and added lashings of pink lipstick.
Derek meanwhile headed to their interview in a pair of blue jeans with a white T-shirt and a statement making grey leather shearling-lined jacket.
The pair had been on the go all day first appearing on Good Morning America before heading to the AOL Build Series.
Casually cool: Derek meanwhile headed to their interview in a pair of blue jeans with a white T-shirt and a statement making grey leather shearling-lined jacket
The siblings were so busy as they were on the promotional circuit to announce their live tour Move will be back in 2017.
This time the new stage show will be known as Move Beyond and kicks off April 19.
The tour stars in Akron, Ohio and continues through Chicago, Boston, New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and more before concluding in Santa Rosa, California.
They sparked rumours that they have rekindled their relationship earlier this month.
And Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick were the picture perfect parents as they celebrated their son's birthdays - Mason and Reign - at Disneyland in Anaheim, California on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old reality star - whose boys turn a year older on the same exact day - looked adorable in sequined Minnie Mouse ears while enjoying a family afternoon along with momager Kris Jenner.
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Proud parents: Kourtney Kardashian, 37, and Scott Disick, 33, celebrated their son's birthdays for Mason and Reign at Disneyland in Anaheim, California on Wednesday
The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star was beaming in the red and green sparkling headband.
Kourtney donned light wash black distressed jeans which bared holes in the knees.
Mason and Reign, who turned seven and two respectively, were treated to a day of fun at the 'Happiest Place on Earth.'
Kourtney and the self-proclaimed 'Lord Disick' sat alongside each other on the iconic Jungle Cruise attraction while Kris and her boyfriend Corey Gamble cosied up across from the couple.
Getting on great: The pair were recently rumoured to be rekindling their relationship
Carousel cuties! Kourtney was like a kid again as she hopped on the merry-go-round with her 61-year-old momager - rocking $190 red 'Nice' Timberlands - and a few gal pals
Precious pony: The mother-of-three cradled her little boy Reign on the white horse carousel
She was like a kid again as she hopped on the merry-go-round with her 61-year-old mom and a few gal pals.
The mother-of-three was beaming as she sat on a white horse carousel while her precious little boy Reign was cradled in her lap.
Earlier in the day the raven-haired beauty had decked her house out in honour of their birthdays that morning.
Taking to Snapchat, Kourtney showed off the gorgeous decorations that awaited her children.
She's ripped! Kourtney donned light wash black distressed jeans which bared holes in the knees
It's good to be bad: The star got into the spirit of things with a Cruella De Vil sweater, and added some festive Minnie Mouse ears
The reality star also took a video from inside her bathroom, where on the mirror it was written in red lipstick, 'Happy Birthday Mason.'
'The elf with the lipstick! Happy birthday Mason?' Kourtney gushed to her son.
'Yeah! It's my birthday,' he replied.
Meanwhile, Scott is allegedly selling his seven bedroom, seven bathroom bachelor pad in order to be closer to ex Kourtney and their three children, which also includes daughter Penelope, three.
Her boys: Kourtney held on tight to Mason's hand and carried little Reign in her arms
Cool grandma! Kris Jenner, 61, looked effortless chic in all black with mirrored lens aviators and red boots
Kourtney and Scott split in July 2015 after dating for nine years but E! News reported earlier this month that the always on-off duo 'are back together.'
'They are back together and giving their relationship a try again,' a source told the site.
The rekindling appeared to have come after Scott toned down his wild ways.
'Their love for each other never went away. He's been trying to win Kourtney over for a while now, but his constant partying was a huge issue,' the insider explained.
Birthday boy! Mason looked adorable as he flashed a smile with a missing tooth while enjoying a ride on the merry-go-round
'Scott's mellowed out a lot and hasn't been partying. He got sick of it and decided to clean up his act.
'He was having people over at his house to party until 6 a.m. all the time, and he hasn't been doing that either.'
The source also added that their children are another reason the duo want to try and make it work.
'He's been spending a lot more time with Kourtney and the kids and proving himself to show that his family is the priority,' the insider said.
Mason's mirror: Kourtney took to Snapchat and took a video from inside her bathroom, where on the mirror it was written in red lipstick, 'Happy Birthday Mason'
She gave birth to her second son with radio personality husband Michael Wipfli just six months ago.
And this week, Lisa Wipfli flaunted her remarkably slim figure as she went for a leisurely swim with her firstborn son Ted.
Wearing a plunging black one-piece, Lisa doted on her child at the Emirates One&Only at Wolgan Valley, near the Blue Mountains.
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Looking good! Lisa Wipfli showed off her incredible figure in a plunging one piece costume as she went swimming with her son Ted - six months after giving birth to her second child, Jack
Showing off a golden glow in her Instagram photo, Lisa's costume featured a cut-out detail under the bust.
Lisa wore a cream wide-brimmed hat to protect her face from the sun and pulled her long locks into a low bun.
She made sure her little boy was wearing sun-safe gear, including a dark rash shirt and a colourful hat.
Her boys! Lisa and Michael have two children, 22-month-old Ted and Jack, six months
She captioned the post gushing about the joys of motherhood.
'Summer holidays are always so much fun, but when you have a child you realise how exciting and special they really are,' Lisa said.
'Ted couldn't believe his eyes when we turned up @wolganv and he hasn't stopped smiling. Thanks for having us Wolgan and thanks for letting us crash your holiday Blake's,' she wrote, referring to the fact Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake are holidaying at the same destination.
Doting dad: Michael Wipfli cuddles up to his son in this adorable Instagram snap
It appears the idyllic trip has ended, with Lisa sharing a photo of herself and Zoe twirling in pretty dresses, writing on Instagram: ' All good things must come to an end, except for our rad dance moves. @zotheysay.'
Zoe and radio star Hamish celebrated their four-year wedding anniversary at the luxury retreat and took along their two-year-old son, Sonny.
Meanwhile, Michael recently told Daily Mail Australia that he and Lisa would like to have another child sometime soon.
Fancy seeing you here! The couple holidayed with Hamish Blake and wife Zoe Foster Blake
'I have also thrown around having another baby, so it's something else we can shoot for,' the 37-year-old said. 'It would be great fun'.
When asked if he was hoping to add a little girl to his growing family, Wippa admitted he would 'love that'.
'Yeah it would be great to have a little girl,' he said. 'I would love to have a little princess but we are very lucky at the moment.'
Adding to their brood! Meanwhile, Michael recently told Daily Mail Australia that he and Lisa would like to have another child sometime soon.
He fulfilled the wish of a young woman dying from cancer by rushing to her bedside at the Prince of Wales Hospital earlier this month.
And The Footy Show host Beau Ryan is continuing to brighten up the lives of sick patients, visiting kids at Sydney Children's Hospital on Thursday.
The ex-NRL player, 31, shared an Instagram photo of himself wearing a Santa hat with a little girl, joined by rugby league star Jack Bird, 21.
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'There is no better gift than the gift of giving': The Footy Show's Beau Ryan (R) continues to brighten up the lives of sick children, visiting patients at Sydney Children's Hospital on Thursday. Pictured with NRL player Jack Bird (L)
In the heartwarming photo, the former Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks player was all smiles as he comforted the little girl.
On the other side of the bed, young rugby league player Jack also appeared in the festive spirit in a red and white hat.
In the caption, Beau explained he began visiting children in hospital five years ago after being invited along by his mentor Brad Fittler.
'Each year I take someone new with me to share my experience': Beau explained that he brings NRL players along with him to visit hospitals, after being inspired by his mentor Brad Fittler
'5 years ago @bradfittler took me along with him to give gifts out to some precious kids at Randwick Children's Hospital. I look up to him,' he wrote.
Beau said he was now passing on the lesson to his protege, adding: 'Now each year I try and take someone new with me to share my experience.
'Just like Brad did with me. This year I took @jackbird_ The kids (and mums) really loved him. There is no better gift than the gift of giving.'
Funnyman: The former NRL player has made a name for himself as the joker on The Footy Show since retiring from professional rugby league in June 2014
The touching gesture comes after Beau fulfilled the wish of dying woman Kia Lettice earlier this month.
The 22-year-old was battling terminal ovarian cancer at Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital when her friend sent a Facebook plea saying Kia had only hours to live.
Mahalia Murphy posted: 'URGENT REQUEST!!! Any assistance to boost my friend up?
'She is currently in Prince of Wales hospital and has roughly four hours to live as she's fighting cancer.
What a guy! Earlier this month, Beau rushed to the hospital bedside of dying woman Kia Lettice after her friend Mahalia Murphy wrote a Facebook plea saying she had only hours to live
'She wants Greg Inglis or Beau Ryan To come see her. If everyone can share this or get in contact for me this would be much appreciated.'
The post was quickly seen by thousands of people and soon after, Beau announced he was on his way.
'Leaving Shellharbour now! See you in two hours. Tell her to stay strong,' Beau wrote.
Giving back: The 31-year-old was praised on social media for brightening Kia's last few days. Pictured with The Footy Show team: (L-R) Darryl Brohman, Beau, Erin Molan and Paul Vautin
By 10pm, Mahalia had posted to Facebook: ' Thanks to everyone for making this special moment happen.
'Beau Ryan you are a true legend man. Can't thank you enough for this moment'.
It was accompanied by a photograph of Beau at Kia's bedside. Kia sadly passed away on Sunday.
Score a big win for Lisa Vanderpump.
The 56-year-old beauty on Wednesday reveled in the huge news that South Korea has implemented practices banning the butchering and killing of dogs at Moran market, the biggest of its kind in the country.
The reality star of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules fame, and a staunch activist for dogs, expressed her elation over the announcement in a series of tweets Tuesday.
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Speaking out: Lisa Vanderpump, 56, sat before Congress this past September and delivered an impassioned speech against the butchering of dogs
Prayers answered: The Beverly Hills beauty took to Twitter to express her joy over the decision in South Korea
A change is gonna come: The market ban might be the first in a series of social reforms that Lisa's passionately campaigned for
It came about three months after she delivered an impassioned speech to Congress about her The Yulin Meat Festival in Yulin, Guangxi, China, a controversial annual tradition that includes the consumption of dog meat.
Lisa said she was 'incredulous and shocked' at taking in pictures and stories of the event, calling the related activities 'some of the most barbaric, repulsive atrocities' she'd ever come across.
The ravishing restaurateur tweeted Tuesday, 'This is soooooo good. They are hearing us! It is what I said in my speech about a nation being judged! Success.'
Animal lover: Lisa has used her celebrity to provide awareness toward animals and other causes she holds dear
In September, the Bravo beauty sat before Congress explaining that 'as a country, we are judged by our actions and our beliefs.'
She said that if Americans 'turn our heads and do nothing, we are condoning that this Festival continues' and 'by not doing anything, we are silently giving Yulin our blessing.'
Lisa, who has set up The Vanderpump Dog Foundation to spread awareness against the festival and others of its kind, urged the politicians and those watching to 'not stand passive while watching this barbaric practice continue.'
Too cute: Lisa and this pooch were well coordinated for a NBC event in Pasadena in 2011
According to the Korea Herald newspaper, facilities to abet the killing of dogs are slated to be dismantled in the near future after the market's vendor association and South Korean city of Seongnam came to an accord.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung explained the rationale behind the decision.
Shes fresh off the plane following an idyllic sunshine break with new boyfriend Alex Mytton in Barbados.
And Lottie Moss appeared keen to let the good times keep rolling on Wednesday evening as she partied into the early hours at popular London nightspot Embargo Republica.
The British model, 18, was accompanied by her boyfriend, 25, as they made a somewhat bleary-eyed exit from the club in the early hours after letting their hair down with reality star Myttons Made In Chelsea co-star Jamie Laing.
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Stepping out: Lottie Moss was joined by boyfriend Alex Mytton as they partied into the early hours at popular London nightspot Embargo Republica on Wednesday evening
Now you see me, now you don't: Climbing into the rear of her waiting ride, Lottie looked a little worse for wear as she attempted to cover her distinctive features with her hair
Lottie, the younger sister of veteran supermodel Kate Moss, caught the eye in a striking sateen shirt dress and raunchy peep-toe boots as the couple made their way towards a waiting car.
The blonde added to her look with an elegant black jacket, while a matching sash choker and smart khaki green and black leather handbag proved to be tasteful additions to an already stylish ensemble.
Climbing into the rear of her waiting ride, Lottie looked a little worse for wear as she attempted to cover her distinctive features with her hair.
Upbeat: Alex appeared to be in high spirits as she chatted to his model girlfriend en route to a waiting car
Looking good: Lottie, the younger sister of veteran supermodel Kate Moss, caught the eye in a striking sateen shirt dress and raunchy peep-toe boots
Casual Wednesday: Alex looked low key in a plain grey T-shirt, hooded top and bomber jacket
Here he comes: The couple were joined by Mytton's Made In Chelsea co-star Jamie Laing
Finishing touches: The blonde added to her look with an elegant black jacket and a matching sash choker
Earlier that day Lottie appeared to be lamenting the end of her recent Caribbean break in a string of posts shared on Instagram.
The model couldn't resist flooding social media with sun-soaked bikini pictures taken during her holiday on the West Indian island.
Having just arrived back in the UK only 48 hours previously, the Calvin Klein stunner looked to be missing every aspect of island life.
Don't mind us: The couple appeared keen to make a discreet exit from the popular Chelsea nightspot
Promptly taking to her Instagram page, the Vogue cover girl posted a series of snaps which saw her flaunting her incredible figure in an array of skimp swimwear.
Having only posted a smattering of pictures during her actual time on the island, it seems that Lottie was keen to share more snippets of her holiday with her 86,400 follower.
The first photo in her digital deluge showed the model stood in front of the crystal clear sea, though thanks to her tiny bikini her peachy derriere drew most of the focus.
'Here come the Barbados pics!': It seems that Lottie Moss is already lamenting the end of her break in the Caribbean with her boyfriend Alex Mytton
Peachy pictures: Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the 18-year-old model couldn't resist flooding social media with sun-soaked bikini pictures taken during her holiday on the island
Bikini babe: Promptly taking to her Instagram page, the Vogue cover girl posted a series of snaps which saw her flaunting her incredible figure in an array of skimp swimwear
As she uploaded the first of her images she was clearly aware that some may get fed up of her stream of sun-soaked snaps, so she made sure her first photo was captioned: 'Here come the Barbados pics...'
She then went on to upload another very similar photo, though this time the model is showing off her best blue steel look as she turns around to stare into the camera.
Again Lottie couldn't help but draw attention to her peachy bum, thanks to her pose, captioning the shot: 'Let me know when u have seen enough pics of my bum [sic].'
All loved-up: Having only posted a smattering of pictures during her actual time on the island, it seems that Lottie was keen to share more snippets of her holiday with her 86,400 follower
Other snaps included a cheeky loved-up snap of her and Made In Chelsea beau Alex, which pictured him pinching her bum.
The two love-birds haven't been afraid of packing on the PDA while they were away, with the two frequently seen frolicking in the sea or rolling around on the beach.
And despite her own admission that she was a third wheel on the couple's holiday, it seems Jess Woofley, Alex's ex and MIC co-star, was another thing that Lottie was going to miss.
Just before the trio departed Barbados on Monday, Lottie posted a sweet snap of herself and the E4 star cuddling up together as they stared out across the sea.
She fell at the final hurdle on the X Factor, having won a legion of fans over in both her native Finland and the UK.
And it seems that Saara Aalto is ready to capitilse on her rapid rise to fame, as she admitted her career is taking precedence over her marriage plans.
Quizzed on her next move, the pop hopeful, 29, skirted around the issue of marriage plans with fiancee Meri Sopanen, simply saying they'd wed 'somewhere in the future'.
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'It's in the future': It seems that Saara Aalto is ready to capitilse on her rapid rise to fame, as she admitted her career is taking precedence over her marriage plans to fiancee Meri Sopanen
Speaking to The Sun at the Millies ceremony, Saraa admitted that she had been focussing all her efforts on meeting with music industry movers and shakers.
Admitting that her wedding plans were on the back-burner for now, Saara said: '[The wedding] is somewhere in the future not right now, we have some other things to do first.
'Ive had so many meetings but its only been two days so its all very confusing at the moment but weve had very good meetings and very good plans.'
Asked if she'd already managed to broker a deal, like the opinion-dividing Honey G, the star said she would most likely have some news on the musical front after Christmas.
Career woman: Quizzed on her next move, the pop hopeful, 29, skirted around the issue of marriage plans with fiancee Meri Sopanen, simply saying they'd wed 'somewhere in the future'
'Honey G went from the competition a few weeks ago so they had time to do that and its only been two days for me,' she explained. 'It takes time... after New Year we can see.'
And despite having to push forward with her career first, Saara - who was an instant hit with both the judges and fans on this year's X Factor - couldn't be any happier with Meri.
Last month the loved-up couple revealed the day Meri proposed was quite the sentimental yet low-key affair.
It's coming: Admitting that her wedding plans were on the back-burner for now, Saara said: '[The wedding] is somewhere in the future not right now, we have some other things to do first'
'Ive had so many meetings but its only been two days so its all very confusing at the moment but weve had very good meetings and very good plans': She told The Sun
Second place: Last weekend saw Saara pipped to the X Factor crown by Matt Terry, in an emotional and electrifying grand finale
Speaking to OK! magazine in November, Saara revealed her girlfriend of two years proposed to her as they settled in for a cosy night on the sofa in their pyjamas.
She divulged: 'I washed off my make-up, put on my pyjamas and sat on the sofa. She just said: "Oh, we had a lovely day" Then: "Will you marry me?"'
Speaking further about the shock of the surprisingly low-key moment, she joked: 'I was like: "You cant do it when I look like this!" So for me, it was a surprise!'
However, Meri didn't hesitate in explaining herself, confessing: 'We did have candles! I wanted to do it when she wasnt wearing make-up I love her soul.'
Last weekend saw Saara pipped to the X Factor crown by Matt Terry, in an emotional and electrifying grand finale.
Matt, 23, is the eighth solo male to win the show, following in the footsteps of Matt Cardle, James Arthur, Ben Haenow and Steve Brookstein.
Earlier this year, the rumour mill was sent into overdrive when it was reported a Bachelor contestant had slept with a producer.
And after the series 'villain' Keira Maguire denied the claims, 31-year-old Sasha Zhuravlyova has also cleared up the false rumour.
The Russian model told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday that no-one slept with the mystery staff member, but admitted: 'We all wanted to f**k him!'
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Gossip! The Bachelor's Sasha Zhuravlyova (front row, fourth from right) denied reports that a contestant slept with a producer while filming. Pictured: Richie Strahan and The Bachelor cast
'We all wanted to f**k him!' Russian model Sasha (pictured) did confess, however, that the girls all had a crush on a mystery 'super-hot' Bachelor crew member
'There was one super-hot, really tall amazing producer. We all wanted to f**k him! But he was taken,' Sasha confessed.
'Also, our contracts said that we could not sleep with anyone from the crew,' the 31-year-old added.
'So we just had to just have fun with him but from afar!'
It's not true! Sasha's comments come after series 'villain' Keira Maguire (pictured) slammed rumours of a sexual relationship with a crew member on KIIS FM back in August
Back in August, Keira Maguire slammed rumours of a sexual relationship with a crew member on KIIS FM's The Kyle And Jackie O Show.
'Thats totally not true, not that I know of anyway,' Keira said at the time.
OK! magazine previously claimed a female contestant was involved with a Bachelor staff member but did not publish her identity.
A family member connected to the crew reportedly told the magazine: 'It's not hard to guess who it is!'
Happily ever after! The Bachelor's Richie Strahan eventually found love with Alex Nation (R)
Meanwhile, Richie Strahan eventually found love on the show with Melbourne single mother Alex Nation, 25.
His decision was rather controversial as many fans claimed series runner-up Nikki Gogan was a more 'deserving' winner.
Recently, Alex revealed Richie had met her young son Elijah and proudly confirmed they share a close relationship.
She's rumoured to be expecting her first child with her A-List beau Bradley Cooper.
And Irina Shayk only added fuel to the fire when it came to the pregnancy rumours surrounding her when she stepped out in Los Angeles, on Wednesday. Heading out for an afternoon pampering session, the 30-year-old Victoria's Secret model subtly showed off a bump.
And that's not all she was flashing. On her wedding finger was a stunning emerald-and-diamond ring.
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Subtle style: Irina Shayk showed off what looked like a pregnancy bump as she left a salon in LA on Wednesday
Covering up: The 30-year-old Victoria's Secret model was also wearing a new piece of jewelry that suggests she's engaged
Bling: On her wedding finger was a stunning emerald-and-diamond ring
The ring has already been compared to Princess Kates heirloom sapphire from Prince William.
The Russian-born beauty has been dating the A-list actgor since 2015.
Before that, she was linked to Cristiano Ronaldo and he was romancing Suki Waterhouse.
Neither Irina nor Bradley has yet commented on the pregnancy reports.
In recent days the beauty has been seen in LA with both Bradley and his mother.
On Wednesday the catwalker went for summery ensemble which suited the balmy weather in California. Opting for a floaty thigh-grazing number, the catwalk queen cut a chic and glamorous figure as she strolled down the street.
The SEA New York 'Pintucked Leo' dress helped to draw focus away from her figure thanks to its loose fit, and instead propelled her lithe legs into the limelight.
The model further accentuated her pins with a pair of thigh-high fawn suede boots, though she switched her vampy footwear fro a pair of comfy flip flops after her stint in the beauty parlour.
Eating for two? The beauty - sporting a SEA New York 'Pintucked Leo' dress - seemed to have a large snack bag with her
The runway fashionista accessorised in a simple but chic manner, adding a glittering ring and patent black handbag to the mix, as well as the A-List staple of a pair of black shades.
Irina wore her long dark tresses loose, allowing her lustrous locks to fall around her shoulders and frame her face.
Opting for a simple and complementary palette of make-up, the model added a slick of berry lipstick to define her plump pout.
Kicking back: Heading for a pampering session, the model looked to be in the mood for a spot of R&R after a hectic month in November
Keeping her own secret? Last month Irina was one of the select few models who glided down the runway at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris
In November, Irina was one of the select few models who glided down the runway at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris.
It was her first time on the catwalk for the worldwide lingerie brand, and in the wake of the show, which saw her in a fringe-laden outfit that concealed her midriff, rumours flew that she is in fact pregnant.
Last week People reported as much, quoting a source from the show, who said: 'No one suspected backstage, thats for sure!'
He and his wife Jada Pinkett decided to boycott the Oscars in 2016 and Will Smith believes the event is nothing more than a party.
The 48-year-old spoke to Dan Wootton on Lorraine on Thursday, alongside his Collateral Beauty co-star Naomie Harris.
When talking about how Naomie has been nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in Moonlight, Dan asked Will about his hopes for an Oscar in 2017.
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'It's a party and that's ALL it can be': Will Smith told Lorraine on Thursday that he doesn't care for the Oscars after boycotting the ceremony in 2016 due to a 'lack of diversity'
He asked him: 'There was obviously some controversy last year with the Oscars, surely you will be keeping your fingers crossed?'
Will replied: 'It used to be that if you didn't get a mention [for an award] you would be hiding under the bed for three weeks.
'It's always fun to be invited to the party, but that's all it can be.'
He said: 'It's always fun to be invited to the party, but that's all it can be.'
Having a giggle: Will was in high spirits as he giggled with Naomie Harris on the show, who he stars with in new movie Collateral Beauty
Will and his wife joined a host of celebrities in boycotting the Academy last year due to a 'lack of diversity.'
He said at the time that he was 'uncomfortable' with the situation as for the second year in a row, the 20 acting nominees were all white.
Will was sporting a moustache on the show, which he apologised for.
Firm friends: The pair attended a photocall for the movie in London on Wednesday night
He said: 'I apologise for this. It's for another movie. It's not sexy. It's not hip.'
In Collateral Beauty, Will plays an advertising executive who tragically loses his six-year-old daughter.
He writes a letter to love, time and death and they all respond.
The star said it made him appreciate his own family all the more and he reflected on the loss of his father, Willard Carroll Smith, last month following a cancer battle.
'It's not sexy... or hip': Will was sporting a moustache on the show, which he apologised for
Working well together: In Collateral Beauty, Will plays an advertising executive who tragically loses his six-year-old daughter - it's released in cinemas on Friday
'He was a real fighter,' he said. 'He was diagnosed right before filming started and was given six weeks to live, but he lived for four months.'
Naomie also said that having no kids herself and never having any losses, made her learn a lot for her role in the movie.
She said: 'I had to explore all that and I grew... Working with Helen Mirren was amazing. I had to cry for four hours straight in front of her and she was amazing.'
Collateral Beauty is released in cinemas on Friday.
He's gone head to head with corrupt officials and dangerous criminals as CIA operative Jason Bourne.
But Matt Damon, 46, didn't look like he was in a gritty, fighting mood on Wednesday as he filmed in Griffith Park, Los Angeles.
The A-lister looked relaxed as he stood with his hands on his hips in a grey top with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
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Jason who? Matt Damon, 46, didn't look like he was in a gritty, fighting mood on Wednesday as he filmed in Griffith Park, Los Angeles
Action man: Matt as CIA operative Jason Bourne looks a far more intimidating proposition
He wore the item with dark jeans and scuffed brown boots, while he styled his hair in a short natural quiff.
Taking place at the top of a large hill, the Griffith Observatory could be seen in the background of the scenic landscape.
Matt clutched a warm beverage as he made his way into position followed by various members of the small crew.
In the hills: Matt clutched a warm beverage as he made his way into position followed by various members of the small crew
The actor recently hit back at critics who have claimed his casting in The Great Wall movie amounted to 'whitewashing.'
The fantasy monster movie set in and filmed in China with a Chinese director stars Damon as a British mercenary who leads Chinese troops against terrifying beasts.
The role, Damon stated during a recent press call in Beijing, 'was always intended to be European,' The Hollywood Reporter reported.
The controversy was sparked by Fresh Off The Boat actress Constance Wu who, following the release of a 30-second trailer for the movie, tweeted: 'We have to stop perpetuating the racist myth that a only (sic) white man can save the world.'
Setting the scene: Taking place at the top of a large hill, the Griffith Observatory could be seen in the background of the scenic landscape
Some responded by saying Damon's role should have gone to a Chinese actor.
Damon explained he takes 'the whole idea of whitewashing... very seriously,' but it was never a case of the role being re-written or re-cast so he could take the lead.
The Hollywood star and the director Zhang Yimou told the AP that because of the demands of the story, Damon's role was never envisaged for a Chinese actor.
'Once people see that it's a monster movie and it's a historical fantasy and I didn't take a role away from a Chinese actor... it wasn't altered because of me in any way,' Damon said.
He blamed the appetite for 'fake news' as in part responsible for the negative uproar, claiming people just fell for outrageous headlines designed as click bait.
'It suddenly becomes a story because people click on it, versus the traditional ways that a story would get vetted before it would get to that point,' Damon said.
He won a legion of admirers outside the jungle with his gym-honed physique during his time on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
But Joel Dommett has revealed that he's had to take drastic action to get some mass back following his three weeks of lean living in the Australian outback.
Taking to his Instagram account on Thursday, the comedian, 31, revealed he's regained a stone since leaving the camp earlier this month, thanks to cheesecake.
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Back in shape? Joel Dommett has revealed that he's had to take drastic action to get some mass back following his three weeks of lean living in the Australian outback
Sharing a snapshot of himself before his time in the jungle and another during his time on the show, Joel revealed his sweet tooth has helped him get back to his optimum weight.
Showing off his washboard abs and gym-honed biceps in both pictures, there is a noticeable difference in his physique.
However, it would seem the comedian is much happier now that he's had a chance to adjust to life outside the jungle.
Captioning the before and after photo, Joel divulged: 'People keep on asking about how much weight I lost in the jungle. I lost a stone.
'Luckily I have put it all back on due to cheesecake consumption': The comedian, 31, revealed he's regained a stone since leaving the camp earlier this month, thanks to cheesecake
'The picture on the left is just before I went in and the right is in the last week. Luckily I have put it all back on due to cheesecake consumption. I promise I will never post a shirtless mirror selfie ever again. What a b***end. GOODBYE.'
Joel's revelation comes as the comedian and actor settles back into life in the UK, following a month-long stint in Australia during which he won over the nation with his cheeky wit and ripped physique.
During his time in I'm A Celeb camp he and fellow campmate Carol Vorderman hit headline thanks to their flirtatious banter.
Shedding: Sharing a snap of himself before his time in the jungle and another during his time on the show, Joel revealed his sweet tooth has helped him get back to his optimum weight
Stacked: Captioning the Instagram, Joel divulged: 'People keep on asking about how much weight I lost in the jungle. I lost a stone. Luckily I've put it all back on due to cheesecake'
During his time in I'm A Celeb camp he and fellow campmate Carol Vorderman hit headline thanks to their flirtatious banter.
And it would seem that the two have kept in touch since leaving Oz, as Carol once-again made a point of saying she wasn't romantically attracted to Joel.
Talking to Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid and Ben Shepheard, she admitted: 'We're still in touch. He is in Kenya at the moment.'
Though when Susanna asked her if she secretly liked Joel, following her intense 18 days in the jungle, she replied: 'I did like him, but not in that way. I'm two years older than his mother!'
A male witness claims to have developed a romance with Flip Or Flop star Christina El Moussa after witnessing the alleged incident that resulted in police officers called to the home she previously shared with estranged husband Tarek.
The couple, who formally announced their separation on Monday, were the subject of an unexpected police inquiry in May after deputies responded to reports of a possibly suicidal male with a gun.
Building contractor Gary Anderson, who TMZ report had a working relationship with renovation experts Tarek and Christina, has since claimed to have witnessed the incident.
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Details: A male witness has come forward with further information regarding a panicked 911 call that resulted in police officers called to the home of newly estranged Flip or Flop couple Tarek and Christina El Moussa
The website claims Anderson has already spoken to police officers about the incident on May 11, during which he reportedly saw Tarek race from the back of his property and onto a nearby hiking trail while holding a gun.
By a curious turn of fate he also claims to have developed a romantic relationship with Christina, who was estranged from her husband for some months before announcing their separation.
MailOnline have contacted Moussa's representatives for further comment.
Claims: Building contractor Gary Anderson, who TMZ report had a working relationship with the renovation experts, has claimed to have witnessed the incident prior to embarking on a a relationship with Christina
The Flip Or Flop stars have already been open about dating other people, but are reportedly not yet ready to start divorce proceedings.
People claim the TV stars, who share two young children and are currently living apart, say there are no imminent plans to divorce and that 'talk of custody arrangements is premature.'
The duo are adamant that their kids are their number one priority and they hope to create a healthy environment for them.
Meanwhile the duo have spoken out about the 911 incident in May where police were called to their home 'after receiving a call of a possibly suicidal male with a gun' who turned out to be Tarek.
'He took a gun for protection from mountain lions': The duo have also spoken out about the 911 incident in May when police were called to their home about 'a suicidal male'
And while it's been reported that Christina, 33, was seen running out of their house sobbing, the duo told People this week: 'Tarek was going on a hike and took a gun for protection from mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and rattlesnakes.'
The pair released in a statement: 'Like many couples, we have had challenges in our marriage. We had an unfortunate misunderstanding about six months ago and the police were called to our house in an abundance of caution. There was no violence and no charges were filed,'
A helicopter and nearly a dozen deputies responded as witnesses told the site they saw Tarek run out the back door of his home with a gun and tried to escape down a hiking trail.
Dramatic altercation: The duo offered no explanation as to why Christina was observed by witnesses running from her house distraught on the same nigh
Sources added they saw Christina run out of the house sobbing and trembling just shortly after.
The site reported that Tarek was eventually spotted by officers and ordered to drop his weapon.
The father-of-two allegedly told police he had no intention of injuring himself and simply wanted to 'blow off some steam.'
Split! HGTV stars Tarek and Christina called it quits after seven years of marriage following a police-involved altercation at their home six months ago (Here they are seen in March)
Five guns were later seized from the home, including an AR-15.
Tarek and Christina offered no explanation as to why she was spotted looking distraught.
Meanwhile Christina's friendship with a 'fellow design industry professional' has turned romantic and Tarek is also dating, though it was not infidelity that led to their split.
'We have both dated other people following the separation, but neither of us is ready to announce anything in terms of another relationship,' they told People on Monday.
Taking aim: Tarek, 35, is seen on the firing range with an AR-15 last week in an Instagram video which has since been deleted
Earlier this week it was claimed Christina's 'champagne tastes' contributed to breakup.
And on Tuesday Christina was seen for the first time since the separation was made public running errands in Los Angeles with an expensive Louis Vuitton handbag slung over her arm.
The HGTV personality was wearing a shirt advertising her love of bubbly with the words 'Drink Champagne Can't Complain' scrolled across her chest while engaged in a chat on her phone.
A source claimed this week that Tarek and Christina were incompatible and money only made their differences more apparent.
Living the champagne life: The Flip Or Flop star was seen in LA for the first time since announcing split from husband Tarek
'In a lot of ways they just seemed wildly incompatible,' an insider claimed, 'She has champagne tastes, and he's a beer-from-a-can kind of guy.'
Former flames: The couple - who tied the knot in 2009 - share two children, daughter Taylor, six, and one-year-old Brayden, and appeared happier than ever at their son's first birthday in August
'In a lot of ways they just seemed wildly incompatible,' the insider told People. 'She has champagne tastes, and he's a beer-from-a-can kind of guy.'
'And that was okay for a while when all they could afford was canned beer - they were on the same page, working together to make it and to do the best with what they had,' the source added.
'But the stardom from the show, and the money from the show, meant that she started to feel like she could finally have some of the finer things in life. He just couldn't or didn't want to keep up.'
The husband and wife real estate agent couple told the publication they attended marriage counseling but decided to separate while assessing 'the future of our marriage.'
Great news: Tarek announced two weeks ago that he was cancer free after discovering he had thyroid cancer when a viewer of the program noticed a lump in his throat - pictured after surgery when he was fist diagnosed
Precious! The same day their split was announced, Christina shared a sweet Christmas snapshot of her two kids - daughter Taylor, 6, and son Brayden, 15 months - visiting Santa
Tarek, 35, and Christina - who star in the home makeover program - added in their statement: 'During the process, we are committed to our kids and being the best parents we can be.'
'We will continue to work through this process civilly and cooperatively, and plan to continue our professional life together.'
The couple - who tied the knot in 2009 - share two children, daughter Taylor, six, and 15-month-old Brayden.
On the same day the shocking announcement was made, Christina shared a sweet Christmas snapshot of her little ones visiting Santa which she shared with her Instagram followers.
Their separation comes two weeks after Tarek announced he was cancer free after discovering he had thyroid cancer when a viewer of the program noticed a lump in his throat.
Her hotly anticipated Star Wars spin-off, Rogue One will finally hit UK cinemas this week.
And Felicity Jones couldn't looked more thrilled as she arrived at Capital Radio in central London on Thursday morning to discuss the next installment of the iconic sci-fi film franchise.
The actress, 33, commanded attention from onlookers in a figure-hugging white fishtail dress, which showed off her tiny midriff and toned legs, before changing into a chic duck egg blue Emilia Wickstead number later in the day.
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Glam arrival: Felicity Jones, 33, stole the spotlight as she wore two demure dresses while out on the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story promo trail in London on Thursday
The British beauty cinched in her waist with a statement black belt, before the slinky number went on to fall at a stylish midi-level.
Wrapping up warm against the bitter London chill, the star draped a chic black coat over her shoulders as she headed into the venue in strappy silver heels.
Despite her recent whirlwind of premieres and screenings, Felicity didn't sport a hint of fatigue as she sported blush infused cheeks, smokey eyes and glossy pink lips.
Later in the afternoon, she changed into another elegant design - a light blue number with a piped collar which she teamed with grey suede platforms.
Looking every inch the angelic beauty, Felicity couldn't resist confessing to E! News about her less than innocent ways in the past.
Fashionista: The actress commanded attention from onlookers in a figure-hugging white dress, which showed off her tiny midriff and toned legs
Enviable frame: The star cinched in her slim waist with a statement black belt, before the slinky number went on to fall at a stylish midi-level
The white stuff: Felicity showed off her slim figure in the tight frock
Belted addition: The actress sported a black belt and gold rounded buckle on her frock
'When did I go rogue? Probably when I was growing up and I was a teenager. At times I was a bit of a rebellious teenager!,' she proclaimed earlier this week.
Felicity also previously spoke about her joy over young girls looking up to her character, Rebel Alliance fighter Jyn Erso - an abandoned child of war who must decide what she believes in as the world devolves into chaos.
She revealed to the Daily Mirror: 'I just feel it's a wonderful moment that young girls get to celebrate someone like Jyn just as they did with Daisy Ridley's Rey (in Star Wars: The Force Awakens).
Turbulent teen: When asked of her most rogue moment, The Theory Of Everything star admitted it was during her rebellious teen years
Glowing: Felicity was chivalrously helped into her car
Belle in blue! Later in the afternoon, she changed into another elegant design - a light blue Emilia Wickstead number with a piped collar which she teamed with grey suede platforms
Baby blue: Felicity looked like she was getting used to her growing fame
Fan-demonium: Felicity looked a pro when it came to pleasing her fans with autographs
Proving popular: Felicity put her squiggle on a blue Star Wars cap
In demand: Fans clamoured to interact with the actress
Strutting her stuff: Felicity sauntered out of the building with confidence
Leading lady: Felicity plays the role of Rebel Alliance fighter Jyn Erso - an abandoned child of war who must decide what she believes in as the world devolves into chaos
'She is someone who has great humanity, she has an independent spirit and lives by her beliefs, and I think there's something wonderful about her for a young girl to admire,' she continued.
Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, 51, plays Jyn's father Galen, and trailers suggests that he is perhaps the designer of the most powerful space station ever built.
Rogue One sees the Rebel Alliance enlist Jyn to help steal the blueprint of the Galactic Empire's planet-vaporising Death Star.
In the original Star Wars film, those plans wind up in the hands of Princess Leia and then Luke Skywalker, who ultimately destroys it successfully.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story goes on general release across the United Kingdom from Friday, December 16.
They've joked in the past about being unable to tell their identical twins apart.
And in a sweet Instagram post on Thursday, Chris and Rebecca Judd confirmed that the struggle is well and truly real.
The AFL WAG shared a photo of the couple lying in bed with their children, and she confessed: 'Not sure who is who'.
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'Not sure who is who': Rebecca Judd (R) revealed she and husband Chris Judd (L) still struggle to tell their newborn twins Tom and Darcy apart
Chris and Rebecca, who are currently on holiday in Noosa, posed happily with their youngest children.
The Postcards host looked stylish in activewear and styled her long hair in a high ponytail.
The proud mother-of-four gazed lovingly at her son as she cradled him on her lap.
'G'Day lads': On Tuesday, Rebecca posted an Instagram snap of Chris lying on the couch cradling their newborn twins
Baby spam! Rebecca frequently shares photos of the Judd family on social media
In the caption, Rebecca explained she and Chris couldn't tell them apart when looking back at the photo.
'Not sure who is who in this pic,' she wrote. 'We knew at the time, just not sure now.
'I think Chris has Tom. Chris said 'Dunno, but he doesn't look happy.' OK then, glad we sorted that out.'
Helping hand: Bec revealed the family have hired a nanny to help them three days a week
Twinning! Chris and Rebecca Judd like to dress their twins in cute matching outfits
The photo is the latest happy photo Rebecca has shared of the Judd family.
On Tuesday, she posted an Instagram snap of Chris lying on the couch cradling their newborn twins.
Rebecca captioned the image: 'G'day lads'.
Jesinta Campbell officially goes by the name Jesinta Franklin now she's married to AFL player Lance 'Buddy' Franklin.
And the 25-year-old David Jones ambassador explained this week why she decided to take on his surname.
She told Harper's Bazaar magazine: 'Changing my name meant a lot to Buddy, and we are a team now: Team Franklin.'
Meet Mrs Franklin! Model Jesinta Campbell (pictured) has explained why she took her husband Lance 'Buddy' Franklin's last name after they married last month
'When we have children, it will be really important,' Jesinta continued.
She said some people have questioned how the decision will affect her career and 'branding' - but insists Buddy is her priority.
'I'm like, "What about the love of my life and the rest of my life?" she explained.
'What about the love of my life?' Jesinta claims some people have questioned how the decision will affect her career and 'branding' - but she insists Buddy is her priority
'When we have children, it will be really important': Jesinta spoke candidly about her relationship with Buddy in the latest edition of Harper's Bazaar
On Thursday, Jesinta debuted her new handbag with monogram initials reading 'JF'.
Earlier this month, her representatives confirmed she had officially dropped her maiden name professionally.
IMG Models told Daily Mail Australia she will now be referred to as Jesinta Franklin in all future work.
Franklin: On Thursday, Jesinta debuted her new handbag with monogram initials reading 'JF'
Jesinta and Buddy married in a top secret Blue Mountains ceremony last month.
The couple had previously postponed their wedding, which was scheduled to take place in January.
They got engaged in December 2014 when Buddy gave her a diamond ring worth a approximately $100,000.
Karlie Kloss stopped over in Hawaii on Wednesday, on her way back from shooting an ad campaign in Sydney, Australia.
'What's a girl to do with a six hour lay-over in Honolulu?' she asked. But then seemed to have the perfect answer to her own question.
Rather than sit around in the terminal with all that extra time to kill just waiting to board her next flight, the 24-year-old announced to 5.9 million Instagram followers that she decided to buy a boogie board, a 'tacky visor' and souvenir towel and hit the beach.
She added: 'This beats the airport lounge any day.'
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Jet-setter: Karlie Kloss, 24, stopped over in Hawaii on Wednesday, on her way back from shooting an ad campaign in Sydney, Australia
The jet-setter wore a one-piece swimsuit with navy blue and white color blocking that zipped down the front, covered up with a pair of dark shorts for her jaunt to Sandy Beach Park.
The leggy blonde purchased all of the essentials necessary to enjoy her brief stay in the Aloha State, including a rather large coffee.
With a 21-hour time difference between New South Wales and Hawaii, the coffee might have been her most important accessory.
Hitting the beach: The 24-year-old made the most of a six-hour layover by buying a boogie board, 'tacky visor' and souvenir towel and hitting the beach
Determined: Karlie was determined to body surf on her six-hour layover
Fail: Kloss was seen attempting to bodysurf - as Sandy Beach is one of Honolulu's most popular bodysurfing areas - but the waves proved too big
The sun-loving bombshell was seen attempting to bodysurf - as Sandy Beach is one of Honolulu's most popular bodysurfing areas - but the waves proved too big.
She was spotted waddling through the waves as she quickly retreated back to the safety and comfort of her towel alongside her female friend.
The two were seen giggling and laughing the entire time - a day well spent.
Safe and sound: She quickly returned back to the safety and comfort of her towel alongside her female friend
Tourist attraction: Karlie soaked up the sun on Wednesday, laying out on a souvenir towel with the word 'Hawaii' printed across the top
Not ready to go! The 'Lucky Country' must have agreed with her, because she wasn't quite ready to go once her modeling duties had been fulfilled
The model was in Sydney for business, having been chosen as the face of retail giant David Jones' autumn/winter campaign, according to the Herald Sun.
The 'Lucky Country' must have agreed with her, because she wasn't quite ready to go once her modeling duties had been fulfilled.
'Sun kisses! ....I'm never leaving [heart emoji],' she wrote with a photo at Tamara Beach that she posted on Tuesday.
G'day mate! The model was in town for business, having been chosen as the face of retail giant David Jones' autumn/winter campaign, according to the Herald Sun
Paddling around: The runway model definitely made the most of her time down under, sharing photos enjoying the sunshine and water over the past few days
The runway model definitely made the most of her time down under, sharing photos enjoying the sunshine and water over the past few days.
Punchy captions on her posts like 'g'day mate' and 'finding Nemo' showcased her enthusiasm and appreciation for exploring the city.
From paddle boarding in Rose Bay to doing head stands overlooking boats of all shapes and sizes coming in to dock, she seemed to be balancing work and play well during her work trip.
Upside down: Karlie seemed to be soaking up the local culture as much as she could during her stay
Elegant as ever in all white, the blonde beauty looked back over her shoulder to the camera in one photo she shared on social media, just as she arrived to Australia.
She wore a cut-away sleeve top with a halter neckline and a long, pleated skirt as she posed on the pier in Sydney.
She showed her thanks for being able to work in such a lovely place, writing this with her post:
'Finally made it down under [emojis], thanks for bringing me @davidjonesstore.'
Kim Kardashian has been staying near her LA home since her Paris robbery in October and Kanye West's mental breakdown a month later that sent him to UCLA Medical Center for a 5150 hold.
But on Wednesday the 36-year-old reality diva finally had a night out to enjoy herself with some longtime pals.
The mother-of-two looked healthy and in good spirits as she joined her mother Kris Jenner, sister Kendall Jenner and friend Maria Menounos as well as Kate Hudson, Courteney Cox, Tom Hanks' wife Rita Wilson and Kathy Griffin to attend Shelli Azoff's Christmas bash at The Forum in Los Angeles.
Party mood: Kim Kardashian was seen with a female pal at Shelli Azoff's Christmas party in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening
Her date: The 36-year-old was with mother Kris Jenner, who was all made up for the bash
There was no sign of her rapper spouse, who this week met with President elect Donald Trump at his Trump Tower in New York City.
Shelli is the wife of music manager Irving Azoff, who has worked with Christina Aguilera and Chelsea Handler.
The last time the Selfish author was seen in public was when she grabbed frozen yogurt with friend Jonathan Cheban in Beverly Hills on October 25.
Rare sighting: The last time the Selfish author was seen in public was when she grabbed frozen yogurt with friend Jonathan Cheban in Beverly Hills on October 25
'Just Us Girls': Model and actress Molly Sims, 43, who is expecting her third child with her producer husband Scott Stuber, was also at the bash
At the party, the E! queen looked to be in fine spirits despite all the turmoil in her personal life.
And Kim looked as glamorous as ever with her long raven locks parted in the middle and worn stick straight. Her eyes were heavily made up and she had on pale lipstick.
The TV star appeared to have on a hoodie as she put her arm around a female guest.
Her nails were nicely manicured with a pale polish and worn short.
Lit up: Kris, 61, looked radiant as she posed with pals Kym Douglas and comedienne Kathy Griffin
This sighting comes after Kim returned to Instagram Wednesday afternoon to plug her kimojis, so it looks as if the Vogue cover girl is making a return to the public eye even if her husband does not yet seem to be fully back to health.
Several of West's friends, including singer John Legend, have questioned whether the Stronger hitmaker is thinking clearly.
On Thursday People magazine reported the artist has not been the same since Halloween.
A model smile: Kendall Jenner wore a red dress and fur jacket
More celebs: On the far right is Tom Hanks' wife Rita Wilson
At the event, Kris, 61, looked radiant as she posed with pals Margaret Weitzman, Kym Douglas and comedienne Kathy Griffin.
She had on heavy eyebrow makeup and lipstick and wore a black jacket with her hair slicked back and big diamond studs.
At one point she put Christmas lights around her neck.
More famous faves: Also at the party were Kate Hudson (far left) and Courteney Cox (second from right)
Maria liked it! Maria Menonous shared a look at the stage where men wore soldier suits
Storybook dessert: Wilson shared a photo of the cake, which looked like a book
Also at the bash was actress Hudson, who was stunning in a plunging polka-dot green dress with her long flaxen locks worn down.
The Almost Famous star was seen posing with Courteney Cox, who appeared to be in a cream sweater and black jacket.
Funny girl Griffin looked festive in a plunging red Santa dress and green earrings.
Jodie Foster has yet another obsessed fan, who stalked the two-time Oscar winner at her Beverly Hills home on December 9 as well as in Toronto.
According to TMZ - the 54-year-old's photographer wife Alexandra Hedison got a restraining order against Celine Martelleur, who's also repeatedly professed her love for Foster via email.
Martelleur must now stay 100 yards away from the Money Monster director as well as her two sons - Charles, 18, and Kit, 15 - with ex-partner Cydney Bernard.
Not again! Jodie Foster has yet another obsessed fan, who stalked the two-time Oscar winner at her Beverly Hills home on December 9 as well as in Toronto (pictured October 8)
Scary: According to TMZ - the 54-year-old's photographer wife Alexandra Hedison (R) got a restraining order against Celine Martelleur, who's also repeatedly professed her love for Foster via email
Mother-of-two: Martelleur must now stay 100 yards away from the Money Monster director as well as her two sons Kit, 15, and Charles, 18 (pictured October 28)
Jodie's frightening ordeal came just three months after the release of her most notorious fan, John W. Hinckley, Jr., from St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C.
The 61-year-old ex-convict - who now works for Virginia's Unitarian Universalist Church - began stalking the Taxi Driver starlet while she was a Yale freshman in 1981.
In an attempt to 'impress' Foster, Hinckley shot President Ronald Reagan six times - injuring the politician, two others, and paralyzing press secretary James Brady.
On the loose: Jodie's frightening ordeal came just three months after the release of her most notorious fan, John W. Hinckley, Jr., from St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C. (pictured 1981)
Obsessed: The 61-year-old ex-convict - who now works for Virginia's Unitarian Universalist Church - began stalking the Taxi Driver starlet while she was a Yale freshman in 1981
No one died: In an attempt to 'impress' Foster, Hinckley shot President Ronald Reagan six times - injuring the politician, two others, and paralyzing press secretary James Brady
Chaos: At his 1982 trial, the would-be assassin was found not guilty by reason of insanity, and was diagnosed with narcissistic/schizoid personality disorders and dysthymia
At his 1982 trial, the would-be assassin was found not guilty by reason of insanity, and was diagnosed with narcissistic/schizoid personality disorders and dysthymia.
According to Variety, the Elysium actress will next star in Drew Pearce's feature directorial debut, Hotel Artemis.
Jodie - born Alicia - will also direct La La Land's Rosemarie DeWitt in a season four episode of Netflix's Black Mirror to stream next year.
Due out next year: According to Variety, the Elysium actress will next star in Drew Pearce's feature directorial debut, Hotel Artemis
She became a fashion icon across the globe thanks to her iconic role of sassy New York journalist Carrie Bradshaw in Sex In The City.
And Sarah Jessica Parker didn't let her alter-ego down as she arrived in style at the HBO Espana launch at the URSO Hotel in Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday.
The actress, 51, looked bloomin' lovely in a unique floral dress which flattered her trim figure.
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Fashion icon: Sarah Jessica Parker, 51, made her alter-ego Carrie Bradshaw proud as she arrived in style at the HBO Espana launch at the URSO Hotel in Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday
The striking garment, which boasted a floral pattern of pastel hues down the front, plunged slightly to tease a glimpse of her cleavage.
Featuring a flower print on her semi-sheer hemline, the former sitcom star showed off her lovely legs in tights and purple satin heels.
Sarah wrapped up warm in a chic, boxy jacket which she kept unbuttoned to show off a labyrinth of necklaces dangling down her front.
Clearly in high spirits, the talented beauty - who is currently starring in HBO's Divorce actor Thomas Hayden Church - worked her magic on the red carpet.
Flower power: The Sex And The City actress looked bloomin' lovely in a unique floral dress, which flattered her trim figure to perfection
Fashionista: The striking garment, which boasted floral pattern of pastel hues down the front, plunged down the middle to tease a glimpse of her cleavage
Details: Sarah wrapped up warm in a chic, boxy coat which she kept unbuttoned to show off a labyrinth of necklaces down her front
Sarah recently put her style icon reputation to good use when she opened up her first stand-alone shoe boutique for her line SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker in Washington, D.C.
The Emmy-winning talent look dazzling as she arrived at the launch in a chic black dress and a sparkly pair of heels from her own collection.
Speaking at her big day, she revealed: 'Its been very exciting to have been involved in all steps of the process, from on-site construction visits to the actual layout and design of our boutique.
Pins on parade: Boasting a flowery print on her semi-sheer hemline, the former sitcom star showed off her lovely legs in tights and purple satin heels
Having a blast: Clearly in high spirits, the talented beauty worked her magic at the network launch event
Star line-up: Sarah was joined by Liam Cunningham (R) and Jeffrey Wright (L) at the event
TV star: Sarah is currently starring in HBO's Divorce, making her the perfect ambassador for the television network
'I'm honoured to be included in this massive undertaking,' the mother-of-three continued.
Before the boutique, her line was only available through retailers like Bloomingdale's, Net-a-Porter and Nordstrom.
The brand, which focuses on accessories like shoes and handbags, is dedicated to creating quality goods.
Sarah, who has been married to actor Matthew Broderick since 1997, is also an avid user of Instagram and has 3 million followers.
Stunner: The star showed off her striking features with a natural slick of make-up
Putting on a fashionable display: SJP looked cool and quirky in her ensemble
Natural beauty: The star kept her make-up minimal and natural for the occasion
In fact, the actress prefers the site over Twitter, which she has since deleted after being on the receiving end of social media hate.
'I dont have the constitution for Twitter. Its a boneyard, a feast of vitriol. I just dont want to participate in it,' she told InStyle.
'On Instagram people tend to be more civilised. And they can disagree and have objections, but I dont find it as mean-spirited a community.'
Three's a crowd: Jeffrey Wright joined Sarah and Liam Cunningham at the event
Dress like her: Sarah put her style icon reputation to good use as she recently opened up her first stand-alone shoe boutique for her line SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker in Washington, D.C
He's not the shy and retiring type.
And Alex Mytton, 25, showed off his toned torso as he stripped down to his boxers for a fun-filled festive photoshoot for Reveal.
The Made In Chelsea hunk wore a Santa hat and covered his manhood with a neatly wrapped present as he posed on his knees in front of a wintry backdrop.
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A mighty fine package! Alex Mytton, 25, showed off his toned torso as he stripped down to his boxers for a fun-filled festive photoshoot for Reveal
The reality star looked in tip top shape in his red and white striped underwear, and he smiled broadly while posing in the fake snow.
Alex changed into a pair of pants emblazoned with holly as he reclined on a comfy white fur rug.
The DJ continued to beam as he swapped his hat for a pair red antlers, before putting on some layers, including a blue Christmas jumper, to finish the shoot.
Returning home: Alex shared his Christmas plans in the new edition of Reveal
He's just returned from a romantic trip to Barbados with his girlfriend Lottie Moss, 18, but Alex revealed he hasn't bought her any presents for Christmas.
He said: 'I havent got her anything should I? You know when you start seeing someone too soon to Christmas and youre like, Are they getting me a present, do I get them one? and you dont want to get them one and not get one back because then you look super keen!
'Maybe its a good idea to get a back up one, just in case she turns up with one for me. Do you think shell want something? Although sometimes, its best to just treat them mean and keep them keen Sam Thompson gave Tiff Watson money for her birthday and said, Here, go shopping or something.
'I think thats because theyre at that stage in their relationship where they are comfortable, though.'
Even though he looks ripped in his pictures, Alex insists he hasn't worked that hard to get into shape.
He explained: 'I havent prepared for the shoot because this time of year is difficult. Ive been gigging loads [Alex is a DJ], which means late nights and eating sh*t food.
Christmas cracker: Alex changed into a pair of pants emblazoned with holly as he reclined on a comfy fur rug
Naughty or nice: The DJ continued to beam as he swapped his hat for a pair red antlers
'I do go to the gym but Im lazy with it I go two times a week, if I can. The thing I do that helps is, if Ive had a few days where I have a big binge, then I have a day that I fast, I dont really have any food. Its like the 5:2 but it is just 6:1. Its really hard but it does allow you to have those binges.'
Alex will be spending Christmas at home this year and intends to enjoy a few beverages in his local pub.
He said he used to go skinny-dipping in Cornwall on December 25, but these days he just seems to be hungover.
Better get shopping: Alex has just returned from a romantic trip to Barbados with his girlfriend Lottie Moss, 18, but revealed he hasn't bought her any Christmas presents
The heartthrob added: 'Ill be waking up with my little Jack Russell, Poppy, next to me, although shes a bit smelly now. And she probably thinks the same about me when Im breathing alcohol fumes over her!'
It should come as no surprise that Alex is turning to Poppy for morning cuddles after admitting he likes a morning squeeze.
'Im such a clinger,' he revealed. 'And I live on my own so in the morning Im calling people asking them, Can you come round? Fancy a cuddle? Even with a mate, Im texting them, Come and get into bed with me and watch movies! Jamie [Laing] and I spend a lot of cuddle time together. Ive got loads of cuddle buddies! Weirdly, guys are more needy than you think.'
Alexs 2017 calendar is available at celebritymerchandise.co.uk
Jamie Oliver's four-month-old son River Rocket is set to make his TV debut - in the chef's new Christmas show.
The latest addition to the Oliver clan will appear alongside his four siblings in the programme.
Jamie's Ultimate Christmas will feature baby River alongside parents Jamie and Jools Oliver and the couple's other children Poppy Honey, 14, Daisy Boo, 13, Petal Blossom, seven, and Buddy Bear, six, as well as grandparents Trevor and Sally.
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Making a meal of it: Jamie and Jools Oliver's beautiful baby son River Rocket is set to make his television debut in the chef's family Christmas show
Lovely: Jamie's Ultimate Christmas will feature baby River alongside parents Jamie and Jools Oliver and the couple's other children Poppy Honey, 14, Daisy Boo, 13, Petal Blossom, seven, and Buddy Bear, six, as well as grandparents Trevor and Sally
River Rocket hit the headlines when he was born in August after his parents allowed their two eldest daughters to watch the birth, with Poppy cutting the umbilical cord.
The move was praised by some, while critics said a delivery room is no place for a child.
'It's only controversial to really strange people! Most of the world has home births, and different countries have different habits,' Oliver later said.
The family are seen enjoying Christmas food, playing games and telling jokes in the new Channel 4 show.
Bringing food to the table: No doubt Jamie is keen to give his fans a glimpse of his family life
Cheers! River Rocket hit the headlines when he was born in August after his parents allowed their two eldest daughters to watch the birth, with Poppy cutting the umbilical cord
Jamie's Ultimate Christmas will see Oliver cooking the recipes he will serve to his family on Christmas Day.
Meanwhile, early last year, Jamie re-ignited his feud with fellow celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay by accusing him of being 'deeply jealous' of his success.
He publicly hit out at his Scottish rival after he criticised him for not attending the opening of his new restaurant - Jamie's Italian - in Hong Kong.
During an opening in Sydney, Australia, Jaime said: 'Gordon will do anything to try and take the p**s out of me because he is deeply jealous and can't quite work out why I do what I do and why he can't do that.
'He is too busy shouting and screaming and making our industry look like a bunch of shouters and screamers.'
The feud between the two has been long running, with Gordon saying Oliver was 'just a cook' while he proclaimed himself to be 'a chef' during a tour in 2010.
A year earlier, he admitted he was not a fan of Oliver, describing him as a 'one-pot wonder.'
The show airs on Channel 4 on December 19 at 8.00pm.
Fun and games: The family are seen enjoying Christmas food, playing games and telling jokes in the new Channel 4 show
The sunshine state just got hotter.
Victoria's Secret Angels Stella Maxwell, Elsa Hosk and Romee Strijd took a break from the runway, but not a break from their day jobs, for a photo shoot in Islamorada, Florida on Wednesday.
With many outfit changes, the angels dazzled, as per usual.
Another one! Romee Strijd also wore blue as she sat on a lounger during a photo shoot in Islamorada, Florida on Wednesday
Laying down on the job! The blonde looked more than comfortable on the set
Say, what's the ring doing on your finger? The looker flashed a wedding band on her ring finger
Another look at the siren: Here the model shared a photo from the shoot. She noted it was Day Two of the session
Romee, 21, first wore a light blue set that consisted of mid-waisted boy shorts and a cinched, strapless eyelet bra.
The edges of both pieces featured what is called a 'lettuce hem' for its similarity to the ruffled edges of a leaf of lettuce.
For this look, the model posed in and around a cabana, complete with drapery and both a lounge and hanging basket chair.
Getting it white! Victoria's Secret Angel Elsa Hosk took a break from the runway, but not a break from her day job
Taking it all in: Her career has hit a high this year as she has become one of the most in-demand models in the business
Spreading her wings? The Angel pranced around with her arms outstretched as if she was worshiping the sun
In the mood for summer: The cover girl looked ready for July in this white top and lace-up shorts
Romee got her start in Dutch Vogue and moved on to Harper's Bazaar and Elle.
The beauty became a hit on the runway with SKNY, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton and Celine.
In 2014, she was chosen to be one of the newcomers at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. In 2015, she became a Victoria's Secret Angel.
Nearby, Elsa danced around next to a tree in an all-white set.
The top was a long-lined bra, similar to a shortened version of a corset, with thin, spaghetti straps and boning that extended from the center of each cup to the bottom hemline of the top.
The set included matching high-waisted briefs in the same lace pattern that hit just below the model's navel.
Got the blues: Stella Maxwell showed off her sexy body in this two piece
Got the blues: For this look, the shoot returned to a cabana as the model stretched out, hanging her lanky bod from the supporting beams of the structure
Up and down: The gorgeous model posed every which way in a blue, balconette bra set
The next look was even more playful.
Romee made a quick wardrobe change and then kneeled, swung, straddled and rested on a simple, wood-slab swing while the crew circled around, close by.
She posed in hot pink cheekinis, sometimes covered by roomy, white drawstring shorts that were rolled down at the top, grazing her prominent hip bones.
On top she wore a burnt orange triangle-top, unlined bralette, topped off with a fully-brimmed taupe hat to block the sun.
Swing time: Here Romee is seen on a wooden swing
Sitting pretty: The star had on an orange top and pink panties
More to love: Romee posed against a white wall for this pinup image while wearing a Lack Of Color hat
Next up was another light blue set, this time a balconette bra with matching panties worn by Stella.
For this look, the shoot returned to a cabana as the model stretched out, hanging her lanky bod from the supporting beams of the structure.
In other snaps, she sexily kicked her legs up and lifted her lower torso into the air.
Light blue must have been the theme of the day, as the last look was also this hue, but this time included a print.
This time Romee's plunge bra had lace in the back and the bottoms featured a more traditional line, with the hem hitting right at the hips, well below the model's belly button.
The gorgeous model stood between columns, propped herself up coyly on a lounge chair, and kneeled with legs spread to show off her toned thighs in the sexy ensemble.
Baby blues: Light blue must have been the theme of the day, as the last look was also this hue, but this time included a print
They've been busy touring Europe and America to promote their new flick Collateral Beauty.
But Naomie Harris and Will Smith looked fresh-faced and sprightly as they attended the London film premiere in Leicester Square on Thursday.
British actress Naomie, 40, and Will, 48, turned up the glamour as they posed together on the red carpet.
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She's a beauty! Naomie Harris looked fresh-faced as she attended the London film premiere of Collateral Beauty in Leicester Square on Thursday
Naomie flaunted her slender physique in a figure-hugging floral frock, cinched in at the waist with a semi-sheer panel to showcase her tiny midriff.
The patterned mustard piece featured a ruffled waterfall detail to the front, skimming her toned thighs.
And adding an edgy touch, it was embroidered with an array of white flowers across the straps and neckline.
Hot co-stars: Will Smith, 48, turned up the glamour with Naomie as they posed together on the red carpet
Working hard! Naomie attended the event alongside her fellow cast-mates who she has been touring the world with to promote their new film Collateral Beauty
Showing off her natural beauty the actress wore minimal make-up, adding just a touch of blusher, mascara and a dab of lipgloss.
Wearing her hair in a sleek centre parting, wearing Ara Vartanian jewellery and elongating her stature with white strappy sandals, her look was complete.
Naomie attended the event alongside her fellow cast-mates who she has been touring the world with to promote their new film Collateral Beauty.
Toned: Naomie flaunted her slender physique in a figure-hugging floral frock, cinched in at the waist with a semi-sheer panel to showcase her tiny midriff
Sizzling duo: Will and Naomie turned heads as they posed for pictures in central London
Will looked dapper in a navy two-piece suit, a coordinating crisp shirt and paisley tie.
Sporting a new moustache, he put on a cheery display on the red carpet.
The blockbuster, which will be released in the US on December 16, follows a successful advertising executive Howard Inlet (Smith) whose child dies, leading him to retreat from life entirely.
Suited and booted: Will Smith looked dapper in a smart navy suit with a coordinating paisley print tie and crisp shirt
Helping hand: An assistant helped Naomie back into a coat to ward of the winter chill
Blondes unite! Kimberley Garner and Olivia Buckland put on a busty display in plunging ensembles
As a therapeutic exercise, Howard starts writing letters to 'Love', 'Time' and 'Death', which he posts.
The film comes from Oscar-winning director David Frankel (Dear Diary, The Devil Wears Prada) and also stars Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, Edward Norton and Michael Pena.
It looks sure to tug on moviegoers' heartstrings as it explores the personal tragedy Howard feels, especially around the Christmas season.
United display: Helen Mirren and Taylor Hackford posed together happily on the red carpet
Hot stuff: Presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford took a break from the LA sunshine to grace the wintry London red carpet in a black Bardot dress
Loved up: Castmember Ed Norton and his wife Shauna Robertson worked cocktail chic in black ensembles
Stunning: Helen looked sizzling in a figure-skimming red floor-length dress with semi-sheer sleeves
Hot couple: Love Island stars Olivia Buckland and Alex Bown turned heads in chic get-ups
On the town: Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey looked dashing while his wife Colleen looked chic in purple
The cast posed happily on the carpet, getting into the festive spirit to celebrate the film's release by making a Christmas Tree out of thousands of dominoes.
The festive creation is in tribute to Smith's character Howard, who embarks on many domino constructions in the movie.
Collateral Beauty is released in the UK on December 26.
Festive film:The blockbuster, which will be released in the US on December 16, follows a successful advertising executive Howard Inlet (Smith) whose child dies, leading him to retreat from life entirely
Earlier in the day he revealed he could be returning to hit series Sons Of Anarchy- despite his character committing suicide in the season finale.
And Charlie Hunnam looked in good spirits as he returned from a hiking trip at LA's Runyon Canyon in LA on Thursday.
The handsome hunk, 36, cracked a cheeky smile as he put on a relaxed display.
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Hunky: Charlie Hunnam looked in good spirits as he returned from a hiking trip at LA's Runyon Canyon in LA on Thursday
Dressed in a pair of grey sweatpants and a black zip-up hoodie, he cut a casual figure in a beanie hat.
And showing off a rugged beard, the blue-eyed heartthrob laughed happily as he chatted to a pal.
Returning from the popular hiking spot, the British actress appeared in good spirits following his recent revelation.
Something to smile about? The handsome hunk, 36, cracked a cheeky smile as he put on a relaxed display
Relaxed: Dressed in a pair of grey sweatpants and a black zip-up hoodie, he cut a casual figure in a beanie hat
Sons Of Anarchy fans were left devastated when Jax Teller committed suicide in the shows finale.
But Charlie has revealed that he could appear in the new spin-off show, Mayans MC, as he would 'do anything' for the producers, including coming back from the dead.
Speaking to TMZ, the actor revealed that whilst he hasn't been privy to any details of the show, he'd be more than happy to make an appearance.
Back from the dead? Charlie has revealed that he could appear in the new spin-off show, Mayans MC, as he would happily come back from the dead
He admitted: 'Listen, if they call me... if they want me to do a little dream sequence...'
'I'll do anything for Jax, I love that guy, but I think I'm dead,' he quipped.
Charlie played Jax - who was part of a violent outlaw motorcycle club - for seven seasons before it wrapped in December 2014.
Born to ride: Charlie played Jax - who was part of a violent outlaw motorcycle club - for seven seasons before it wrapped in December 2014
Mayan MC is the title of the new spin-off, which will take a look at the Hell's Angels-style outlaws 'through a Latino lens,' according to FX.
The story follows the biker group and recurring players in SOA, and takes up after the death of SOA leader Jax.
It follows EZ Reyes, a potential member of the Mayan MC charter on the California/Mexican border.
He struggles with his desire for vengeance against the local cartel and his need for respect from the women he loves.
Production is set to begin in March 2017 but the names of the key cast have yet to be revealed.
The opposite side: Mayan MC is the title of the new spin-off, which will reportedly take a look at the Hell's Angels-style outlaws 'through a Latino lens'
Since starring in SOA, Charlie has worked on upcoming films The Lost City of Z and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, and famously turned down the lead role in Fifty Shades of Grey.
But despite his rise to super stardom, Charlie prefers to keep out of the limelight, and told TMZ that he doesn't use social media as he doesn't want to come across as a 'pretentious d***head'
He explained: 'You start to talk about serious stuff and sound like a pretentious d***head but I really just want the relationship I have with the world just to be my work.'
Despite its being 10 days until Christmas, Islamorada in Florida has kept warm.
On Thursday, the place heated up as Victoria's Secret Angels descended on the Village Of Islands for a photo-shoot.
Stella Maxwell looked particularly exquisite, showcasing her stunningly flat midriff in a barely-there bikini presumably from the famed lingerie brand.
Sunning: On Monday, Stella Maxwell was among the Victoria's Secret Angels who converged on Islamorada in Florida for a photo-shoot
The turquoise top piece bared a good deal of midriff and featured a bit of undulating lacy fringe protruding from its border.
Intricately embroidered lacy patterns wound their way about the top piece, as well as sprawling across the matching bottom.
She'd thrown in a splash of glitz by way of an unobtrusive gold pendant, complementing her wavy blonde hair.
When you got it: She showcased her stunningly flat midriff in a barely-there bikini presumably from the famed lingerie brand
Ambiance: The 26-year-old's backdrop appeared to be a cabana with a wooden canopy, the framing of which had all been painted white
The 26-year-old's backdrop appeared to be a cabana with a wooden canopy, the framing of which had all been painted white.
She spent a good number of photos posing against that framing, clutching bars of wood and giving the camera her best smouldering stare.
Occasionally, she'd turn away from the camera, indicating how very little there actually was of her two-piece's bottom half.
Glinting in the sunlight: She'd thrown in a splash of glitz by way of an unobtrusive gold pendant, complementing her wavy blonde hair
Check the stitching: Intricately embroidered lacy patterns wound their way about the top piece, as well as sprawling across the matching bottom
The Bruxelloise bombshell also frequently arced her legs, emphasising their toned and vertiginous appearance.
She'd occasionally pose about on the pearl grey mattresses as well, squatting or leaning back and playing with her hair.
White and grey cushions streaked with fur - whether or not it was real or faux was unclear - were scattered about.
A model's work: She spent a good number of photos posing against that framing, clutching bars of wood and giving the camera her best smouldering stare
Check the stitching: The turquoise top piece bared a good deal of midriff and featured a bit of undulating lacy fringe protruding from its border
A particularly elaborate black and white patterned pillow featured white and pink tassels dangling from all four of its edges.
Whilst lying down, she found another opportunity to show off not only her legs, but also her agility.
Her upper back firmly on the cushion, she lifted her lower back and derriere into the air, raising and bending her legs with seemingly minimal effort.
Duo: At one point, apparently between stretches of shooting, a blonde friend of hers turned up with a water bottle
Respite: Crew milled about behind, and the friend began to chat with the model, who was busy flinging back her hair
At one point, apparently between stretches of shooting, a blonde friend of hers turned up with a water bottle.
Wearing a sleeveless white button-up top and tiny jeans, she settled herself on a mattress for a bit as Maxwell - an Angel since 2015 - sat beside her.
Crew milled about behind, and the friend began to chat with the model, who was busy flinging back her hair.
A year on: The Bruxelloise bombshell has been a Victoria's Secret Angel since 2015
Agility: Her upper back firmly on the cushion, she lifted her lower back and derriere into the air, raising and bending her legs with seemingly minimal effort
Garnishing the scenery: White and grey cushions streaked with fur - whether or not it was real or faux was unclear - were scattered about
The previous day, she'd been spotted out in Savannah, Georgia having a stroll with Kristen Stewart, her rumoured new squeeze.
Stewart had been in town filming a presently untitled biopic of Lizzie Borden, the Massachusetts woman famously acquitted of butchering her father and stepmother with a hatchet in the 1890s.
When the Twilight star was seen out and about with Maxwell, the former's face was bruised, including about her right eye.
Where's the camera?: Occasionally, she'd turn away from the camera, indicating how very little there actually was of her two-piece's bottom half
Out and about: The previous day, she'd been spotted out in Savannah, Georgia having a stroll with Kristen Stewart, her rumoured new squeeze
What happened?: When the Twilight star was seen out and about with Maxwell, the former's face was bruised, including about her right eye
She's been jet-setting across the world exploring the sights of Sydney, Australia to squeezing in a quick trip to Honolulu, Hawaii.
But despite the jump from warm to wintry weather, Karlie Kloss still managed to smile through the cold, flashing a wide grin while out and about in New York City on Thursday.
The 24-year-old model, covered up from head to toe, showed off her flawless figure in a sweatshirt and tight joggers.
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Brrr-ave front! Karlie Kloss flashed a wide grin as she was spotted out and about in NYC on Thursday after her trip to Sydney, Australia
The former Victoria's Secret model opted for an Adidas mint green sweatshirt that she paired underneath a longer black winter jacket of the same brand name.
The Chicago-born stunner wore dark, fitted leggings, which shaped her toned legs, and white sneakers with black socks.
Karlie rounded out the look in dark sunglasses from Sunday Somewhere, little to no make-up, and a french-braid ponytail.
She accessorized minimally with studded earrings and a large navy blue-and-pink designer purse that she held in her hands.
Soaking in the sun: The 24-year-old model shared this snap to her Instagram on Thursday with the caption: 'From 25C to 25F'
Covered up: The former VS model opted for a mint green Adidas sweatshirt, black tights and a longer black winter jacket
Flawless: The leggy stunner rounded out the look with white sneakers and black Sunday Somewhere sunglasses as her blonde locks were tied back in a french braid
It is no surprise to see the blonde bombshell in a good mood as she was recently in Australia shooting photos for retail giant David Jones' autumn/winter 2017 campaign.
The runway model posted adventurous snaps to her Instagram as she visited Bondi Beach, paddle boarded on Rose Bay, and took in some rays at Tamarama Beach.
Karlie was also stopped by fans by the Sydney Harbor after a Marilyn Monroe-inspired photo shoot, where she looked overjoyed to be signing autographs.
Inspired by Marilyn? Karlie donned a Marilyn Monroe-inspired white cold shoulder shirt and pleated skirt combo for a harbour-side shoot earlier in the week in Sydney
Her biggest fans! She even made time to sign autographs for her admiring fans
'Finding Nemo:' The Chicago-born stunner soaked in all the sights of Sydney including Rose Bay where she went paddle-boarding
Meanwhile, the best friend of Taylor Swift has been traveling solo across Europe while her model friends like Gigi Hadid was in Paris for the annual VS fashion show.
While she previously walked from 2013 to 2015 before leaving the lingerie brand, she wasn't able to this year and wished her friends good luck via an Instagram post.
'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. To all my girls walking, good luck and enjoy every minute of it!!! I can't wait to see you all shine bright over in Paris all my love xx kk.'
'I'm never leaving!:' Karlie also visited Bondi Beach and Tamarama
Now finally back in New York, Karlie has bundled up for the colder climate.
Spotted Friday, she was dressed in layers with a black turtleneck sweater under a red and black plaid jacket with over-sized sleeves.
Her ripped denim pants were mostly covered by flat-footed, thigh-high black boots and she carried a black leather handbag to match.
Bundled up: Back in New York on Friday, the model had a slightly different look that was more suitable for cold weather
She's carved out a successful career for herself independently from her Made In Chelsea sister Rosie.
And Lily Fortescue was taking centre stage as she hit the beach in Mauritius on Thursday, joined by her DJ boyfriend Sebastian Macdonald-Hall.
The 26-year-old brunette sported a skimpy red bikini, going topless at one point in order to perfect her tan.
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Beach babe: Rosie Fortescue's twin sister Lily was taking centre stage as she hit the beach in Mauritius on Thursday
She showcased her long and lean figure in the red patterned swimwear, wearing her dark tresses pulled back in a bun.
Lily has been taking to social media to document her trip, sharing endless snaps of her enviable beach attire and the stunning scenery.
Alongside an idyllic snap, she posted, 'I could get used to this. . . #paradisefound'.
Romantic break: She showcased her long and lean figure in the red patterned swimwear as she took a stroll with her property manager boyfriend Sebastian Macdonald-Hall
Holiday style: The 26-year-old brunette was keen to perfect her tan in her itsy bitsy two-piece
'Trying to pull best #EmRata with a sandy toosh', she captioned another image of her peachy posterior.
Lily launched a new dating app named Ciao back in April, where she was supported by a host of her famous pals, including sister Rosie.
The MIC regular and Lily might not be identical, but they share a love of fashion and a glamorous party lifestyle.
Cheeky! 'Trying to pull best #EmRata with a sandy toosh', she captioned one image of her peachy posterior
Stunning: The entrepreneur - who previously declared she would never join MIC - showed off her amazing figure on social media
Rosie previously told Her.ie: 'Weve always gotten on really well.
'I think, as twins, everyone thinks that youre super, super close, but I think its a good thing that were not too joined, we have our own things going on. Were independent, but we love living together.
Despite moving in the same circles as Rosie, Lily has never been tempted to join the Chelsea set and would never take part in a reality show.
She said: 'Im the kind of person who wouldnt want to be filmed, wouldnt put my life on camera, and I couldnt make sure I was muzzled all the time!'
Getting her tan on: The bronzed beauty and Rosie might not be identical, but they share a love of fashion and a glamorous party lifestyle
A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the United Methodist Church in Monroe with the Rev. Murry Jay Johnston officiating. Interment will be in Valley View Cemetery in Genoa with military honors by the American Legion Edward H. Larson Post 144 Honor Guard. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with a family prayer service at 9:45 a.m. Saturday.
William Bill Gray was born Oct. 18, 1954, in Elmo, Missouri, to John and Jean (Ackley) Gray. He grew up in Red Oak, Iowa, before moving to Glenwood, Iowa, where he graduated from high school in 1972. On July 8, 1974, Bill entered the U.S. Air Force and served until his honorable discharge on Sept. 11, 1975. On Sept. 5, 1978, Bill was united in marriage to Sherry Channer in Plattsmouth. While living in Iowa, Bill was the assistant manager of Pizza Hut in Red Oak and later was assistant manager of Places Department Store. In 1993, they moved to Nebraska and Bill was a cook at Scampys, then at Sapp Brothers in Columbus. Bill enjoyed listening to music, going fishing and reading old Western novels. He loved to spend time with his family, making them laugh and always showing them how much he loved them, especially his loving wife. Bill always enjoyed seeing his grandchildren and spending time with them.
She's the genetically-blessed beauty who split from her model boyfriend Kris Smith in October.
And Maddy King, 25, was sure to remind Kris what he's missing as she stepped onto the red carpet at the Holden Astra launch party in Sydney on Thursday.
The brunette beauty showcased her stylish flare in a strapless paisly jumpsuit with tie-up detailing at the front, while leaving her hair to hang loosely by her shoulders.
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Beauty in blue! Maddy King, 25, was sure to remind Kris what her ex Kris Smith is missing as she stepped onto the red carpet at the Holden Astra launch party in Sydney on Thursday
She completed her look with a pair of terracotta-hued platform sandals and a leather pouch clutch bag.
Her makeup was fresh and feminine, with just a hint of bronze eye-shadow and a slick of brown lipstick.
In October, Myer ambassador Kris confirmed his shock split with Maddy to Daily Mail Australia on Monday, saying: 'Maddy and I are no longer together, we haven't been for some time. '
She's chic! She completed her look with a pair of terracotta-hued platform sandals and a leather pouch clutch bag
Over: Kris Smith confirmed his split with Maddy after four years in October
'It's sad, but she is an amazing girl and we had a great time. 'Our lives are just heading in different directions,' Kris concluded.
Maddy also confirmed the news to Daily Mail Australia, saying: 'There are no hard feelings and are still friends. My dad has beers with him every Sunday.'
Kris went on to slam reports by New Idea he had been on three dates with different women within six days.
Sadden: The Myer ambassador explained: 'Maddy and I are no longer together, we haven't been so some time'
Well wishes: He added: 'It's sad, but she is an amazing girl and we had a great time. Our lives are just heading in different directions'
He told Daily Mail Australia the three ladies were 'friends and friends only'.
'They are friends who have been very supportive to me through the break-up,' the model insisted.
Kris and Maddy's shock split comes two months after they were seen flirting up a storm at the Myer Spring Summer fashion event in Sydney.
Truth: Kris slammed reports that he had been on three dates with different women within six days, telling Daily Mail Australia the three ladies were 'friends and friends only'
Shock: Kris and Maddy's split comes two months after he opened up about plans for marriage and children while admitting he has found himself a 'keeper'
At the event, Kris spoke to DMA about the couple's plans for marriage and children while admitting he had found himself a 'keeper'.
'I've got a keeper,' he laughed, adding: 'It's not a no, it's not a yes...We're in no absolute rush yet.
'Maddy's still studying and we're working out what we're going to do living-wise... My son's in Melbourne and we're here (in Sydney).'
Putin himself involved in US election hack: report
US intelligence officials now believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin was personally involved in hacking during the American election campaign as part of a vendetta against Hillary Clinton, NBC News reported late Wednesday.
Putin personally instructed how material hacked from US Democrats was leaked and otherwise used, the US television network said, quoting two senior officials with access to this information.
The officials said they have a "high level of confidence" in this new assessment, NBC reported.
A billboard showing US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin put up by the pro-Serbian movement in Danilovgrad, Montenegro Savo PRELEVIC (AFP/File)
Asked if there was basis to the allegations, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists: "Ridiculous nonsense cannot have any basis."
Last weekend The Washington Post reported a CIA evaluation that Russia had hacked the emails of US persons and institutions as a way to sway the election in favor of Republican Donald Trump, who eventually did beat Clinton on November 8.
Putin is said never to have forgiven Clinton -- then secretary of state -- for publicly questioning the integrity of parliamentary elections in 2011 in Russia, and accused her of encouraging street protests.
The intelligence officials told NBC that Putin's goals in the alleged hacking began as revenge against Clinton.
But they transformed into a broader effort to show that the world of US politics was corrupt and to, in the words of one official, "split off key American allies by creating the image that (other countries) couldn't depend on the US to be a credible global leader anymore."
In preparation for possible retaliation, US intelligence agencies have intensified probing of Putin's personal wealth, NBC said, citing US officials.
Trump, who has spoken warmly of Putin, has dismissed as "ridiculous" the allegation that Russia was behind the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and people close to Clinton.
Leading US lawmakers have called for a formal congressional investigation into the hacking.
War with Boko Haram is won, says Nigerian state governor
Only last week two suicide bombers killed 30 people in northeastern Nigeria, but the governor of Borno state, the country's jihadist heartland, told AFP in an interview that Boko Haram has been defeated.
Kashim Shettima said the war against the Islamist militants was "over" and predicted that hundreds of thousands of displaced people would have returned to their homes by May.
Though the UN last month said Boko Haram was blocking aid supplies from reaching refugees, leaving thousands at risk of starvation, Shettima said the jihadists no longer posed a threat.
The governor of Nigeria's Borno state said the war against Boko Haram was "over" and hundreds of thousands of displaced people would be home by May OLATUNJI OMIRIN (AFP/File)
The Islamic State group-linked militants came close to overrunning much of northeastern Nigeria, he said, during the now seven-year-old insurrection.
"Two years ago, Maiduguri was on the edge of falling to the Boko Haram," he said referring to the state capital.
"Boko Haram was controlling 20 out of 27 local government areas in Borno. You couldn't dare to go 15 kilometres (nine miles) out of Maiduguri (and) you are in Boko Haram territory.
"But now Boko Haram have been defeated, they are being chased out of all our communities, they do not have the capacity to hold on to any territory in Nigeria any longer."
- 'The war is over' -
The governor acknowledged however that Boko Haram still posed a threat to life.
"Yes, they are launching suicide bombings and so on once in a while. But to me, even suicide bombing is a sign of weakness, not of strength," he said.
"I believe the war is over."
The United Nations has warned of an impending humanitarian disaster and charity Save the Children says 4.7 million people in the northeast need food assistance.
It warns that 400,000 children are in danger of starving.
But Shettima said such figures were gross exaggerations.
"Within the city of Maiduguri definitely, resources are overstretched, especially with regards to water and sanitation, with regards to hospital facilities, with regards to even food security issues," he said.
"We have huge humanitarian challenges but it's also very difficult for you to convince me... that 100,000 people are dying," he said.
And he remained confident that the camps of displaced people -- some 2.6 million have fled their homes -- will soon be a thing of the past.
"My objective is to close down all the camps by May 2017," he said.
"Where people have shown the willingness to go back, we'll support them to go back and rebuild their lives."
- 'Frankenstein Monsters' -
With no more Boko Haram, Shettima believes the impoverished northeast can prosper, despite its troubles.
"The crisis has adversely affected the fortunes of our people. The unemployment situation is quite high... it can be as high as 35 percent or more.
"We have a lot of unskilled youth who need to be trained in some skills: plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying.
"This is why our reconstruction and rehabilitation programme is quite active and we are employing local resources, local hands to reconstruct villages and communities destroyed by Boko Haram.
"We want to invest massively, aggressively, into agriculture."
But the war has cost the lives of 20,000 people, leaving many children in the northeast without parents and Shettima acknowledged that could pose problems further down the line.
"We have about 49,000 orphans. If we fail to take care of these orphans, 15 years down the line... they will be the Frankenstein Monsters that will consume all of us."
Kashim Shettima (3rd R), the governor of Nigeria's Borno state, said Boko Haram was "being chased out of all our communities"
Gunning for science and power in N. Korea
In North Korea's heavily militarised society, even learning the periodic table can be done at the barrel of a gun.
"The young students enjoy it," said the assistant, picking up a model rifle and aiming it at the familiar table of elements projected on a screen about 10 feet away.
A hit on Po brings up an explanation of Polonium -- its discovery, properties and uses.
The Science and Technology Center in Pyongyang was built under the direct orders supreme leader Kim Jong-Un Ed JONES (AFP)
The shooting range is one of a number of teaching aids housed in the Science and Technology Center, a vast complex built in the shape of an atom on a river islet in Pyongyang.
Opened earlier this year, the centre shares characteristics common to other grandiose projects constructed in the showcase capital under the direct orders of supreme leader Kim Jong-Un, using scarce money and resources siphoned from North Korea's threadbare economy.
It was built at lightning speed -- just over 10 months using soldier labour -- looks impressive, and is almost eerily empty.
The complex reportedly receives several thousand visitors a day, but on a recent Saturday afternoon, only a few dozen of the more than 3,000 computer console study stations were occupied -- several of those by members of staff.
Like other prestige projects, the centre is as much a symbol of intent as anything else.
- Wealth and power -
In numerous speeches and statements, including a keynote address to a rare party congress in May, Kim has put science and technology front and centre of the effort to build a "rich and powerful fatherland."
The power element is firmly focused on national defence, and a science-based weapons system ranging from cyber warfare to a sophisticated nuclear deterrent.
The country's nuclear and missile scientists are treated as national heroes, feted with personal congratulations from the top leadership and rewarded with modern high-rise apartments in Pyongyang and multiple other benefits for themselves and their families.
The Sci-Tech Center's main structure is built around a large mock-up of the North's Unha 3 rocket -- a satellite launcher seen as a prototype for an eventual inter-continental ballistic missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the mainland United States.
Pyongyang insists the rocket's uses are purely scientific and space-based.
On the cyber warfare front, the North has already proved its technical capabilities, launching a damaging attack on South Korean banks and broadcasters in 2013 and blamed by Washington for an audacious hacking assault on Sony Pictures the following year.
- 'World-class' cyber warriors -
In testimony to the US Senate Armed Services Committee in April, the newly-appointed commander of US forces in South Korea, General Vincent Brooks, said the North's elite cyber units "are among the best in the world and the best organised."
This in a country where access to the full internet is the privilege of an elite few.
The Sci-Tech complex's computer consoles are segregated, with those in the main hall only capable of accessing a home-page hosted on an internal server with a limited menu of subjects ranging from children' cartoons to educational material.
Users over the age of 17 and with the required permission, can surf the North's tightly-controlled, closed-network intranet system, allowing access to state media and some officially approved sites.
There are also links to North Korean university e-libraries and large wall posters boast -- or at least suggest -- the availability of well-known Western scientific databases like Elsevier and Springer.
The intranet runs on an indigenously developed Linux-based operating system, Red Star.
Niklaus Scheiss and Florian Grunow, two German researchers who downloaded and conducted an exhaustive analysis of Red Star, described it as the "wet dream of a surveillance state."
- Keeping tabs -
The system notes and reacts to any attempt to tinker with its core functions and creates tabs, or "watermarks," on the files of a computer or any USB stick connected to it.
The purpose, Scheiss and Grunow told a conference in Hamburg last year, is to track any user who created, possessed or opened any particular file.
It's a powerful tool in a country where unauthorised material, including foreign films, news articles or music are often shared illicitly using USB sticks or other data cards.
Visitors to the Sci-Tech centre are issued temporary ID cards that allocate and log them in and out of a specific console.
"It's a good place to study and I work here during my lunch breaks," said Ri Yong-Hwa, a college student with a part-time job at the centre.
"I wanted to put into action our Dear Leader's words to place our country at the forefront of science and technology," Ri told AFP.
Ordinary North Koreans usually express only officially-sanctioned views when questioned by foreign news organisations.
The Sci-Tech complex's computer consoles are segregated, with those in the main hall only capable of accessing a home-page hosted on an internal server Ed JONES (AFP)
Vietnam says Trump hails ties despite vow to end trade pact
US President-elect Donald Trump has reassured Vietnam over future ties, according to the communist nation, which is set to lose out if he honours a vow to ditch a major trade deal.
In a phone call on Wednesday with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Trump "affirmed the wish to cooperate with Vietnam to strengthen bilateral ties".
The Vietnamese leader congratulated Trump on his November election win and said he honours the "friendly and cooperative" ties with Washington, according to a statement posted on the Vietnam government website.
Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc says US President-elect Donald Trump has reassured Vietnam over future ties LUONG THAI LINH/POOL (POOL/AFP/File)
"The two leaders exchanged ideas and measures to promote Vietnam-US economic, commercial and investment relations in the future," the statement added.
Ties between the former foes have warmed steadily since the end of the Vietnam War, especially under outgoing president Barack Obama who has championed a so-called pivot to Asia policy.
A pillar of that policy was the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a massive global trade pact that Trump has said he will scrap on his first day in office.
He has said the TPP would harm US manufacturing and jobs.
Manufacturing hub Vietnam stands to gain enormously from the 12-country deal, which would reduce tariffs and open Vietnam's access to key markets like the United States and Japan.
Many economists argued that low-wage Vietnam could add more than 10 percent to its GDP over a decade under the deal.
But it must be ratified by all signatories to come into effect.
Vietnam has said it is still committed to existing trade deals, including with the United States, regardless of what happens with the TPP.
Japan's parliament ratified the agreement this month despite Trump's opposition.
Trump is expected to travel to Vietnam in November 2017 for the annual APEC summit.
Israel settlers reject relocation offer as eviction looms
Residents of a wildcat Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank on Thursday rejected a proposal to leave voluntarily, raising fears of violence as an evacuation deadline nears.
The Amona outpost, home to some 40 families, is under a High Court order to be evacuated by December 25 since it was found to have been built on private Palestinian land in a case that has taken on international importance.
The rejection in the early hours of Thursday led to concerns the army would move in imminently to clear them out, leading dozens of youths to stream into the hilltop outpost in windy and bitterly cold weather.
The international community considers all settlements in the West Bank, including Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, to be illegal, whether they are authorised by the government or not Thomas Coex (AFP/File)
Many crowded into a small synagogue and dozed in sleeping bags on the floor, while others stayed in their cars or simply walked the streets.
After sunrise, some of the more extreme youths, wearing knitted Jewish skullcaps with sidelocks dangling, spread nails on roads along with stones and wooden poles.
Several took up position on top of a water tower while waving an Israeli flag. They also hauled an empty dumpster with them for unclear reasons.
A spokesman for Amona residents who has lived in the outpost for 14 years said they had not been given any notice of when an evacuation could happen.
"There is no difference between Amona and Tel Aviv," said Eli Greenberg, a 43-year-old father of eight, referring to Israel's economic capital.
"There's no reason to take us out of here," he said as he sat on the front deck of his mobile home near a hillside planted with rows of olive trees.
In a press conference Thursday afternoon, residents defended turning down the government's offer.
Resident Avichai Boaron said when they inspected the terms they found the government was not obliged to follow through with plans to build them new homes in a nearby area.
"The state made no commitment to anything and it is putting a gun to our heads," Israeli website Ynet quoted him as saying.
- Final offer -
The dispute over whether to demolish the outpost northeast of Ramallah has taken on international importance because of concern over settlement expansion in the West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967.
Israeli nationalist politicians, settlement advocates and Amona residents have resisted the move, and the international community is watching closely over whether the court order will be obeyed.
All Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem, are seen as illegal under international law, but Israel differentiates between those it has approved and those it has not.
Settlements such as Amona are called outposts -- those that Israel has not approved.
After recent efforts to pass a bill to legalise it failed, the state presented residents with what it described as a way to relocate them to nearby plots.
But following an 11-hour debate, residents rejected the offer, which they said was in fact to relocate only 12 of the families to nearby plots considered available.
The other 28 families would move to temporary housing in the nearby Ofra settlement as the state sought a long-term solution, a spokeswoman for the regional Binyamin council, Eliana Passentin, told AFP.
Israeli officials have told local media that there will be no other offer.
- 'Grab on to something' -
There are concerns over how any evacuation will play out.
In 2006, the demolition of nine permanent houses in the outpost led to clashes between settlers and Israeli security forces.
Settlements are seen as major stumbling blocks to peace efforts as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.
But the settlement movement wields significant power in Israeli politics.
Key members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, seen as the most right-wing in the country's history, openly oppose a Palestinian state and advocate annexing most of the West Bank.
After the Amona residents' vote, a group of seven extremist rabbis issued a statement suggesting security forces not participate in an evacuation.
Kalmen Barkin, a 20-year-old from Jerusalem with a long red beard, was among those gathered in the Amona synagogue before dawn.
He said he did not advocate violence and would passively resist.
"When they come to take you, grab on to something."
Settlements in the West Bank Kun TIAN, Gillian HANDYSIDE (AFP)
Key members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition openly oppose a Palestinian state and advocate annexing most of the West Bank Ronen Zvulun (Pool/AFP/File)
Ready or not South Korea debuts in Sydney-Hobart
The skipper of South Korea's first ever entry in the Sydney-Hobart blue water classic says he has been preparing for years but fears he is still not ready for the punishing yacht race.
"We have spent eight years getting ready for the race," Kwangmin Andrew Rho told reporters Thursday ahead of the December 26 start.
"We chartered a TP52 to practise on for five years, he added of the local 52-footer Frantic after plans to buy a boat in Sydney fell through.
Kwangmin Andrew Rho, captains South Korea's first ever entry in the Sydney-Hobart yacht race WILLIAM WEST (AFP)
"Frankly, I am not ready," Rho admitted. "We will be much better next week -- I hope."
Rho speaks from experience, having crewed in the 2015 race, which was hit by savage southerly winds, forcing dozens of boats to pull out.
"It was much harder than I expected, he said.
Storms are a routine part of the event with six men dying, five boats sinking and 55 sailors rescued in 1998 when ferocious weather hit the fleet.
Rho said that while Korean sailors travel to compete in Japan and other Asian countries they mostly race inshore. There is little offshore racing to gain experience, but efforts are under way to change that.
Among a dozen international entries, the Korea Ocean Sailing Club has renamed Frantic, which retired from last year's race with a torn mainsail, as Sonic for the nation's first tilt at the gruelling 628-nautical-mile event.
"We are under a lot of pressure," Rho said, hoping for clement weather for the sprint down Australia's east coast and across the wild Bass Strait to Hobart.
"Every Korean will be looking at us."
Team Korea is mostly from Seoul and Busan with some experience of America's Cup sailing.
US says aid package to Philippines withheld over rights concerns
The United States said Thursday it had withheld a major aid package to the Philippines because of significant concerns about the rule of law under President Rodrigo Duterte, days after he boasted about personally killing people.
The announcement is one of the sharpest responses by the United States to Duterte's drug war, which has claimed more than 5,000 lives in less than six months.
The US embassy said the Philippines had missed out on a second aid grant under the Millennium Challenge Corporation, after an initial five-year package worth more than $430 million expired in May.
The United States has not renewed a major aid package to the Philippines because of "significant concerns" about the rule of law under President Rodrigo Duterte Manman Dejeto (AFP/File)
"This decision reflects the Board's significant concerns around rule of law and civil liberties in the Philippines," embassy spokeswoman Molly Koscina said in a statement emailed to AFP.
The US government set up the Millennium Challenge Corporation to promote economic growth and reduce poverty around the world.
However countries can only qualify if they "demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, investments in its people, and economic freedom," according to the corporation's website.
The United States has been a vocal critic of the war on drugs, with President Barack Obama in September urging Duterte to prosecute it "the right way".
The criticism has severely strained ties between the longtime allies, which are bound by a mutual defence pact.
Duterte has branded Obama a "son of a whore" and told him to "go to hell", while seeking to establish closer ties with US rivals China and Russia.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation announced on Wednesday that new grants had been given to Burkina Faso, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.
The US embassy's Koscina said the corporation's board decided to withhold a vote on whether to reselect the Philippines because of the rights concerns, although it could still be considered in the future.
"MCC will continue to monitor unfolding events in the Philippines and underscores that all country partners are expected to maintain eligibility, which includes not just a passing scorecard but also a demonstrated commitment to the rule of law, due process and respect for human rights," she said.
- Duterte's Trump card -
However Duterte has said he is looking forward to relations improving under US president-elect Donald Trump.
Duterte said following a phone call with Trump in early December that he had received encouragement for the drug war.
"He was quite sensitive also to our worry about drugs. And he wishes me well... in my campaign and he said that... we are doing it as a sovereign nation, the right way," Duterte said about his call with Trump.
Philippine police have reported killing 2,086 people in anti-drug operations since Duterte took office on June 30. More than 3,000 others have been killed in unexplained circumstances, according to official figures.
Often masked assailants break into shanty homes and kill people who have been tagged as drug traffickers or drug users. Rights groups have warned of a breakdown in the rule of law with police and hired assassins operating with complete impunity.
Duterte has insisted that police are only killing in self-defence and gangsters are murdering the other victims.
But he has also said he will not allow any police to go to jail if they are found guilty of murder in prosecuting his crime war.
This week Duterte said he had personally killed suspected criminals when he was mayor of a southern city to set an example for police.
In September Duterte also likened himself to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler as he said he was "happy to slaughter" three million drug users.
After condemnation from Jewish groups, Duterte apologised for his Hitler reference but said he was "emphatic" about wanting to kill the millions of drug users.
Surveys have shown a majority of Filipinos overwhelmingly support the charismatic Duterte and his crime policies, accepting his argument that drastic action is required to stop the Philippines from becoming a narco-state.
A fresh survey by the Social Weather Stations released Thursday showed 77 percent of Filipinos were "satisfied" with his performance.
China says S. China Sea military overflights 'routine'
Beijing dismissed concerns Thursday over recent reports of Chinese military aircraft manoeuvres near Japanese territory and in the South China Sea, state media said, calling them routine exercises.
Chinese planes recently passed through the Miyako Strait between Japan's Miyako and Okinawa Islands, China's defence ministry said in a statement on its website Saturday.
In a separate incident, US broadcaster Fox News reported last week that a Chinese bomber circumnavigated a disputed area of the South China Sea, a move seen as a message to US president-elect Donald Trump who has attacked Beijing's actions in the region.
China insists on sovereignty over virtually all the resource-rich waters of the South China Sea, despite rival claims from its Southeast Asian neighbours Ritchie B. Tongo (Pool/AFP/File)
China insists on sovereignty over virtually all the resource-rich waters, despite rival claims from its Southeast Asian neighbours.
The flights were "routine", Chinese Air Force spokesman Shen Jinke said, according to the official Xinhua news service.
"The overflight is about the mission and responsibility of the Chinese Air Force, and is legitimate, reasonable and justified," it reported him as saying.
"The Air Force will continue to conduct regular high sea drills and further improve its capabilities in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests."
Chinese officials on Sunday accused Japanese fighter jets of firing flares at China's planes as they passed through international airspace near Japan's islands.
But Japanese officials denied the accusations, describing them as "clearly untrue".
The strait is a pinch point in Japan-China relations because it is one of the few egresses into the Pacific Ocean for Chinese ships and aircraft that avoid Japanese airspace.
Beijing's growing military is keen to flex its muscles and push further afield as it develops a "blue water" navy capable of operating far from home waters, but is hemmed in by the Japanese archipelago.
It is also eager to show its strength in the South China Sea, where the US claims its activities threaten freedom of navigation and overflight.
Last week, Trump blasted Beijing's South China Sea policy on Twitter, criticising its decision to build what he described as a "massive military complex" there.
Mogadishu blast at army checkpoint 'kills six'
At least six people, mostly soldiers, were killed when a bomb exploded at an army checkpoint in Mogadishu, the second blast Thursday in the troubled Somali capital.
"Six people, most of them soldiers, were killed (by the bomb) which was planted under a tree close to a security checkpoint," said Mogadishu administration spokesman Abdifatah Omar Halane.
"Several others are also wounded."
[caption]
Witnesses said the area was bustling with soldiers and civilians when the explosion occurred.
"The situation was okay and everybody was busy minding their business when the blast went off near the checkpoint. I saw several dead people including soldiers but most of the wounded were civilians," said witness Mohamed Nure.
The blast came just hours after a car loaded with explosives was driven into a government building which houses a popular restaurant.
"The driver died and several other people were wounded," said Somali police commander Mohamed Dahir.
Two employees of a local radio station inside the building were among the injured.
"The car rolled over after striking the building but luckily (the explosives) did not go off for a few minutes. People managed to run away and casualties were very minimal," said Abdirahman Ali, who witnessed the blast.
There has been an uptick in attacks in Mogadishu as the country is in the process of electing a new government with the much-delayed presidential vote due on December 28.
On Sunday 20 people were killed in a suicide truck bombing claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab group.
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.
Family of DR Congo leader Kabila built fortune: report
President Joseph Kabila and his family in the Democratic Republic of Congo have created a personal economic empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars, the Bloomberg News agency reported Thursday.
"Together the Kabilas have built a network of businesses that reaches into every corner of Congo's economy and has brought hundreds of millions of dollars to the family," the US news agency said five days before Kabila's mandate to rule expires.
"The sprawling network may help explain why the president is ignoring pleas by the (United States), the European Union and a majority of the Congolese people to hand over power next week."
President Joseph Kabila, pictured here in November, has shown no signs of stepping down despite international pressure when his term ends on December 19. JUNIOR D.KANNAH (AFP)
Bloomberg News stated that the report was based on a year-long investigation by three journalists into the Kabila family's business network in and beyond the mineral-rich yet dirt-poor central African country.
Backed by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, the journalists carried out dozens of interviews in DR Congo, where Kabila came to power in wartime in 2001 after the assassination of his father by a bodyguard.
The young soldier was later elected twice, but his constitutional mandate expires on December 20, and the results of the last poll in 2011 were rejected by the opposition, while observers decried massive fraud.
Bloomberg News said the journalists had amassed "hundreds of thousands of pages of corporate documents that show that (Kabila's) wife, two children and eight of his siblings control more than 120 permits to dig gold, diamonds, copper, cobalt and other minerals."
The DRC was swept by two successive wars between 1996 and 2003, hard on the heels of three decades of kleptocratic dictatorship by Mobutu Sese Seko, who was long supported by the West as a regional ally.
- Family with a finger in every pie -
The vast country, about two-thirds the size of Western Europe, is known for tremendous wealth in minerals, yet 90 percent of the population lives on less than $1.5 (1.4 euros) a day, according to UN figures.
Though Kabila's final five-year term runs out next Tuesday, no date has been set for the next election and a contested ruling by the Constitutional Court allows him to stay in power until polls take place.
Dozens of people have been killed this year during opposition protests against the prolongation of Kabila's rule.
Since 2003, the Kabila family has established an international business network stretching across at least 70 companies operating in the United States, Panama, Tanzania and the tax haven of Nuie island in the South Pacific as well as in the DRC, according to Bloomberg News.
Apart from mining interests, "family members also have stakes in banks, farms, fuel distributors, airline operators, a road builder, hotels, a pharmaceutical supplier, travel agencies, boutiques and nightclubs," the report said.
Asked by AFP to comment on the report, Congolese government spokesman Lambert Mende said "You can't stop one of the president's relatives from being ambitious or owning property, let alone from doing business."
He said the report was yet another instance of the West's campaign to undermine his country.
US church shooter viewed victims as 'animals': prosecutor
Self-described white supremacist Dylann Roof massacred nine parishioners at a historic African American church because he thought they were "nothing more than animals," the prosecutor said Thursday in closing arguments of the gunman's death penalty trial.
"Hold him accountable for every one of his actions. Find him guilty of all counts of this indictment," federal prosecutor Nathan Williams urged the jury.
In a videotaped confession shown in court last week, Roof calmly told FBI agents that he carried out the June 17, 2015 attack at the "Mother Emanuel" church in Charleston, South Carolina in retaliation for alleged crimes committed by black people against white victims.
The Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina JOHN MOORE (Getty/AFP/File)
"He executed them because he believed they were nothing more than animals," Williams said.
"His actions in the church are the best reflections of the vastness of his hatred."
Defense attorney David Bruck hinted at mental illness in his closing argument, saying Roof had not grown up in a racist family, had no escape plan or money, and hadn't communicated with any white supremacists.
"What we are left with is the evidence, every bit of his motivation came from things he saw on the internet," he said.
The racist beliefs were "downloaded directly from the internet into his brain... Everything he's doing is just an imitation."
He called on jurors to "look past the surface" and consider that Roof didn't realize he had shot nine people, thinking he had killed four or five. The 22-year-old, wearing heavy clothing on a hot summer evening, was a loner without a best friend, he added.
The case was turned over to the jury for deliberations in the early afternoon.
- Multiple visits -
FBI agent Joseph Hamski testified on Tuesday that Roof had traveled a half dozen times to the church in the months before the shooting, after downloading a book about the Ku Klux Klan with photographs of a cross-burning ceremony.
"His preparation for these crimes show the vastness of his hatred," Williams said Thursday.
Roof documented the trips with photographs in which he posed in front of historic sites linked to the US South during times of slavery, sometimes wearing a jacket with the flags of apartheid South Africa and Rhodesia.
Many of the images were posted in a hate-filled online manifesto that included racist language directed at African Americans and other minorities.
Roof chuckled during his confession, saying he hadn't gone to another church "because there could be white people there."
The gunman said he became inspired after reading about a Florida neighborhood watchman's 2012 killing of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin, a case that sparked widespread protests.
"After I read that, I typed in -- for some reason I typed in black on white crime," Roof said.
"I had to do it, because somebody had to do something because black people are killing white people every day."
- Emotional testimony -
The trial featured gripping, heartrending testimony from survivors of the shooting at the church -- the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the southern US, with beginnings dating back to the late 1700s, when a handful of slaves gathered to worship with free African Americans.
One woman had lain in a pool of her son and her aunt's blood, cradling her granddaughter as the massacre unfolded.
Felicia Sanders called Roof "evil" and said "there's no place on Earth for him except the pit of hell."
Roof's mother had heart attack during the emotional testimony and had to be hospitalized.
On Wednesday, a 72-year-old survivor said Roof told her he was sparing her life so she could "tell the story."
Roof's lawyers called no witnesses during the trial, resting their case after failing to persuade the judge to allow two mental health experts to testify on behalf of the defendant.
Should he be found guilty, Roof has elected to represent himself during the sentencing phase.
Roof is also facing state murder charges in South Carolina, though that trial is not due to begin until January 17. State prosecutors also are seeking the death penalty.
2015 Charleston church shooting Gal ROMA (AFP)
Six percent of Zika pregnancies result in birth defects: study
About six percent of babies born in the United States to mothers infected with the mosquito-borne Zika virus while pregnant were born with birth defects, US researchers said Thursday.
The report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
"CDC scientists used preliminary data from the US Zika Pregnancy Registry (USZPR) to estimate that six percent of completed pregnancies following Zika virus infection were affected by one or more birth defects potentially related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy," said the report.
The Zika virus can cause babies to be born with malformed brains and unusually small heads, a condition known as microcephaly SCHNEYDER MENDOZA (AFP/File)
A total of 442 women with possible Zika infection had given birth by September 22, and 26 of those pregnancies, or six percent, resulted in birth defects that may be linked to Zika.
Zika can cause babies to be born with malformed brains and unusually small heads, a condition known as microcephaly.
The rate of defects was higher -- 11 percent -- among women who were infected with Zika in the first trimester of their pregnancies.
"Zika poses a real risk throughout pregnancy, but especially in the first trimester," said CDC chief Tom Frieden.
"It's critical that pregnant women not travel to areas where Zika is spreading."
In four out of five cases, Zika causes no symptoms at all. Those who do report symptoms may have a rash, headache or body pain.
"The proportion of pregnancies with birth defects was similar for pregnant women who did or who did not experience symptoms, about six percent in each group," said the report.
Eighteen infants were diagnosed with microcephaly, representing four percent of the completed pregnancies.
Typically, the US prevalence of microcephaly is 0.07 percent of live births.
Frieden said the study "shows that the rate of microcephaly and other fetal malformations related to Zika is similar among babies born in the United States - whose mothers were infected during travel to a dozen countries with active Zika transmission - to the estimated rate in Brazil," where the first spike in cases of microcephaly was seen last year.
With iron will and key allies, Syria's Assad defies expectations
Written off by the West, Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has defied all expectations of his downfall, thanks to his iron will but also his crucial alliances with Russia and Iran.
Syria's army now stands on the verge of recapturing all of Aleppo, allowing the 51-year-old president to deal a potentially knock-out blow to the opposition forces that rose up against him in 2011.
As evacuations of fighters and civilians from rebel-held neighbourhoods got underway Thursday, a triumphant Assad said Aleppo's "liberation" was "history in the making".
A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on July 21, 2016 shows Syrian President Bashar al-Assad speaking during an interview with the official Cuban Prensa Latina agency, in the capital Damascus - (SANA/AFP/File)
For nearly six years, Assad has been able to count on his bloodied but loyal armed forces, his powerful intelligence services and the support of many people in Syria terrified by the rise of jihadist forces such as the Islamic State group.
His opponents, meanwhile, have often been deeply divided and disorganised, and received timid backing from Western and Arab Gulf allies unwilling to stand by their side militarily.
Assad, analysts said, was able to survive because he never wavered in his deep belief that he had no choice but to fight on.
"It has always been a struggle for life and death. There was no question of stopping this war. It was either win or lose," said Nikolaos van Dam, a former Dutch ambassador and Syria expert.
"The regime has half a century of experience of how to stay in power. It has the support of the army and security services," he said.
"Popular support is not that decisive, but comes among others from minorities that feel threatened by Islamists and jihadists."
Having arrived in power in 2000 following the death of his father Hafez, who ruled Syria with an iron fist for 30 years, Assad was taken by surprise by the revolution.
- Sure of 'ultimate victory' -
Inspired by the Arab Spring movement sweeping the Middle East, opponents of Assad's rule rose up in a wave of protests across the country.
Assad did not hesitate and the protests were violently suppressed, with the Syrian leader denouncing his opponents as either jihadists, foreign agents of a conspiracy concocted by the United States and Israel, or both.
Opposition forces took up arms and many of the rebels were hailed in the West and Sunni Gulf Arab states -- long enemies of Assad's Shiite-linked regime -- as the vanguard of a democratic Syria.
Still, despite some tentative efforts to provide arms and training to opposition forces, the revolution's backers never cracked Assad's conviction that he was going to win the war, analysts said.
"Assad advisers maintained from the beginning that they were confident of success so long as the United States Air Force did not bomb Damascus or get involved in the war," said Joshua Landis, director of the Centre for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma.
Even at the regime's worst moment, when his forces were driven in March 2015 from Idlib province, "Assad and his advisers brushed off their defeats as limited", Landis said.
"They always projected a strong sense of self-assurance in their ultimate victory."
Patience was vital, analysts said, with Assad -- no matter how isolated from the West -- willing to hold out for as long as it took to put down the rebellion.
"He was from the same school as his father, and this school has always understood the importance of time, how to turn bad headwinds into good," said Waddah Abed Rabbo, editor-in-chief of Syria's influential Al-Watan daily newspaper.
Still, the key to his victory, Abed Rabbo and others said, was the steadfast support Assad was able to count on from his foreign allies.
"He never doubted his victory because he knew that his country had for decades nourished a solid strategic alliance with Russia, Iran and others," he said.
- Old, strong alliances -
Those alliances date back decades. The Soviet Union was a major supporter of Assad's father, and Syria's ruling elite -- hailing from the Alawite branch of Shiite Islam -- have long had close ties with Shiite-dominated Iran.
"Syria's relations with its allies are old and founded on... interests that are still valid today," said Souhail Belhadj, a political scientist at the Geneva-based Institute of International and Development Studies.
"The Syrian regime has always shown itself to be a loyal military, strategic, political, ideological and economic ally for as long as this alliance has lasted," he said.
In contrast, as Syria's war dragged on, the opposition saw its support dwindle away.
The "Friends of Syria" group, formed in 2012 by Western and Gulf nations to support the rebellion, backed the National Coalition as the country's recognised opposition and imposed sanctions on the regime.
But that support, analysts said, never went far enough.
"The weakness of Assad's enemies has to a great extent been determined by insufficient support of the 'friends' of the Syrian opposition," van Dam said.
Emboldened by his win in Aleppo, Assad now has little reason to make any concessions to the opposition.
"He will rule much as he has in the past, using a combination of intimidation and patronage," Landis said. "We have seen that the Assads are unable to change the fundamental nature of the regime."
A general view shows buses waiting in front of destroyed buildings during an evacuation operation of rebel fighters and their families from rebel-held neighbourhoods in the embattled city of Aleppo on December 15, 2016 George OURFALIAN (AFP)
Remaining areas controlled by rebels in Syria Thomas SAINT-CRICQ, Sophie RAMIS, Vincent LEFAI (AFP)
Erdogan says discussed Syria with Putin, Obama
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that he discussed the situation in Syria's Aleppo "several times" with his Russian and US counterparts Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama.
Erdogan's statement came as hundreds of civilians and rebels left eastern Aleppo on Thursday under an evacuation deal negotiated by Russia and Turkey that has effectively handed back control of rebel areas of the city to the Moscow-backed regime.
"During the Aleppo ceasefire and evacuation process, first I spoke with Mr Putin many times," Erdogan told reporters.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he has spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, seen together in October 2016, about the situation in Aleppo "many times" OZAN KOSE (AFP/File)
He said he also spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel by phone, to discuss how Berlin could provide assistance to people in the north Syrian city.
The German leader said her government "was ready to help in any way regarding humanitarian aid," the Turkish president said, without specifying when exactly they had spoken.
Erdogan added that he had a "long call" with Obama earlier, during which they discussed both Syria and Iraq.
"He asked how he could help (in Syria) and I told him how," he said, without elaborating.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu spoke with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif six times on Thursday.
While Turkey has been a key backer of the revolt against President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, Iran has supported the regime.
Erdogan added that approximately 1,150 civilians and wounded had been evacuated from rebel-held eastern Aleppo and arrived in the neighbouring province of Idlib.
The evacuation is part of a ceasefire deal initially agreed on Tuesday, which collapsed after renewed clashes but was revived late Wednesday.
Former US cop charged with homicide in black man's death
A former police officer in Wisconsin was charged Thursday in the fatal shooting of an African American suspect, a killing that had set off two nights of unrest in Milwaukee.
The case was one of several fatal shootings of black suspects across the United States that have thrown the spotlight on how police use deadly force -- and whether a suspect's race leads to bias in that decision.
Dominique Heaggan-Brown shot Sylville Smith, who was armed with a semi-automatic pistol, following a foot chase.
After the fatal shooting of Sylville Smith by a Milwaukee police officer, two days of unruly protests saw cars and businesses in the city set on fire, and police targeted with gunshots, rocks and bottles Cengiz Yar (AFP/File)
Heaggan-Brown, who is black, faces a charge of first-degree reckless homicide, which carries a maximum prison term of 60 years.
A court filing said the officer shot Smith twice, focusing on the second shot as the basis of the homicide charge.
Relying mostly on body camera footage from Heaggan-Brown and a second officer, authorities said the first shot struck Smith in the arm as he was raising his right hand, which was holding the gun.
Smith then fell to the ground and was unarmed, but Heaggan-Brown fired a second shot at Smith's chest, according to the criminal complaint.
"At no time after the shooting did Heaggan-Brown or any other officer search Smith for a second firearm," the complaint said.
The 23-year-old Smith died at the scene.
Smith's mother, Mildred Haynes, said authorities should have charged the officer with a more severe crime.
"He shot him in the arm and shot him again in the chest... To me, he shot to kill," the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper quoted her as saying.
Smith had caught the attention of police because he was in a car with an out-of-state license plate and another person was leaning into the passenger window of the vehicle.
Heaggan-Brown told investigators that "he believed it could be consistent with drug activity," the complaint said.
The officer was fired from the Milwaukee Police Department in October following unrelated sexual assault charges.
After the shooting, two days of unruly protests saw cars and businesses in the city set on fire, and police targeted with gunshots, rocks and bottles.
The violence came after the targeted killings of several police officers around the nation, including five in Dallas, following an outcry over the deaths of African Americans at the hands of police.
In the most recent case of an officer to go to court over a black suspect's death, a judge in Charleston, South Carolina declared a mistrial last week in the case against Michael Slager after the jury said it was deadlocked.
White House points finger at Putin over election hack
The White House on Thursday pointed to Russian President Vladimir Putin's direct involvement in cyber attacks designed to impact the US election, dramatically upping the stakes in a dispute between the world's leading nuclear powers.
Publicly accusing Putin puts the White House under even greater pressure to respond forcefully to interference that may have swayed a tight November election between Republican President-elect Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Obama will hold a news conference Friday at 2:15 pm (1915 GMT) before leaving for a vacation in Hawaii. He is expected to be peppered with questions about the hacking dispute.
Top advisor to US President Barack Obama Ben Rhodes said Russian President Vladimir Putin, seen December 7, 2016 "ultimately...is the official responsible for the actions of the Russian government" Alexey DRUZHININ (SPUTNIK/AFP/File)
"I don't think things happen in the Russian government of this consequence without Vladimir Putin knowing about it," said Ben Rhodes, a top adviser to President Barack Obama.
"Everything we know about how Russia operates and how Putin controls that government would suggest that, again, when you're talking about a significant cyber intrusion like this, we're talking about the highest levels of government," he told MSNBC television.
"And ultimately, Vladimir Putin is the official responsible for the actions of the Russian government."
His comments were echoed by White House spokesman Josh Earnest, who said that the decision by US intelligence agencies in October to publicly blame "Russia's senior-most officials" was not meant to be "particularly subtle."
But blaming Putin now also puts the White House on a collision course with Trump himself, who continues to question Russian involvement in hacks of Democratic Party emails that were unflattering to Clinton.
"If Russia, or some other entity, was hacking, why did the White House wait so long to act? Why did they only complain after Hillary lost?" he tweeted.
- 'Ridiculous nonsense' -
The 70-year-old billionaire-turned-incoming president appeared increasingly isolated in his stance, which runs against US intelligence estimates.
The conclusions by key bodies including the Central Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have been accepted throughout the government, including among top members of Trump's own party.
In just five weeks, Trump will be in charge of those agencies when he succeeds Obama on January 20.
On Wednesday, senior Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he was informed by the FBI in August that his own campaign had been hacked.
"My goal is to put on President Trump's desk crippling sanctions against Russia. They need to pay a price," he said.
Former CIA director Michael Hayden called Trump "the only prominent American that has not yet conceded that the Russians conducted a massive covert influence campaign against the United States."
"On this particular event, what Mr Trump says about it is the same thing that Mr Putin says about it."
The Kremlin rejected the allegations of Putin's involvement.
"Ridiculous nonsense cannot have any basis," his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Thursday.
Trump's repeated dismissal of the CIA and FBI reports, and comments he made that former CIA officials call insulting to the intelligence community, threaten to undermine his relationship with an essential part of the government even before he takes office.
As for Trump's assertion that no one addressed the issue before his election win, Obama has repeatedly said both the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee were apprised of the hacking and the Russian threat well before November 8.
"We determined and announced in October that it was the consensus of all the intelligence agencies and law enforcement that organizations affiliated with Russian intelligence were responsible for the hacking of the DNC, materials that were being leaked," Obama said Monday.
"So that was a month before the election -- this was not a secret."
In Congress, some senior legislators are demanding a broad investigation and declassification of at least some of the secret CIA and FBI reports.
President-elect Donald Trump took to Twitter to reiterate his dismissal of CIA and FBI reports on Russian hacking DON EMMERT (AFP/File)
Kerry warns Aleppo must not become new Srebrenica
US Secretary of State John Kerry warned Thursday tens of thousands of Syrian civilians are still trapped in Aleppo and must not face a Srebrenica-style massacre.
Washington's top diplomat expressed moral outrage at the fate of the city, but offered no new plan to end the civil war, demanding that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad agree to peace talks.
"What has happened already in Aleppo is unconscionable," Kerry told reporters as a first convoy of hundreds Aleppo civilians made use of a ceasefire to flee the city.
Pro-government forces watch as buses pass during an evacuation operation of rebel fighters and their families from rebel-held neighbourhoods in the embattled city of Aleppo on December 15, 2016 Youssef KARWASHAN (AFP)
"But there remains tens of thousands of lives that are now concentrated into a very small area of Aleppo," he said.
"And the last thing anybody wants to see... is that that small area turns into another Srebrenica," he said, referring to a 1995 Bosnian war massacre.
Kerry said he had been in recent contact with all the major international players in the conflict about reviving the idea of Geneva talks between Assad and rebel leaders.
And he demanded that Russia, which backs Assad and which he again accused of complicity in attacks on civilians, compel its ally to come to the negotiating table.
"The only remaining question is whether the Syrian regime with Russia's support is willing to go to Geneva prepared to negotiate constructively," he said.
He accused Assad, who is from Syria's Alawite minority and is backed by Iranian-backed Shiite militias, of unleashing a "sectarian passion" in his Sunni majority country.
"The Assad regime is actually carrying out nothing short of a massacre," Kerry said.
"And we have witnessed indiscriminate slaughter, not accidents of war, not collateral damage, but frankly purposeful, a cynical policy of terrorizing civilians."
Gabon crimes against humanity accusation sent to ICC
Lawyers representing Gabon opposition leader Jean Ping sent a case file to the International Criminal Court's prosecutor on Thursday, accusing the government of crimes against humanity.
The accusation relates to violence which broke out for two days following the controversial reelection of President Ali Bongo in August, a result questioned by the European Union.
The opposition claimed 26 people were killed during the riots and protests that begun on August 31, although official government figures put that toll at just three.
Gabonese opposition leader Jean Ping, seen in September 2016, has styled himself as president-elect since losing the August election by less than 6,000 votes STEVE JORDAN (AFP/File)
The file sent to the ICC was "the fruit of three months of investigations carried out in Gabon and abroad, which demonstrate the existence of crimes against humanity committed by the Gabonese authorities", French lawyer Emmanuel Altit said in a statement.
"It transires that Gabonese government forces launched, in particular on August 31 in Libreville, a planned attack on the civil population aimed at maintaining power" for Bongo, the statement said.
Back in September, the ICC's chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda opened an initial probe into the deadly violence, but at Libreville's behest.
Gabon's letter of referral to the ICC had accused Ping and his supporters of incitement to genocide and crimes against humanity.
Opposition protestors had set parliament ablaze and clashed with police.
Ping has styled himself as president-elect since losing the August election by less than 6,000 votes.
That result lacked "integrity", according to EU observers who cited "anomalies", including a flagrant one in which Bongo's Haut-Ogooue heartland returned a 99 percent turnout -- with the president taking 95 percent of the vote -- compared to a 54.24 percent turnout across the rest of the country.
The ICC prosecutor must now study the case before determining whether or not to open an inquiry.
Brexit: Year's key political term enters Oxford dictionary
LONDON (AP) Britain has yet to leave the European Union, but the term for its departure Brexit has earned a place in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Oxford University Press said Thursday that the Brexit is among new entries in the authoritative reference work's latest update. It's defined as "the (proposed) withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, and the political process associated with it."
The word has rapidly entered common usage since Britain voted in June to leave the 28-nation EU. The formal exit process is expected to start next year.
FILE - In this Friday, June 24, 2016 file photo Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party celebrates as he poses for photographers as he leaves a "Leave.EU" organization party for the British European Union membership referendum in London. The British people voted by 52% in favour of leaving the European Union in the referendum on June 23. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
The related word Grexit a potential Greek exit from the EU's single currency is also a new addition to the dictionary.
Other new entries include glam-ma, a glamorous grandmother; YouTuber, a producer of material for the video-sharing website; verklempt, an adjective meaning overwhelmed by emotion; and "get your freak on," a term for exuberant sex or dancing.
73-year-old killed by police had crucifix but no gun
LOS ANGELES (AP) A 73-year-old man with dementia fatally shot by police had a crucifix not a gun, as officers were led to believe, Bakersfield police said Wednesday.
A coroner found the plastic crucifix on Francisco Serna well after an officer fatally shot him near his home just after midnight Monday, Sgt. Gary Carruesco said.
It's unclear if a 911 caller who had reported a man with a gun may have mistaken the crucifix for a weapon, as Serna's family speculated.
In this photo provided by The Bakersfield Californian, activist Dolores Huerta, center, speaks at a candlelight vigil for Francisco Serna, 73, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, in Bakersfield, Calif. From right are Serna's son Frank Serna, wife Rubia Serna and son Roy Serna. Serna was shot and killed by a Bakersfield, Calif., police officer near his home early Monday. Police Chief Lyle Martin said Tuesday that the unarmed Serna refused to take his hand out of his pocket when he was shot by an officer who thought he had a gun. Serna's family said he suffers from dementia and he often took walks in the evening. (Felix Adamo/The Bakersfield Californian via AP)
Officer Reagan Selman fired at Serna seven times after the grandfather refused repeated commands to take his hand out of his pocket and stop walking toward police, incoming Bakersfield police Chief Lyle Martin said Tuesday.
In addition to the 911 caller, Martin said two people who had encountered Serna hours before the shooting thought he was armed.
Serna's family is calling his death murder. They say they want an independent investigation into the shooting and for the U.S. Justice Department to look into whether police violated Serna's civil rights.
"It's difficult to accept that our dad's life ended so brutally, abruptly and with such excessive violence," according to a family statement. "Our dad was treated like a criminal, and we feel like he was left to die alone without his family by his side."
Officer Selman, who had been on the force about 16 months, was placed on administrative leave.
Martin said it was an extremely difficult set of circumstances for an officer fearing a man with a gun. The police chief expressed his condolences.
"It's tragic when a family loses a family member at any time, but when you lose a father, a grandfather, during the holiday season, that makes it that much worse," Martin said.
The shooting came roughly 30 seconds after a woman who had encountered Serna pointed him out to police as he walked out of his house across the street and toward them, Martin said.
Serna's son, Rogelio Serna, posted on Facebook that his father had dementia and would go on small walks when he had trouble sleeping.
"Last night he took his last walk," he wrote.
In this photo provided by The Bakersfield Californian, a crowd of about 150 people attend a candlelight vigil for Francisco Serna, 73, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, in Bakersfield, Calif. Serna was shot and killed by a Bakersfield, Calif., police officer near his home early Monday morning. Police Chief Lyle Martin said Tuesday that the unarmed Serna refused to take his hand out of his pocket when he was shot by an officer who thought he had a gun. Serna's family said he suffers from dementia and he often took walks in the evening. (Felix Adamo/The Bakersfield Californian via AP)
Ex-Mexican cop turned fugitive captured in Washington
SEATTLE (AP) Authorities say an ex-Mexican police officer who was wanted for murder has been captured in southern Washington.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said in a news release that 64-year-old Humberto Bautista-Sanchez was turned over to Mexican law enforcement authorities Wednesday.
An arrest warrant issued by Mexican authorities shows Bautista-Sanchez is charged with the murder of a man in Mexico City in 1994. An Interpol alert says Bautista-Sanchez beat a man to death for refusing to get into his squad car after Mexican authorities found the man relieving himself on the street.
Mexican townsfolk release drug boss' mom
MEXICO CITY (AP) One of the stranger chapters of Mexico's drug war had a relative happy ending Wednesday, after residents of a southern town freed the mother of a drug gang leader and the criminals released a kidnapped businessman.
The releases were part of a solution negotiated by the Guerrero state government to ease a tense standoff in Totolapan, a town sitting in one of the prime opium-producing regions of Mexico.
Vigilantes angered by kidnappings and killings took up arms Monday and abducted the mother of a drug gang boss known as "El Tequilero." They then offered to free her and about 20 suspected members of the Tequileros gang, but they demanded the release of a local construction engineer snatched by the gang Sunday.
The Guerrero government issued a statement late Wednesday saying both the mother and the kidnapped businessman, engineer Isauro de Paz Duque, had been turned loose.
"After his family received Isauro de Paz Duque, they and a group of townspeople who have been supporting them, turned over to police Mrs. Maria Felix de Almonte Salgado, the mother of the presumed leader of the kidnapping gang," the statement said.
The government had given slightly different spellings of those names Tuesday.
"It is expected that in the coming hours, 19 more people who are being held by the townsfolk of San Miguel Totolapan will be turned over to authorities," the statement added.
The state government sent about 220 soldiers and police to try to defuse the situation in Totolapan, which has been effectively controlled for years by the Tequileros drug gang.
The leader, whose proper name is Raybel Jacobo de Almonte, has lived up to his nickname, which translates roughly as "The Tequila Drinker." In his only known public appearance, he was captured on video drinking with the town's mayor-elect. De Alamonte mumbles inaudibly and has to be held up in a sitting position by one of his henchmen.
In recent months, his gang also known as the Tequileros has been fighting turf battles with other gangs in the area. Last week, the Tequileros allegedly kidnapped several inhabitants of Totolapan who they wanted to extort or whom they suspected of supporting a rival.
In response, a few dozen men appeared this week in the streets of Totolapan waving shotguns and hunting rifles. In a video, the men carry banners calling for action against El Tequilero and identify themselves as a "self-defense" force, as vigilantes are known in the region.
"We urgently demand the release of the kidnap victims," a masked man says in a statement read on the video. "We are a legitimate self-defense force of the people."
On Monday, a woman who identified herself as De la Paz Duque's wife said on a video that townspeople had El Tequilero's mother and would exchange the woman for her husband.
"We have your mother here, Mr. Tequilero," she said. "I propose an exchange: I'll give you your mother if you give me my husband, but I want him safe and sound."
Seldom have townspeople in Mexico won such a striking victory over drug gangs. The nearest example occurred in the neighboring state of Michoacan, where armed groups rose up in 2013 and chased out a drug cartel.
But the emergence of vigilante groups has become a headache for Guerrero's government. Authorities say they understand residents' frustration but note that the groups often wind up kidnapping suspects, fighting among themselves or preventing police from doing their work.
Rubber farmer shot dead in Muslim-majority Thai south
BANGKOK (AP) Police say a rubber farmer has been shot dead in the southern Thai province of Sonkhla, in the latest attack in a region that has been in the grip of an ethnic Malay Muslim insurgency for over a decade.
Police say Dech Promjan was sharpening his knife on his porch Thursday when two people arrived by motorcycle. They quoted Dech's wife as saying that the man riding at the back got off, pulled out a gun and fired three bullets into her husband's chest.
Insurgents in the Muslim-majority south of Thailand began their bid for greater autonomy in 2004. Over 6,700 deaths have been tallied since then.
Japanese leader accuses Australian church of discrimination
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) A Japanese-Australian community leader said Thursday that he had filed a racial discrimination complaint against a Sydney church that he alleged intimidated Japanese nationals by erecting a memorial to women forced to work as sex slaves by Japan's World War II army.
Tetsuhide Yamaoka, president of the Australia-Japan Community Network, said he had complained to the Australian Human Rights Commission about the prominent display of a statue of a so-called comfort woman from Korea in the grounds of the Uniting Church in suburban Ashfield.
Such statues around the world had become focal points of political, racist and often violent anti-Japanese demonstrations.
In this Aug 6. 2016 photo supplied by Jayne Duncan, Uniting Church minister Bill Crews poses for a photo with a statue erected as a memorial to sex slaves of Japan's World War II army in Sydney, Australia. A Japanese-Australian community leader said on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, he had filed a complaint of racial discrimination against a Sydney church that he alleged intimidated Japanese nationals by erecting a memorial to sex slaves of Japan's World War II army. (Jayne Duncan via AP)
"We consider this is a huge intimidation to the Japanese nationals," Yamaoka said in a statement from Tokyo.
The church's minister Bill Crews said the only change he would consider to the statue's position would be to display it more prominently.
"I find it very sad," Crews said of the complaint. "To me, it's about the suffering of the women. I've got no antipathy toward the Japanese people."
The statue has been displayed on the church grounds since August after the local municipal council voted against a Korean community request to erect it in a park. Crews said he was outrage by the council decision, which he blamed on Japanese community pressure.
The complaint was under Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, which critics argue puts too much of a curb of freedom of speech.
That section makes it unlawful for someone to do an act that is reasonably likely to "offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate" someone because of his or her race or ethnicity.
But Simon Rice, an Australian National University expert on discrimination law, said the church likely had a defense in Section 18D of the act.
Section 18D ensures that artistic works, scientific debate and fair comment on matters of public interest are exempt from Section 18C, providing they are said or done reasonably and in good faith.
"I can't think of a case that has been about a public monument, but I think 18D probably covers it," Rice said.
He said the complaint could lead to an agreed settlement through the Australian Human Rights Commission's mediation process before the case reaches court.
A court could order that the statue be removed.
The Australian Human Rights Commission said that privacy laws prevented it from commenting on complaints.
Historians believe that as many as 200,000 girls and women from Korea, China and other occupied nations were forced into Japanese military brothels.
Many Japanese dispute the claims. They oppose the term "sex slave," which the United Nations uses, preferring the euphemistic "comfort women."
Tokyo has promised a 1 billion yen ($1 million) fund as a way to atone for its wartime sexual abuse of South Korean comfort women. Seoul has certified 245 of them 64 survivors and the relatives of the 199 who died as eligible recipients.
In this Aug 6. 2016 photo supplied by Jayne Duncan, a statue erected as a memorial to sex slaves of Japan's World War II army sits outside a Uniting Church in Sydney, Australia. A Japanese-Australian community leader said on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, he had filed a complaint of racial discrimination against a Sydney church that he alleged intimidated Japanese nationals by erecting a memorial to sex slaves of Japan's World War II army. (Jayne Duncan via AP)
The Latest: Russia, Japan leaders arrive in Tokyo for talks
NAGATO, Japan (AP) The Latest on Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Japan (all times local):
1:10 p.m.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Tokyo for a second day of talks to wrap up a two-day summit focused on economic cooperation and a stalled territorial dispute.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin smile during their meeting at a hot springs resort in Nagato, western Japan, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. Despite continued sanctions on Russia, Abe is eager to make progress on a 70-year-old territorial dispute that has kept their countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool)
Putin, who arrived about two hours late the day before, was late again Friday this time because of mechanical problem with his presidential aircraft. Putin flew on a backup aircraft, according to Japanese media, and landed in Tokyo about 45 minutes behind schedule.
He and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe focused on territorial issues, including a possibility of discussing joint economic projects there, during their first round of talks at a host springs resort in western Japan. Their talks at the prime minister's office Friday will focus on the economy.
Abe is pushing to make progress on the longstanding disputes on four small islands then-Soviet Union seized at the end of World War II, which preventing the two countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending the war.
10:50 a.m.
The leaders of Russia and Japan are heading to Tokyo to wrap up a two-day summit focused on economic cooperation and a protracted territorial dispute that has defied resolution.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe left separately on Friday morning from a hot springs resort in western Japan where they held a first round of talks the previous evening.
The dispute over four small islands that the then-Soviet Union took control of at the end of World War II has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a peace treaty formally ending the war.
___
9:25 p.m.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he showed Russian President Vladimir Putin several letters written by former Japanese residents of disputed islands now held by Russia.
He said one was written in Russian, and Putin read it in front of Abe during talks between the two leaders on Thursday. He did not say how Putin reacted.
The four islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan and the southern Kurils in Russia, were seized by the former Soviet Union at the end of the World War II, preventing the two countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending their wartime hostilities.
All 17,000 Japanese residents of the islands were expelled to the nearby main Japanese island of Hokkaido, and only about a third of them are still alive.
Abe has been pushing to make progress on the dispute.
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9:20 p.m.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin spent much of their three-hour talks Thursday discussing a longstanding territorial dispute and a peace treaty between the two countries.
"We had in-depth discussions on a peace treaty," Abe told reporters after the talks at a hot spring resort in western Japan, which will continue in Tokyo on Friday.
He said the two leaders also discussed possible joint economic projects on the four disputed islands held by Russia since the closing days of World War II.
Abe did not say if there was any progress on the territorial issue. Disagreements over the four southern Kuril islands, which Japan calls the Northern Territories, have kept the two countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending their World War II hostilities.
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7:50 p.m.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Russia and Japan have agreed to resume "2-plus-2" ministerial talks on defense and diplomacy.
Lavrov said Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reached the agreement in talks Thursday in Nagato city in western Japan. Lavrov also attended the meeting.
In the first and only "2-plus-2" talks among their foreign and defense ministers in November 2013, the two countries agreed to step up military cooperation amid a growing security threat from North Korea. Lavrov attended that meeting as Russia's top diplomat.
Abe and Putin also were expected to discuss a longstanding territorial dispute during their talks, which will continue Friday in Tokyo.
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6:05 p.m.
The leaders of Russia and Japan have begun talks at a hot springs resort in western Japan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe were meeting Thursday evening in the city of Nagato. They started more than two hours later than scheduled because Putin's plane arrived late.
Abe told Putin that the hot spring waters of Nagato are famous for relieving fatigue. He said he could guarantee that they would take care of any fatigue from their talks.
Putin replied, "Better not to get too tired."
Abe invited Putin to Japan in hopes of making progress on a longstanding territorial dispute between the two countries that has prevented them from signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II.
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4:50 p.m.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has landed at an airport in western Japan for a two-day summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
His Rossiya Airlines plane touched down at 4:50 p.m. at Yamaguchi Ube Airport on the coast of western Japan. He and Abe are meeting at a hot springs resort in Nagato, the ancestral hometown of the Japanese prime minister.
Putin arrived two hours and 40 minutes behind schedule.
The visit is Putin's first official one to a G-7 country since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, and the G-7 nations imposed sanctions on Russia.
Abe invited Putin in hopes of making progress on a longstanding territorial dispute between the two countries that has prevented them from signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II.
People walk in front of banner of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe characters meeting in Nagato, western Japan, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016. Russia's President Vladimir Putin will visit Japan on Thursday where he will meet with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to negotiate over a 70-year-old island dispute that has kept them from signing a peace treaty. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
Greenpeace: Thai fishing boats sail far to avoid regulations
BANGKOK (AP) The six men lay in red body bags, lined up on a concrete dock. The first died almost three weeks before his ship reached Thailand; the last almost made it alive but died the day before the ship docked.
They were Thai and Cambodian fishermen who had succumbed to beriberi, a disease better known for striking sailors more than a century ago. But their deaths, says a Greenpeace report released Thursday, are part of an all-too modern scourge Thai fishing fleets operating thousands of kilometers (miles) from home in unregulated waters to dodge government oversight over illegal fishing and onboard human rights abuses.
Thailand has responded to problems in the industry by grounding its overseas fleet and ordering tracking equipment installed on the vessels.
FILE - In this Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, file photo, Thai navy officers check the crew of a fishing boat in the waters off the coast of Samut Sakhon, Thailand. Thai fishing boats blocked from Indonesian waters following reports of worker abuses are now traveling thousands of miles to the western Indian Ocean to fish, but the abuses continue, Greenpeace said in a report released Thursday. (AP Photo/Dake Kang, File)
The two ships carrying the dead had left Thailand in the first few months of 2015, according to an earlier Thai government report. They parked themselves off the coast of Madagascar, where they stayed for months. They transferred their catch to "reefers," refrigerated cargo ships, to avoid government regulators while still getting their fish to market.
Supply ships brought the fishermen fresh food once every couple of months. But they didn't come often enough.
An inspection found "there was no fresh food," Thai government investigators concluded after searching one ship, the Somboon 19. "The rest of the kitchen had eggs, vegetable oil, and white rice. No fresh vegetables or meat."
The ships ran out of fresh food weeks after each delivery, forcing the crew to subsist on fish and rice a diet deficient in Vitamin B, the root cause of beriberi. Many began to fall ill. Subject to hours of backbreaking labor, some of the fishermen began finding it hard to breathe. Their legs swelled and their bodies went limp.
Though one ship returned to Thailand as soon as a fisherman died, the second one dumped the body in the freezer of the cargo hold and kept fishing, only returning when the navy called them home, said Cmdr. Piyanan Kaewmanee, head of a Thai navy department combating illegal fishing.
"It was gross," he told The Associated Press in a recent interview.
The arrival of the bodies on Thai shores in January 2016 kicked up a media frenzy. Newspapers reported the fishermen had died from vitamin deficiencies.
The story of how these vessels ended up so far from home in the first place starts with Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. For decades, Thai vessels fished in their waters, splitting profits in exchange for fishing licenses.
But following an AP report last year revealing that Thai fishing boats enslaved migrants from Myanmar, Cambodia and other neighboring countries, Indonesia shut off their waters to fishing vessels from foreign countries. Papua New Guinea followed suit soon after.
Deprived of their usual hunting ground, the boats set sail for seas far from the prying eyes of governments.
"Some of these problems we've seen in Indonesia ... are just being exported and happening somewhere else," says Mark Dia, an oceans activist and manager at Greenpeace. "Nobody really knows what happens on these vessels."
The Greenpeace report names some of the worst fishing boat operators, who they say send fish into the supply chain of major retailers of imitation crab and cat food. The AP has not independently verified those claims.
Greenpeace said satellite data it obtained tracked the ships as they moved toward the Saya de Malha Bank, an ecologically rich breeding ground for whales that Mauritius claims is part of its exclusive economic zone. However, it's effectively unregulated, officials and experts say.
"To send a patrol boat to inspect them at sea is hugely expensive," Cmdr. Piyanan said. "If it's not urgent, it's a rarity that we'd send a patrol boat."
After Thailand received a "yellow card" from the European Union in April 2015, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha created the Command Center for Combating Illegal Fishing.
In December 2015, the Thai navy sent a task force to inspect 74 Thai overseas fishing vessels to enforce new permit regulations. A navy report recorded dozens of vessels that had violated labor permits and overstayed their licenses, prompting them to recall their entire overseas fishing fleet back to Thailand.
After these abuses were uncovered, the Thai navy grounded the overseas fleet and prosecuted some of the operators. Seventy of the vessels are now docked in a port an hour away from Bangkok and are being outfitted with new GPS tracking equipment; they will be allowed to sail again next year.
Navy officials say they are exploring cheaper alternatives to regular in-person inspections, including hiring observers, installing on-board cameras and seeking assistance from countries such as Somalia, Djibouti, and Madagascar. New regulations stipulate that the vessels must return to Thailand every year, instead of roaming the high seas indefinitely.
Greenpeace says more needed to be done, particularly a industry ban on transshipments, the practice of using reefers as intermediaries.
Cmdr. Piyanan said regulation will always be challenging: "Anyone that is greedy enough, they can come up with things to avoid detection to avoid control from the government."
FILE - In this Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, file photo, a Thai navy officer gestures as he inspects a fishing boat in the waters off the coast of Samut Sakhon, Thailand. Thai fishing boats blocked from Indonesian waters following reports of worker abuses are now traveling thousands of miles to the western Indian Ocean to fish, but the abuses continue, Greenpeace said in a report released Thursday. (AP Photo/Dake Kang, File)
Boy's mother, ACLU want answers in Reno campus shooting
RENO, Nev. (AP) The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada joined those pressing school district officials in Reno Thursday for more information about the circumstances and policies that led to a campus officer shooting a 14-year-old boy in a high school courtyard a week ago.
Cheryl Pitchford, the mother of the hospitalized boy, was among 100 of his classmates, friends and family who marched to Washoe County School District headquarters on Wednesday to deliver a petition demanding all campus police carry Tasers and pepper spray.
Reno police say the boy was threatening others with knives when a school district officer shot him in the chest Dec. 7 while surrounded by dozens of students.
Demick La Flamme, center, carries a petition as people march to the Washoe County School District Headquarters, a week after a 14-year-old Reno boy was shot by a campus police officer, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, in Reno, Nev. La Flamme, whose son is a friend of the boy, organized the march and petition on non-lethal force. Police say the teen was threatening others with knives when he was shot in the chest Dec. 7 while surrounded by dozens of students in a school courtyard. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner)
School district officials have refused to say if their campus officers typically carry non-lethal weapons. They say they can't comment while an investigation continues into the officer-involved shooting that many Hug High students captured on cellphone video and posted on social media.
"There had to be another way," said Pitchford, whose last name is different than that of her juvenile son.
David Houston, the boy's lawyer, said the teen had been bullied and beaten before he brought two kitchen knives to the school for fear he'd be attacked again and ended up getting shot by the campus officer.
Holly Welborn, policy director of the Nevada ACLU, said law officers have a duty under state law to use only the degree of force necessary to maintain community safety.
"We intend to review the use of force, emergency and bullying policies of the Washoe County School District and monitor developments as the Reno Police Department's investigation of this matter continues," Welborn said Thursday after submitting a public records request to the school district.
The boy remained in critical but stable condition on Thursday. Houston said earlier he was in a medically induced coma after undergoing surgery following a stroke on Friday.
Demick La Flamme, the father of a friend of the teen who was shot, organized Wednesday's march.
"Lethal force should not be used as a first response ever. Especially into a crowd of children," La Flamme said before they began the 2-mile trek escorted by Reno police cruisers and a half-dozen officers on bicycles. "If you take any 82-pound, 14-year-old boy and hit him with pepper spray, he's going to hit the ground."
Pitchford, La Flamme and more than a dozen others later jammed into the reception area at the school district headquarters to demand someone formally accept the petition. She showed school officials a cellphone photo of her son with an oxygen mask and other tubes in a hospital bed while pleading for School Superintendent Traci Davis to come forward and better explain what had happened.
Davis told reporters the day after the shooting that the school's emergency response plans worked "flawlessly" and praised the officers' "who acted swiftly to protect the safety of our students." She's had no comment since she said in a statement Friday that she still believes "the officer's judgment saved other students from deadly force."
Pitchford said isn't seeking an apology from the superintendent.
"She wasn't there. It's not her fault," Pitchford said. "It's her fault for not coming out and saying maybe that there was another way, or maybe it was not flawless like she said in her news conference ... Because she wasn't there. She didn't know."
Irene Payne, the school district's chief of communications who accepted the petition, said she couldn't comment on the equipment campus officers typically carry. She hugged Pitchford before the group left the office.
Like officers on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, school district police are separate from the Reno Police Department but like their counterparts are authorized to carry guns.
UNR spokeswoman Kerri Garcia confirmed Thursday all their campus officers carry Tasers along with their service weapons. She said pepper spray is optional.
A boy reaches for a piece of candy in the reception area of the Washoe County School District headquarters, where protesters gathered to deliver a petition on non-lethal force after a 14-year-old Reno boy was shot last week by a campus police officer, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, in Reno, Nev. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner)
Classmates, family and friends of a 14-year-old Reno boy who was shot last week by a campus police officer leave the Washoe County School District headquarters, after delivering a petition on non-lethal force, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, in Reno, Nev. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner)
Reno police officers on bicycles escort about 100 protesters as they march 2 miles to the Washoe County School District headquarters to deliver a petition on non-lethal force after a 14-year-old Reno boy was shot last week by a campus police officer, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, in Reno, Nev.. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner)
Cheryl Pitchford, right, the mother of a 14-year-old Reno boy who was shot last week by a campus police officer, listens to Washoe County School District spokeswoman Irene Payne, left, in the lobby of the school district headquarters, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, in Reno, Nev. Pitchford was among about 100 of the boy's classmates, family and friends who marched to the school office to deliver a petition on non-lethal force. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner)
Barack Obama's subsidized healthcare reforms will cost taxpayers an extra $10billion next year, a new report has found.
Research by the Center for Health and Economy has found the sum will be needed to cover double-digit premium hikes.
It comes as the Republican-led Congress prepares to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a GOP alternative, although details of what this will consist of are yet to be confirmed.
Barack Obama's subsidized healthcare reforms will cost taxpayers an extra $10billion next year, the Center for Health and Economy has found
The new study estimates that the cost of premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act will increase by $9.8billion next year, rising from $32.8billion currently to $42.6billion.
The average monthly subsidy will increase by $76, or 26 per cent, from $291 currently to $367 in 2017, researchers found.
Currently more than eight in ten consumers buying private health insurance through HealthCare.gov and state markets receive tax credits from the government to help pay their premiums.
Those subsidies are designed to rise along with premiums, shielding consumers from sudden increases - but the bill ultimately gets passed on to taxpayers.
Shortly before Election Day, the administration revealed that premiums for a midlevel benchmark plan on HealthCare.gov would jump by an average of 25 per cent next year.
The Republican-led Congress is expected to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a GOP alternative, although details of what this will consist of are yet to be confirmed
Administration officials are touting the premium subsidies as they race to sign up as many people as possible before open enrollment ends Jan. 31, about a week after Obama leaves the White House.
Adverts for HealthCare.gov say most consumers can find subsidized coverage for as little as $50 to $100 a month.
Republicans are planning a multistep process to first repeal the health law and replace it later.
The findings could affect how Republicans design future subsidies that would be part of their replacement legislation. A limit on assistance is more likely to appeal to them.
Economist Douglas Holtz-Eakin, founder of the nonpartisan Center for Health and Economy, said 'you get a premium increase, you pour more money in'
Under current law, economist Douglas Holtz-Eakin, founder of the nonpartisan Center for Health and Economy, said 'you get a premium increase, you pour more money in'.
He added: 'The concern is that will feed more premium increases.'
Holtz-Eakin, a longtime GOP advisor, predicted that Republicans would take a different approach.
After reviewing the study, the Obama administration said that despite the increase in premiums, the health care law is still helping to reduce federal deficits, keeping the program affordable for taxpayers. The law also raised taxes and cut Medicare spending.
'The Affordable Care Act is covering 20 million Americans, and 2017 marketplace premiums remain on par with the Congressional Budget Office's November 2009 projections,' spokesman Aaron Albright said.
A health economist who also reviewed the study said it shows that the law is working as it was intended to.
'Since the premiums for 2017 are a lot higher than for 2016, it's no surprise that premium tax credits would go up as well,' said Paul Ginsburg, director of the Brookings Institution health policy center.
'The premiums in 2015 and 2016 appear to have been unduly low.'
Adverts for HealthCare.gov say most consumers can find subsidized coverage for as little as $50 to $100 a month
Obama's law has helped drive the nation's uninsured rate to a historic low of about nine per cent. It offers subsidized private health insurance to people who don't have access to job-based coverage, along with a state option to expand Medicaid for low-income people.
Insurers say the spike in premiums is due to lower-than-projected enrollment, patients who turned out to be sicker than expected, people gaming the system to get coverage only when they need medical care, and a premium stabilization system that has not worked as intended.
The administration says the higher premiums are a one-time market correction, and not a sign that the law's insurance markets are slipping into a 'death spiral' of rising premiums and declining enrollment.
Although Congress will begin the repeal debate soon after it convenes in January, immediate changes that would affect coverage for 2017 appear to be highly unlikely.
Germany: Afghan suspect in slaying assaulted woman in Greece
BERLIN (AP) An Afghan asylum-seeker suspected of raping and killing a 19-year-old university student in Freiburg was also convicted of attempting to kill another woman in Greece but was released early from prison, Germany's top security official said Thursday.
Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said fingerprints taken from Hussein K. matched prints from the 2013 crime on the Greek island of Corfu.
K., who gave his age as 17, is in custody for the killing of medical student Maria L. in October.
A Greek court sentenced K. to 10 years in prison for attempted murder in 2013, but released him on probation 1 years later on condition he regularly report to a local police station. After he failed to do so, Greek authorities issued a nationwide warrant for his arrest but didn't alert other European countries.
De Maiziere said had Greece done so, K. would have been arrested in Germany when he applied for asylum there.
"This is a very troublesome incident," he told reporters in Berlin. "We will certainly take this up with the Greek side."
A Wikileaks envoy today claims he personally received Clinton campaign emails in Washington D.C. after they were leaked by 'disgusted' whisteblowers - and not hacked by Russia.
Craig Murray, former British ambassador to Uzbekistan and a close associate of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, told Dailymail.com that he flew to Washington, D.C. for a clandestine hand-off with one of the email sources in September.
'Neither of [the leaks] came from the Russians,' said Murray in an interview with Dailymail.com on Tuesday. 'The source had legal access to the information. The documents came from inside leaks, not hacks.'
His account contradicts directly the version of how thousands of Democratic emails were published before the election being advanced by U.S. intelligence.
Craig Murray (left), former British ambassador to Uzbekistan and a close associate of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange (right), told the Dailymail.com that he flew to Washington, D.C. for a clandestine hand-off with one of the email sources in September
Murray is a controversial figure who was removed from his post as a British ambassador amid allegations of misconduct. He was cleared of those but left the diplomatic service in acrimony.
His links to Wikileaks are well known and while his account is likely to be seen as both unprovable and possibly biased, it is also the first intervention by Wikileaks since reports surfaced last week that the CIA believed Russia hacked the Clinton emails to help hand the election to Donald Trump.
Murray's claims about the origins of the Clinton campaign emails comes as U.S. intelligence officials are increasingly confident that Russian hackers infiltrated both the Democratic National Committee and the email account of top Clinton aide John Podesta.
In Podesta's case, his account appeared to have been compromised through a basic 'phishing' scheme, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.
U.S. intelligence officials have reportedly told members of Congress during classified briefings that they believe Russians passed the documents on to Wikileaks as part of an influence operation to swing the election in favor of Donald Trump.
But Murray insisted that the DNC and Podesta emails published by Wikileaks did not come from the Russians, and were given to the whistleblowing group by Americans who had authorized access to the information.
'Neither of [the leaks] came from the Russians,' Murray said. 'The source had legal access to the information. The documents came from inside leaks, not hacks.'
He said the leakers were motivated by 'disgust at the corruption of the Clinton Foundation and the tilting of the primary election playing field against Bernie Sanders.'
Murray said he retrieved the package from a source during a clandestine meeting in a wooded area near American University, in northwest D.C. He said the individual he met with was not the original person who obtained the information, but an intermediary.
Murray claims he met with the person who passed the emails over in a Washington, D.C. part near American University
His account cannot be independently verified but is in line with previous statements by Wikileaks - which was the organization that published the Podesta and DNC emails.
Wikileaks published the DNC messages in July and the Podesta messages in October. The messages revealed efforts by some DNC officials to undermine the presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders, who was running against Hillary Clinton.
Others revealed that Clinton aides were concerned about potential conflicts and mismanagement at the Clinton Foundation.
Murray declined to say where the sources worked and how they had access to the information, to shield their identities.
He suggested that Podesta's emails might be 'of legitimate interest to the security services' in the U.S., due to his communications with Saudi Arabia lobbyists and foreign officials.
Murray said he was speaking out due to claims from intelligence officials that Wikileaks was given the documents by Russian hackers as part of an effort to help Donald Trump win the U.S. presidential election.
'I don't understand why the CIA would say the information came from Russian hackers when they must know that isn't true,' he said. 'Regardless of whether the Russians hacked into the DNC, the documents Wikileaks published did not come from that.'
Murray was a vocal critic of human rights abuses in Uzbekistan while serving as ambassador between 2002 and 2004, a stance that pitted him against the UK Foreign Office.
He describes himself as a 'close associate' of Julian Assange and has spoken out in support of the Wikileaks founder who has faced rape allegations and is currently confined to the Ecuadorian embassy in London.
Assange has similarly disputed that charges that Wikileaks received the leaked emails from Russian sources.
'The Clinton camp has been able to project a neo-McCarthyist hysteria that Russia is responsible for everything,' Assange told John Pilger during an interview in November.
'Hillary Clinton has stated multiple times, falsely, that 17 US intelligence agencies had assessed that Russia was the source of our publications. That's false we can say that the Russian government is not the source.'
Murray suggested that John Podesta's emails might be 'of legitimate interest to the security services' in the U.S., due to his communications with Saudi Arabia lobbyists and foreign officials
The Washington Post reported last Friday that U.S. intelligence agencies had 'identified individuals with connections to the Russian government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails.'
The paper said U.S. senators were presented with information tying Russia to the leaks during a recent briefing by intelligence officials.
'It is the assessment of the intelligence community that Russia's goal here was to favor one candidate over the other, to help Trump get elected,' a senior U.S. official familiar with the briefing told the Post. 'That's the consensus view.'
The paper said U.S. senators were presented with information tying Russia to the leaks during a recent briefing by intelligence officials.
'It is the assessment of the intelligence community that Russia's goal here was to favor one candidate over the other, to help Trump get elected,' a senior U.S. official familiar with the briefing told the Post . 'That's the consensus view.' The Obama administration has been examining Russia's potential role in trying to influence the presidential election. Officials said Russians hacked the Republican National Committee, but did not release that information in a deliberate effort to damage Clinton and protect Donald Trump.
Several congressional committees are also looking into the suspected Russian interference.
While there is a consensus on Capitol Hill that Russia hacked U.S. political groups and officials, some Republicans say it's not clear whether the motive was to try to swing the election or just to collect intelligence.
'Now whether they intended to interfere to the degree that they were trying to elect a certain candidate, I think that's the subject of investigation,' said Sen. John McCain on CBS Face the Nation . 'But facts are stubborn things, they did hack into this campaign.'
President elect Donald Trump raised doubts about the reports and said this was an 'excuse' by Democrats to explain Clinton's November loss.
Key dates in Electoral College process
WASHINGTON (AP) Election Day isn't the final step in picking a president: Under a system that's been tweaked over two centuries, the election sets in motion a timeline and process by which the 538 members of the Electoral College select the president. A look at key dates before and after the people vote:
Sometime before Election Day: Political parties in each state select slates of potential electors for their presidential candidates. State laws vary on how electors are selected but, generally, the slates are chosen at state party conventions or by a vote of the party's central committee. This results in each presidential candidate having his or her own unique slate of potential electors.
Election Day (Nov. 8 this year): Voters in each state, as they vote for president, are really choosing electors for their chosen presidential candidate. The electors' names may or may not appear on the ballot below the names of the presidential candidates. Once a state's general election vote count is completed, state officials prepare a "certificate of ascertainment" that lists the names of the chosen electors.
Six days before the meeting of electors (Dec. 13): This is the deadline for states to make final decisions on any controversies related to the appointment of their electors.
First Monday after the second Wednesday in December (Dec. 19): Electors meet in each state to vote for president and vice president on separate ballots. Generally, they vote in state capitals. Most states have a "winner-take-all" system that awards all electors to the winning presidential candidate in that state. Maine and Nebraska have a more proportional system. Each elector records his or her vote on six original "certificates of vote," which are paired with six "certificates of attainment." The electors sign, seal and certify packages of electoral votes and send them to federal and state officials.
Nine days after the meeting of electors (Dec. 28): The president of the Senate, the archivist of the United States and other federal and state officials must have the "certificates of vote" in hand.
Jan. 6: Congress meets in joint session to count the electoral votes. This time, Vice President Joe Biden, as president of the Senate, will preside. Votes from the states are opened and recorded in alphabetical order. Biden will announce the results and declare who is elected president and vice president.
Jan. 20: Inauguration Day. The president-elect is sworn into office.
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Source: National Archives
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Electoral College has had tie votes, hanging chads, chaos
WASHINGTON (AP) The Founding Fathers set up the Electoral College to ensure a well-informed, geographically diverse group of electors would choose the nation's presidents.
That sounds rational and sometimes it even works.
But the history of the Electoral College also includes tales of tie votes, hanging chads, conniving politicians and intrigue.
A look at four elections when controversy reigned:
1800: THE TIE
It's the last thing you want in an election: a tie.
The framers of the Constitution didn't quite think that through when they failed to provide for separate ballots for president and vice president.
Under the original Electoral College system, the top vote-getter was to become president and the runner-up would become vice president.
In the 1800 election, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr ran in tandem, with Jefferson the presumed head of the ticket. Each got 73 votes in the Electoral College.
The tie threw the election to the House and set off months of maneuvering and mischief. It took the House then with members from 16 states 36 ballots over seven days in 1801 to elect Jefferson president and Burr his vice president.
To avoid a repeat, the 12th Amendment was ratified in 1804, specifying that electors would vote separately for president and vice president.
The 1800 election marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in U.S. history.
1824: HOUSE CALL AGAIN
Andrew Jackson came out of the 1824 election with the most popular and electoral votes after a four-way campaign. But Jackson's 99 electoral votes were well shy of the 131 then necessary to become president.
With that, the election went to the House.
House Speaker William Clay, the fourth-place finisher, was eliminated because the Constitution limits the choice to the top three candidates. With no rules for the House balloting, the chamber decided that each state's vote should reflect the preference of the majority of its congressmen.
Deal-making, backroom lobbying and bitter recriminations quickly commenced.
Clay, out of the running, was determined to serve as kingmaker, and threw his support to John Quincy Adams, who had finished second. Rumors swirled that Clay had been promised the State Department in return.
In the end, the deciding ballot came down to New York's Stephen Van Rensselaer, who voted for John Quincy Adams on the first ballot and sent him to the White House. Rensselaer said he'd noticed a ballot for Adams on the floor when he bowed his head to pray, and took it as a sign from heaven, according to an account by Norman Ornstein in the book "After the People Vote."
Clay was later named secretary of State.
Jackson was incensed, writing to friends, "Was there ever such a barefaced corruption in any country before?"
Four years later, Jackson got his revenge when he defeated Adams.
1876: 'HIS FRAUDULENCY'
Anyone remember Samuel Tilden? In 1876, he thought he'd been elected president.
Tilden, the Democratic governor of New York, won the popular vote that year but Ohio Gov. Rutherford B. Hayes claimed the presidency based on electoral votes.
At first it looked like Tilden had things sewn up: He led 184 to 165 in electoral votes with 20 votes outstanding and 185 required to win. Hayes went to bed on election night thinking he'd lost.
But Republican Party leaders put pressure on electors in the remaining states, and South Carolina, Florida and Louisiana each sent conflicting electoral returns to Washington.
Months of controversy ensued, with charges of bribery, forgery and ballot-box stuffing on both sides. President Ulysses Grant dispatched troops to keep the peace as votes were tabulated. It took a special bipartisan electoral commission to settle matters, with Hayes ultimately elected by a margin of one electoral vote.
Hayes' mandate was so narrow that he was called "His Fraudulency." He kept the promise he made in his inaugural address to serve only one term.
Tilden urged his supporters to recognize Hayes as the legitimate president but "nonetheless believed until his death that he had been duly elected president," according to Ornstein's account.
To avoid a rerun of that mess, Congress passed legislation giving states authority to determine the validity of their electors. In the future, a majority of both houses of Congress would be required to reject electoral votes.
2000: 537 VOTES
Vice President Al Gore won the national popular vote by more than a half-million ballots over George W. Bush in the 2000 presidential contest, but was defeated in the Electoral College after the Supreme Court stopped a hotly debated recount in Florida.
Bush claimed 271 electoral votes just one vote more than needed to prevail after he was certified as the winner in Florida by a scant 537 votes.
It took until Dec. 12, more than five weeks after Election Day, to reach that conclusion.
The Supreme Court said the Florida recount violated the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause because counties were allowed to set their own standards for determining whether to count a vote.
As the laborious recount of punch-card ballots played out, "pregnant chad" entered the political lexicon.
The punch cards and their chads have since been banned in Florida.
It was all a fresh reminder of the Founding Fathers' complicated plan for picking presidents.
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Drugmakers set to gain as taxpayers foot new opioid costs
Critics say the answer pharmaceutical companies are pushing to address the ongoing opioid crisis boosts their profits while forcing taxpayers to shoulder the costs.
Some drugmakers aim to replace ubiquitous painkillers such as Vicodin and Percocet with harder-to-abuse formulations that are patent-protected and command higher prices a plan that could cost government-funded health programs hundreds of millions of dollars in higher medication expenses.
A pending measure in Illinois, for example, would cost taxpayers $55 million annually to cover the higher-priced drugs for state Medicaid recipients, according to an initial state analysis. A proposal in Ohio was estimated to bring $167 million in higher costs.
In this Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 photo, Terri Bartlett looks down at a framed picture of her deceased son Michael at her home in McHenry, Ill. Two years after the overdose that killed her 21-year-old son, Bartlett traveled to Illinois state capital to champion an unlikely cause: revamped painkillers. In emotional testimony last year, she urged lawmakers to support a bill that would prioritize the new harder-to-crush pills, saying she believed her son would still be alive if abuse-deterrent formulations had been on the market then. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
And on the federal level, an industry-backed provision benefiting reformulated opioids tucked into a law this summer will cost the federal government $75 million in lost Medicaid payments over 10 years, according to an estimate by the Congressional Budget Office.
Proponents of the drugs say switching to the new formulations could save taxpayers money if addictions decline, though there is little evidence now that they reduce rates of either addiction or overdoses.
The prescription painkiller epidemic costs the U.S. economy $78.5 billion annually, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report this year.
"We have an enormous prescription-drug abuse problem in Illinois that's costing a lot of money," said Jonathan Pearl, chief of staff for Democratic Illinois Rep. Kelly Cassidy, who signed on to the industry-backed legislation requiring coverage of the new drugs. "This isn't the only way to address it. It's not a silver bullet, but it's something."
Still, industry critics worry that the focus on revamped painkillers is funneling resources away from other measures needed to tame the nation's drug epidemic. The drugs typically make it harder for users to crush them to snort or inject, but still can be abused.
"I'm frustrated that people would be burning a lot of public energy and resources on issues that are not key to stopping the epidemic," said Dr. Gary Franklin, a University of Washington research professor who also is a vice president with Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing, a group that advocates for reduced opioid prescribing.
Sweeping federal legislation passed this summer was designed to expand medication-based addiction treatment and overdose-reversal drugs through grants to state and local health providers. But lawmakers also included language long favored by drugmakers that exempts the companies from paying higher rebates worth $75 million over 10 years for reformulated opioids to Medicaid, the state-federal health plan for low-income Americans.
Industry advocates argued for months that reformulated opioids should not face the higher rebates, which they said discourage investment in abuse-deterrent technology a stance the Obama administration eventually endorsed in its budget proposal.
Companies that make abuse-deterrent drugs, including Purdue Pharma, Pfizer and Endo, spent more than $1.7 million on lobbying efforts that included the opioid bill as it made its way through Congress.
Purdue spokesman Robert Josephson said his company supports public policies addressing the opioid epidemic, "including through appropriate and affordable patient access to opioid pain medicines with abuse-deterrent properties."
Pfizer spokeswoman Sharon Castillo gave similar reasons for her company's support of the measure. An Endo spokeswoman declined to comment on the legislation.
The language sought by industry was introduced by retiring Rep. Joe Pitts, R-Pa., who received more than $50,000 in political donations from makers of revamped opioids over the past decade.
Pitts did not grant repeated requests for an interview, but a spokeswoman offered a statement saying the amendment "would simply remove a penalty on manufacturers who do the right thing by creating an abuse-deterrent formulation."
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., made a last-ditch effort to kill the language in a House and Senate conference session.
A frequent critic of the pharmaceutical industry, despite receiving more than $40,000 from opioid drugmakers to his campaigns and his leadership PAC in the past decade, Wyden proposed eliminating the exemption and using the $75 million to fund addiction treatment for low-income pregnant women, who must forfeit their Medicaid prenatal coverage before seeking treatment.
"Colleagues, this is a pretty obvious choice," Wyden said. "We're either going to choose low-income, pregnant women you do that by voting for my amendment or you go with the companies who are getting a windfall here."
His proposal was defeated. The law took effect in July.
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Center for Public Integrity data reporter Ben Wieder and Associated Press reporter Geoff Mulvihill contributed to this article.
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Follow Perrone at twitter.com/AP_FDAwriter and Whyte at twitter.com/l_e_whyte.
In this Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 photo, Terri Bartlett looks at a framed pictured of her deceased son Michael hanging on a wall of her McHenry, Ill., home. Two years after the overdose that killed her 21-year-old son, Bartlett traveled to Illinois state capital to champion an unlikely cause: revamped painkillers. In emotional testimony last year, she urged lawmakers to support a bill that would prioritize the new harder-to-crush pills, saying she believed her son would still be alive if abuse-deterrent formulations had been on the market then. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
FILE - In this Sept. 25, 2015, file photo, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., speaks after a news conference in Portland, Ore. A frequent critic of the pharmaceutical industry, despite receiving more than $40,000 from opioid drugmakers to his campaigns and his leadership PAC in the past decade, Wyden proposed eliminating the exemption and using the $75 million to fund addiction treatment for low-income pregnant women, who must forfeit their Medicaid prenatal coverage before seeking treatment. (AP Photo/Don Ryan, File)
FILE- In this July 25, 2016, file photo, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., applauds during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Penn. A frequent critic of the pharmaceutical industry, despite receiving more than $40,000 from opioid drugmakers to his campaigns and his leadership PAC in the past decade, Wyden proposed eliminating the exemption and using the $75 million to fund addiction treatment for low-income pregnant women, who must forfeit their Medicaid prenatal coverage before seeking treatment. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
FILE- In this Oct. 30, 2010 file photo U.S. Rep. William Delahunt, left, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, widow of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, second from left, Massachusetts Democratic House candidate William Keating, center, and Vice President Joe Biden, right, share the stage during a campaign event in Quincy, Mass. Rep. Keating, D-Mass. first introduced a bill in 2012 and tried again in 2013 and 2015 that would require the FDA to gradually replace all opioids with harder-to-abuse versions. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 16, 2010 file photo Democratic candidate for the Massachusetts 10th congressional district Bill Keating greets a police office in her cruiser on Commercial Street while campaigning in Provincetown, Mass, as State Rep. Sarah Peake, right, looks on. Keating first introduced a bill in 2012 and tried again in 2013 and 2015 that would require the FDA to gradually replace all opioids with harder-to-abuse versions. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File)
In this Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 photo, Dr. Caleb Alexander, co-director of Johns Hopkins Universitys Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness, poses for a photograph in Baltimore. Companies that make powerful painkillers are pushing for policies boosting new versions as a solution to the addiction epidemic, even though theres little proof they reduce the number of overdoses or deaths. The drugmakers say abuse-deterrent opioids are one tool for addressing a major problem. But critics worry the focus on them could distract from more productive steps. "My concern is that theyll contribute to a perception that there is a safe opioid, and theres no such thing as a fully safe opioid, said Alexander. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
In this Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, photo, David Rook, operations manager for the McShin Foundation, poses in the foundation's offices in Richmond, Va. With American communities still reeling from an epidemic of prescription painkiller abuse, pharmaceutical companies are aggressively pushing their preferred answer to the problem: a new generation of harder-to-manipulate drugs that are racking up billions in sales but aren't proven to reduce rates of overdoses and deaths. Before entering treatment, Rook said, he would break down abuse-deterrent OxyContins and crush-resistant Opanas using water, lemon juice and a microwave. The truth is an addict can find a way to abuse a medication one way or the other, he said. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
EU rebuffs legislature's bid for bigger role in Brexit talks
BRUSSELS (AP) The leaders of 27 European Union countries on Thursday rebuffed a bid by the EU legislature for a much bigger role in talks on Britain's exit from the bloc, an argument that detracted from efforts to show a united stand in the negotiations.
Even though the EU Parliament will have to approve any Brexit scenario at the end of the talks, the EU nations plan to give the negotiator chosen by the bloc's executive Commission, Michel Barnier, the chief position at the negotiating table. That will leave the legislature, which has often been critical of Britain, in a minor role.
The parliament has increased its decision-making powers over the last decade and has often clashed with Brexit-backing politicians like former U.K. Independence Party leader Nigel Farage. Because of its diverse political makeup, the EU Parliament could become an unpredictable player in the approval process.
British Prime Minister Theresa May, right, speaks with the media as she arrives for an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
EU Parliament President Martin Schulz told the EU leaders that "to relegate the European Parliament to a secondary role" would put the outcome of Brexit talks in danger.
"If we are not adequately involved, we may not be able to give our consent. And in this situation, the UK would face the hardest Brexit possible," he said.
EU President Donald Tusk countered that "from the very beginning it was absolutely clear for me that the Commission must be the leader."
In rebuffing the parliament's ambitions, he said, "It is never enough, and I can understand why."
If parliament rejects and subsequently vetoes a deal, Britain could just drop out of the EU and its enormous single market without any political safety net described as a "hard" exit that many experts say could damage the British economy.
At a brief meeting after British Prime Minister Theresa May's departure from Thursday's EU summit, the leaders of the other 27 countries approved a statement saying that Barnier "will be invited to keep the European Parliament closely and regularly informed throughout the negotiation," but offering little more direct involvement.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel played down the procedural wrangling, sayin the question of how the EU's institutions work together is not "particularly pressing" given that Britain has yet to formally trigger exit talks.
Barnier has said the divorce negotiations with Britain would have to be finished in as little as 18 months after they are triggered, which is expected by the end of March, but others say the whole process could take much longer.
Britain's former top civil servant, Gus O'Donnell, said he thought sealing a final deal would take "years and years."
"I can imagine it taking at least five years to get through all of the details," he told the BBC. "And I imagine some of the transitional arrangements may be longer than that."
When asked about it as she entered the EU summit, May did not address the concern. But the British leader did say she wasn't angry about the other EU leaders meeting without her.
"It's right that the other leaders prepare for those (Brexit) negotiations, as we have been," she told reporters. "We will be leaving the EU, we want that to be a smooth and as orderly a process as possible. It's not just in our interests. It's in the interest of the rest of Europe."
May didn't mention the Brexit talks as she left the summit. Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said she had told the other leaders that she wanted the status of EU citizens living in Britain and Britons living elsewhere in the EU "dealt with in the early part of discussions."
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, right, speaks with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker as Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, left, speaks with French President Francois Hollande, center, during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
British Prime Minister Theresa May, looks out from her car window as she arrives for an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, speaks with British Prime Minister Theresa May, right, and European Parliament President Martin Schulz, center, during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
European Parliament President Martin Schulz, center, speaks with the media as he arrives for an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
British Prime Minister Theresa May arrives for an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, left, speaks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, left, speaks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, center, during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
French President Francois Hollande, center, speaks with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, right, and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, left, during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, left, speaks with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, center, speaks with European Parliament President Martin Schulz, right, and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, second right, during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
French President Francois Hollande, right, speaks with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, right, speaks with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker as Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, left, speaks with French President Francois Hollande, center, during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
British Prime Minister Theresa May, left, speaks with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
European Council President Donald Tusk, second left, speaks with British Prime Minister Theresa May, right, during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. At left is Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, and second right is Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
Canadian officials meet detained Canadian in North Korea
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) Canadian officials visited North Korea and met with Canadian detainee Hyeon Soo Lim, who was sentenced to life in prison last year over what Pyongyang described as anti-state activities, the North's state media said Thursday.
A Canadian government delegation led by Sarah Taylor, director general for North Asia and Oceania for Global Affairs Canada, arrived in North Korea on Tuesday for a three-day visit to discuss Lim's case and other issues, Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency said.
The agency said the Canadian officials met Lim, but provided no further details.
Lim, a Christian pastor, was convicted by Pyongyang's Supreme Court for trying to use religion to destroy the North Korean system and helping U.S. and South Korean authorities lure and abduct North Korean citizens.
North Korea is often accused of using foreign detainees as a way to win concessions from other countries. The country is locked in a standoff with the international community over its expanding nuclear weapons and missiles program.
North Korea is also holding at least two Americans for alleged espionage, subversion and other charges. Korean-American Kim Tong Chol is serving a 10-year prison term with hard labor, while University of Virginia undergraduate Otto Warmbier has received 15 years.
Berlusconi media empire looking to fend off French takeover
ROME (AP) Shares in Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset empire were volatile Thursday after the Italian government suggested it wouldn't accept a hostile takeover by France's Vivendi media group.
Trading in Mediaset was halted twice on the Milan stock exchange Thursday morning for losses that reached nearly 8 percent before shares recovered around midday.
Vivendi, which owns France's Canal+ pay-TV operator and Universal Music Group, confirmed late Wednesday it had acquired a 20 percent stake in Berlusconi's television and publishing group. At the start of the week, its stake was little over 3 percent.
In this photo taken on Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, a view of the Mediaset TV headquarters in Cologno Monzese, near Milan, Italy. French media company Vivendi says Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016 it has acquired a 20 percent stake in Italy's Mediaset in what the media company of former Premier Silvio Berlusconi says is a hostile takeover bid. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Mediaset holding company Fininvest responded by increasing its stake in Mediaset to nearly 39 percent and lodging a complaint with Milan prosecutors alleging market manipulation. Mediaset has accused Vivendi of taking advantage of the 30 percent drop in Mediaset's share value after Vivendi backed out of a plan to buy its Premium unit over the summer.
Mediaset has already taken Vivendi to court in Milan to try to recover 570 million euros in losses.
Italy's economic development minister, Carlo Calenda, said that while Italy respects the rules of the market, Vivendi's move on Mediaset "doesn't appear to be the most appropriate way to proceed" to boost Vivendi's presence in Italy.
He said foreign investment is always welcome, but that in such a strategic field as mass media "the way in which one proceeds isn't irrelevant."
By early afternoon in Milan, shares in Mediaset were down 1.8 percent at 3.55 euros.
Mediaset isn't the only Berlusconi asset that has caught the eye of foreign investors.
Fininvest is in final negotiations to sell Berlusconi's beloved AC Milan soccer club to a group of Chinese investors. The deal with Sino-Europe Sports, now expected to close in March, values Milan at 740 million euros (about $800 million).
Rights group: Turkey silencing media in post-coup crackdown
ISTANBUL (AP) Turkey has "all but silenced independent media" in an accelerating crackdown on journalists who are being detained on "bogus charges" including terrorism, an international rights group said Thursday.
In a new report, Human Rights Watch said the government's assault on critical journalism sharpened noticeably in 2014, but gained new momentum in the wake of a failed July 15 coup, which Ankara has blamed on a movement linked to a U.S.-based Islamist cleric.
The report said that along with the arrests, there has been an increase in threats and physical attacks on journalists, government interference with editorial independence, the closure or takeover of private broadcasters and fines brought against critical news outlets.
FILE - In this file photo taken Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, the journalists of the IMC-TV gather in their Istanbul office after their television channel was shut down. A dozen police officers, joined by officials from Turkey's treasury and the county's broadcasting watchdog, marched into the headquarters of the pro-Kurdish IMC-TV television station, sealed off the control rooms and forced the channel off the air during a live program on democracy. Turkey has all but silenced independent media in an accelerating crackdown on journalists who are being detained on bogus charges including terrorism, an international rights group said Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/File)
"In the past, journalists were killed in Turkey," Human Rights Watch quoted one journalist saying. "This government is killing journalism in its entirety."
The report is based on a review of court documents and on 61 interviews with journalists, editors, lawyers and press freedom advocates.
There was no immediate response from Turkish officials. Ankara says it is fighting a multi-prong war on terror and that its security sweeps have targeted Kurdish militants, the Islamic State group and backers of the Islamist cleric, who once was an ally of the president and has denied masterminding the attempted coup.
The Human Rights Watch report accuses Turkish authorities of misusing the penal code to go after journalists with charges ranging from insulting public officials to membership in a terrorist organization.
HRW's Europe and Central Asia director, Hugh Williamson, said 148 journalist and media workers have been detained under the state of emergency the government declared after the failed coup, while 169 media and publishing outlets have been shut.
"The Turkish government and president's systematic effort to silence media in the country is all about preventing public scrutiny," Williamson said.
HRW urged the Turkish government to end the detention and prosecution of journalists based on their journalism or alleged affiliation.
Turkey has detained thousands of people this year over alleged ties with outlawed groups. It has also purged state institutions, including the military, of alleged government opponents.
Egypt executes militant convicted in 2013 attack on police
CAIRO (AP) Egypt's official MENA news agency says a top militant who was convicted and sentenced to death for the killing of 25 policemen in 2013 has been executed.
The report says Adel Habara's execution on Thursday came five days after his final appeal was rejected by the Cassation Court.
Habara was convicted for his role in the killing of the policemen in northern Sinai in August 2013, two months after the military overthrew the Islamist Mohammed Morsi, Egypt's first freely elected president.
Kremlin denies report that Putin was involved in DNC hacks
MOSCOW (AP) The Kremlin has denied a report that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally directed how hacked data from U.S. Democrats was used during the U.S. presidential election.
NBC News on Wednesday quoted U.S. intelligence officials as saying that Putin "became personally involved in the covert Russian campaign."
Asked about the report, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday dismissed it as "laughable nonsense."
Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Nagato, western Japan, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. Despite continued sanctions on Russia, Abe is eager to make progress on a 70-year-old territorial dispute that has kept their countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II. (Toru Hanai/Pool Photo via AP)
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.
Ol' Saint Jim: Author James Patterson gives holiday bonuses
NEW YORK (AP) Bookstore employees from Los Angeles to Austin, Texas, will have some extra holiday spending money thanks to best-selling author James Patterson.
Patterson announced his latest wave of philanthropy on Thursday bonuses of $1,000 to $5,000 for 149 workers at independent stores. Drawing on recommendations from authors, fellow staffers and others, Patterson is giving out $250,000, adding to the millions he's donated in recent years to libraries, stores and literacy programs.
Patterson says in a statement released through Hachette Books that the enthusiasm and knowledge of bookstore workers is "intrinsic" to nurturing enthusiastic readers.
Manufacturing growing at solid pace in New York, hiring lags
WASHINGTON (AP) Manufacturers in New York state expanded more quickly this month than in November, driven by a big jump in new orders.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York said Thursday that its Empire State index rose to a reading of 9 in December, up from 1.5 in the previous month. Anything above zero signals that factories are doing more business.
The healthy jump adds to other evidence that U.S. manufacturing is rebounding after a rough 18 months. Businesses have been clearing out their stockpiles of unsold goods and spending less on machinery and equipment, which have lowered factory output. Yet nationwide surveys in the past several months suggest manufacturing is growing again, if slowly.
FILE - In this Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, file photo provided by the Office of the Governor of New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo inspects a Corvette engine at the General Motors Tonawanda engine plant in Tonawanda, N.Y. General Motors announced on Wednesday that the company will spend $334 million to upgrade three plants in upstate New York. Manufacturers in New York state expanded more quickly in December, than in November, driven by a big jump in new orders, according to information released Thursday by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. (Darren McGee/Office of the Governor of New York via AP, File)
Still, a gauge of employment in the Empire State report fell to minus 12.2, from minus 10.9, which means factories cut jobs last month.
Those figures are an example of how automated, high-tech factories are frequently able to boost output without having to add more workers.
Nationwide, manufacturers expanded for the third straight month in November, according to a survey by the Institute for Supply Management, a trade group.
Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, John Legend headline 2017 Essence
NEW ORLEANS (AP) For the first time, music icon Diana Ross brings her star power to a stage at the 2017 Essence Festival in New Orleans.
Ross was among the headliners announced Thursday for the festival annually held in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
"This is big," said Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc., on getting Ross to agree to perform. "We've wanted her to join us forever and we're so happy she finally said 'yes!' She's just off receiving the presidential medal of honor and she's just, like President Obama said, a part of the American soundtrack. She represents grace and glamour and we couldn't be more excited."
Ebanks said the Essence brand is about the "triumph of the everyday woman."
"Diana Ross is that. She grew up in the housing projects in Detroit and now basks in international stardom. As a community we can just enjoy so many chapters in our lives by listening to her soundtrack," she said.
Joining Ross at the 23rd annual event, presented by Coca-Cola, will be R&B's Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, India.Arie, Jazmine Sullivan, Lalah Hathaway and first-timer Michel'le.
"We've always looked as the festival as a place for fans to discover new music and new artists. We want to be that platform that supports new artists and introduces them to an audience impassioned about music," Ebanks said.
Blige, a festival veteran, returns in 2017 to headline a special night themed "My Path to Strength," at which she will introduce her highly anticipated project, "Strength of a Woman."
"It will launch at the top of next year," Ebanks said of Blige's new work. "She tells her life story and it's no distance between Mary and black women. It's a very intimate, warm relationship and as she has said in the past, she puts her arms around that Essence audience and we all party together. She doesn't let go until it's over."
Others on tap for the festival scheduled June 30-July 2 include Doug E Fresh, Master P, Moses Sumney, Ro James, Shaggy, Solange, Teyana Taylor, Trombone Shorty, Tweet, Yuna and Sir the Baptist.
Ebanks said be on the lookout for more artists to be named to the lineup in January. "This is just the first wave," she said. "There's more coming."
EU: Israeli demolitions left 1,221 Palestinians homeless
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) European Union diplomats say Israel demolished 866 structures in 2016, leaving 1,221 Palestinians homeless, almost half of them children.
The figure includes some 536,000 euros ($563,000) of EU-funded structures given to Palestinians in the West Bank, which the diplomats say Israel destroyed or confiscated.
The demolitions took place in the 60 percent of the West Bank that remain under full Israeli control. Israel has imposed severe restrictions on Palestinian development in this area, home to dozens of Israeli settlements.
The EU statement sent to reporters Thursday said the diplomats "deplore" the demolitions.
France puts weight behind Greece in debt dispute
BRUSSELS (AP) French President Francois Hollande has come to the defense of Greece after European creditors pulled a recently announced debt relief package for the country.
Hollande said ahead of Thursday's summit of European Union leaders that "it is out of the question to ask for further additional efforts from Greece or prevent them from taking a number of sovereign measures that respect the commitments" that Greece previously took.
Days after a Dec. 5 eurozone agreement to approve some debt relief, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced a Christmas bonus for some 1.6 million low-income pensioners and committed to restore a lower sales tax rate for Aegean Sea islanders. The move surprised the eurozone creditors, who suspended the debt relief.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, right, speaks with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker as Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, left, speaks with French President Francois Hollande, center, during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
Tsipras said at the summit there's room for "a breakthrough, without blackmail."
French President Francois Hollande, center, speaks with the media as he arrives for an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, center, arrives for an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
A TV fan sees his past through the eyes of antique cameras
WINDER, Ga. (AP) What does Bobby Ellerbee see when he looks at his antique TV cameras? He sees a bit of what they've seen since the birth of television.
His cameras are now dormant, decommissioned from performing any on-air service. But those 15 cameras arranged in, fittingly, his family room in Winder, Georgia., have been cosmetically restored to mint condition and they teem with history.
Here's his RCA model TK-10, his oldest, which hails from 1946. It is trimmed with a jaunty red stripe and name plates designating its long-ago owner: Chicago station WGN-TV.
This Feb. 27, 2014 photo shows Bobby Ellerbee with his collection of vintage television cameras in Winder, Ga. Ellerbee's 15 cameras have been cosmetically restored to mint condition. (Parker Clayton Smith via AP)
"It's one of the original eight cameras they bought when they put the station on the air," Ellerbee says.
Nearby is his Mark VII, a color camera built by the Marconi company whose no-nonsense design belies its fanciful role in the early 1970s: It is one of six then owned by New York's Tele-Tape Productions, where "Sesame Street" first came to life.
Ellerbee's pride-and-joy is his half-century-old RCA TK-41C, a slightly modified version of the industry's first widely used (and, for some years, only) color camera, which was introduced in 1953. It's a silver beast, weighing in at more than 300 pounds but with a swept-back, streamlined profile.
"No other camera looks like that," says Ellerbee.
One of only a couple hundred ever built, this behemoth saw duty at NBC's Burbank, California, studios, home to "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," ''Laugh-In" and dozens of other shows aired, per the network's famous peacock, "in living color."
In the current era of pocket-sized minicams available to anyone, this camera, which new cost more than $400,000 in today's money, stands as a monument to TV's early challenges and promise.
That promise enthralled Ellerbee, now 66 (and a distant cousin of TV journalist Linda Ellerbee), from a tender age.
As a child in the studio audience of "The Popeye Club," a wildly popular 1950s kids' show hosted by "Officer Don" Kennedy on Atlanta's WSB-TV, young Bobby was as much captivated by the cameras (RCA black-and-white TK-30s, a model he owns one of today) as by encountering Officer Don in the flesh.
In high school he took a detour radio announcing from his planned path of becoming a TV director.
"I had to train myself," he recalls in his seasoned baritone. "At first, I sounded pretty much like, 'Hiiii, how y'allll?' and I had a high voice. But I got it down. Smoking cigarettes and drinking liquor helped a lot."
When he entered the University of Georgia, his career as a deejay was flowering on local Athens radio, and after college he landed jobs in Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco and Miami, among other major markets, before forging a lucrative career as a commercial announcer.
More recently, he landed a dream gig voicing the Sheriff on the Adult Swim cartoon show "Squidbillies," now in its 10th season.
"But I always had a thing about TV cameras," he says, and from childhood he made it his mission to learn all about them, even sending off requests for product manuals from manufacturers like RCA, General Electric and Norelco.
"I always thought to myself, one of these days I'm gonna have a camera of my own," he says.
That took a while.
"Being in radio, you have to move every few years and you can't drag along a lot of stuff. But when I left Miami and came back to Georgia a dozen years ago, I thought, 'It's time to get a bigger place and get one television camera at least.'"
Getting started was easier than he expected. He called an Atlanta TV station, asked for the chief engineer and left a message: "I'm looking for TV cameras. If you got any, call me."
In a flash he was the owner of nine scrapped TK-44s and 45s (RCA color cameras from the late 1960s) that once were based at NBC Burbank before landing in a Peachtree Street junk bin.
His collection now totals more than two dozen, each a glorious totem of TV's past.
It's a past Ellerbee has curated with stories, photo archives and technical lore for his website, whose name eyesofageneration.com seems to him a no-brainer: "What's another name for television cameras, in the broader sense? They were the eyes of a generation us baby boomers, the first generation to grow up with TV."
Though, strictly speaking, his cameras don't work, they operate for Ellerbee exactly as he wants them to. They evoke warm memories of past eras they served and programs they beheld. His burly TK-41 speaks of countless nights when Johnny Carson laughed it up with Ed and Doc. His slick Norelco PC-60, emblazoned with "CBS COLOR," sparks recollections of CBS' variety shows of the 1960s and '70s like those of Carol Burnett and the Smothers Brothers.
"The cameras are where it all starts," says Ellerbee. "They're kind of like a vortex, because they bring that whole outside world" he makes a broad, gathering sweep with his arms "to MY house.
"They have seen a lot of people up close and personal that I watched on TV," he observes.
That, finally, is what his cameras mean to him.
"They're like old friends, in a way," he says. "We have something in common."
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EDITOR'S NOTE Frazier Moore is a national television columnist for The Associated Press. He can be reached at fmoore@ap.org and at http://www.twitter.com/tvfrazier. Past stories are available at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/frazier-moore
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Online:
2 ex-ministers get probation for fake Kosovo film contracts
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) A Kosovo court has sentenced two former culture ministers and two movie producers for misusing public funds by signing contracts for movies that never got made.
The court in Pristina said Thursday said the a court in Pristina sentenced each of the four to one year of probation that would be converted to jail time if they are convicted again within two years.
The two producers also were fined 100,000 and 188,000 euros ($112,000 and $211,000.)
By law, their identities are not public while the verdicts can be appealed.
Prosecutors accused the four of conspiring to embezzle government arts funding with contracts for phony projects.
An international 'Rogue One' cast for a new 'Star Wars' era
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) "Star Wars" has always had a wide variety of faces and languages in its films, but, besides a few outliers, the diversity was mainly limited to that of the various creatures inhabiting the planets. "The Force Awakens" cracked that seal a bit, but it's the spinoff film "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" that really bursts through the arbitrary barrier with a large international cast, including Mexican actor Diego Luna, Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, the British-Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed, Chinese stars Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen, Australian Ben Mendelsohn, African-American actor Forest Whitaker and British actress Felicity Jones .
For director Gareth Edwards, it just made sense for the story.
"The rebellion is in chaos," he said. "There are different sections of the alliance that are coming together and they can't agree on much. We wanted to reflect the different areas of the galaxy and, you know, you obviously have things like talking fish in the rebellion, so it's like, we should definitely represent the world. The great thing about that is when you do that, you can choose any actor you want. We are spoiled with the cast we have."
Actors from left, Ben Mendelsohn, Riz Ahmed, Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Forest Whitaker, Alan Tudyk, Mads Mikkelsen, Donnie Yen and director Gareth Edwards pose for photographers during the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story fan photo call in London, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Meet a few of the new characters in "Rogue One" before it hits theaters Friday:
DIEGO LUNA AND ALAN TUDYK
Luna wanted so badly to be in a "Star Wars" film, he said he would have paid to be part of it. In the film, he plays Cassian, an intelligence officer for the rebellion, or, a spy charged with leading the dangerous mission that culminates in the rebels stealing the plans for the Death Star.
"He's a very lonely character. His best friend is a droid basically that says a lot about him and a droid that he reprogrammed! It's that kind of character," Luna said. "He has so much information, he has seen terrible things he would love to forget."
That droid is K-2S0, voiced by Tudyk, who is being hailed as one of the breakouts of the film for his deadpan humor.
"I'd like to think that we're a team. Kind of like a cop team, and I'm the smart-ass cop and he's the one who's like 'Come on K-2!'" said Tudyk.
Riz Ahmed chimed in: "It's funny, you think of you guys as a team but he doesn't think of you that way at all. He thinks of you as his butler."
Tudyk: "He thinks of me as dead weight or as his chauffeur because I do fly the spaceship which is pretty cool."
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RIZ AHMED
Ahmed, who broke out this year as the star of HBO's "The Night Of" plays Bodhi, an Imperial cargo pilot living on a planet, Jedha, that's occupied by the Empire.
"He's just someone who is trying to keep his head down and earn a living, and the only job in town when you live on an occupied planet is to work for the Empire," Ahmed said. "It's when he comes across certain kinds of information ... The name Bodhi means 'awakening,' so he wakes up to certain realities. He questions allegiances and what he's doing with his life."
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BEN MENDELSOHN AND MADS MIKKELSEN
Mendelsohn's Orson Krennic is the known baddie of the group, the one in charge of making sure the Death Star works. He came up in the Empire alongside Mikkelsen's Galen Erso, a scientist who tried to leave the planet killer-making ways behind, only to be drawn back in. He's also the father of Jones's lead Jyn Erso .
"As a scientist you have morals of course but often you just dive into a project that will consume you completely and before it's too late you realize what you're creating," Mikkelsen said. "I think he's one of those."
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DONNIE YEN AND JIANG WEN
Edwards, inspired by George Lucas's love of Akira Kurosawa's "The Hidden Fortress," wanted to have two actors who would squabble but still venture out together on a mission. It was where Lucas got the idea for R2-D2 and C-3PO, but Edwards wanted to go back to the source.
"I thought 'I really like those two characters, two Asian guys who don't really get along but really they're best friends.' At the same time the writer was saying 'I want to do two characters who represent the themes of the film war and peace," Edwards said.
It resulted in Donnie Yen's blind "warrior monk" Chirrut and Jiang Wen's always heavily armed Baze Malbus.
Yen, a Hong Kong resident and star of Chinese blockbusters like "Ip Man," said that "Star Wars" was not really part of Chinese culture until recently even though it was so inspired by Asian cinema.
"I realized, 'Oh, my God, this is something very special. I'm going to make history,'" he said. "Particularly, I started to realize, 'Hey, you know, I'm the first Chinese actor in the 'Star Wars' universe.' That is so rewarding."
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Follow AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ldbahr
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) The Latest on the federal death penalty trial of Dylann Roof, accused of killing nine black people during a South Carolina church Bible study (all times local):
11:35 a.m.
Dylann Roof's lawyer has asked jurors to consider what was going on in his head as he planned the killings of nine black worshippers in a racially motivated attack at a Charleston church.
FILE - In this June 18, 2015 file photo, Charleston, S.C., shooting suspect Dylann Storm Roof is escorted from the Cleveland County Courthouse in Shelby, N.C. Prosecutors who wanted to show that Roof was a cruel, angry racist simply used his own words at his death penalty trial on charges he killed nine black people in June 2015 at a Charleston church. Roof's two-hour videotaped confession less than a day after the shooting and a handwritten journal found in his car when he was arrested were introduced into evidence Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
Defense attorney David Bruck conceded in his closing argument Thursday that Roof killed the victims at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in June 2015 and even praised the FBI investigation.
But Bruck also argued Roof was a suicidal, impressionable loner who never grasped the gravity of what he did.
Prosecutors successfully objected to several of Bruck's arguments as he tried to argue Roof's mental status. A judge has ruled that talking about his mental state is reserved for the next phase when jurors if they find Roof guilty will decide he if faces the death penalty.
Roof has said he will act as his own attorney during that part of the trial.
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10:50 a.m.
A prosecutor says the goodness of the victims who were slaughtered at a Charleston church has defeated Dylann Roof's message of racial hatred.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Williams said Thursday in his closing argument that jurors should have no doubt about Roof's guilt. He apologized before showing crime scene photos of the bodies with small pictures of each person when they were alive beside them.
Williams mocked Roof for calling his actions brave, saying the true bravery was in the black churchgoers who died trying to stop him.
Jurors will consider if Roof, who is white, is guilty of 33 charges, including hate crimes and obstruction of religion. He faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.
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10:05 a.m.
Federal prosecutors have started their closing argument in Dylann Roof's death penalty trial by saying the 22-year-old white man targeted nine black church members when they were most vulnerable.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Williams told jurors Thursday that Roof waited until the Bible study group had its eyes closed for prayer before Roof opened fire.
Williams said he was going to concentrate less on the evidence and more on Roof's hatred, cowardice and immense racial ignorance.
Williams says Roof believed black people were animals and less than human when he violated the sanctuary of the church and killed nine people on June 17, 2015, at Emanuel African Methodist Church.
Roof did not react to Williams' arguments.
Roof's attorneys will have a chance to make a closing argument.
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3 a.m.
Jurors will likely soon be asked to decide if the man accused in the shooting deaths of nine black worshippers at a South Carolina church is guilty of federal hate crimes.
Closing arguments are expected when the jury arrives Thursday morning at Dylann Roof's death penalty trial. The judge will hand jurors the case a short time later.
Jurors will decide if Roof is guilty or not guilty of 33 separate charges, including hate crimes and obstruction of religion charges for each of the nine people killed and three who survived the June 2015 massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal church in Charleston.
If they find Roof guilty, the same jurors will return Jan. 3 for the next phase of the trial to determine if he's sentenced to death or life in prison.
FILE - In this June 20, 2015 file photo, Allen Sanders, right, kneels next to his wife Georgette, both of McClellanville, S.C., as they pray at a sidewalk memorial in memory of the shooting victims in front of Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. Prosecutors who wanted to show that Dylann Roof was a cruel, angry racist simply used his own words at his death penalty trial on charges he killed nine black people in June 2015 at a Charleston church. Roof's two-hour videotaped confession less than a day after the shooting and a handwritten journal found in his car when he was arrested were introduced into evidence Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
FILE - In this June 19, 2015 file photo, police tape surrounds the parking lot behind the AME Emanuel Church as FBI forensic experts work the crime scene, in Charleston, S.C. Prosecutors who wanted to show that Dylann Roof was a cruel, angry racist simply used his own words at his death penalty trial on charges he killed nine black people in June 2015 at a Charleston church. Roof's two-hour videotaped confession less than a day after the shooting and a handwritten journal found in his car when he was arrested were introduced into evidence Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File)
NATO-Russia Council to hold meeting on Monday
BRUSSELS (AP) NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says that the Western alliance's main forum for dialogue with Russia, the NATO-Russia Council, will meet next week.
Stoltenberg said as he arrived Thursday at a summit of European Union leaders that the meeting of ambassadors will be held on Monday.
NATO's ties with Russia have been severely strained since Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.
AP Interview: Kazakh banker fighting for regime change
PARIS (AP) Freshly freed from a French prison after years fighting embezzlement charges, Kazakh banker Mukhtar Ablyazov is pursuing what he calls his "life goal": regime change in his energy-rich Central Asian country.
The prospect looks dim. Kazakhstan is under the 27-year grip of a president who brooks little dissent and is close to Russia's Vladimir Putin. And many Kazakhs see Ablyazov as a corrupt tycoon who allegedly stole billions and fled into cosseted exile in London manors and a Cote d'Azur villa.
Yet Ablyazov is undeterred, hoping to stir up anti-establishment, anti-authoritarian sentiment among his compatriots.
Kazakh banker Mukhtar Ablyazov answers the Associated Press in Paris, Thursday Dec. 15, 2016. Freshly freed from a French prison after years fighting embezzlement charges, Ablyazov is pursuing what he calls his "life goal": regime change in his energy-rich Central Asian country. (AP Photo/Alexander Turnbull)
"I want to change the country. I want for us to build a democratic country like in Europe, like in America," he told The Associated Press in an interview Thursday in Paris, days after being released from three years in prison.
He's emboldened by a decision last week by France's top administrative court, which ruled Friday against his extradition to Russia over the embezzlement charges, calling the request politically motivated.
That's what Ablyazov has argued all along, ever since Kazakhstan's government nationalized his bank, BTA, in 2009.
He sees himself as a martyr unfairly targeted by a totalitarian regime, a Kazakh version of long-jailed Russian magnate Mikhail Khodorkovsky. The French court ruling, Ablyazov said, sends a message to autocrats who "pursue dissidents and opposition leaders with artificial criminal cases. . It's a colossal step from the point of view of defense of human rights."
Ablyazov is an unlikely people's hero, however.
After studying alongside Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev's daughter, he built up multiple businesses and was named energy minister in Nazarbayev's government while still in his 30s, and later became one of Kazakhstan's richest men.
He set up an opposition party in 2001, and was soon imprisoned for abuse of public office. He was freed after promising to stay out of politics but soon started financing the opposition again while building up BTA, one of the region's biggest banks.
When the government nationalized the bank in 2009, Ablyazov sought asylum in Britain. The bank, which claims Ablyazov has siphoned off billions of dollars, went after him in English courts. Ablyazov fled Britain after he was convicted of contempt of court and found to be shifting assets and was then arrested on the French Riviera in 2013.
Reunited with family in a Paris living room, Ablyazov described his years of legal drama as a targeted political campaign by the president.
He said he had met in 2009 with Nazarbayev, who said he was afraid that the banker would use his riches to "turn the country upside down. . He said, 'if you go against me, I'll take away your bank.'"
The Kazakh foreign ministry would not comment Thursday on Ablyazov's claims.
Ablyazov insists that the embezzling charges are fabricated. "Show me one payment, one sum that I stole," he said. "It's impossible to transfer just like that with millions, much less billions. They showed no proof."
The years of legal battles have only hardened Ablyazov's resolve to resume opposition activity.
He called for public demonstrations in Kazakhstan and Facebook campaigns against the government. "By whatever method, they shouldn't stay silent," he said.
In addition to his political campaigning, Ablyazov also says he'll fight to unblock billions of dollars in frozen assets in Britain.
He said he will use the French court's ruling in his legal cases in Britain, which he says are part of Kazakhstan's political campaign against him. The bank says it is just trying to get its money back.
Ablyazov says he is under constant threat, but seems strangely calm as he talks about secret agents lurking beneath his windows, his family being kidnapped and what he said were personal threats from Nazarbayev.
Ending Nazarbayev's rule is "my main goal in life," Ablyazov said.
Jury indicts 38 on drug-trafficking charges in Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) A federal grand jury has indicted 38 people accused of running a drug-trafficking ring in southern Puerto Rico.
The suspects are charged with conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack, marijuana and prescription pills at public housing projects in the mountain town of Cayey.
U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez said Thursday that the alleged ring was established in 2012.
Guyana to invest $12M in villages founded by freed slaves
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) The South American country of Guyana is investing $12 million to help revitalize coastal villages founded by freed slaves after emancipation in the 1830s.
Finance Minister Winston Jordan says the money will be used to clear land for crops, improve drainage and irrigation and dig more than 150 kilometers (about 90 miles) of new canals to provide water for farms.
An estimated 35,000 people in towns such as Buxton are expected to benefit.
Government officials have blamed the previous administration of largely ignoring development in the Afro-Guyanese villages. That government was headed by descendants of Indian immigrants.
Russia casts shadow over European Union summit
BRUSSELS (AP) Russia had no seat at the European Union's table Thursday but it cast a shadow over the summit as a target for criticism of its role in the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's influence over the wars that have dragged on for years deeply frustrated a Europe limited to diplomacy, money or humanitarian aid to try to change facts on the ground.
"Faced with the brutality of the Syrian regime and its supporters, notably Russia and Iran, we are not as effective as we would like to be," EU Council President Donald Tusk told reporters. "Unfortunately, I know who is effective enough, not in humanitarian assistance, but in bombing."
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, right, speaks with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker as Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, left, speaks with French President Francois Hollande, center, during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss defense, migration, the conflict in Syria and Britain's plans to leave the bloc. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "We are all seeing something in the 21st century that is shameful, that is heart-breaking, that shows we haven't been able to act politically how we would like to act."
A great unknown also weighs on the Europeans: exactly what U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's attitude toward Russia will be, given the benevolent view of Putin that he expressed during the election campaign.
The EU has slapped sanctions on Russia for annexing Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, and the leaders gave their greenlight Thursday for some of them to be rolled over for a further six months. But cracks have appeared in Europe's facade, with Italy notably pushing for an easing of the punitive measures.
Any sign that Trump will be more tolerant of Russia's actions is only likely to deepen the EU divide.
Tusk said it was too early to assess what might be possible effects of U.S. policy toward Russia. "We have to wait for the declaration of the new president."
In any case, new sanctions over Russia's backing of Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime in crushing the besieged eastern city of Aleppo were not on the table, despite stiff criticism expressed by some member states.
"I have been talking constantly to Russia, and Russia makes commitments that it is not keeping. Now it is time for us to conclude a cease-fire," French President Francois Hollande told reporters.
Putin also cast a shadow as the leaders struggled to broker a compromise with the Netherlands that would allow the EU to enact a long-standing agreement with Ukraine on closer ties.
The agreement is the same one that sparked the Maidan Square popular uprising in Kiev three years ago. Protests broke out in November 2013 when then Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych abruptly decided to abandon the pact with the EU and seek closer cooperation with Moscow instead.
Hundreds of thousands took to the streets. Later, the protests later turned violent and more than 100 people were killed, many of them by sniper fire.
The EU compromise involved a legally binding text explaining that the agreement does not mean membership for Ukraine or military support or more money beyond the billions already poured into the country from Europe.
It may be enough to persuade Dutch lawmakers to approve a pact that was rejected by voters earlier this year. But those guarantees may also be music to Putin's ears.
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Associated Press writer Geir Moulson contributed to this report.
French President Francois Hollande speaks during a media conference at the end of an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders met in a separate session Thursday evening without Prime Minister Theresa May as they try to chart the way ahead with an EU of 27 members without Britain. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during a media conference at the end of an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. European Union leaders met in a separate session Thursday evening without Prime Minister Theresa May as they try to chart the way ahead with an EU of 27 members without Britain. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)
Fed has 8 biggest US banks shift loss burden to investors
WASHINGTON (AP) The eight biggest U.S. banks will be required to build new cushions against losses that would shift the burden to investors. The action by the Federal Reserve was the latest bid by regulators to reduce the chances of future taxpayer bailouts.
The Fed governors led by Chair Janet Yellen voted 5-0 Thursday to lay down the new requirements. The mega-banks must bulk up their capacity to absorb financial shocks by issuing equity or long-term debt equal to certain portions of total bank assets. The idea is that the cost of a huge bank's failure would fall on investors in the bank, not on taxpayers.
The Fed action comes as Washington braces for changes to the 2010 law that reined in Wall Street after the financial crisis and the Great Recession. President-elect Donald Trump urged during his campaign that the Dodd-Frank law be dismantled, and his transition team has set that as a goal. Republicans, who overwhelmingly opposed Dodd-Frank, will control the White House and Congress in January and see an opening to go after key parts of the law such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
"Today we are putting into place one of the last critical safeguards that make up the core of our ... reform efforts" following the financial crisis, Yellen said at the start of the meeting. "These banks must bear the costs their failure would impose on the financial system and the economy."
The Fed governors imposed the so-called "loss-absorbing capacity" requirements on the eight banks: JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of New York Mellon and State Street Bank.
They would have to issue a total of about $70 billion in new equity and long-term debt to meet the requirements, the Fed staff estimates. Four of the eight banks, which weren't named, are estimated to have shortfalls.
Still, most of the requirements won't take effect until 2019, and the remainder not until 2022.
"We're going to start looking at rolling back (rules) before we've started implementing," said Oliver Ireland, an attorney specializing in banking law at Morrison & Foerster who was an associate general counsel at the Fed.
With the new "loss-absorbing" requirements, Ireland notes, investors will know that if a bank fails, they'll be on the hook and likely won't recover the full amount they put in. Higher interest rates paid by banks on the debt they issued beforehand would compensate for the investors' risk.
The new cushions come atop rules previously adopted by the Fed for the eight banks to shore up their financial bases with about $200 billion in additional capital over and above capital requirements for the industry. And they're in addition to 2014 rules directing all large U.S. banks to keep enough high-quality assets on hand to survive during a severe downturn.
Stricter capital requirements for banks were mandated by Congress after the financial crisis, which struck in 2008 and set off the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Hundreds of U.S. banks received taxpayer bailouts totaling hundreds of billions of dollars during the crisis, including the eight Wall Street mega-banks that became known as "too big to fail" in Washington.
In its action, the Fed put in place its piece of a plan proposed by international regulators in November 2014 for "loss-absorbing capacity" for the world's 30 largest banks. Including the eight U.S. banks, they are considered so big and interconnected that each could threaten the financial system if they collapsed.
Greek lawmakers approve pension bonus that angered creditors
ATHENS, Greece (AP) Greek lawmakers have approved a controversial Christmas bonus payment for low-earning pensioners that prompted bailout creditors to suspend a debt relief deal agreed upon only last week.
The left-led government insisted again Thursday that it's not doing anything that goes against the terms of its bailout deal with creditors and that it's exercising its sovereign right in providing the handout which will be funded by budget savings.
But European creditors say Athens should have sought clearance first, and on Wednesday froze the short-term debt relief deal that includes a smoothing of some of Greece's repayments to prevent debt humps and a waiving of an interest rate increase.
Pensioners march during an anti-austerity rally in Athens, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. About 5,000 Greek pensioners marched peacefully through central Athens Thursday to protest years of cuts to their pensions under the country's bailout commitments. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was due to raise the issue with other European Union leaders during a summit meeting in Brussels Thursday.
The article on the bonus, which Athens wants to distribute next week, was approved by 196 votes, while 61 lawmakers from the main opposition conservative party abstained.
Tsipras had requested a ballot by roll-call, a lengthy procedure in which lawmakers are called by name to vote, in a bid to pressure opposition lawmakers whom the government accuses of siding with bailout creditors.
Later this month, parliament will also vote on another Tsipras pledge to restore a lower sales tax rate for Aegean Sea islanders who are struggling to cope with mass arrivals of migrants from Turkey.
Hurt by a series of income cuts and tax hikes, Tsipras' Syriza party is trailing the conservatives by more than ten percentage points in opinion polls.
As lawmakers prepared to vote in Athens, some 5,000 pensioners marched peacefully to Tsipras' office to protest years of cuts to their pensions under the country's bailout commitments.
Protesters said the bonus granted to people receiving up to 850 euros (US$885) a month was too small.
Efstathios Bozos said it's "just a tip" that does little to compensate for a 50 percent reduction in pensions over recent years.
"We want our pensions restored to their previous level," he said.
Greece has imposed income reductions, tax hikes and wide-ranging reforms since 2010 to secure a series of rescue loans that have prevented the country's bankruptcy and exit from the euro currency.
Pensioners take part in an anti-austerity rally in Athens, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. About 5,000 Greek pensioners marched peacefully through central Athens Thursday to protest years of cuts to their pensions under the country's bailout commitments. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
Pensioners chant slogans during an anti-austerity rally in Athens, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. About 5,000 Greek pensioners marched peacefully through central Athens Thursday to protest years of cuts to their pensions under the country's bailout commitments. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
A pensioner reads a leaflet during an anti-austerity rally in Athens, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. About 5,000 Greek pensioners marched peacefully through central Athens Thursday to protest years of cuts to their pensions under the country's bailout commitments. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
Pensioners march in front of the Greek Prime Minister's office during an anti-austerity rally in Athens, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. About 5,000 Greek pensioners marched peacefully through central Athens Thursday to protest years of cuts to their pensions under the country's bailout commitments. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
Pensioners chant slogans during an anti-austerity rally in Athens, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. About 5,000 Greek pensioners marched peacefully through central Athens Thursday to protest years of cuts to their pensions under the country's bailout commitments. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
Pensioners take part in an anti-austerity rally in Athens, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. About 5,000 Greek pensioners marched peacefully through central Athens Thursday to protest years of cuts to their pensions under the country's bailout commitments. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
Pensioners chant slogans during an anti-austerity rally in Athens, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. About 5,000 Greek pensioners marched peacefully through central Athens Thursday to protest years of cuts to their pensions under the country's bailout commitments. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)
US defers Philippine aid decision, criticizes Duterte boasts
WASHINGTON (AP) The United States said Thursday it is deferring a decision on a major aid package to the Philippines and is deeply troubled by a boast from the nation's leader that he used to drive around looking for criminals to kill.
It's the latest sign of strain in U.S.-Philippine relations since President Rodrigo Duterte launched a crackdown on illegal drugs has led to thousands of deaths in police gunbattles.
Courting new controversy, Duterte said in a speech Monday that as a former mayor he'd patrol on a motorcycle hunting for criminals to kill to set an example for police to follow. Duterte said he was "really looking for an encounter to be able to kill."
White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters, "Those comments are deeply troubling, and they certainly are at odds with the Philippine government's stated commitment to due process and rule of law."
Earnest reiterated U.S. concern about extrajudicial killings by or at the behest of Philippine government authorities - criticism that has angered Duterte, who has taken a hostile stance toward the U.S. and reached out to China and Russia since taking office in June.
The U.S.-government aid agency, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, said that its board this week deferred a vote on a renewal of development assistance package for the Philippines, "subject to a further review of concerns around rule of law and civil liberties."
The Philippines has been slated for another aid package after its previous five-year, $434 million poverty reduction program was completed in May.
The agency's spokeswoman, Laura Allen, said Thursday it will continue to monitor events in the Philippines. The next board review is in March 2017.
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New gun charges for 2 Kansas men charged in bombing plot
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) Two of the men accused of plotting to bomb a western Kansas apartment complex where Somali immigrants live now also face firearms charges.
Thursday's superseding indictment, filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas, again charges Patrick Stein, Gavin Wright, and Curtis Allen with conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction. They had previously pleaded not guilty to that same charge.
It also adds new charges: illegally possessing firearms because of a prior misdemeanor domestic battery conviction for Allen, and two counts against Stein alleging gun violations in connection with the bomb conspiracy. It also seeks forfeiture of the weapons.
FILE - This Oct. 14, 2016 file booking photo provided by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office in Wichita, Kan., shows Gavin Wright. Wright is one of three members of a Kansas militia group were charged with plotting to bomb an apartment building filled with Somali immigrants in Garden City, Kan. Prosecutors added new charges Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016 against two of three Kansas men accused of plotting to bomb the apartment complex. (Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)
Attorneys for Allen and Stein did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Defense attorney Kari Schmidt, who represents Wright, said in an email that there is no evidence her client engaged in any unlawful conduct involving guns and ammunition.
"He has no criminal history and is not prohibited from possessing or using lawful firearms," she said.
Schmidt did not address the charge for conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction that remains against Wright.
Federal prosecutors allege the three men were part of a militia group called The Crusaders. They allegedly planned the attack on the apartment building, which also contained a mosque, for the day after the Nov. 8 general election.
FILE - This Oct. 14, 2016 file booking photo provided by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office in Wichita, Kan., shows Patrick Stein. Stein is one of three members of a Kansas militia group were charged with plotting to bomb an apartment building filled with Somali immigrants in Garden City, Kan. Prosecutors added new charges Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016 against the Kansas men accused of plotting to bomb the apartment complex. It adds two counts against Stein alleging gun violations in connection with the bomb conspiracy. It also seeks forfeiture of the weapons. (Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)
White House suggests Putin was involved in US hacking
WASHINGTON (AP) The Obama administration suggested Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally authorized the hacking of Democratic officials' email accounts in the run-up to the presidential election and said it was "fact" that such actions helped Donald Trump's campaign. The White House also assailed Trump himself, saying he must have known of Russia's interference.
No proof was offered for any of the accusations, the latest to unsettle America's uneasy transition from eight years under Democratic President Barack Obama to a new Republican administration led by Trump. The claims of Russian meddling in the election also have heightened already debilitating tensions between Washington and Moscow over Syria, Ukraine and a host of other disagreements.
"Only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, repeating the words from an October U.S. intelligence assessment.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen in Nagato, western Japan, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. The Obama administration suggested Thursday that Putin personally authorized the hacking of Democratic officials email accounts in the run-up to the presidential election, which intelligence agencies believe was designed to help Donald Trump prevail. The White House also leveled an astounding attack on Trump himself, saying he must have known of Russias interference. (Toru Hanai/Pool Photo via AP)
Obama's deputy national security adviser, Ben Rhodes, connected the dots further, saying it was Putin who was responsible for the Russian government's actions.
"I don't think things happen in the Russian government of this consequence without Vladimir Putin knowing about it," Rhodes said on MSNBC.
The explosive accusation paints Putin, the leader of perhaps the nation's greatest geopolitical foe, as having directly undermined U.S. democracy. U.S. officials have not contended, however, that Trump would have been defeated by Hillary Clinton on Nov. 8 if not for Russia's assistance. Nor has there has been any indication of tampering with the vote-counting.
The Kremlin flatly rejected the claim of Putin's involvement, with Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissing it Thursday as "laughable nonsense."
The dispute over Russia's role is fueling an increasingly public spat between Obama's White House and Trump's team that is threatening to spoil the delicate truce that Obama and Trump have forged since Election Day.
Although the president and president-elect have avoided criticizing each other publicly since Trump's win, their aides have been more openly antagonistic. Kellyanne Conway, Trump's senior transition adviser, said it was "breathtaking" and irresponsible that the White House had suggested Trump knew Russia was interfering to help his campaign.
That led Obama spokesman Josh Earnest on Thursday to unload, arguing that Trump, who has dismissed the CIA's assessment of Russian interference, should spend less time attacking the intelligence community and more time supporting the investigation that Obama has ordered.
Earnest said it was "obvious" Trump knew what Russia was doing during the campaign, pointing out that Trump had encouraged Moscow during a news conference to find Clinton's missing emails. Trump has said he was joking.
"I don't think anybody at the White House thinks it's funny that an adversary of the United States engaged in malicious cyber activity to destabilize our democracy," Earnest said. "That's not a joke."
U.S. intelligence officials have linked the hacking to Russia's intelligence agency and its military intelligence division. Moscow has denied all accusations that it orchestrated the hacking of email accounts of Democratic Party officials and Clinton's campaign chief, John Podesta, and then leaked them to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks.
Obama said Thursday that anytime a foreign government tries to interfere in U.S. elections, the nation must take action "and we will."
"Some of it may be explicit and publicized, some of it may not be," Obama told NPR News. "But Mr. Putin is well aware of my feelings about this, because I spoke to him directly about it."
Trump and his supporters insist the Democrats' outrage about Russia is really an attempt to undermine the validity of his election victory. Rep. Peter King, a Trump ally and New York Republican, called it "disgraceful" as he spoke to reporters amassed in Trump Tower after meeting with the president-elect.
"Right now, certain elements of the media, certain elements of the intelligence community and certain politicians are really doing the work of the Russians," King said.
Still, Democrats pounced on the latest suggestions of Putin being connected to the daily drip of emails during the presidential race from some of Clinton's closest advisers.
Putin was "clearly involved," said outgoing Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.
"Having been the former head of the KGB, does that surprise you?" Reid said. "And does it surprise anybody today when he denied it?"
Reid's comments echoed those of Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, who said Wednesday it's hard to think that Putin didn't know about the operation. She called suggestions that he was aware of the hacking "very credible."
There has been no specific, persuasive evidence shared publicly about the extent of Putin's role or knowledge of the hackings. That lack of proof undercuts Democrats' strategy to portray Putin's involvement as irrefutable evidence of a directed Russian government plot to undermine America's democratic system.
Secretary of State John Kerry defended Obama's handling of the issue during the heat of the presidential campaign a stance now criticized by some Democrats as too weak but said he wouldn't comment on whether Putin was involved.
Puerto Rico power company delays restructuring deal deadline
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) Puerto Rico's heavily indebted power company has reached an agreement with its main creditors to extend the deadline of a long-awaited restructuring deal.
The Electric Power Authority said Thursday that the new deadline is March 31 and that all revisions must be agreed upon by Jan. 31.
The power company is $9 billion in debt and recently angered Puerto Ricans when it announced that another rate hike will likely be implemented next summer amid a worsening economic crisis.
A group representing the company's bondholders issued a statement saying it was satisfied with the agreement but warned that delays would translate into more expenses. The group said it has provided the power company with more than $1 billion after it lost access to capital markets.
Delaware court says death penalty ruling is retroactive
DOVER, Del. (AP) A Delaware Supreme Court ruling earlier this year declaring the state's death penalty law unconstitutional is retroactive, meaning an inmate convicted of killing a police officer must be resentenced to life in prison, the justices said in a follow-up decision Thursday.
The ruling came in an appeal by Derrick Powell, who was convicted of killing Georgetown police Officer Chad Spicer in 2009, but it likely means that 11 other former death-row inmates also will be spared from execution.
In August, a majority of the justices said Delaware's death penalty law was unconstitutional because it allowed judges too much discretion in sentencing and did not require that a jury find unanimously and beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant deserves execution.
That ruling came after the U.S. Supreme Court said Florida's death sentencing law, which also gave judges the final say, was unconstitutional. Alabama is the only other state that allows judges to override jury decisions on whether an offender should get life in prison or the death penalty.
In its 15-page decision Thursday, the Delaware court said its August ruling invalidating the state's death penalty law was a "watershed procedural ruling" that must be applied retroactively.
In a 1989 ruling in "Teague v. Lane" the U.S. Supreme Court said a new rule of criminal procedure would not be applied retroactively unless it fell under one of two narrow exceptions: for new "substantive" rules, and for "watershed rules of criminal procedure" that implicate the fundamental fairness and accuracy of a criminal proceeding.
"The burden of proof is one of those rules that has both procedural and substantive ramifications," the court said Thursday.
Prior to the court's August ruling, a Delaware jury's recommendation that a defendant deserved the death penalty needed to be based only on "a preponderance of the evidence," not proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
The jury in Powell's case, on a 7-to-5 vote, found by a preponderance of the evidence that aggravating factors outweighed mitigating factors and recommended a death sentence. The judge found other aggravating factors and concluded, by a preponderance of the evidence, that all of the aggravating factors outweighed the mitigating factors.
The justices noted that their decision Thursday is consistent with two prior opinions in which it found existing death-penalty statutes unconstitutional and vacated all death sentences. The first instance was in 1973, when three Delaware inmates had their death sentences vacated following a 1972 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The second occurred after another U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1976, when nine Delaware inmates facing execution had their death sentences vacated.
Earlier this year, prison officials quietly disbanded Delaware's death row and moved its former occupants to other housing.
Prison officials say the move, in August, resulted in former death-row inmates having five times more recreational time than they had before, and in some cases, sharing cells with other inmates who are not facing the death penalty.
Donald Trump and Paul Ryan learn how to get along _ for now
WASHINGTON (AP) President-elect Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan have put their rocky start behind them and are learning how to get along for now.
One key to their blossoming new friendship: Along with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, they are mapping out an agenda for 2017 that focuses on broad areas of agreement, putting off thorny policy issues that are likely to invite clashes until a later date.
Even so, Trump made clear this week that the warm embrace he now bestows on Ryan can be revoked at any time.
FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2016 file photo, President-elect Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., pose for photographers after a meeting in the Speaker's office on Capitol Hill in Washington. President-elect Donald Trumps relationship with House Speaker Paul Ryan, once rocky, smooth for now, is just the latest in a series of recent pairings between the White House occupant and the speaker. They are often the most important and defining relationships in a presidency. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
"Every day goes by, I get to appreciate his genius more and more," Trump told a crowd in Ryan's home state of Wisconsin, comparing the speaker to a "fine wine" before adding a warning: "Now, if he ever goes against me, I'm not going to say that."
For his part, Ryan, who initially refused to endorse Trump, now brims with enthusiasm at the opportunities afforded by unified GOP control of Washington next year.
"We're working on an aggressive timetable for 2017," the speaker said Thursday at a forum on poverty hosted by Opportunity America think tank. "We're right now sitting down with Sen. McConnell and the Trump administration, the transition team, to try and flesh out what we think is a realistic timetable so that we get the legislation prepped and ready to go."
Trump and congressional Republicans plan to start the year by repealing President Barack Obama's health care law, and then move to reform the loophole-cluttered U.S. tax code. Trump wants huge tax cuts and has largely embraced a blueprint devised by the House GOP, which envisions lower rates on corporations, individuals and investments.
The issues where Trump and Ryan may be more likely to disagree like an enormous infrastructure bill, an overhaul of Medicare, or immigration have been pushed to the back burner. Health care and taxes alone are likely to consume the first year of Trump's administration and are certain to involve plenty of complications themselves, but at least Republicans start out generally in the same place.
"I think the important thing to do is focus on what we agree on, get that moving, and then make the others a work in progress," GOP Rep. Peter King of New York said Thursday after meeting with Trump at Trump Tower. "Generally if you're doing well and if it is moving along, some of the other issues have a way of working themselves out."
Ryan and Trump come from vastly different political orientations. Ryan, 46, is an earnest conservative wonk, schooled in the nitty-gritty of tax and budget policy, who's committed to core GOP principles like free trade. Trump, 70, has deviated from Republican dogma on any number of issues, went back and forth on others, opposed cutting programs like Medicare, denounced trade deals, and took stances such as barring Muslims and rounding up immigrants that Ryan repudiated.
Ryan withheld his endorsement for weeks, then bestowed it on Trump only to announce, after the release of audio of Trump bragging about groping women, that he would no longer defend Trump or campaign with him. Trump, in return, attacked Ryan over Twitter as a "weak and ineffective leader" and accused him of "disloyalty."
Since Trump's convincing Election Day victory the two have, by all accounts, put their disagreements behind them. They now speak on the phone multiple times weekly, calling each other directly on their cellphones to talk for anywhere from a couple minutes to closer to an hour, according to Ryan allies. They discuss personnel picks, though Trump hasn't taken all of Ryan's recommendations, as well as policy and plans.
They focus on what they want to get done and how to do it, not the areas where they've parted ways, like Trump's recent call for steep tariffs on imports. And despite their differences on policy and in lifestyle, the two share an energetic approach, a desire to get things done, even a tendency to be overly optimistic about what can be accomplished.
Brandon Scholz, a longtime Wisconsin Republican operative who has known Ryan since he was elected to Congress in 1998, said Ryan and Trump quickly realized it was mutually beneficial for them to work together.
"There's just not another path," Scholz said. "It's about the agenda now."
Ryan has told Trump he will need to use the bully pulpit of the presidency to promote the House agenda. But Trump could also use that perch to prod or punish lawmakers who stray. Before the election, Ryan faced grumbles from conservatives unhappy over his criticism of Trump. As much as the two men need each other to get things done, Ryan may also need to stay in Trump's good graces to maintain his perch atop the GOP conference.
For now Trump's allies in the House say discontent over Ryan's initial opposition to Trump has quieted.
"I think much of that has subsided, because we have watched Paul Ryan, who is an upstanding, honorable guy, move forward and say we are all on one team, and we have a heavy lift and we don't have time for minutiae and petty differences," said GOP Rep. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee. "We have a country to save."
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The Latest: ACLU wants answers in Nevada campus shooting
RENO, Nev. (AP) The Latest on the school police shooting of a 14-year-old Reno boy on a high school campus (all times local, PST):
1:15 p.m.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada is pressing school district officials in Reno for more information about the circumstances and policies that led to a campus police officer shooting a 14-year-old boy a week ago.
Washoe County school officials have refused to say if their armed officers also carry Tasers or pepper spray.
Cheryl Pitchford, the boy's mother, was among 100 people who marched to district headquarters Wednesday to deliver a petition demanding school police be equipped with non-lethal weapons.
Officials at the University of Nevada, Reno confirmed Thursday their campus officers carry Tasers.
DeVry agrees to pay $100M in case alleging deceptive ads
BOSTON (AP) DeVry University and its parent company are paying $100 million to settle a federal lawsuit alleging the school misled students through deceptive ads.
One of the nation's largest for-profit college chains, DeVry was sued in January by the Federal Trade Commission over advertising claims it was making about the success of its graduates.
In a statement issued Thursday as the settlement was announced, officials for Devry, which is based in Downers Grove, Illinois, denied all wrongdoing but said they are "pleased this matter is reaching resolution."
FILE - This Nov. 24, 2009, file photo, shows the entrance to the DeVry University in Miramar, Fla. DeVry University and its parent company are paying $100 million to settle a federal lawsuit alleging deception in the schools ads. One of the nations largest for-profit college chains, DeVry was sued in January 2016 by the Federal Trade Commission over advertising claims it was making about the success of its graduates. In a statement, officials for the Indianapolis-based DeVry said Dec. 15, 2016, that they deny all allegations of wrongdoing but are pleased this matter is reaching resolution. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter, File)
The lawsuit focused on two marquee ad claims that DeVry used for years but dropped in October in a settlement with the U.S. Education Department.
Since at least 2008, the chain had advertised that 90 percent of its graduates who actively sought employment landed jobs in their field within six months of graduation.
But federal investigators found that DeVry was counting students who found jobs outside the fields they studied, and who already had jobs before they enrolled.
Included in the statistic was a graduate who studied in the health care field but found work as a restaurant server and another who worked as a car salesman, according to the FTC lawsuit.
The commission also challenged a claim that DeVry graduates earn 15 percent more than alumni at other schools a year after graduation.
Under the settlement, DeVry agreed to pay more than $49 million to the FTC, which says it will distribute the money to students "harmed by DeVry's conduct."
The chain also agreed to forgive more than $30 million in loans issued before September 2015, and $20 million in debt owed by former students.
Going forward, DeVry has promised not to misrepresent job and income prospects of potential students, and not to count jobs that students found more than six months before graduation.
FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez said in a statement that she's glad to see DeVry changing its practices.
"When people are making important decisions about their education and their future, they should not be misled by deceptive employment and earnings claims," she said.
DeVry's statement said the settlement won't affect its access to federal student loans and that "at no time has the academic quality of a DeVry University education been questioned."
Like many for-profit colleges, DeVry has struggled in recent years amid heightened government scrutiny. The chain has closed 39 campuses since 2014, leaving 60 as of September.
Some schools blame their woes on the Obama administration, which has sought to hold the industry accountable and crack down on schools accused of misconduct.
The industry's troubles worsened Monday when Education Secretary John B. King Jr. upheld a decision to cut ties with the nation's largest accreditor of for-profit colleges, a decision that could force some schools to close.
Dukakis stumbles while picking up trash, requires stitches
BOSTON (AP) Former Democratic presidential contender and Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis is feeling the sting of doing a good deed.
The 83-year-old tells The Boston Globe (http://bit.ly/2gGuB1Y ) he was picking up trash on the morning of Dec. 8 in the Emerald Necklace park system, which stretches from Boston to Brookline, Massachusetts. He says he tripped while reaching down for a piece of litter, "falling flat on my face on the sidewalk."
Dukakis says the stumble resulted in "a lot of blood" and two stiches on his nose. A professor of political science at Northeastern University, he is known to pick up trash on his walk from Brookline.
FILE - In this Oct. 16, 2014 file photo, former Massachusetts Governor and Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis talks to members of the media outside Federal Court after testifying in the Robel Phillipos trial in Boston. Dukakis, 83, tells The Boston Globe he was picking up trash on the morning of Dec. 8, 2016, in the Emerald Necklace park system, which stretches from Boston to Brookline, Mass. He says he tripped while reaching down for a piece of litter, "falling flat on my face on the sidewalk." (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File)
Karen Danczuks rapist brother was today jailed for 15 years for a series of sex assaults on her and two other victims.
Michael Burke, 38, the brother of the estranged wife of Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk, shook his head and threw up his hands today as he stood in the dock and was sentenced following a trial last month at Manchester Crown Court.
His sister later waived her right to anonymity as a victim of sexual offences to brand her brother a monster who had robbed me of my childhood and made her suicidal.
Michael Burke (Greater Manchester Police/PA)
During the three-week trial, the mother-of-two told the court her brother abused her at the family home in Middleton, near Rochdale, from the age of six or seven progressing to rape when she was aged 11 until she was in her mid-teens.
Burke denied 15 counts of rape, one attempted rape and one indecent assault against his sister and two other women, spanning an 18-year period from 1992 to 2010.
A Rochdale man who repeatedly raped two girls and a woman has been jailed https://t.co/u9iHaV57r9 pic.twitter.com/VImDgOifUX Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) December 15, 2016
But the jury found him guilty of eight counts of rape and another serious sexual offence against the three women, including three counts of rape against his sister, when she was aged between nine and 11 and he between 14 and 16.
He was cleared of nine other serious sexual offences. The two other women have not waived their right to anonymity and cannot be identified.
Mrs Danczuk told the jury the abuse had ruined her schooling, left her incapable of love and intimacy and that she struggles with depression and anxiety.
Passing sentence, Judge Andrew Gilbart said: She was your little sister, over whom you held sway.
Your actions affected her emotionally well into adulthood. As she put it, instead of looking back on her first sexual experience as something to be remembered fondly, she looked back on being raped by her brother before she reached puberty.
You groomed her. Your little sister was your playmate and susceptible to anything you suggested. You have shown not a shred of remorse.
Burke, described as violent and controlling was still in full denial with a self justifying lack of insight into his behaviour, the court heard, with entrenched views which posed a danger to women.
He was given an extended five years on licence when he is released from jail after serving his sentence and put on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
A former school governor and Labour Party activist and candidate, Burke claimed his accusers were involved in a conspiracy against him dismissed as absurd by the judge.
Mrs Danczuk, 33, was not in court but her and the defendants father sat in the public gallery to see his son jailed.
Lawyers for Burke accused Mrs Danczuk of being an attention-seeker and questioned her motives for selling her story of sexual abuse to The Sun for 23,000.
The former leader of Britain First has been jailed for eight weeks for breaching a court order not to enter a mosque or encourage others to do so.
Paul Golding, 34, who recently stepped down as head of the group for family reasons, admitted contempt of court.
Londons High Court heard that nine days after the injunction which prohibited entering any mosque in England and Wales without prior invitation was imposed in August this year, Golding drove four Britain First members to the Al-Manar Centre in Cardiff for a mosque invasion.
Paul Golding (centre)
Golding stayed outside and there was no violence but there was a verbal confrontation between his four colleagues and a mosque trustee.
James Weston, counsel for the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police who brought the committal application, said that members of the mosque found the conduct provocative and unnerving and were concerned that it could have escalated if prayers had not been over.
Sentencing Golding on Thursday, Judge Moloney said the breach was a deliberate and cynical defiance of the courts order as well as an affront to the Muslim community not merely in Cardiff but throughout the country where Britain First might circulate its propaganda.
Paul Golding and Britain First's deputy leader, Jayda Fransen shout during a protest.
Golding will serve four weeks of the sentence.
The judge said Golding, who was leader at the time, played an active part in the incident, taking photos as well as driving the others.
There can be no doubt that he thereby broke the injunction by instructing or encouraging those men to enter the mosque.
Paul Golding, ex-leader of Britain First, and the party's deputy leader, Jayda Fransen.
He said it was not true that Golding, who made an unreserved apology, did not understand the terms of the order and his assertion that there would be no repetition would have more force it he had not made a similar promise in 2015.
He added: Such an injunction is granted to prevent serious anti-social behaviour. This particular injunction was granted not merely to protect certain individuals but to preserve public order in the widest sense and throughout the country.
The conduct restrained was by its nature of an extreme kind, calculated to increase tensions between different members of the community of this country, particularly to affront the Muslim community in relation to their religion.
Such conduct was plainly calculated to give rise to the risk of provocation and violence and further extremism and tension on all sides of the community.
Traces of explosives have been found on some of the victims of an EgyptAir flight from Paris that crashed in the Mediterranean Sea in May, Egypts Civil Aviation Ministry said.
A ministry statement issued on Thursday said a criminal investigation will now begin into the crash of Flight 804, which killed all 66 people on board.
Debris from the crash (EgyptAir Facebook/PA)
No one has claimed to have attacked the plane.
The crash came seven months after a Russian airliner crashed in the Sinai Peninsula shortly after taking off from an Egyptian Red Sea resort, killing all 226 people on board.
A strike by Post Office workers is to go ahead next week after their union said an offer it made to resolve a row over jobs, pensions and closures was rejected.
Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) will walk out next week, including on Christmas Eve, after the Post Office was accused of rejecting a peace plan.
Action will be taken on five days next week, including three days of walkouts by workers in Crown Offices the larger branches usually sited on high streets.
The union is embroiled in a bitter row over job losses, the closure of a final salary pension scheme, and the closure of Crown Offices, with services transferred to firms such as WH Smith.
CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: The CWU made a genuine offer to resolve next weeks action and this was rejected without any serious consideration by the company. Our proposal is entirely reasonable and calls for both parties to step back to allow for meaningful negotiations to be undertaken.
The rejection of our offer demonstrates they intend to press on regardless with a closure / franchise programme that will mean the Post Office will cease to exist in the High Streets of Britain.
Members of the CWU on the picket line outside a Post Office (Isabel Infantes/PA)
We cannot and will not sit back and allow this to happen. Their rejection of our offer will signify the start of a prolonged campaign to save the Post Office.
Deputy general secretary Terry Pullinger added: The latest response from the Post Office is bitterly disappointing and an indication that the employer is determined to force through their plans irrespective of the concerns of the customers, staff and the union.
The response we have received from the public has been one of massive support for our efforts to protect this highly cherished service and we are determined to not allow it to slip from our High Streets via death from a thousand cuts.
Customers can be assured that 97pc branches open all week. We were happy to meet CWU and offer to do so remains open https://t.co/Laewvn27sJ Post Office News (@PostOfficeNews) December 15, 2016
The Post Office offered to meet us in January - after the strike dates. More awful spin #TheCWU #PostalStrike https://t.co/ZqmmysuTRs The CWU (@CWUnews) December 15, 2016
Kevin Gilliland of the Post Office said: We are disappointed that, whilst weve been holding discussions with the union throughout this week and have made it clear we remain open to further, formal talks at the most senior level, they are continuing to cause concern to customers during the festive season.
We can reassure people that if there is strike action next week it will have a limited impact. At least 97% of our 11,600 branches open for business as usual all week, and all of them will be open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "Royal Mail will be operating as normal next week when the CWU union says its members in the Post Office will take industrial action. We expect there to be little or no effect on the services we provide to our customers. Post Office limited has over 11,000 branches which will continue to operate as normal. Customers who need to post at a Post Office should use these branches. There is no change in the Royal Mail guidance on last posting dates.
With Brexit dividing the nation, an American election result that shocked the world, and showbiz bidding farewell to a host of stars, 2016 has been a dramatic and turbulent year.
It has seen political earthquakes, the murder of an MP, dozens killed in terror attacks, a high number of celebrity deaths, and was so eventful it will surely go down in history as one of the most significant and memorable years of modern times.
Arguably, the biggest controversy was the UK voting to leave the EU on June 23.
The Camerons leaving Downing Street (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
In a shock result that saw 52% of the public support Brexit, it was a victory for then Ukip leader Nigel Farage and a humiliating defeat for then Prime Minister David Cameron.
Days before the EU referendum, Neo-Nazi Thomas Mair shouted the words Britain first as he fired three shots at Labour MP Jo Cox and stabbed her 15 times.
(Danny Lawson/PA)
Across the Atlantic, after 18 months of campaigning often bitter, frequently bizarre and sometimes barely believable the race for the White House reached its climax in November with Donald Trump triumphing over Hillary Clinton in being elected the next president of the United States.
(Andrew Milligan/PA)
In March, Brussels was hit by terror attacks on Zaventem airport and a station close to European Union buildings on the citys metro system, killing 32 people.
Blown out windows at Zaventem Airport in Brussels
In July, more than 80 people were killed when a French-Tunisian father-of-three drove a lorry into crowds celebrating Bastille Day on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
Flowers are placed at the Promenade des Anglais, Nice.
Meanwhile, many deemed the number of famous people and public figures who died in 2016 as unprecedented, with deaths across the worlds of music, film and TV. Among those who died were David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Sir Terry Wogan, Ronnie Corbett, David Gest, Victoria Wood, Gene Wilder, Caroline Ahern, Pete Burns and Prince.
David Bowie was among the many famous deaths in 2016 (Yui Mok/PA)
At home and around the world the publics interest in the royal family continued to flourish, and images of Prince George meeting US President Barack Obama in a fluffy white dressing gown were beamed around the globe.
The toddler was pictured meeting Mr Obama just before bedtime at Kensington Palace when he visited the UK to congratulate the Queen on turning 90 in April.
The prince and the president (Kensington Palace/PA)
Later in the year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took George and his sister Princess Charlotte on an eight-day royal tour of eastern Canada and all eyes were on the siblings who stole the limelight from their parents.
The White House has suggested that Russian president Vladimir Putin personally authorised the hacking of Democratic officials email accounts in the run-up to the presidential election.
It added that it was a fact that hacking had helped President-elect Donald Trumps campaign and levelled an astounding attack on Mr Trump himself, saying he must have known of Russias interference.
No proof was offered for any of the accusations, the latest to unsettle Americas uneasy transition from eight years under Democratic President Barack Obama to a new Republican administration led by Mr Trump.
Donald Trump
On July 27th, during a press conference, Trump blurted an "invitation" to Russia to commit hacking against Clinton:https://t.co/EE5kRogn7w Leah McElrath (@leahmcelrath) December 15, 2016
The claims of Russian meddling in the election have also heightened already debilitating tensions between Washington and Moscow over Syria, Ukraine and a host of other disagreements.
After an NBC News report quoted US intelligence officials pointing the finger specifically at Mr Putin, White House press secretary Josh Earnest pointed to an October assessment of the US intelligence community that said only Russias senior-most officials could have authorised these activities.
Mr Earnest said the reference to senior-most officials was not supposed to be subtle. Its pretty obvious, he told reporters.
Fellow Trump supporters:
Imagine if U.S. officials had said Putin influenced the election to help Hillary win. You know you'd be outraged. Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) December 15, 2016
The explosive accusation paints the leader of perhaps the nations greatest geopolitical foe as having directly undermined US democracy.
No US officials have claimed, however, that Mr Trump would have been defeated by Hillary Clinton on November 8 if not for Russias assistance. Nor has there has been any indication of tampering with the vote-counting.
The Kremlin flatly rejected the claim of Mr Putins involvement, with Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissing it as laughable nonsense on Thursday.
News items today:
-Putin personally oversaw anti-US cyber campaign
-Vanity Fair gave Trump restaurant bad review
Guess who Trump attacked? Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) December 15, 2016
The White House was also harshly critical of Mr Trump, who has dismissed the allegations of Russian interference as the partisan anger of Democrats over losing the election.
Mr Trumps criticism has opened up a deep rift between the intelligence community and its incoming commander in chief.
It is obvious that Mr Trump knew of Russias behaviour during the campaign, Mr Earnest said, also disputing Mr Trumps claim that he was joking when he encouraged Russia to find emails that Mrs Clinton had deleted from her private email server.
By blaming the electoral college, Trump, Putin, racism, etc, Democrats risk missing valuable lessons they should take away from this loss. Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) December 15, 2016
No one in the White House, Congress or the intelligence community found it funny that a US adversary was trying to destabilise our democracy, he said.
US intelligence officials have linked the hacking to Russias intelligence agency and its military intelligence division.
Moscow has denied all accusations that it orchestrated the hacking of email accounts of Democratic Party officials and Mrs Clintons campaign chief, John Podesta, and then leaked them to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks.
Hey Harry Reid, instead of blaming the FBI for the election loss, maybe you shouldn't have supported a criminal worthy of FBI investigation? Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) December 12, 2016
Democrats pounced on the latest suggestions of Mr Putin being connected to the daily drip of emails during the presidential race from some of Mrs Clintons closest advisers.
Mr Putin was clearly involved, said outgoing Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.
Having been the former head of the KGB, does that surprise you? he said. And does it surprise anybody today when he denied it?
Watford are still waiting for the full verdict on Roberto Pereyras knee problem, though manager Walter Mazzarri is already resigned to losing the ex-Juventus midfielder for an extended period.
The 25-year-old Argentinian, who signed from Juve over the summer, had started to impress with the Hornets before being forced off in the first half of Watfords 2-0 loss to Manchester City on Wednesday night.
Speaking the day after that defeat, Mazzarri revealed that while he was still in the dark over the exact nature of Pereyras injury, he is braced to be without him for the foreseeable future.
Roberto Pereyra
We still have to wait for some evaluations of the MRI and scans, the 55-year-old Italian said. Then we will be able to give an answer, probably after the next game.
Asked if he expected his absence to be a short one or a long one, Mazzarri replied: For sure it wont be too short. From my experience I have a feeling that its not a terrible, terrible injury, but at the same time I think its not (a) very short (absence) as an injury.
That will certainly rule him out of Saturdays trip to Sunderland when 11th-placed Watford will look to secure a result that could see them sitting in the top half at Christmas.
I'd like to congratulate Troy Deeney on his 100th Watford goal. BlueMoonRising (@BMRising) December 14, 2016
Troy Deeney is expected to be recalled to the Hornets starting line-up after reverting to the bench against City, with Mazzarri having one eye on the Black Cats and another on the strikers disciplinary record given he is one caution away from a ban.
The fixture will also give Deeney another chance to grab his 100th Watford goal, a landmark that has eluded him in the nine games since he scored his 99th at the start of the October.
These are moments that can happen for a forward to have in his career, Mazzarri said of his captains drought.
@T_Deeney netted the last of the 2015/16 season in #watfordfc's latest meeting with @SunderlandAFC - a 2-2 draw at The Vic!#TBT pic.twitter.com/iRqjeIn8Vj Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) December 15, 2016
He was unlucky last week because he had chances to score and didnt. These are moments that for a striker can happen.
Maybe hes feeling the pressure of these 100 goals but for us its just important he plays for the team and then scores. Im not sure if it will be good for him to have had a rest or not, we will see.
Without Pereyra, and with Deeneys form slumping, the Hornets will again look to midfielder Etienne Capoue to provide a spark in an advanced role he has flourished in under Mazzarri.
The former Tottenham midfielder had never been deployed so far forward until the Italian came in and his boss drew parallels between the Frenchman and Marek Hamsik, the Slovakian whom he managed at Napoli.
Nigel Farage has visited Donald Trumps headquarters in New York but it is unclear whether he met the United States president-elect.
Earlier, the former Ukip leader said he did not plan to meet Mr Trump because the controversial tycoon was busy with other stuff.
But a party source confirmed that Mr Farage went to Trump Tower in Manhattan on Thursday afternoon, US time.
Nigel Farage
Nigel Farage tells me he's in New York but has no plans to meet Donald Trump because he's "busy with other stuff". 1/2 Arj Singh (@singharj) December 15, 2016
Farage will be meeting members of Trump's team. On the man himself: "If the Queen asks me for tea I'll go but I'm not expecting an invite." Arj Singh (@singharj) December 15, 2016
Earlier, he told the Press Association he was in the city catching up with old friends who are part of (Mr Trumps) team, doing a bit of Christmas shopping, no plans to meet the great man at all, hes busy with other stuff.
But he added: If the Queen asks me for tea Ill go, but Im not expecting an invite.
Last month, Mr Farage embarrassed Theresa May after being pictured laughing and smiling in a gold-plated lift with the president-elect at his New York skyscraper.
Nigel Farage's Christmas card. Inside it reads: "Merry Christmas and here's to more fun in 2017" @Nigel_Farage pic.twitter.com/qpznJu7oUg Christopher Hope (@christopherhope) December 15, 2016
Later, Mr Trump shocked Westminster with a late-night tweet declaring that Mr Farage would do a great job as Britains ambassador to the US and that many people wanted to see him as the UKs senior diplomat in Washington.
But Downing Street at the time brushed off suggestions that Mr Farage could act as a go-between for the UK and Mr Trump, insisting there was no vacancy.
Intercept Pharma's liver drug wins conditional EU approval
Dec 14 (Reuters) - Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc said its liver drug, Ocaliva, received conditional approval from the European Commission to treat patients with primary biliary cholangitis, a rare liver condition.
CMC Markets reviews its options as Britain plans spreadbetting clampdown
By Noor Zainab Hussain
Dec 14 (Reuters) - Spreadbetting group CMC Markets Plc said on Wednesday it was considering future options for its business after Britain's finance watchdog proposed tightening regulation of the 3.5 billion pound ($4.4 billion) industry where most retail investors lose money.
The Financial Conduct Authority said last week it had found evidence of poor conduct across the market over the past six years and proposed changes, including a cap on use of leverage in betting in some cases.
Sky News reported on Tuesday that CMC could move its headquarters and its London-based contracts-for-difference (CFD) operations to Germany, where proposed new rules on spreadbetting are less draconian. (http://bit.ly/2hJZN1o)
CMC was set up nearly three decades ago by Peter Cruddas, its current chief executive who is also one of the City of London's most prominent supporters of Britain's exit from the European Union.
"CMC will consider all options open to the business to ensure that shareholder value is delivered whilst continuing to offer the highest levels of customer protection," the company said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
"Until CMC has finished discussions with the UK and German regulators as part of the consultation process the board is not in a position to make any comment on the outcome of its review," CMC said.
CFDs allow investors to bet on both the direction of a share price, currency or other financial product and the extent of the change in price.
The industry is regulated by European Union rules which have no caps on leverage. That means investors can take out bets that are far larger than their initial outlay, offering greater potential returns but also running the risk of huge losses.
France has already moved to ban digital advertising of CFDs and the Netherlands is considering a similar measure. Belgium has banned CFD trading, Cyprus has issued a warning to retail currency brokers and Germany has also announced new rules to curb spreadbetting.
CMC, which listed on the London stock market in February, has said that it welcomed a more balanced approach by German regulator Bafin.
CMC's rivals include IG Group Plc, Plus500 Denmark's Saxo Bank and FXCM Inc.
Sky News also reported that IG Group's Chief Executive Peter Hetherington was in Germany on Tuesday to talk with BaFin about the reforms.
"The UK has been IG's home market since the company was established in 1974, and we have absolutely no intention to change this," IG's Head of Investor Relations Kieran McKinney told Reuters.
Shares in CMC, IG and Plus500 all dropped more than 30 percent on Dec. 6, after the UK watchdog's announcement.
Argentina in talks to buy four Airbus C-295 planes for military
BUENOS AIRES, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Argentina is in talks to buy four C-295 aircraft manufactured by Europe's Airbus Group SE as it moves to replace an outdated military fleet, a navy spokesman said on Wednesday.
Purchase of the twin-turboprop tactical military transport planes for the navy and air force could take up to two years to complete, the spokesman said.
Argentina's state-run news agency Telam said the four planes were meant to help replace a fleet of F-27s, the last of which was retired in November.
The amount Argentina is willing to pay for new planes is unknown.
Telam also said Airbus had signed an agreement with Argentina's aircraft factory (FadeA) earlier this year giving FadeA a role in manufacturing planes.
Airbus did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Colorado plans new DNA tests in JonBenet Ramsey murder case
By Keith Coffman
DENVER, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Colorado investigators will conduct new tests of DNA evidence in the 20-year-old unsolved murder of child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey, the Boulder County district attorney said on Wednesday.
Additional testing, utilizing a new state crime lab and newly available forensic procedures, "might give us new information that could be helpful to the investigation," District Attorney Stan Garnett said in a statement.
But he added that authorities do not expect DNA test results alone to "definitively solve or prove the case."
The bludgeoned, strangled body of 6-year-old JonBenet was found by her father in the basement of the family's home in Boulder, Colorado, on Dec. 26, 1996, after her parents reported the child missing and a ransom note left in the house.
Videos that surfaced of the blond, blue-eyed youngster in full makeup performing in beauty pageants helped attract international attention to the case, which remains one of the most sensational unsolved murders in the annals of American crime.
No one has been charged in the slaying, but it was publicly revealed three years ago that a grand jury probing the murder in 1999 voted to indict the parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, on charges of child abuse resulting in death.
Then-District Attorney Alex Hunter declined to prosecute the case at the time, citing a lack of evidence, though he never mentioned the grand jury's vote.
In 2008, Hunter's successor, Mary Lacy, publicly exonerated the parents, saying DNA found on the girl's clothing did not match anyone in the family, and that there was no explanation for its presence other than it belonged to an unidentified male killer.
The case took another twist this fall when the Boulder Daily Camera newspaper, in conjunction with Denver television station KUSA, reported that the DNA report Lacy cited in clearing the family was less definitive than she had stated.
The outside laboratory that conducted the original testing found that the unidentified DNA contained genetic markers from two people, rendering it inconclusive, the news outlets reported.
Items from the crime scene will now be submitted for newly developed testing procedures.
Bob Grant, a former Colorado district attorney who served as a consultant to Hunter during the grand jury proceedings, said until a DNA match is found, the case will likely remain at a standstill.
3-Buses evacuate thousands of exhausted Aleppo residents in ceasefire deal
By Laila Bassam, Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Tom Perry
ALEPPO, Syria/BEIRUT, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Thousands of people were evacuated on Thursday from the last rebel bastion in Aleppo, the first to leave under a ceasefire deal that would end years of fighting for the city and mark a major victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
A first convoy of ambulances and buses with nearly 1,000 people aboard drove out of the devastated rebel-held area of Aleppo, which was besieged and bombarded for months by Syrian government forces, a Reuters reporter on the scene said.
Syrian state television reported later that two further convoys of 15 buses each had also left east Aleppo. The second had reached the rebel-held area of al-Rashideen, an insurgent said.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said late on Thursday that some 3,000 civilians and more than 40 wounded people, including children, had already been evacuated.
ICRC official Robert Mardini told Reuters there were no clear plans yet for how to ship out rebel fighters, who will be allowed under the ceasefire to leave for other areas outside government control.
Women cried out in celebration as the first buses passed through a government-held area, and some waved the Syrian flag. Assad said in a video statement the taking of Aleppo - his biggest prize in more than five years of civil war - was a historic moment.
An elderly woman, who had gathered with others in a government area to watch the convoy removing the rebels, raised her hands to the sky, saying: "God save us from this crisis, and from the (militants). They brought us only destruction."
Wissam Zarqa, an English teacher in the rebel zone, said most people were happy to be leaving safely. But he said: "Some of them are angry they are leaving their city. I saw some of them crying. This is almost my feeling in a way."
Earlier, ambulances trying to evacuate people came under fire from fighters loyal to the Syrian government, who injured three people, a rescue service spokesman said.
"Thousands of people are in need of evacuation, but the first and most urgent thing is wounded, sick and children, including orphans," said Jan Egeland, the U.N. humanitarian adviser for Syria.
Staffan de Mistura, the U.N. special envoy for Syria, said about 50,000 people remained in rebel-held Aleppo, of whom about 10,000 would be evacuated to nearby Idlib province and the rest would move to government-held city districts.
Behind those fleeing was a wasteland of flattened buildings, concrete rubble and bullet-pocked walls, where tens of thousands had lived until recent days under intense bombardment even after medical and rescue services had collapsed.
The once-flourishing economic centre with its renowned ancient sites has been pulverised during the war that has killed more than 300,000 people, created the world's worst refugee crisis and allowed for the rise of Islamic State.
'PLACE THEM ALL IN IDLIB'
The United States was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Syrian government and its allies, including Russia, mounted an assault to pin down the rebels in an ever-diminishing pocket of territory, culminating in this week's ceasefire.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday that the Syrian government was carrying out "nothing short of a massacre" in Aleppo. U.N. aid chief Stephen O'Brien will brief the Security Council on Friday on the Aleppo evacuation.
The Syrian White Helmets civil defense group and other rights organizations accused Russia of committing or being complicit in war crimes in Syria, saying Russian air strikes in the Aleppo region had killed 1,207 civilians, including 380 children.
In a letter submitted to the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria and seen by Reuters on Thursday, the groups listed 304 alleged attacks carried out in the Aleppo area primarily between July and December and said there was a "high likelihood" of Russia responsibility.
The Russian U.N. mission was not immediately available to comment on the allegations. Russia has said it stopped air strikes in Aleppo in mid-October.
In Aleppo's rebel-held area, columns of black smoke could be seen as residents hoping to depart burned personal belongings they do not want to leave for government forces to loot.
A senior Russian general, Viktor Poznikhir, said the Syrian army had almost finished its operations in Aleppo.
But the war will still be far from over, with insurgents retaining their rural stronghold of Idlib province southwest of Aleppo, and the jihadist Islamic State group holding swathes of the east and recapturing Palmyra this week.
Rebels and their families would be taken towards Idlib, a city in northwestern Syria that is outside government control, the Russian Defence Ministry said.
Idlib province, mostly controlled by hardline Islamist groups, is not a popular destination for fighters and civilians from east Aleppo, where nationalist rebel groups predominated.
A senior European diplomat said last week the fighters had a choice between surviving for a few weeks in Idlib or dying in Aleppo. "For the Russians it's simple. Place them all in Idlib and then they have all their rotten eggs in one basket."
Idlib is already a target for Syrian and Russian air strikes but it is unclear if the government will push for a ground assault or simply seek to contain rebels there for now.
The International Rescue Committee said: "Escaping Aleppo doesn't mean escaping the war ... After witnessing the ferocity of attacks on civilians in Aleppo, we are very concerned that the sieges and barrel bombs will follow the thousands who arrive in Idlib."
SHI'ITE VILLAGES
The evacuation deal was expected to include the safe passage of wounded from the Shi'ite villages of Foua and Kefraya near Idlib that are besieged by rebels. A convoy set off to evacuate the villages on Thursday, Syrian state media said.
Efforts to evacuate eastern Aleppo began earlier in the week with a truce brokered by Russia, Assad's most powerful ally, and Turkey, which has backed the opposition. That agreement broke down following renewed fighting on Wednesday and the evacuation did not take place then as planned.
A rebel official said a new truce came into effect early on Thursday. Shortly before the new deal was announced, clashes raged in Aleppo.
Government forces made a new advance in Sukkari - one of a handful of districts still held by rebels - and brought half of the neighbourhood under their control, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group.
The Russian Defence Ministry said - before the report of the government forces' advance in Sukkari - that the rebels controlled an enclave of only 2.5 square km (1 square mile).
The evacuation plan was the culmination of two weeks of rapid advances by the Syrian army and its allies that drove insurgents back into an ever-smaller pocket of the city under intense air strikes and artillery fire.
By taking control of Aleppo, Assad has proved the power of his military coalition, aided by Russia's air force and an array of Shi'ite militias from across the region.
Rebels have been backed by the United States, Turkey and Gulf monarchies, but that support has fallen far short of the direct military assistance given to Assad by Russia and Iran.
Russia's decision to deploy its air force to Syria more than a year ago turned the war in Assad's favour after rebel advances across western Syria. In addition to Aleppo, he has won back insurgent strongholds near Damascus this year.
Colombia's FARC rebels expel five commanders opposed to peace deal
BOGOTA, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Colombia's FARC rebels have expelled five commanders for refusing to demobilize and join a peace process with the government aimed at ending more than five decades of war, guerrilla leadership said.
The five commanders, all from units in the country's southeastern jungle, include one former participant in four-year-long peace talks in Cuba.
"This decision is motivated by their recent conduct, which contradicts our political-military line," leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) said in statement late on Tuesday.
"We call on all combatants who have been tricked into this futureless path to distance themselves from this mistaken decision taken by their commanders," the statement said.
The expelled commanders are the second group of rebels to declare their opposition to the peace deal under which the FARC convert into an unarmed political party. In July a First Front unit leader and some of his fighters left the group in protest of the deal.
Law enforcement and military officials have expressed fears some rebels will not demobilize and will instead keep control of lucrative coca-growing and cocaine-smuggling operations, joining the ranks of the country's feared criminal gangs.
Defense Minister Luis Carlos Villegas said the dissenting commanders and their followers would be pursued in the interests of protecting the peace process.
"Those who declare themselves dissidents from the FARC, or who become bandits, are declared high-value targets for the armed forces," Villegas said at an event in Meta province.
A modified peace deal, cobbled together after the first version was rejected in a public vote in October, has been signed by FARC leader Rodrigo Londono and President Juan Manuel Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to reach an accord.
The islands keeping Japan and Russia from signing a peace treaty
By Elaine Lies
TOKYO, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Japan on Thursday for talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe aimed at improving ties, but both sides have scaled back expectations of major progress towards a peace treaty formally ending World War Two.
Blocking the treaty is a territorial row involving four islands off Japan's northern island of Hokkaido that were seized by the Soviet Union at the end of World War Two.
Following are some key facts about the islands.
HISTORY
The islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kuriles in Russia, are called Kunashiri, Etorofu, Shikotan and the Habomai group of islets in Japanese. They are known in Russian as Kunashir, Iturup, Shikotan and Habomai.
The islands were home to about 17,000 Japanese people, who fished, bred horses and mined gold, among other occupations, before they were seized by the Soviet Union after it declared war on Japan in the closing days of World War Two. The inhabitants were forced to flee.
The current population is 12,346, according to the Russian government.
GEOGRAPHY, RESOURCES
The disputed islands form the southern end of the Kurile Island chain that stretches for 1,250 km (780 miles) from the southern tip of Russia's Kamchatka Peninshula to Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido, dividing the Sea of Okhotsk to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
Their total land area is almost 5,000 square km (2,000 square miles), according to Japan's Foreign Ministry - a little smaller than the U.S. state of Delaware and less than half the size of Lebanon. On clear days, Kunashiri is visible from Hokkaido.
Most inhabitants depend on fishing for their livelihoods and Japan would gain rich fishing grounds if it regained full control of the islands, partly through extending its exclusive economic zone.
The islands are close to oil- and gas-producing regions of Russia, and may themselves harbor rich mineral deposits, a tempting possibility for resource-poor Japan. But upgrading the island infrastructure to match that of the rest of Japan would be expensive.
RUSSIAN MILITARY PRESENCE
In 2011, as many as 3,500 Russian troops belonging to the 18th Machine Gun-Artillery Division were deployed on the islands, said a top official in the Russian General Staff, quoted by Russian news agency Interfax.
The unit is reinforced with self-propelled artillery, anti-aircraft systems, rocket artillery and seven dozen tanks, the Russian Defense Ministry broadcaster Zvezda said.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said in March Russia would study the possibility of building a naval base in the islands, prompting protests from Japan.
Japan's Mitsui to invest in Russia's Ros Agro, R-Pharm - Nikkei
TOKYO, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co is set to acquire equity stakes in Russian agriculture firm Ros Agro and Moscow drugmaker R-Pharm as Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Japan this week, Nikkei business daily said on Thursday.
The report comes after Russian officials on Tuesday cautioned against expecting a breakthrough in Moscow's territorial dispute with Tokyo when Putin visits, and proposed focusing instead on commercial deals.
Mitsui and Ros Agro will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a capital and business tie-up under which the Japanese firm is expected to invest several billion yen in London-listed Ros Agro, which deals in grains, cooking oil to meat, Nikkei said without citing sources.
Mitsui is also expected to spend 15 billion yen to 20 billion yen ($128 million-$171 million) for a roughly 10 percent stake in R-Pharm, which produces drugs under licences from pharmaceutical firms such as in India, the report said.
A Mitsui spokeswoman declined to comment.
Japan's JGC Corp plans to sign an MOU with Russia's Pacific island of Sakhalin on a feasibility study for building a miniature natural gas liquefaction facility, the Nikkei said.
Under the study, the facility to be built on the eastern part of the island would produce up to 12,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per annum to provide fuel for domestic households and businesses on the island, it added.
A JGC spokesman declined to comment.
A Japanese venture led by state-run Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corp (JOGMEC) announced on Wednesday it and Russia's Irkutsk Oil Co would enter the production phase at the onshore Ichyodinskoye oilfield in the Zapadno-Yaraktinsky Block (ZY block), north of Irkutsk.
The Japanese venture in which Japan's Inpex Corp and Itochu Corp also have stakes has a 49 percent stake in the operating firm, while the rest is held by Irkutsk Oil.
S.Korea c.bank holds policy rate at record low, as expected
SEOUL, Dec 15 (Reuters) - South Korea's central bank held its key policy rate steady at a record low for a sixth straight month on Thursday, as expected, just hours after the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to raise rates for the first time this year.
The Bank of Korea's monetary policy committee held its base rate steady at 1.25 percent, a media official said without elaborating. Governor Lee Ju-yeol is due to hold a news conference from 11:20 a.m. (0220 GMT).
All 20 analysts surveyed in a Reuters poll before the decision had forecast the BOK would leave the base rate steady on Thursday. A majority of the analysts predicted no change for some time, due to a political scandal at home and uncertainties abroad.
China's ambassador to the United States today warned Beijing would never do deals with Washington over the future of Taiwan.
In a veiled warning to President-elect Donald Trump, Cui Tiankai said China would never bargain over issues involving its national sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Relations between Mr Trump and China's Xi Jinping have got off to a bad start, even before his inauguration next month, after he took a phone call from Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen.
Cui Tiankai, China's Ambassador to the US (pictured), said China would not do a deal with Mr Trump over Taiwan
It was a breach of the 'One China' policy which the White House has followed since President Nixon's famous visit to Beijing in 1972.
Under the policy the US only has diplomatic relations with the mainland People's Republic of China and officially ignores Taiwan, while still trading with the island and even selling it arms to defend itself from the threat of invasion from Beijing.
Last year the Obama administration proposed a $1.83billion arms package for Taiwan, including two frigates, anti-tank missiles and amphibious assault vehicles.
Beijing was outraged when Trump (left) accepted a phone call from Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (right) on December 2
China's influential state-run Global Times newspaper said today in an editorial: 'It is hoped that peace in the Taiwan Straits won't be disrupted. But the Chinese mainland should display its resolution to recover Taiwan by force. Peace does not belong to cowards.'
Earlier this week the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Abraham Denmark, said Taiwan needed to spend more on defense to deter Chinese aggression.
Business Insider reported that he told a forum in Washington: 'Taiwans defense budget has not kept pace with the threat developments and should be increased.'
Taiwan, which has a population of only 23million, already spends $10billion a year on defense.
Chinese women soldiers march past a poster of China's President Xi Jinping. China sees itself as an Asian superpower and is prepared to flex its muscles (file photo)
Mr Denmark said China's military modernization program was designed to achieve reunification with Taiwan, by force if necessary.
Mr Trump has recently questioned the One China policy and even suggested Beijing might need to offer him a good deal on trade in order to maintain the status quo.
Mr Cui, speaking to executives of top US companies, said China and America needed to work to strengthen their relationship.
He said: 'The political foundation of China-US relations should not be undermined. It should be preserved.
'Basic norms of international relations should be observed, not ignored, certainly not be seen as something you can trade of. And indeed, national sovereignty and territorial integrity are not bargaining chips. Absolutely not. I hope everybody would understand that.'
Taiwan - which is technically known as the Republic of China and was set up as a de facto state after the nationalist KMT was defeated by the communists in 1949 - has been exhaustively lobbying for diplomatic recognition from Washington.
Taipei even employed the services of former Republican presidential candidate, Bob Dole, to lobby Trump on their behalf.
But Beijing regards Taiwan as a renegade province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control.
China considers Taiwan independence a red line issue.
Mr Cui did not specifically mention Taiwan, or Trump's comments last weekend that the United States did not have to stick to the One China policy.
Taiwan has a population of only 23 million but spends $10billion a year on defense and has 2,000 tanks and a large air force (file photo)
But his remarks were in line with recent protests from China's Foreign Ministry, which regards the 'One China' principle as the political basis for Sino-American relations.
Mr Trump said on Sunday the US position on Taiwan could become part of his pledge to negotiate more favorable trade terms with China.
He said: 'I fully understand the "One China" policy, but I don't know why we have to be bound by a "One China" policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade.'
His comments reflect his reputation as above-all a 'deal-maker' who sees international relations, like the business world, as a series of deals.
Mr Trump's prompted a diplomatic protest from China over his decision to accept a telephone call from Taiwan's president on December 2.
US corporate executives are increasingly pessimistic about their business prospects in China in light of tough restrictions on foreign investment in the country's vast service sector, new cyber-security regulations that favor domestic technologies and weak enforcement of intellectual property protections.
Yesterday Chinese officials said they would penalize a US automaker for monopolistic pricing behavior.
Although the alleged offender was not named, the news pushed down the share price of General Motors and Ford.
Australia captain Smith lights up day-night test
Dec 15 (Reuters) - Australia captain Steve Smith shone in the Gabba floodlights with a sparkling century to put Australia in a commanding position on day one of the first test against Pakistan on Thursday.
Smith's unbeaten 110 drove Australia to 288 for three at stumps, as Pakistan's bowlers toiled on a hot day in the field and enjoyed little relief in the cool of the evening as the pink ball made its Brisbane debut.
Peter Handscomb, who shared in an unbroken 137-run partnership with Smith, was 64 not out with Australia well placed to build a big first innings total on day two.
"You'd take 3-288 any day of the week," said Smith. "They're all special, I love getting hundreds, I love batting out here at the Gabba."
Smith won the toss and sent his team in to bat on a wicket that offered little for the bowlers until the new ball showed some movement late in the final session.
Misbah-ul-Haq's side took two quick wickets before tea to have the match delicately poised at 75-2 but Smith and rookie opener Matt Renshaw (71) steadied the home side with a 76-run partnership.
Middle order batsman Handscomb struck his second half-century to continue his positive start after his debut against South Africa in the day-night dead rubber in Adelaide.
Smith was dropped on 53 in the final over before the dinner break, with part-time spinner Azhar Ali coaxing an edge to Sarfraz Ahmed but the wicketkeeper put it down.
When the skipper was on 97, the 'Hotspot' technology also picked up a nick off his bat off seamer Mohammad Amir but none of the Pakistan team noticed it and the possible caught-behind chance went begging.
After a nervous wait on 98, Smith smashed a four past mid-off to raise his 16th test century, featuring 16 boundaries bashed to all corners of the ground.
Leaping into the air and ripping off his helmet, Smith brandished his bat with relish as the Gabba crowd roared.
Renshaw, who had batted superbly with Smith in his second test, was earlier removed by a swinging delivery from paceman Wahab Riaz.
It was to be the last highlight for the touring side who were defied by Smith and Handscomb for the whole third session.
David Warner and Renshaw put on a 70-run opening partnership before Amir struck to remove Warner lbw for 32.
China installs weapons systems on artificial islands - U.S. think tank
By David Brunnstrom
WASHINGTON, Dec 14 (Reuters) - China appears to have installed weapons, including anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems, on all seven of the artificial islands it has built in the South China Sea, a U.S. think tank reported on Wednesday, citing new satellite imagery.
The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies said its findings come despite statements by the Chinese leadership that Beijing has no intention to militarize the islands in the strategic trade route, where territory is claimed by several countries.
AMTI said it had been tracking construction of hexagonal structures on Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi reefs in the Spratly Islands since June and July. China has already built military length airstrips on these islands.
"It now seems that these structures are an evolution of point-defense fortifications already constructed at China's smaller facilities on Gaven, Hughes, Johnson, and Cuarteron reefs," it said citing images taken in November and made available to Reuters.
"This model has gone through another evolution at (the) much-larger bases on Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief reefs."
Satellite images of Hughes and Gaven reefs showed what appeared to be anti-aircraft guns and what were likely to be close-in weapons systems (CIWS) to protect against cruise missile strikes, it said.
Images from Fiery Cross Reef showed towers that likely contained targeting radar, it said.
AMTI said covers had been installed on the towers at Fiery Cross, but the size of platforms on these and the covers suggested they concealed defense systems similar to those at the smaller reefs.
"These gun and probable CIWS emplacements show that Beijing is serious about defense of its artificial islands in case of an armed contingency in the South China Sea," it said.
"Among other things, they would be the last line of defense against cruise missiles launched by the United States or others against these soon-to-be-operational air bases."
PHILIPPINES CONCERNED
Philippine Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose told Reuters they were still verifying the report.
"But if report is true, then it is a cause for serious concern because it tends to raise tension and undermine peace and stability in the region," Jose said.
Vietnam's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
AMTI director Greg Poling said AMTI had spent months trying to figure out what the purposes of the structures was.
"This is the first time that we're confident in saying they are anti-aircraft and CIWS emplacements. We did not know that they had systems this big and this advanced there," he told Reuters.
"This is militarization. The Chinese can argue that it's only for defensive purposes, but if you are building giant anti-aircraft gun and CIWS emplacements, it means that you are prepping for a future conflict.
"They keep saying they are not militarizing, but they could deploy fighter jets and surface-to-air missiles tomorrow if they wanted to," he said. "Now they have all the infrastructure in place for these interlocking rings of defense and power projection."
The report said the installations would likely back up a defensive umbrella provided by a future deployment of mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) platforms like the HQ-9 system deployed to Woody Island in the Paracel Islands, farther to the north in the South China Sea.
It forecast that such a deployment could happen "at any time," noting a recent Fox News report that components for SAM systems have been spotted at the southeastern Chinese port of Jieyang, possibly destined for the South China Sea.
Singapore-based South China Sea expert Ian Storey said he believed the move would help ready the facilities for the probable next step of China flying jet fighters and military transport planes to its new runways.
"From the outset it's been quite obvious that the artificial islands were designed to serve as military outposts in the South China Sea," said Storey, of the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute.
"Even while tensions are at a relatively low ebb, I think we can expect to see military flights to the Spratlys in the coming months - including the first jet fighters," Storey said.
China has said military construction on the islands will be limited to necessary defensive requirements.
The United States has criticized what it called China's militarization of its maritime outposts and stressed the need for freedom of navigation by conducting periodic air and naval patrols near them that have angered Beijing.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, has also criticized Chinese behavior in the South China Sea while signaling he may adopt a tougher approach to China's assertive behavior in the region than President Barack Obama.
The State Department said it would not comment on intelligence matters, but spokesman John Kirby added:
Dozens of Afghans deported from Germany arrive in Kabul
By Mohammad Aziz
KABUL, Dec 15 (Reuters) - A group of 38 Afghans arrived in Kabul from Germany on Thursday, the first to be deported under an agreement reached between the two countries this year, following the rejection of their applications for asylum.
Thousands of Afghans joined asylum-seekers from the Middle East and elsewhere entering Europe from 2015, and became the second biggest group of asylum seekers in Germany in 2016 after Syrians, according to German data.
A charter plane carrying the Afghans, all men, arrived in the Afghan capital from Frankfurt, a Reuters journalist at Kabul's airport said.
"It was early morning and I was sleeping when four policemen came to my home and arrested me," said Ali Madad Nasiri, who said he had been living in Germany for three years.
"I didn't have a chance to take my clothes, cellphone and laptop - all left behind," he told Reuters while carrying a small bag containing a few belongings.
The deportations are taking place under an agreement reached with Afghanistan in October, a spokeswoman for Germany's Interior Ministry said earlier.
But the deal has sparked protests in Germany in recent weeks with critics saying much of Afghanistan was not safe and the returnees might face reprisals.
The Afghan Ministry of Refugees will help returnees get back to their homes, a ministry spokesman said, adding that about 10,000 Afghans had returned from Europe this year.
The next plane sending Afghans home had been chartered for early January, according to German media.
More than a million migrants from the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere have arrived in Germany since the beginning of 2015, prompting concerns about security and integration.
The influx has boosted support for anti-immigrant groups such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Last week, Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats toughened their tone on migrants and Deputy Finance Minister Jens Spahn said the legal barriers to deportation must be lowered.
Afghanistan's Western-backed government is battling militants who have stepped up attacks since the withdrawal of most foreign troops in 2014.
Western military officials estimate the Taliban control or contest nearly a third of the country. Civilian casualties are near record high levels, with thousands killed and wounded every year.
The government is also struggling to develop the economy.
"Everyone loves his country. I also love my country but what should I do here?," said Mati Ullah, 22, who said he had no job prospects in Afghanistan.
"Do I have to go and join the Taliban or Daesh?" he asked, referring to Islamic State militants.
French factory activity grows at fastest pace in more than five years - PMIs
PARIS, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Activity in the French private sector ended the year on an unexpectedly bright note, with industrial companies expanding at the fastest pace in five and a half years in December as a low euro boosted exports, a survey showed on Thursday.
Data compiler Markit said its purchasing managers index (PMI) for manufacturing jumped in December to 53.5 from 51.7 in November, beating even the highest forecast in a Reuters poll of 19 economists, who had foreseen only a slight pick-up to 51.9 on average.
The index rose further away from the 50-point threshold dividing an expansion in activity from a contraction, which it crossed in October after seven months in negative territory.
Activity in the dominant service sector also improved noticeably, with the index rising to 52.6 this month from 51.6 in November, better than the 52.0 expected by economists.
Markit's overall PMI index, which includes services and manufacturing, rose to 52.8 from 51.4 last month, an 18-month high and better than even the most optimistic prediction by economists.
In manufacturing, new export orders rose at the fastest pace since May 2011, with the sub-index jumping to 54.5 in December from 53.2 in November.
Markit Chief Economist Chris Williamson said the cheaper euro, which earlier this month tested levels last seen almost 14 years ago against the U.S. dollar, clearly helped French exporters.
In a positive development in a country where unemployment remains high at 10 percent, manufacturing companies recorded the steepest rise in staffing in five and a half years, Markit said.
In services, Williamson also pointed at a marked rise in business expectations to the highest since March 2012, which suggested managers were becoming more optimistic about the future business environment in France as elections approached.
Opinion polls show free-marketeer Francois Fillon, who last month took the conservative nomination for next year's presidential election, would beat far-right leader Marine Le Pen in the crucial run-off in May. No candidate from the unpopular Socialist government was expected to reach the second round .
"Obviously the incoming government's approval rating is at or near an all-time low and prospects of that government being replaced, potentially with a business-friendly one, has led that expectation index to jump higher, I think," Williamson said.
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S.Korea presidential hopeful: U.S. missile defense should wait
By Christine Kim and James Pearson
SEOUL, Dec 15 (Reuters) - The former leader of South Korea's main opposition party, who is leading polls of candidates to be the next president, said on Thursday deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system that has antagonised China should be decided by the next administration.
Moon Jae-in, 63, who lost the last presidential election to Park Geun-hye by 3 percentage points, confirmed he would run in the next election, which is scheduled for the end of 2017 but could be much sooner if a Constitutional Court upholds an impeachment vote against Park and she has to leave office.
South Korea and the United States agreed this year to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) anti-missile system in response to North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile tests.
But China vehemently opposes the system's deployment in South Korea, fearing its radar would be able to penetrate its territory. Russia also opposes it.
The missile system has also raised opposition in South Korea, particularly in the area where it is due to be based.
Uncertainty surrounding Park following a vote in parliament to impeach her last week, the timing of the next election and the change of administration in the United States have contributed to questions about the timing of the deployment of the system.
Moon told a news conference in Seoul it should await a new president in South Korea.
"It is inappropriate for the THAAD deployment process to go on under the current political circumstances," he said.
The commander of U.S. Forces Korea said last month the THAAD battery would be deployed to South Korea within eight to 10 months.
Moon held out the possibility of renegotiating the agreement to deploy the system, saying doing so would not damage relations with the United States. He said if elected, he would work to maintain strong ties with the United States, which has 28,500 troops in South Korea.
Moon came top in a poll of possible presidential candidates released on Thursday by Realmeter, with 24 percent, compared with 19.5 percent for outgoing U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is widely expected to enter the race though he has yet to declare his intention to do so.
Moon, who is a liberal, criticised the conservative Park's policy on North Korea for failing to end its nuclear programme.
He said a two-track approach involving more talks would be more effective, adding he would be willing to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, if certain conditions were met.
This month, South Korea said it would pursue further unilateral sanctions against the North after its fifth and largest nuclear test in September.
New United Nations Security Council sanctions, designed to cut North Korea's annual export revenue by a quarter, were imposed after the test.
The Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to uphold or overturn parliament's vote to impeach Park, who has been stripped of her powers while she awaits the court's decision.
Shell finance chief to leave company in March
By Karolin Schaps
LONDON, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Royal Dutch Shell Chief Financial Officer Simon Henry will step down in March after seven years in the post and be replaced by Jessica Uhl, a finance executive in Shell's gas business.
Henry, a 55-year-old Shell veteran, was one of the executives who oversaw the $54 billion acquisition of BG Group, which completed in February, and the integration of the gas company which turned Shell into the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) trader.
His successor, Jessica Uhl, will take over on March 9. She joined Shell in 2004 and has worked at Enron in the United States and Panama, and Citibank. Relatively unknown to the wider market, Shell said 48-year-old, U.S.-born Uhl was picked after a review of internal and external candidates.
"Jessica combines an external perspective with broad Shell experience and is a highly regarded executive," Shell Chief Executive Ben van Beurden said.
Henry did not disclose why he was leaving, nor what he would do next.
His departure was unlikely to change Shell's financial priorities in the wake of the BG deal, Barclays analyst Lydia Rainforth said.
Shell's London shares were 0.6 percent higher at 1200 GMT.
Uhl will be Shell's second female CFO. Judy Boynton served as finance director from 2001 to 2004 before leaving following Shell's admission it had overstated oil reserves.
Henry has worked at Shell for 34 years, including more than seven as CFO.
"With the BG deal done, the integration complete and Shell's strategy set it felt like a natural moment for Simon to go," said one senior source at the company, adding Henry's departure was his own decision.
"The board is grateful to Simon for strengthening capital management and the balance sheet such as to allow the acquisition of BG and executing that deal," Shell Chairman Charles Holliday said in a statement.
EU lawmakers back more ambition in carbon market reform
By Alissa de Carbonnel
BRUSSELS, Dec 15 (Reuters) - EU lawmakers on Thursday endorsed draft reforms of the carbon market post-2020 that aim to balance greater cuts in greenhouse gases with protection for energy-intensive industries.
The European Union's market for carbon credits, essentially tradeable permits allowing industry to pollute, has suffered from excess supply since the economic crisis, depressing prices and heightening the need for reform.
The draft, backed by the European Parliament's Environment Committee, calls for a faster removal of surplus carbon permits from the EU's emission trading system from 2021.
The aim is to match the EU's Paris climate pledge to cut emissions by 40 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and there are also provisions to minimise the risk of European industry relocating to avoid climate regulation.
"We have a strong endorsement for reform: We can begin to dry up the excess allowances," said Scottish deputy Ian Duncan, who is guiding the bill through parliament.
The parliament's biggest political group failed to back the inclusion of a 2.4 percent rate of annual reductions from 2021. But climate campaigners welcomed the move to help reach the EU's goal of a 43 percent cut in greenhouse gases from industries and power plants covered by the market compared with 2005.
The EU executive's proposal had called for the cap of emissions to decrease by 2.2 percent per year.
"We need to now do a little bit more careful tending of that particular element of the agreement," Duncan told Reuters.
INDUSTRY PROTECTION
The committee's proposal, adopted by 53-5 votes, will now go to a plenary vote in February. The EU's three law making bodies - member states, the Commission and Parliament - will then start talks next year to thrash out a reform deal.
Benchmark European carbon prices rose to their highest in three weeks on Wednesday after lawmakers reached a compromise allowing for Thursday's vote to go ahead.
"If finally adopted, such deal would significantly tighten the ETS market balance," said Hge Fjellheim, a carbon analyst at Thomson Reuters.
The proposal doubles the rate at which the Market Stability Reserve (MSR) soaks up excess allowances to 24 percent a year in the first four years after its entry into force in 2019.
In another bid to shore up prices, it cancels 800 million carbon allowances from the MSR, with another 200 million unused permits being scrapped if a cap on overall allocations known as the cross-sectoral correction factor (CSCF) is not triggered.
To protect industry, the draft allows for the share of allowances auctioned to be reduced by up to five percent in order to cushion against the impacts of CSCF.
It includes exemptions for the steel and fertiliser sectors, but establishes a border carbon adjustment measure for importers of certain goods, such as cement.
As well as including shipping in the ETS, the draft increases the EU's clean technology fund to 600 million allowances and includes a fund for compensation for indirect costs to industry such as higher electricity charges.
African Development Bank gives $93.5 mln loan to support Tanzania's agriculture
DAR ES SALAAM, Dec 15 (Reuters) - The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $93.51 million loan for Tanzania aimed at supporting the agriculture sector.
An AfDB statement said the board of Africa Development Fund, a unit of the bank, approved the loan to be advanced to Tanzania's state-run Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB).
"The funding will contribute to supporting Tanzania's agriculture sector and achieving the country's development goals," the statement said.
Agriculture employs more than two-thirds of Tanzania's population of about 50 million people, according to official estimates. The bank said the sector had big potential given the country's "abundance of arable land and the availability of inland water resources".
Despite its potential, though, the sector has been one of the slowest growing, which officials have attributed to limited access to cheap and long-term funding.
"A major problem facing the country's agriculture sector is the unavailability of medium to long-term finance to support, among other things, agricultural production, processing and marketing," AfDB said in the statement.
According to the bank, Tanzania's agricultural sector has grown at an average of 4.4 per cent per annum over the last 10 years and contributed an average of 29.3 per cent of GDP.
Bangladesh police investigate death of teenage textile worker
DHAKA, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Police in Bangladesh are investigating the death of a teenager at a textile mill who was killed after a co-worker reportedly pumped air into his body by inserting a compressor hose into his rectum.
Mohammad Yamin, aged around 14, worked at a textile mill in Narayanganj, on the outskirts Dhaka, and died on Wednesday, police official Manjur Quader told Reuters.
"We have arrested the co-worker, who is the main suspect in the case and we are now investigating."
In July, a 10-year-old child worker of a textile mill was killed a similar fashion.
Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to work under Bangladeshi law but child labour is common in a country where nearly a quarter of its 160 million people live the below poverty line of $2 a day.
Bangladesh relies on garments for about 80 percent of its exports and for about 4 million jobs, and is a major supplier of clothes to developed markets in the West.
Accidents and poor conditions in the textile and garment sector are a major concern for foreign buyers.
Last year, a 12-year-old boy working at a motorcycle workshop was killed in the same way after he had tried to quit his job. In November, a speedy trial court sentenced two people to death for the killing the boy.
Businesswoman daughter of Mozambique's Guebuza murdered
MAPUTO, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Valentina Guebuza, the influential businesswoman daughter of former Mozambican President Armando Guebuza, was shot dead by her husband in their apartment in a wealthy neighbourhood of the capital, Mozambican police said on Thursday.
Guebuza, a member of the ruling Frelimo party's Central Committee and ranked as one of Africa's most powerful women, was rushed to hospital after being shot four times but died en route, police spokesman Orlando Mudumane said.
Her husband, Zofimo Muiuane, had confessed to the murder, saying the couple had of late been living a tumultuous relationship, Mudumane said.
A South Africa-trained civil engineer, Guebuza held prominent positions in the telecommunications and banking sectors and led several family businesses.
Among these was Focus 21, a family investment firm with interests in fisheries, transportation, mining, real estate, media and the port in Beira, Mozambique's second city.
Putin turned Russia election hacks in Trump's favor - U.S. officials
WASHINGTON, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin supervised his intelligence agencies' hacking of the U.S. presidential election and turned it from a general attempt to discredit American democracy to an effort to help Donald Trump, three U.S. officials said on Thursday.
U.S. intelligence agencies' conclusion that Russia tried to influence the election by hacking people and institutions, including Democratic Party bodies, has angered President-elect Trump, who says he won the Nov. 8 vote fairly. Russian officials have denied accusations of interference in the U.S. election.
Separately, a senior White House official said on Thursday that Putin was likely to have been aware of the cyber attacks but he fell short of accusing the Russian president.
"I don't think things happen in the Russian government of this consequence without Vladimir Putin knowing about it," Ben Rhodes, the White House's deputy national security adviser, told MSNBC. "When you're talking about a significant cyber intrusion like this, we're talking about the highest levels of government."
The U.S. officials - who have knowledge of intelligence information on the matter - said on the condition of anonymity that the hacking of U.S. political groups and figures had a more general focus at first.
"This began merely as an effort to show that American democracy is no more credible than Putin's version is," one of the officials said.
"It gradually evolved from that to publicizing (Hillary) Clinton's shortcomings and ignoring the products of hacking Republican institutions, which the Russians also did," the official said.
By the fall, the official said, it became an effort to help Trump's campaign because "Putin believed he would be much friendlier to Russia, especially on the matter of economic sanctions" than Democratic rival Clinton.
Democratic President Barack Obama said in an interview with National Public Radio that the United States will take action against Russia.
"I think there is no doubt that when any foreign government tries to impact the integrity of our elections ... we need to take action and we will," he said according to excerpts of the Thursday interview released by NPR.
"At a time and a place of our own choosing. Some of it may be ... explicit and publicized; some of it may not be. ... Mr. Putin is well aware of my feelings about this, because I spoke to him directly about it," Obama said.
NBC reported earlier that U.S. intelligence officials have "a high level of confidence" Putin was personally involved in the Russian cyber campaign against the United States.
Hacked emails of Democratic operatives and Clinton aides were leaked during the presidential campaign, and at times dominated the news agenda. The U.S. officials said Russia also hacked Republicans but did little to nothing with the information they found.
PUTIN ROLE?
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told state TV channel Rossiya-24 that he was "dumbstruck" by the NBC report of Putin's alleged involvement.
"I think this is just silly, and the futility of the attempt to convince somebody of this is absolutely obvious," he said.
Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, has brushed off reports of Russian hacking of U.S. political institutions.
"If Russia, or some other entity, was hacking, why did the White House wait so long to act? Why did they only complain after Hillary lost?" Trump wrote in a post on Twitter on Thursday.
In fact, the U.S. government did formally accuse Russia of a campaign of cyber attacks against U.S. political organizations in October - one month ahead of the election.
Obama last week ordered a review by the U.S. intelligence agencies about foreign interference in the 2016 election.
Asked on Thursday about the hacks, Secretary of State John Kerry described how Obama had been considering the evidence ahead of the October announcement.
"The president made the decision based on the input that was carefully, carefully vetted by the intelligence community ... that he did have an obligation to go out to the country and give a warning. And he did so," Kerry said at a news briefing.
The three U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters said the fact that Putin oversaw a hacking operation was not surprising and is standard operating procedure in Russia.
"If anything, given his background as a KGB officer, Putin has a much tighter grip on all Russian intelligence operations, civilian and military, foreign and domestic, than any democratic leader does," one official said.
The reports of Russian hacking have raised concerns among both political parties in Congress, with top Republicans breaking with Trump to call for closer scrutiny.
Yahoo under scrutiny after latest hack, Verizon seeks new deal terms
By Greg Roumeliotis and Jessica Toonkel
NEW YORK, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Yahoo Inc came under renewed scrutiny by federal investigators and lawmakers on Thursday after disclosing the largest known data breach in history, prompting Verizon Communications Inc to demand better terms for its planned purchase of Yahoo's internet business.
Shares of the Sunnyvale, California-based internet pioneer fell more than 6 percent after it announced the breach of data belonging to more than 1 billion users late on Wednesday, following another large hack reported in September.
Verizon, which agreed to buy Yahoo's core internet business in July for $4.8 billion, is now trying to persuade Yahoo to amend the terms of the acquisition agreement to reflect the economic damage from the two hacks, according to people familiar with the matter.
The U.S. No. 1 wireless carrier still expects to go through with the deal, but is looking for "major concessions" in light of the most recent breach, according to another person familiar with the situation.
Asked about the status of the deal, a Yahoo spokesperson said: "We are confident in Yahoo's value and we continue to work towards integration with Verizon."
Verizon had already said in October it was reviewing the deal after September's breach disclosure. Late on Wednesday, it said it would "review the impact of this new development before reaching any final conclusions" about whether to proceed.
The company declined to comment beyond that statement on Thursday.
Verizon has threatened to go to court to get out of the deal if it is not repriced, citing a material adverse effect, said the people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the negotiations are confidential.
No court in Delaware, where Yahoo is incorporated, has ever found that a material adverse effect has occurred that would allow companies to terminate a merger agreement.
Nevertheless, the threat of a court case on the issue has been successfully used by companies to renegotiate deals, and experts said that some concessions from Yahoo are likely, given the magnitude of the cyber security breaches.
Renegotiating the deal's price tag would be the simplest but also least likely scenario because the impact of the data breaches will not be apparent for some time, according to Erik Gordon, a professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.
A more likely concession would be for Yahoo to agree to compensate Verizon after the close of the deal, based on the liabilities that occur. The two companies may also agree to extend the close of the deal to allow for more time for information to come in on the impact of the breaches, Gordon suggested.
Verizon shares rose 0.4 percent to close at $51.81, in line with the S&P 500 Index. Yahoo closed down 6.1 percent at $38.41.
BIGGEST BREACH
Yahoo said late on Wednesday that it had uncovered a 2013 cyber attack that compromised data of more than 1 billion user accounts, the largest known breach on record.
It said the data stolen may have included names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords and, in some cases, encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers.
The company added that some of its partners were affected. One such partner, Europe's Sky Plc, said Yahoo provides email services to its 2.1 million Sky.com email account holders, but it was unclear how many of those accounts were affected.
The announcement followed Yahoo's disclosure in September of a separate breach that affected over 500 million accounts, which the company said it believed was launched by different hackers.
The White House said on Thursday the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation was probing the breach. Several lawsuits seeking class-action status on behalf of Yahoo shareholders have been filed, or are in the works.
Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia said he was looking into Yahoo's cyber security practices.
"This most-recent revelation warrants a separate follow-up and I plan to press the company on why its cyber defenses have been so weak as to have compromised over a billion users," he said in a statement.
Warner, who will become the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee next year, described the hacks as "deeply troubling."
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman urged anyone with a Yahoo account to change their passwords and security questions and said he is examining the breach's circumstances and the company's disclosures to law enforcement.
Germany's cyber security authority, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), advised German consumers to consider switching to safer alternatives for email, and criticized Yahoo for failing to adopt modern encryption techniques to protect users' personal data.
"Considering the repeated cases of data theft, users should look more closely at which services they want to use in the future and security should play a part in that decision," BSI President Arne Schoenbohm said in a statement.
The latest breach drew widespread criticism from security experts, several advising consumers to close their Yahoo accounts.
"Yahoo has fallen down on security in so many ways I have to recommend that if you have an active Yahoo email account, either direct with Yahoo of via a partner like AT&T, get rid of it," Stu Sjouwerman, chief executive of cyber security firm KnowBe4 Inc, said in a broadly distributed email.
Climate scientists adjust as Trump builds team of oil allies
By Peter Henderson
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Climate scientists worried that President-elect Donald Trump will slash their budgets and sideline their research are entering survival mode, trimming the words "climate change" from study proposals, emphasizing business applications of their work, and safeguarding data that shows global warming is real.
The early reactions, gathered by Reuters in more than a dozen interviews, may foretell a broader shift in the U.S. climate science community, which had enjoyed solid political and financial support under President Barack Obama but could be isolated under a new administration skeptical of climate change and committed to expanding oil drilling and coal mining.
"I think it is maybe really necessary to refocus what you are doing and how you are labeling it," said Andreas Prein, a scientist at the federally funded National Center for Atmospheric Research, who previously had changed the term "climate change" in a project for the oil industry and expects such linguistic twists to proliferate.
Trump has questioned whether climate change exists and has raised the possibility of withdrawing U.S. support for a global accord to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which an overwhelming majority of scientists believe is driving sea level rise, droughts and more frequent violent storms.
Trump is also preparing to nominate cabinet members with close oil industry ties, including Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson as secretary of state and former Texas Governor Rick Perry as energy secretary.
A member of the transition team further raised concerns among scientists this month by sending a questionnaire to the Department of Energy seeking the names of researchers there who worked on climate change issues, a move Trump's team later disavowed.
Federal funding for climate change research, technology and international assistance hit $11.6 billion in 2014, from $2.4 billion in 1993, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. While Trump has not explicitly said he would cut such funding, one of his advisers told The Guardian newspaper last month that climate research at NASA would be eliminated.
A Trump transition team official did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
"DATAREFUGE"
Prein at National Center for Atmospheric Research said he had replaced the politically charged term "climate change" with "global change" in a project he submitted for the oil industry.
He said that regardless of how it is labeled, interest in climate research would likely endure given the importance of extreme weather forecasting to a broad array of industries, like insurance and energy. However, he was concerned the longer-term work crucial to understanding the scope of global warming could lose critical support.
Climate scientist Ben Sanderson, also at NCAR, told Reuters he is applying to renew funding for assessing uncertainty in climate change. "Now the proposal would have to be defensible without referring to climate change explicitly, so to talk about weather risks in general," he said.
Tracey Holloway, an air quality scientist at the University of Wisconsin, said she believed simple word changes sometimes could help scientists avoid trouble. Using the term "weather" instead of "climate change," for example, could work for studies that deal with a short-term time scale, she said.
But Eric Holthaus, a meteorologist who writes for online magazine Slate, has taken efforts to protect scientists and their work a step further.
He spearhead an effort, with the support of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Toronto, to let scientists move their data onto publicly available non-government servers. The project, called "DataRefuge," is intended to eliminate the chances of political interference with the data, he said.
The signals from the Trump transition team on climate change have also put members of Obama's outgoing administration on edge. Current Interior Secretary Sally Jewell told scientists at a conference in San Francisco this week they must confront climate change deniers and speak up if Trump tries to sideline them.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest later said in a press briefing he believed the concerns of the scientific community about Trump were "legitimate."
"If the incoming administration determines that they want to base their policy on something other than science, it looks like they're going to get at least four years to try that out and we'll have an opportunity to see how it works," he said.
Other scientists were dealing with the stress of a new administration using humor. University of South Florida glaciologist Jason Gulley said his team had a list of joke projects for science under Trump. "How could we weaponize glaciers?" he asked, and what is the best real estate currently hidden under Greenland ice sheets.
Britain agrees to license three-parent IVF babies to prevent disease
By Kate Kelland, Health and Science Correspondent
LONDON, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Britain on Thursday became the first country to formally license an in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment designed to create babies from three people.
Critics of the treatment say it is a dangerous step that will lead to the creation of genetically modified "designer babies".
In a long-awaited decision, Britain's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) gave the final go-ahead for the treatment known as mitochondrial transfer, which doctors say could help prevent incurable inherited diseases.
Britain's parliament voted last year to change the law to allow the treatments if and when they were ready for licensing. This latest HFEA decision means the first babies created by the technique in Britain could be born in 2017.
The government's chief scientific adviser, Mark Walport, praised the HFEA'S decision as a "careful and considered" assessment which put Britain at the forefront of medical advances.
The technique involves intervening in the fertilisation process to remove mitochondria, which act as tiny energy-generating batteries inside cells, and which, if faulty, can cause fatal heart problems, liver failure, brain disorders, blindness and muscular dystrophy.
The treatment is designed to help families with mitochondrial diseases - incurable conditions passed down the maternal line that affect around one in 6,500 children worldwide.
"Mitochondrial donation offers a real opportunity to cure a class of potentially devastating inherited conditions and will bring hope to hundreds of affected families in the UK," said Dagan Wells, a professor at Oxford University's biomedical research centre and one of many experts welcoming the decision.
The treatment is known as "three-parent" IVF because the babies, born from genetically modified embryos, would have DNA from a mother, a father and from a female donor.
Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust global health charity, said it was a "landmark day for people living with mitochondrial disease".
Research teams around the world have tested and trialled the techniques in a series of pre-clinical experiments, but as yet they have not been used to treat patients in Britain.
The world's first and so-far only known mitochondrial transfer baby was born earlier this year after U.S. doctors working at a clinic in Mexico helped a Jordanian couple conceive using the new three-way treatment.
David King of the campaign group Human Genetics Alert said the HFEA's move would allow use of a "dangerous and medically unnecessary technology".
Iran's Aseman Airlines to lease seven Airbus jets -sources
ANKARA/PARIS, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Iran's Aseman Airlines has agreed to lease seven Airbus jets, two aviation industry sources said on Thursday, scotching earlier reports that Iran had agreed to buy the aircraft directly from the European manufacturer.
Labour Minister Ali Rabii was quoted by the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) as saying that Iran, which is negotiating with Airbus through state flag carrier IranAir, had agreed with Airbus to buy seven aircraft.
The report fuelled French media speculation that a keenly awaited deal between IranAir and Airbus for more than 100 aircraft had been watered down significantly.
But industry sources said the two deals were not connected and identified regional carrier Aseman Airlines as the company behind the much smaller deal to procure seven aircraft, which Rabii said would start arriving in May.
Those jets will be leased rather than purchased directly from Airbus, the sources said, without identifying the leasing company.
Aseman Airlines could not be reached for comment.
Last week the European Union banned Iran's Aseman Airlines from operating within the EU because of safety concerns, but the airline said afterwards that it does not fly to the EU.
Owned by Iran's civil service pension foundation but managed as a private company, Aseman is Iran's third-largest airline by active fleet size, according to the CAPA consultancy.
Meanwhile, a delegation from Airbus is in Tehran for talks to finalise a deal for about 100 planes.
Iran has been seeking to renew its ageing aircraft fleet since the lifting of international economic sanctions in January under a nuclear deal reached with six major powers.
On Thursday Airbus denied having finalised a deal with IranAir but indirectly confirmed that another carrier had agreed to acquire seven aircraft via a third party.
"Airbus has not finalised any contract so far with IranAir and the agreement for seven airplanes that has been reported is not directly with Airbus," a spokesman said.
Incoming U.N. chief appoints Nigeria's Amina Mohammed as deputy
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Incoming United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Thursday appointed Nigeria's Environment Minister Amina Mohammed as his deputy secretary-general and Brazilian diplomat Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti as chef de cabinet, a U.N. spokesman said.
Before her appointment as environment minister a year ago, Mohammed was outgoing U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's special adviser on post-2015 development planning - a role that culminated last year with the adoption by the General Assembly of sustainable development goals for the next 15 years.
Central African Republic violence worsening despite vote - U.N.
By Michelle Nichols and Joe Bavier
UNITED NATIONS/ABIDJAN, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Violent clashes are spreading in Central African Republic despite successful polls that elected a new government earlier this year, U.N. sanctions monitors have reported to the Security Council.
The new government of Faustin-Archange Touadera has limited control outside the capital Bangui and has failed to convince the dozens of armed factions around the country to lay down their weapons, according to their report.
Central African Republic descended into chaos in 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in the majority Christian nation, toppling President Francois Bozize and sparking a backlash from Christian anti-balaka militias.
Touadera was sworn in as president in March, raising hopes for stability after a wave of ethnic cleansing and the nation's de facto partition into a Muslim northeast and Christian southwest.
"The newly elected Central African government has not been able to come to grips with a deteriorating security situation, observed since June 2016," the monitors wrote in the unpublished report seen by Reuters on Thursday.
France, which intervened in December 2013 to stop an escalation of civilian deaths, ended its peacekeeping mission in October, leaving security largely in the hands of MINUSCA, a 13,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping force.
The U.N. experts, who are charged with monitoring a U.N.-imposed sanctions regime and arms embargo, found the previously localised fighting within the former Seleka rebel coalition and against anti-balaka has "grown more severe and widespread".
"Moreover, violent incidents in Bangui and the hinterland are increasingly interconnected, with political agendas entwined in the fighting," the report stated.
Nourredine Adam - the target of U.N. sanctions and leader of the FRPC, one of the main rebel factions - has so far failed to reunite Seleka, which means "coalition" in the local Sango language.
The UPC, another ex-Seleka group dominated by ethnic Fulanis, has extended its territory to control diamond mining areas and arms trafficking routes from neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, the report said.
Friction between the two groups led to deadly clashes in the town of Bria last month.
Attempts to reconstitute Seleka have galvanised some anti-balaka groups in the southwest following the return from exile of ex-President Bozize's son, Jean-Francis Bozize, the monitors wrote.
Alaska man charged with evading sanctions on Iran, money laundering
Dec 15 (Reuters) - An Alaska man has been charged with attempting to evade sanctions on Iran and money laundering, the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday.
Kenneth Zong, 77, of Anchorage, and three Iranian and one American co-conspirators engaged in fraudulent transactions that were designed to unlawfully convert and remove Iranian-owned funds worth approximately $1 billion from South Korean banks, the department said in a statement.
Alaska man charged with evading sanctions on Iran, money laundering
Dec 15 (Reuters) - An Alaska man has been charged with evading U.S. sanctions on Iran and money laundering, the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday.
Kenneth Zong, 77, of Anchorage, and one American and three Iranian co-conspirators engaged in fraudulent transactions intended to unlawfully convert and remove Iranian-owned funds worth approximately $1 billion from South Korean banks, the department said in a statement.
Zong was named as the sole defendant in a 47-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, and money laundering.
A federal public defender representing Zong, Rich Curtner, said he did not have an immediate comment because he had not yet met with Zong.
For his work, his Iranian associates paid Zong between $10 million to $17 million, the Justice Department said.
"In furtherance of the scheme," prosecutors said, Zong transferred $10 million from South Korea to a co-conspirator in Anchorage who then bought real estate, cars, and an interest in a yacht.
Zong is also charged with 43 counts of money laundering, and one count of money laundering conspiracy, in connection with his $10 million fee.
If convicted on one money laundering charge, Zong faces as long as 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, the Justice Department said.
An arraignment date had not yet been set, the Justice Department said.
The U.S. embargo against Iran prohibits, with limited exceptions, the export of products and services to Iran, the Justice Department said.
According to the indictment, Zong and his associates used various fake businesses and transactions from 2011 through at least April 2014 to dupe regulators to remove the roughly $1 billion in Iranian-owned funds from South Korean bank accounts.
The funds were converted into more easily traded currencies, such as U.S. dollars and euros by tricking South Korean regulators into thinking the transactions were legitimate, the Justice Department said.
Kerry accuses Assad government of 'massacre' in Aleppo
By Yeganeh Torbati
WASHINGTON, Dec 15 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government of carrying out "nothing short of a massacre" in Aleppo, where thousands on Thursday were evacuated under a ceasefire deal from the last rebel enclave in a city besieged by fighting for years.
Kerry vigorously defended U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the war - all of which have been futile - and in which Assad, backed by Russia, Iran and Shi'ite militias, has gained the upper hand in the latest turn of the nearly six-year-old conflict.
Ultimately, Washington was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Syrian government and its allies mounted an assault to pin down the rebels in a steadily shrinking pocket of territory in eastern Aleppo, culminating in this week's ceasefire deal.
"There is absolutely no justification whatsoever for the indiscriminate and savage brutality against civilians shown by the regime and by its Russian and Iranian allies over the past few weeks, or indeed for the past five years," Kerry told a news briefing in Washington. "We are seeing the unleashing of a sectarian passion."
He added, "The Assad regime is actually carrying out nothing short of a massacre."
Kerry said the United States was seeking an immediate, verifiable and durable cessation of hostilities in Aleppo, and said it appeared that air strikes and shelling had stopped and that convoys were moving out.
But there were also reports that a convoy of injured people had been fired on by Syrian government forces or their allies, he said. Activists and residents inside the remaining rebel enclave said this week that pro-government militias had summarily executed dozens of civilians.
Russia has denied that its strikes had killed civilians in large numbers, and said this week that rebels were keeping people in east Aleppo as human shields. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said this month that Russia would treat rebels who stay in east Aleppo as "terrorists."
LITTLE LEVERAGE
Kerry has repeatedly invested diplomatic capital into deals with Russia that would establish a ceasefire between Assad forces and anti-government rebels, only to have those deals largely ignored by Damascus and Moscow.
In recent days, he has publicly expressed frustration with the complete failure of diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting.
Speaking in the waning weeks of the Obama administration, Kerry on Thursday reiterated long-standing U.S. policy on Syria, and called on the international community to exert pressure on all parties to end the war. Five years of international efforts aimed at reaching a peace deal have failed to do so.
Kerry has little leverage to influence the situation in Syria, former and current diplomats say, partly because of President Barack Obama's unwillingness to involve the United States heavily in Syria's war. The United States has provided some support to moderate rebels.
"He just feels that the Russians and the Iranians are culpable and he wanted to make sure that's clear. At the same time, he also wants to say 'I am always willing to do more diplomacy,' which is kind of a ridiculous position," a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters.
"It's not going to get solved in the next (five) weeks. There is something about the Middle East that doesn't meet U.S. schedules," the official added, alluding to the Jan. 20 transfer of power from Obama to President-elect Donald Trump.
Obama's caution, predicated on the goal of avoiding deeper military entanglements in the Middle East, has prompted criticism from officials in his administration, including dozens of American diplomats who wrote a leaked internal memo this year calling for more aggressive action against Assad, including military strikes.
Assad has vowed to fight until he has regained full control of the country. The government's takeover of Aleppo, the most populous city in Syria before the war, would mark a major victory for him.
Mexico braces for fresh flood of Central American asylum seekers
By Gabriel Stargardter
MEXICO CITY, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Mexico expects a sharp increase in people seeking asylum from Central America next year, fleeing gang warfare and poverty in their home countries, a senior official said on Thursday.
There has been a steady surge of Central Americans applying for asylum in Mexico since 2015. Cinthia Perez, a director of Mexico's refugee agency COMAR, said in an interview that she is receiving about 9 percent more applications each month.
There were 3,424 asylum applications in 2015, and she predicts ending 2016 with around 8,000. That figure could well rise to 22,501 by the end of 2017 if the trend of 9 percent more applications each month continues.
"Everything seems to indicate that the number of applicants will keep rising," Perez said, adding that violence and a widespread regional drought that had forced the rural poor into cities were the main causes driving asylum applications.
She said 72 percent of applications have been accepted in 2016, up from just under 40 percent in 2013.
Perez said there was evidence that more of those people granted asylum were choosing to stay in Mexico, but she acknowledged that some might use their refugee status to travel unimpeded up to the United States border.
During fiscal year 2016, the United States detained nearly 410,000 people along the southwest border with Mexico, up about a quarter from the previous year. The vast majority hail from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.
COMAR was founded in 1980, during the height of the Guatemalan civil war, when tens of thousands of refugees flooded into Mexico. Until 2015, when the numbers of asylum-seekers started rising drastically, the agency was a relative backwater inside the interior ministry.
Last year, COMAR spent just over 26 million pesos ($1.28 million) according to official data, a tiny amount relative to the problem. Perez said she was hoping for more funds in the 2017 budget, but acknowledged a sustained drop in government oil revenue made it unlikely.
In September, after realizing COMAR was struggling, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees stepped in and gave COMAR money to hire fresh staff.
It remains to be seen how U.S. President-elect Trump will handle the issue of immigration, a topic he used to great effect in his election campaign. He vowed to deport millions of undocumented U.S. immigrants, build a wall along the Mexican border and possibly even impound remittances.
Nonetheless, since he won the Nov. 8 vote, Trump has appeared to soften some of his immigration policy proposals.
After Trump's victory, Central American countries said migrants were surging north in order to reach the United States before Trump takes office on Jan. 20.
Nearly 7,592 crimes of a serious nature such as murder, sexual abuse and robberies have been reported this year between January and November, the Police Department said today.
It said 575 crimes including 39 murders, 198 sexual abuses and 64 robberies were reported in November alone. It is a decrease when compared with the 665 reported in November last year, police said and added that 153 burglaries and 121 thefts were also reported in last month with the most numbers of crimes being reported from the Nugegoda Division in the Western Province.
Police said 33 crimes including five murders were reported from the Nugegoda division while 30 were reported from Tangalle, 30 from Anuradhapura, 26 from Galle and Kandy, 23 from Ratnapura, 22 from Gampaha and 20 from Matara and Monaragala.
They said among the 198 sexual crimes reported last month, 152 incidents were rape cases.
Meanwhile, 1,058 vehicle robberies were reported this year while 1052 were reported last year.(Darshana Sanjeewa)
The governments move to create the post of Super Minister with omnipotent-like powers could even undermine the authority of President Maithripala Sirisena, the joint opposition said.
It said if the Development (Special Provisions) Bill was enacted creating a Super Minister, then he or she would be able to take decisive decisions regarding the economy of the country, thereby manipulating authorities and departments, even bypassing subject ministers.
The Super Minister will be able to control institutions such as the Board of Investment (BOI), the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and the Urban Development Authority (UDA). If something goes wrong or the Super Minister makes an errant decision, then no one will be able to take action against him or her as this post will be vested with legal immunity. This is a serious situation. The powers of the President would be betrayed with the appointment of such a minister, Professor G.L. Peiris told a news conference.
He said the Super Minister would even be able to decide as to which investor should be given tax concessions and which investor should not. This is a responsibility of the Treasury, not a mere minister, Prof. Peiris added.
He further stated that the United National Party (UNP) had openly asked the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) ministers to leave the government if they had criticisms about it.
The Super Minister will also absorb the portfolios of key SLFP ministers, leaving them with no other option but to exit the government if they didnt quit willingly, he said.
He also said they would challenge the Development Bill once it was tabled in Parliament. (Lahiru Pothmulla)
Video by Buddhi
As a result of the Vardha cyclone that hit the South Eastern Indian region, the number of aircraft compelled to fly over Sri Lankan airspace had marked a steep increase, and thus doubled the revenue generated by overflight charges during the past three days, the Sri Lanka Air Traffic Controllers Association (SLATCA) said yesterday.
Meanwhile, SLATCA Vice President Tharindu Gajadeera said the number of flights that travelled over national airspace was in average between 90 and 120, but it had now shown a record number of 180 to 200. While a vast area of the Indian Ocean was faced with the threat of Vardha, Chennai remained the worst affected, he said.
All aircraft which otherwise fly over the cyclone-hit area have requested detour from their usual tracks and to fly over the airspace that comes under the Colombo Flight Information Region. This situation had been challenging for the Colombo Air Traffic Controllers as most aircraft deviated from their regular paths. With limited resources, the controllers managed to keep the regional air traffic flow moving without causing major delays to the airlines, he said.
However, Air Traffic Controllers stationed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) also had to take extra effort to manage limited aircraft parking space at the BIA, as more flights got cancelled and some aircraft bound to Chennai remained stranded.
As the Chennai Air Traffic Control Centre is gradually coming back to their regular operations and the adverse effects of the cyclone are dissipating, we expect the number of over-flying aircraft to return to its normal figures, he said. (Chaturanga Pradeep)
AB Securitas (Pvt.) Ltd, the leading loss prevention and secure transport service provider in Sri Lanka, was honoured with the world class Global Performances Excellence Award (GPEA) under Service Sector (Large Scale), organised by Asia Pacific Quality Organisation (APQO).
The award ceremony was held in Rotorua, New Zealand during the 22nd APQO/International Conference on quality. Thirty organisations from 10 Asian and Pacific Rim Countries were recognized as exemplary companies of world-class quality performance. They achieved the GPEA modelled after the US Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence Award or the European Foundation for Quality Management Award.
The GPEA is the only formal international recognition of performance/business excellence. Since 2000, 201 organisations have achieved the three rigorous categories of this award. The GPEA is a strategic enabling tool for global performance excellence. It helps to strengthen the strategies and performance of organisations to succeed in the fast-evolving global market place. The GPEA process promotes awareness in performance excellence as an increasingly important tool in competitiveness towards global business success and sustainability.
AB Securitas Director Wing Commander (Rtd.) Pradeep Kannangara stated, Its a privilege to receive this prestigious award out of many companies form ten different countries in the Asia Pacific region. The GPEA will further strengthen our commitment towards a high-quality service for our customers and other stakeholders and clearly differentiate AB Securitas from other loss prevention service providers in the market. I would like to dedicate this award to my excellent team who is the great force behind this success.
KABUL AFP/ Dec 13, 2016-
Allegations that Afghanistans first vice president and his guards sexually assaulted a political rival while holding him captive in his private compound prompted calls on Tuesday from the countrys Western allies for a government investigation. Abdul Rashid Dostum, a former warlord who has a catalogue of war crimes attached to his name, is accused of ordering his guards to seize Ahmad Ishchi last month in northern Jowzjan province during a game of buzkashi, or polo with a carcass.
Dostum allegedly kept Ishchi hostage in his private enclave for five days, where he was said to be tortured and sodomised. But the United States joined a slew of Western governments to call for a thorough probe.
Q How do you analyse the current political situation of the North?
Our people are worried today because both the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), as the two main parties, talk about a political solution within a unitary State. We, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), received a mandate from our people to secure power devolution under a Federal Constitution. That is fully-pledged power devolution between the centre and the provinces. That means autonomy should be given to the North and the East as they are the traditional areas of habitation of Tamils and Muslims. People gave a mandate to the TNA to achieve this. Our understanding now is that the UNP and the SLFP insist on retaining the unitary character. It would pave the way for the division of people and the country. The UNP even adopted a resolution at the recent Working Committee to this effect. Yet, a Federal system can unite the three communities - the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims. It is a method experienced in various countries.
Q Is that the only concern of the people in your view?
Actually, some people are still in welfare centres. There are also Sri Lankan refugees living in camps in Tamil Nadu in large numbers. They are unable to resettle in their original lands because of military occupation. Even the Navy and the police occupy peoples lands. Recently, President Maithripala Sirisena visited Jaffna and came to my electorate as well. He announced that 450 acres of land would be returned for resettlement. The military has fenced the lands with barbed wire and the lands were even identified by the President to be released. The military has fenced several such lands. People are unable to carry out their livelihood activities such as agriculture as a result.
The other issue is Tamil prisoners. Parents are worried because their children languish in jails. They are in tears, and agitate. People are planning to agitate against the non-implementation of the promises. Regarding the fishermen, we also urge the government to release the fisheries harbour at Myliddy. Fishery activities are not allowed, but the authorities concerned have allowed private parties to anchor their vessels and unload various goods, such as sugar, cement etc, unchecked. People want the release of this harbour for fishery activities.
Opposite Hindu temples, Buddhist Vihares and statues have been put up. We are not against Buddhism. We respect Buddhism. But we would like to say there are no Buddhists living in these areas.
Q In your response, you said that if the unitary State was insisted on, it would pave the way for division of the country. How could that happen?
I do not say they insist. They have announced in the media. Last week, the UNP resolved in their working committee that their position was to have a unitary State. We have discussed this matter with both the President and the Prime Minister. We stressed that a political solution should be under a Federal system of governance. We urged that the North and the East must be an autonomous region. We were given a mandate for it. I quoted the relevant section of our manifesto on December 10 in Parliament during the debate. I explained the stand. People are perturbed about the situation. They are concerned about what would be the nature of the political solution being evolved.
Q You said the retaining of the unitary character would make way for the division of the country. How would it happen?
We had a lot of experience in the country during the past period. Whatever power devolved has also been taken back by the centre in some cases. In the past, the transport was a subject devolved to some extent. But, it was withdrawn later on. In the debate on the Finance Ministry, I said it was a centralized subject. It is shown in the manner in which allocations have been made to the provincial councils. Under a unitary character, there will always be obstacles to devolution of power. The Sinhalese, in their mindset are trying to dominate us through the unitary form of governance. In their minds, Tamil people are the second class citizens. In history, even some Sinhala leaders suggested Federalism. With the experience of living under a unitary State, we know it is to dominate us. We do not want to be. Countries such as Canada, and the USA remain united under Federal systems. If they keep the present unitary character, Tamils would think that there is no justice and devolution of power for them. It would create divisions in mindsets and would lead to the division of the country.
People in Jaffna make a lot of queries about it from us. They say they want a Federal system, an autonomous region and the merger of the North and the East. They say nothing is likely now. People agitate in our presence and ask questions.
Q Now the subcommittees have submitted their proposals for Constitution-making. What are your views on them?
There is lack of clarity in these recommendations. It is not clear what the powers meant to be devolved are and to what extent it should be done. We are waiting for the Steering Committee recommendations. Once that report is submitted, we will see. Before the report is presented, the UNP and the SLFP said they were for a unitary Constitution.
Q In your view, how realistic is a political solution against this backdrop?
In 1977, the people gave a mandate to the then Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) to restore dignity. That was a mandate for Tamil Eelam. But, in 2015, we submitted a manifesto before the people demanding a Federal solution. People voted for us overwhelmingly. We urged the Sinhala leadership should accept the Tamil peoples mandate to find a political solution within a united country, a Federal Sri Lanka. We were able to discuss the matter with the President. We discussed that this was a good opportunity because the UNP and the SLFP were parts of the government. It is a good opportunity to find a political solution in line with our aspirations. We are not asking for the division of the country. The Sinhala people are opposed to division. The country could be kept united under a Federal system. Thousands of people lost their lives within both the Tamil and Sinhala communities due to the unsettlement of the problem.
Q Do you believe that an acceptable political solution would be worked out this time?
We are confident that the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim leaders would come together and find a solution within a Federal structure. The North and the East should be merged for an autonomous region. We are confident that the leaders would come to an agreement finally. Sri Lanka also cosponsored the resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). In this manner, Sri Lanka is committed to find a solution. We think the international community would support the government to work in this direction.
Q Now, the global situation has changed with the election of a new President in the USA. How do you look to the international community now to find a solution?
The international community supported the change of government at the Presidential Election here. Time was given for the adoption of the new UNHRC resolution. They urge the government to find a political solution in consultation with the Tamil people and the TNA for that matter. They will take up the matter and prevail upon the government to make it a reality.
Q Actually, I am referring to the international situation in this regard with the election of new President Donald Trump in the USA?
We are not clear about his position as of now. We do not know his position on Sri Lanka. We are prepared to discuss our concerns with international leaders, particularly with the US President elect and diplomats, and India. We also urge them to help find a Federal solution sharing powers for economic development. Even the financial power should be shared. Investments should be in our zone for building up the economy and creation of employment.
Q What is your position on the demand for the N/E merger?
We urge for it. In the future, we are prepared to discuss with the Muslim leaders on the matter. Some members of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) say they do not accept the merger. But, they are prepared to talk to us. The TNA is also ready to talk to them. In the solution proposed during the time of the then President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga regime, there was a proposal to link Batticaloa and Trincomalee with the North. Now, I do not talk about it. However, devolution should be done to the unit of merged North and East. We are prepared to talk with the Muslim leaders, and accommodate their political views. Muslim people also understand that they want devolution of power. We expected the government to devolve financial power. We demand the government to allocate sufficient funds for the development of war-torn areas.
Q Resettlement and Rehabilitation Minister D.M. Swaminathan accused the TNA of scuttling development work. He was referring to the housing project he proposed. How do you respond?
We are opposed to the project to construct prefabricated abode. These steel structures are not suitable in the Tamil areas. The TNA is opposed to it. Even Ms. Kumaratunga is against to it. The Minister should cooperate with the TNA and the Tamil community to resolve the economic issues. A programme involving all is now contemplated for developing the North. Minister Swaminathan tries to implement things on his own. Therefore, we oppose it.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG)s banking entity, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd (BTMU) Colombo representative office recently presented brand-new school shoes and socks worth Rs.200,000 to children who were affected by the floods in May this year.
The ceremony was held at Munidasa Kumarathunga Vidyalaya, Kaduwela, where shoes and socks were presented to students. Speaking on the occasion, BTMU Chennai and Colombo General Manager Shinichi Kimijima said, It is a privilege to donate school shoes for needy children through our MUFG gives back programme. With this gesture, we hope we can motivate young learners to feel proud about going to school every morning and put their best foot forward, so to speak, in their quest for knowledge.
BTMUs Colombo staff also conducted an awareness session on financial literacy and career options in the banking sector for graduating students at the event.
We will continue to give back to the community and play an active role in nurturing the next generation here in Sri Lanka, Kimijima added.
Since 2013, MUFG has been actively involved in community work in appreciation of the outpouring global support for its home country during the East Japan earthquake disaster. The annual MUFG Gives Back global volunteer month encourages its teams across the globe to be agents of positive change and work with their respective communities to build an inclusive and supportive environment for a better future.
Sri Lankas evolving trade and investment laws and their impact on FDI levels will be analyzed in a report on the country by the global publishing firm Oxford Business Group (OBG).
The Report: Sri Lanka 2017 will shine a spotlight on the Colombo port city and megapolis initiatives, which, together with other big-ticket projects, are expected to generate significant foreign interest and help make new growth more inclusive.
OBGs publication will also analyze the governments plans to boost private-sector participation across some of the countrys state-owned enterprises, with preparations already under way at key entities, such as Sri Lanka Airlines. The challenges that Sri Lanka faces to reducing its balance sheet and bringing the private sector on board will also be analyzed.
The Board of Investment (BoI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with OBG for the publishing firms forthcoming report on Sri Lanka. Under the MOU, the BOI will team up with OBG to compile and produce The Report:
Sri Lanka 2017.
Commenting on the MOU, the BOIs Chairman, Upul Jayasuriya said, I am thrilled to see our strategic partnership with OBG continue, and look forward to seeing it grow in line with Sri Lankas long-term development.
OBGs Country Director Andrea Tsiachtsiri said she looked forward to working with the BoIs representatives on The Report: Sri Lanka 2017, as the team prepares to plot the countrys growth story and chart its bid to broaden the economy.
Sri Lanka is in the midst of change, with a national drive to improve investor sentiment gaining pace against a backdrop of reforms, she said. The Board of Investment is a key player in Sri Lankas efforts to facilitate trade and attract higher levels of FDI. Im delighted that our report will benefit from its insight and input.
The Report: Sri Lanka 2017 will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments. The publication will also contain contributions from leading representatives, including the President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. It will be available in print and online.
These employees had no legal document issued to validate their employment. I personally visited the employees at the Port and briefed them about the actual situation of their employment. Most of the employees were recruited to the Magampura Harbour which had been established as the Magampura Port Management Company (MPMC), Ports Minister Arjuna Ranatunge was quoted in the DM Online 12 December, 2016.
The Minister, while avoiding the question, who owns the MPMC, goes beyond that to assert that he would not employ any of them even if he established a new company as they could not be trusted.
He explained himself by saying:
I will not take any of these employees because they are still influenced by the political forces and they cannot be trusted.
To begin with, lets make it clear, no government is mandated to provide employment on political loyalties and affiliations. Once voted to office, a government has to treat all citizens equal and provide equal opportunities to all.
While holding the Rajapaksa regime at fault for violating this fundamental principle in governance by using political front organisations to recruit workers, this Yahapalana Minister cannot resort to similar political recruitment using the word trust as his escape route.
The Hambantota port chaos that eventually dragged the Navy Commander also into disrepute, is one ugly political blunder that exposes the political arrogance of this hybrid Yahapalana government due to their total incapacity in managing the country.
It raises the question of trust the Minister of Ports Ranatunge harps on, from a wholly different perspective.
This government and its Ministers should be reminded, they were voted into power, not because a majority of the people trusted them to put all things right, but because the people wanted to conclude the Rajapaksa regime once and for all.
The 2015 January 08 vote was thus a protest vote against the Rajapaksa regime. A protest vote, more by determined Tamil and Muslim voters in dislodging the Rajapaksa rule.
The assortment of political parties and groups the UNP tied up with to come to power - small breakaway groups including SLFP, some former UNP members, the fractured JHU group and the Muslim leaders who were almost abandoned by their people, were those who enjoyed every perk and privilege in all their distorted forms as Rajapaksa loyalists.
All who were party to all the accusations and allegations committed by the Rajapaksa regime. They broke off sensing the anti Rajapaksa build up that was on the rise. The anti Rajapaksa vote was in the open at the Uva PC elections in September 2014.Yet they had to take a calculated risk no doubt in breaking off from Rajapaksa, to be in the next government and they did.
In appealing to the growing anti Rajapaksa vote this hurriedly stitched ad hoc collection with Maithripala Sirisena as their common presidential candidate, promised to clean up the mess and put things right. That promise was rubber stamped as authentic by the small middle class collective of NGOs in Colombo and few personalities who claimed ownership for a non-existing civil society.
The issue of trust therefore comes first with this government, its cheer leaders and the voter.
This government is proving from day one, the people shouldnt trust them, though the loudest promise was on cleaning up corruption. From January 2015 to end August 2016, beginning with the first bond scam in February 2015, this Yahapalanaya can boast theyve done much better than the Rajapaksas. They have at least 07 alleged mega corruptions under their belt during their first 20 months.
That includes a second bond scam in March 2016, two very questionable building rentals for unbelievably massive rents approved on cabinet papers submitted by the PM and Minister Field Marshal Fonseka, a foreign consultancy deal with McKinsey a US company of questionable repute made on a cabinet paper by the PM, another Sajin Vas type PR consultancy approved with a US company on a cabinet paper submitted by Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade, topping up with Primary Industries Ministers son getting a billion rupee road construction project, to list a few.
All that against 03 alleged mega corruptions during the first 36 months of Rajapaksa rule; the MiG 27 deal, the first phase of the Hambantota port and the Ranminitenna Cinema Village.
Rajapaksa regime took to plunder as we like only after they felt secure winning the second Presidency in January 2010 and the parliamentary elections in April. Particularly, after the 18th Amendment.
This Yahapalana government has taken off from where the plundering Rajapaksas were stopped. There is no reason why they shouldnt. Half of them were starving for over 17 years (discounting the short spell from 2001 Dec. to 2004 April) and the other half that wanted to continue with what they had, as often heard in numerous chat shows.
For obvious reasons, this government cannot be clean not counting the unprincipled achcharuwa it is.
A hard line neo-liberalist living in the pre 2008 global meltdown, wouldnt know the post WW II Capitalism that strived to project a decent face with accepted management standards, is no more the global investor norm.
Neo liberalism with flocks of migrant investors creates fictitious money as management Guru Peter Drucker famously called, all money that moved around globally. This migrant money he says is moved around hastily, looking for big and quick profits with an inherent possibility of creating crises. He then says, the new pattern of big managers taking up large shares of profit leaving the lower staff and workers very little to share, is a crime that society will have to pay for. (Interview with Non Profit Quarterly magazine 1998). Ten years after his interview with NPQ, the global neo liberal economy melted down and the Western first world countries are still not back on their feet as they were.
This is reason the UNP led Government failed in their efforts to have expected investments from West and had to go the Rajapaksa way. Reason also they would do everything the Rajapaksa way for it is now, all things made in China and not Colombo. The Hambantota chaos is also about made in China business, a continuation of Rajapaksas.
The Hambantota protest started off after the Government announced they have agreed for a Chinese led PPP project in developing the Hambantota harbour with a 15,000 acre industrial park on a good as a freehold99 year lease.
Workers, around 480 of them, quite justifiably demanded job security from this government as the harbour they have been working for many years would go under a Chinese company. From what the Ports minister now tries to explain, it is clear this government does not know what employment there could be under the Chinese.
Perhaps whatever jobs available with the Ports Authority, is saved for Ranatunges men and women from Gampaha and Kalutara. They cannot be thus given away to Hambantota from where all these workers come from.
The crisis therefore is about political patronage in providing employment and being unable to guarantee job security under the Chinese company.
This would be the fate of all workers the government promises to provide employment, with the Chinese company in the proposed Hambantota industrial park and in the existing and in new export promotion zones proposed in the Budget 2017 to be run by private companies.
As new investment is sought for these special zones and if they do come, most would be from China. With that this government will not be able to guarantee labour laws and labour rights will be applied in any of these zones. And no Chinese employer investing in these FTZs would allow any labour law to be effective within companies they manage.
These would be small clones of massive Chinese EPZs that have millions working very much as slave labour. Even products like Apple had to defend their assembly by Foxconn in Chinese EPZs against serious labour exploitations that include low wages and overtime pay and lack of independent trade unions and collective bargaining.
The BBC reported in May 2016Foxconn fired 60,000 workers after automating their factories. Suicides due to low wages and poor working conditions in Apple product assembly in Foxconn plants were high in 2012 say other reliable media sources.
In an exclusive report by the ILO as Working Paper No.21 on Export processing Zones ; Comparative data from China, Honduras, Nicragua and South Africa says, Evidence suggests that EPZs present employers the opportunity to circumvent workers rights with impunity, and there is a growing consensus that employers lack resources and the desire to police the zones.
The worst is, the report continues to confirm, Even when laws exist, governments often do not have the resources to hold offenders accountable (page 03)
This would be the scenario in time to come.
Hambantota may be just a beginning with everything Made in China allowed with impunity and workers and the media treated the way they were treated by the Navy recently, when they protested.
The China Merchant Company will absorb all workers of the Hambantota Port after the take over on January 7 next year, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.
He told media that the Chinese company will absorb the workers under the existing conditions but would sign a fresh agreement with the workers later.
Referring to the recent drama in the Port, the Prime Minister said two companies had informed him that they needed to get their ships released from the port.
Two companies informed me that their ships were in danger and wanted them out of the port. We have to safeguard the few ships that come to the Hambantota Port. Then we need to develop it into a profit making venture. Therefore I informed President Maithripala Sirisena and the Defence Ministry Secretary about it and we decided to send the Navy Commander to release the ships, he said. There are international agreements on safeguarding the ships that come into ports. The International Maritime Organization says international ships need facilities in the ports and security should be strengthened and as such we informed the Navy Commander to take steps to provide security to the ships."
The Prime Minister said the K-line Shipping had asked for US$ 4 million as damages. "Who is going to pay these damages, he asked and said other shipping lines might also claim damages.
The Prime Minister said the Government would set up a permanent navy camp near the Hambantota Port.
It is essential especially after the construction of oil bunkering, refinery and ship building facilities are set up in the area, he said and added that a journalist who was allegedly assaulted had complained to the Tangalle Police whereas he should have complained to the Hambantota Police because the Port comes under their purview.
The Prime Minister said investigations would be conducted to ascertain whether this journalist had entered the high security zone without permission.(Yohan Perera)
Video by Danushka
A deal to evacuate civilians and fighters from remaining rebel-held areas of Aleppo is on hold
ALEPPO AFP/ Dec14, 2016-
Deadly clashes erupted in Syrias Aleppo on Wednesday and a deal for the evacuation of rebel areas was on hold, leaving thousands of cold and hungry civilians uncertain of their future.
Entire families had gathered in the early hours, in the hope of leaving Aleppo after an agreement announced the night before for rebels to withdraw from the city.
But the first expected departures around 5:00 am (0300 GMT) were delayed and, a few hours later, fierce fighting again began to shake the city.
The landmark deal -- which would mark the end of opposition resistance in Syrias second city after years of fighting -- appeared increasingly precarious as the regime, the rebels, and their foreign allies traded accusations.
The last pocket of rebel-held territory in east Aleppo came under heavy tank fire, said an AFP correspondent in the area, who saw several wounded civilians.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said air strikes had also hit rebel areas and that there were very intense clashes on every front line.
State television said rebel rocket fire on government-controlled areas had also resumed, with at least seven people reported dead.
Rebels and a source close to the regime told AFP that the evacuation had been suspended after objections from Syrias government.
The source said Damascus had baulked when the rebels wanted to increase the number of those to be evacuated from 2,000 to 10,000.
How a uniformed bigwig found himself at the centre of a storm when a phone conversation he had with a sir at a public function went public is no longer news. By the way, there had been much more to this drama than had met the public eye.
Everyone knows that the JO stalwarts pounced on this issue with glee as they found it ideal grist to their anti-government mill. And they created a big ho ha about it in the Diyawanna council too.
According to the latest turn of this sensational episode, a particular JO big gun from Matara had incited his colleagues to raise this hue and cry over the affair for personal reasons. The story runs like this: Nilame connected to a popular devalaya in the South on whose behalf the mysterious sir had spoken to the uniformed bigwig happens to be a close pal of the former strongman and he is planning to contest the next general poll with the latters blessings. As the man is already popular because of his nilame status and is to get the blessings of the former strongman on top of that, the particular JO big gun from Matara had realized that he would be a poor match for this upstart at a future poll. So he decided that the best way to put him out of the scene was to brand him as a Green man.
The JO stalwarts hailing from the South who were the first to get wise to their colleagues ploy are said to be telling one another these days that they have to be wary of the ones from their own tribe trying to fish in troubled waters!
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a recent interview with The Hindu had said people would realise, as new policies succeed, that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was a failure and that he couldnt see Rajapaksa making a comeback.
When asked whether he was concerned over the possibility of Mahinda Rajapaksas comeback, the Prime Minister said Mahinda Rajapaksa couldnt afford to be out of the SLFP and he would lose his base and the party could take disciplinary action.
In my view, as time goes on he will lose the base support he has, because times are changing and the younger voters are not with him.
So, if they miss out on the younger voters, there will be other parties who will try to cater to them. As our policies succeed, people will realise that Mahinda Rajapaksa was a failure. I cant see a comeback by him, because when people make a change they never go back to the status quo.
If they want to make another change, they will look at something new. But I dont think that will happen because people like the idea of the two main parties working together.
They want to see the delivery taking place, thats what we are focusing on. Once the delivery is assured, it will cease to be a major problem. Till then youve got to live with a thorn on your side, and I think our political parties are capable of doing that, Premier Wickremesinghe said.
The Premiers full interview with The Hindu
Q: Prime Minister, the overall political situation in Sri Lanka seems to have stabilized after the big change in 2015, the election of Maithripala Sirisena as President followed by your victory in the parliamentary elections. How do you see this process, which has seen improvement as well as complications?
With the parliamentary elections in August 2015, we created the National Government. And we gave it a period for it to stabilize. I think that has taken place now. We also prepared a new policy framework. We had incurred a heavy national debt, there was adverse publicity for Sri Lanka, and human rights were a big issue all those have been resolved.
I would say we have sort of created the stability and cleared the way. Now, next year is when we have to deliver on our promises, which will also help us to consolidate this arrangement. We have started the journey, it has been slow going. It would be, if the two major parties have to get together. Its a tremendous task. Still havent got the two major parties to get together in India or anywhere else. But it has worked out well here. Now it is a question of delivery and consolidation. We are moving on different fronts. We are looking at reconciliation, looking at the crisis in the North both the human problems and the economic problems, the development. The President is now focusing on the rural poor. We are discussing a new Constitution. I would say that the next two years are important for us to consolidate the gains we have made.
Q: How is the economy doing? What has happened, is it a gain?
It is a gain. We have undertaken a macroeconomic stabilisationprogramme. And we are moving our revenue collection, which was about 10-11 per cent of GDP. Hopefully we will be at 15 per cent when our term is over and then we can move towards a higher level. Ours is also an exercise in how do you bring the black money in; and we are trying to phase out the long tax holidays that have been granted. We want to bring the budget deficit down to about 4 per cent by 2020 and thats the process. Its now more a question of revenue collection and better management of the public funds.
We have strengthened Parliament by allowing it to have the [sectoral] oversight committees; we have established the Public Finance Committee; we will bring legislation for the Parliamentary Budget Office; and the present J.R Jayewardene Centre may be used for parliamentary research, very much like the unit you have in New Delhi or the institute that is available in Islamabad.
Q: What are the challenges on the economic front?
Growth. How do you go up to 7 per cent growth? Getting the investments in.Creating more employment. Increasing incomes and then reviving the rural economy. Im confident we can do it the way we started off.
Q: And the economic situation in the North?
The North is going to take a longer time. The war has destroyed the economy. So it will be a longer period but we have given special concessions for investment in the North double the normal concessions we have given the rest of the country, incentives.
Q: Can the arrangement you are involved in be called cohabitation where one of the two main parties in the political system is divided and one of its groups has made common cause with the party that emerged victorious, or relatively victorious, in the parliamentary elections? What would you say about the chemistry between that section of the SLFP which is with the President, and your party?
Its more than just the two main parties working together in government. We are also having an understanding with the Opposition the TNA and the JVP [JanathaVimukthiPeramuna] who supported President Maithripala Sirisena as the common candidate. They went separately for the parliamentary elections, the UNP had no separate deal with them. But they also were convinced. Even within the group of the UPFA [United Peoples Freedom Alliance] that sits on the other side, I dont think they want to go over the precipice. This whole new question of [SLFP dissidents] starting a separate party has been resisted by some of the members of the UPFA who are sitting in opposition. But its a new era. Its not only the UNP and SLFP working together; we also work with the other parties.
Weve made the whole Parliament into a government, because we have the oversight committees. And then you have a Cabinet. The exact executive policies will be looked at by the Cabinet but the oversight committees will look at implementation. Its really becoming a two-tier government. The first oversight committees were in the U.S., with the American presidential system. Secondly, in Europe theyve had the European Commission and the European Parliament. Now what we are experimenting with, the pilot project is having the oversight committees with a cabinet government, because the Prime Minister and the members of the Cabinet are also Members of Parliament. But the Ministers cannot be in the oversight committees; its generally backbenchers who chair them, both from the Government and the Opposition its divided in a ratio amongst parties.
Q: So the mechanisms for different parties getting together in a broad-based way in the political system are there and working quite well.
Yes, its working. Can be improved, but its working.
Q: What is your perception of the rift within the SLFP between the pro-Rajapaksa and pro-Sirisena groups? Does it affect the unity of the government you lead? Does the possibility of Mahinda Rajapaksas comeback concern you?
We have factored in that there is a group around Mahinda Rajapaksa who will sit in the opposition. But within our framework of all groups in Parliament working in the oversight committees, there is discussion. Secondly, within the SLFP also some of the leading members who are with Rajapaksa attend the central committee meeting of the SLFP. Mahinda Rajapaksa cant afford to be out of the SLFP. Hell lose his base and they can take disciplinary action.
In my view, as time goes on he will lose the base support he has, because times are changing and the younger voters are not with him. So if they miss out on the younger voters, there will be other parties who will try to cater to them. As our policies succeed, people will realise that Mahinda Rajapaksa was a failure. I cant see a comeback by him, because when people make a change they never go back to the status quo. If they want to make another change, they will look at something new. But I dont think that will happen because people like the idea of the two main parties working together. They want to see the delivery taking place, thats what we are focusing on. Once the delivery is assured, it will cease to be a major problem. Till then youve got to live with a thorn on your side, and I think our political parties are capable of doing that.
Q: You are remaking the Constitution although its not by a Constituent Assembly but a Constitutional Assembly, and you are bound by the rules of the 1978 Constitution.
We are not in any way challenging the authority of Parliament. But we have set ourselves up as a committee of the whole of the Parliament, which focusses only on the Constitution. And there is a Steering Committee which will send in the interim reports. And the Assembly which will debate. So once we have a final draft, we will send it to be passed by the Constitutional Assembly and sent to Parliament.
Q: How is that going, the time frame?
Well, the six sub-committee reports are out. The Steering Committee now has to deal with the important ones the nature of the state, religion, the exercise of executive, legislative, and judicial power. Those are some of the items. And the replacement of the executive presidency Those are the key ones being handled by the Steering Committee and once the debate on the six sub-committee reports is over in the first week of January [2017], we will present the report of the Steering Committee to the Assembly. Then the real debate on the nature of the Constitution will begin. It has to go to Parliament, be passed by two-thirds of Parliament, and then finally a referendum.
Q: Its fairly fast-tracked?
It can be fast-tracked.
Q: You have the numbers in Parliament?
We have the numbers in Parliament.
Q: And you hope that those who have reservations or are opposing some of these changes
I think some of them will come along.
Q: So the stakes are very high.
Yes, the stakes are always high in Sri Lanka!
Q: Is everyone agreed on doing away with the overbearing executive presidency?
Yes, they have agreed. We are giving three options for how the Prime Ministerial system should function. [The first option is the pure Westminster system. The second is a system where the Prime Minister is elected directly. The third option would require political parties to declare their Prime Ministerial candidates before the elections. In all three options, the President would be a non-executive head of state.]
Q: The attitude of the Tamil parties, the Tamil National Alliance seems to have been very constructive
Yes, very constructive, I must say. They have been taking part, they are very, very positive. I was there in the group that worked up to 1987. But this is the first time we are trying to do a Constitution without any party having an overall majority, not to speak of a two-thirds majority. That is good because we are striving to find common ground.
Q: Will there be a measure of agreement on devolution? You already have the 13th Amendment.
There will be a measure of agreement because we discussed the matter with the Chief Ministers. Seven Chief Ministers are from the UPFA. Eight actually, if you take Trincomalee also. The UNP sits in the opposition but we discussed with the Chief Ministers and with the leaders of the opposition and had separate sessions with the Governors. And there is a three-member sub-committee which we appointed to do an ad hoc report on the relationship between the Centre and the Provincial Councils.
Q: Whats different this time in the negotiations on the Tamil question?
I think everyone accepts the need to resolve it. Part of it is outside, thats the type of work we have to do on releasing land, helping people On this question of the nature of the state I cant find a major issue coming on that weve got over a lot of the difficulties, theres a little bit more to be done.
Q: I suppose the challenge is to avoid veering in one direction or the other and finding a formulation to say that Sri Lanka must be united, it is one but...
People want that, yes.
Q: Without getting trapped in terminology?
No. The Indian government has also said it must strengthen the 13th Amendment. Now actually we have got to deliver to the Tamil people and thats not a matter of law.
Q: Lets look at the elephant in the room, the Opposition which is adopting a nationalistic position. We see this political trend in India, you have it here as well. The cry will go up that the nation is in danger, or theres a danger of separatism, etc. Is such a scenario far-fetched?
Were all patriots, were all nationalists. So we have no problem dealing with anyone who wants to raise that cry. They will find that people dont accept it. What we will decide on the nature of the state and other issues will be acceptable to everyone. We are politicians.
Q: As for the international demands [for an investigation into war crimes], they have been moderated or have quietened down?
Yes, we also co-sponsored the [UNHRC] resolution. I cant see a major hitch on that.
Q: Obviously, it is desirable to have maximum support or unanimity for this process of changing the Constitution, making the changes you have referred to. Is that achievable?
Well, we are trying to get unanimity. Lets see when the Steering Committee report is out.
Q: Are you engaging in discussions with Mr. Rajapaksa and others?
We are trying to meet him next week, the Leader of the Opposition and I. [The meeting took place soon after the interview.] And with former President [Chandrika] Kumaratunga. Weve already met with the President.
Q: On the international front, starting with India
Things have been working out well with India. We are looking at trying to get the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) through. There has been general goodwill on both sides. The fishing issue must be resolved.
Q: Is it continuity or change in the Sri Lanka-India relationship? It has been quite good for a while.
Continuity.
Q: The main outstanding issue with India is the fishermens issue, isnt it?
Yes, its the fishermens issue. We should sort it out. We shouldnt allow that issue to My sympathies are with the northern fishermen who say, now let us fish in our own waters.
Q: Which is now possible.
Which is now possible, and the pressure is going to come from the North.
Q: From Tamils
Tamils.
Q: Coming back to the ETCA with India you wanted it signed by the end of 2016. How does it fit into your economic vision for the country? India seems to have indicated that the agreement cant be signed until mid-2017. Have there been areas of substantive disagreement between Colombo and New Delhi in the negotiations?
There arent areas of substantive disagreement. I think theyre discussing it step by step. We would have liked it in 2016, but we can also still make room for it to be in 2017. But we would like it to take place in 2016-17, because the FTA [Free Trade Agreement] with China and the FTA with Singapore will both be signed in the early part of 2017. We will regain the facility of preferential exports to EU through the GSP Plus facility. We want the Indian agreement also quickly. Because, one, the Indian agreement paves the way for a tripartite [arrangement for trade and investment] by 2017 Sri Lanka, India, and Singapore.
The agreements we have between us mean that we are at the crucial entry points of the Bay of Bengal and we can work further on a closer economic union within the Bay of Bengal [region]. For that to succeed also, we require the agreement with India, because the five southern States [Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala] and Sri Lanka the total GDP of such an economy is over $500 billion with the possibility of doubling to a trillion dollars within a decade or so. The potential is enormous, so with our agreements with Singapore and with China, on their One Belt, One Road initiative, it is imperative that we sign the agreement with India as fast as possible.
Q: If we can turn to some major developments in international relations
We must look at the whole issue of international relations now after the referendum in the U.K. and the election of Donald Trump as the next President of the U.S. I think people have sent a message. I dont think any of the countries want to give up the dominance that they have but there should be a rearranging of priorities, which also I think would require Asia the Asian countries to see how we can increase cooperation. After all, we are the next growth centre, next to the West.
Q: Has Brexit adversely affected or benefitted Sri Lanka?
Not benefitted us. We are worried that if there is a downturn, it can affect some of our exports. Britain has to work out what they want is it a hard or a soft exit, they are still not clear. Then, if they want to re-establish the economic relations within the Commonwealth, theyll have to come up with some plan because there are so many players now, not only the U.K. And the bulk of the Commonwealth nations are around the Indian Ocean.
Q: What do you expect for our region from President-elect Donald Trump when he takes over?
Hell do a new approach. There will be a reorganising of priorities, but so far the names for the cabinet show that he has picked some good choices they will be right-wing, but then he came on a right-wing populist agenda. So lets see how it goes and what his style would be.
Q: I dont see the kind of perturbation there is in some other parts of the world, or even in the U.S., in India or Sri Lanka. Is it that you just accept it?
They have voted and we must fit into it. And we never had the TPP [Trans-Pacific Partnership]. The TPP really was against us. It left China out, it left India out, it left South Asia out, and Indonesia didnt get into it. I think in a way it doesnt harm us at all and we can now work our own arrangements out. So first we feel as Asian countries that India, China, Japan must have some arrangement on economic cooperation within Asia. We have rivalries but we must work for that; there will be pressure for that. And once you get it going, you can see still that whatever problems there are in Japan or in the Chinese economy, it is still growing. India is growing at the fastest rate. Both the U.S. and the EU will have to deal with us. Australia wants to come in with Asia, its very clear, New Zealand, even the East African Coast must come into this. I think India has a lot of personal connections at that level.
Q: Sri Lankas relations with China continue to be good?
Yes, it continues.
Q: Any change?
No change. We discussed, we had some outstanding matters. We stopped the port city to ensure that it was in conformity with the laws, its going on and we found that land was the best we could get to have our financial city. Hambantota we have negotiated debt-to-equity swap and industrialisation. And then Singapore's SurbanaJurong is designing Trincomalee. But India has indicated that they want to be involved and thats good by us. And maybe Japan. We have taken into account Indias security concerns, the fact that China wants to expand as an economic power those are ones that we can balance and Japan has been a steadfast supporter of Sri Lanka.
Q: There have been some controversies about the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Are you over that?
I am the one who first initiated an internal inquiry; they gave the report; I gave it to the Parliament. And even in the new Parliament, I allowed the Committee on Public Enterprises to go ahead. The chairman was a member of the JVP we all supported him, still support him. And they have made their recommendations; its unanimous, the recommendations for further inquiry. There are different views on the rationale or the reasoning, but it shows the parliamentary system is working. And I have submitted all the papers to the Attorney General, so thats no longer within my purview.
Q: To sum up, would you say the overall situation is markedly different from what it was before the presidential and parliamentary elections of 2015?
Certainly different, more hopeful.
Q: You have been in government for a very long time, in politics, in the opposition. Is this situation qualitatively new?
After 1977, yes, its qualitatively new and the fact is that most of the countries in Asia are also thinking that way. Starting in 1977, we were the exception and it took some time. China and India came along. We are also looking at new arrangements, we are in talks with India about how we can strengthen economic cooperation in the Bay of Bengal. I mean the population around the Bay of Bengal the Indian States around it, the hinterland, plus the others its twice the population of the European Union. Theres much more scope for growth.
Q: You have thought about this for some time.
Yes, thats why I want the ETCA also to come on because, on the one hand, we can have ETCA and the Singapore FTA with us. Secondly, the five southern States and Sri Lanka can make a very powerful combination.
Elections to the local authorities would be held before March 31, Subject Minister Faiszer Musthapha said today.
He told a media briefing held at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headquarters that the elections to provincial councils did not come under his purview.
Elections to the local authorities will be held soon after I receive the delimitation-committee report on December 27 or in any case before December 31. I will issue the gazette notification on the receipt of the report, minister said. "Although people blame me for the delay, I need to stress that I have no intention whatsoever of delaying these elections."
He pointed out that there were several issues that crop up when carrying out the functions of local bodies in the absence of public representation.
"I will try my best to minimize the contentious issues because I too am suffering from the lapses of the previous government. I would have been only too glad to hold the elections earlier if the previous delimitation reports were correct, the minister said.
He said pointing fingers was easy but understanding the problems involved was difficult.
Working as a National Government was not easy. Neither did the UNP nor the SLFP receive a mandate to rule the country. Some say that the SLFP ministers should leave the party, the minister said.
President Maithripala Sirisena was not selected to the presidential candidacy out of affection but because he was the only one who was able to defeat former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and the only one capable of taking up the challenge, the Minister said. (Chaturanga Pradeep)
As 2016 draws to a close and businesses look to 2017, there are some interesting trends likely to pan out in 2017 that are important to look out for.
1. Trade slowdown in Asia: Rebound or a new normal?
Alongside the global slowdown in international trade that we highlighted in a previous column, trade in Asia-Pacific in particular has shown concerning signs. According to the latest Asia Pacific Trade and Investment Report (APTIR) 2016, the volume of trade in the region in 2016 is expected to grow feebly by 0.7 percent for exports and 0.1 percent for imports. This is a remarkable difference from the 7 percent plus rates seen prior to the global downturn.
Sluggish global economic growth, a secular decline in commodity prices, adverse movements of exchange rates and capital flow volatility are some of the factors being blamed for this. For 2017, the expectations are that exports and imports are likely to bounce back with a 4.5 percent growth and 6.1 percent growth, respectively. The forecast is driven by an expected increase in commodity prices and real growth picking up in key developed economies. According to the APTIR, export and import price indices are expected to grow by 3 percent and 2.3 percent, respectively, while export and import volumes are projected to increase by 1.5 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively. The APTIR argues that the ongoing long and uninterrupted trade slowdown is unprecedented and is a cause for concern that a new normal of weaker trade growth is being reached.
2. Fighting non-tariff barriers
Meanwhile, amidst rising protectionist measures among G20 countries (as noted in a previous TIPS column), the Asia-Pacific economies have not been any different. The region has introduced, on average, 6.6 trade restrictive measures per month since 2014 and most of these measures are non-tariff barriers (NTBs). The UNESCAP notes that these have led to decreasing transparency in trade policy of countries and thus contributing even more to trade costs.
The organisation also notes that preferential trade agreements (PTAs) in the region have not shown a strong potency in dealing with such non-tariff barriers to trade. This is an important consideration for Sri Lanka, as it embarks on several new (or expanded) PTAs. Dealing with NTBs must be front and centre in our trade negotiations, as they are often more harmful and costly for our businesses than tariff barriers.
3. Implementation of TFA
A key development in the trade arena likely in the first quarter of 2017 is the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) coming into force. Currently 102 members have ratified the agreement, including Sri Lanka. It is only once 110 (two-thirds of WTO membership) ratify it does it come into force. As soon as it does, Sri Lanka needs to implement its Category A commitments. This will have implications for Sri Lankan businesses, as customs procedures, documentation and coordination constraints become gradually resolved.
The business community must play a strong role in advocating for accelerated implementation of Category A commitments and partner with the government in getting it done. Part of the TFAs implementation is that it offers funding for undertaking reforms, introducing new procedures, modernization, new infrastructure, etc. This is an area that Sri Lanka must leverage on. The WTOs Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility, World Banks Trade Facilitation Support Programme and Global Alliance on Trade Facilitation are the three key channels for Sri Lanka both government and business to obtain support, both financial and technical.
4. Shipping slowdown leading to consolidation?
With the global trade slowdown and the decline in freight volumes, the shipping industry is going through some flux, as we wrote in an earlier TIPS column following the collapse of Hanjin Shipping. In an analysis of the shipping industrys survival, Fitch Ratings expects more defaults among shipping lines. Moving in to 2017, it is conceivable that there will be some consolidation of the industry.
Already, Hamburg Sud, a large 140-year-old German shipper, has just been bought over by Maersk Line, the worlds largest shipping line. Sri Lanka needs to watch what happens with shipping rates, alongside such consolidation. The Global Shippers Forum, a trade association for shippers, noted with caution that less competition between lines can increase shipping rates. This could drive up the price of imported goods on our shelves and make our exports less competitive in the global market,
it noted.
5. Blockchain revolution in trade finance
Technology giant IBM predicts that by the end of 2017, 15 percent of top global banks will be running solutions built on blockchain and blockchain technology (also known as distributed ledge technology) is headed for mainstream adoption by next year. While blockchains potential in many sectors is being touted (digital identity, banking, securities, etc.), the immediate area of interest seems to be trade finance.
Trade finance is often fraught with inefficiencies and open to fraud. Bills of lading and letters of credit can be regarded as old-world methods of managing the shipping of goods and services and the potential to replace these paper processes with digitised operations via blockchain is now gaining a lot of traction.
Pilots of blockchain-powered transactions are already underway around the world, from a cotton trade between the US and China, to a wheat trade in Australia. Earlier this year, Barclays Bank and an Israeli tech start-up conducted the worlds first blockchain-powered trade finance transaction, cutting a process that normally takes 10 days to less than four hours.
Given the superior software development capabilities of Sri Lankan tech firms and their proven track record in developing cutting-edge products for the financial sector, this could be a big opportunity for Sri Lankan tech companies to develop block chain technologies for Sri Lankan, regional and global banks. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan banks in 2017 must begin developing internal blockchain capabilities in order to keep up with the developments on the trade finance horizon.
(Anushka Wijesinha is Chief Economist of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. This article is part of the Trade Intelligence for the Private Sector (TIPS) initiative of the CCC, aimed at enhancing awareness on trade policy issues among the Sri Lankan private sector)
The story of Ceylons journey from Independence to a crescendo of corrupt family rule.
The only time you should ever look back is to see how far youve come.
~Anonymous
It should be a captivating story. It is a story that can be told and listened to without a wink.
Pundits would theorise, historians would relish and cynics would say I told you so.
All political chicanery played out to a finish, trickery and deceit employed by the players to such an exquisitely consummate level, the level of deceit had all hallmarks of Ceylons growth to nationhood; An uncanny human drama enacted and historians would salivate, for chronicling of such curious events is a privilege, not a mere exercise in penning thoughts on paper.
This is the story of Ceylons journey from Independence to a crescendo of corrupt family rule.
It had its usual sordidness while at the same time, was exclusively poignant and entertaining. However, the last ten years of the drama were unique. Its pathos and intrigues, its conspiracies and their exposes had a bizarre and inexplicable canter; Sri Lanka has been limping towards an end that exists only in the imprecise theatres of the uncertain and mediocre.
From a Westminster style democracy to an Executive Presidency on the one hand and from an elite-based mercantilism to ruinous socialist/capitalism-based mixed economy to crony-capitalism on the other hand, Sri Lanka seems to be stalled in a pothole of mediocrity and sub-standards.
Corruption, nepotism, absence of accountability and transparency at political structures and each level of the bureaucracy, have retarded the countrys progress towards what one calls a dynamic equilibrium, equilibrium between clashing economic and social forces. Reconciliation between these clashing forces seems improbable. Its political profile is lamentable while possibilities towards a realistic attainment of a balanced socio-economic evolution appear remote.
Time has passed when everything was blamed on British colonialism and its preceding Dutch and Portuguese occupation of the country.
Ceylon, after gaining Independence, has voyaged towards greater assuredness and more independence from the crutches of foreign powers of the colonial kind.
Yet, all indices that measure a countrys economic heartbeat are down; statistically they may issue clues towards a rapid development of the Gross National Product, but in a real sense, whether that growth has manifested itself in the day-to-day lives of the common man is acutely questionable.
The evolution of Sri Lanka as a reckonable national and socio-economic power could be chronologically broken into four broad stages. I will deal with the first phase, from D S Senanayake to S W R D Bandaranaike period in this column and follow up with the next three stages in separate columns and a final one is dedicated to the nagging cause of the Northern and estate Tamils and the rise and fall of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE).
1. From DS Senanayake to SWRD Bandaranaike (1947 1959)
2. From Sirimavo Bandaranaike to JR Jayewardene (1960 1989)
3. From Ranasinghe Premadasa to Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunga (1990 2005)
4. Mahinda Rajapaksa to Maithripala Sirisena (2005 Present)
Rise of Tamil agitation-politics culminating in the LTTE, Prabhakaran and the 27-year war
In the late nineteen forties, Ceylon had a fairly robust, friendly bi-cameral legislature, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Among the majority ethnic group, Sinhalese, there was a wide gulf between the two main political philosophies at the time, namely social-capitalism led by the DS Senanayake-stalwarts and socialism/communism led by Dr. S A Wickremasinghe, NM Perera, Phillip Gunawardane, yet the usual business of government was conducted without the degrading vituperative politics of today.
Even between the Sinhalese and Tamils, the political leadership had not wilted to the level of resorting to desperately harsh, downright racism and name-calling. SWRD Bandaranaike, still hanging on to the identity of his Sinhala Maha Saba, was part and parcel of the United National Party (UNP) founded by DS and was the Leader of the House, a post whose holder is the theoretical successor as next Prime Minister.
This de jure position, however, was eclipsed by the presence of both Sir John Kotalawela and Dudley Senanayake, who were nephew and, elder son of DS respectively. While Dudley was a relative newcomer, Sir John was an old hand close to the old man, DS and quite ambitious to succeed him, when the time came.
Bandaranaike was no novice to political trickery. He knew that DS would never offer him a chance to be the leader of the UNP and the country so long as there were close relatives of his holding high Cabinet positions in his government.
Apart from this foresight into the succession spectacle of political leadership, Bandaranaike also chartered a carefully calculated move to get to power in a short time. Although DS may not have treated Bandaranaikes defection from the UNP as a big issue, the country, especially the Sinhalese Buddhists, salted this move as one made in the exclusive interest of the Sinhalese-Buddhists of Ceylon who had been sinned against by successive colonial powers, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British.
Bandaranaike made the right move at the right time and to date it remains the only defection-move from a major party that bore the desired results.
Breaking away from the UNP and forming the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) as a viable alternative to the UNP had its historic and historical significance.
The traditional left led by NM and the gang never recovered from this political master-stroke by Bandaranaike.
These traditional leftists, who were considered at the time as the alternative to the UNP, ceased to be such and could enjoy real power only within the hallways of SLFP-led governments as coalition partners and the significant role they played as the leading protagonists of the have-nots in the country and with the birth of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and Rohana Wijeweeras oratorical brilliance, suffered a further setback.
Historians have not rendered much kudos to this move by SWRD, yet the facts are transparent.
The traditional left that existed in Ceylon in the nineteen forties, fifties and sixties suffered an irrecoverable defeat because of the birth of the SLFP and SLFPs representation in Parliament in successive elections grew rapidly.
The have-nots who were represented by the traditional left acquired a new garb of nationalism flanking on chauvinism; the average worker attained a tangible place in the sun and the branding of the UNP as a rich mans party took deep root in the minds of the voter, at least until 1977.
The trickeries and conspiracies that were hatched by the shrewdest and highest minds of the country at the time, the Governor, Chief Justice and the super elite of the land, Lake House groups Chairman L. M. D. de Silva and Managing Editor Esmond Wickremasinghe (Present Prime Ministers father) to select the successor to the dying DS Senanayake after his fatal horse-ride on the Galle Face green on the morning of 22 March 1952, are most lucidly recounted in the biography of JR Jayewardene of Sri Lanka.
How Sir John was sidelined in preference to Dudley Senanayake, JRs involvement in securing Dudleys consent to be the next Prime Minister, rounding up the members of the UNP were all the ingredients that went into making a new Prime Minister.
Subsequently, Dudley, succumbing to the pressures of the job, the famous Hartal organized by the leftists, Sir John assuming Premiership and making a mockery of politics and fine-tuning of the national platform by Bandaranaike with the ready and willing assistance of the Buddhist clergy of the day, coupled with a real and dire need in the country for a socio-cultural shift, a shift so diametrically opposed to the one existing at that time, contributed to the sweeping electoral success in 1956 for Bandaranaike.
The first paradigm shift in post-Independence politics in Ceylon occurred in 1956 and its effects have engendered a new socio-cultural mindset, which, when positive, was extremely creative and when it assumed a negative persona, catastrophic changes occurred. That positive creativity produced pioneering works of art such as Sarathchandras Maname, Chithrasenas Nala Damayanthi, Lester James Peiris Rekhawa and Amaradeva-Mahagama Sekera duos Madhuwanthi. That cultural resurgence which followed is continuing up to the present time.
Yet, the negative effects were disastrous. Among the direct manifestations of a mindset that was damaged, warped and hateful and distrusting were, polarization of the nation along ethnic lines, repeated eruptions of racial riots, standardization of student intake to the universities culminating in a brutal ethnic war that killed tens, if not hundreds of thousands and injured more.
An intellectual par excellence, a liberal at heart and an erudite authority on word-craft, Bandaranaike eventually proved to be, as James Manor wrote in his biography The Expedient Utopian, who could not match his rhetoric with his action.
SWRD Bandaranaike left behind a sad saga of ethnic tensions and an emergent generation who looked to government as a deliverer of all solutions. It was indeed a tragic beginning of a new era.
The writer can be contacted on vishwamithra1984@gmail.com
On World Human Rights Day last Saturday, the incident at the crisis-hit Hambantota Port premises where a freelance journalist was attacked, has created a national and international controversy over media security.
The Brussels based International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the worlds largest federation of media trade unions comprising about 600,000 members in some 100 countries, has issued a tough statement over this incident involving Navy Commander Ravindra Wijegunaratne who was at that time dressed in a jogging short and T-shirt. The IFJ said it condemned the attack and asked the government to take immediate action against the Navy Chief.
The Defence Ministry has said the virtual takeover of two cargo ships by the Hambantota Port strikers was an act of piracy and the Navy intervened to avoid a crisis where Sri Lanka might have been internationally condemned. It also said Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne was in civvies because he had worn the jogging kit to pilot the ship out of the port. The explanation may be valid but the verbal abuse and physical attack on a provincial journalist cannot in anyway be justified.
The IFJ said it agreed with the Free Media Movement (FMM) that President Maithripala Sirisena should order a special investigation, so that those who attack journalists, however high their positions, could not get away with impunity. According to the FMM, journalist Roshan Gunasekera, has said while he was reporting navy action to open the port blocked by protesting port workers, a naval officer in civvies came to him and asked what he was doing there. I told him I was from the media and showed him my media accreditation card. Then he grabbed me by my neck and dragged me. Then the Navy Commander came there and I told him that I was from the media. He abused me in filthy language and assaulted me, the journalist said.
The FMM also charged that the Navy Commander had chased away the journalists, beating and scolding them using obscene language. This is a serious incident. The FMM deplores the attack which comes at a time when the right to information is guaranteed by an Act. Even though the government has pledged to establish a better media culture, such media suppression is a blemish to the whole country, it said.
Creating a conflict within a conflict, the government Information Departments Director General Ranga Kalansuriya has issued a controversial statement. Between the lines he appears to be defending the conduct of the Navy Commander when he says that the journalist had broken through a perimeter defence line set up by the Navy.
Dr. Kalansuriya, himself a one-time journalist, said the journalist had breached basic ethical conduct. A journalist who is covering a conflict situation involving the security forces should keep in mind the location. It is not only for the maintenance of ethics but also for the security of the journalist. A person cannot report matters connected to the security forces just because he possesses a media accreditation card and a camera. The journalists should take necessary precautions and measures needed for their security, otherwise they would face repercussions ranging from being assaulted or getting killed, he said.
Dr Kalansuriya however added that the navy commander assaulting a journalist could not be condoned and he condemned the high-handed action. None has an authority to assault others and everyone has a right not to be subjected to such harassment, he added.
Today, journalists will conduct a demonstration outside the railway station protesting against the assault and appealing for tough action by the government which was elected to office last year on a mandate to restore good governance and democracy including media freedom. Whatever the pontifications of the Information Departments Director General, the world has seen how courageous journalists took grave risks to report on crisis situations specially in the ongoing wars in Iraq and Syria. Ruthless terrorist movements like ISIS are dealing brutally with some journalists, but that in no way gives justification for a democratic government or its leading civil or military officials to assault or abuse journalists. The national government often boasts that the era of white van abductions, killing or torture of journalists and attack on media offices has ended. Proof of the government sincerity to this commitment will be seen in how it responds to the Hambantota attack.
The Colombo High Court today issued an International arrest warrant on Emil Kanthan in connection with the case in which he is one of the accused charged with misappropriating Rs.124 million from RADA in 2006.
Former Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA) Chairman Tiran Alles, its former Chief Operating Officer (COO) Saliya Wickramasuriya and Dr. Jayantha Dias Samarasinghe have also been named as suspects in this case.
Emil Kanthan was not present in court today and known to be in hiding.
The Attorney General has indicted the four accused under the Penal Code and the Public Property Act. (Shehan Chamika Silva)
Hirdaramani is proud to announce the opening of The Hub, a new purpose-built centre of operations to house the core group Shared Services functions, namely, Finance Shared Services & Commercial under the H Connect brand and IT under the H One brand. The impressive new building will also house a learning and training facility and the Corporate HR team. Located at No 245, Muruththettuwe Ananda Nahimi Mawatha, Colombo 05, the new premises were officially declared open by Mr. Mahesh Hirdaramani, Chairman of Hirdaramani along with the Members of the Board and the Senior Management. Evolving from a single retail store established in the early 1900s, today Hirdaramani encompasses the apparel, leisure, power, information technology and retail industries; swiftly reaching the forefront of every sector it operates in.
A global business, Hirdaramani boasts 60,000+ associates and a presence across 4 countries. A pioneer in the Sri Lankan apparel industry, Hirdaramani has a fully-integrated infrastructure, delivering an end-to-end supply chain solution to the industry via its state of the art factories. Hirdaramanis reputation for streamlined processes and high quality products is highlighted by its long-term partnerships with leading global brands. The company has also led the way in the adoption of greener technologies and processes boasting the world's first custom built green apparel factory and Asia's first Carbon Neutral apparel factory. Hirdaramani is a committed proponent of better businesses practices and has remained a champion of innovation and change in the apparel industry for over 100 years.
Clearing a path for entrepreneurship among Sri Lankas design and traditional crafts industry, the countrys most innovative bank, HNB joined Sri Lanka Design Festival 2016 as official banking partner and title sponsor for the festivals dedicated Island Craft exhibition.
Organised by Academy of Design Founder (AOD) together with key industry and academic stakeholders, the festival took place from November 3-6, 2016 at the SLECC. The SLDF is a pioneering annual design festival showcasing the work of a vibrant spectrum of designers, artisans and craftsmen spanning the breadth of Sri Lankas apparel, tourism and interior architecture sectors.
In addition to its primary role as a platform for Sri Lankan talent, the SLDF also provides Sri Lankan designers and artisans with invaluable exposure to some of the most prolific international artisans, designers and academics in order to facilitate knowledge transfers and support the creation of new business opportunities, both locally and internationally.
It is in this context that HNB stepped forward to serve as official banking partner to SLDF 2016, in keeping with its role as one of the Sri Lankan economys key enablers of growth. The bank has long served as a partner in progress to micro and small and medium industries, including numerous dynamic design entrepreneurs.
Commenting on the significance of AODs partnership with HNB for SLDF 2016, AOD Founder and Managing Director Linda Speldewinde said, Our programme to integrate contemporary design to heritage crafts is an islandwide one and having a partner like HNB that has a huge network that reaches every corner of the country proved to be a great strength. I found it inspiring to work with HNB and their mission to give entrepreneurial education and financial literacy to rural communities to be a true passion of their team; this is why HNB were ideal bank partners for us to work with in taking design to enrich the heritage crafts at grass-root level. We were honoured to work with them.
Similarly, the SLDFs Island Craft exhibition - which HNB served as title sponsor to - provided artisans, including a substantial proportion of traditional rural artisans with a unique opportunity to shine through collaboration with fashion designers. During the segment, several pieces were designed to incorporate traditionally made Sri Lankan crafts and motifs, all of which were subsequently modelled for the gathered audience, which included over 140 artisans who have been directly facilitated by HNB with regard to funding and establishing their own small-medium scale enterprises.
Commenting on the rationale behind the partnership, HNB Deputy General Manager Retail and SME Banking Thimal Perera said, For the Sri Lankan economy to grow, we must work to ensure that all of our nations resources and creativity are leveraged in sustainable and innovative ways.
A significant portion of our nations SME sector is based in both contemporary and traditional design and handicraft and we believe that with the adequate support and access to finance, these talented Sri Lankans can rise to new heights through events like the Sri Lanka Design Festival. HNBs partnership with this years event is therefore emblematic of our commitment to support local artisans to develop their businesses into contemporary creative economies.
During the course of the festival, HNB also operated its own booth designed to spread awareness on options and opportunities for sustainable entrepreneurship within the design industry.
First conceptualized in 2009, the SLDF has been a regular fixture in the Sri Lankan fashion and design calendar for the past seven years. Serving as one of Sri Lankas most prominent global platforms for a rapidly growing design industry, SLDF showcases Sri Lankas multi-billion dollar fashion manufacturing industry, contemporary craft design sector and interior design with a specialized focus on forging commercial links and providing international exposure for Sri Lankan design talent.
The SLDF has been a game changer in realigning traditional craft industries as a successful supplier for the hospitality trade, through design intervention. This years festival will duplicate this model for Sri Lankan interior design and elevate it to a global stage parallel to fashion, traditional and contemporary craft.
IMF Mission Chief Daewoo Lee (second from left) flanked by Eteri Kvintradze (on his right) and Deputy Director for Asia Pacific Department Kenneth Kang (on his left) along with the other members of the staff team addressing the media at the Central Bank premises after concluding the two-week long first post-programme monitoring review of the Sri Lankan economy in September (File photo)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) last week said the pace of structural reforms earlier agreed with the fund has been slower and further undue delays could derail the three-year programme between the fund and government.
The continuation of the US $ 1.5 billion programme with the IMF is dependent on the timely execution of reforms mainly linked to increasing government revenue and key structural reforms in tax administration, public financial management and governance and oversight of state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
The IMF delayed the release of the second tranche of the programme amounting to US $ 162.6 million due to the delay in implementing the promised amendment to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Bill in parliament.
Despite showing very strong progresses on the overall fiscal management, progress in fiscal structural reforms is a bit slower than had been originally intended, said IMF Mission Chief Jaewoo Lee from Washington, D.C., via a live teleconferencing.
Hence, the IMF cautioned against any further delays in undertaking the structural reforms, which are also critical for a sustained progress in fiscal management, could cast doubts over the continuation of the programme.
Progress on meeting the structural benchmarks on fiscal policy, public financial management and SOEs without undue delays is critical for keeping the programme on track, stated the IMF Staff Report submitted to the Executive Board in November.
While some of the fiscal side reforms spelt out in the budget for 2017 are on track such as the proposed new Inland Revenue Actthe government had made limited progress in bringing in the intended reforms to the SoEs.
For months the government has been unable to find a prospective partner to run the national career, SriLankan Airlines and reforms announced for the other SoEs have met with widespread resistance from multiple stakeholders.
The employee protests, followed by violent activities at the Hambantota Port against the sale of 80 percent of the port to a Chinese party, are a case in point.
The IMF called for strong political will to continue with the reforms.
Strong political commitment and sustained actions will be instrumental in advancing reforms, the Staff Report added.
Budget 2017 revenue targets ambitious, but IMF remains positive
Despite the significant progress made in the fiscal front in the first nine months, the IMF termed the revenue proposals of the 2017 budget ambitious but expressed its optimism over their achievement.
Sri Lanka expects to increase its 2017 tax revenues by 27 percent to Rs.1.82 trillion and bring down the fiscal deficit to 4.6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), slightly below the 4.7 percent target level set by the IMF.
The 2017 budget announced on November 10 has been anchored on ambitious revenue growth, which can be met by implementing quality revenue measures and strengthening tax administration, Lee said.
While the new Inland Revenue Bill is on its way for implementation, likely from March 2017, the structural reforms are crucial to maintain continuous momentum in fiscal performance.
Lee said while the fiscal performance of the first nine months has been encouraging, fiscal management going forward could become tough if the structural reforms are delayed.
Timely progress in structural reforms is also very important, in a way for the continuing progress on the fiscal management, he added.
Meanwhile, he commended the fiscal performance achieved during the first nine months this year, which even had outperformed the programme targets.
During the nine months to September end, Sri Lankas revenues increased to 9.6 percent of GDP from 8.5 percent of GDP during the corresponding period last year.
As a result, the fiscal deficit fell to 4.1 percent of the estimated GDP from the 5.1 percent of GDP in the same period last year, aptly supported by the increased tax revenues.
Fiscal performance has been very encouraging. And as of end-September, the primary balance and tax revenues has outperformed the programme targets.
We expect the momentum to continue with the delayed implementation of the VAT Amendment, which came into effect in November, Lee remarked.
The IMF Staff Report also said the 2016 full-year fiscal targets are within Sri Lankas reach.
The 2016 primary deficit will likely fall below the end-December ceiling of Rs.97 billion (0.8 percent of GDP), with tax revenue likely exceeding the full-year target of Rs.1,428 billion (11.8 percent of GDP). Interest payments are expected to be larger than estimated by 0.4 percentage points of GDP mainly due to the upward shift in the government bond yields by around 200 basis points since March and would raise the overall deficit to around Rs.700 billion (5.7 percent of GDP), the report stated.
The Indian Government has given its nod for participation of 100 fishermen pilgrims from Tamil Nadu in the December 23 consecration ceremony of St Antony's Church at Katchatheevu, Sri Lanka, the PTI reported today.
The ceremony, scheduled earlier for December 7, was postponed by Sri Lankan government to December 23 following the demise of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
As the Centre has granted permission to 100 fishermen from the state to attend the ceremony, the Tamil Nadu government said it would make adequate arrangements for the pilgrims.
New Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam had on December eight asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the External Affairs Ministry to facilitate the participation of all fishermen devotees from the state intending to participate in the consecration ceremony of the church at Katchatheevu, an islet ceded by India to Sri Lanka in the 1970s.
In the letter, he had urged Modi to instruct Indian Ministry of External Affairs to accord political clearance for the visit of pilgrims to the church without any cap on the number of visitors.
He also recalled that Chief Secretary P. Ramamohana Rao had also written to Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar seeking political clearance for up to 100 pilgrims from Rameswaram but the Ministry had allowed only 20.
Political clearance accorded for the participation of only 20 persons will disappoint the ardent devotees, he had stated.
The state's fishermen were "very keen" on protecting their traditional and customary access to this "important place of worship," he had said.
Though he had stated that no restrictions should be placed on the number of participants, the Centre gave its permission for 100 fishermen to attend the ceremony, official sources said.
QARAQOSH AFP Dec14, 2016- Factories churning out tens of thousands of munitions and an entire street turned into a conveyor belt for car bombs: advances by Iraqi forces around Mosul have laid bare the scale of the Islamic State groups arms industry.
In the more than two years since it seized control over swathes of the country, IS established a sprawling and highly organised system that experts say no other insurgent group has matched.
The capability has seriously boosted the threat from the group as it battles ferociously to cling to territory in Iraq and Syria -- and the fresh intelligence could now prove vital in countering its plots to carry out attacks on the West.
Iraqi army deminer Hashim Ali picked his way carefully through the rubble as he explained how IS transformed Mart Shmony street in Qaraqosh, some 16 kilometres (10 miles) southeast of Mosul, into a production line of death after seizing the town in 2014 and forcing the mainly Christian population to flee.
Addressing the Press by Mr.Ranil Francisco, Director of Avian Group of Companies
Kaspersky Lab has presented the new version of its flagship security solution Kaspersky Internet Security 2017 with Multi Device protection, which provide users with additional opportunities to manage their Internet protection and to ensure their data safety.
Kaspersky Internet Security 2017 Multi Device security solution is for the whole family; they protect Windows, Mac, and Android users against malware, dangerous sites, online tracking, fraud and money theft.
This year Kaspersky Lab products for Windows have integrated several new functions including new features wherein, users can patch potential "holes" in their device security with Software Updater and Software Cleaner.
Mr.Altaf Halde, Managing Director - South Asia, Kaspersky Lab said Sri Lanka is growing at a fast pace in the digital world and so it needs digital security. At Kaspersky Lab we strive to protect everything of value to our users from cyber criminals, hackers and malware writers. People are now more conscious about security and they are careful with their digital assets; we believe that our new product line will ensure that our users enjoy their computing experience. The new product line has become more powerful and has been further enhanced to ensure users privacy and security.
On the eve of the press launch the Board Directors of Avian Technologies Ranil Francisco and Buddhika Liyanage said Avian Technologies alliance with Kaspersky Lab runs back to almost a decade, a partnership which has ensured latest IT Security solutions to the rapidly growing ICT industry in Sri Lanka.We are proud to be launching the Kaspersky Internet Security 2017 version with Multi Device Security protection. Having established itself over 10 years ago, with the goal to maintain the most robust, reliable services and solutions for the industry, Avian Technologies stands as the leader of the IT Security industries of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.Avian Technologies is the only technology company to have a 24/7 hotline for professional sales and technical support in Sri Lanka, and a wide distribution network with over 300 re-sellers island wide.
The two new functions included in the latest version are the Software Updater and Software Cleaner, both developed to ensure protection and speed in the devices.
Kaspersky Internet Security Multi Device 2017 version is officially launched in Sri Lanka & Maldives
One of the common methods of malware penetrating the computer is the use of errors (so-called vulnerabilities) in the programs installed on it. Developers regularly update their products, however not all users regularly update these on their devices. Software Updater can automatically find the applications that need to beupdated and,if the user agrees, install the latest versions from vendor sites on their computer. The user can also request the update of an application manually or add any of them to the list of applications that should not be updated (for example, if the older version is required).
According to the Kaspersky Lab study, 37% of users store programs that they do not use on their device. In addition to the fact thatthis overloads the device memory, it also provides extra opportunities for cybercriminals to penetrate the system. Software Cleaner scans all applications installed on the computer and marks those posing potential risk. Users sometimes do not even know aboutthese applications being installed on their devices or are unaware of their negative effects.
Software Cleaner will inform users of a program if it has been installed without their awareness or clear consent (for example, as additional software during the installation of another application),or if it slows down the users device,provides incomplete/incorrect information about its functions, operates in the background mode,shows banners and messages without permission (e.g., advertising), or israrely used. Upon receipt of a report from Software Cleaner,the user can either remove or leave the application in question.
In addition to the new functions, Kaspersky2017 Multi Device have been enhanced with improved advanced technologies such as the multi-level protection of financial transactions (with Safe Money), the preventionof the installation ofunwanted applications (with Application Manager, part of the former Change Control feature) and the blocking of advertising banners in the browser (with Anti-Banner).
About Avian Technologies
Avian Technologies (Pvt) Ltd, a Subsidiary Company of Avian Group represents Kaspersky Lab products as the exclusive distributor for Sri Lanka and the Maldives for the past ten years offering uncompromised and unmatched post sales and pre-sales, marketing and technical support. Kaspersky is the leading Anti-Virus product in retail & corporate sectors in both countries.
About Kaspersky Lab
Kaspersky Lab is a global cyber security company founded in 1997. Kaspersky Labs deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The companys comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and a number of specialized security solutions and services to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky Lab technologies and we help 270,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.
Kelani Cables PLC, Sri Lankas number one brand in secure electrical and communication cables, bagged Silver at the 15th SLIM-Brand Excellence 2016 Awards ceremony held at the BMICH.
The award was conferred to recognize the company in the B2B Brand of the Year category.
SLIM-Brand Excellence is conducted annually by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) to recognize champion brands in the Sri Lankan marketplace.
Kelani Cables PLC Director/CEO Mahinda Saranapala said Kelani Cables being Sri Lankas number one brand in secure electrical and communication cables contributes immensely towards the success and development of leading business entities and government organisations in the country as well as diverse projects carried out throughout the country.
Being a diversified company Kelani Cables PLC facilitates needs of a diverse clientele. I treat this SLIM-Brand Excellence Silver award won by the company for the second consecutive year as an endorsement by SLIM towards Kelani Cables brand as a superior one. It is recognition for our dedication towards the success of local businesses and customer satisfaction. I salute Kelani Cables PLC workforce at this special moment for their dedication towards the companys socially responsible endeavour, he said.
Kelani Cables PLC General Manager Marketing Anil Munasinghe said, Kelani Cables PLC is very concerned about the standards of its products. Many local companies dedicated to provide customer satisfaction rely on the products of Kelani Cables PLC. Superior quality of our main product, Kelani cables wire and other products in the product portfolio have made companies successful and houses, industries and buildings secure. With this Silver award SLIM has recognized Kelani Cables PLC as a socially responsible entity.
Kelani Cables Brand Development Manager Channa Jayasinghe said Kelani Cables is the most preferred brand in secure electrical and communication cables among the construction and projects spheres in the country and SLIM-Brand Excellence 2016 Silver award endorsed that fact. This recognition came our way at the SLIM Brand Excellence 2016 for our dedication towards providing the best products to customers. Our products have superior standards and they are diversified to satisfy varied customer needs. Our product development strategies add value to the total process. SLIM-Brand Excellence 2016 Silver award encourage and motivate us to strive harder to add more value to our service to the nation, he said.
B. Maheshwari
The Centre for Sex Workers Rights (CSWR) renewed their call to the authorities urging that their profession be legally recognised as a means of controlling the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), especially HIV.
CSWR Co-Chairman B. Maheshwari said streamlining and legalizing sex work would solve many of their concerns including the control of STDs.
She said many Sri Lankan sex workers leave for countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore because their profession is not recognized here. On their return, they are often found to be infected with STDs, she told Daily Mirror.
Video by Sanath Desmond
Ms. Maheswari said instead of focusing on their plight everyone looks down on them.
When the police arrest us and produce us in court we are remanded for two weeks. When we are in remand, there is no one to look after our children and to feed them. There could be instances where female children are molested. The industry is not going anywhere. As we see it, the only solution is to legalise the profession. By doing so, we can control the spread of STD as well, she said.
Ms. Maheshwari, who has often visited India, said India has legalised sex work and it was not frowned upon by the people there.
Dr. Palitha Mahipala
Meanwhile, Health Services Director General Palitha Mahipala said the spread of HIV in Sri Lanka was remarkably less than in other countries in the region.
The number of HIV cases reported in the country is less than even 0.1%, he said.
Dr. Mahipala said they had identified the groups which are prone to the disease and were carrying out programmes to educate them and prevent the spread of HIV.
National STD/AIDS Control Programme Director Sisira Liyanage said a majority of HIV-infected people in the country were men.
Unsafe sex has been identified as the main cause of the spread of HIV, he said adding that awareness programmes among those who practice unsafe sex was important to tackle the spread of HIV.
Dr. Sisira Liyanage
We have identified about 15,000 sex workers but there are more who use phones and internet as a means of contacting clients. We cant approach them and conduct a survey because they carry out their profession in secrecy. We request them to come to the clinics, Dr.Liyanage said.
With regard to the call to legalise sex work, as a means of preventing the spread of HIV and STD, Dr. Liyanage said it would streamline the profession but legalising alone would not curb the spread of these diseases.
If sex work was legalized, then sex workers should be issued a license after they were screened for STDs. However, still there are sex workers engaged in profession without licenses even in countries where it sex work is legalized. We, the health sector, have to continue to work whether the profession was legalized or not. When it comes to tackling HIV, legalizing sex work alone is not enough. It is good for their rights, he said.
A very high Blue party political authority had somewhat surprised the state media heads by instructing them to give maximum possible publicity to the livewire of the new political party formed by a splinter group.
The high political authority explaining the rationale behind his proposition to the media heads who listened to him with raised eye brows had said: True, this grouping is a challenge to our party. But the best way to overcome this challenge is to blow up the main character of the party. Because, the more prominence this worthy gets as its organizer, more supporters are sure to veer away from it in disgust!
All media partial to yahapalanaya are now expected to go all the way to elevate this organizer sky high, they say.
Minister Sarath Fonseka said yesterday the Navy Commander had not attacked a journalist but he had only pushed him away from the security circle and that everything had happened in an acceptable manner.
He said the Navy Commander had arrived at the port to assist in piloting the ship which was seized by the protestors and clad in the uniform required for that purpose.
It was reported in the media that the navy commander had arrived at the scene with a dress meant for sports. But it was a uniform worn by marine pilots. We have only two marine pilots in the Navy and the Navy Commander is one of them, the minister said.
The Navys Special Boat Squadron (SBS) had formed a security circle because of the protestors occupying the port premises. The journalist who was said to have been attacked had breached the security circle without permission and had attempted to video the SBF operations. Then the Navy Commander had pushed him out, he said.
Obviously, the UNP is now the lesser of the major parties. Rule of best evidence establishes it conclusively: After 25 years in the Opposition, the UNP had to search for candidates [Fonseka and Sirisena] outside the Sirikotha membership.
Toppled the Rajapaksa regime in 2015 with a candidate from the SLFP flying a neutral flag of good governance. Looks, seemingly, feeble at electoral level. Previously deemed invincible.
Expanding middle classes took the UNP over the line by a whisker in the south. Needed the North and East to consolidate the gain. Now is pay back time on behalf of the northern voters.
Bulk vote that came from the South to the UNP need safeguards, as the northern vote is not domesticated but often guided by the TNA.
UNP is ebbing the southern vote furiously fast in three fold- (i) Lack of good governance, (ii) Economic meltdown with burdens transferred to the poor and (iii) With acceleration of the proposed Constitutional Amendments. Last is an emotional issue that caused UNP to lose many an election but still persisted by Wickremesinghe.
Dont rule the UNP out of reckoning in 2020: Can show its inherent strength by presenting their candidate for the Presidential Election [Preferably a technocrat] to unravel an authentic UNP government with an agenda sent haywire by the SLFP moles presently sitting pretty on the fence as cabinet ministers.
Provided it is an agenda pleasing to the majority of the electorate as the UNP saw to it in the past. Blame the SLFP elements for insider dealings and throw them out with the bath and the soap water. Long it awaits - longer SLFP will bore holes. UNP holds a harmful majority: SLFP are skilled at drilling a UNP government: It superficially supports. I65 votes that were cast in favour of the budget, is a deliberately designed device to lull the government. Moles are at work, overtime.
If the Opposition brings forth an inexperienced new face should the UNP look at an experienced old hand to lead or search for a new faced to match the opponent? Remember it is the fourth positive campaign that Ranil Wickremesinghe moots for a candidate for Presidency (Forfeited candidature twice on free will) yet his clean image was never sullied until the Central Bank bond issue. Ranil has made many sacrifices and sure will make another in the interest of the UNP if it becomes imperative.
Sticking to the six -committee report is to grant a walk over to the Opposition. An election gifted on a platter to an eagerly awaiting opponent wanting to father the six - committee report on a Ranil Wickremesinghe led UNP administration.
The government will come a cropper if the opposition combines: Which the six-committee report would make do in style and comfort.
Combinations and permutations come as a necessity for general elections.
The UNP is a party with a proud history consisting of formidable patriotic fronts from the days of the Senanayakes, Jayasuriyas, Kannangaras, Wijetungas and Premadasas: Mans the UNPs last line of defence from the village gentry to the refined of Colombo.
The six -committee analyses represent the mod version of the UNPs new wave of thinking, inspired by the West and the North. Out of touch with youth that saw terrorism in the raw with their eyes opened.
This message does not appeal to President Sirisena with his true blue tendencies of nationalistic trends, bending towards the Senanayakes than to Wickremesinghe. This will close gates early, as many UNP supporters may feel inclined to stay at home on voting day and a lesser number may vote against the party. Impact will be most felt with the floating middle class votes that absorbed the elements JHU snatched from hard core UNP votes, when saffron robes contested elections in 2005 for the JHU wisely leaving Ranawaka and Gammanpila in the cold.
It was later that the white plain-clothes men in the JHU overtook the saffron robes by a master - stroke. That is another story for another day.
Is the UNP candidate for Presidency for twenty twenty recognizable three years before the event? Need he be in the field or is Ranil Wickremesinghe deemed the best candidate for Presidency?
Mind you, Ranil Wickremesinghe disqualified himself voluntarily at the last two outings and lost the previous. The answer does not [should not] require an immediate response, as there are three long years to wait. The answer is simple and straight forward
(a) Has the Prime Minister enhanced his image whilst in power? If so, Ranil is the obvious candidate if not, PM is in trouble
(b) Likely opponent from the Opposition is a new or tired face? Matter for reckoning in selecting the UNP candidate.
Disqualified is Mahinda Rajapaksa after two terms in office.
Yet, looms large in the selection process of an opposition candidate: Lusting for the Prime Ministers post due to his popularity with the poor that does not give a damn for corruption cooperative society voters are the iconic example no longer a sprawling majority in the electorates, in the midst of a growing middle class in a middle income society that reflects truly the mood of the constituencies.
Rajapaksa name if attached to a popular first name carries much tinsel and glitter with the sleeveless society as do MR and Gota.
Undoubtedly the unannounced candidate is Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his maiden run for office.
Need the UNP produce a new face to give Gota a run, short of winning the election, which is long due in coming? Gotas sore point is the minority vote and the North will never pardon him for overcoming terrorism.
Yet, they voted overwhelmingly for Field Marshal Fonseka. Prejudice comes before pride.
Incumbent Sirisena has another term left open. Dont discount him in the re-run; Firstly, has to decide, whether the UNP or the SLFP has more trust and confidence in him and secondly, who the likely winner is of the contest.
SLPP is not his friend with MR in the forefront. Sirisena has to enter as the SLFP candidate with the UNP backing for Presidency or premiership, until a favourable new face emerges.
Sirisena is the strongest candidate away from the UNP with a right to represent it. It is a third time straight for the UNP in failing to contest in the absence of a formidable candidate for the post of president? There is a lacuna in training or grooming a candidate for Presidency.
Sirisena and Gota may prefer to run on the old formula of the SLFP, switching places, with a title of honour in the party conferred on MR: Will displease him, touching 75 years in 2020. Sirisena will need to discard his mentor and Gota will need to reduce his deity to a mortal. Basil will be in the hands of his lawyers. Altogether now: say ta ta to the SLPP, while the learned professor, shifts gear to lead the drumming for Gota.
Sirisena has the knack of emerging elegantly out of troubled waters.
May step in to sweeten the water on the six-committee report and inveigle in setting up a combined SLFP of both factions and handing the reins to Gota Rajapaksa to run for Presidency, reserving premiership for him or vice versa.
Dont forget Presidential powers, though clipped are still over powering.
Fortunately for Sirisena, MRs popularity has not peaked: More in the wane with the emergence of Gota from the outside lane.
Sure, the North will turn against Gota in numbers but after the engineered sixcommittee report, it might be a blessing in disguise. The Eastern vote will depend much on the current mercantile and agricultural economy.
Gotas knowledge in politics is abysmal and is trained by the inexperienced whose credentials need careful scrutiny.
That combination does not rhyme well and could blow up if it turns into a close election with the blind leading the blind. We are so much in the dark and needs a white cane to take the next step?
The focal point in the coming election is whether Sirisena will contest with the UNP or will he oppose the UNP and swing with the SLFP by toeing Gotas candidature? The route he chooses is the winners path provided MR does not foul the SLFP.
Politics is for the selfish.
President Maithripala Sirisena left for Malaysia with 15 member delegation for a three-day official visit, Presidents Media Division said today.
Sri Lanka is scheduled to sign several bilateral MOUs with the Malaysian government during this visit. The MoUs will be signed on cooperation in tourism, training, research, and public administration, between the Sri Lanka Agricultural Research Policy Council and Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute between the Sri Lankan Plantation Industries Ministry and the Malaysian Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry for cooperation in culture, arts and heritage and youth development.
The President is also due to attend several cultural events in Malaysia as the Chief Guest. (T.K.G. Kapila)
Media personnel from all parts of the country today staged a protest outside the Fort Railway station against the attack on a journalist at the Hambantota port. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
Video by Buddhi
The Richard Peiris groups financial arm, Richard Pieris Finance Limited (RPFL), has been granted approval to move ahead with the amalgamation of Chilaw Finance PLC by end-March 2017, a filing with the Colombo Stock Exchange said yesterday.
The Central Bank had given its approval for the move last weekdependent on RPFL following all the relevant statutesand approval from the Chilaw Finance (CFP) director boardunder the control of RPFLwas received yesterday.
RPFL will take over all the assets and liabilities of CFP, which will cease to exist.
The deal had been initiated under the financial sector consolidation plan 2014 of the former regime, which sought to forcibly consolidate the financial landscape, which was discontinued by the incumbent government in favour of voluntary mergers and amalgamations. However, RPFL had purchased 81.77 percent of the shares of CFP for Rs.26.50 a share in 2014, before the change in government.Due to the Company Takeovers and Mergers Code, RPFL was obligated to present a mandatory offer to purchase all remaining shares of CFP held by other shareholders, which resulted in RPFL owning 90.09 percent of the shares.
Hundreds of sex assaults were reported across Germany on New Years Eve, prompting an anti-migrant backlash
Daily Mail/14 December 2016-
Russian and Syrian secret services may be encouraging refugees in Germany to carry out orchestrated sex attacks, in a bid to oust Angela Merkel from office, it is claimed.
The extraordinary assertion was made by an expert from the European Council on Foreign Relations, who said the foreign powers could collude to destabilise Germany ahead of next years election.
Gustav Gressel, a Russian expert at the think-tank, said small numbers of refugees with links to the Kremlin and Syrian security services could be mobilised to sway public opinion against the Chancellor.
Citing a series of sex assaults in the city of Cologne during New Years Eve celebrations at the start of 2016 he told Bild: What would happen, for example, if a similar event were repeated at a summer festival before the election as in the Silvesternacht in Cologne?
After Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe made an apology in Parliament on December 5 over the burning down of the Jaffna Library in 1981, some had criticized him saying that it was an unintended and off-the-cuff apology, which is true.
Some argue that it was just a snarky retort of the Opposition heckling in the House.
If the members of the Joint Opposition had not recalled during their heckling of the Prime Minister that the library was set on fire during a UNP regime, he definitely would not have apologized to it, they argue. However, it similarly seems to be an apology not made in two minds or against his conscience.
In spite of the UNPs unwillingness to admit the guilt or to repent publicly for the culpability of its former leaders in the arson attack on this precious collection of human knowledge, due to political reasons during the initial years of the conflict, the majority of the South was ashamed of that horrendous crime.
Not a single person in the South including the leaders and the supporters of the UNP had attempted to justify the destruction of the priceless library during the past thirty five years. Hence, the regret by the leaders of the UNP then or now over this incident cannot always be deemed to be insincere.
What is important is that the Prime Minister has apologized, though in passing, for the dastardly crime not only committed during a UNP regime but also the UNP leaders had been accused of.
As a learned man who is said to love books he would not have been reluctant to do so and most probably would not withdraw what he had said.
Media had already carried it to the people. Therefore it would have made at least a slight impact on the southern psyche which is important in search of reconciliation. On the other hand, the UNP has to defend now its leaders stance on the matter.
Former Spokesman of the Jathika Hela Urumaya and the current Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila had said that the Prime Minister had apologized on behalf of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a report prepared by a former IGP had said that the library was burnt down by that organization.
However, his erstwhile colleague and the national organizer of the JHU Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe had appreciated the Premiers magnanimity in apologizing, while calling for reciprocity on the part of the Tamil leaders for the destruction of temples by the Tamil armed groups. Also it was while Gammanpila was among the top leaders of the JHU that his party General Secretary and the then Power and Energy Minister Champika Ranawaka apologized to the Tamils in June 2010 for the same arson attack on the library.
Ranawaka made his apology when the JHU leaders visited the Jaffna Public Library on June 21, 2010 to hand over books worth more than Rs. 2 mn donated by well-wishers to Ven. Maharagama Mahinda Thera. Ranawaka called the burning down of the library an unpardonable and disgraceful attack carried out by violent elements within the UNP.
He also said that it was unfortunate that the attack came from identified UNP elements belonging to our community.
The Jaffna Public Library stood as an educational and cultural monument for decades. It was one of the finest in South Asia, serving as a repository of rare archival material written in palm leaf manuscripts (ola), original copies of regionally important historic documents on the political history of Sri Lanka and newspapers that were published more than a hundred years ago in the Jaffna peninsula.
It was said that there were more than 95,000 books in the library at the time of the arson attack. It had thus become a place of historic and symbolic importance to the local Tamil people.
The first and the only District Development Council elections were scheduled for June 4, 1981 throughout the country, which were marred by violence allegedly orchestrated by the ruling UNP.
The last meeting of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) campaign for that election at Nachchimar Koviladi in Jaffna on May 31, 1981 was disrupted by the goons and Policemen who went berserk following an attack by PLOTE gunmen, who shot dead three Policemen and injured another two at the site of the meeting.
The thugs who were said to have arrived on a truck at the dead of night, had set fire to the library buildings.
They also set fire to the head office of the main Tamil political party in the north and the east, the TULF in Jaffna and then looted about a hundred Tamil owned houses and shops before setting some of them ablaze as well.
The house belonging to TULF Parliamentarian, V. Yogeswaran was destroyed. The office and the press of the Tamil language newspaper Eelanadu were burnt to the ground.
It was said that they also defaced or demolished a number of statues of Tamil cultural and religious figures erected at junctions in the town.
On election day six ballot boxes went missing and were never found.
Interestingly, the DDC system was the first ever power sharing mechanism in the effort to solve the national question.
However, the UNP leaders who brought in the system, instead of instilling confidence in the Tamil people through their mechanism, ruined the little confidence on their own mechanism as well as on the coexistence that was still remaining in Tamil people, due to their arrogance borne out of the five sixths of Parliamentary power they wielded then.
The thugs it appeared were first motivated by the political ambitions of their master, the UNP led by President J.R. Jayewardene, and then by racism instigated by the immediate leaders of the mob.
Thus, the UNP had a double obligation in apologizing to the Tamils in this regard.
However, the party which still enjoys more Tamil support than any other national party never before the Prime Minister made his apology on December 5 thought it was fit to say at least just sorry to the Tamils for the crime committed about three decades ago.
That is the significance of Prime Ministers apology, though in passing and long belated.
Apart from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister Champika Ranawaka President Chandrika Kumaratunga also had apologized to Tamils, but for a more horrendous crime, the 1983 anti-Tamil riots, which is generally known as Black July.
It was not made off-the-cuff or due to circumstantial drive, rather it was a well-planned and fully conscious apology. She made this apology in a special address to the nation as the leader of the State on July 23, 2004 to mark the 21st anniversary of the 1983 pogrom.
Even then 1983 riots are not the entire history of ethnic strife. There had been thousands of incidents and instances for which leaders of various communities had to apologize to each other communities. It is also true that no such clear reciprocal gestures had been shown so far by the Tamil leaders as Warnasinghe had stated above.
But, we could recall that TNA leader R. Sampanthan and Spokesman of that party M.A. Sumanthiran calling upon the Tamil people recently to look at the recent history retrospectively, which was a welcome sign.
Thus leaders from either side of the ethnic divide on various occasions have shown their willingness to heal the wounds of the ethnic strife.
However, since they had made these isolated efforts at occasions years or sometimes decades apart and no one had come forward to supplement or reciprocate them, they had been buried in the sands of time or destined to be so.
Hence, they need to make their efforts collectively, reciprocally and comprehensively covering all crimes related to the ethnic conflict.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Consultations between the Foreign Affairs ministries of Sri Lanka and Tajikistan was signed today with the assistance of acting Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Harsha de Silva and Foreign Affairs Minister of Tajikistan S. M. Aslov. It was signed at the business meeting between Sri Lanka and Tajikistan in Colombo with the patronage of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. Pix by Damith Wickremasinghe
Q What is your view on the proposals submitted by the subcommittees, particularly the committee on the centre-periphery relation, on Constitution making?
We are in the process of studying them at the moment. After we studied them, we would only be able to give our views. The reports will be brought before Parliament on January 9, 10 and 11. These are not final recommendations. They will be presented to Parliament. After that, they would be discussed for the final report.
Q But, in the report by the committee on the centre- periphery relation, there are proposals to devolve power to the provinces. What do you think of them?
I am yet to read the whole lot. Right from the beginning, we had demanded the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in full. That is the beginning for resolving this problem. We can improve on it later on a gradual basis. It is a good start, but half done. The 13th Amendment is already a part of the Constitution. People have experienced it. We can begin with it. It will face little resistance from the people even.
Q Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Prison Reforms and Hindu Religious Affairs Minister D.M. Swaminathan said recently the implementation of the 13thAmendment with land and police powers would suffice. What are your views?
Actually, what we say is different. We see the 13th Amendment as the beginning only. It is not the final solution anyway.
Q: What is your stand on the proposal by some for the N/E merger?
That is actually a matter to be decided by people living in these two provinces at the moment. When devolving power, it can be done by starting with the implementation of the 13th Amendment in full.
Q: How do you look at the TNAs approach to address it?
We believe in the resolution of this problem once and for all. The TNA does not want to resolve it once and for all. It wants the problem to fester. It puts forward impractical demands. It is practically impossible to achieve what they demand at once. Our problems can be addressed only through national reconciliation. They believe in the exact opposite way.
Q What are those impractical demands put forward by them?
For example, the government wanted to put up an Economic Centre in Vavuniya. But, there were obstacles to it. There were disputes about its location. Finally, people in the North lost an Economic Centre. In our time, we did not act like this. We tried to secure such projects for the North. We delivered a lot in terms of development. The TNA cannot get things done. They talk one thing in the South, and another in the North.
The Northern Provincial Council passed a resolution calling for the removal of the military from the North. How can a provincial council do it? People were asked to support the TNA at the election to remove the military.
In the run-up to the last parliamentary election, the TNA said it held talks with the government on a Federal solution. It sought a mandate to remove the military stationed in the North. It promised to deliver all the military occupied land to people. Two years have passed now. Now, the government says it is opposed to Federalism. We wonder whether the TNA lied to the people at the election. We wonder what it discussed with the government then. In this manner, the TNA talks about what is impossible to be delivered in the current practical context. It is similar to the promise to deliver rice from the moon. The TNAs promises are such. A solution, acceptable to the majority Sinhala community, could only be sustained. What is unacceptable to them would not be sustainable in the long run.
Q At a recent press conference, NP Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran said that a Federal solution was the need. He called the N/E as the traditional Tamil homeland. What are your views?
In this manner, they whip up the emotions of people. Likewise, they provoke people in the South. They know the problems cannot be solved in this way. They do not like the resolution of issues. Their idea is not practical.
Q How realistic is a political solution in this context?
That is the reason for us to ask for the implementation of the 13th Amendment in full as the starting point. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is keen to have this problem addressed. But, it is doubtful how the political atmosphere, in which he is in, would provide for it.
Q President Maithripala Sirisena has also taken an interest. How do you see the situation then?
It is said that both act together in this regard. It would not suffice. We have to be mindful of the forces surrounding them. The constitutional proposals should also be approved by people at a referendum. It won be a problem to secure the two-thirds majority in Parliament. It is uncertain whether approval of people by referendum could be secured. Only after conducting the referendum, we can see it. If it is rejected by the people, it will have serious repercussions. In such an eventuality, there would be a situation where the problem could never be addressed. Racism would raise its ugly head in that context.
Q How do you see the importance of the role of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to secure public support at a referendum?
We cannot comment on it at the moment. We have to wait patiently. It has been the political tradition of Sri Lanka so far for the opposition to be oppositional to what the government proposes. It happens whatever party is in power. Today, the situation is a bit different. But, we cannot say anything with certainty.
Q What is your request to the Opposition?
It is always important for the government and the Opposition to reach common ground on national issues. Otherwise, it would be harmful to the country.
Q How do you see the current situation of the North?
Compared to the war era, the present situation is different. There is no genuine political leadership for people in the North. The absence leads our society astray.
Q You mean....
There are social menaces coming up. A sword gang wreaks havoc. Robberies and drug addiction are on the rise. The absence of proper political guidance is the reason for it. During our time, these things did not happen. There were minor incidents. We did not see major social issues as such.
Q In this case, you must be referring to the Ava group. Some people say it is a group resorting to violence after being influenced by Tamil films. Your views on this....
Initially, it did not have any political motif. A group of misguided youths were involved in it. Today, some political parties have tended to seek the assistance of such groups to suppress their opponents. These political elements engage these groups to scuttle the political activities of others.
Q Before the advent of Tamil militancy in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the country witnessed sporadic violence of this nature. Do you believe that the current trend would evolve into full-blown violence again in the North?
Street gangs were found at that time. It was similar to the situation in other parts of the country. There was nothing new. Tamil militant groups were a phenomenon created due to conflicts of opinion with the military. Otherwise, it was not a phenomenon created by social malaises. The suppression of democratic struggles led to the advent of militancy.
Q How do you see the development activities in the North?
We find a fundamental difference between our approach and the TNAs approach. If the problems are addressed, there will be no ground for the TNA to do politics. It thrives on peoples issues.
The TNA placed obstacles when the Iranaimadu water project was implemented. They did the same for the northern railway project. They do not do anything, but they oppose anything done by the central government. It is proverbially similar to the dog in the manger attitude.
Minister Swaminathan proposed to build prefabricated abodes for people. It is a project on a long-term loan. The TNA did not agree to it saying such houses were not suitable for people.
But, we say our people have a serious housing problem. There are as many as 10,000 people living in camps. They are exposed to the natural elements. We proposed to proceed with the project as a temporary solution.
People prefer to have such houses. But, the project is held up indefinitely. The TNA does not help in the implementation of another alternative proposal either. It is the people who are suffering at the end.
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said today it was totally opposed to the sale of some 15,000 acres of land in Hambantota to a Chinese company and warned it would not allow the government to go ahead with this sale.
The government claims that the lands have been sold to set up an economic zone. Only 2,000 acres have been allocated for the 17 economic zones in the country and most of the lands allocated have not been used. The biggest economic zone in India, Sri City India is located on 7,000 acres. We must stop this sale of land, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.
He said they would launch a massive protest campaign in January next year against the governments destructive economic policy of selling State property to private companies and invited the people to join them in this struggle.
Mr. Dissanayake said the Government had planned to sell a large amount of land including Ports, graphite mines and mineral mines to private companies.
The government has planned to sell the Hambantota Port to a Chinese company saying it was debt-ridden with no ships arriving at the port. How will ships come after it is sold to a private company? This is a Port which can be developed as a service port, which was a proposal made during the tenure of former president Chandrika Kumaratunge, he said.
Mr. Dissanayake said the government had invented a new concept known as PPP - Public-Private-Partnership to continue the privatization of State resources.
This is not the first time that a governmenthas thought that the country could be developed by sellingState resources, he said and warned that it would do its best to protect the Hambantota Port and ensure that all its employees would be absorbed into the Ports Authority.
We will take to the streets to carry out our struggle. We will fight for the rights of the port employees. It is during the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime that these employees were recruited through a manpower company creating this controversial situation, he said.(Ajith Siriwardana)
A. O. Smith Corporation manufactures and markets residential and commercial gas, heat pump and electric water heaters, boilers, tanks, and water treatment products in North America, China, Europe, and India. It operates through two segments, North America and Rest of World. The company offers water heaters for residences, restaurants, hotels and motels, office buildings, laundries, car washes, and small businesses; commercial boilers for hospitals, schools, hotels, and other large commercial buildings, as well as residential boilers for homes, apartments, and condominiums; and water treatment products comprising point-of-entry water softeners, well water solutions, and whole-home water filtration products, on-the-go filtration bottles, point-of-use carbon, and reverse osmosis products for residences, restaurants, hotels, and offices. It also provides food and beverage filtration products; expansion tanks, commercial solar water heating systems, swimming pool and spa heaters, and related products and parts; and heat pumps, electric wall-hung, gas tankless, combi-boiler, heat pump and solar water heaters. The company offers its products primarily under the A. O. Smith, State, Lochinvar, and water softener brands. It distributes its products through independent wholesale plumbing distributors, as well as through retail channels consisting of hardware and home center chains, and manufacturer representative firms; and offers Aquasana branded products directly to consumers through e-commerce, as well as other online retailers. A. O. Smith Corporation was founded in 1874 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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.
The following companies are subsidiares of PPG Industries: AIPCF V Texstars Blocker Inc., AkzoNobel, Alpha Coating Technologies LLC, Alpha Coatings Inc., Broad Range Development Limited, CG Holdings Manufacturing Co., Centro de Investigacion en Polimeros S.A. de C.V., Chemfil Canada Limited, Chorlton Trade Paints Limited, Comercial Mexicana de Pinturas S.A. de C.V., Comex, Comex Industrial Coatings S.A. de C.V., Consorcio Comex S.A. de C.V., Cristacol S.A., Cuming Microwave Corporation, Deutek SA, Dexmet Corporation, Dexmet Holding Corporation, Distribuidora Kroma S.A. de C.V., EPIC Insurance Co. Ltd., Eberle Design Inc., Empresa Aga S.A. de C.V., Ennis Canadian Holding Company, Ennis Paint Canada ULC, Ennis Paint Netherlands Holdings LLC, Ennis Paint U.K. Holding Company Limited, Ennis Traffic Safety Solutions Pty Ltd, Ennis-Flint, Ennis-Flint Inc., Foshan Bairun Chemicals Co. Ltd., Fpu Industrial S.A. de C.V., Grupo Comex S.A. de C.V., Hemmelrath Automotive Coatings (Jilin) Co. Ltd., Hemmelrath International Trade (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Hodij Coatings B.V., Homax Products, Industria Chimica Reggiana I.C.R. SPA, Johnstones Paints Limited, Kalon Investment Company Limited, Kalon South Africa Proprietary Limited, Karl Woerwag Lack-und Farbenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG, Masterwork Paint, MetoKote Corporation, MetoKote Mexico Holdings Inc., MetoKote UK Limited, MetoKote de Mexico S. de RL de CV, Milamar Coatings LLC, OOO Tikkurila, PPG A P Resinas S.A. de C.V., PPG AC - France SA, PPG ALESCO Automotive Finishes Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., PPG Aerospace Materials (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., PPG Architectural Coatings (Puerto Rico) Inc., PPG Architectural Coatings Canada Inc./PPG Revetements Architecturaux Canada Inc., PPG Architectural Coatings Ireland Limited, PPG Architectural Coatings Italy S.r.l, PPG Architectural Coatings UK Limited, PPG Architectural Finishes Inc., PPG Asian Paints Private Ltd., PPG Business Services S.A. de C.V., PPG COATINGS SINGAPORE PTE. LTD., PPG Canada Inc., PPG Cetelon Lackfabrik GmbH, PPG Cieszyn S.A., PPG Coatings (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, PPG Coatings (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., PPG Coatings (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Thailand) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Wuhu) Company Ltd., PPG Coatings (Zhangjiagang) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings B.V., PPG Coatings Belgium BV, PPG Coatings Danmark A/S, PPG Coatings Deutschland GmbH, PPG Coatings Europe B.V., PPG Coatings Nederland BV, PPG Coatings S.A., PPG Coatings South Africa (Pty) Ltd., PPG DYRUP S.A., PPG Deco Czech a.s., PPG Deco Polska sp. z.o.o., PPG Deco Slovakia s.r.o., PPG Deutschland Business Support GmbH, PPG Deutschland Sales & Services GmbH, PPG Distribution S.A.S., PPG Europe B.V., PPG Finance B.V., PPG Finland Oy, PPG France Business Support S.A.S., PPG France Manufacturing S.A.S., PPG Guadeloupe SAS, PPG Hemmelrath Lackfabrik GmbH, PPG Holdco SAS, PPG Holdings (U.K.) Limited, PPG Holdings Argentina USA LLC, PPG Holdings Latin America USA LLC, PPG Iberica S.A., PPG Iberica Sales & Services S.L., PPG Industrial Coatings B.V., PPG Industrial do Brasil - Tintas E. Vernizes - Ltda., PPG Industries (Korea) Ltd., PPG Industries (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., PPG Industries (UK) Ltd, PPG Industries Argentina S.R.L., PPG Industries Australia PTY Limited A.C.N. 055 500 939, PPG Industries Colombia Ltda., PPG Industries Delfzijl B.V., PPG Industries Europe Sarl, PPG Industries France S.A.S., PPG Industries International Inc., PPG Industries Italia S.r.l., PPG Industries Kimya a Sanayi VE Ticaret AS, PPG Industries LLC, PPG Industries Lackfabrik GmbH, PPG Industries Lipetsk LLC, PPG Industries Middle East FZE, PPG Industries Netherlands B.V., PPG Industries New Zealand Limited, PPG Industries Ohio Inc., PPG Industries Poland Sp. Z.o.o., PPG Industries Securities LLC, PPG Industries de Mexico S.A. de C.V., PPG Investment (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., PPG Italia Business Support S.r.l., PPG Italia Sales & Services S.r.l., PPG Japan Ltd., PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes Canada LP, PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes U.K. LLP, PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes U.S. LLC, PPG Luxembourg Finance S.aR.L., PPG Luxembourg Holdings S.aR.L., PPG Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Packaging Coatings (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., PPG Paints Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Performance Coatings (Hong Kong) Limited, PPG Powder Coatings (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Refinish Distribution Limited, PPG Romania S.A., PPG Reunion SAS, PPG SSC Co. Ltd., PPG Switzerland GmbH, PPG Trilak Korlatolt FelelosseguTarasasag (PPG Trilak Kft.), PPG Vietnam Co. Ltd., PRC-DeSoto Australia Pty Ltd., PRC-DeSoto International Inc., PT. PPG Coatings Indonesia, Painter's Supply, Paintzen, Peintures de Paris SAS, Plasticos Envolventes S.A. de C.V., Polymeric Systems Inc., ProCoatings B.V., ProCoatings BV, Protec Pty Ltd, Reno A&E LLC, Revocoat France SAS, Revocoat Holding SAS, Revocoat Iberica SLU, Revocoat S.A.S, Road Infrastructure Investment Holdings Inc., SEM Products Inc., Sealants Europe SAS, Sierracin Corporation, Sierracin/Sylmar Corporation, Sigma Marine & Protective Coatings Holding B.V., SigmaKalon (BC) UK Limited, SigmaKalon Group, Sikar (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Spraylat International Ltd, Texstars LLC, The Crown Group Co., The Crown Group Inc, The Homax Group, Tikkurila Group, Tikkurila Oyj, Tikkurila Sverige AB, Traffic Safety Intermediate LLC, Traffic Safety Parent LLC, VF Specialty Products LLC, Vanex Inc., Vernisol S.p.A., VersaFlex Acquisition Corp., VersaFlex Inc., VersaFlex Intermediate Holdings LLC, Versaflex, Viasa S.A. de C.V., Whitford, Whitford B.V., Whitford Corporation, Whitford Jiangmen Ltd., Whitford Ltd. (HK), Whitford Ltd. (UK), Whitford Pte. Ltd., Whitford S.r.l., Whitford Worldwide Company LLC, and Worwag Coatings.
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The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc., ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics.
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Citigroup Inc. is one of the worlds largest financial institutions. It is the 13th largest bank globally by assets and 8th by market cap with operations in consumer and institutional banking. In the US, Citigroup is the 3rd largest bank by assets and one of the Big Four deemed systemically important and too big to fail.
Citigroup Inc. was founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York. The bank was run by Samuel Osgood who led the company with success for many years, even throughout the War of 1812. The bank was later renamed the National City Bank of New York in 1865 and by 1895 is the largest bank in the US. In 1913 it was the first contributor to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a few years later it began to expand into overseas territories.
The bank became the First National City Bank of New York after another merger in 1955 and then later, the New York part was dropped off as part of the 150th-anniversary celebration. By 1974 the company is known as Citicorp which is still the operational branch of the business and a global banking powerhouse. A merger with Travelers insurance group in 1998 resulted in the name Citigroup but the joint venture did not last. By 2002 Travelers was publicly traded once again but Citigroup retained the new name.
Today, the company is headquartered in New York, New York but boasts more than 200 million customer accounts in 160 countries worldwide. As of mid-2022, it operated 2,649 branches in the United States, Mexico, and Asia. The company reports nearly 725 branches in the US and 1499 in Mexico with the rest scattered throughout its territory. Total annual revenue topped $75 billion in 2022.
Citigroup is a diversified financial services holding company that owns Citicorp among other assets. The companys mission is to serve as a trusted partner providing responsible financial solutions to its clients. Citigroup provides financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions. The company operates in two segments, Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG).
The GCB segment offers traditional banking services including deposit and saving accounts, credit cards, personal loans, home loans, and investment services. This segment operates through local branches and digital means. The ICG segment offers wholesale banking products and services to corporate, institutional, public sector, and high-net-worth clients.
Our portfolio of high quality UK commercial property is focused on London Offices and Retail around the UK. We own or manage a portfolio valued at 13.7bn (British Land share: 10.3bn) as at 30 September 2020 making us one of Europe's largest listed real estate investment companies. Our strategy is to provide places which meet the needs of our customers and respond to changing lifestyles - Places People Prefer. We do this by creating great environments both inside and outside our buildings and use our scale and placemaking skills to enhance and enliven them. This expands their appeal to a broader range of occupiers, creating enduring demand and driving sustainable, long term performance. Our Offices portfolio comprises three office-led campuses in central London as well as high quality standalone buildings and accounts for 65% of our portfolio. Our Retail portfolio is focused on retail parks and shopping centres, and accounts for 31% of our portfolio. Increasingly our focus is on providing a mix of uses and this is most evident at Canada Water, our 53 acre redevelopment opportunity where we have plans to create a new neighbourhood for London. Sustainability is embedded throughout our business. Our places, which are designed to meet high sustainability standards, become part of local communities, provide opportunities for skills development and employment and promote wellbeing. In April 2016 British Land received the Queen's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development, the UK's highest accolade for business success for economic, social and environmental achievements over a period of five years.
Model N, Inc. provides cloud revenue management solutions for life sciences and high-tech companies. The company offers Global Pricing Management, which minimizes price erosion of products; Global Tender Management that enhances revenue by enabling segmentation and targeting, optimal bid pricing, and post-award tracking; Provider Management, which minimizes rebate overpayments; Payer Management that minimizes revenue leakage and noncompliance of complex contracts; Government Pricing, which optimizes revenue, and reduces the risk of fines and other penalties; and Medicaid that enhances compliance with regulatory requirements and payments of rebate claims timely, as well as at correct rates for government medicaid programs. It also provides Deal Management, which increases deal conversion and pricing consistency; Deal Intelligence that controls price concessions and determines ideal prices; Channel Management, which provides manufacturers a view of inventory, as well as evaluate price protection and stock rotation, and matching available inventory to quotes; Market Development Fund Management that allows companies to streamline their MDF process and reduce revenue leakage; Rebates Management, which centralizes control of rebate programs; and Channel Data Management that automates the process of collection, cleansing, validation, and standardization of channel partner data, such as POS, inventory, and claims. In addition, the company offers implementation, managed, strategic, and customer support services. It primarily serves large and mid-sized organizations worldwide through its direct sales force. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in San Mateo, California.
MRC Global Inc., through its subsidiaries, distributes pipes, valves, fittings, and other infrastructure products and services to the energy, industrial, and gas utility end-markets in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It offers ball, butterfly, gate, globe, check, diaphragm, needle, and plug valves; and other products, such as lined corrosion resistant piping systems, control valves, valve automation, and top work components, as well as valve modification services; and measurement, steam, and instrumentation products. The company also provides carbon steel fittings and flanges comprising carbon weld fittings, flanges, and piping components; stainless steel, alloy and corrosion resistant pipes, tubing, fittings, and flanges; and carbon line pipes. In addition, it offers natural gas distribution products, including risers, meters, polyethylene pipes and fittings, and various other components and industrial supplies; oilfield and industrial supplies and completion equipment, such as high density polyethylene pipes, fittings, and rods; and specialized production equipment comprising tanks and separators. Further, the company provides various services, such as product testing, manufacturer assessments, multiple daily deliveries, volume purchasing, inventory and zone store management and warehousing, technical support, training, just-in-time delivery, truck stocking, order consolidation, product tagging and system interfaces, and valve inspection and repair services; and various other services under the ValidTorque and FastTrack names. Its products are used in the construction, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of equipment used in extreme operating conditions, including high pressure, high/low temperature, and high corrosive and abrasive environments. The company was formerly known as McJunkin Red Man Holding Corporation and changed its name to MRC Global Inc. in January 2012. MRC Global Inc. was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
VMware, Inc. provides software solutions in the areas of modern applications, cloud management and infrastructure, networking, security, and digital workspaces in the United States and internationally. It offers VMware multi-cloud solutions, including VMware vSphere, a data center infrastructure that provides the fundamental compute layer; vSAN and VxRail, which offers holistic data storage and protection options to applications running on vSphere; and vRealize Cloud Management solutions that manages hybrid and multi-cloud environments running in virtual machines and containers, as well as VMware Cloud Foundation, a cloud platform that combines its vSphere, vSAN, and NSX with vRealize Cloud Management into an integrated stack and delivers enterprise-ready cloud infrastructure for private and public clouds. The company also provides networking solutions, such as VMware NSX, NSX Distributed and Gateway Firewalls, NSX Network Detection and Response Engine, NSX Advanced Load Balancer, Tanzu Service Mesh, and VMware SASE; security solutions consisting of VMware Carbon Black Endpoint, Workload, and Container; and digital workspace solutions comprising Workspace ONE Unified Endpoint Management, Access, Intelligent Hub, and Horizon. In addition, it offers application modernization solutions, such as Tanzu Application and Operations Platform, Tanzu Application Service Platform, Tanzu Observability, Tanzu Community Edition, and Tanzu Labs; and cloud management solutions, including vRealize Cloud Management, vCloud Suite, and CloudHealth by VMware Suite. The company sells its products through distributors, resellers, system vendors, and systems integrators. VMware, Inc. has a strategic alliance with Amazon Web Services to build and deliver an integrated hybrid solution. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.
A Cedar Cliff High School student is facing criminal charges after police say he lit a fireball in a classroom.
Cesar Antonio Jaen, 18, of New Cumberland, was charged Thursday with misdemeanor possession of a weapon on school property, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct, according to court records.
Around 10:24 a.m. Dec. 9, Jaen used an Old Spice aerosol spray and a lighter to light a fireball inside a classroom with several other students, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Lower Allen Township Police.
When questioned, Jaen told police that he saw the lighter and spray in his backpack and decided to ignite the fireball, police said.
There were about eight to 10 other students in the classroom, several of whom were frightened by the fireball, according to the affidavit.
Police said Jaens actions placed the other students in danger, but court records do not indicate that any student was injured.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. March 1 in front of Magisterial District Judge Charles Clement Jr.
Seventh Indo-Maldives joint military exercise EKUVERIN begins
Published: December 15, 2016
The seventh edition of India, Maldives bilateral EKUVERIN Exercise 2016 began at Kadhdhoo, Laamu Atoll, Maldives.
The aim of 14 day platoon level joint military exercise is to conduct military training between armies of both countries with emphasis on amphibious & counter insurgency, counter terrorism operations.
Key Facts
In this edition of exercise, Indian contingent is represented by BIHAR Regiment and a similar contingent strength of the Maldivian National Defence Force.
It will cover varied military training activities in order to enhance interoperability between the two defence forces. It will conclude with tactical exercises.
The sixth edition of the exercise was held in India at Pangode Military Station in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala.
Month: Current Affairs - December, 2016
Topics: Defence EKUVERIN India-Maldives Indian Military Exercises Military Exercises National
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The ladies of the UMW (United Methodist Women) of Memorial United Methodist Church in Farmington have the perfection solution for those wanting candy and cookies for the Christmas season.
The UMW Cookie Candy Walk is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday in the church fellowship hall, located at 424 North St. in Farmington.
Cookies and candy are for sale at $6 a pound. Everyone who attends is given a pre-weighed container for their treats.
Earlier this week, members of the committee were sampling another offering at this years sale.
Pam Brooks, Alice Johnson, Regina Wilson, Ginny Smith, Vickie Cleve and Sarah Slinkard found themselves tasked to do something of utmost importance take a taste test to determine which semi-homemade cinnamon roll recipe to use.
Johnson brought in a tray of fresh, hot cinnamon rolls to sample perhaps one of the easiest tasks of the day.
As with most cooks, she didnt want to share what she uses to make the cinnamon rolls stand out.
Theyre semi-homemade with a secret ingredient, she said, sharing the recipe with the others as they will help prepare the 72 rolls for that day.
The testing is for a good cause a cinnamon roll from the chosen recipe and a cup of coffee will be available at the sale for $3 as dine-in only until they sell out.
The cookies and candy are what draw the community to the event each year. This year, theres more than just cinnamon rolls added to the recipe.
Cleve said the event began years ago with a holiday bazaar featuring Christmas decorations made by members of the church.
At that time, there were no other bazaars, no craft stores in town, Cleve said. They would start in January and work all year long until the first Saturday in December when the bazaar was held.
This year, (the committee) is bringing it up to date. Theyre doing it like they did years ago.
Brooks explained the sale has been moved back to the fellowship hall. Theyre also adding sweet bread, yeast bread, pies or special Christmas cakes.
Johnson said Christmas crafts are being made by members of the church to sell at the walk as well.
Brooks showed a barn quilt in the colors of red and green she created for the sale.
I was on Facebook and someone posted a photo of a card that looked like it could easily be painted, she said. I made a variation of that design on the card and painted it on the wood.
Johnson showed a photo of a wreath shes made using ornaments that will be available that day as well.
Money raised from the event is used to support various local charities, including St. Francois County Community Partnerships Season of Hope, Shared Blessings, and Restorative Justice among others.
It goes into our community missions fund and is divided out, Cleve said.
Some of the more popular items at the cookie and cake walk are caramels, Boston Cream candy and divinity.
Smith joked saying a fear of many is that the baker of a favorite treat would decide to take a vacation around the time of the walk.
Theyre always looking for Evelyn Kinkeads rolls, Johnson said. And, the candy Grace Lerche makes.
The group agrees the cost of $6 per pound is a bargain considering the cost to make cookies and candy for the holiday season.
For more information on the walk, contact Memorial United Methodist Church at 573-756-4565.
RICHMOND GOP strategist Ed Gillespie leads a pack of Republicans running for governor next year, while Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam edges Gillespie in a head-to-head matchup, an early poll finds.
Gillespie, a former Republican National Committee chairman who came close to toppling Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., in 2014, gets 24 percent of Republican support, according to a Qunnipiac University poll released Wednesday.
Polling for the survey began before U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., bowed out of the race late last week. The poll found his support at 10 percent. State Sen. Frank Wagner of Virginia Beach and Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, were tied at 4 percent.
The poll found that 57 percent of Republicans are undecided. The party will choose its nominee in a June primary.
By margins ranging from 66 percent to 86 percent, Republicans said they did not know enough about the primary contenders to form an opinion of them.
"Ever since Ed Gillespie came oh-so-close to upsetting U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner two years ago, he has had his eye on the governor's mansion," Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac poll, said in a written statement. "He enters this campaign with a solid, but by no means overwhelming, lead for the Republican nomination."
On the Democratic side, Northam has no competition to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
In a hypothetical general election matchup, Northam beats Gillespie 38 percent to 34 percent. The lieutenant governor's lead is larger over Stewart (38-29), Wittman (39-30) and Wagner (39-30).
The poll also finds that voters approve of the job McAuliffe is doing, which could benefit Northam's bid since he has worked closely with the governor. Fifty-two percent approve of McAuliffe's performance, while 30 percent disapprove.
Opinions of the governor vary sharply by party. Democrats approve of the job he is doing by a huge margin, with 75 percent saying he is doing a good job and 8 percent saying he is not. Independents approve of his performance by a 52-32 percent margin. Among Republicans, 57 percent disapprove and 27 percent approve.
The Republican-controlled General Assembly gets lower marks, with 47 percent of voters approving and 31 percent disapproving - scores that were consistent with voters of all stripes.
The poll, which surveyed 1,098 Virginia voters on landlines and cellphones from Dec. 6 through Dec. 11, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. The survey includes 451 Republicans, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.6 percentage points.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Adam and Valerie Uthlaut, of New Florence, won the Missouri Farm Bureau (MFB) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award during the organizations 102nd annual meeting Dec. 6 at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Second place in the contest went to Brad and Courtney Detring, of Farmington. The couple received $200 and an expense paid trip to the AFBF Annual Meeting.
The Uthlauts received a plaque recognizing their farm management and leadership skills from MFB President Blake Hurst during the annual YF&R breakfast. Their award included a $500 check from the Missouri Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, a $500 check from Ford Motor Company, and one-year free use of a Gator utility vehicle from Sydenstricker John Deere.
The farm couple also won a trip to Phoenix, Arizona, to represent Missouri at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) YF&R Achievement Award Contest this January. The contest is part of the AFBF Annual Meeting where they will compete for the grand prize of a 2017 Chevrolet or GMC truck. Three finalists each receive prizes of a Case IH Farmall tractor, $500 in Stihl farm merchandise and $2,500 cash.
The couple run a large diversified livestock and crop farm with Adams father and brother. Adam and Valerie moved back to the family farm after Valerie earned her Masters degree in animal and veterinary science from the University of Wyoming. Both graduated from UW with Bachelors degrees in animal and veterinary science.
With extensive knowledge in artificial insemination (AI) both do all of the reproductive work for their cows and heifers. In 2016, Adam and Valerie AIed more than 400 cows and 200 heifers sold directly from the farm, half of those represent their share of the family operation. He also owns and manages a flock of 85 ewes and, with the help of a full-time employee, runs the farms haying operation to cut hay for 1,900 large round bales and 1,800 square bales each year. In total, the family farms more than 2,700 rented acres and 1,200 owned acres.
To save labor cost, they hire out silage chopping to a custom chopper. They have also started to plant fall cover crops for grazing and improved soil health. Major investments have been made in manure management on the farm to reduce labor, control odor, and better manage fertilizer costs.
The couple serves on the MFB YF&R Committee, and Adam also serves on the MFB Resolutions Committee and is chairman of the MFB Sheep Commodity Committee. Both are involved in University of Missouri Extension and the Montgomery County Soil & Water District. They have two daughters, ages 10 and 5.
Placing third to win $100 were Daniel and Elizabeth Eddy, of New Madrid, in New Madrid County. They received $100.
The Achievement Award is designed to recognize young farmers and ranchers who have not received a majority of their income from an owned production agriculture enterprise for the past three years.
RICHMOND Gov. Terry McAuliffe said Wednesday that he will propose $31.7 million in new funds to improve the state's mental health system and curb the increasingly dire opioid crisis.
The funding includes $5.3 million in general fund dollars to boost access to opioid addiction treatment and to help prevent fatal overdoses.
In 2015, there were 800 fatal opioid overdoses in Virginia. In the first half of 2016, there was a 35 percent increase in the number of fatal overdoses compared with the same time in 2015.
"We anticipate fatal opioid overdoses, for the first time this year, will go over 1,000," McAuliffe said Wednesday at the Patrick Henry Building during an event in which he announced the proposed new funds.
"That's more deaths than we have from guns, that's more deaths than we have from car crashes. We are breaking our own records every single year and, folks, it is just plain unacceptable."
Last month Marissa J. Levine, the state health commissioner, declared Virginia's opioid addiction crisis a public health emergency.
Of the proposed $5.3 million, $5 million would go toward providing more than 700 people with opioid addictions with medication assisted treatment and support, while the rest would be used to create a new position to oversee those treatment programs and to purchase overdose reversal kits and Naloxone, a drug that reverses the effects of an overdose.
Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, a pediatric neurologist, brought up Virginia's relationship with providers and said the state should work with them to figure out alternative ways of dealing with chronic pain other than prescribing opioids.
"We also need to be able to recognize that there's addiction, and when we recognize addiction, we need to know where to turn to get those individuals help," Northam said.
Additionally, McAuliffe's proposed funds are meant to address a behavioral health system that "is not a 21st century system."
"It was a system that was built around institutionalizing individuals in order to treat them," he said. "That does not breed success."
An additional $8.2 million would be used to implement "same day access" screening and assessment services at 25 of the 40 Community Services Boards across the state, which are responsible for providing mental health and substance abuse treatment to their communities.
The additional Community Services Boards would begin same day access in the next biennium.
Beyond funding community services, McAuliffe intends to address the needs of mental health hospitals in the state, many of which are at or near capacity. Since July 2014 state hospitals have seen a 43 percent increase in admissions.
McAuliffe will propose $7.4 million in funds for discharge planning, private bed purchases and other services that are intended to relieve some of the pressure on state hospitals.
Deaths in jails
The governor's proposals also include a provision meant to clarify the Board of Corrections' authority to investigate deaths in Virginia jails.
The August 2015 death of Jamycheal Mitchell, an inmate at the Hampton Roads Regional Jail, led to widespread calls for scrutiny of the Portsmouth facility.
Mitchell's death "demonstrated that someone needs to have the authority and responsibility to investigate when a death occurs in one of our jails," McAuliffe said.
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a federal civil rights investigation into the jail about inmates' access to medical and mental health care.
Two other inmates at the jail died this year, days after their emergency requests for medical care were denied.
During Wednesday's event, Attorney General Mark Herring said the state's opioid crisis and mental health challenges are putting "an incredible strain on families, on our social safety net, and even on our law enforcement community."
"Today's announcement is a huge step in reorienting our response to substance abuse and mental health," he said.
McAuliffe said that in addition to the proposed new funding, he will propose legislation in order to:
Authorize certain entities and individuals to lawfully possess clean syringes as part of a comprehensive harm reduction strategy
Limit opioid prescriptions written in emergency departments to three days
Create a state registry for certified peer recovery specialists and qualified mental health professionals
Allow community organizations to distribute Naloxone as part of training
Allow Child Protective Services to respond to all reports of substance exposed infants
Expand eligibility for participation in Drug Treatment Courts to include those convicted of violent crimes
Mandate e-prescribing for all opioids
Clarify that the Board of Corrections has the authority to investigate when someone dies in jail, and specify the expertise needed on the BOC to accomplish this.
McAuliffe will detail his proposed amendments to the state's two-year budget on Friday in an address to the legislature's money committees.
Dec. 15
Photos with Santa in Esmont
We will have snacks and the big man in a red suit to hear the childrens Christmas lists and spread good cheer and a little bit of heath advice too All welcome at Southern Albemarle Family Practice, 2256 Irish Road, Esmont. Thursday, Dec. 15, 5-7 p.m.
Dec. 16
Baptist Church Nativity
Fork Union Baptist Church, in Fork Union, has a Living Nativity on Dec. 16-17, from 7-8:30 p.m.
James River Brewery
Open Music Jam, on Friday, Dec. 16, from 7-9 p.m. James River Brewery in Scottsville. Questions, call Carlean Stevens at (434) 589-2798.
Dec. 17
Scottsville and The Grinch
Like the classic The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? Well, come to Scottsville on Saturday, between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include a costume contest, candy cane hunt and a free showing of the classic Christmas film at Victory Hall.
Charlottesville Holiday Party
The Chamomile and Whiskey is holding a live shoot and holiday party on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. in the Frys Spring Beach Club, in Charlottesville. Local legends Red and the Romantics will be opening the show. Doors open at 7 p.m. Beer and wine will be sold at the bar. Advance tickets are $7.50, and $10 at the door. The address is: 2512 Jefferson Park Ave., Charlottesville. Questions, call Maggie Williams at (434) 547-0454.
Focus Talk with Artist
Focus Contemporary Art presents an evening with artist Susan Jamison, on Dec. 17, from 6-8 p.m. Jamison received a B.F.A from James Madison University in Harrisonburg and a M.F.A in painting from Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. Jamison is best known for her intricate egg tempera paintings, which present a mysterious cult of florid women who foray into the wild and commune with animal spirit guides or familiars, acting as avatars for the viewers imagination. These figures combine vulnerability and strength, sexuality and innocence, the magical with the natural.
All are invited to attend the talk. Admission is free. Seating is limited. The talk will be held at Focus Contemporary Art, located at 385 Valley Street, Scottsville.
DEC. 18
Byrd Chapel X-mas Cantata
Byrd Chapel United Methodist Church Choir will be presenting its annual Christmas Cantata on Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. It is entitled Come Let Us Adore. All are welcome to join us. Byrd Chapel is located at 5371 Venable Road (Rt. 601), Kents Store. Any questions, please call (434) 589-2142.
Baptist Christmas Concert
Union Branch Baptist Church has a community Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4:30 p.m. with local groups. Wear your Christmas colors!
Baptist Church Cantata
Fork Union Baptist Church, in Fork Union, VA, will feature an Adult Christmas Cantata and Childrens Christmas Story. Dec. 18, at 11 a.m.
DEC. 23
Baptist Church Live Nativity
Bybees Road Baptist Church will have a Live Nativity on Friday, Dec. 23 from 6-8 p.m.
DEC. 24
Baptist Church Service
Bybees Road Baptist Church, located in Troy, will have a Christmas Eve service on Saturday, Dec. 24, at 5:30 p.m.
Scottsville Church Service
Historic Scottsville Presbyterian Church is hosting a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Special music will be provided. The address is: 148 Bird Street, Scottsville, VA. Please call (434) 286-4062 or (434) 409-3324 for more information.
Another X-Mas Eve Service
Please join us at Beulah Baptist Church in Kents Store (1633 Kents Store Way) for our annual Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. Questions, call (434) 589-2245.
DEC. 25
Baptist Church Service
Fork Union Baptist Church, in Fork Union, VA, will have a Christmas Worship service on Sunday, Dec. 25, at 11 a.m.
DEC. 31
MLK Essay Contest
The Martin Luther King Day Commemoration Committee will award up to four scholarships to students who live in the Monticello High School district and will be entering their first year of college in the Fall of 2017. Interested students are invited to enter the 27th annual essay contest held in connection with the local celebration of Dr. Kings life and work.
The topic for the essay is Has Dr. Kings Dream Been Fulfilled? Scholarship funds will be awarded to the most creative, well-researched and original interpretations of the topic. Application forms and further details are available from Mr. Graham Paige, 286-3639 or gtpaige@aol.com. Completed essays must be received by Dec. 31, 2016. Winners will be announced at the Martin Luther King Day celebration Jan. 15 at New Green Mountain Baptist Church, Esmont.
Farm Bureau constantly talks about grassroots involvement of members who get involved because they believe Farm Bureaus efforts legislatively, judicially and bureaucratically make a difference for the well-being of farmers and the consumers who enjoy the food they grow. We dont always agree, but we understand consensus works. As the number of farmers has dwindled, gathering many voices as one is the best way to be heard. Over the past century, Farm Bureau has found its collective voice and a common ground on big issues.
In December, Missouri Farm Bureau held its annual meeting to debate and approve policies for 2017. American Farm Bureau will follow suit in January to do the same at a national level. It is an annual ritual. At both meetings, members come to an agreement on hundreds of policy positions. There are disagreements and squabbles, but all understand the majority opinion is heard the loudest. The theme at the state meeting was appropriate for the process: Facing the Issues. Together, farmers and ranchers make real change through the tool known as Farm Bureau.
In north-central Missouri, Marilyn OBannon didnt even know about a proposed electrical line that could slice her farm in half. She found out from the county Farm Bureau president. Together, with other landowners, she continues to oppose the Grain Belt Express going through northern Missouri. With Farm Bureaus involvement, the project was put on hold.
Dustin and Austin Stanton are two young entrepreneurs that run a thriving egg-laying business. Their success has drawn the attention of federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency. Austin says many different inspectors have come out to their farm, each with their own interpretation of regulations. No business can operate under such a cloud of uncertainty. During a first visit to the Stanton farm, one inspector asked where the chickens were as the birds pecked at her shoes.
A rancher in the southern part of the state worries about activists who want to tell her how to raise her cattle. She has battled her own obstacles to care for her cow/calf herd and understands better than any activist how to care for her animals.
The weight of regulatory red tape, the worries of keeping the family farm whole and keeping at bay radical animal rights activists are real issues farmers and ranchers face daily. They cant fight these battles alone, but they can and do decide how to confront them as members of Missouri Farm Bureau. Together, they utilize the expert staff at Farm Bureau to make sure their voice cuts through the red tape and rhetoric. It is a good system. Best of all, it works.
Dear Santa,
Its me again with my 51st annual letter, a little older, no more wiser and still looking for that go-cart that never made it under the tree.
I hope this correspondence finds you well.
As I have previously explained, my first few letters in the mid- to late 1960s were more or less press releases from my family because I had not yet developed the skills to express myself in writing, aside from scrawling my dog good on a hallway wall in purple crayon. That resulted in punishment and a realization that words are powerful, which in turn led to a life in journalism and continued punishment in the form of low wages, job instability and public disdain.
But enough about me; lets talk about you as you prepare to travel around the globe, breaking into peoples houses, devouring their cookies and hopefully leaving a little swag behind. Heres some advice: You may want to review Floridas stand-your-ground law before visiting homes in the Sunshine State.
It was a tough year, as most are, but you made it through once again. The toys, long ago outsourced to China, are packaged and ready for the good little girls and boys, and the sleigh, recalled this summer due to the reindeer emissions scandal, is back and packed and ready to go.
You survived yet another hard-fought election for Worlds Most Popular Mythical Being, with the Easter Bunny and his supporters running a particularly brutal campaign, especially on social media.
There were the tweets:
Crooked Claus! Little Mary asked for a dolly last year and got a teddy bear. Crooked Claus is no good. #bunny #makethenorthpolegreatagain.
Saw Crooked Claus on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer last night. Unwatchable. I think his beard is fake. Mrs. Claus may be his real beard. #coloredeggs #yellowsnow.
Why is Crooked Claus getting emails on his private server instead of his .xmas account? Something is fishy and its not a penguins breath. #greatbunny #FrostyendorsedME.
There were fake news stories shared millions of times on Facebook:
You wont BELIEVE what Santa does down the chimney
Mrs. Claus to Santa: Get out you cheating bozo!
Blitzen spills the beans on Santas eggnog problem!
None of it true, but nowadays people believe what they want to be believe and the facts be damned, even when the fake posts are debunked by the South Poles fact-checking website, Snowpes.
Luckily, though, when the votes were counted you were elected to yet another term as Worlds Most Popular Mythical Being. The Easter Bunny did well in the North Poles frost belt thanks to his populist message and in the South Pole, you both managed to hold off third party candidate Bigfoot and his running mate Lizard Man.
In the end, with the help of the Elftorial College and a Russian hacker named Triglav, you were triumphant. Well done, sir.
So enough about you; lets get back to me. After 52 years of booties, crayons, Gnip Gnop, an Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle or two and later a lot of well just get him some beer cause we know he likes that, I cant think of anything material I need. The truck runs. The house only leaks when it rains. Theres soup in the cabinet. The old dog is a little whiter around the snout but shes still here.
I might ask that people be a little nicer to each other, lighten up on the name-calling and realize, most times, we have more common than we let on.
Oh, yeah, and I still want that go-cart.
Love,
Scott
Its a busy time of year for everyone it seems and the staff and volunteers at the Elvins Food Pantry are no exception.
As part of their mission to help feed the folks of St. Francois County, this Sunday, volunteers at the Elvins pantry, located at 17 W. Main St. in Park Hills, will be saying thank you to area veterans by hosting a Veterans Food Day at the pantry.
The pantry will be open for two hours on Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m., to serve veterans and widows of veterans who live in St. Francois County.
This is for all St. Francois County veterans who have honorably served in our military and those who continue to serve, said Randy King, the pantrys board president. Proof of honorable military service is all that is required to receive food on this special day. We at Elvins pantry are so thankful for our vets and what theyve done for us and wish we could do so much more. We look forward to serving you on this special day and it would be an honor to give a little something this Christmas season to those who have given us so much.
To qualify as a veteran, take proof of St. Francois County residency, a picture ID and VA card or honorable discharge papers.
Throughout the year, the Elvins pantry, along with several other area food banks, provide many families with food who have been assigned to a location through the East Missouri Action Agency or otherwise use a pantry on a regular basis.
The Elvins Food Pantry serves between 350 and 400 families every month, according to King. Sundays food fair, however, is for St. Francois County residents who may not have been able to qualify to receive assistance through a food bank.
This is different, said King, this is a day our pantry has set aside to give to those that have given so much to us by serving in our U.S. military.
To help the pantry keep helping others, a program to benefit the Elvins Food Pantry called In the Bag is up and running now through Christmas.
Its donating made easy for folks who would like to help those in need, said King. Just stop by one of the participating retailers, purchase as many bags as you would like and Elvins pantry picks up bags at the store and distributes them through the pantry.
The pre-filled bags can be purchased at Save-A-Lot and Country Mart in Park Hills, Walmart stores in Desloge and Farmington, and at Mikes Market in Bismarck.
The pantry recently received another type of helping hand when several members of Walmarts regional management team stopped by the Elvins Food Pantry to lend a hand.
William Britton from the Desloge Walmart, Jake Seiler from the Festus location, Suzanne Korn from Walmarts Health and Wellness division, Jimmy Frye from Sullivan, Luther Riddle from the Cuba Walmart, Brian Holligan from Perryville and Gary McCalain from Desotos Walmart pitched in with sorting food items, stocking shelves, filling carts and loading groceries into cars.
Amazing people doing great things for our community, said King. The Elvins pantry exists because of the generosity of its donors and supporters.
The Elvins Food Pantrys normal hours of operation are Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
There are many ways to donate to the pantry.
To donate by mail, send a check or money order to Elvins Food Pantry, P.O. Box 282, Park Hills, MO 63601.
To drop off food items, stop by the pantry on a Monday or Friday between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The pantry is located at 17 W. Main St. in Park Hills, across the street from Dominos Pizza.
To arrange for a volunteer to pick up a donation, call 573-518-1266 or 573-315-8205 to schedule a convenient time.
Another option is to purchase a donation at a participating store and a pantry volunteer will gladly pick it up. Participating stores include Country Mart and Save-A-Lot in Park Hills, Mikes Market in Bismarck and Walmart in Desloge and Farmington.
WASHINGTON D.C. - USA - Donald Trump may have thought he had the presidency in the bag, but there are ill winds blowing over his momentous non-win.
GOP insiders reveal whats really going down with the electoral college.
The founding fathers thought long and hard about an emergency brake when they came up with the electoral college. Thats why Trump is going to get a nice surprise when 37 electors block his presidency. No one thought that Trump would win, but now he has, we have other ways of blocking this nutcase from becoming president. Sure, it will go to Congress afterwards, and thats when we will do the same, a GOP insider revealed on Tuesday.
What would the consequences of such an action be? Well, there are multiple scenarios, however it is safe to say there would be civil war, martial law declared in most U.S. cities, and most certainly the national guard on the streets.
Obama, could very well be Americas last president, as predicted by a blind gypsy woman somewhere in Eastern Europe a few years back.
There will be five North County High School senior choir members making a once in a lifetime trip to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall, including three who were selected last year.
North County High School Guidance Counselor and mother to a selected choir student Lori Kohm said three students who were selected last year were selected again for this years performance.
These five students were selected out of 18,000 submissions, said Kohm. What they do is pick a number of kids to make up a womens choir and then a number of kids to make up a concert choir. Last year we had six students and this year we have five who were selected and three of them are repeats.
This years students who were selected to perform at Carnegie Hall are Jorden Crump, Kade Adams and Jared Kohm for the concert choir and Lexy Easter and Emily Owings for the womens choir.
The students get their music sheets in advance so they are able to start practicing for the event. Kohm said last year the music they received was complicated and extremely difficult.
Jared said last year was a bit nerve-racking with all the fundraising and when he got there he was in a different group than his friends from school.
I had to stick around a lot of people I didnt know and we were constantly practicing, said Jared. Once we arrived and had our first practice in New York things started to iron out. We were feeling a bit more confident about the songs. We met a lot of people while we were there and I am a little nervous again this year, but not anything like last year.
It also the second time for Owings to be selected and she said last year she sang a part she doesnt sing normally in choir and that made her nervous.
You never know what the people are going to be like and working with a new choir director made me nervous, said Owings. I was really shocked to be selected again, but I am glad I have the chance to be with my friends and go to New York again because it was a great experience.
Owings said she never thought she would be selected for a second time. This will be Crumps first time and she is really excited.
I am really thankful for the opportunity to get to travel to New York and sing at Carnegie Hall, said Crump. Not everyone does that and a lot of people never even get to go to New York City. I have never been there before, so I am really excited.
Crump said she isnt nervous about traveling on her own, but the idea of being in such a big city with only a few people she knows is a little scary.
Adams was also selected for his first time and he said it is amazing and he couldnt imagine any other reason to go to New York City in his entire life.
This is a trip of a lifetime and I am so thankful I have the opportunity to take it, said Adams. Some of us could never go there otherwise. I never thought I would be selected and I didnt expect this. I am nervous because we are going into a completely new place I have never been with a few people I know and Ill have to step out of my comfort zone and get to know the world.
Easter was selected for her second year in a row and she said it is very exciting and feels she is blessed to have this opportunity twice.
Some people never get this opportunity once, so it is very exciting, said Easter. I didnt think I would be selected a second time and I was shocked. We had to submit a submission tape, so I worked with my choir teacher to record me singing a solo and sent it in.
Easter said they submitted the tapes in June and heard back in November if they were selected or not.
Kohm said the kids will be fundraising to raise money to make the trip and currently they are selling cinnamon rolls from Thee Abbey Kitchen in Arcadia Valley as a fundraiser.
They are homemade cinnamon rolls and we will be doing home deliveries this coming Friday and Tuesday, said Kohm. We are taking orders now and we will deliver after school on Dec. 16 or all day on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
Kohm said if anyone wants to place an order, they are $4 each or $15 for a four pack. They are the half size, glazed cinnamon rolls and orders can be text to 573-631-4689 and somebody will give a confirmation or contact them to make sure they received their order.
We will deliver them all around the community, Bonne Terre, Desloge, Park Hills and Farmington, said Kohm. If they have offices or businesses and would like to place a collective order, they can do that and we will deliver on Tuesday to their business.
Kohm added they can freeze them or refrigerate them so they can have them on Christmas morning or just for a delicious treat. The cutoff day on orders for the Dec. 16 delivery is Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. and for the Dec. 20 delivery the cutoff day is Dec. 18 at 3 p.m.
They will perform for the public at Carnegie Hall on Feb. 5 at 8:30 p.m. and it is a regularly scheduled performance so anyone can attend.
The students were selected after sending in application recordings and will be among the worlds top young musicians from around the globe. While the students are in New York they will get to experience a Broadway Musical, a walking tour of the city, and a private after performance celebration on the Hudson River.
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New Delhi: Finance Ministry today exuded confidence that supply of new currency notes will considerably improve in next 2-3 weeks even as it asked the RBI and banks to "countercheck" the data regarding deposit of now-defunct currency notes to ensure there is no double counting.
The RBI has already pumped in Rs 5 lakh crore worth 500 and 2,000 rupee notes and by month end about 50 per cent of the Rs 15 lakh crore worth demonetised currency would be injected into the system, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das told reporters here.
"Finance Ministry, RBI and enforcement agencies are working in tandem so that situation eases out. Situation has considerably improved. And going forward, I would expect in next 2-3 weeks situation will considerably ease out with the supply of more new 500 rupee notes," he said, adding that condition would not "worsen" after December 30.
He said the government has stepped up printing of 500 rupee notes and as its circulation increases, people would also take out the 2,000 rupee notes they were hoarding so far.
More than 2 lakh ATMs have already been recalibrated against 2.20 lakh ATMs and it has come to the Ministry's notice that some banks in order to ensure that they are in a position to service their own customers, they prefer to give the cash through their branches.
"We have advised banks that they should continue replenish cash in ATMs and not to starve ATMs. We are monitoring it regularly," Das said.
As per RBI data, over Rs 12.44 lakh crore worth defunct 500 and 1000 rupee notes have been deposited till December 10. "RBI has given a figure of Rs 12.5 lakh crore which has been received back. There are lot of areas where we feel there could be double counting. So we have identified those areas and we have requested RBI and banks to again double check.
"So a process of correction, checking, counter checking of the figure, due diligence is being done to see there is no double counting of figure.... We think there is scope for double counting and therefore the scope for verification of those figures are going on," Das said.
He said three times the total number of lower denomination notes -- 100, 50, 20 and 10 -- which RBI supplies in a year has been supplied over the last five weeks. About Rs 1.60 lakh crore worth 100 rupee notes were in circulation before November 8 and more than Rs 80,000 crore worth of this notes have been supplied to the market over past five weeks.
The DEA Secretary further said that more number of 50, 20 and 10 rupee notes has also been circulated in the system. "Roughly about almost 50 per cent of the notes which were in circulation would be supplied in the next 10-15 days," Das said, adding seized notes are being put back to circulation as soon as possible.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 8 announced scrapping of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and replaced by new Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes. The demonetised notes accounted for 86 per cent of currency in circulation or Rs 15.4 lakh crore.
"More and more production lines have been diverted in printing 500 rupee notes because we have enough number of 2000 rupee notes that have been supplied and there is enough stock available. But now the printing of the 500 rupee notes have been significantly stepped up.
"It has been pushed into the market so that the supply of 2000 rupee notes becomes more mobile. So with increased supply of 500 rupee notes, the 2000 rupee notes which people were hoarding till now will come back to the system," Das said, adding notes are being airlifted to areas facing shortage.
He further said that the security features and design of the new notes were indigenously developed and hence the possibility of counterfeiting it is far far lower. Das also promised to sort out issues faced by Nepal and Bhutan due to non-availability of 500 and 2,000 rupee notes.
"As far as Nepal is concerned we have already examined the report, so we will be taking some action, whatever action govt will take is under examination. As far as Bhutan is concerned, the RBI has made necessary arrangements for supply of cash required by Bhutan authorities because Indian rupee is accepted in Bhutan.
So the RBI has given necessary instructions to connected banks to give necessary cash required by Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan," he said. Das said the RBI has a particular plan of action with regard to currency supply.
"With regard to remonetisation process, it would be as per requirement and also government has given a big push to digital transaction. There is very significant growth of digital transaction and therefore the requirement of cash will be measured and based on requirement the cash will be remonetised."
He said the CBDT is taking "surgical action" on data provided by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) filed by banks for detecting illegal accumulation of new currency.
"Further action is being taken by the tax department and it is not an aimless fishing expedition," Das said.
With regard to the impact of demonetisation on rabi sowing, Das said the total sowing area so far is almost at par with last year and whatever shortfall has happened will be made good in the coming weeks.
The Reserve Bank also said monthly withdrawal limit of Rs 10,000 will be maintained even if a 'small account' has witnessed increase in annual permissible deposit of Rs 1 lakh.
Tightening the noose around people who misused banking channels to park unaccounted money, the Reserve Bank today imposed certain restrictions on withdrawal if more than Rs 2 lakh has been deposited after November 9 in an account which has a balance of over Rs 5 lakh. As per a RBI notification, withdrawal or transfer of funds will not be permitted in accounts without quoting of PAN or submission of Form 60 (persons who do not have PAN).
The Reserve Bank also said monthly withdrawal limit of Rs 10,000 will be maintained even if a 'small account' has witnessed increase in annual permissible deposit of Rs 1 lakh. The notification follows after it was brought to the notice of the RBI that "strict compliance" with KYC (Know Your Customer) provisions is not being ensured in some cases.
In respect of KYC compliant accounts where the required Customer Due Diligence (CDD) procedure has been complied with, RBI said banks and NBFCs should ensure compliance regarding quoting of PAN/obtaining of Form 60 for all transactions. "No debit transaction, transfer or otherwise shall be allowed in accounts which do not comply with the above mentioned requirements.
"To begin with, this rule shall be strictly applied in accounts where both the thresholds listed -- (i) balance of rupees five lakh or more; and (ii) the total deposits (including credits by electronic or other means) made after November 9, 2016, exceed rupees two lakh," RBI said.
RBI further said if any account is rendered ineligible for being classified as a small account due to credits/balance in the account exceeding the permissible limits, withdrawals may be allowed within the limit prescribed for small accounts.
The monthly limit for withdrawal and transfer from a small account is Rs 10,000. Also, aggregate of all credits in a financial year cannot exceed Rs 1 lakh. Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts (Jan Dhan accounts are akin to BSBDAs), which are not KYC compliant accounts are to be treated as 'small accounts', the RBI added.
Government demonetised old Rs 500/1000 from November 9. Earlier, RBI had asked banks to strictly follow norms while allowing deposits in dormant accounts. There have been reports some people misused Jan Dhan and dormant accounts to deposit unaccounted money following demonetisation.
Washington: Indian-American PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi has joined Donald Trump's Strategic and Policy Forum that aims to assist the president-elect in implementing his economic agenda, the presidential transition team said today.
Chennai-born Nooyi, 61, is the only Indian-origin executive in the 19-member President's Strategic and Policy Forum, which was first announced early this week. Three new members were also announced in addition to the current 16.
The other corporate bigwigs to join the forum are Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, and SpaceX and Tesla chairman Elon Musk. The forum, composed of some of America's most highly respected and successful business leaders, will meet with the president frequently to share their specific experience and knowledge as the president implements his economic agenda, a media release said adding the forum will be chaired by Stephen A Schwarzman, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Blackstone.
"America has the most innovative and vibrant companies in the world, and the pioneering CEOs joining this forum today are at the top of their fields," Trump said.
"My administration is going to work together with the private sector to improve the business climate and make it attractive for firms to create new jobs across the United States from Silicon Valley to the heartland," he said.
According to the presidential transition team, members of the forum will be charged with providing their individual views to the president informed by their unique vantage points in the private sector on how government policy impacts economic growth, job creation and productivity.
"The forum is designed to provide direct input to the president from many of the best and brightest in the business world in a frank, non-bureaucratic and non-partisan manner," the media release said.
As chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, Nooyi heads a company that has more than USD 63 billion in annual net revenue, and more than USD 35 billion in the US alone. PepsiCo is the largest US food and beverage company with about 110,000 employees and 100 plants across the country.
During the general election, Nooyi was a known supporter of Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. After Trump's victory she said that Clinton's defeat in the election has left her daughters, gay workers, employees and non-whites devastated as there was "serious concern" among them about their safety in the US with Trump as president.
"I had to answer a lot of questions from my daughters, from our employees. They were all in mourning. Our employees were all crying. The question that they are asking, especially those who are not white - 'Are we safe', women are asking 'Are we safe', LGBT people are asking 'Are we safe'," she said at a New York conference on November 10.
At the same time she congratulated Trump on his victory. "The process of democracy happened, we just have to let life go on. We have to come together and life has to go on," she said.
The restrictions on cash withdrawals will be first eased in the case of co-operative banks and then for all the scheduled commercial banks.
New Delhi: The government indicated on Thursday that it will start easing restrictions on cash withdrawals once 80 per cent of the new currency introduced following the demonetisation is re-channelised through bank deposits. The restrictions on cash withdrawals will be first eased in the case of co-operative banks and then for all the scheduled commercial banks.
Meanwhile, the government which was talking a complete cashless economy on Friday subtly shifted the goal post. Union finance minister Arun Jaitley told a Parliamentary panel that digital transactions are a parallel mechanism, not a substitute, for cash transactions. Union finance ministry also cast a doubt on RBI data that Rs 12.44 lakh crore demonetised currency has been deposited in banks and asked RBI to re-verify it. Economic Affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das said that RBI may be double counting in some instances.
There are a lot of areas where we feel there could be double counting. So we have identified those areas and we have requested RBI and banks to again double check. So a process of correction, checking, counter checking of the figure, due diligence is being done to see there is no double counting of the figure.... We think there is scope for double counting and therefore the scope for verification of those figures are going on, Mr Das said.
He said that supply of new currency notes will considerably improve in next 2-3 weeks. The secretary said that by month end about 50 per cent of the Rs 15 lakh crore worth demonetised currency would be injected into the system. He said the government has stepped up printing of Rs 500 notes and as its circulation increases, people would also take out the Rs 2,000 notes they were hoarding so far.
Meanwhile, Mr Jaitley said that cashless economy is actually a less cash economy as no economy can be fully cashless. Finance minister said that government is trying to encourage digitisation as much as possible. He said that less cash can be gradually substituted to the possible extent through digital payments/transactions.
Saudi Arabia has long said it could produce as much as 12 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil if needed, but that pump-at-will claim which would require huge capital spending to access spare capacity has never been tested. (Representational image)
Dubai/London: Saudi Arabia has long said it could produce as much as 12 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil if needed, but that pump-at-will claim which would require huge capital spending to access spare capacity has never been tested. Sources say the kingdom may have stretched its current limits by extracting a record of around 10.7 million bpd this year, which could be one reason why Riyadh pushed so hard for a global deal to cut productions.
Riyadh, the world's top oil exporter, felt the burn of cheap oil this year when crude was trading below $50 a barrel, as the reality of its costly war in Yemen and the task of shaking up its economy to create thousands of jobs began to sink in. With tight resources, Saudi Arabia found itself weighing the prospect of investing billions of dollars to raise oil output further if it wanted to gain more market share under a strategy adopted in 2014.
Instead, cutting production amid a global glut and low prices to take the pressure off its oilfields, secure better reservoir management and save itself unnecessary expenses, seemed the perfect deal. You invest in raising your production when prices are high, not when they are low, a Saudi-based industry source said. Choices are tougher now. The question is, would the Saudi government with its tight budget put huge investment in raising production or put it somewhere else where it's needed more?
Oil rose as much as 6.5 per cent on Monday to an 18-month high after Opec and some of its rivals reached their first deal since 2001 to reduce output jointly. On Thursday, oil LCOc1 was trading above $54 a barrel. Under the deal, Saudi Arabia, de facto leader of the Opec, will from January cut output to around 10 million bpd - well below the 12 million bpd that the state has affirmed it can produce.
Saudi-based industry sources and market insiders say the kingdom cannot sustain historically high output for long. State oil giant Saudi Aramco has never tested 12 million bpd and would find it hard to keep the needed investments flowing with current low oil prices, they said.
Mumbai: It was nothing less than a dream come true for film producer Sandeep Choudhary to not just greet India's honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his recent visit to Japan, but he also had a brief interaction with the man himself!
The film producer, who is set to showcase his forthcoming patriotic entertainer, Yeh Hai India, was one of the very few selected dignitaries who got the opportunity to interact with PM Modi.
In his brief interaction with Narendra Modi, Sandeep Choudhary was delighted to share his views and opinions on his upcoming film, as the movie subject is very relative to Modi's thought, action and vision.
Sandeep also shared his business vision Dlb group of companies deals in real estate, construction, IT sector, film making and various different segments.
Sandeep says, "It was a memorable moment meeting Mr Narendra Modi. It was a great experience to share details regarding my upcoming film with him. I'm extremely happy to be part of Yeh Hai India, which I'm sure will be an eye-opener as it is dedicated to every Indian."
Written and directed by an Australia-based Indian director Lomharsh, Yeh Hai India features Gavie Chahal of Ek Tha Tiger fame, Deana Uppal, Mohan Agashe, Mohan Joshi, Major Bikramjeet and Surendera Pal. The post production of the movie has been completed and the film is all set to release soon.
Gavie Chahal, best known for his effective portrayal as the lead antagonist in the Salman Khan starrer Ek Tha Tiger, is ecstatic being part of his latest release, Yeh Hai India, produced by Sandeep Choudhary and written-directed by Lomharsh.
Sharing his experience, Gavie informs, "The difference between reality and cinema is that cinema mirrors the reality in some movies. Yeh Hai India is one of a kind realistic cinema, which makes you feel part of the film. It's a film for every Indians who proud to be a born citizen of this magic land."
With his realistic and honest performance, Gavie nailed the director's dream of a realistic cinema. "Very few filmmakers dare to film the truth and this film is one masterpiece in that category. As per the director Lomharsh, India is a emotional and religious land and you need an actor who cannot only carry these elements in his looks and act but can also apply them in his personal life."
Gavie is glad that our honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi praised the movie to producer Sandeep Choudhary during his recent trip to Japan. "With words of praise coming from our honourable revolutionary leader of India, really means a lot. It's nothing going less than a victory."
Last seen in Madaari and Inferno this year, the actor has Hindi Medium, The Songs of Scorpions, and a Bangladeshi movie called Doob in his kitty.
Known for his intense, and out-of-the-box roles, Irrfan Khan has a reason to celebrate yet again. The actor plays a lawyer in a brand new Japanese show that had been on the backburner for over a year and a half. Now we hear that the show has been given a new lease of life, and is all set to be launched on streaming service Netflix, in the next two weeks.
Says a source close to the actor, The much delayed Japanese show sees Irrfan play a lawyer. Its to be launched in the next couple of weeks. The actor will aggressively promote it across India as well, once the dates are finalised by the makers.
Irrfans career has been scaling new heights, and hes had quite the year. Last seen in Madaari and Inferno this year, the actor has Hindi Medium, The Songs of Scorpions, and a Bangladeshi movie called Doob in his kitty.
Mumbai: Malayalam superstar Mohanlal's 'Pulimurugan' seems to be in no mood to slow down as it's amassed a gargantuan 150 crore rupees approximately, as per latest reports.
The film, which also got dubbed into Telugu as 'Manyam Puli' has been running successfully even in Tollywood land, courtesy his popularity post the immensely successful 'Janatha Garage'.
With this, the film now is the third highest grossing South Indian film of the year, behind Rajinikanth's 'Kabali' and Vijay's 'Theri'.
Mohanlal has had a phenomenal year with all his releases, including 'Vismayam,' and 'Oppa being extremely successful. The actor will now be ending the year with the highly anticipated 'Munthirivallikal Thalirkumbol'.
Mohanlal, who shocked everyone with his phenomenal action, plays a village hunter in 'Pulimurugan,' who kills aggressive tigers with a vengeance. The film, made on a budget of 25 crore rupees, had action choreography done by Hollywood veteran Peter Hein. Mohanlal, reportedly did all his stunts himself, including the ones with the tiger.
The top three highest grossing Malayalam movies of all time are now Mohanlal's.
Well, with nothing left to conquer for the three time national award winning actor, it's just Mohanlal vs Mohanlal at the Kerala box-office, now!
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Malayalam superstars keep off film festivals for want of time as well as interest. Although world classics are screened at the festivals, they dont visit the venues due to previous commitments as well as to avoid crowding by the fans around them. Mammotty and Mohanlal were conspicuous by their absence at the 21st International Film Festival of Kerala, which will conclude on Friday. However, the new generation actors attend the festivals and relish the films. The IFFK is held in Thiruvananthapuram in December every year after the International Film Festival of India takes place in Goa in November.
Over 1,000 delegates from within the country and abroad attend both the festivals. The superstars can afford to watch world films in their homes. Currently, Mammootty is busy with Ranjits film, Puthan Panam being shot in Kozhikode.Mohanlal is touring the US with his family and is expected back only after Christmas. Mr M. B. Sanil Kumar, chartered accountant and close confidant of Mohanlal, told DC that he was uncomfortable watching films in theatres in the presence of his fans. Suresh Gopi recalled that he had attended the film festival a few years ago when two of his films, Jalamarmaram and Kaliyattom were screened.
Film festivals are not my cup of tea which are meant for serious film students. Each era has its own structure of movie making. I am a misfit on such platforms, he said. Mukesh told DC that at the IFFK he saw South African film Sink by Brett Michael Innes and Iranian film Daughter by Reza Mirkarimi which won the Golden Peacock at the IFFI in Goa. I watched them along with director I. V. Sasi on Wednesday, said Mukesh who also has several commitments as actor and MLA. A. Sahadevan, television anchor on world films and film critic, said that the superstars are not invited to IFFK most of the time. I will watch all the films that were screened at IFFK in my home. Similarly the superstars can get such films with ease, he said.
Thiruvananthapuram: Filmmaker Michel Khleifi was born in Nazareth. That could be northern Israel or northern Palestine, depending on which side you are on. I am a Palestinian. That we are Arabs in Israel is a figment of fiction that Israelis have created in their head, he says. He makes a map of Palestine, and goes on to cut it like Christmas cake. In the end, the map looks like mutiny on paper. (For sure, he is not trained in cartography.) Imagine an Israeli coming to Kerala, occupying the whole land and pushing you to other states, he says. He had to leave Nazareth for Brussels in Belgium, as there were no opportunities to grow. Even now percentage of Palestinians in universities may just be 2 percent. It is nothing, he says.
To help appreciate the situation, he shares a joke. We say, in Israel, you can learn English in English, German in German, French in French, Hebrew in Hebrew and Arabic in Hebrew. The whole system of education has now become Hebrew. I have met Palestinian families who have stopped speaking Arabic, he says. In a rich country, the Palestinians live in ghettos. He, at 14 years, worked in a garage. After five years of working, his mother told him to build his own life. What she meant was that he can have his own garage, a house and a wife. But Michel decided to leave for Belgium in 1971. You would not believe. I just had money to buy a one-way ticket, and 200 dollars, he says.
He studied theatre and television in Brussels. He decided to come back to Nazareth in 1975, but there was no work. He returned to Belgium, and after three years, he started making his first film. I said this is my line. In any creative field, you must know what you dont want, and you look for what you want. People think they must know what they want, he says. Neither he nor his cinema is against Israeli people. Wedding in Galilee, screened at IFFK 2016, is about Israeli soldiers attending an Arab wedding. They dont do that out of camaraderie, but to keep a close watch on the villagers. The story unfolds to show the simple human side of the Israeli soldiers.
His political stand humanity over war is evident in the way he treats people at IFFK 2016. A friendly giant, he was seen making small talk with festival volunteers, waving at friends made the other day. To this reporter, Michel Khleifi said, "you have the eyes of a director". Of course, it does not matter that he barely knew me, or that I dont wield the camera too well. He probably said that to every person he met. And each of those people, including me, is not going to forget the encounter.
There is a serious dearth of actresses in Tollywood. After Rakul Preet Singh, everyone now wants Mehreen to be the female lead in their films. The actress made an impressive debut with Krishnagadi Veera Premagaadha (KVPG) opposite Nani. She now has four Telugu projects in her kitty and is also waiting for her Hindi film Phillauri, which is being produced by Anushka Sharma, to release.
Mehreen has signed films opposite Ravi Teja, Sharwanand, Sai Dharam Tej and Sundeep Kishan and is quite busy in the coming days.
Mehreen says she is happy about the offers and is looking forward to the movies. When asked how she plans to juggle between multiple projects, she says, I love working. Everybody has 24 hours in a day and how well you manage those is what counts.
The actress is hopeful that a few more big names (actors or filmmakers) get added to the list in the coming days.
Talking about Phillauri, which is going to hit theatres on March 27 next year, Mehreen says, Im getting a couple of good offers in Hindi as well, lets see how it works. I signed Phillauri a week after the release of KVPG. Thereafter, I got busy with the Hindi film shooting.
Mehreen adds that she doesnt want to sign whatever comes her way. I want to sign good films. Quality is more important. Im really happy with the good quality projects that Im doing. I hope I meet everyones expectations, she says adding, I owe it all to my KVPG team for believing in me. Thats why I could perform so well and the audience got so attached to me. They call me their Mahalakshmi, which is a big honour, she says.
Mehreen may sign a couple more Telugu films in the coming days as many filmmakers are impressed with her performance and want to rope her in as their lead actress. Im just trying to prove myself in the industry by giving my 200 per cent commitment to the work someone has assigned to me and shown faith in me for.
When asked about the numbers game and competition from the big league of actresses, Mehreen says, I believe in staying focused. I will give it my best.
Allu Arjuns fans are calling him the King of Social Media, thanks to his huge number of followers on Facebook for getting the fastest million followers on Twitter.
Whos the most Googled Telugu actor of 2016? Well, fans of NTR and Allu Arjun cant seem to agree on a single answer as both groups have been battling it out online in a bid to prove that their favourite cine idol occupies the top spot. All this, even before Google India made an official announcement about the trends of 2016.
On Wednesday, fans of both the actors began tweeting with the hashtags #MostSearchedTeluguStarNTR and #MostSearchedTeluguStarAA, with each one trying to outshine the other. What ensued was an ugly war of words, memes and images, so characteristic of social media.
The Nandamuri scions fans have been circulating an image from Google trends where NTR is seen in the lead.
Each actors fans have since been validating their claim with the help of records and calling the others fake. Bunnys fans are calling him the King of Social Media thanks to his huge number of followers on Facebook, for getting the fastest million followers on Twitter, his proximity to Malayalam audiences and entry into Kollywood. But fans of NTR arent to be left behind as they have been talking about his track record this year an avant garde film like Nannaku Prematho where his makeover drew him a lot of attention and a blockbuster like Janatha Garage, which got the highest TRPs on television.
While the Nandamuri scions fans have been circulating an image from Google trends where NTR is seen in the lead, Bunnys fans say that it cant be considered because the phrase is too generic and could imply Sr NTR too! The NTR camp however, has already begun celebrating while Allu Arjuns PR machinery is confident that he will hold the record no matter what.
A source close to one of the actors shares, The result is different for different keywords on Google. For instance, NTR can be searched as just NTR, Jr NTR or NTR Jr. Same is the case with Allu Arjun, who is also called Bunny. So its not that simple. People have just been comparing Twitter trends and coming to deductions. Thats not how the rating system works.
For now, the numbers game is on. The battle between fans of the two actors has turned ugly and distasteful, reminding one of the fight between fans of Ajith and Vijay in Kollywood, which peaked to such extremes that the abuses started trending. We can only hope that the urge to prove the superiority of their idol doesnt turn as ugly as that!
Only 15 percent of Russians think their households have a better quality of life
London: A quarter of a century after the collapse of the Soviet Union, life satisfaction in Russia and other ex-Soviet states remains stubbornly low, and enthusiasm for democracy and open market economics is wavering, a survey published on Tuesday showed.
The study found that only 15 percent of Russians think their households have a better quality of life, compared with 30 percent in 2010 when respondents were last asked, and only 9 percent see their finances as better than four years ago.
Just over half the respondents from former Soviet states also thought a return to a more authoritarian system would be a plus in some circumstances, the study by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the World Bank said.
The EBRD, created 25 years ago to invest in former communist countries, questioned households across ex-Soviet bloc for more than a decade for its "Life in Transition" project, polling 51,000 households in 34 countries from Estonia to Mongolia.
They did find the "happiness gap" with Western Europe had narrowed, thanks to improvements in central Asia, the Baltic states and central Europe but also because of less satisfaction in parts of Europe, including Germany and Italy.
The findings resonated with increasing evidence this year, ranging from Britain's vote to quit the European Union and Donald Trump's U.S. election win, of dissatisfaction with some of the effects of globalization.
EBRD chief economist Sergei Guriev said the study also showed countries could only successfully transition from command economies to more open market systems if that process is "perceived by the public as being fair and of benefit to the majority".
"If the public does not see the benefits of the reforms, they will ultimately not be successful," he said.
Guriev said one of the biggest factors in people's lower life satisfaction was losing their jobs. Governments therefore needed to make sure workers learned new skills, he said.
He also said the survey showed people's appreciation of democracy and open market economics was wavering.
"Right now in most of our countries the majority doesn't seem to prefer democracy over authoritarian rule, whereas in Germany 80 percent do," Guriev told Reuters.
"That raises big, big questions. What has gone wrong and what should be done?"
An independent panel of experts last month said the practice should be "cautiously adopted" (Photo: AFP)
London: Britain's fertility regulator on Thursday gave the green light for the country to become the first in the world to legally offer "three-parent baby" fertility treatments.
British MPs had voted in February to allow the creation of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) babies with DNA from three people, but clinics needed the approval of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority before introducing the treatment.
The technique would allow women who carry disease-causing mutations in their mitochondrial genes to give birth to genetically-related children free of mitochondrial disease.
HFEA chair Sally Cheshire called the decision to let clinics offer mitochondrial gene therapy "historic and important" and "a world first". "I'm sure patients who might be in line for this treatment will be really pleased by what we've decided today," she said, but added: "We will proceed with caution."
An independent panel of experts last month said the practice should be "cautiously adopted" to prevent certain genetic diseases from being passed on to future generations. Mitochondria are structures in cells which generate vital energy and contain their own set of genes called mDNA which is passed through the mother.
Mitochondrial diseases cause symptoms ranging from poor vision to diabetes and muscle wasting and health officials estimate around 125 babies are born with the mutations in Britain.
Railway minister Suresh Prabhu along with Indian Railways has been working in very active way to attend complaints of passengers. The Indian Railways is monitoring its Twitter handle quite actively, and is responding to passengers in distress. He has often been applauded for the timely response and aid his ministry has provided to the affected, through social media.
Paresh Deshmukh, one of the travellers was travelling from Nagpur to Pune on Garib Rath Express along with his group and deboarded at Daund station, where the train had halted for 45 minutes. This was when one of their handbags, containing phone, cash, debit cards and other important documents, got stolen. When they ran towards police to inform them, they realised that the police booth was closed. Then they used social media to inform the railway board by tweeting about the theft.
Thus led to the railway board to suddenly take action about the theft and asked Paresh to share his contact details along with his PNR number. Then they assigned the TTE to lodge the F.I.R about the whole incident. The status of the is still unkown but Paresh thanked Railway Board to attend his complaint so actively.
The year 2016 has been marked by a lot of ups and downs, and as it comes to an end, people are describing as a nightmare while many are seeing it as a memorable one. The social media is abuzz with different people sharing different takes as a way to bid 2016 adieu.
Comedian Vir Das has been making news on social media for a while and has come out with a post covering everything from pollution, rules about standing up for the national anthem and demonetisation, to point out everything that made news in India this year.
The stand up comic and actor also adds that while the year might look grim, we have laddoos on the bright side, in what seems to be like a jibe at the BJPs decision to give one laddoo per family for everyone standing in queues outside banks.
He also mentioned homosexuality, artists being beaten up and actors being bullied.
Thiruvananthapuram: Days after a 32-year-old man was allegedly murdered by RSS activists for converting to Islam in Kodinhi, his mother too embraced the religion, saying she did not fear the consequences.
Anil Kumar converted to Islam earlier this year and was found brutally murdered under mysterious circumstances on November 19 at Kodinhi in Malappuram.
I am not afraid to take up Islam even after my sons murder, Faisal's mother Jameela (previously Meenakshi) said. She converted after her son's death to look after her son's widow and children, The Indian Express reported.
Kumar, who changed his name to Faisal after conversion, was found dead with grave wounds on his head and neck by the roadside at Kodinhi Farook Nagar, few metres away from his ancestral home at around 5 am by local residents. An autorickshaw, which he had used, was also found abandoned near the spot. Faisal was going to Tanur railway station to pick up his parents in-law who came from Thiruvananthapuram in an early morning train.
Faisal was on leave from his job in Riyadh, where he worked as a driver and was supposed to fly back on November 20.
After his conversion, he started receiving threats from the Sangh Parivar activists, for converting his wife and three children.
11 RSS workers including Faisal's brother-in-law were arrested in connection to the murder, the local police confirmed. But the main accused Narayanan is absconding.
Narayanan was the district karyavahak of RSS in Tirur, Malappuram, and one of the six accused for the alleged murder of Ayyappan (alias Nasir), a part-time temple priest who had converted to Islam.
Reportedly, he was murdered because he too had helped several other people to convert.
A bank employee in Gujarat was looted and murdered following a deal to provide new currency notes in exchange for defunct notes. (Representational image)
Ahmedabad: An employee of a private sector bank from Keshod in Junagadh district was looted and murdered following a deal to provide new currency notes in exchange for defunct notes, police said.
Rambhai Bhilariya, 27, the victim, worked at HDFC bank's Keshod branch, police said.
Bhilariya and his colleague Kishor had struck a deal with the accused Bhikhubhai to exchange latter's defunct currency notes for commission, said inspector A V Tilva.
"Bhilariya and Kishor had told some persons that they can exchange defunct notes with new notes on 20 per cent commission," said the police officer.
Bhikhubhai asked Bhilariya and Kishor to come to Magarwada village near the town in the afternoon with Rs 9 lakh in new currency.
"When the two reached there, Bhikhubhai and three others argued with them over some issue, and snatched the bag containing Rs 9 lakh and ran away. When Bhilariya tried to stop them, Bhikhubhai stabbed him with a knife. Kishor was also injured in the attack," said the officer.
"Bhilariya died while Kishor is admitted to a hospital. We have lodged a case of murder with robbery," inspector Tilva said, adding that search was on for the accused.
An explosion had taken place in a bicycle after Friday prayers near Hamidia Mosque near Bada Kabrastan in Malegaon in 2006, killing 37 persons. (Photo: PTI)
Mumbai: A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Thursday ordered a magisterial probe into the alleged attack on 2006 Malegaon blast accused Manohar Narwariya in judicial custody.
The court, which has ordered an inquiry against four jail officers AS Pansare, HS Mint, Sachin Zinzude and Guard Shivaji Devkar, has sought a reply on why action should not be taken against the doctor of JJ Hospital for not submitting detailed report on Narwariya's condition.
Earlier, the Bombay High Court had issued notices to eight persons who were discharged in the 2006 Malegaon bomb blast case by a special court on April 26.
A division bench of Justices RV More and Shalini Phansalkar Joshi had issued notices to Noorul Huda, Raees Ahmed, Salman Farsi, Farogh Magdumi, Shaikh Mohammed Ali, Asif Khan, Mohammed Zahid and Abrar Ahmed while seeking their replies.
The special court's decision to absolve the accused of all terror charges was based on the NIA's findings that showed the 2006 blast was the handiwork of a Hindu extremist group.
After the special court's verdict, the state government filed an appeal before the High Court, challenging the order to discharge the eight accused.
Urging the High Court to set aside the order, the state government contended that the sessions' court's order was "illegal and unjust" and was contrary to the evidence on record.
In its appeal, the Maharashtra Government argued that the trial court's conclusion that Muslims would not plant bombs inside a mosque was "wrong" and had "no legal basis".
The serial bomb blasts outside a cemetery near Hamidia mosque at Malegaon, near Nashik, on September 8, 2006, claimed 37 lives and injured over 100 people.
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A school teacher, who was on the run after being accused of raping a 13-year-old student of a school in Mumbai, has been arrested from Delhi. (Photo: PTI/Representational)
Mumbai: A school teacher, who was on the run after being accused of raping a 13-year-old student of a school in Mumbai, has been arrested from Delhi by a team of Navi Mumbai Crime Branch, police said on Thursday.
The accused, Raj Shukla, who was working a teacher at the school in Navi Mumbai, was absconding after the offence of rape was registered against him at Nerul police station in Navi Mumbai.
The alleged rape incident happened in the last couple of months. But, it came to light recently after the girl complained of stomach pain to her mother. She took her to a private doctor, who informed that the girl was four weeks pregnant. The mother then told about it to her husband, who works in Pune, police had earlier said.
The victim told her mother that her school teacher had allegedly raped her twice by threatening her with dire consequences, they said.
The victim's parents had complained to Nerul police about the offence. Prior to it, they had also approached the school principal and complained about the teacher.
However, the school principal did not inform police about the incident, and had suspended the teacher.
Two days back, the girl's parents and other local residents protested outside the school for not taking any action against the accused.
Subsequently, the school principal was arrested in connection with the case.
Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale found the police probe shoddy and suspended an officer for negligence, and transfered the case to the Crime Branch.
The Crime Branch formed three teams and sent them to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi. One of the teams traced the accused in Delhi and apprehended him, police said.
"...Main accused Raj Shukla has been arrested and will be produced in court for custody," Nagrale said on Thursday.
Ahmedabad: A Pakistani national was arrested and fake currency notes of scrapped Rs 500 with a face value of Rs 50,000 was seized from him at Surat Railway station on Wednesday, police said.
According to police, the accused, identified as Burhanuddin Sajjad (45), had entered India on a valid tourist visa and had obtained the fake notes from Pakistan.
Police seized 100 fake notes of old Rs 500 denomination from Burhanuddin, who first claimed to be a Mumbai resident, when he was apprehended at Surat Railway station in the morning by Railway Protection Force (RPF). He was later handed over to Government Railway Police (GRP) for further investigation.
"Later, during his primary questioning and frisking, police recovered his Pakistani passport, which confirmed his nationality," Western Railway Superintendent of Police (SP), Vadodara division, Sharad Singhal, said.
"Burhanuddin's passport confirmed that he is a Pakistani national and not a resident of Mumbai. Stamps on his passport suggested that he entered India via Attari border in Punjab on December 12 and then headed to Mumbai by a train. We recovered 100 fake notes of old Rs 500 currency. We also found three notes of $100 with him," Singhal said.
"Burhanuddin came to India on a valid tourist visa, which has not expired. He told us that he had acquired these fake notes from Pakistan. We will seek his remand from court to investigate his intentions to visit India with such fake notes," said Singhal.
"RPF jawans spotted Burhanuddin loitering suspiciously on platform number one of Surat railway station while traveling to Mumbai," Surat GRP Sub-Inspector MR Malek said.
"When RPF jawans searched his luggage, they found 100 bills of now defunct Rs 500 currency notes. When checked by the ticket counter staff, these notes turned out to be fake," he said.
Meanwhile, Kutch district police nabbed two persons with 119 fake currency of new Rs 500 notes, which they had allegedly printed at their office in Madhapar village on the outskirts of Bhuj town and intended to circulate in the market.
Based on a tip off, Local Crime Branch (LCB) raided the office of 'Rutvi Group of Companies' at Madhapar late Wednesday night and busted a racket of printing fake currency of new Rs 500 notes, a release by Kutch-West LCB said.
While searching the office, police found 119 fake notes of Rs 500 having total face value of Rs 59,500. The arrested accused were identified as Chirag Chauhan and Bachubha Jadeja, both residents of Bhuj.
Investigation revealed that the duo had printed these notes using a colour printer at their office and wanted to circulate these notes, the release said.
Jaipur: Two businessmen were caught in Jaipur allegedly with Rs 35 lakh in new currency notes while they were exchanging old notes.
Following a tip off, a team of Rajasthan police's special operation group (SOG) nabbed Sunil Gupta and Priyanshu Gupta in Vidhyadhar nagar area and recovered around Rs 36 lakh on Wednesday night.
"Rs 35 lakh is in new currency notes of 2000 and remaining cash is in demonetised notes of Rs 500 rpt 500," SP, SOG, Vikas Kumar said on Thursday. They were allegedly getting the old notes exchanged on 25% commission, officials said.
Income tax department has been informed and further probe is being carried out, Kumar said.
Earlier, Deedwana police in Nagaur district of the state seized Rs 6.72 lakh of unaccounted cash from a person, including Rs 5.68 lakh in new Rs 2000 notes.
Rest of the amount is in Rs 100 and Rs 50 denomination, police had said, adding they have detained Ajit Malik after he failed to give a satisfactory answer.
On Tuesday, police had detained five persons with Rs 14 lakh new notes from the city outskirts in Bhankrota. Another Rs 4 lakh, including one lakh in new Rs 2000 denomination, was recovered from three persons near Taranagar of Churu district.
Puducherry: The four-member legislature wing of the opposition AIADMK in Puducherry today urged Sasikala, long time aide of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, to take over the leadership of the party.
"She is most competent and possesses all the merits and qualities of being the General Secretary of the AIADMK and this would also be in keeping with the plea of the party cadres," A Anbalagan, who chaired the legislature party meeting, told reporters.
Anbalagan said they had earlier met 'Chinnamma'(as Sasikala is referred to by party workers) at Chennai and personally urged her to take over the leadership of the party.
He said 'Chinnamma' had been "a most trusted sister and caring mother of the former Chief Minister and had stood by her side at all times."
It was therefore fitting and most appropriate that 'Chinnamma' became the General Secretary of the party to guide it, he said. The meeting through a resolution made an appeal to 'Chinnamma' to take over the reins of the party leadership, he added.
The other legislators, who participated in the meeting, were: A Baskar, K A U Asanna and Vayyapuri Manikandam.
New Delhi: Even after two months of JNU student Najeeb Ahmed's mysterious disappearance, Delhi Police hasn't been able to find any breakthroughs despite round-the-clock efforts and several teams working on different clues to trace the student.
There are 11 teams working under the supervision of two DCPs of Crime Branch to trace Najeeb, who had gone missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with ABVP members the night before.
Delhi Police has raised the reward amount for providing information that could help locate Najeeb from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh
The case was transferred to Crime Branch from South district police last month owing to the "sensitivity" of the case.
In the last few days, police has conducted search operations in dargahs, mosques and madrassas in Delhi, Aligarh, Bareilly and Badaun for Najeeb, said a senior police officer.
The Delhi High Court today directed the police to "scan" the entire campus, including hostels, classrooms and rooftops, of the varsity by using sniffer dogs.
Police will carry out a thorough search of the campus using sniffer dogs after Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and its student union, JNUSU, file affidavits in two days stating they have no objection to the "thorough search" and that all assistance would be provided to the police, said the officer.
The court also said the police was free to search Jamia Millia Islamia also, where Najeeb was dropped by an auto-rickshaw driver after he had left from JNU campus.
The four students, who are suspected of beating up Najeeb, are likely to put to lie-detector tests to get leads or clues about his disappearance and whereabouts.
The eleven teams of Delhi Police are working on various probabilities that include the chances of Najeeb going into self-concealment fearing a threat to his life and the possibility of someone close to him instigating him to go into hiding, said the officer.
The police is also working on the theory whether he was abducted by someone and the probabilities of him harming himself or falling prey to a mishap, he said.
Last week, Najeeb's mother had issued a public appeal asking Najeeb to come back.
A large number of small and medium enterprises, which provide jobs to about 30 lakh people in Telangana state, face the risk of turning into non-performing assets.
Hyderabad: A large number of small and medium enterprises providing jobs to 30 lakh people in the state face the risk of turning into non-performing assets.
These industries have defaulted on repayment of loans in November and December after demonetisation. Banks have warned them that if they fail to repay this in 90 days, they would be declared as NPAs. Banks generally seize NPAs.
TS has nearly 1.1 lakh SMEs, which owe banks Rs 88,000 crore. Production has stopped. There is money in our accounts, but we are not able to draw it as no bank is implementing the norm of allowing Rs 50,000 withdrawal, All India Forum for Small and Medium Industries convener K. Koteshwar Rao said.
90 per cent of units may turn NPAs in January
All India Forum for Small and Medium Industries convener K. Koteshwar Rao said, several units had defaulted on payments in November and December. If we fail to repay in January, which is bound to happen with no production for two months, our loan accounts will become NPAs as per existing norms, he said. He said 90 per cent of the units could be declared NPAs in January.
For every Rs 1 crore investment made in SMEs, 40 people get employment. The SMEs employ over 30 lakh people in the state. If our units are declared NPAs, it will pose a threat to the livelihood of lakhs of people, Mr Rao said, adding, Many of us have failed to pay salaries for staff due to cash crunch, he said.
The forum took up the issue with industries minister K.T. Rama Rao and urged him to hold a meeting with bankers to avoid to avoid the prospect of seizure and auction of assets. No one knows when the cash situation will improve. Officials say it may take six months. We want the banks to stop declaring us NPAs, he said.
The Election Commission of India is contemplating to set up all-women polling stations at some places in Goa. (Photo: PTI/Representational)
Panaji: The Election Commission of India is contemplating to set up all-women polling stations at some places in Goa during the forthcoming state Assembly polls.
"In all there are 16,042 polling stations. The state government is working towards providing minimum facilities at these polling stations," Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi told reporters on Thursday at the end of his two-day visit to the state where elections are due early next year.
Zaidi said the ECI is planning a few exclusive all-women polling stations in the state.
"In certain areas we will have polling stations which will be manned exclusively by women. They would be all-women polling stations," he said.
The commission has also decided to give special thrust to voters with physical disabilities.
"This time there would be special focus in providing accessibility to persons with disabilities. Our machinery has identified voters with disabilities. The facilities like wheel chair would be provided. We will take full care of such people as we want them to be part of the election process," he said.
The CEC, who held a series of meetings with political party representatives, election officials and other state government officers, said the commission istaking inputs on availability of security forces and other factors.
"We are also taking into consideration climate factors, level of preparedness and others," he said.
"This time VVPAT (voter-verified paper audit trail) system will be deployed along with EVMs. In all likelihood the entire state will covered by VVPAT. This would be the first time that the entire state would be covered," Zaidi said.
The ECI hasasked the state Director General of Police to prepare data of non-bailable warrants, arm licences, list of anti-social elements, past election related offences and monitor them on a day-to-day basis.
"In order to provide total transparency, the ECI is committed that there should be no scope for malpractices at polling station level. All polling stations would be covered by webcasting and CCTVs," he said.
The commission has also taken into account the possibility of distribution of commodities to influence voters during the polls.
"There is a possibility of distribution of commodities like bicycles. We have asked the commercial department to keep a close watch on the traders. In case anyone is seen making bulk order for these commodities, they would be subjected to questioning," he said.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday accepted an "unconditional apology" tendered by controversial Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan in connection with his alleged remark in the sensational Bulandshahr gangrape case, saying he has expressed "sincere and heartful remorse".
"Respondent No 2 (Azam Khan) has given an unconditional apology and has expressed his sincere and heartful remorse," the bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said after the senior Samajwadi Party leader filed a fresh affidavit tendering apology following objections raised by the Attorney General to his earlier one.
The bench, which accepted Khan's new affidavit tendering unconditional apology, made it clear that no further arguments on behalf of Azam will be entertained further in the matter.
However, the bench said that the questions framed by it earlier regarding the Freedom of Speech and Expression and probable impact of statements of those holding high offices on free and fair probe in heinous cases including rape and molestation are required to be debated and posted the matter for hearing on February 8, next year.
The bench also noted in its order that eminent jurist Fali S Nariman, who has been appointed as an Amicus Curie for assisting the court in the matter, has fairly said that the affidavit furnished by Khan should be accepted.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who was appearing for Khan, told the bench that as the questions framed by the court are constitutionally significant he would like to assist the court.
To this Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi and Nariman agreed saying it would be desirable if Sibal put forth his points in respect to the questions framed by the court earlier.
On December 7, the apex court observed that the apology tendered by the UP minister earlier for his alleged remarks on the Bulandshahr gang rape case does not appear to be "unconditional".
The observation came after the Attorney General had objected to certain words like "if" and "then" used by Khan in his affidavit tendering apology as per the November 17 directions of the ape court.
Sibal, representing Khan, said the Samajwadi Party leader would file a fresh affidavit. At the fag end of the hearing, Sibal had said that his client intends to say remorse instead of apology.
The brutal incident had happened on the night of July 29 when a group of highway robbers stopped the car of a Noida- based family and sexually assaulted a woman and her daughter after dragging them out of the vehicle at gun-point.
The apex court had on August 29 taken note of the alleged controversial remarks of Khan that the gang rape case was a "political conspiracy".
On November 17, the apex court had directed Khan to tender "unconditional apology" for his alleged remarks in the matter while seeking assistance of the Attorney General in dealing with the issue of statements made by persons holding public office in such cases.
Sibal had earlier said that though Khan had not said anything attributed to him against the victims in the case, but if the father of the victim felt "insulted or offended" in any manner then Khan was willing to apologise.
The court has said it would deliberate upon the questions framed by it earlier regarding the freedom of speech and expression and probable impact of statements of those holding high offices on free and fair probe in heinous cases including rape and molestation.
Initially, the FIR was lodged by the Uttar Pradesh Police under various provisions on July 30. The CBI had re-registered the case on August 18 in pursuance to the Allahabad High Court's interim order.
The man, whose wife and daughter were gangraped in July on a highway in Bulandshahr, had on August 13 moved the apex court seeking transfer of the case to Delhi, besides lodging of an FIR against Khan as well as several policemen.
The Allahabad High Court had ordered a CBI probe into the incident, besides deciding to monitor the investigation.
Hyderabad: The issues related to pending dues of farm loan waiver and students' tuition fees reimbursement schemes, besides the welfare programmes of TRS government and demonetisation are expected to dominate the winter session of Telangana Legislature beginning on Friday.
The main opposition Congress, TDP and BJP have been demanding that the state government release the pending instalments of its farm loan waiver scheme at one go and also clear the pending dues of fees reimbursement.
Clearing the dues of the two schemes is important to help the farmers in distress and also poor students who are the beneficiaries of tuition fees reimbursement, the parties have pointed out.
Asserting that it has been taking pro-active measures for people's welfare and development, the TRS government said it would like to seek active debate on its welfare programmes.
The TRS government is implementing welfare and development programmes in a way the previous Congress government never did, state Animal Husbandry minister T Srinivas Yadav said.
Referring to reports that the government would seek suspension of members who enter well of the House, Congress MLA M Bhatti Vikramarka said the move shows that the government is in defence of itself.
In a letter to Speaker S Madhusudanachary, BJP floor leader in the Assembly G Kishan Reddy sought debate on farmers' issues, reorganisation of districts, alleged delay in release of funds for its two-bed room house scheme and fees reimbursement.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday said that the Centre should adhere to its notification allowing withdrawal of Rs 24,000 per week from bank accounts after demonetisation of high-value currency notes.
"They (government) must adhere to Rs 24,000 notification unless it is modified," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur observed after senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for a petitioner who has challenged demonetisation move, said that people dont have cash due to which they are facing hardships.
Sibal said that under the RBI notification, one is allowed to withdraw Rs 24,000 per week and no one could be denied this right.
"The Attorney General is saying that they have a problem of currency and they don't have enough cash. They should not have given this right if they don't have the cash," he told the bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud.
Sibal also said district cooperative central banks (DCCBs), which collected Rs 8,000 crore in three days after the November 8 demonetisation notification came into effect, have been denied permission to exchange and deposit old currency notes due to which the business of these banks was suffering.
Countering the submissions, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said that old currency notes worth Rs 8000 crore collected by DCCBs across the country have been allowed to be deposited in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
"DCCBs have collected Rs 8000 crore in three days. We have allowed them to deposit this amount to the RBI subject to KYC norms and we will issue a notification in this regard within two days," Rohatgi said.
To this, the bench asked, "They (DCCBs) want their business to continue. The other part is that why they have been discriminated upon as compared to other banks,"
The Attorney General said DCCBs are not governed by the RBI rules and the problem in allowing them to deposit old notes was that "there may be unaccounted money and there was no way to find to out as to who has deposited it."
"People are depositing money in large number. You have to give them the currency. You are staggering the payment. What is the time frame in which you will do it. This is what we want to know from you. We understand your problem of shortage of currency but you ought to have some norms," the bench told Rohatgi.
When the bench asked the Attorney General as to when the Rs 8000 crore, which DCCBs would deposit in RBI, would be returned to them, Rohatgi said he can't give a fixed time frame for this as "it can't be a uniform policy and it has to be seen on a day-to-day basis".
The bench, however, said, "Then it is unpredictable. You must have a policy. The ratio should be same for all banks."
However, the Centre faced a barrage of searching questions from the bench that asked as to why old currency notes would not be accepted in government-run hospitals despite the fact that enough cash was not there in the market.
"In government hospitals, you should allow old notes when you have not been able to dispense enough cash to the public," the bench said.
The Attorney General cited the example of allowing old currency notes at the petrol pumps and said it had to be stopped as the relaxation was "misued" and the petrol pumps were taking money in low denomination notes but they were depositing it in Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes only.
"Rs 13 lakh crore have come so far. These are executive policy and courts can't say what should be the exemptions," Rohatgi said.
On the issue of why old currency notes were not accepted in government hospitals, he said that "legal tenders are also available in the market and there are other ways to make payments".
The Attorney General also said that new currency notes of value of Rs five lakh crore is in circulation in the market and besides this, Rs 2.5 lakh crore in smaller denominations of Rs 100 and Rs 50 was already there.
The bench, however, asked how large amount of money in new currency notes was being seized in raids by the authorities.
"How are some people getting crores in new currency? How is somebody able to get so much money?" the court said. To this, Rohatgi said some bank officials have been arrested for alleged swindling of money and continuous raids were being conducted for recovering unaccounted money.
At the fag end of the hearing, he said that the apex court should also consider the issue that different high courts were taking up matters pertaining to demonetisation and sought a stay on it.
The bench, however, said it would consider all the aspects and would pass an appropriate order.
The apex court is hearing a batch of petitions challenging the demonetisation move of the government. The Centre has also filed a plea seeking transfer of all the matters pending before separate high courts in the country to either the apex court or one of the high courts.
Hyderabad: Sixty-five minor boys who were caught red handed watching porn in cyber cafes were given a counselling session on Wednesday in a police building in Hyderabad and their parents were asked to attend the exercise.
Police revealed that some of the boys were also caught watching graphic violent content, including videos of the dreaded terror group Islamic State. Some of them had been watching beheading videos made by ISIS.
The Hyderabad police had conducted raids on 50 cyber cafes and registered cases against 16 cafes under the City Police Act and two cases under Section 292 for watching obscene material at cafes.
South zone DCP V. Satyanarayana said that complaints from parents were increasing by the day that their kids were bunking school and are going to cyber cafes saying that they are collecting study material online and watching porn. Parents who tried to control their kids from going to cyber cafes after failing, approached the police to take action against the boys and the cyber cafes.
Police found that the cafes violated rules laid down by police. None of the cafes which were raided on Tuesday were maintaining registers about the names of clients or collecting ID proofs. They had no CCTV cameras on their premises. Despite repeated requests from parents the kids were not changing their habits and were threatening to discontinue studies if not allowed to go to cyber cafes, he said.
Two persons who were booked under Section 292 will be sent to remand and 16 others booked under the City Police Act will be produced in court and if caught a second time their licences will be cancelled, the DCP said.
The kids aged between 11 and 16 who were nabbed watching porn and were counselled in the presence of their parents on Wednesday morning.
Mafia don-turned-politician and SP candidate for the 2017 Uttar Pradesh polls has been booked for allegedly assaulting college staff. (Representational image)
Lucknow: In an embarrassment for Samajwadi Party, its controversial candidate from Kanpur Cantt Atiq Ahmed, who is a mafia don-turned-politician, has been booked for assault, prompting BSP today to ridicule Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's claims on law and order.
In less than a week after he was declared SP candidate, an FIR was registered against Ahmed for allegedly assaulting the staff of Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHIATS) on the outskirts of Allahabad on Wednesday.
"A case has been registered against Ahmed and four of his supporters under IPC sections pertaining to rioting, unlawful assembly, dacoity and criminal intimidation on the basis of the complaint by SHIATS Public Relations Officer Ramakant Dubey," Senior SP (Allahabad) Shalabh Mathur said, adding 50 other unnamed persons have also been named in the FIR.
Ahmed has, however, denied the allegations. Taking a dig at Akhilesh over his claims on cutting down response time of state police, BSP supremo Mayawati termed the alleged manhandling of university staff by Ahmed as a "slap on the face of state government."
"The Chief Minister makes tall claims about law and order and development, but the entire nation knows that ever since this government came to power, 22 crore people of the state have been living under threat and fear of criminals," she said in a statement in Lucknow.
"Government advertisements have been put up on 'UP-100' (helpline) cutting police response time to 20 minutes and in this light, the goondagardi (hooliganism) of Atiq Ahmed in Allahabad, as reported in media, is a slap on the face of SP government," she said.
The BSP supremo also challenged the Chief Minister to send goonda and mafia elements associated with his party to jail.
As the incident acquired a political hue, state SP President Shivpal Yadav sought to downplay it, saying he had come to know about it through media.
In a damage control effort, Shivpal said, "Action will be taken against him after probe. Before he is found guilty, how can any action be taken against him?"
Besides Ahmed, gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari's brother has also been given ticket to contest the upcoming Assembly elections by Shivpal.
The candidatures of the controversial leaders were announced on Saturday, triggering instant condemnation from opposition parties on the choice of SP nominees having criminal background.
Shivpal had released a list of 23 candidates, bearing the stamp of approval by SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, as sitting Qaumi Ekta Dal (QED) MLA Sigbatullah Ansari (Mukhtar Ansari's brother), was renominated from Mohammadabad in Ghazipur.
QED's merger with Samajwadi Party had been openly opposed by Akhilesh and the issue became a flashpoint in the feud in the Yadav clan ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Atiq, in the meantime, claimed that he had gone to the institute "to meet the Vice-chancellor with a request to reconsider the expulsion of students--Mohd Saif and Shaqip, who were recently rusticated for allegedly misbehaving with a faculty member".
Meanwhile, CCTV footage of the alleged assault by the SP leader and his supporters was shared with the police and media.
Named in dozens of criminal cases, Ahmed hogged limelight when his name cropped up in the murder of young BSP MLA Raju Pal, who was gunned down in broad daylight on January 25, 2005.
The murder case was handed over to CBI on Supreme Court order in January this year.
New Delhi: The Parliament witnessed fireworks on Thursday as Opposition leaders accused the government of not letting them express their views.
"This is for the first time in history of India that it's the ruling party that's not letting the House function," leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad charged in the upper House.
While the Opposition attacked the government on demonetisation and the alleged scam involving MoS Home Affairs Rijiju, the BJP raised the AgustaWestland scam in the Parliament.
Former IAF chief SP Tyagi who was arrested earlier this week in connection with the case, had blamed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's office for the deal. His statement provided ammunition to the BJP-led govt for targeting the Congress for corruption during its rule.
"They're (Congress) now using Kiren Rijiju's name, he is in no way involved. Face this Agusta heat first, and respond to allegations," Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu.
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed chaotic scenes. The Upper House was adjourned till 2 pm and later on, for the day.
On Wednesday, for the first time since the Winter session began on November 16, Rajya Sabha saw a legislative action as it passed the Disabilities Bill in a cordial atmosphere which did not last long as the Opposition again created uproar, leading to early adjournment for the day.
In the Lok Sabha, stand-off between the government and the Opposition resulted in a washout on Wednesday again.
The Rajya Sabha had witnessed unusual bonhomie and meeting of minds over the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014, with both the Opposition and the government agreeing to pass it, setting aside temporarily their confrontation over demonetisation and other issues like alleged misuse of office Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju with regard to a power project in Arunachal Pradesh.
The foundation for it was laid as soon as the House met for the day, with members cutting across party lines pitching for immediate passage of the "crucial" legislation without any discussion.
Among those who pressed for it were Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, BSP chief Mayawati, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury and SP leader Naresh Agarwal.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi agreed to immediately take up the bill which stipulates up to two-year jail term and a maximum fine of Rs 5 lakh for discriminating against differently-abled persons.
However, as soon as the bill was passed, uproar was again witnessed as Congress members raked up the demonetisation issue and Rijiju matter.
This led to adjournment of the House till Thursday at around 2.45 pm.
New Delhi: Opposition leaders met on Thursday morning to strategise for the last to days of Winter Session and decided to seek audience with President Pranab Mukherjee to register their complaint against the ruling government on the issue of demonetisation.
According to Opposition leaders, the BJP-led government is not allowing them to voice their views in the Parliament. On Wednesday, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi too claimed that he was not being allowed to express his views in the House.
We have information about corruption, which I want to present in Lok Sabha and I am being stopped from speaking, Rahul had said.
Rahul claimed that he had information about personal corruption charges against Prime Minister Narendra Modi because of which he (the PM) was too terrified to let him speak in Parliament. This follows Gandhis earlier remark that there would be an earthquake if he was allowed to speak in the House.
Demonetisation is the biggest scam in Indian history. I will expose it in the House but government is not allowing me to speak. If they allow me to speak in parliament, you will see what an earthquake will happen, said Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi: Accusing Rahul Gandhi of practising "propaganda of falsehood and rumours", BJP on Thursday claimed that Congress Vice-President is writing the last chapter of "Congress-mukt Bharat" and eroding the party's base.
"He is writing the last chapter of Congress-mukt Bharat (Congress-free India) through his flop and expired script and eroding whatever base the party has been left with.
"Congress and Rahul Gandhi don't have any fact or logic. They are engaged in a conspiracy to weaken the fight against black money and corruption through rumours and propaganda of falsehood. Congress and its allies should keep in mind that this is a battle of honesty versus dishonesty," Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said in a statement.
Citing BJP's wins and losses of Congress in state and recent local polls, he said the country is moving towards becoming "Congress-free". The political drama of the "brand new leader" of the grand old party is also responsible for this, he claimed.
Training guns on Gandhi over alleged corruption involving his party, Naqvi said when "skeletons of corruption" start coming out, they will disturb the "yuvraj's (prince) political calculations".
Corruption and loot is in the DNA of Congress, he alleged.
Latest revelation in the VVIP chopper scam is indicative of the involvement of Congress' first family, he claimed, insisting this is the reason the opposition party and its "yuvraj" see corruption everywhere.
Earlier too Gandhi had levelled "baseless and illogical" allegations but Congress had to face embarrassment and was exposed when the truth came out, the Union Minister said.
Referring to Gandhi's attack on BJP over the Lalit Modi episode last year, he said the Congress leader had then also said an earthquake will come when he speaks on the issue.
"Rahul Gandhi spoke on the issue in Parliament but no earthquake came, but Congress lost state elections one by one," he said.
BENGALURU: The three-and-half year-old government headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suffered its biggest embarrassment yet with excise minister H. Y. Meti's exit after a CD in which he was caught in the act with a distant-relative and masseuse, Vijayalaxmi, made its way to TV channels on Wednesday.
Septuagenarian Hullappa Yamanappa Meti, a fellow Kuruba, was inducted into the cabinet by Mr Siddaramaiah less than six months ago as part of a strategy to help the Congress retain power in Assembly elections in 2018. A member of the erstwhile Janata Parivar like his leader, Mr Meti had set a record of sorts when he won from Bagalkote on a Congress ticket, a feat unrivaled during the last 35 years. He had served as a minister in the cabinet of H. D. Deve Gowda for two years before successfully contesting polls to Lok Sabha from Bagalkote.
The resignation and sordid episode involving Mr Meti comes couple of days ahead of vice president Rahul Gandhis visit to Belagavi to address a public rally against demonetisation on December 17.
Mr Meti told the media he quit on moral grounds to save the party and government from embarrassment, he demanded a probe, which was acceded to by Mr Siddaramaiah who announced an inquiry by officers of CID while accepting his resignation letter. I have decided to order a CID probe as Mr Meti still maintains that he is not the not the one (man) in that alleged video, the Chief Minister told the media soon after forwarding the resignation letter to Governor Vajubhai Vala.
Speculation is rife about Mr Metis nemesis: his gunman, Subhas Mugalkhod, or the masseuse, Vijayalaxmi, with whom he was caught in the act. While one source said that the gunman has secretly recorded the sex video with the help of another woman, a few months before Meti was inducted into the Cabinet, and that he went public after his extortion demand of Rs 10 crore was whittled down to Rs 2 crores, the woman, Vijayalaxmi had been throwing her weight around in Bagalkote Ayurveda hospital after she allegedly began her relationship with the minister in a bid to secure full time employment.
The dirty picture
This was definitely not the perfect end to a tumultuous 2016 that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was looking forward to. On Wednesday, stung by the porn like visuals from a CD depicting Excise Minister H. Y. Meti and an ayurveda therapist in a sexual act, Mr Siddaramaiah had to accept the resignation of his Kuruba community colleague to avoid further embarrassment to the government and the ruling Congress.
The incident, which has gone viral on the Internet, is said to have happened a month ago with the minister's gunman reportedly capturing the scenes apparently to blackmail Meti. When that did not succeed, the gunman handed over the CD to RTI activist Rajasekhar Mulali with visual media doing the rest of the job.
A four-time legislator and a former Janata Parivar leader, 71-year old Meti was inducted into the cabinet four months ago. The incriminating video does not show the woman's face but does show the minister in his trademark spectacles.
New Delhi: In the wake of bribery charges in VVIP chopper deal, former Defence Minister A K Antony on Thursday came out strongly in defence of Congress President Sonia Gandhi saying she had no role in the procurement and BJP will make a "laughing stock" of itself if it drags her name into the matter.
He also said that the way BJP leaders were claiming that CBI "will nail the culprits in two months" was not good for the agency investigating the AgustaWestland chopper deal.
"CBI is working under the directions of BJP, is that what they (BJP members) are attributing. I feel sorry. Don't tarnish the image of CBI like that," the Congress leader said.
"Soniaji has no role. There is no connection with Soniaji. Helicopters are meant for the use of President, Vice President and the Prime Minister. Soniaji has nothing to do with that. In the Italian court itself it was mentioned," he told reporters.
"Ultimately, they will become a laughing stock by unnecessarily bringing in the name of Soniaji. BJP will become a laughing stock," he said replying to queries.
Antony said Gandhi has no connection with the decision, because the driving force behind this procurement was the Indian Air Force.
"They were telling that because the old Russian-made helicopter is not safe for VVIP travel. They wanted to change it. So 1999 onwards this procurement was there," he said.
He claimed that the utterances of BJP members showed that CBI is "under their thumb".
"What CBI is going to do within two months if BJP is saying. It is too much. That is, they are attributing that CBI is under their thumb, that is not good," he said.
Fresh revelations indicate that diaries of main middleman Christian Michel in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal point out to bribes to the tune of millions paid to clinch the Rs 3,600-crore deal.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a ban on all liquor shops on national as well as state highways across the country and made it clear that licenses of existing shops will not be renewed after March 31 next year.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur also directed that all signages indicating presence of liquor shops will be prohibited on national and state highways.
The bench also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao said the existing licenses of liquor shops across the highways will not be renewed after March 31, 2017.
Last week, the apex court had expressed concern over 1.5 lakh fatalities every year in road mishaps, saying it may direct closure of liquor vends on national and state highways across the nation, besides removal of the signages indicating their location.
The apex court, while reserving verdict on December 7 on a batch of pleas seeking a direction to amend excise laws to ensure that no liquor is sold alongside highways, came down heavily on the Punjab government for seeking relaxation and permitting liquor shops near highways if they are "elevated" ones and the vend are under or near it.
"Look at the number of licences you (Punjab) have given. Because the liquor lobby is so powerful, everyone is happy. The excise department is happy, the excise minister is happy and the state government is also happy that they are making money. If a person dies due to this, you give Rs one or 1.5 lakh. That is it. You should take a stand which is helpful for the society," the bench had said.
Reminding the state government of its constitutional obligation to prohibit liquor sale, the bench had asked the state to do something for general public considering that nearly 1.5 lakh people were dying every year.
The bench had also expressed unhappiness over alleged inaction by various states in removing liquor shops alongside roads which give rise to drunken driving and consequential fatalities.
It had said that revenue generation cannot be a "valid reason" for a state or a Union territory to give licence for liquor shops on highways and the authorities should adopt a positive attitude to remove the menace.
New Delhi: An anguished BJP veteran L K Advani remarked in Lok Sabha on the penultimate day of the Winter Session of Parliament on Thursday, exasperated over its virtual washout on the note ban issue.
The veteran parliamentarian gave vent to his pain and anguish soon after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House for the day amid trading of charges between the government and the Opposition on smooth functioning of proceedings.
Remaining seated in his front seat, Advani first narrated his feelings to Union minister Smriti Irani, who in turn drew the attention of Home Minister Rajnath Singh standing nearby.
Singh appeared to give a patient hearing to the veteran leader, but was seen hardly reacting. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar, who had earlier targeted the Opposition over the disruptions, had by then left the House.
Advani was heard telling the Home Minister to convey to the Speaker that she should ensure the House runs tomorrow to have a discussion on note ban.
"If it does not happen and Parliament is adjourned sine die without discussion (on demonetisation), it will be considered a washout," he told Idris Ali (TMC) and two other BJP MPs, including Nana Patole.
He was heard remarking that even today, talks should be held with the opposition, especially Congress, on ensuring a smooth debate tomorrow.
Advani insisted that discussion should be held under whatever rule and no one should see it as a "victory or defeat" for his side, suggesting if Parliament is adjourned sine die without any debate, it will be a defeat of Parliament.
Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge was seen telling a Lok Sabha official that the way the House was adjourned gave only the version of the government and the Opposition was left high and dry.
"We feel like hanging ourselves at Vijay Chowk," he was heard remarking.
The senior BJP leader has been seen in a pensive mood in Parliament during this session, unhappy over the frequent disruptions that have become order of the day.
On December 7, Advani had expressed deep distress over the way the Lok Sabha proceedings were being conducted, saying neither the Speaker, nor the Parliamentary Affairs Minister was running the House.
On that day, a visibly agitated Advani was heard expressing his unhappiness to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar over the continuing protests in the House at a time when some Opposition members had even come to the side of Treasury benches raising slogans in the Well.
Traders and realtors will find it difficult to arrange for funds in future if the cashless economy idea bears fruit.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has received a word of caution from his own Cabinet colleagues and TRS party leaders about his enthusiasm towards making Telangana state switch to a cashless economy. They fear that it will have implications on the partys prospects in the 2019 elections.
The Chief Minister, who is on a mission to transform TS into a cashless economy is said to be shocked at his ministers and party leaders assertion that it would be difficult to fight the elections in 2019 because it would not be possible to raise funds in a cashless economy.
They informed him that they had managed to raise Rs 10 crore to Rs 20 crore each during the 2014 elections from traders, realtors etc., as loans for poll expenses, and especially to distribute in slums, whose residents form a major chunk of voters. But traders and realtors will find it difficult to arrange for funds in future if the cashless economy idea bears fruit.
They told the Chief Minister that his suggestion of campaigning in digital mode like the US model to cut down expenses will not work here anytime soon.
Minister tells KCR he couldnt raise Rs 2 crore
Mr Rao has been holding extensive consultations with ministers, party MLAs and other leaders to devise measures for a cashless economy.
TRS sources said that a city-based minister told the Chief Minister that he could raise a loan of Rs 10 crore from traders for the 2014 election and repaid it in a year. He enjoyed goodwill among traders for prompt repayment due to which he has been able to raise any amount without any difficulty since 2004 elections. But that will not be the case now, the sources said.
When he sought a loan of Rs 2 crore recently he could not get it. When he enquired the reason, the traders blamed demonetisation and stated that it would be tough to arrange for funds in 2019, if the TS government moves towards cashless economy.
The Chief Minister was also surprised to know that 12 of the 18 ministers in his Cabinet do not possess either a debit or credit card and have never done cashless transactions. The consultations revealed that nearly 70 per cent of MLAs and MPs are unaware of cashless transactions.
Party leaders urged the Chief Minister to go slow on his cashless economy idea since it is already inviting the wrath of the people in slums and lower income groups in urban and rural areas, whose livelihoods have been badly hit due to the currency shortage. The party leaders are afraid of visiting their home constituencies fearing a backlash.
The police is trying to ascertain if it was an attempt to replace black money in old notes. (Photo: Representational Image)
Mumbai: The Mumbai police has seized Rs 10.2 crore cash, out of which Rs 10 crore were in the scrapped Rs 500 notes and Rs 10 lakh comprised of the newly issued Rs 2,000 notes, from a car at Chheda Nagar Junction in Tilak Nagar, Chembur. The Tilak Nagar police arrested three people who are being interrogated about the cashs origin and destination.
The police is trying to ascertain if it was an attempt to replace black money in old notes. The Rs 10 crore seizure has been the biggest ever haul by the Mumbai police since November 8, when the Centre demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The Tilak Nagar police is interrogating the accused. Based on specific inputs, the cops kept a watch at the traffic junction for the car.
Deputy commissioner of police of zone VII Shahaji Umap said, The cash belongs to the Vaidyanath Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd. The bank manager and two more people from Pimpri-Chinchwad branch were transporting this cash from Ghatkopar to Pune. The acquired cash also includes new Rs 2,000 notes worth Rs 10 lakh. We are interrogating the accused to find out more details.
In another incident, the police recovered Rs 21.22 lakh from two people at Kalyan on Thursday morning. This is the third incident in a week, after the one in Ulhasnagar where police seized Rs 9.50 lakh.
Owners are worried about suffering losses if their shops are closed ahead of the licence period.(Representational Image)
Hyderabad: The Supreme Court order banning liquor outlets near national and state highways would result in closure of more than 70 per cent of existing outlets in the two Telugu States.
If implemented from March 31, 2017, as directed by the top courts, the liquor shops have to be shut ahead of their valid licence period by three months in AP and six months in TS.
Owners are worried about suffering losses if their shops are closed ahead of the licence period. In GHMC limits, they had paid Rs 1.08 crore to set up a liquor shop and Rs 40 lakh for a bar. In the districts, the fee was between Rs 70 lakh and Rs 1 crore, while for bars it was Rs 20 lakh and Rs 35 lakh in TS.
If 500 metres distance from highways is implemented, hardly a handful of shops will survive in the state. We need to shift our shops to interior villages. This will not be financially viable as we cannot expect consumers to come down to the villages from highways and search for shops. It would be difficult even to recover our licence fee, said Mr D. Venkateshwar Rao, president, Telangana Wine Dealers Association.
The TS government is implementing the norm of not allowing liquor outlets within 100 metres from highways since last year against 50 metres earlier. Dealers pointed out to the lack of clarity over which road is a highway and which is not.
They argued that roads passing through core areas of the city like Nampally, Malakpet and Rashtrapati Road were being treated as highways since 1956 and government should give provide clarity on this.
We want the government to appeal in the Supreme Court seeking clarity over what comprises a highway. The government should also give clarity whether they would be compensated for the losses suffered on account of closure of shops few months ahead of our licence period, he said.
Excise commissioner, R.V. Chandravadan refused to comment on the issue. We are yet to receive the judgement copy. We will respond only after going through the orders, he said. AP has nearly 4,200 liquor retail outlets and of them more than 50 per cent are located along highways.
In Telangana state, there are 2,144 liquor shops, 853 bars and 27 clubs, of which over 70 per cent would fall within 500 metres norm. Excise officials say that Excise Rules, 2012 have to be amended in both Telangana and AP to ensure the implementation of SC orders.
Hyderabad: Before making transactions cashless, the state government has decided to encourage citizens to adopt a less-cash lifestyle. Right now, only about three per cent of transactions take place in the digital mode.
The government issued a nine-page note at Wednesdays collectors conference in which it noted that the currency shortage would continue for some time and there was an urgent need to encourage citizens to adopt less-cash mode of transactions.
The total number of saving bank accounts in the state was 3.89 crore and about 1.95 crore debit cards were issued. Among them, 1.28 crore cards are inactive.
Under the PMs Jan Dhan Yojana, 83.37 lakh bank accounts and 23.31 lakh zero balance accounts were opened. About 69.43 lakh Rupay cards were issued and 62.17 lakh accounts were seeded with Aadhaar cards.
Still 6.32 lakh Rupay cards have not been distributed. Even for the cards issued, Personal Identification Number numbers were not issu-ed for 6.28 lakh cards.
The state government has directed collectors to obtain village-wise data from the banks for undistributed PIN and ensure that the numbers are distributed.
As of December 7, about 56 lakh Rupay cards were inactive across the state. The government asked the collectors to encourage prepaid card system, a bank account for payment of wages by firms, build-ers, traders, industries and others who employee more than 5 persons per day on an average.
The government has also told collectors to ensure that all government departments and agencies move towards cashless mode within a timeframe for both payments and receipts.
As on December 7, there were 50,951 point-of-sale swipe machines in the state. The government told collectors that since mobile PoS works with a smartphone, they should encourage traders with smartphones to adopt them.
Telangana police and intelligence officials counselled them and are keeping a watch over them. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP)
Hyderabad: Two youngsters from TS, one working in the US and another in Saudi Arabia, were caught while they were trying to join the ISIS in Syria, it was reported on Thursday.
The two were arrested by Turkey, jailed for four months and deported in October, sources said. TS police and intelligence officials counselled them and are keeping a watch over them.
Gufran Mohiuddin from Warangal and Hamid-ur-Rahman from First Lancer, Hyderabad, had travelled to Turkey and were trying to enter Syria when they were arrested.
While Hamid had gone to the US, Gufran was working in Saudi Arabia. Hamid had called his family from Jizan in Saudi Arabia to inform them that he would like to join the ISIS. They had completed their engineering from a famous college in 2012. Their friend said they got radicalised by watching videos online.
Lucknow: With Samajwadi Party sources confirming that over 50 sitting party legislators may not get ticket for the upcoming Assembly elections, there is a growing sense of restlessness within the party.
State SP President Shivpal Singh Yadav has been announcing lists of candidates even though there has been no formal meeting of the partys parliamentary board. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has also been maintaining a studied silence over the naming of candidates and this has made his supporters restive.
Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav, who had earlier said that his word would be the final for choice of candidates, has also chosen not to react to recent developments.
If our leader (read Akhilesh Yadav) does not intervene, we are sure to lose our tickets because we are not in the good books of other leaders. The Chief Minister had said that he should have a say in finalising candidates. But now he is quiet. We are in a quandary, said a young MLA, known to be close to the chief minister. The situation is becoming increasingly piquant for ministers like Tej Narain Pandey.
Pandey was expelled last month from the party by Shivpal Yadav for alleged anti-party activities after SP MLC Ashu Malik accused him of beating him up. However, Akhilesh Yadav did not remove Pandey from the council of minister. But his fate now hangs in balance as far as getting a ticket is concerned.
Another case is that of Raj Kishore Singh, who was sacked from the council of ministers by the Chief Minister in June.
Shivpal Yadav has announced a ticket for Raj Kishores brother Dimple but the name of Raj Kishore still does not figure in the SP list. Tickets are now being constantly reshuffled which is adding to the prevailing uncertainty.
The state President has changed candidates for Thana Bhawan and Jagdishpur seats in the past two days and more changes are in the offing. Meanwhile, Shivpal Yadav said on Thursday that winnability was a major criterion in selection of candidates and the decision of party president Mulayam Singh Yadav would be final.
Sources said that the party had held independent surveys in every constituency and it was on the basis of the reports that candidates were being finalised.
Meanwhile, contradicting the statement of UP Chief Minister, state party President said that he did not have information about the initiation of talks of an alliance with the Congress.
Talking to reporters in Ballia, Mr Shivpal Yadav said, I do not have information about any initiative of talks with Congress for an alliance. The Chief Minister has said more than once that an alliance with the Congress would help him win 300 seats in the ensuing Assembly polls.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday said officers of Indian Air Force can't grow beard citing religious reasons while dismissing a Muslim mans plea against his sacking for keeping a long beard.
The bench of judges headed by Justice TS Thakur clarified, that the regulations that bar the soldiers from sporting beards does not interfere with their religious freedom, rather ensures discipline.
Ansari Aftab Ahmed had petitioned against the decision of his service being terminated, asserting that keeping a beard is the fundamental right pertaining to an individual's religious freedom, just like the Sikhs are allowed the turban and to never have a haircut. Ahmed's advocate Irshad Hanif had urged the court to fix a date of final hearing on a batch of petitions filed by the Muslim personnel who faced actions for having beards.
Ansari was discharged in 2008. His petition was still pending before court. The court issued notices to the government and the Indian Air force in 2008, to which the IAF replied: "All Muslims do not carry beard. The practice of growing and keeping beard is optional and sporting a beard is not universally recognised in the religion of Islam. Therefore, it cannot be said that Muslim religion prohibits the cutting of hair or shaving of the face of its member."
AK Antony, the then Minister of Defence, said the army did not want its Muslim personnel to suffer. His ministry issued a directive to not act against Muslim soldier for sporting beards. However, the order was backtracked in October 2009 and said that the petitions by Muslim personnel would be contested.
The court listed the case for final hearing, while Ansari sought an urgent solution to the issue.
Currently, the ministry's policy of "hair, beard and wearing turbans" says, "Only those Muslim personnel, who had kept beard along with moustache at the time of commissioning enrolment prior to 01 Jan 2002, would be allowed to keep beard and moustacheMuslims who have grown beard after joining service should shave off the beard. Under no circumstances, a Muslim person who had beard at the time of joining service before 1 Jan 2002 shall be allowed to maintain beard without moustache. Moustache would be a part of the beard.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday said that the interim order of court on Cauvery Water Disputes would continue till January 4, 2017 and Karnataka would have to release 2000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to Tamil Nadu.
Earlier on December 9, the top court upheld its constitutional power and right to hear appeals filed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala against the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal final award in 2007.
A three-judge Bench headed by Supreme Court Justice Dipak Misra rejected the Centre's stand that the apex court had no jurisdiction to hear the Cauvery river dispute.
The Centre had argued that the parliamentary law of Inter-State Water Disputes Act of 1956 coupled with Article 262 (2) of the Indian Constitution excluded the Supreme Court from hearing or deciding any appeals against the Cauvery Tribunal's decision. The Centre claimed the tribunal award was final.
The Centre said it was left to the government to frame a scheme for implementation of the tribunal award, and the scheme, once prepared, would be placed before both Houses of the Parliament for approval.
The tribunal in its final award had determined the usable quantum of water of the Cauvery at 740 tmcft. Karnataka is entitled to 270 tmcft, Tamil Nadu to 419 tmcft, Kerala 30 tmcft, Puducherry 7 tmcft, and 14 tmcft is meant for environmental purposes, the tribunal had said.
All three states have opposed the Centre's stand, contending that a parliamentary law cannot stop the Supreme Court from exercising its constitutional power to hear appeals.
The bench of Justices Dipak Misra, Amitava Roy and A M Khanwilkar had on October 19 reserved its order on maintainability of appeals filed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala against the 2007 award of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT).
In its review petition, Karnataka said "grave miscarriage of justice" has been caused to it pursuant to the three apex court orders of September 20, 27 and 30, by which it was directed to release 6000 cusecs of water till October 6 and the Centre was to constitute the Board by October 4.
Shivpuri (MP): A 65-year-old man, suffering from asthma, died while standing in bank queue in Gudar village in the district, police said. The deceased was identified as Kamal Vanshkar, police said.
Talking about the incident, son of the deceased, Shaligram, said, "My father, who suffered from asthma, had gone to the branch of a public sector bank yesterday to withdraw Rs 4,000 at Gudar village under Khaniadhana police station area, which is around 100 km from here."
"He reached the branch around 10 am and after standing in the queue for around one and a half hour he collapsed and died on the spot," he added.
According to Khaniadhana police station inspector Jagmohan Tomar, Vanshkar was unwell and he was brought to the bank by his sons and one other person.
"After the post-mortem, we handed over the body to the family members. We are now waiting for the autopsy report," Tomar said.
Rameswaram: Over 2500 Tamil Nadu fishermen were forced to return without their catch after Sri Lankan Navy personnel allegedly snapped the fishing nets of 50 mechanised boats off Katchatheevu.
"The fishermen from Rameswaram had put out to sea in 583 mechanised boats yesterday and were fishing near Katchatheevu, when the naval men rounded up 50 boats and snapped the fishing nets and asked all the fishermen to return," Rameswaram Fishermen Association President P Sesuraja said.
They also warned them against fishing near Katchatheevu, following which all of them returned to the shores early this morning, he said.
Sesuraja also urged the Centre to take steps to retrieve Katchatheevu, ceded to Sri Lanka, so that fishermen could fish in their traditional areas.
On December 10, more than 2500 fishermen from this island town were allegedly chased away by the Lankan Navy for fishing off Katchatheevu.
Prabhalika was admitted to Gandhi Hospital on December 7 and was undergoing treatment for both fever and pneumonia.
Hyderabad: The last thing you want to see in a bottle of saline is an insect floating around and fungus on the sides of the bottle. Yet this is what an anguished father saw in the bottle containing saline that was being administered to his critically-ill six-year-old daughter Sai Prabhalika at Gandhi Hospital.
Prabhalika was admitted to Gandhi Hospital on December 7 and was undergoing treatment for both fever and pneumonia. On Friday morning, her condition deteriorated and doctors put her on saline. The nurse administered the saline without checking.
Full batch of saline bottles kept aside as a precaution
As her condition was deteriorating, doctors were counselling her father Bikshapati and asking for his consent to put his daughter on ventilator support. Thats when Bhikshapati saw the fly in the saline bottle.
The bottle was immediately changed. An angry Bhikshapati then walked out of the ward with the saline bottle and got it photographed. Deputy superintendent Dr S.V. Masood said that all the bottles of the batch are being checked.
The paediatricians have examined the patient and she is suffering from complications due to pneumonia. While administering the saline, negative pressure is given by putting a pin. The insect must have gone inside the bottle during that time. A live insect cannot survive in a saline bottle. We are going to thoroughly investigate and check our stocks again. Presently, the girl is stable and recovering, Dr Masood said.
Telangana state health minister Dr C. Laxma Reddy has asked that the particular batch be completely set aside and not used till all inquiries have been completed. A committee of senior doctors has been formed to probe the matter.
State Commission for Protection of Child Rights member Achyut Rao has filed a complaint with the director and commissioner of the medical and health department and also with the superintendent of Gandhi Hospital. The family is from Mondrai village of Jangaon district and live in Uppal.
Patna: Bihar became 'spirits-less' in 2016 but was not less on news as incidents like the toppers scam, a road rage incident involving a politician's son and murder of journalists made headlines, albeit for wrong reasons.
On the political front, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar managed to keep his 'grand alliance' flock together though there appeared to be some fissures in the latter part of the year.
Nitish's support to the Centre's demonetisation move upset RJD and Congress. The two supported a nationwide bandh on November 28 even as JD(U) kept itself away.
TMC President and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's dharna in Patna on November 30 invited further criticism for Nitish.
Supported by RJD, whose Vice-President Raghubansh Prasad Singh and state President Ram Chandra Purbe shared dais with Banerjee, the TMC Chief in an oblique attack on Nitish called him "gaddar" (traitor) for supporting demonetisation.
Bihar, which had drawn widespread criticism over mass cheating in 2015 matriculation examination, had a worse time in 2016 with the surfacing of the toppers scam.
A media expose brought to light a racket in the Bihar School Examination Board under which a student was made topper in different streams in exchange of handsome cash. During a media interview, Arts topper Ruby Rai pronounced her subject political science as "prodikal science" which she said was related to cooking.
She was not the only black sheep, science topper Saurabh Kumar too expressed ignorance about electrons and protons and could not figure out the link between water and H2O.
Chairman of the state exam board Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh; his wife Usha Sinha, a former JD(U) MLA; mastermind of the racket Bacha Rai and others were arrested.
After re-test of first 10 rank holders in varied streams, results of Rai, Kumar and third ranker in science, all from Bishundeo Rai college of Hajipur, were cancelled.
RJD MLA from Nawada Raj Ballabh Yadav was arrested in a case of alleged rape of a minor girl in Nalanda. The party suspended him.
Bihar also witnessed a worst kind of road rage incident in Gaya. Trigger happy Rocky Yadav, son of JD(U) MLC Manorma Devi and RJD baddy Bindi Yadav, shot dead 19-year-old student Aditya Sachdeva for daring to overtake his SUV on May 7.
With the incident drawing national shame, JD(U) suspended Devi and all the three were arrested. The Patna High Court granted Rocky bail but the state government filed an appeal in the Supreme Court and he returned behind the bars.
Fulfilling his pre-poll promise, Nitish declared Bihar a complete dry state on April 5 replacing the British-period Excise Act of 1915 with harsh penal provisions. The new excise law banned spiced and domestic alcohol as well Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL).
Some amendments in the legislation were expected to come up in state Legislative Assembly during the winter session but it did not happen as the government said it was still seeking legal opinion.
The April liquor law which promised to strictly enforce the 1991 regulations on toddy (palm drink) that prohibited opening of its outlets within 50 metres of schools, colleges and hospitals in urban areas and 100 metres in rural areas invited sharp criticism from NDA and also some discordant voice from allies.
RJD Chief Lalu Prasad, whose party is the largest constituent in the coalition with 80 MLAs, also sought concessions on toddy after which it was clarified there was no ban on the palm drink. The government said on the pattern of Tamil Nadu it would promote "Neera" (palm drink before fermentation) in place of alcoholic toddy from 2017.
There was a tragic part to the liquor ban also. Nineteen people died after consuming hooch in Motihari on July 19 raising question marks over the efficacy of the liquor law as there were several incidents of alcohol smuggling.
Apart from imposing prohibition, Nitish also launched "seven resolves", promising electricity, drinking water, toilet and road to every household and areas in the very first year of his government in the office.
There were also several attacks on journalists. In July, the murder of a vernacular newspaper journo Rajdeo Ranjan rocked the state. Some of the close associates of controversial RJD leader Mohammad Shahabuddin were arrested in connection with the case. Another journalist of a vernacular daily Dharmendra Singh, who had reported on illegal stone chips units, was also shot dead.
BJP and its NDA allies used these incidents to claim return of "jungle raj" (an euphemism used for bad law and order situation during 15 years of RJD rule). But Nitish dismissed the charge and pointed to National Crime Record Bureau's latest report, which ranked Bihar 22nd on nationwide crime chart to assert that rule of law prevailed in the state.
The state government filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the bail to Shahabuddin, who after coming out of Bhagalpur jail on September 10 made caustic comments on Nitish calling him "circumstantial Chief Minister." He was back to Siwan jail on September 30 after the apex court cancelled his bail.
The Shahabuddin issue led to a war of words between the RJD and JD-U. Lalu Prasad defended him saying he did not make any derogatory remarks. Raghubansh added fuel to the fire through his vitriolic comments on Nitish.
The attacks drew sharp protest from JD(U) whose two senior ministers Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lallan asked Lalu to rein in rogue elements.
Congress sided with Nitish and asked RJD to follow coalition dharma or quit.
Bihar also witnessed some incidents of extortion demand from doctors and some kidnapping cases for ransom.
Rescue of two trader brothers of Delhi who were lured to a jungle in a Naxal-hit area, from Lakhisarai on October 26 came as a welcome news.
Nitish went on "Nishchay Yatra" in November, criss-crossing the state to take feedback on prohibition and seven resolves.
President Pranab Mukherjee gave degrees to first batch of students of Nalanda University at a convocation on August 26.
The state also hosted hundreds of Sikhs from across the world at 350 prakash parva of Guru Govind Singh.
Chennai: The AIADMK on Thursday announced that Sasikala Natarajan would be the partys general secretary, a post which was held by former chief minister J Jayalalithaa for years and fell vacant after her demise.
Party spokesperson C Ponnaiyan said while Jayalalithaa was the "conscience" of AIADMK founder and her mentor M G Ramachandran, Sasikala was, likewise, her "conscience." "Chinnamma (as Sasikala is addressed by party workers), had been with Amma through her good and bad times for 33 years. She had been Amma's conscience and continues to be so.
She has played a vital role in keeping the party intact for long. Therefore, Chinnamma will be elected as General Secretary automatically and unanimously. There is no doubt or fear in that," he told reporters here.
He expressed confidence that the party's decision-making bodies, General Council and Executive Council, have powers to elect Sasikala to lead the party and that the "aspirations will be met" in this regard.
Indicating their proximity, he said Sasikala was Jayalalithaa's 'udanpirava sagothari' (surrogate sister). Ponnaiyan said an online campaign on WhatsApp and Facebook to "defame Sasikala" and "finish off AIADMK" by "opposition parties" will not succeed.
Ponnaiyan recalled that whenever the party functionaries would want to discuss an issue with Jayalalithaa, she would "affectionately" refer them to Sasikala and "gave so much of importance to her".
Sasikala "cared for and protected" Jayalalithaa, he said, adding, she had been a "shadow" and "conscience" of the late leader.
Meanwhile, scores of senior party functionaries thronged the Poes Garden residence of Jayalalithaa and urged Sasikala to take over the reins of AIADMK and lead the party.
Senior leaders, including Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, had earlier voiced their support for Sasikala's elevation.
New Delhi: Facing relentless opposition fire over demonetisation, top guns of the Modi government on Thursday latched on to news reports about alleged kickbacks in the AgustaWestland chopper deal under the erstwhile UPA rule, demanding that a debate on it should take precedence over all other discussions.
The main opposition party, Congress, termed the demand as a "diversionary" tactic to avoid a Parliamentary debate on the note ban.
As Parliament headed for a near-complete washout of the Winter Session over demonetisation logjam, with just a day left for it to conclude, senior Ministers in the Modi government pounced on media reports to target Congress president Sonia Gandhi over the alleged kickbacks in the VVIP chopper deal, insisting that she respond to the charges.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar demanded that Sonia speak on the issue, while Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the Congress should face the AgustaWestland heat "first" before Parliament discussed any other issue.
Naidu demanded that Parliament discuss the chopper scam as many names had cropped up in the "diary" of alleged middleman Christian Michel, which was published in a section of the media.
"I would like Parliament to discuss about the serious diary bomb which has been published in newspapers today. Its a very serious issue because it is a matter which was placed before the Italian court and then names of certain people have also been given in alphabets of course.
"The report says six million euros (have been paid) to Air Force officers, 8.4 million to bureaucrats and 16 million to politicians. We must try to reach the bottom of the truth, and as the House is in session, we must discuss this in the House because this is the biggest scam in the recent years that too pertaining to defence deals that happened during the UPA regime," Naidu said.
Alleging that the erstwhile UPA government "successfully prevented" the truth from coming out, Naidu said, "Now that there is a change of government, the inquiry has to be expedited and then nation also has to be told who is behind all this."
"My advice to them is, first face this Agusta heat, respond to these allegations and then discuss other issues also. The government has no problem," he said.
Senior Congress leader A K Antony sprang to Sonia's defence, saying she had no role in the procurement of the helicopters and that BJP will make a "laughing stock" of itself if it dragged her into the controversy.
He also said that the way BJP leaders were claiming that CBI "will nail the culprits in two months" was not good for the agency investigating the AgustaWestland chopper deal. "CBI is working under the directions of BJP, is that what they (BJP members) are attributing. I feel sorry. Dont tarnish the image of CBI like that," the former Defence Minister said.
"Soniaji has no role. There is no connection with Soniaji. Helicopters are meant for the use of President, Vice President and the Prime Minister. Soniaji has nothing to do with that. In the Italian court itself it was mentioned," he told reporters.
Antony said Sonia had no connection with the decision, because the driving force behind the procurement was the Indian Air Force.
"They were telling that because the old Russian-made helicopter is not safe for VVIP travel. They wanted to change it. So 1999 onwards this procurement was there," he said.
He claimed that the utterances of BJP members showed that CBI is "under their thumb".
"What CBI is going to do within two months if BJP is saying. It is too much. That is, they are attributing that CBI is under their thumb, that is not good," he said.
With a united opposition unsparing in its attack on the government, Ananth Kumar said the government was ready to discuss demonetisation but the opposition should allow a debate on the chopper deal.
"We also want a discussion on the alleged currency management (note jugad) at the Congress headquarters. We also want a discussion on AgustaWestland kickbacks. The name of UPA government's first family was also mentioned by Christian Michel. There should be discussion on this in the House," he said.
"We are ready for debate on demonetisation in both Houses since day one. We were ready yesterday and we are ready today as well. But since the first day Rahul Gandhi, Congress and other opposition parties have been running away from debate," Kumar told reporters outside Parliament.
Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the government was "running away" from discussion on demonetisation and raking up issues like AgustaWestland to divert the attention from note ban.
"They (members of Treasury benches) are bringing big, big posters of AgustaWestland in the House. What is this? This is for diverting the issue of demonetisation. They are trying one or the other excuse for adjourning the House," he said.
Kharge said AgustaWestland issue has "already been discussed before two sessions" and "all the documents were presented" at that time.
"AgustaWestland has been discussed but demonetisation not. Their intention is to divert. Hit and run (policy)...If you want to discuss now, then bring it under different rule. We are ready for discussion. Why do you want to divert the issue of demonetisation?" Kharge asked.
New Delhi: The government on Thursday attempted to downplay Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran Lal Krishna Advani's concerns with regard to repeated disruptions in Parliament and put the onus on the opposition parties for the same.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said everyone is upset because of Congress' attitude in Parliament.
"Everyone is saddened by how they are disrupting the Parliament. The whole country is sad due to this reason. Some people are intentionally disturbing the Parliament. Who has been ranting slogans and disturbing from the beginning is clear to everyone," Naidu told the media in New Delhi.
"He [Advani] being a senior has rightly been hurt by developments," he added.
Advani earlier stated that he feels like resigning from Parliament because of unending disruptions in both houses.
He said that the now ailing former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee would have been very sad to witness the state of affairs in Parliament.
Advani asked Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to speak to the opposition and try and restore order so that the Houses can run.
As the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day shortly after noon, Advani remained seated in the house even as other members slowly left. Advani was approached by Idris Ali of the Trinamool Congress.
"My health is fine but the health of Parliament is not. I feel like resigning," Idris quoted Advani as saying later.
Bhopal (ANI): Launching a counter-attack on Rahul Gandhi for calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi "corrupt", Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said he feels really sorry that nobody in this country takes the Congress Vice-President seriously nor does anyone trust him, and thus, his remarks do not deserve any comment.
"I really feel sorry that nobody in this country takes Rahul Gandhi seriously. His talks are not serious and nobody trusts his words. So, how do you expect me to comment on his remarks," Chouhan said in an exclusive interview.
"As far as the Prime Minister is concerned, he is a 'yugapurush', 'nishkam karmayogi' and a patriot, and he never thinks of anything else except for the betterment of the country and welfare of the people. His personality is so enormous and his works are such that the entire nation is rallying behind him blindly, which is something that pains Rahul Gandhi a lot," said Chouhan, while commenting on Gandhi's statement that he has got "some explosive information on personal corruption by the Prime Minister".
"Rahul Gandhi finds it hard to believe how Modiji has become such a miracle and that is why he keeps on attacking him, though nobody takes him seriously and his comments are not worth answering. Modiji is Modiji," said Chouhan, the three-time BJP Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
The Congress Vice-President on Wednesday said that he had "detailed" information about Prime Minister Modi's "personal corruption".
"That information is personal information about Narendra Modi which I want to place in Lok Sabha. It is personal corruption of the Prime Minister...the PM is not allowing us to speak," Gandhi said at a press conference along with NCP, Trinamool, RSP and DMK leaders after the Lok Sabha was adjourned.
"The PM is personally terrified of me being allowed to open my mouth inside Lok Sabha because I have information...that is going to explode his balloon," he added.
The ruling BJP has, however, rejected Gandhi's claim and said 125 crore people of the country have a liking for Prime Minister Modi as there is no question on his integrity.
BJP General Secretary Shrikant Sharma asked Gandhi to present the proof if he has any against the Prime Minister.
SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, UP CM Akhilesh Yadav and SP's UP chief Shivpal Singh Yadav during a function in Lucknow. (Photo: PTI)
Ballia: Amid reports of a possible alliance with Congress for UP Assembly polls, Samajwadi Party state president Shivpal Yadav today said he did not have any information about talks going on for such a tie-up.
"I don't have any information about any initiative of talks with Congress for alliance," he said.
Shivpal was answering queries from media persons on reports suggesting that SP and Congress might forge an alliance ahead of UP Assembly polls. "We have declared names of 176 candidates. SP central board will declare remaining names soon," he said.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has been saying that a tie-up between SP and Congress would fetch over 300 of the 403 Assembly seats in the upcoming elections while a section of Congress said it is not averse to a "respectable" seat-sharing formula.
"Though samajwadis are going to form majority government in the state, if an alliance takes place, it will win over 300 seats. The final decision in this regard will be taken by SP National president (Mulayam Singh Yadav)," Akhilesh had told reporters in Lucknow on Tuesday.
On being asked about reports of "hooliganism" by party's Kanpur Cant candidate Atiq Ahmad at a university in Allahabad, Shivpal said he had come to know about it through the media and "action will be taken against him after probe".
Ahmad, mafia don, and gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari's brother has been given ticket to contest the Assembly elections.
On being asked about party national general Secretary Amar Singh supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on note ban, Shivpal dodged a direct reply saying, "Amar is friend of the media. You should ask him about his stand."
New Delhi: Questioning Rahul Gandhi's credibility over his "corrupt" comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday said how can the Congress Vice-President, who is himself involved in case of corruption, be believed.
"Who is Rahul Gandhi to speak on this issue, when he himself is out on bail, after being arrested in a corruption case," said Swamy.
Saying that Gandhi's statement does not carry any substance, Swamy said his statement is not God's statement.
"Is his statement some Veda or statement of God or saint? At least, he should make a statement on some basis," he said.
Meanwhile, taking a jibe at the Centre, Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury asked if the government had taken the Vyapam scam seriously.
"Did they take Vyapam scam seriously? They don't have manners and lack etiquette. They only know how to mislead people. This public only will now give them an answer," Chowdhury said.
Believing that the people will give the government a befitting reply after getting exposed by Gandhi, Chowdhury said, "When Rahul Gandhi will tell the truth, public will believe us. It is enough for us that public takes us seriously. We don't want a certificate of belief from them (BJP)."
The Congress Vice-President on Wednesday said that he had "detailed" information about Prime Minister Modi's "personal corruption".
"That information is personal information about Narendra Modi which I want to place in Lok Sabha. It is personal corruption of the Prime Minister... the PM is not allowing us to speak," Gandhi said at a press conference along with NCP, Trinamool, RSP and DMK leaders after the Lok Sabha was adjourned.
"The PM is personally terrified of me being allowed to open my mouth inside Lok Sabha because I have information...that is going to explode his balloon," he added.
However, Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir rubbished the claim saying, "Nobody takes Rahul Gandhi seriously, because he himself is not serious."
Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress on Thursday staged a protest rally on the issue of demonetisation outside the RBI office in Kolkata, where the apex bank's Governor Urjit Patel is addressing its central board meeting.
Demanding an immediate rollback of the demonetisation, TMC MLAs and ministers started a protest rally from state Assembly to the RBI office in BBD Bag area of the city.
Patel is in Kolkata to address the central board meeting of the apex bank on Thursday.
"We will continue our protest until the draconian decision of demonetisation is withdrawn. Tomorrow also we will organise a similar protest-rally.
"India is a democracy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi can't bulldoze his anti-people decision on the entire country," Power Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay told the rally.
Led by Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim and Chattopadhyay, several top ministers and MLAs carrying placards and black flags shouted slogans against the Modi government.
"A financial emergency has been imposed in the country and the RBI Governor is sitting idle. Under Modi's regime, the RBI has no function. Its the PMO and PM who are calling the shots. Patel is just a mute spectator. We want to know the role of RBI and what are the steps they are taking. We demand an immediate rollback of the decision," he said.
Irrigation Minister Rajib Banerjee, compared Narendra Modi with Hitler and said he was the "worst" Prime Minister, India ever had.
"We had heard about Hitler, who neither bothered to have any second line of command nor any second line of opinion. Whatever he used to say is final. Now in this century we are witnessing Modi, who is also a Hitler of our generation, who believes in dictatorship and one man rule. He is not bothered about the pangs of the thousands and crores of common people, he is only bothered about his whims and fancies," he said.
"Modi is the worst Prime Minister India ever had. Never before has India seen such a worthless Prime Minister. For whose interest did he take the decision to demonetise the high currency notes and throw the entire Indian economy in a mess. He has to come clean on it," Banerjee said.
TMC is one of the most vocal opposition parties against demonetisation since it was announced by the Prime Minister on November 8.
New Delhi: With only one day left, the Winter session of Parliament is on the verge of a washout as it failed to transact any business again today due to the standoff between the government and Opposition over demonetisation, AgustaWestland scam and some other issues.
Even on the penultimate day today, both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha continued to witness deadlock that began with the start of the session on November 16 over the manner in which a debate should be held on demonetisation and related aspects.
The Rajya Sabha saw sharp exchanges between Treasury and Opposition members as they tried to outshout each other over different issues, throwing the House into pandemonium. The Opposition, led by Congress, said demonetisation along with vagaries of weather had hit the farmers and demanded farm loan waiver to give relief to them.
On the other hand, BJP members shouted slogans while displaying copies of a news report which claimed that some people in the erstwhile UPA regime had allegedly received money in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal. They wanted to know who was behind the chopper scam.
Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the ruling side was not allowing Parliament to function, which was "unprecedented". "It is the ruling party which is disrupting the House...in both Houses (of Parliament), it is the ruling party which is not allowing the Parliament to function. It is for the first time in the history of independent India that the ruling party is not allowing the House to function," he said.
Azad, who had given a notice to raise the issue of distress among farmers after demonetisation, was called by the Deputy Chairman P J Kurien to speak but he could hardly make his submission as ruling party members created uproar.
"I have given the floor to the Leader of the Opposition. It is the convention of the House that when Leader of the Opposition or Leader of the House wish to speak, they are heard in silence," Kurien said but BJP members did not heed.
Union ministers too interjected as Azad rose to speak with I&B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu wanting to know what he wanted to say and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi saying the members of the ruling side want a discussion on the corruption issue.
Kurien told Naidu that Azad had given a notice to raise farmers distress and even without a notice the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the House are allowed to speak whenever they wish to speak.
To Naqvi, he said the ruling side can give a notice to raise a discussion on the issue they want, and asked Azad to make his submission.
Alleging that the Centre was anti-farmer and its policies were ruining crops, Azad said farmers are dying, their vegetables rotting and crops welting and they are not sowing seeds. Farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and other states are facing grave distress and the Centre should waive off their loan, he demanded.
Using his lung power to make his submission amid the din, the Leader of Opposition said, "the ruling side is not allowing Parliament to function."
Mayawati (BSP), Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) and Derek O'Brien (TMC) too rose to speak but nothing could be heard in the din. At this point, Congress members trooped into the Well of the House shouting slogans demanding waiver of farm loans.
Kurien tried to restore order but his pleas fell on deaf ears, forcing him to adjourn the proceedings till 1200 hours. When the House met at noon for the Question Hour, pandemonium prevailed as members of both Congress and BJP were on their feet raising slogans and counter slogans.
With both Opposition and Treasury benches creating uproar, pleas by Chairman Hamid Ansari to allow the Question Hour went unheard. He also warned members displaying some posters. Amid the continued uproar, Ansari adjourned the House initially for 30 minutes.
When the House met again, there was ruckus with Opposition members again on their feet raising their issue. Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said farmers were facing problems. Several members of Congress were heard shouting slogans. With repeated pleas for restoring of order going unheeded, Ansari adjourned the House till 1400 hours. The House saw uproar again when it re-convened.
Naresh Agarwal of Samajwadi Party said the condition of farmers is bad after demonetisation. "We hoped that the Prime Minister will announce a loan waiver for farmers which will benefit them," Agarwal said. He said the farmers are unable to sow seeds or sell their produce following the cash crunch post-demonetisation.
Satish Chandra Mishra of the BSP said the farmers seeds are rotting and they do not have money to buy fertilisers etc. The ruling side members shouted back.
Amid a shouting match, Kurien said: "The item to be taken up is discussion on demonetisation of currency. Since both sides are disrupting, I will have to assume that both sides do not want a discussion".
Opposition members then stormed the well of the House, prompting the Deputy Chairman to adjourn it till tomorrow.
In the Lok Sabha too, the government and the Opposition traded charges, with BJP adding fuel to the fire by bringing the Gandhi family under attack in the AgustaWestland case.
TMC's Sudip Bandhopadhyay and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the Opposition wanted a debate on demonetisation even without voting or under any rule but there were counter attacks from the BJP side, leading to continued heated exchanges in the House.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar launched a scathing attack on the Opposition, accusing it of scuttling debate from the day the session began on November 16.
Charging the Opposition with attempting to fail the note ban move, he said Congress was trying to "manage currency" (note jugaad) post-demonetisation when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a vigorous campaign against black money.
Ananth Kumar referred to the VVIP chopper scam issue, saying the "master middleman" Christian Michel has named "the first family of the UPA" and, therefore, Congress is running away from debate. He said there should also be a discussion on the VVIP chopper scam.
This led to furious Congress members again storming the Well raising slogans denouncing the Modi government.
TRS member A P Jeethendar Reddy's remarks targeting a section of the Opposition for not allowing debate on demonetisation triggered a fresh uproar with Congress and TMC members protesting his statements. Reddy said he should be allowed to speak on demonetisation as he had already initiated the debate a few days back when he, as also B Mahtab of BJD, had given notice on the issue under Rule 193 that does not entail voting.
TMC's Kalyan Banerjee was heard telling Reddy as to why he was sitting in the Opposition benches and not formally switching sides to become a minister.
TMC and Congress members also took exception to Reddy's remarks that all political parties have hailed note ban at an all-party meeting held before the start of the session.
At the outset, Kharge said his party wanted a debate as demonetisation has hit hard the common man but "Modi sahib is running away and is not coming to Parliament."
Amid the ruckus, BJP veteran L K Advani once again vented his ire over the developments and told a group of MPs, after adjournment of the House for the day minutes past noon, that "I feel like resigning".
Earlier when the House assembled for the day, it saw uproar as Opposition targeted the government on the demonetisation issue while the ruling BJP members sought to pin down the Congress over alleged bribery in the AgustaWestland chopper deal.
Members from Opposition and Treasury benches resorted to high decibel sloganeering soon after the House condoled the death of two former members.
A belligerent Opposition, including members from the Congress, TMC and Left parties, raised slogans demanding discussion on the demonetisation issue.
Seeking to counter them, members from the Treasury benches were on their feet waving copies of a newspaper on reports that some people in the erstwhile UPA regime allegedly received money in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has advised ministers and TRS legislators to conduct themselves in a dignified manner in the Legislative Assembly and Council sessions that begin Friday.
Mr Rao asked them not to adopt an aggressive posture towards the Opposition but put forth their point of view firmly, including the support to demonetisation, though it is not our making.
We are in power. Lets us maintain dignity and conduct the House in a dignified manner. Dont be aggressive. Try to convince Opposition with facts and figures. Let us tell them and people what we have done. We did a lot during the past 2.5 years. But be prepared on the subjects allotted to you, CM reportedly told the legislators.
Mr Rao, who addressed TRS Legislature Party meeting at Telangana Bhavan here on Thursday, made it clear the government would adopt positive approach towards demonetisation and back Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, the government would ask Centre to ensure availability of lower denomination currency in all banks and redress grievances of people who are forced to stand in long queues for currency.
Mr Rao also allocated various subjects to groups of legislators to speak whenever their turn comes or during interventions. During his 1.5 hour speech, the CM told the ministers to ensure that the Question Hour is completed between 10 am and 11.30 am, and not extended for any reason.
Please do your homework, come to the House on time and stay put till the session is over. If legislators have any doubts, cross-check with ministers or come to me, he added.
A TRS legislator said group of legislators were allocated subjects like Mission Bhagiratha, Mission Kakatiya, 2BHK houses, farm loan waiver, fee reimbursement, irrigation projects etc., which they will speak in the Assembly and Council and also intervene to counter opposition onslaught.
Hyderabad: The winter session of the TS Assembly and Legislative Council, that commences on Friday, will continue till December 30, with three holidays on December 18, 24 and 25.
The session will have a special discussion on the sufferings of the common man due to demonetisation. This discussion will be taken up in the Assembly on the first day and in the Council the following day.
Business Advisory Committee meeting that was convened by Speaker S. Madhusudana Chary on Thursday to finalise the agenda, was attended by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Mr Rao promised healthy discussion on each and every subject the Opposition would raise.
He also promised to extend the session beyond December 30 into the New Year from January 2 for one more week. However, a final decision on this will be taken only on December 30.
Mr Rao also informed the Opposition leaders that he would make a few statements in the House on important subjects. Besides, the government will initiate special discussions on its flagship programmes like Mission Kakatiya, Mission Bhagiratha, 2BHK housing etc. He asked the Opposition leaders that in view of government coming forward to discuss all the issues, it would be better for them to confine to the issues instead of levelling baseless allegations leading to pandemonium in the House.
Initially, the CM was reluctant for a discussion in the House on the effects of demonetisation stating even Parliament was unable to discuss the issue over the last few weeks.
BJP floor leader G. Kishan Reddy said it is not a state government subject to discuss here. However, when MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi insisted on a debate on the issue, Mr Rao agreed. It was also decided to extend Question Hour by 30 minutes to allow replies and supplementaries for all listed questions.
Legislative affairs minister T. Harish Rao who attended the BAC meeting convened by Legislative Council chairman K. Swamy Goud, promised discussion on demonetisation, and all other issues.
Among other issues, the Nayeem encounter and criminal activities of his gang are part of the agenda approved by both Council and Assembly. Meanwhile, at the CLP meeting that was held prior to the BAC meeting, it was decided to adopt an aggressive stand against the government on some identified issues like pending fee reimbursement dues, farm loan waiver, absence of input subsidy to farmers who lost crops in khariff, etc.
Though Leader of the Opposition K. Jana Reddy suggested the party play a constructive opposition role by taking up issues in a systematic way, Members of CLP did not agree to this. At one stage, a few members suggested it would be better to move a no-trust motion against the government as it would give a chance for them to criticise it in detail.
However, Leader of the Opposition Shabbir Ali shot it down, saying that it will not serve any purpose as the rules allow the ruling party a lions share of the time.
Mr Jana Reddy told the members that it would be better to watch the developments in the House for the first few days and then come to any decision.
It is now almost 40 days since Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdrew almost 86 per cent of the currency in circulation and we are just a fortnight away from the deadline to deposit old notes. Without a doubt, the decision is the single-most disruptive official proclamation in more than a quarter of a century, the last one being V.P. Singhs declaration in 1999 to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission. Just a few days before he stunned the nation on November 8, Mr Modi delivered sermons to the media and the public at the Ramnath Goenka awards ceremony and reminded everyone that the baron had been among foremost critics of the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi between 1975 and 1977. For almost four decades, Mrs Gandhis decision to curtail fundamental rights of people and put thousands of political opponents behind bars has been a black mark in the history of the Congress.
The imposition of Emergency and the States role in aiding anti-Sikh violence in November 1984, in the wake of Indira Gandhis assassination, have been two convenient sticks to beat the Congress with just as the adversaries of Mr Modi raked up the Gujarat riots of 2002 repeatedly. From a nonpartisan view, it is important to keep serving reminders on these most questionable acts of the Congress and the BJP. If the Emergency was all about extinguishing the peoples political rights, there is a need to consider if demonetisation can be viewed similarly because it severely restricted economic freedom and rights of the people. Conspicuous parallels exist between the reasons cited by Indira Gandhi and Mr Modis list of justifications while invalidating the Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 banknotes. The official proclamation signed by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed stated the decision was taken as a grave emergency exists whereby the security of India is threatened by internal disturbance.
Mr Modi, in his address to the nation, cited threats to the nation from terrorists. Just as the imposition of Emergency laid fundamental restrictions on the lives of the people, demonetisation restricted the freedom of people to live their lives freely. There, however, is a significant difference between 1975-77 and 2016. The June 25, 1975 announcement was preceded by over a year of political unrest in several parts of India. Agitations spreading against the government from one state to another coupled with the Allahabad high court verdict unseating Indira Gandhi unnerved her and she curtailed political rights, besides jailing opponents and critics. The protests began within three years of Indira Gandhi securing a decisive mandate in March 1971 and while she was still basking in glory of victory in war. The final push to defeat in 1977 was the result of an electrifying campaign against her after her adversaries decided to contest the elections jointly.
In contrast, more than halfway into the tenure of the Modi government, the Opposition remains as directionless as it initially was. Barring using lung-power on the floor of the House and jumlabazi in front of TV cameras, they have done little in the past 40 days to either put up a credible argument among people that demonetisation was ill-judged and meaningless, or to try to harness peoples distress. Undoubtedly, the dramatic announcement put millions of Indians to utmost inconvenience. Besides being severely short of cash for their daily needs, they had to either struggle to deposit hard-earned money in banks or find touts and agents who overnight spotted a business opportunity in exchanging currency at a premium. Rational critiques of Mr Modis move did not emerge from the Opposition parties but from public intellectuals, analysts and writers.
Barring the solitary demolition of demonetisation by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Opposition entered into a slugfest with the government, thereby losing an opportunity to counter Mr Modi on the basis of rational arguments. From the beginning, the Prime Minister couched his decisions raison detre in a cloak of morality and false nationalism. Historically, rulers justified harshest decisions by claiming motivation from nationalist considerations. In the case of demonetisation, the Opposition parties failed to pierce the fear of people that to publicly protest or criticise the governments move would tantamount to justifying black money. They were unable to reach out to people and explain that their woes would come to a naught. Mr Modi drew an imaginary line on November 8 and people were worried of social sanction if they were seen to be crossing it. It was the job of the Opposition to explain to people that this laksman rekha was arbitrary and breaching it to raise a banner of protest would not be anti-national. They have not reached out to people to explain that not only would the malaise of unaccounted wealth not be tackled, but the decision would also have long-term negative impact on lives of the poorest as the economy slows down and jobs dwindle.
The Opposition parties so far have done precious little but resort to gimmicks on the streets, in queues outside banks and ATMs, on the floor of Parliament and, of course, before TV cameras. The call for nationwide protests on November 28 was undermined by confusion whether it was a shutdown call or not. With the Winter Session of Parliament being washed out, it is unmistakable that barring preventing the House from functioning, the Opposition had no strategy. Instead of using the floor of two Houses as the proscenium to establish how squarely the government falsified facts and failed to achieve the objective of demonetisation, the Opposition has behaved like proverbial headless chickens. Mr Modi is a master of post-truth and aping him serves little purpose. Rahul Gandhi has levelled a serious charge and if and when he discloses facts, its failure to stick will further undermine the Opposition. Even if his allegations have substance, it will have to be backed by mobilisation of people. It is time that they harnessed peoples power, certainly more effective than lung power. It will be tragic if the people are failed by the ruling party as well as by the Opposition.
Whilst most Indians have been focused on Indias attempt to leapfrog into the digital and cashless economy, some equally important news, which may have dangerous strategic implications for India, have been sidelined. China has made quick strategic moves to encircle India while advancing its growing interests. The Chinese Navy has been deployed in prolonged anti-piracy operations off Somalia since 2008. It has added conventional and nuclear submarines for such deployments though submarines have no role to play in anti-piracy operations. China has built and militarised seven artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea. It has improved its relations with the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte with $20 billion in aid. The first of these relates to the Chinese-built Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, where China is now apparently going to control 80 per cent of the facility. It will have management control of this new strategically located deep-water port in Indias immediate neighbourhood.
Wily and farsighted China has also built a massive international airport just 18 km from Hambantota port, named as Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. With Sri Lanka in no position to repay China for these infrastructure projects, and also others like the world-class highway linking Colombo to Galle port, there are some media reports about China taking Hambantota port and the Mattala airport on a 99-year lease. This will pave way for a Chinese naval base in our neighbourhood, thus converting Sri Lanka into a long-term Chinese ally. In the meantime, US President-elect Donald Trump spoke to the Taiwanese President. This indicates that China and the US maybe heading for possible confrontation. To emphasise this point, last week, a US Navy long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft P-8A, operated from China-built Mattala airport. Two rival superpowers in Indias backyard is not good news for India.
Next is the publicly announced forthcoming induction of two Chinese-built conventional submarines by the Bangla-desh Navy in January 2017. It may be well known that Bangladesh is now planning to commercially exploit its newly-acquired expanded exclusive economic zone in the Bay of Bengal. China which has already sold warships to Bangladesh has now made a long-term presence in Bangladesh possible, by not only selling submarines at subsidised rates, but also providing $20 billion loan and signing deals worth $13.6 billion during President Xis two-day visit on October 14. To solve its Malacca dilemma, China provided soft loans of $13.75 billion to Malaysia for building its East Coast rail line and also to sell four Navy warships at subsidised rates. The total package is about $34 billion.
Thailand, which has Chinese-built warships in its Navy, has embraced China by placing orders for three Chinese conventional submarines in July 2016. China are apparently ready to finance and build the Kra Isthmus Canal (across Thailand), which will save hundreds of miles of sea passage for warships, submarines and merchant ships, by linking the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea. Finally, we come to Chinas all weather friend Pakistan. It is the beneficiary of $51 billion for the China-Pakistan economic corridor, linking Chinas restive Xinjiang province through disputed PoK to China-financed, built and managed port of Gwadar. Pakistan announced that the Pakistan and Chinese Navies would patrol the waters off Gwadar port to provide seaward security to this port, which last fortnight received the first Chinese merchant ship as part of CPEC.
Another media report mentions that the Pakistan Navy has created a special task force to provide seaward security to Gwadar port. Yet another recent media report says that Gwadar International Airport, financed and built by China, is ready to operate fully loaded A-380 Airbus aircraft, the largest aircraft flying today. The Chinese Navy is in the IOR, and its warships and submarines will soon be based at Chinese-built ports literally in our backyard, while Chinese warplanes will operate from Chinese-built airports which are next to Chinese-built seaports. All this while India, its Parliament and people are in the throes of a well-meaning digital revolution to become a cashless society. Hopefully, Mr Modi will take decisive steps to counter this latest seaborne threat.
On Tuesday, the military leadership of the Bashar al-Assad regime announced that government forces had captured most of Aleppo. This ends a four-year conflict that has witnessed extraordinary carnage, systemic killings of civilians, gross human rights abuses and the destruction of one of the great cities in world history. All of this has taken place while the international community has stood by, apparently helpless in the face of such wanton rampages against human values. Syrias Stalingrad has succumbed to the powerful forces deployed against it. The small and sporadic uprisings against President Bashar al-Assad, in the wake of the Arab Spring in early 2011, were nearly a year old before Aleppo, Syrias largest city of two and a half million, experienced the first agitations for political change in July 2012. Till then Aleppo, Syrias commercial centre, had been largely supportive of the Assad government. The situation changed when rebel forces from the neighbouring villages penetrated Aleppo.
The rebels included home-grown jihadis, militants from the Al Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat Nusra, buttressed by Libyan, Chechen and French jihadis and Syrian Kurds, who together constituted a formidable international force. Rebel forces occupied eastern Aleppo, while the pro-government population of a million and a half people lived in the west. For the Assad government, the recapture of Aleppo was important for symbolic and strategic reasons. It was not only a major commercial and tourism centre, it was also on the supply line from Turkey to the rebels. Hence, over four years of harsh urban warfare, the government deployed its elite units, backed by Hezbollah and militia from Iran and Iraq, against the rebels. The rebels, supported by their Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Turkish patrons, were generally able to hold their own against the forces ranged against them, with territory frequently exchanging hands between the two sides. However, the battle scenario changed dramatically with the involvement of Russia from September 2015 on the side of the Assad government.
Government forces now had the benefit of widespread bombings by the Russian Air Force, which included accusations of the use of barrel bombs against civilian targets, including targeting of schools and hospitals, and even double tap bombings that hit rescue workers seeking to aid victims of earlier bombings. The endgame in Aleppo began in June 2016 when a government offensive effectively encircled the city and held its position against a strong rebel counter-attack. From September, the national Army began to make steady progress in taking rebel-held territory. On December 13, the city, largely despoiled and shattered, came under government control. At the time of writing (December 15), small pockets of resistance remain in eastern Aleppo, though a civilian population of about 80,000 persons is said to be entrapped amongst the rebels still holding out.
First reports of liberation speak of the violation of the ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey and summary executions of dozens of people by the Army amidst widespread scenes of destruction. The UN human rights head, Richard Colville, has spoken of a complete meltdown of humanity. A Syrian in Aleppo, perhaps reflecting the sectarian character of the conflict, has been quoted as saying: We are facing genocide. A week before the fall of Aleppo, Mr Assad had said that, while the fall of Aleppo would not end the Syrian conflict, it would be a huge step in that direction. Rescue workers have described the Aleppo situation as the gravest humanitarian emergency of our time and the most dangerous crisis in the worlds most unstable region. Pro-rebel officials from neighbouring countries have said the fight will go on.
It is too early in the day to forecast the run of events in Syria. For the last few years, the fate of Aleppo has been viewed as crucial in determining the course of the Syrian conflict; this is what encouraged Mr Assad to deploy such lethal force in retaking the city. However, first impressions are that the fall of Aleppo might not be that significant. Commentators have noted that the recapture of Aleppo involved the military strategy of inflicting total destruction which consisted of massive bombardment, strong attacks on the citys infrastructure, the successful cutting off of supplies and a vice-like siege of the city: It will not be easy for the Assad government to mobilise such a massive and lethal force against rebels in other towns. Again, at least 150,000 battle-hardened and committed rebel fighters remain in Syria and control large swathes of territory. To complicate the picture, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, under pressure in Iraq, has taken advantage of the focus on Aleppo to retake the historic town of Palmyra, which government forces had captured with such fanfare just a few months ago.
On the political front, the regional players, Turkey and the GCC, remain committed to regime change in Damascus and continue to back the rebels with military supplies; neither side is showing any interest in a political compromise that would end the fighting. New battlefronts are expected to open in Idlib and Homs, with no signs of peace and stability. The advent of the Donald Trump presidency has injected a new source of uncertainty into the Syrian quagmire. After the election, Mr Trump has re-affirmed his hostility to Iran, and hence might not be enthusiastic about Iran affirming its influence in Syria, even as the lame-duck US Congress has voted to supply the rebels with anti-aircraft missiles.
But Mr Trump has also indicated disdain for the rebel groups and a keenness to align US and Russian interests in Syria, with the principal focus being on defeating ISIS. This suggests that he might accept Mr Assad continuing to rule from Damascus, even if it irks the US traditional regional allies. It remains to be seen how the new President will reconcile these contradictions. Amidst these political and military manoeuvres, voices from Syrias beleaguered cities continue their defiance, asserting, in the words of activist Malak Chabhoun, that the spirit of revolution persists in Syria.
The image was taken on December 11 as the Juno spacecraft performed its third close flyby of Jupiter. (Photo:NASA)
NASA's solar-powered Juno spacecraft has captured the seventh of Jupiter's eight features forming a 'string of pearls' massive counter-clockwise rotating storms that appear as white ovals in the gas giant planet's southern hemisphere.
The image was taken by the JunoCam imager on-board the Juno spacecraft. Since 1986, these white ovals have varied in number from six to nine. There are currently eight white ovals visible.
The image was taken on December 11 as the Juno spacecraft performed its third close flyby of Jupiter.
At the time the image was taken, the spacecraft was about 24,600 kilometres from the planet, NASA said. JunoCam is a colour, visible-light camera designed to capture remarkable pictures of Jupiter's poles and cloud tops.
As Juno's eyes, it will provide a wide view, helping to provide context for the spacecraft's other instruments.
JunoCam was included on the spacecraft specifically for purposes of public engagement; although its images will be helpful to the science team, it is not considered one of the mission's science instruments, NASA said.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, manages the Juno mission for the principal investigator, Scott Bolton, of Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio.
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Fitbit announced on December 7 that they had acquired the assets and intellectual property of former Kickstarter-funded company Pebble. Soon, reports of how Pebble services would shut down followed. This worried many Pebbles smartwatch owners. However, Jon Barlow, a developer advocate at Fitbit recently published a post that assures Pebble owners that Pebble smartwatch services will be running through 2017.
"Fitbit is going out of its way to keep Pebble software and services running through 2017. To be clear, no one on this freshly-formed team seeks to brick Pebble watches in active service. The Pebble SDK, CloudPebble, Timeline APIs, firmware availability, mobile apps, developer portal and Pebble appstore are all elements of the Pebble ecosystem that will remain in service at this time. Pebble developers are welcome to keep creating and updating apps. Pebble users are free to keep enjoying their watches, the post read.
The Pebble community always filled in the gaps our small team needed help with, and you continue to do so. Weve seen a massive influx of community developers teaming up to keep the Pebble watch experience alive, long into the future, the post further added acknowledging Pebbles efforts.
"The mobile app updates will ensure the operation of core Pebble functions, even with cloud services discontinued -- they won't break functionality," Barlow wrote. "After this update, Pebble Health will continue to work as it does today."
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Prosecutors said the enterprise included pumping up stock prices with sham promotional emails, running online casinos, operating an illegal bitcoin exchange and laundering money through shell companies and accounts around the world.
An American was taken into U.S. custody on Wednesday after arriving from Russia to face charges that he helped orchestrate a massive computer hacking and fraud scheme that included an attack against JPMorgan Chase & Co, prosecutors said.
Joshua Aaron, 32, was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York after being deported from Russia to the United States, where he will face charges pending since last year, U.S. authorities said.
Aaron came back to the United States voluntarily, said Benjamin Brafman, his lawyer. During a court hearing, Aaron pleaded not guilty to charges including computer hacking and securities fraud.
Aaron, who was born in Maryland and attended Florida State University, is one of nine people to face charges following an investigation connected to a data breach that JPMorgan disclosed in 2014 involving records for more than 83 million accounts.
He was charged along with two Israeli men, Gery Shalon and Ziv Orenstein, in an indictment filed in November 2015 for his alleged role in crimes targeting 12 companies, including nine financial services firms and media outlets like the Wall Street Journal.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara in a statement said Aaron "worked to hack into the networks of dozens of American companies, ultimately leading to the largest theft of personal information from U.S. financial institutions ever."
Prosecutors said the scheme dated back to 2007 and compromised more than 100 million people's personal information.
Prosecutors said the enterprise included pumping up stock prices with sham promotional emails, running online casinos, operating an illegal bitcoin exchange and laundering money through shell companies and accounts around the world.
The scheme also involved a massive attack on JPMorgan affecting 83 million customers, the largest theft of customer data from a U.S. financial institution, authorities said.
A separate indictment in Atlanta in November 2015 against Shalon and Aaron said that brokerages E*Trade Financial Corp and Scottrade were also targets, and personal information of more than 10 million customers was compromised.
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Yahoo said it discovered the breach while reviewing data provided to the company by law enforcement. (Photo: AP)
Yahoo warned on Wednesday that it had uncovered yet another massive cyber attack, saying data from more than 1 billion user accounts was compromised in August 2013, making it the largest breach in history.
The number of affected accounts was double the number implicated in a 2014 breach that the internet company disclosed in September and blamed on hackers working on behalf of a government. News of that attack, which affected at least 500 million accounts, prompted Verizon Communication Inc to say in October that it might withdraw from an agreement to buy Yahoo's core internet business for $4.83 billion.
Following the latest disclosure, Verizon said, "We will review the impact of this new development before reaching any final conclusions."
A Yahoo spokesman told Reuters that the company has been in communication with Verizon during its investigation into the breach and that it is confident the incident will not affect the pending acquisition.
Yahoo required all of its customers to reset their passwords - a stronger measure than it took after the previous breach was discovered, when it only recommended a password reset.
Yahoo also said Wednesday that it believes hackers responsible for the previous breach had also accessed the companys proprietary code to learn how to forge "cookies" that would allow hackers to access an account without a password.
"Yahoo badly screwed up," said Bruce Schneier, a cryptologist and one of the world's most respected security experts. "They weren't taking security seriously and that's now very clear. I would have trouble trusting Yahoo going forward."
Yahoo was tentative in its description of new problems, saying the incident was "likely" distinct from the one it reported in September and that stolen information "may have included" names, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords and, in some cases, encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers.
It said it had not yet identified the intrusion that led to the massive data theft and noted that payment-card data and bank account information were not stored in the system the company believes was affected.
Yahoo said it discovered the breach while reviewing data provided to the company by law enforcement. FireEye Mandiant unit and Aon Plc's Stroz Friedberg are assisting in the investigation, the Yahoo spokesman told Reuters.
The breach is the latest setback for Yahoo, an internet pioneer that has fallen on hard times in recent years after being eclipsed by younger, fast-growing rivals including Alphabet Inc's Google and Facebook.
Hours before it announced the breach on Wednesday, executives with Google, Facebook and other large US technology companies met with President-elect Donald Trump in New York. Reflecting its diminished stature, Yahoo was not invited to the summit, according to people familiar with the meeting.
The Yahoo spokesman said Chief Executive Marissa Mayer was at the company's Sunnyvale, California headquarters to assist in addressing the new breach.
Yahoo shares were down 2.4 per cent to $39.91 in extended trading. Verizon shares were little changed from their close at $51.63.
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Trump, speaking to the group of technology officials at the meeting, acknowledged others had been left off the list, but he did not mention Twitter specifically.
President-elect Donald Trump left Twitter off the invitation list for a meeting of technology company executives on Wednesday because it is too small, a spokesman for his transition team told Reuters.
The omission of Twitter from the meeting surprised some in the industry given Trump's prolific use of the social media platform during his election campaign and the company's high profile in discussions over policy issues such as cyber security and the spread of violent online propaganda.
"They werent invited because they arent big enough," the transition official said.
With a market capitalization of $13.85 billion, Twitter is smaller than Facebook and Amazon, companies that were included in the meeting in New York.
The smallest company in attendance was electric car maker Tesla, with a market capitalization of $31.92 billion.
Twitter's platform played a big role in Trump's ability to speak directly to millions of voters. Trump leveraged his sizable following on Twitter to circumvent traditional media to speak directly to the public and to bash his opponents.
During the Obama administration, Twitter was a regular participant in meetings meant to address technology concerns, especially given its use by groups such as Islamic State and the ease with which the site is used for online bullying.
One source familiar with Trump's relationship with Twitter said the decision to exclude Twitter Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey was motivated by the president-elect's ire at the company, which rejected an advertising deal with his campaign in October.
Trump's election campaign had offered to pay to have an emoji, or small picture, that would show up on tweets during the second presidential debate anytime Twitter users tweeted the phrase "#Crooked Hillary," Republican Trump's nickname for his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.
Twitter rejected the deal, saying it might mislead users who would not be able to tell that the campaign had paid for the emoji.
The Trump transition spokesman said the emoji had nothing to do with the invitation omission. The official said Trump has had public spats with other tech leaders who were invited, including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, and Apple CEO Tim Cook, who hosted a fundraiser for Clinton.
Trump, speaking to the group of technology officials at the meeting, acknowledged others had been left off the list, but he did not mention Twitter specifically.
"I won't tell you the hundreds of calls we've had asking to come to this meeting," he said to laughter in the room, "and I will say Peter (Thiel) was sort of saying 'no that company's too small,' and these are monster companies."
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The class action suit accuses Disney of laying off information technology workers based solely on their national origin and race and replacing them with Indian nationals who received special treatment. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP)
Washington: A group of former Disney IT employees in the US state of Florida have filed a fresh lawsuit, claiming the company discriminated against them by firing them and giving their jobs to Indian workers brought to the country on H-1B visas.
The class action suit accuses Disney of laying off information technology workers "based solely on their national origin and race" and replacing them with Indian nationals who received "special treatment".
The workers felt even more insulted by being forced to train their replacements, the suit says.
According to a complaint, Disney informed 250 Orlando IT workers in October 2014 they would be laid off within 90 days. The company quickly brought in replacements some of whom would work remotely, while others would enter the United States on H-1B visas, New York Daily News reported.
All were "of Indian national origin", court papers say. The complaint says Disney created a "hostile work environment" for its out-the-door workers, in part by telling them they had to train foreigners who would be filling their roles.
The suit says Disney made its axed workers "experience pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of earnings and other employment benefits and job opportunities."
It asks for a jury trial and unspecified damages. Court papers do not specify the race and nationality of the dozens of plaintiffs who have joined the suit.
One of the former worker who filed the suit, Leonardo Perrero, is white. He testified before Congress in February about the loss of his job, and at one point teared up while recalling when he learned about the end of his 20-year career at Disney.
"I clearly remember going to the local church pumpkin sale and having to tell the kids we couldnt buy any that year because my job was being turned over to a foreign worker," he told Congress.
Perrero also said Disney threatened to not give its employees severance if they didn't train the new workforce.
The new suit comes two months after a federal judge in Florida dismissed two lawsuits from former IT workers over the layoffs. The judge ruled that Disney and its two outsourcing contractors did not violate any rules in its job switches.
Disney said in a statement, "Like the two other dismissed cases brought by this lawyer, this latest lawsuit is nonsense and we will defend it vigorously".
President-elect Donald Trump targeted the H-1B visa as part of his campaign promise to end the outsourcing of American jobs. He said he was "totally committed" to eliminating abuse of the visa, which affords temporary employment for foreign workers.
It was not immediately clear if the plow truck buried the boys or if their snow fort collapsed on them. (Photo: Representational Image/AP)
New York: A 13-year-old New York boy died under tragic circumstances when he was buried under tonnes of snow while building a fort with his friend, authorities said.
Joshua Demarest, 13, died but his friend Tyler Day was found alive after being submerged for hours under tonnes of snow.
The boy was playing in a snow mound on a dead end street in Greenwich as a public works truck plowed the area around 5 p.m., according to police.
Police received a 911 call for two missing boys shortly after the truck cleared out of the area and when a search dog found a sled near the mound, crews began digging.
"I bet they moved seven tonnes of snow easily out of that pile by hand, shovels and snow rakes," Greenwich Police Chief George Bell said at a news conference.
One of the boys was rushed to Saratoga Hospital after first responders pulled him from the snow, and failed to resuscitate him at the scene. He was pronounced dead soon.
His friend was found about an hour later, miraculously conscious and alert in a pocket of air, media reports said.
"You can actually see the little pocket in that huge bank that he survived in and it is nothing short of a miracle," said Bell.
It was "a true accident," he added. "That's all I can tell you. A tragedy all the way around. There was no way that anybody could have seen the kids burrowed in back there."
Department of Public Works Superintendent Leo Flynn says it would have been impossible for his workers to have seen the teens beneath the snow.
It was not immediately clear if the plow truck buried the boys or if their snow fort collapsed on them. The child who survived told investigators he heard what sounded like machinery before everything went dark, according to NEWS10.
Los Angeles: A US professor received death threats and has fled her home state of California after she told her students that Donald Trump's election was an "act of terrorism", evoking a strong response for and against her statement.
Olga Perez Stable Cox, a psychology professor at the Orange Coast College (OCC) in Costa Mesa, in a week after the US presidential election was recorded on video telling students in her human sexuality class that "we're really back to being (in) a civil war".
The two-minute video also shows Cox saying, "And so we are in for a difficult time. But again, I do believe that we can get past that. Our nation is divided; we have been assaulted, it's an act of terrorism."
News of threats against Cox came to light on Monday, as hundreds of people turned out at the college to demonstrate in support of her and against her. Following the threats, Cox has temporarily left the state, the Orange County Register reported.
"Someone emailed her a picture of her house, with her address," said Rob Schneiderman, president of the Coast Federation of Educators/American Federation of Teachers Local 1911.
The email called Cox a "libtard, Marxist, hatemonger, nutcase" and said "her home address is now going to be sent everywhere," Schneiderman was quoted as saying.
Others threatened her livelihood, some her life.
"You want communism, go to Cuba try to bring it to America and we'll put a (expletive) bullet in your face," read an email to her.
Schneiderman described Cox as a "lesbian, Latina woman living in Orange County. She's pretty strong."
But threatening emails and phone calls to her private number were too much, and a substitute will cover her classes this final week of the semester, he said.
Hundreds of students and faculty members who support Cox gathered for a rally on campus on Monday. Carrying homemade signs calling for free speech, they defended the teacher they described as someone dedicated to protecting all students, including those who are LGBT and students of colour.
A smaller group with students from the College Republicans, which made the video public set up a computer to continuously play Cox's recording, in which she referred to white supremacy and called the vice president-elect "one of the most anti-gay humans in this country."
Those students countered that the issue is not about academic freedom but points to an instance of a college instructor pushing her own political agenda, something they say is prevalent on college campuses nationwide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)
Singapore: India's envoy to Singapore has called for air connectivity between Singapore and India's North-Eastern region to deepen connection between the two countries.
"I hope to see new destinations, especially in the North-East of India. We have always tried to strengthened connectivity by air and sea between India and Singapore," High Commissioner Jawed Ashraf said after launching Jet Airways' Singapore to Bengaluru direct flight last night in Singapore.
"India's engagement with this part of the world is growing very rapidly. More and more people are travelling from India to this part of the world for business, pleasure, education and tourism.
"This flight (Singapore-Bengaluru) just does not deepen the connection between India and Singapore, it deepens connection between India and the East. It adds one strong elements to our Act East policy," said Ashraf.
Singapore has 220 flights a week to 15 cities in India, with about two million passengers travelling in both directions and over 3.4 million Indian travellers passing through the Changi International Airport to the region a year.
Singapore's ambassador-at-large Gopinath Pillai said, "This new direct flight will further strengthen Jet Airways' position in Singapore and the ASEAN Region.
"It will additionally serve the large Indian expatriate community especially of Tamil origin settled in Singapore, further reinforcing the strong bonds between both nations," said Pillai, also the chairman of the Institute of South Asian Studies, a think-tank at the National University of Singapore.
Meanwhile, Jet Airways has an ongoing feasibility studies on new air routes between India and Asia.
"The Mumbai-Shanghai route is being studied very strongly," said Paul Wu, Jet Airways' General Manager for Singapore and Oceania.
"These studies take about six to nine months," he added. Jet Airways carry regional traffic via Singapore through partnerships and co-sharing arrangements with JetStar, Garuda, Qantas, Korean Air and the Philippine Airlines. It serves 67 destinations in India and globally.
"Forty per cent of our traffic via Singapore is from Indonesia and Malaysia," Wu said.
On Tuesday, High Commissioner Jawed also launched 'Incredible India' campaign in Singapore.
Indian cultural, natural reserves and tourist attractions are painted on public transport buses plying through the city- state.
Pyongyang: North Korea on Thursday wrapped up a 200-day mass mobilisation campaign aimed at boosting an economy struggling with upgraded UN sanctions imposed after its two nuclear tests this year.
Coming hard on the heels of a similar 70-day campaign that ended in May, the 200-day version kicked off in early June, pushing extra hours and working weekends.
On the final day Thursday, as on every day for the entirety of the campaign, dozens of female propaganda troupes armed with drums and flags put on early morning performances at strategic locations across the city, encouraging commuters on their way to work.
A large placard erected in front of each troupe and replicated in work units across the country asked the question: "Comrade, have you carried out your battle plan today?"
On Thursday the section on the placard counting down to the end of the campaign read: "Days remaining - 1"
Outside experts say the economic benefits of such campaigns are dubious at best, with some suggesting they have a negative net impact on productivity as exhaustion fuels inefficiency.
New York-based Human Rights Watch has condemned them as mass exercises in "forced labour" that use political coercion to extract economic gain.
North Koreans are used to mandatory mass mobilisation campaigns, with participation rigorously monitored and used as a measurement of loyalty to the regime.
But Andrei Lankov, a veteran North Korea watcher and professor at Kookmin University in Seoul, said the modern-day campaigns were more show than substance, a strategy from a bygone socialist era that was long past its sell-by date.
The primary focus is on industrial output, with top priority given to reducing a yawning energy deficit that acts as a constantly tripping circuit breaker on economic growth.
Power outages remain commonplace in Pyongyang which, as the country's showcase capital, receives privileged utilities supplies.
Heavy batteries and power-saving LED lights are popular items in markets for those who can afford them, while the balconies of Pyongyang's apartment blocks bristle with solar panels to keep basic household appliances running.
The current 200-day campaign was launched to kick-start a new five-year economic plan unveiled by supreme leader Kim Jong-Un at a ruling party congress in May.
The plan was long on ambition but short on detail, offering no clear hint of reform despite Kim's call to "expand our method of economic management".
According to South Korea's central bank, the North Korean economy contracted by 1.1 percent last year, the first downturn since 2010.
Given the paucity of economic data released by the North, estimating its GDP is a hazardous exercise, but experts say upgraded sanctions are clearly posing a challenge that old-school, mass mobilisation campaigns are simply no match for.
North Korea carried out two nuclear tests this year, in January and September, drawing two separate rounds of UN sanctions aimed at blocking Pyongyang's access to hard currency revenues.
The latest measures included a cap on North Korea's coal exports, a key foreign exchange earner.
Nagato: Vladimir Putin's first official visit to a G-7 country since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea is starting in somewhat customary fashion: He is arriving late.
The Russian president was due in western Japan on Thursday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, but his flight was behind schedule. Japanese media reported he would arrive about three hours late.
During two days of talks, Abe hopes to make progress on a long-running territorial dispute, while trying to bolster ties with economic projects, though a major breakthrough is seen as unlikely.
The meetings begin Thursday at a hot springs resort in Nagato city and continue Friday in Tokyo. Abe has invited Putin even though the G-7 nations, including Japan, still have sanctions on Russia.
"This really is an extraordinary development," said James Brown, author of a book on the Japan-Russia territorial dispute and a professor at the Japan campus of Temple University in Tokyo. "I think Prime Minister Abe is being really quite bold in announcing this new approach to relations with Russia, especially coming at such a difficult time in relations between Russia and the west."
Putin has shown up late before. He kept Pope Francis waiting at the Vatican for one hour and 20 minutes in 2015. Earlier this month, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida waited for two hours when he visited the Kremlin.
Disagreements over four southern Kuril islands, which Japan calls the Northern Territories, have kept the countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities.
"I hope to negotiate thoroughly in quiet atmosphere, in the silence of the night," Abe told reporters in Tokyo ahead of his departure for Nagato. "I head into negotiations keeping close to my heart the long-cherished desire of the former islanders" to resolve the dispute.
Japan says the Soviet Union took the islands illegally at the end of World War II, expelling 17,000 Japanese to nearby Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four main islands. Russia governs the islands and the Russians who live there.
Putin told Japanese journalists earlier this week that progress hinges on Japan's flexibility to compromise, and that he doesn't mind the status quo. "We think that we have no territorial problems. It's Japan that thinks that is has a territorial problem with Russia," he said.
But Russia wants to attract Japanese investment, particularly to its far east. Japan hopes that stronger ties through joint economic projects will help resolve the thorny territorial issue over time.
As China considers a nationwide ban on smoking in public places, the fight is well underway in Beijing, which banned smoking in restaurants and other indoor areas 18 months ago. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP)
Beijing: A group of anti-smoking volunteers in blue vests marched through an office building on a recent morning in China's capital, trailed by two police officers and the building's management.
As people peered out of the doorways, the volunteers turned several corners and stopped in front of a stairwell door. One of them pushed it open.
There stood an office worker, pressing a cellphone to one ear and holding a lit cigarette in his other hand. Someone had turned him in.
A stern lecture followed from the group's leader, a stocky, 32-year-old fine arts teacher named Liu Li.
"Today, we won't punish you, but we will criticize and educate you," Liu said in a carrying voice, as the worker bowed and apologized repeatedly. "Don't throw cigarette butts around. You must not act like this next time."
As China considers a nationwide ban on smoking in public places, the fight is well underway in Beijing, which banned smoking in restaurants and other indoor areas 18 months ago.
Zealous volunteers and anti-smoking advocates have made some headway against millions of occasionally intransigent smokers and the state-run cigarette monopoly, a large and powerful force in China's government and economy.
Cigarettes are a cultural symbol in China, where national leaders dating back to Mao Zedong were well-known smokers, andwhere cigarettes are still handed out commonly at weddings, banquets and holiday celebrations.
The tobacco industry employs more than 300,000 people and remains a key source of revenue in the national budget. The State Tobacco Monopoly Administration generated more than $150 billion in tax revenues just last year alone.
But tobacco extracts a huge cost as well. About 1 million deaths a year in China can be attributed to cigarettes, a figure that could triple by 2050 without greater action to curb the habit.
China has more than 300 million smokers and nearly half of China's adult males smoke regularly, according to the World Bank.
For all of the attention given to China's notorious air pollution, it's smoking that's often far more damaging and far easier to correct, said Dr. Bernhard Schwartlander, who has worked for several years in China as the World Health Organisation's local representative.
The announcement is one of the sharpest responses by the United States to Duterte's drug war, which has claimed more than 5,000 lives in less than six months. (Photo: AFP)
Manila: The United States said Thursday it had withheld a major aid package to the Philippines because of significant concerns about the rule of law under President Rodrigo Duterte, days after he boasted about personally killing people.
The announcement is one of the sharpest responses by the United States to Duterte's drug war, which has claimed more than 5,000 lives in less than six months.
The US embassy said the Philippines had missed out on a second aid grant under the Millennium Challenge Corporation, after an initial five-year package worth more than $430 million expired in May.
"This decision reflects the Board's significant concerns around rule of law and civil liberties in the Philippines," embassy spokeswoman Molly Koscina said in a statement emailed to AFP.
The US government set up the Millennium Challenge Corporation to promote economic growth and reduce poverty around the world.
However countries can only qualify if they "demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, investments in its people, and economic freedom," according to the corporation's website.
The United States has been a vocal critic of the war on drugs, with President Barack Obama in September urging Duterte to prosecute it "the right way".
The criticism has severely strained ties between the longtime allies, which are bound by a mutual defence pact.
Duterte has branded Obama a "son of a whore" and told him to "go to hell", while seeking to establish closer ties with US rivals China and Russia.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation announced on Wednesday that new grants had been given to Burkina Faso, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.
The US embassy's Koscina said the corporation's board decided to withhold a vote on whether to reselect the Philippines because of the rights concerns, although it could still be considered in the future.
"MCC will continue to monitor unfolding events in the Philippines and underscores that all country partners are expected to maintain eligibility, which includes not just a passing scorecard but also a demonstrated commitment to the rule of law, due process and respect for human rights," she said.
Duterte's Trump card
However Duterte has said he is looking forward to relations improving under US president-elect Donald Trump.
Duterte said following a phone call with Trump in early December that he had received encouragement for the drug war.
"He was quite sensitive also to our worry about drugs. And he wishes me well in my campaign and he said that we are doing it as a sovereign nation, the right way," Duterte said about his call with Trump.
Philippine police have reported killing 2,086 people in anti-drug operations since Duterte took office on June 30. More than 3,000 others have been killed in unexplained circumstances, according to official figures.
Often masked assailants break into shanty homes and kill people who have been tagged as drug traffickers or drug users. Rights groups have warned of a breakdown in the rule of law with police and hired assassins operating with complete impunity.
Duterte has insisted that police are only killing in self-defence and gangsters are murdering the other victims.
But he has also said he will not allow any police to go to jail if they are found guilty of murder in prosecuting his crime war.
This week Duterte said he had personally killed suspected criminals when he was mayor of a southern city to set an example for police.
In September Duterte also likened himself to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler as he said he was "happy to slaughter" three million drug users.
After condemnation from Jewish groups, Duterte apologised for his Hitler reference but said he was "emphatic" about wanting to kill the millions of drug users.
Surveys have shown a majority of Filipinos overwhelmingly support the charismatic Duterte and his crime policies, accepting his argument that drastic action is required to stop the Philippines from becoming a narco-state.
A fresh survey by the Social Weather Stations released Thursday showed 77 percent of Filipinos were "satisfied" with his performance.
An autopsy found that the 19-year-old had drowned, with the Afghan teen's DNA found at the scene. (Photo: AFP)
Athens: A teenage Afghan refugee accused of killing a student in Germany had been previously convicted and jailed for attempted murder in Greece, a police source said on Thursday.
The unnamed 17-year-old was sentenced to 10 years of jail in 2014 for pushing a woman off a cliff in Corfu but was released after serving little more than a year of his sentence as part of a Greek initiative to free up space in the country's packed prisons.
Despite strict conditions requiring him to report to police every month, officials lost trace of him two months after his release. He later travelled to Germany, although it was not immediately clear when.
On December 2, he was arrested in the southwestern German town of Freiburg in connection with the murder of a medical student who was found dead on the banks of the river Dreisam on October 16.
An autopsy found that the 19-year-old had drowned, with the Afghan teen's DNA found at the scene. Identified on CCTV, he is being held on suspicion of rape and murder.
The victim of the 2014 Corfu attack, a 20-year-old student survived and identified him as her attacker.
His identity as the same person involved in the German case was confirmed by cross-referencing his fingerprints, the police source told AFP.
A contentious case
The case has sparked a fresh wave of criticism in Germany over the country's liberal refugee policy.
The anti-migrant AfD party blamed the crime on the "uncontrolled" influx of foreigners but Chancellor Angela Merkel said that while any murder is to be condemned, the crime should not be used to target "an entire group".
The suspect arrived in Greece in January 2013 and claimed asylum. He was jailed in February 2014 by a youth court over the attempted murder.
Greek media slammed the authorities for their mis-handling of the prison release programme and for failing to alert the global policing agency Interpol that the teenager had fled.
Germany received 890,000 asylum requests in 2015, although that rate slowed to 213,000 from January to September 2016 following a deal with Turkey and a series of border closures on the Balkan route.
Public anger about the refugee arrivals has been stoked by several high-profile crimes involving migrants.
Vienna: Austria's lower house of parliament has approved the compulsory purchase of the building Hitler was born in, a step towards changing the site beyond recognition to reduce its appeal as a pilgrimage site for neo-Nazis.
The text approved late on Wednesday did not specify what form the planned overhaul of the building will take, which some deputies who voted against the bill cited as their reason for opposing it.
Opponents included some members of the small, liberal Neos party, according to a statement by parliament, but a count of votes was not immediately available. The bill must now be passed by the upper house, which is expected to be a formality.
Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka has said the government supports a planned "thorough architectural rearrangement" of the house Hitler was born in near the border with Germany in 1889, which could include demolishing the building.
The compulsory purchase of the house in the town in Braunau am Inn should put an end to a long-standing dispute with its owner, a retired woman who has turned down previous offers by the state to acquire the site.
Sobotka has said the three-storey building could be used by the town of Braunau for "charitable or official purposes" after its conversion. The Interior Ministry has been renting the building since 1972 and sublet it to Braunau.
Brussels: British Prime Minister Theresa May urged her EU counterparts on Thursday to make Brexit "as smooth and orderly as possible" as they prepared to discuss the process at a dinner without her.
"We want that to be as smooth and orderly a process as possible. It is not just in our interests, it is in the interests of Europe as well," May said as she arrived for a summit in Brussels ahead of the dinner.
May, who has promised to trigger the two-year divorce process by the end of March 2017, said the fact that the other 27 European Union leaders would discuss their Brexit strategy without her was not a problem.
"I welcome the fact that the other leaders will be meeting to discuss Brexit tonight," she said, dismissing any suggestion that it amounted to a snub.
"We are going to invoke Article 50, trigger the negotiations by the end of March next year and it is right that the other leaders prepare for those negotiations as we have been preparing," she said.
All 28 EU leaders, including May, meet first to discuss a series of issues from how to deal with Russia over Ukraine and Syria to fraught relations with Turkey.
May then leaves and the other 27 to go into dinner, holding to their line that there can be no Brexit discussions of any description until she formally starts the negotiations.
Vienna: A 20-year-old migrant who was accused of raping a 10-year-old boy in Austria after terming the attack as 'sexual emergency', was slapped with an extended jail term.
The accused had reportedly told investigators that though he knew it was a mistake, he committed the act as it was a case of sexual emergency.
According to a report in Daily Mail, the migrant, who worked as a taxi driver in Vienna, had told the police that he could not help himself as he had excess sexual energy, and that he did not mean to scar the child.
The 10-year-old was brutally raped by the migrant in a swimming pool cubicle at The Resienbad, and was found crying by the lifeguard. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, while the police found the migrant on the spot, amusing himself by diving into the pool over and over again.
On being questioned by the police, he responded saying that though he knew such an act was 'forbidden in any country of the world', it was a sexual emergency as he had not had sex in past four months. He added that he was not always sick as he had a wife and a daughter back home in Iraq.
According to official records, the migrant entered Austria through the Balkans last September.
The police did not reveal the details of the rape, which took place on December last, to protect the identity of the victim. But information emerged on Facebook, prompting the police to request sensitivity in matters concerning migrants, as they have been through a lot.
Moscow demonstratively bolstered its hi-tech air defences in the skies over Syria and sent more warships -- including its only aircraft carrier -- to patrol the shores off the war-torn country. (Photo: AP)
Moscow: When Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the Kremlin's bombing campaign in Syria last year to back up leader Bashar al-Assad, the regime's forces were being pushed back.
Now Damascus is celebrating its biggest victory in over five years of war after recapturing control of the rebel bastion in the east of the city and dealing a hammer blow to those looking to oust Assad.
Here's how Russia helped break the stalemate:
Turning the tables
Russian warplanes played a central role in bludgeoning rebel-held parts of Aleppo towards defeat with a brutal campaign that stirred memories of Putin's destruction of the Chechen capital Grozny in 1999-2000.
Although Assad's opponents finally gave up after Moscow said it halted air strikes on the city in October, Russia's bombers had already pulverised rebel defences for months, allowing the Syrian leader's forces to tighten their siege.
"Without Russia, nothing would have happened with Aleppo," said Alexei Malashenko, an analyst at the Carnegie Center in Moscow. "Everything was focused on Aleppo."
While Moscow insists its troops are not fighting on the frontlines, it admits it has military advisors on the ground supporting Assad's forces.
Malashenko said Russian advisors had played their role in helping the ground operation, noting that the death of a Russian army tank commander in Aleppo suggested Moscow might have drafted in some of its big guns to help out.
In addition to helping turn the tide militarily, Russia's presence also made sure of one thing: there would be no intervention from the West in Aleppo -- despite an outcry over the bloodshed.
As the operation intensified, Moscow demonstratively bolstered its hi-tech air defences in the skies over Syria and sent more warships -- including its only aircraft carrier -- to patrol the shores off the war-torn country.
A pyrrhic victory?
For the Kremlin, victory in Aleppo can be seen as a stunning triumph to crown Moscow's first intervention outside the former Soviet region since the disastrous Afghanistan campaign.
Russia has helped thrust Assad into a position of strength while breaking the back of more moderate rebels groups supported by Washington and its allies.
Putin now appears the undisputed kingmaker in Syria and a key player across the entire Middle East. And he cut the US and Europe out of the loop on Aleppo by dealing directly with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
But the ferocious bombardment of Aleppo saw the West levelling accusations of war crimes that clearly stung the Kremlin and further strained its fragile ties with the West.
That was a blow for what many saw as one of the major initial aims of Putin's intervention in Syria: trying to ease his isolation over the Ukraine crisis.
"The main goal of the operation has been to force the West to speak to Putin," independent military expert Alexander Golts said.
"The situation has come full circle: Russia is now isolated because of the victory in Syria."
Blistering international criticism did eventually see Russia claim to halt its Aleppo strikes in October in the move the Kremlin called a "manifestation of goodwill".
But the damage was done and any chance of pushing the US to coordinate forces in Syria evaporated.
On the military side, the show of strength in Aleppo did not always go smoothly.
Moscow's ageing Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier suffered two embarrassing mishaps within a month with two jets ending up in the drink.
What's next?
Just as Russia was about to hail the fall of Aleppo, bad news emerged from elsewhere.
As Assad's troops focused Syria's second city, Islamic State group jihadists seized back control of the ancient city of Palmyra eight months after Damascus and Moscow retook it.
The loss was both a major blow for Putin -- for whom the capture of the World Heritage site had been a major propaganda coup -- and a potentially worrying sign of things to come.
The shock IS advance highlighted how tough Assad's forces will find it to keep a lid on areas they control -- and showed that Syria's protracted war is still far from over.
"With Palmyra captured for a second time, it's difficult to imagine that Aleppo will instantly turn into a peaceful city," Malashenko said.
"This big city will need to be controlled and there will need to be a huge Syrian army contingent with permanent Russian support."
The defeat of the rebels in Aleppo has so far not been accompanied by any progress towards a negotiated end to the conflict.
An emboldened Assad may now prove even more difficult for Moscow to bring to the table, which could hamper any efforts to scale back Russian operations there.
Key for the Kremlin will be how US President-elect Donald Trump approaches the Syria conflict when he takes power in January.
With the capture of Aleppo now a fait accompli, Putin and Assad may be hoping Trump stays true to his word and prioritises cooperation against IS over all else.
A similar evacuation which had been due to take place on Wednesday morning fell apart, with Russia saying the Syrian army had resumed its assault on eastern Aleppo after rebels broke a truce intended to allow them to leave. (Photo: AP)
Moscow: Russia's defence ministry said on Thursday it was working with the Syrian authorities to prepare the evacuation of the remaining rebels in war-torn eastern Aleppo.
"On the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian ceasefire monitoring centre, in cooperation with Syrian authorities, is preparing the evacuation of the remaining rebels and members of their families from the eastern neighbourhoods of Aleppo," a ministry statement said.
The rebels would be evacuated toward the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib in 20 buses and 10 ambulances, it said.
The announcement comes as a new agreement was reached for the evacuation of rebel fighters remaining in Aleppo, according to a senior Syrian military source.
The Russian defence ministry said that Syrian authorities had guaranteed the safety of the rebels leaving the city.
A similar evacuation which had been due to take place on Wednesday morning fell apart, with Russia saying the Syrian army had resumed its assault on eastern Aleppo after rebels broke a truce intended to allow them to leave.
The rebels' evacuation would mark a major victory for President Bashar al-Assad over the opposition forces who rose up against him in March 2011.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that Moscow expected rebel resistance in Aleppo to end in the next "two to three days."
Moscow is backing staunch ally Assad's forces with a bombing campaign, while Washington has supported rebel forces battling the regime.
The fall of Aleppo would be the worst rebel defeat since the start of the conflict, leaving the regime in control of Syria's five major cities.
More than 300,000 people have been killed and over half of the population displaced in nearly six years of deadly fighting. Millions have also fled the country.
The woman rated herself 10 out of 10 on a scale of drunkenness. (Photo: Representational image)
Liverpool: A 49-year-old man from Liverpool was found guilty on Tuesday of raping a woman after he offered her a lift in his car.
According to a report in the Mirror, Yassar Murat Ayuc raped the woman and covered her with leaves and branches.
The woman was reportedly drunk on June 4 when she got in Ayucs car in Argyle Street, Birkenhead.
A daily called Liverpool Echo reported that prosecutor Robert Dudley said the victim claimed she wanted to go to a friends home but Ayuc drove her to a isolated spot near Bedford Road East.
She got out of the car and she looked around. She could see and hear water and feel pebbles underfoot. She ended up face down on the ground. She remembers the man saying its alright, he said.
The victim felt Ayuc climb on top and rape her.
So the victim decided to play dead and must have done it successfully because she heard him say oh god, oh s***, he added.
The woman stayed completely still with her eyes closed and was aware she was being covered with leaves and branches, Dudley said.
Asked how drunk she was, she rated herself '10 out of 10'.
She went looking for help after she heard his car drive off and made her way back to Rock Ferry bypass. A taxi driver found the victim in distress at 5.10 am.
Ayuc, on the other hand, claimed that the women had performed sexual acts on him.
She was strong and I couldnt. I was worried she was going to damage my penis, Ayuc said. He added that he left her because she turned aggressive.
But forensic examination revealed his DNA on her jacket, jeans and knickers.
Judge Brian Cummings, QC, said, There are some very alarming features, in particular the manner in which she was left and the location where she was left.
He adjourned the hearing till January 13 next year and Ayuc has been remanded in custody.
In March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes against Iran-supported Shiite Houthi rebels and their allies after the rebels overran much of Yemen. (Photo: AFP/Representational)
London: The leader of Yemens rebel Houthi government on Wednesday accused Britain of war crimes by supplying weapons that Saudi-led forces were using to bomb the people.
Abdel Aziz bin Habtoor said Britain had sold cluster bombs to Saudi Arabia that it knew would be dropped on Shiite Huthi rebels fighting the internationally-recognised, Saudi-backed administration of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.
I dont think they are guilty of war crimes, I believe so, he told broadcaster Sky News. They are participating in the bombing of Yemen people.
In response to a parliamentary question about the allegations, Prime Minister Theresa May told MPs that Britain had a very strict regime for export licences in relation to weapons.
We exercise that very carefully, and in recent years we have indeed refused export licences in relation to arms, including to Yemen and Saudi Arabia, she added.
Where there are allegations of breaches of international humanitarian law, then we require those to be properly investigated.
The United States on Tuesday blocked the transfer of precision munitions to ally Saudi Arabia, amid anger about the civilian death toll from the kingdoms bombing campaign in Yemen.
This reflects our continued, strong concerns with the flaws in the coalitions targeting practices and overall prosecution of the air campaign in Yemen, said the White House.
Saudi Arabia has been a long-term ally of the US and Britain in the Middle East, but British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson last week was rebuked by his government after accusing the country of backing proxy wars in the region.
In March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes against Iran-supported Shiite Houthi rebels and their allies after the rebels overran much of Yemen.
Since then, the rebels have been pushed out of much of Yemens south, but they still control nearly all of the countrys Red Sea coast as well as swathes of territory around the capital Sanaa.
More than 7,000 people have been killed in the conflict, according to the United Nations. Millions of others are dependent on food aid, with nearly 2.2 million children acutely malnourished due to the near-collapse of the health system during the conflict.
Read more | The war in Yemen will intensify, bringing shame upon all the protagonists
German minister Ursula von der Leyen refused to wear a burqa during her visit to the Middle Eastern country. (Photo: Twitter)
Riyadh: Days after German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a 'burqa' ban in the country saying the refugee crisis "must never be repeated", German minister Ursula von der Leyen refused to wear a burqa during her visit to Saudi Arabia.
During her visit to the Middle Eastern country, Ursula and her team did not wear the traditional Islamic outfit and veil. Instead they chose to don a formal suit.
She met Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman al Saud. Her meeting with the crown prince was not welcomed by many Saudis who took to Twitter to express their anger, reported The Sun.
"No woman in my delegation will be required to wear the abaya, as the right to choose ones attire is a right shared by men and women equally," an Iranian newspaper said quoting Ursula.
Earlier, calling for a ban on the traditional Abaya, Merkel said "The full-face veil is not acceptable in our country. It should be banned, wherever it is legally possible."
Support for bans on full-face veils has been growing across Europe since France became the first country to implement such a law in 2011, followed by countries including Belgium, Bulgaria and parts of Switzerland.
A Syrian man carries a carpet through a devastated part of Palmyra as families fled the central Homs province in Syria. (Photo: AP)
Washington: Islamic State fighters possibly seized air-defence weapons when they recaptured the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, a US general said Wednesday, adding a potential complication to the coalitions air war.
Lieutenant general Stephen Townsend, who commands the US-led coalition bombing IS in Iraq and Syria, said jihadists seized a trove of gear when they retook the desert city from Russia-backed Syrian regime troops on Sunday.
We believe that includes some armoured vehicles and various guns and other heavy weapons, possibly some air-defence equipment, Townsend said in a video briefing from Baghdad.
The US-coalition that has been bombing IS since 2014 has enjoyed near-total air superiority across Iraq and Syria, sustaining only limited small-arms damage to a couple of aircraft.
Basically, anything they (IS) seize poses a threat to the coalition, but we can manage those threats and we will, Townsend said.
I anticipate that well have opportunities to strike that equipment and kill the ISIL thats operating it soon.
Townsend did not describe whether the air-defence weapons were anti-aircraft guns or missiles.
IS overran Palmyra on Sunday, nine months after being expelled by Russian air strikes and forces loyal to President Bashar Al-Assad.
IS had initially seized Palmyra in May 2015 and went on to blow up UNESCO-listed Roman-era temples and loot ancient relics.
Townsend said the coalition would, at least initially, defer to the Russians to try to retake Palmyra.
If they dont, we will do what we need to do to defend ourselves and well de-conflict those actions with the Russians.
The Pentagon and coalition partners have accused Moscow and Damascus of taking their eyes off Palmyra to focus on bombing the former rebel bastion of Aleppo.
The US-led coalition, which is narrowly focused on fighting the IS group, has not had an active role in Aleppo, and Townsend said the regimes recapture of the city would have only a relatively moderate effect on coalition actions in Syria.
Because I think the regime and the opposition forces that are fighting their war adjacent to ours will take their fight elsewhere, he said without giving details.
The Balochistan issue returned to the spotlight in the region after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech in August pointed at human rights violations in the province.(Photo: Twitter)
Dhaka: Equating atrocities in Balochistan to the massacre of Bengalis by Pakistan army during the 1971 liberation war, a self-exiled Baloch leader has sought Bangladesh's support to raise the issue at the UN and help liberate the restive region from "Pakistan's occupation".
"They (Pakistan) are committing the same atrocities that they had committed with you," Mir Suleman Dawood Jan Ahmedzai said here yesterday, referring to Bangladesh's independence struggle during which 3 million Bengalis were killed.
"The family of the present prime minister (Sheikh Hasina) went through the same crisis and even worse," he said, referring to Bangladesh's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the independence movement.
He said 'Pakistan occupied his country' in March 1948 and since then has been carrying out atrocities to suppress public uprisings.
Ahmedzai said Balochs are expecting "cooperation and diplomatic understanding of the situation they are going through" from Bangladesh so that Dhaka can take it up to the UN.
"We, Balochistan, cannot speak in the UN as we are not a member. We want members to speak for us," bdnews24.com quoted him as saying.
In Balochistan, they are committing atrocities on a daily basis, he said, adding that Pakistan has adopted kill and dump policy in Balochistan.
"More than 25,000 people are missing and over a million displaced. First, people go missing and then they are found in the wilderness....tortured, bullet-ridden bodies."
"Our only plan is to regain independence for Balochistan. We are optimistic," he said.
He accused Pakistan of "spreading terrorism from Manila to California with its army intelligence".
"Only difference between normal terrorists and Pakistani army is that they are wearing uniforms while the others are not. Both are terrorists. One has a shield of the government and the other one is a non-state actor," he said.
"Going to the background as to who they back or finance, you will trace them in every terrorist link from Manila to California".
Ahmedzai has been staying in Britain since 2007 to gather international support for their cause of an independent Balochistan.
He was in Dhaka to take part in a seminar organised by the Centre for Genocide Studies at the Dhaka University. The Balochistan issue returned to the spotlight in the region after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech in August pointed at human rights violations in the province.
Islamabad: Pakistans newly appointed army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa is quickly moving to tighten his grip over the countrys powerful institution by appointing his close aides to key positions, a media report said. General Bajwa, 57, is quickly moving to stamp his own identity on the Pakistan Army by carrying out a major reshuffle days after taking over from Gen Raheel Sharif, The News International said.
The most significant change was the replacement of ISI chief Lt-Gen Rizwan Akhtar by Lt-Gen Naveed Mukhtar, it said, adding among other key transfers is that of Lt-Gen Asim Bajwa, who has been moved from ISPR and will now be the Arms IG. The paper pointed out that there are also new corps commanders in Bahawalpur and Peshawar and the DG Rangers, Lt-Gen Bilal Akbar, has been appointed chief of general staff.
The ISI DG and the chief of general staff the two most important positions in the army after the army chief have been filled by men who were serving in Karachi. Both the officers worked together in Karachi and so should find it easier to cooperate with each other in Rawalpindi, the paper said.
All these transfers show that Gen Qamar Bajwa is keen to mould the army in his own image, it said. The army chief himself is considered to be easygoing and quick with a one-liner but the speed with which he has moved shows that he will be a man of action, it added.
Noting that Mukhtar was previously heading the counter- terrorism wing of ISI, the paper said his appointment as the spy agency chief signals that India and Afghanistan will be a priority of the new army chief.
While studying at the US Army War College five years ago, Mukhtar wrote a paper on Pakistans policy in Afghanistan and recommended reconciliation with moderate Taliban, it added.
Mukhtars warning in his paper that Pakistan would need to guard against India using Afghanistan as a proxy also seems to be coming to pass, it added.
A video grab of the test firing of the Babur cruise missile, part of the Babur Weapon System version 2. The Pakistan Army said it successfully test fired the weapon which can carry all kinds of warheads. (Photo: Pakistan Defence/Twitter)
Islamabad: The Pakistan army on Wednesday successfully test-fired an enhanced version of an indigenously-designed cruise missile that can hit targets at 700 kms with all kinds of warheads, bringing many Indian cities within its range.
Called Babur after Mughal invader and founder of the dynasty of same name, the missile is part of Babur Weapon System version- 2 and is an enhanced version of the earlier missile.
The army said in a statement that it incorporates advanced aerodynamics and avionics that can strike targets both at land and sea with high accuracy.
It is a low flying, terrain hugging missile, which carries certain stealth features and is capable of carrying various types of warheads, it said.
The missile is equipped with state-of-the-art navigational technologies of Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and all time Digital Scene Matching & Area Co-relation (DSMAC), which enables it to engage various type of targets with pinpoint accuracy even in the absence of GPS navigation.
Babur Weapon System is an important force multiplier for Pakistans strategic defence, it said.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff committee, General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, senior officers from strategic plans division, strategic forces, scientists and engineers of strategic organisations were present at the launch.
Hayat congratulated the scientists and engineers on achieving yet another milestone of great value and significance. He appreciated the technical prowess, dedication and commitment of scientists who contributed to the success of this launch.
Expressing his full confidence over the strategic command and control system and the strategic forces operational preparedness, General Zubair said that this test further strengthens Pakistans deterrence capability.
The President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan also congratulated the scientists and engineers on successful conduct of the missile test.
North Korea is a tricky proposition even at the best of times for China, and simply easing up on UN sanctions as a way to express displeasure at Trump's foreign policies could backfire badly for China, said one China-based Asian diplomat. (Photo: AFP)
Beijing: When Donald Trump becomes US president next month, one issue above all others could force his new administration to work closely with China and underscore why he and Beijing need each other - North Korea.
A nuclear armed North Korea, developing missiles that could hit the US west coast, is clearly bad news for Washington but also Pyongyang's sometimes-reluctant ally Beijing, which fears one day those missiles could be aimed at them.
"There is enormous space for the two countries to cooperate on North Korea. The two must cooperate here. If they don't, then there will be no resolution to the North Korean nuclear issue," said Ruan Zongze, a former Chinese diplomat now with the China Institute of International Studies, a think-tank affiliated with the Foreign Ministry.
"It's no good the United States saying China has to do more. Both have common interests they need to pursue, and both can do more," he added.
North Korea is a tricky proposition even at the best of times for China, and simply easing up on UN sanctions as a way to express displeasure at Trump's foreign policies could backfire badly for China, said one China-based Asian diplomat.
"They can't really do that without causing themselves problems," the diplomat added, pointing to China's desire to denuclearise the Korean peninsula.
Taiwan Tension
From North Korea to Iran to a closely entwined business relationship worth $598 billion in 2015, the two countries have broad common interests, and China expects Trump to understand that.
While China was angered by Trump's call this month with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, and then casting doubt over the future of the "one China" policy under which the US recognises Taiwan as being part of China, it was also quite restrained, said a senior Beijing-based Western diplomat
"China's game now is to influence him and not antagonise him," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
China believes the two countries need each other, and as Trump is a businessman he understands that, the People's Daily's wrote last month.
"The importance of the China-US relationship goes without saying, and can be said to be too big to fail," the communist party mouthpiece wrote in a commentary.
China also expects a transactional relationship with the deal-making Trump, especially on trade, even if for Beijing Taiwan is completely off limits for negotiation.
"Trump is a businessman. He wants a deal," a source with ties to the Chinese leadership told Reuters, requesting anonymity. "He wants the biggest benefit at the smallest cost."
On the campaign trail, Trump threatened punitive tariffs on China, and has recently repeated his criticism of Chinese trade policy, dovetailing with his Taiwan comments.
"This is provocation, but war is unlikely," a second Chinese source with leadership ties said of Trump's Taiwan moves.
"The Chinese side will not easily yield," the source said. "We expect tensions."
Trade interests
Wang Huiyao, head of the Centre for China and Globalisation and a government adviser, said China should invite the United States to join the Beijing-lead Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
"He will pursue US interests and to do so he cannot ignore the huge benefits that come from China-US trade relations," Wang said.
The Asian diplomat said some Chinese officials had expressed "euphoria" at Trump's election, believing it marked the end of US dominance in the world and represented China's chance to seized the initiative.
But Trump's unexpected move to put the Taiwan issue centre stage in relations with China had put an end to that.
"They're not as happy now," he said.
To be sure, there are voices in China seeing opportunity in a Trump presidency.
Huo Jianguo, former head a trade policy body under China's Commerce Ministry, said Trump is likely to reduce the United States' engagement with the world, presenting an opening for China.
"Under Obama, China-US relations had already deteriorated to their worst possible level. Trump will not continue to ratchet up what were clearly ideological attempts to suppress China," Huo said.
"China should not seek to immediately take the lead in global governance. They should first lead RCEP to become successful, then from here China's global influence can take root," Huo said, referring to a Southeast Asian-backed free trade deal China has championed.
Even the Global Times, an influential and normally stridently nationalistic tabloid, has sought to temper expectations on how China could use a Trump presidency to its advantage.
"China still cannot match the US in terms of comprehensive strength," it said in an editorial. "It has no ability to lead the world in an overall way, plus, neither the world nor China is psychologically ready for it. It's beyond imagination to think that China could replace the US to lead the world."
The Supreme Court today accepted an "unconditional apology" tendered by controversial Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan in connection with his alleged remark in the sensational Bulandshahr gangrape case, saying he has expressed "sincere and heartful remorse".
"Respondent No 2 (Azam Khan) has given an unconditional apology and has expressed his sincere and heartful remorse," the bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said after the senior Samajwadi Party leader filed a fresh affidavit tendering apology following objections raised by the Attorney General to his earlier one.
The bench, which accepted Khan's new affidavit tendering unconditional apology, made it clear that no further arguments on behalf of Azam will be entertained further in the matter.
However, the bench said that the questions framed by it earlier regarding the Freedom of Speech and Expression and probable impact of statements of those holding high offices on free and fair probe in heinous cases including rape and molestation are required to be debated and posted the matter for hearing on February 8, next year.
The bench also noted in its order that eminent jurist Fali S Nariman, who has been appointed as an Amicus Curie for assisting the court in the matter, has fairly said that the affidavit furnished by Khan should be accepted.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who was appearing for Khan, told the bench that as the questions framed by the court are constitutionally significant he would like to assist the court.
To this Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi and Nariman agreed saying it would be desirable if Sibal put forth his points in respect to the questions framed by the court earlier.
On December 7, the apex court observed that the apology tendered by the UP minister earlier for his alleged remarks on the Bulandshahr gang rape case does not appear to be "unconditional".
The observation came after the Attorney General had objected to certain words like "if" and "then" used by Khan in his affidavit tendering apology as per the November 17 directions of the ape court.
Sibal, representing Khan, said the Samajwadi Party leader would file a fresh affidavit.
At the fag end of the hearing, Sibal had said that his client intends to say remorse instead of apology.
The brutal incident had happened on the night of July 29 when a group of highway robbers stopped the car of a Noida- based family and sexually assaulted a woman and her daughter after dragging them out of the vehicle at gun-point.
The apex court had on August 29 taken note of the alleged controversial remarks of Khan that the gang rape case was a "political conspiracy".
On November 17, the apex court had directed Khan to tender "unconditional apology" for his alleged remarks in the matter while seeking assistance of the Attorney General in dealing with the issue of statements made by persons holding public office in such cases.
Sibal had earlier said that though Khan had not said anything attributed to him against the victims in the case, but if the father of the victim felt "insulted or offended" in any manner then Khan was willing to apologise.
The court has said it would deliberate upon the questions framed by it earlier regarding the freedom of speech and expression and probable impact of statements of those holding high offices on free and fair probe in heinous cases including rape and molestation.
Initially, the FIR was lodged by the Uttar Pradesh Police under various provisions on July 30. The CBI had re-registered the case on August 18 in pursuance to the Allahabad High Court's interim order.
The man, whose wife and daughter were gangraped in July on a highway in Bulandshahr, had on August 13 moved the apex court seeking transfer of the case to Delhi, besides lodging of an FIR against Khan as well as several policemen.
The Allahabad High Court had ordered a CBI probe into the incident, besides deciding to monitor the investigation.
US president-elect Donald Trump today questioned the White House's motive over ordering an investigation into alleged Russian hacking of the Democratic Party's servers and emails of campaign officials of his defeated presidential rival Hillary Clinton.
"If Russia, or some other entity, was hacking, why did the White House wait so long to act? Why did they only complain after Hillary lost?" Trump tweeted.
Trump's tweet comes days after the White House said President Barack Obama has issued orders for an investigation into alleged hacking by Russia or other countries into the servers of the Democratic National Committee and of emails of Clinton's presidential campaign aides.
A day earlier the White House said Trump knew before the elections that Russia was behind the hacking.
"There's ample evidence that was known long before the election and, in most cases, long before October about the Trump campaign and Russia -- everything from the Republican nominee himself calling on Russia to hack his opponent," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.
"It might be an indication that he was obviously aware and concluded, based on whatever facts or sources he had available to him, that Russia was involved, and their involvement was having a negative impact on his opponent's campaign. That's why he was encouraging them to keep doing it," Earnest said.
A secret assessment by CIA has concluded that Russia intervened in the election to help Trump, the Washington Post had reported, citing officials briefed on the matter.
"You had the Republican nominee refer to the President of Russia as a strong leader. The Republican nominee chose a campaign chair that had extensive, lucrative, personal financial ties to the Kremlin," Earnest said.
In an interview last week, Trump had accused the Democratic Party of using hacking as an excuse for its defeat.
"I think, the Democrats and putting it out because they suffered one of the greatest defeats in the history of politics in the country," Trump said adding no one knows who was behind the hacking.
Cambodia, the beautiful country lying between Thailand and Vietnam, is rich with history and ancient temples. Some time back, my husband and I, along with another couple, had the opportunity to visit this magnificent land for a week.
Our flight was from Bengaluru to Siem Reap via Kuala Lumpur. Siem Reap is the most popular tourist destination in Cambodia. Siem means Thai and Reap means defeat. The place is named Siem Reap or defeat of Thai so that the future generations remember their triumph. We stayed at a hotel named Secret Pavilion. A beautifully done hotel with a very hospitable manager and staff, it is situated near to the Pub Street. The street has numerous hotels serving different cuisines and many shops catering to the needs of tourists.
Before I delve into the details of our visit, I would like to give a brief insight into the history of Cambodia. Today's Cambodia was predominantly occupied by the Khmer civilisation for thousands of years. They had started trade with India and were hugely impressed by the unmatched wealth and prosperity of India. They wanted to have the same and this inspired them to adopt Hinduism. Thus followed a series of consecutive emperors constructing intricately designed temples and other structures which remain even to this day standing tall and unravelling the mysterious times of ancient days.
On the next day, the hotel had arranged a Tuk Tuk (a moped attached with a wheeled wagon) ride for the day. We first headed to an ancient temple called Preah Khan. It originally had around 400 deities. An ancient temple, though largely ruined, gave us an insight to its massiveness. We also quickly stopped by a temple called Neak Paen. We had to go across a wooden bridge (built touching the water) to reach this temple. The sight of the lotus lake beside the bridge as you walk was truly picturesque.
Our next visit was to Ta Prohm, a historical site dating back to 10th century. This site is maintained by Indian Archaeological Department. It is again an architectural marvel built along concentric rectangles with elaborate stone structure and sculptures. The tall trees grown over the old structure at different points gives at a more authentic ancient look. It is known that some of these trees have been left as it is, to grow on the ancient structure to give tourists a feel of how the ancient structure looked when it was first discovered by the French in the 19th century.
We then proceeded to another temple in a place called East Mebon. The structure had a lot of holes in it. We later found that there were diamonds in these holes long ago. The main tower amongst four others had Vishnu as their main deity. After a long trail of historical stories we headed back to our hotel where we relaxed for the night.
The following day we started early in a taxi arranged by the hotel to get a view of the sunrise at Angkor Wat the heroic temple amidst the whole lot of temples in the region. it is arguably the masterpiece of Khmer empire. It was still dark when we reached the site with the help of a guide arranged by the hotel, but the glimpse of the temple in the moonlight was a sight to behold.As the sun was about to rise, the silhouetted towers of Angkor Wat temples and their reflection on the waters of the lotus lake before which we stood to view was picturesque and definitely a sight to be treasured. As time advanced and when it was fully bright with sunlight, the magnanimity of the entire place unravelled before us. Its enormity is what first strikes you. It is built along the lines of Hindu mythology and built in three concentric circles.
The first circle marking the boundary, the second one houses the gallery where the bas reliefs describe the mythological stories in detail much to the amusement of visitors. These were done along the lines of Hindu mythology vastly described in India. To come this far to Cambodia and to hear about it was truly remarkable.
The entry to the innermost circle gets you gasping again. Climbing the flight of steps to the towers at the top, built along the lines of Hindu mythology of Mount Meru in Himalayas, is truly memorable. Originally the main tower had Vishnu as the main deity but it was later brought down and replaced by the statue of a reclining Buddha by the later king who was a follower of Buddhism. Cambodia today is entirely a Buddhist country.
We then went to Angkor Thom, which is another architectural beauty. The uniqueness of this temple is the faces on every tower. The gopura of each tower has an inbuilt face. It is a marvellous sight and a cherished memory for years to come.
Our guide came back to us after lunch at his home. On enquiring what he had for lunch, he was broadly smiling and replied that he just had a yummy spider prepared by his mom. We found that Cambodians literally eat everything on this earth including dogs, crocodiles and other dreaded reptiles. Cambodia is the best place for sea food and non-vegetarians in particular, unlike us vegetarians, who had a tough time though plenty of Indian hotels are available.
We were then taken to a floating village in the waters of the Tonle Sap river. They literally float 24x7 throughout the year. That is, they live on boats.
The next day, we went to a temple named Bantaey Srei built in the 10th century out of red sand stone. Its miniature size, the reddish stone and intricate carvings take you by surprise. We then took a hot air balloon ride and the aerial view of Angkor Wat and the neighbour hood had us gasping and cheering in excitement.
Soon, our itinerary for the day was over and we retired to our hotel for lunch and then headed for a quad bike tour. Quad bike tour in Cambodia is fun. You get to ride your own Quad bike and tour the countryside with the guide. It makes for a perfect adventure. We then went back to Pub Street for shopping some local artefacts and memorabilia for our friends and family. The next day our flight was scheduled for the afternoon. We took the Tuk Tuk to the airport and finally it was time to wrap up this amazing holiday.
How to get there
We flew Air Asia from Bengaluru to Siem Reap via Malaysia. One return ticket per head cost Rs 21,000. We had booked the tickets when a discount offer was running.
Places to stay
We stayed at Secret Pavillion hotel in Siem Reap. The room tariff for five nights along with complimentary breakfast came up to Rs 25,000 per head.
Shamathmika Bhat
(The author can be contacted at shapranbhat@gmail.com)
Nusli Wadia, pitching to shareholders against his ouster as a director of Tata Chemicals, attacked the companys decision to acquire UKs Brunner Mond Group and investments in other businesses.
I, as well as some board members, had expressed our concerns on the fundamental issues involved in the overall arrangement, the risk involved, and the assumptions and projections made for profitability and doubted the rate of return as envisaged in the proposal, Wadia said in a 12-page letter to the companys shareholders.
I had also raised concerns over the years for providing continuing financial resources of the company towards the overseas businesses and assets which were continuously underperforming. This has now led to an impairment on this acquisition of approximately Rs 1,600 crore, Wadia added.
Tata Chemicals has called for an extraordinary general meeting on December 23 to seek the removal of Nusli Wadia and Cyrus Mistry as directors of the company.
Wadia also came dome heavily on the companys cross holdings in various group companies stating that stake sale of these holdings could have made the company debt free.
The approximate value of the unlisted shares (of Tata Chemicals in Tata group companies) is around Rs 7,200 crore or more. The current value of the listed shares is in excess of around Rs 1,300 crore making a total of around Rs 8,500 crore. If these holdings were to be disposed off, your company would be debt free, Wadia said.
When Special Agent Adrian Hawkins of the FBI called the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in September 2015 to pass along some troubling news about its computer network, he was transferred, naturally, to the help desk.
His message was brief, if alarming. At least one computer system belonging to the DNC had been compromised by hackers federal investigators had named the Dukes, a cyberespionage team linked to the Russian government.
The FBI knew it well: The bureau had spent the last few years trying to kick the Dukes out of the unclassified email systems of the White House, the State Department and even the Joint Chiefs of Staff, one of the governments best-protected networks. Yared Tamene, the tech-support contractor at the DNC who fielded the call, was no expert in cyberattacks.
His first moves were to check Google for the Dukes and conduct a cursory search of the DNC computer system logs to look for hints of such a cyberintrusion. By his own account, he did not look too hard even after Hawkins called back repeatedly over the next several weeks in part because he wasnt certain the caller was a real FBI agent and not an impostor.
I had no way of differentiating the call I just received from a prank call, Tamene wrote in an internal memo, obtained by The New York Times, that detailed his contact with the FBI. It was the cryptic first sign of a cyberespionage and information-warfare campaign devised to disrupt the 2016 presidential election, the first such attempt by a foreign power in American history. What started as an information-gathering operation, intelligence officials believe, ultimately morphed into an effort to harm one candidate, Hillary Clinton, and tip the election to her opponent, Donald Trump.
Like another famous American election scandal, it started with a break-in at the DNC. The first time, 44 years ago at the committees old offices in the Watergate complex, the burglars planted listening devices and jimmied a filing cabinet. This time, the burglary was conducted from afar, directed by the Kremlin, with spear-phishing emails and zeros and ones.
An examination by The Times of the Russian operation reveals a series of missed signals, slow responses and a continuing underestimation of the seriousness of the cyberattack. The DNCs fumbling encounter with the FBI meant the best chance to halt the Russian intrusion was lost. The failure to grasp the scope of the attacks undercut efforts to minimise their impact. And the White Houses reluctance to respond forcefully meant the Russians have not paid a heavy price for their actions, a decision that could prove critical in deterring future cyberattacks.
The low-key approach of the FBI meant that Russian hackers could roam freely through the committees network for nearly seven months before top DNC officials were alerted to the attack and hired cyberexperts to protect their systems. In the meantime, the hackers moved on to targets outside the DNC, including Clintons campaign chairman, John Podesta, whose private email account was hacked months later. Even Podesta, a savvy Washington insider who had written a 2014 report on cyberprivacy for President Barack Obama, did not truly understand the gravity of the hacking.
By last summer, Democrats watched in helpless fury as their private emails and confidential documents appeared online day after day procured by Russian intelligence agents, posted on WikiLeaks and other websites, then eagerly reported on by the American media, including The Times. The fallout included the resignations of Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, the chairwoman of the DNC, and most of her top party aides. Leading Democrats were sidelined at the height of the campaign, silenced by revelations of embarrassing emails or consumed by the scramble to deal with the hacking. Though little-noticed by the public, confidential documents taken by the Russian hackers from the DNCs sister organisation, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, turned up in congressional races in a dozen states, tainting some of them with accusations of scandal.
In recent days, a sceptical president-elect, the nations intelligence agencies and the two major parties have become embroiled in an extraordinary public dispute over what evidence exists that President Vladimir Putin of Russia moved beyond mere espionage to deliberately try to subvert American democracy and pick the winner of the presidential election. Many of Clintons closest aides believe that the Russian assault had a profound impact on the election, while conceding that other factors Clintons weaknesses as a candidate; her private email server; the public statements of FBI Director James Comey about her handling of classified information were also important.
While theres no way to be certain of the ultimate impact of the hack, this much is clear: A low-cost, high-impact weapon that Russia had test-fired in elections from Ukraine to Europe was trained on the US, with devastating effectiveness. For Russia, with an enfeebled economy and a nuclear arsenal it cannot use short of all-out war, cyberpower proved the perfect weapon: cheap, hard to see coming, hard to trace.
Political sabotage
There shouldnt be any doubt in anybodys mind, Michael Rogers, the director of the National Security Agency and commander of US Cyber Command, said at a post-election conference. For the people whose emails were stolen, this new form of political sabotage has left a trail of shock and professional damage.
The US, too, has carried out cyberattacks, and in decades past the CIA tried to subvert foreign elections. But the Russian attack is increasingly understood across the political spectrum as an ominous historic landmark with one notable exception: Trump has rejected the findings of intelligence agencies he will soon oversee as ridiculous. He cited the reported disagreements between the agencies about whether Putin intended to help elect him. A Russian government spokesman echoed Trumps scorn. This tale of hacks resembles a banal brawl between American security officials over spheres of influence, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russian Foreign Ministry, wrote on Facebook.
Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder and editor, has resisted the conclusion that his site became a pass-through for Russian hackers working for Putins government or that he was deliberately trying to undermine Clintons candidacy. But the evidence on both counts appears compelling. Over the weekend, four prominent senators, two Republicans and two Democrats, joined forces to pledge an investigation while pointedly ignoring Trumps sceptical claims.
As the year draws to a close, it now seems possible that there will be multiple investigations of the Russian hacking the intelligence review Obama has ordered completed by January 20, the day he leaves office, and one or more congressional inquiries. They will wrestle with, among other things, Putins motive.
Did he seek to mar the brand of US democracy, to forestall anti-Russian activism for both Russians and their neighbours? Or to weaken the next US president, since presumably Putin had no reason to doubt US forecasts that Clinton would win easily? Or was it, as the CIA concluded last month, a deliberate attempt to elect Trump?
December 16 marks the 45th anniversary of the fall of Dhaka to Indian arms and the birth of Bangladesh. That evening in 1971, then prime minister Indira Gandhi told Parliament, Dhaka is the free capital of a free country. A total of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the Indian army which ensured that they were treated with honour.
Seven months later, in July 1972, Pakistan prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto travelled to Shimla to meet Indira Gandhi to lay the foundations of a new relationship between the two countries; an Indian objective of the summit was to address the vexed issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
Their discussions almost failed but, it is believed, at the last moment, Bhutto told Indira Gandhi to believe in him and give him time to prepare the ground for a final settlement of J&K by converting the ceasefire line of 1949 into the recognised border. Indira Gandhi relented and the Shimla Agreement was signed which commits the two countries to bilateralism and the path of peace.
Significantly, it also committed India and Pakistan to a final settlement of the J&K issue and converted the ceasefire line to the Line of Control. This was not merely a semantic change but a signal of an implicit understanding. With Ind-ia-Pakistan relations at a low ebb and wi-th Pakistan continuously stoking the fire of separatism in the Kashmir valley, it is only natural to consider if an opportunity was lost at Shimla to settle the issue.
While that assessment can be left to historians, Pakistans unremitting hostility has persisted. It claims that the negativity in the relationship is because of the core issue of Kashmir. In fact, J&K is only symptomatic of a much larger issue that resides in Pakistans false understanding of the historical evolution of India since ancient times till the modern era.
Except for the years of Z A Bhuttos premiership, the army has controlled the countrys relationship with India. And the Dhaka surrender has sunk deep in the armys consciousness along with a desire to settle scores. Consequently, the Pakistani establishment considers India as a perpetual threat and an enduring enemy. Pakistan has evolved the doctrine of full spectrum defence to counter India. This posture includes the use of terrorist jihadi groups especially in J&K.
Pakistan calibrates the use of these groups to keep the Kashmiri issue alive and sustain the disaffection in the valley. This process has gone on ceaselessly since 1989. There is no indication that Pakistan is considering to abandon this policy and pursue the path laid out in the Shimla Agreement.
Traditionally, India did not focus on the situation in J&K territory under Pakistani control. While India never abandoned the constitutional position that the entire state was Indian territory and this position was also reiterated in the unanimous Parliament Resolution of 1994, it did not emphasise this point. This was partly out of a desire not to complicate matters further in an already hostile relationship but also perhaps because of the feeling, naturally never formally articulated, that a final solution could only be for both countries to accept the status quo. This bred defensive thinking.
Indian prime ministers have sought to set aside adversarial impulses and put in place cooperative ties with Pakistan. While they naturally sought to ensure that Indian defences remained strong, they also seriously engaged Pakistan. This was done even while Pakistani sponsored terrorism continued. For the past two decades, successive Indian governm-ents picked up the threads after a major terrorist incident that stalled the process.
This has been the case after the Parliament attack of 2001, the Mumbai train bombings of 2006 and the 26/11 Mumbai attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too made concessions to Pakistan and overlooked the Ufa joint statement to get a dialogue process moving. December 2015 witnessed the announcement of the decision to launch a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue and also Modis stopover visit to Lahore on Christmas day. These initiatives floundered with the Pathankot attack.
Aggressive campaign
Pakistan launched an aggressive campaign to sustain the Kashmir agitation that flared up after the death of terrorist Bur-han Wani. In this, both the army and Nawaz Sharif were on the same page for the latter is completely committed to the so called Kashmir cause. However, Pakistan failed to get the international community to focus on Kashmir. The Uri attack further alienated global opinion against Pakistan.
Modi, already smarting at Pakistans lack of serious cooperation in investigating the Pathankot attack, was greatly disappointed at its approach to the agitation and incensed at the Uri attack. He app-ears to have completely given up the old approach of handling Pakistan and has adopted a forceful policy through raising sensitive issues in Pakistans domestic context and also in bilateral relations.
The surgical strikes have naturally attracted great attention. It signalled the intent to break the paralysis that Pakistan had sought to impose on India on the use of conventional forces to respond to Pakistani sponsored terrorism. Modi raised Baluchistan in a nuanced manner through a reference to the Pakistans dismal human rights record in that province. He also stated Indias resolve to use all the waters assigned to it in the Indus Waters Treaty.
These were all significant. However, what has far-reaching implication is the forthright focus on Pakistani occupied territories of J&K and the comments that whenever a dialogue takes place it will be on the return of these areas to India. This represents a forward policy which no government adopted in the past. It also is a different approach from that taken by the Manmohan Singh government in the back channel talks with then president Pervez Musharraf through trusted representatives.
The premise of those talks was to make the LoC and the international border in J&K irrelevant through promoting cooperative relations on both sides. Is Modi redefining Indian objectives regarding the final resolution of J&K? The next few months will bear watching.
(The writer is retired Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs)
At a time when the blockbuster wedding of mining baron and former Karnataka minister Gali Janardhana Reddys daughter raised eyebrows, an Aurangabad-based businessman has donated 90 houses to the poor on the occasion of his daughters wedding.
The total value of the houses is estimated at Rs 1.5 crore. Ajay Munot and his daughter, Shreya, have become an example of how one can serve the community. Their gesture has gone viral on social media.
The Munot family, based in Lasur in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, are into agriculture and also have a machinery business.
The family was reportedly planning to spend Rs 70 to 80 lakh for the wedding, but later decided against it. BJP MLA from Gangapur, Prashant Bamb, is a family friend and he supported their decision.
He (Bamb) is a family friend.we were discussing what we can do for the people and then came this idea...he supported us, Munot said.
According to him, people give food and clothes, but it is not possible for all to donate houses. These are the basic necessities of life... we decided to go ahead and construct houses for the poor, Munot told DH.
Munot constructed a colony on two acres, with each house measuring 12x20 sqft. The colony also gets filtered water for drinking. The Munot family selected the occupants too the residents had to be slum dwellers who were free from addictions. The main goal was to build 108 houses, but only 90 could be completed before the wedding. I am very happy... everyone blessed us... this is the biggest gift of my life, said Shreya.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Thursday said it would wait for the investigation to be completed before taking action against tainted party Assembly nominee Ateeq Ahmed.
According to police sources, the don-turned-politician, along with his goons, had on Wednesday reportedly thrashed teachers at a private deemed university in Allahabad.
The varsity administration has demanded action against Ahmed and threatened to close the institution, saying a sense of fear prevailed on the campus.
The SP muscleman, who faces charges of murder and extortion, among others, was angry with the varsity vice chancellor for ignoring his demand to revoke the suspension of two students, who had reportedly been caught using unfair means in examinations and had later assaulted a teacher who tried to prevent them from doing so. The administration had suspended the two students, Saif and Shaquib.
Ateeq has not been found guilty yet... let us wait for the investigations to be completed... we will then take a decision, SP state unit president Shivpal Singh Yadav told reporters in Mau.
The administration, however, threatened indefinite closure of the institution, saying it would not be possible to carry out academic activities in an atmosphere of fear.
BSP supremo Mayawati has also demanded action against Ahmed, who was recently declared an SP nominee from the Kanpur Assembly seat.
Ahmed was an accused in the murder of BSP leader Raju Pal in Allahabad a few years ago.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal scored a self-goal when he, in response to a question on the controversial Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, said everyone has a right on the waters of Punjab.
This gave enough fodder to the ruling Akali Dal and Opposition Congress to accuse Kejriwal and the AAP of a flip-flop on the issue.
Kejriwal, while elaborating on whether the people in Delhi had a right on the waters of Punjab, said, Definitely, they do. Everyone has a right. His statement comes just days after he said Punjab does not have enough water to spare, maintaining that his party will protect the waters of Punjab.
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday termed Kejriwal the biggest enemy of Punjab, whom he accused of taking a U-turn twice on the issue of sharing of river waters through the said SYL canal.
Badal said due to the anti-Punjab stance adopted by the AAP, its political graph was waning gradually and the party would not be able to open its account in the Assembly polls.
Badal said to share power in Punjab, the AAP and the Congress were in a secret pact against Punjab. Under the pact, he said, Kejriwal had fielded a weak candidate from Patiala against former chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh.
He further held Kejriwal wanted to be the chief minister of Punjab.
Capt Amarinder, too, in a tweet, had accused Kejriwal of double standards. He said, Yet another flip flop on SYL. Will Kejriwal come clean on the issue once and for all?
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Thursday.
The meeting was held amid protests by Trinamool Congress workers demonetisation outside the RBI regional headquarters here.
Patel touted the meeting as good. Mamata is believed to have raised questions about political discrimination among states in disbursing of notes.
Mamata, who called the interaction with Patel a positive meeting, told reporters at the state secretariat, I requested him to reveal in public domain the nature of allocation of new currency to each state in a spirit of transparency and accountability, since there are serious concerns of political discrimination amongst states. The RBI is a big institution. We respect it. It should not be politically misused.
The Opposition and the government continued to engage in verbal duels on the penultimate day of the Winter Session of Parliament, which is all set to be the least productive session of the 16th Lok Sabha.
There was no meeting point between the two warring sides as the Opposition insisted on a discussion on demonetisation, while the BJP members raised reports of the alleged involvement of Congress leaders in the AgustaWestland scam.
The Rajya Sabha witnessed similar scenes as rival leaders protested over different issues, throwing the House into pandemonium. Both the Houses were adjourned without transacting any substantive business.
Leaders of 15 Opposition parties are meeting President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday afternoon to protest against the government for not allowing them to speak in Parliament. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is leading the delegation. Rahul, who had dramatically claimed on Wednesday of having evidence of personal corruption by the prime minister, told his party MPs that he was not talking in thin air.
The Congress vice president is learnt to have told them that he had solid evidence against Modi and he would reveal it only in the Lok Sabha.
The informal back channel the NDA floor managers have with the Opposition, too, appeared to have dried up. Leave out the details, a key NDA floor manager said to a question about the last informal meeting he had with Congress leaders.
A study by PRS Legislative said 95% of the planned legislative business could not be transacted during the Winter Session.
Among the non-legislative business, the Rajya Sabha discussed demonetisation for six and a half hours, while the Lok Sabha managed a discussion on the issue for 90 minutes.
Former education minister and BJP MLA Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri on Thursday said the government should not introduce the proposed revisions to textbooks for Classes I to X in haste. He also suspected that the government had a hidden agenda behind the hasty introduction of the revised textbooks.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Kageri questioned the intention behind the governments hurry to introduce revisions to textbooks, as proposed by the Baragur Ramachandrappa Committee. Not only have the revised contents not been cleared by regulatory authorities, there was no clarity on whether the revisions are based on the National Curriculum Framework 2005 or 2012 guidelines.
He said that it was not right on the part of Ramachandrappa to be pressuring the government to incorporate the revisions. Kageri said the government should clarify on its accusation that the existing textbooks are saffronised. He, instead, accused the government of trying to include the Ahinda agenda into textbooks.
Rahul Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders have sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to submit a demand to waive loans of farmers, who have been distressed owing to two successive droughts.
Rahul, who is engaged in a high-pitch verbal duel with Modi over demonetisation, is expected to submit a memorandum to the prime minister on behalf of the farmers of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, who have demanded that their electricity bills be halved, loans waived and fair price be established for farm produce.
If the meeting takes place, it would be Rahuls first formal meeting with the Prime Minister, against whom the Congress vice president has claimed to have evidence of personal corruption. Rahul and Modi had come face-to-face at a function to celebrate NCP chief Sharad Pawars 75th birth anniversary on December 10 last year.
The political rivals have also exchanged pleasantries in Parliament. Rahul has said that demonetisation has added to the list of problems faced by farmers, who are already facing difficulty in accessing farm credit and in purchasing seeds for the winter crop. About two crore Kisan Maang Patras were filled by farmers during Rahuls month-long Kisan Yatra through Uttar Pradesh in September. The Congress leaders had gathered similar demand letters from farmers in Punjab during a mass-contact programme recently.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modis limited education had led to the chaotic implementation of the note ban.
Raising a fresh pitch for making Modis degree public, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader wondered whether the prime minister understood economics as he had studied only up to Class XII.
His attack on Modis academic qualification coincided with the detention of AAP protesters outside the Gujarat High Court, where a matter related to Modis degree came up for hearing.
The AAP convener said that earlier Modi claimed he did not go to college. Later, he showed correspondence course degrees, which were found to be fake. If the degrees are genuine, why is he hiding it? Kejriwal said at a press conference here.
Whole country reeling under demonitization scandal. People want to know educational qualifications of the prime minister. Does he understand economy (sic)? Kejriwal tweeted. In another tweet, he asked why Modi wanted a stay on a plea seeking to make his degree public. He also retweeted, with a correction, a post alleging that Modi was a Class V dropout. No, he has studied till Class XII. The degree after that is bogus, said Kejriwal.
He said there were doubts in the minds of people that the decision on demonetisation was taken by Modi without realising the chaos it could cause.
There are apprehensions that Modi is less educated and has ordered demonetisation without discussing it with anyone, he said, adding that the inconvenience being faced by people showed that the situation has gone out of control.
Kejriwal also demanded that the demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes should be used to waive loans of farmers and small traders. The money should not at all be used to waive loans of Modijis rich friends, he said. Earlier this year, Kejriwal had approached the Central Information Commission (CIC) over Modis degrees. The CIC had directed the Gujarat and Delhi Universities to disclose details of Modis graduation and postgraduation degrees to Kejriwal.
A Manipur Police commando and two constables were killed while nine were injured when militants ambushed road-opening parties (ROP) at two different places in Chandel district of Manipur on Thursday.
Earlier reports said four personnel were killed and another four injured in the ambush at Lokchao and Bongyang areas in the hill district of Chandel.
The twin attacks took place as the United Naga Council (UNC) was gearing up for a mass rally in four Naga district headquarters on Thursday against the creation of the seven districts in the state by the Okram Ibobi Singh-led government.
The first ambush occurred at Lokchao, 21 km from the border town of Moreh, when the police team was heading for Tengnoupal where the chief minister was scheduled to attend a programme in connection with the inauguration of the newly created Tengnoupal district, which was carved out of the existing Naga-dominated Chandel district.
The chief minister was scheduled to attend another programme in connection with the formal inauguration of Kangpokpi district, which was bifurcated from the Naga-dominated districts of Senapati and Ukhrul.
Ibobi, who attended the inauguration of Tengnoupal district, returned to Imphal by a chopper, the police said.
Speaking to reporters in Tengnoupal, he said, It is of no use to attack the Manipur Police... all disputes must be resolved through dialogue.
He said the government would not be threatened by such acts of terror and would give a befitting reply to those who carried out the heinous acts.
He announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the nearest kin of the police personnel killed in the ambush. Government jobs would be provided to the next of kin of the deceased, Ibobi said.
The two police constables were identified as Ayub Khan and Nonglei Charang Marring. While Khan died at the Lokchao ambush spot, Nonglei succumbed on the way to Imphal for treatment. The police commando, who succumbed to injuries in the second ambush at Bongyang, has been identified as Havildar Yengkhom Jeevan, the police said. Floral tributes were paid to the three martyrs.
Nine policemen were injured at Lokchao, the sources said, adding security forces rushed to the two spots in Chandel district.
The United Naga Council, which has been enforcing economic blockade on NH 53 and NH 39, the lifeline of the landlocked state, is also demanding imposition of the Presidents Rule in the state.
Four male devotees of Lord Aiyappa, who were worshipping in the nude to appease the deity at a village in Dharwad district, withdrew the controversial ritual on Thursday evening following objections from local people.
The men were performing the bettale seve (nude service to god) in the corner of a field at Madakihonnalli in Kalghatgi taluk for the past 15 days.
They have been identified as Anil Patil (24) of Nandigatta in Mundgod taluk; Manjunath Krishnegouda (23) of Haliyal; Prakash Gokak (26) of Belehar village in Navalgund taluk; and Gangaram Killikyatar (40) of Benachi village in Dharwad taluk.
Rituals
The men in buff were staying in a mud hut and performing various poojas. They said they ate food in clay pots and sat on plantain leaves throughout the day, rolling rudrakshi beads and chanting the name of Lord Aiyappa. Bettale seve is one of the five forms of rituals offered to Aiyappa, who was also found naked in a jungle, they said.
Anil Patil said nude worship was the toughest of all the other rituals and, therefore, very few people vow to perform it.
He said they had to face all odds of nature and sleep on plantain leaf for 48 days, besides eating only gruel in clay pots. They took cold water bath thrice a day and are not supposed to wear clothes for all the 48 days of their vow.
However, this kind of worship embarrassed the villagers who refused to venture into the field. The residents said that by performing such observances, the youths were demeaning Lord Aiyappa.
The BJPs decision to keep the focus on the AgustaWestland chopper scam has come a day after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi claimed he has information on personal corruption by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Rahul is reported to have told his MPs at a special briefing here on Wednesday night that he had made the charge with due diligence, and the evidence available with him was unimpeachable.
Though he did not share the details of the information he had in his possession, he assured them that he had verified the details.
AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel has been on the air from Dubai, saying he is ready to come to India and depose before the CBI to clear his name in the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper scam.
Therefore, notwithstanding BJP patriarch L K Advanis fresh outburst over the prolonged Parliamentary gridlock, his party did not mince words in its intention.
Led by senior ministers, several BJP MPs carried copies of a tabloid that had interviewed British arms agent Michel, claiming million of euros were paid as kickbacks to bosses in the UPA regime.
Citing the CBIs arrest of former IAF chief S P Tyagi in connection with the AgustaWestland deal, the BJP leaders outmatched the Opposition in stalling the two Houses, demanding that a debate on the issue should take precedence over all other discussions.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar was heard demanding that Congress president Sonia Gandhi speak on the issue.
Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu also said the Congress should face the AgustaWestland deal heat before Parliament discussed any other issue.
Senior Congress leader
A K Antony, however, sounded a note of caution. He said the way BJP leaders were claiming that the CBI will nail the culprits in two months was not good for the agency.
The 12 men on Delawares death row will not be executed. Instead, theyll get life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Delaware Supreme Court unanimously ruled Thursday that the state cannot go through with executing those on death row after they previously struck down the states capital punishment system.
Justices came to that decision in August after the U.S. Supreme Court said any death sentence must be fully in the hands of the jury.
Delawares system gave the final say to the presiding judge who weighed any mitigating or aggravating factors in the case after a jurys vote.
The opinion came just over a week after justices heard the case in Dover, with some openly questioning the states argument to move ahead with these executions during the hearing.
Some state lawmakers are vowing to reinstate the death penalty during the next General Assembly, but its not clear if they have enough support to push such a measure through.
Governor-elect John Carney said he would probably veto such a bill if it got to his desk.
The state Department of Justice didn't immediately return a request for comment.
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Source: Delaware Public Media, James Dawson, December 15, 2016
The Congress is likely to suspend former minister H Y Meti from the party following the sex video scandal.
Sources in the party said the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has already sent a report to the party high command on the entire episode. The Bagalkot District Congress Committee has recommended to the KPCC to take action against Meti. State party president G Parameshwara is waiting for the high commands permission to initiate action against Meti, who resigned as minister on Wednesday after the video was released to the media.
However, Meti is likely to continue as a Congress legislature party member. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Belagavi on December 17 to address a rally. The party may suspend Meti before Rahuls visit, the sources said.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Tumakuru, KPCC president G Parameshwara said that the party would expel Meti from the party, if the high command instructs them to do so. I have discussed the matter with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The high command has to decide on the action since Meti is an MLA. The incident has brought disrepute to the party, Parameshwara said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday abruptly cancelled his official visit to Mysuru where he was scheduled to inaugurate the 76th annual conference of the Association of Surgeons of India. But the Chief Ministers Office did not give any specific reason for the sudden cancellation.
Sources in the government said the chief minister had confined himself to his home office. Speculation was rife in the state secretariat that the government is jittery after a series of raids by the Income Tax department in the last few days.
Huge amounts of unaccounted cash were seized from senior officials and influential people during these raids.
Probe in Meti case if victim files plaint
Nagalakshmi Bai, chairperson the State Womens Commission, said on Thursday that the Commission would launch a probe into the sexual escapades of former minister H Y Meti, if the victim or someone on her behalf files a complaint, reports DHNS from Chitradurga.
She was addressing reporters in the city. When asked why the commission did not register a complaint on its own, Bai said that the commission was trying to contact the woman since Wednesday. The panel would take action after speaking to her.
Bai said, in her capacity as the commission chairperson, she was not for or against anyone. Harrassment of women was wrong, whichever party the perpetrator belonged to. The chairperson said she would hold meetings at the district level to take stock of cases of atrocities against women.
A CBI special court, which is also the court for Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases, on Thursday granted interim conditional bail to S C Jayachandra, the suspended chief project officer of the State Highway Development Project.
The ED officials had arrested Jayachandra on charges of money laundering after
the seizure of a huge amount of cash in new currency of Rs 2,000 denomination in his possession by the Income Tax department.
The CBI special court judge Pradeep Balekai granted interim bail to Jayachandra till December 22. In the morning, Krishna Diskhit, senior counsel appearing for the ED, pleaded that the court hear the objections.
The matter was posted to post-noon. The court granted Jayachandra the interim bail with several conditions. The counsel for the ED then requested the court to modify the restrictions, stating that the officer was influential. Since the officer could not furnish the surety, the matter was posted to Friday for further modifications in the bail order.
The counsel appearing for Jayachandra said his client was threatened by an officer in mufti during the raid.
One of the officers who was in mufti that day denied such a thing happened. The judge accepted the submission.
The raids conducted by the Income Tax department on November 30 revealed that a few persons were in possession of new currency of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 denominations. They are contractors Ibrahim Shereef (Rs 4.8 crore), Nazeer Ahmed (Rs 32.7 lakh), Chandrakanth Ramalingam (Rs 46 lakh) and Jayachandra (Rs 5 lakh).
The information from the I-T department stated that Secure Value India Ltd, in collusion with officials of public and private sector banks, had fraudulently diverted the new notes meant for depositing in the ATMs. The accused later exchanged the demonetised notes for new currency through middlemen.
The ED, on specific information, arrested Jayachandra for money laundering. According to sources, Jayachandra has laundered ill-gotten money through companies, either in the name of his wife and relatives or through benami companies.
Meanwhile, CBI, which registered an FIR against Jayachandra and others based on the report from the I-T department, has filed a body warrant petition before another CBI special court.
A senior official said that the court can write to the jail superintendent to produce the accused before it only when the latter is in judicial custody.
On Thursday, though interim bail was granted, Jayachandra was remanded in judicial custody for a day. We will press for the execution of the body warrant application at the earliest, the official said.
Traffic came to a standstill for a while when two lorries collided near the Kempegowda arch on the Outer Ring Road near Laggere, north Bengaluru, on Thursday morning. The lorries were headed for the RMC Yard in Yeshwantpur.
A Tamil Nadu-registered lorry, transporting potatoes, rear-ended a lorry bearing Karnataka registration number, making it veer sharply to the right. The potato-laden lorry swerved to the left and toppled.
Traffic came to a halt as the lorries blocked the road. The Peenya traffic police helped the lorry drivers out of their vehicles. The lorries were later removed with a crane, and traffic was restored.
A senior police officer said the incident took place at 7 am and traffic congestion prevailed till 8.30 am. He said vehicular movement came to a standstill for sometime but once the lorries were removed, traffic began to move slowly. Neither driver lodged a police complaint as there was no casualty.
The check-in process just got easier at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) here. As part of a Bureau of Civil Aviation Safety (BCAS) move, KIA has done away with cabin baggage tagging for a week starting Thursday. The rule, implemented as a pilot, applies only to domestic passengers.
This is what the rule implies: You head straight to the airline counter and check in your baggage. But no tag will be attached to the cabin baggage.
For at least one week, passengers need not worry about getting the tags stamped at the security gate.
Unstamped tags have been a nightmare when airline staff spot them at the boarding gates. Passengers are often asked to rush back to the security gates to get the tags stamped barely minutes before the boarding gates close.
We are already getting a positive feedback from travellers who feel the check-in process has become smoother, an airport spokesperson told DH.
If BCAS seeks an extension of the rule, KIA is prepared, said the official. However, it is not immediately clear when the process will be regularised and extended to international airlines.
Besides KIA, the pilot project has also been launched at the Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad airports. Once the project results are out, BCAS is expected to extend the facility to other airports as well. To strengthen the security screening of baggage, BCAS is also adopting high resolution CCTV cameras and other appropriate technologies.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which handles airport security, had recently decided to stop tagging of hand baggage and boarding passes.
The system, unique to Indian airports, was first introduced in 1992. The objective of doing away with tags is to make the airport experience more hassle-free and convenient for passengers without compromising on security.
Self bag-drop at Mumbai airport
Meanwhile, Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has become the first in India to introduce self bag-drop facility for passengers. Communications and IT solution provider, SITAs Scan&Fly bag drop units have been deployed throughout the airport.
This allows passengers, who have already checked in online, to quickly tag and drop their baggage before heading directly to the gate. The units are currently available to passengers of Air India, Jet Airways, SpiceJet, GoAir and Indigo.
A SITA statement informs that currently, 54% of passengers in India use some self-service technology. However, given Indian travellers propensity to use technology, this rate is expected to rise sharply over the next few years.
The San Diego Police Departments new top cop for Carmel Valley and neighboring communities is focused on preventing crime and preserving the regions quality of life, but hes asking for the help of residents in carrying out his mission.
My personal priority is to get the community more engaged in their own protection and their own awareness. I want to prevent more crimes from occurring, said Capt. Mark Hanten, 55, who took over as commander of the departments Northwestern Division which works out of a station on El Camino Real south of Del Mar Heights Road in early November.
Hanten is a 26-year veteran of the department. His past assignments have included command of the Special Weapons and Tactics, or SWAT, team, as well as leading the busy Northern Division office, which serves such areas as La Jolla, Pacific Beach and University City. Hanten is switching jobs with his predecessor, Capt. Stephanie Rose, who will now head up Northern Division.
Northwestern Division serves a population of 70,000 and covers 41 square miles, including the communities of Carmel Valley, Sorrento Valley, Torrey Preserve, Del Mar Heights, North City, Torrey Highlands and Black Mountain Ranch.
Crime is relatively low in those communities compared to other parts of San Diego, said Hanten, and therefore the need for police resources is less pressing. But that relative safety has led some residents to lower their guard.
The biggest problem here is people dont lock their doors, and the cars have the keys in them, he said.
That could lead to residents being needlessly victimized by criminals, he said.
Crime rates overall have dropped dramatically in San Diego County and across the country since peaking in the early 1990s. But they are starting to creep back up again, said Hanten, in part due to voter-approved state laws designed to reduce jail and prison over-crowding, resulting in the release of inmates, as well as reduced police staffing due to officer recruitment and retention issues.
The departments officers are doing a great job with the resources they have, he said, but, We can barely keep up.
By taking measures to reduce vulnerability, Hanten said, residents can put us in a position to turn the tide.
Along with such common-sense measures as locking doors and removing keys from car ignitions, residents can install home security systems and outdoor lighting, including motion sensors, to deter criminals, said Hanten. He also suggested residents get to know their neighbors, so they can report suspicious behavior by those who dont belong in the neighborhood, and form neighborhood watch groups.
Hanten said he doesnt want residents to be afraid in their homes and out in the community, but to be aware of potential risks and take steps to protect themselves.
One method for connecting with neighbors, said Officer Trevor Philips, community relations officer for Northwestern Division, is a website called Nextdoor.com.
Residents can log onto nextdoor.com/sandiego, type in their address, and join the online community for their immediate area, said Philips.
On the site, neighbors can share a variety of information, from garage sale notices to reports of suspicious activity, and Philips can also send out announcements, alerts and other data. Philips said he can only see the conversations when he is included by residents.
Some 11,000 households have joined the Nextdoor site from Northwestern Division, said Philips.
Those who want to contact Philips with a question or concern can reach him at 858-523-7031 or ttphilips@pd.sandiego.gov.
Hanten said one of his immediate goals is to double Nextdoor.com enrollment in the communities served by Northwestern Division, which will help raise awareness of crime and safety issues.
Hanten and his wife, Karen, a pediatrician, have two grown children, who both graduated from Stanford and work in the tech industry. When not at work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, shooting and flying.
He said he is looking forward to getting to know the community served by Northwestern Division, and will be available to meet with community groups by request.
The Don Diego clock tower, an icon that has stood tall over the central midway of the Del Mar Fairgrounds for 63 years, where it served as a meeting place for generations of families during the annual county fair, is facing a date with the wrecking ball.
Directors of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which oversees the state-owned fairgrounds, voted unanimously to tear down the venerable structure before next years county fair starts in June.
The fairgrounds will use the central space now occupied by the clock tower for vendors that will generate some $300,000 annually for the 22nd DAA during just the 26-day run of the San Diego County Fair, according to a report by fairgrounds staff.
In an interview before Tuesdays meeting, fairgrounds CEO and general manager Tim Fennell said the clock tower, which was built in 1953, is in bad shape, suffering from such problems as termite infestation, a leaky roof, non-functioning bathrooms and an electronic signboard that no longer works.
The termites are holding hands. If one lets go its going to come down, Fennell said.
Refurbishing the structure would cost too much, Fennell said.
It would be too expensive to fix and the property is too valuable, he said.
Fennell acknowledged that the tower may have sentimental value to some fair-goers.
Im sure there are some people who would prefer to see it there forever, I get that, said Fennell. Unfortunately its useful life has come and gone.
An environmental impact report completed in 2009 when the fairgrounds was preparing a master plan for future development concluded that no structure on the fairgrounds property, including the clock tower, is considered historically significant.
However, Fennell said the fairgrounds does plan to remove the tile mosaics painted with the likeness of former fair ambassador Don Diego, which gave the tower its name, from the structure and install them somewhere else on the property.
For 37 years, actor Tom Hernandez portrayed the genial, courtly fair ambassador Don Diego, from 1947 until his death in 1984. The tile mosaics of Don Diego adorn all three sides of the triangular tower, along with clocks that are now missing their hands.
Although the clock tower is not considered historically significant, it is an example of the Googie style of architecture that was popular throughout the Southwest in the 1950s and 1960s, according to the fairgrounds environmental impact report.
The website Arch Daily described the architectural style as a meshing of car culture and the Space Age, characterized by sweeping arches and hard angles, cantilevered roofs and bold colors, and the starburst.
The style was named after a coffee shop, called Googies, that was located on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. One famous example of the architectural style is the iconic Las Vegas sign at the entrance to the gambling Mecca.
But these days, the fairgrounds clock towers bathrooms are shuttered and its jaunty roofline looks as it could use a coat of paint.
Its pretty tired, said fair board president Russ Penniman.
Board member Fred Schenk said, We need to give families another place to meet up. If (the clock tower) has one redeeming value, thats it.
A Chinese police officer lights a prisoner's last
cigarette, moments before his execution.
The executions of Nie Shubin and Jia Jinglong occurred more than 20 years apart, yet the Chinese authorities have used the plight of both men to send starkly different messages on the death penalty.
In 2005, a domestic media outlet revealed that another man, Wang Shujin, confessed to the murder and rape Nie had supposedly committed. The news sent shock waves throughout China, and has created immense public interest and media coverage ever since. It still took more than a decade of persistent campaigning by Nies family, lawyers, journalists, and academics to finally clear his name.
This may seem like an advance for justice, but the authorities did not look kindly on another campaign this past month to spare the life of Jia Jinglong . A frantic last-ditch effort on Chinese social media eventually came to nothing. Jia, who killed a local village official, was executed on 15 November.
Not only were the authorities intent on ending Jias life, they were intent on ending any debate about his plight that in the view of many- would have warranted some leniency. The same type of activism that brought about a reversal in the verdict for Nie Shubin was not tolerated this time.
On the day Jia Jinglong was executed, the governments propaganda machine went into overdrive, with state-media describing the campaign to save his life as attacking judicial authority. Social media posts were heavily censored and state-run press published threatening articles to intimidate Jias supporters.
Jia Jinglong
Jia, a farmer in Chinas northern Hebei province, killed a local village chief, He Jianhua, on 19 February 2015 with a modified nail gun.
The village chief had ordered the demolition of Jias three-story home, which he had just meticulously decorated to prepare for his upcoming marriage. Following the murder, Jia reportedly attempted to turn himself in. According to supporters, the courts should have considered these potential mitigating factors when deciding whether to execute him.
For Jias supporters, Chinas default death penalty policy first set out by authorities in 2006 killing fewer, killing cautiously seemed to hold out a glimmer of hope that the Supreme Peoples Court might spare his life.
But state censors made sure that those living in mainland China, were not able to read many of the online articles presenting the legal case as to why Jias life should be spared.
Twelve of Chinas most prominent legal scholars wrote a passionate open letter asking the countrys Supreme Peoples Court to grant Jia a reprieve. But their open petition was censored as were many other posts about Jia Jinglong that were shared on WeChat Chinas main social media platform.
This censorship was accompanied by an ominous editorial in the Peoples Daily the official mouthpiece of the Communist Party signalling that the online debate had gone too far and that some people could be punished. It said that the scope of freedom of expression extended to people talking about cases in private or over meals, but not on the internet, where they could influence public opinion.
The editorial slammed those who spoke out while only half-understanding the case, and it warned of consequences for those who harmed the credibility of the legal system or harmed judicial authority by transmitting so-called untruthful information.
Nie Shubins case showed that the government is taking some positive moves by redressing emblematic cases of wrongful convictions, but the authorities still control the narrative.
Nie Shubin
China remained the worlds top executioner last year. The true extent of the use of the death penalty in the country is unknown as the authorities hide data on death sentences and executions claiming it to be a state secret, manipulate public opinion on specific cases like the Jia Jinglong case, and thereby stymie rigorous debate and empirical analysis.
Such censorship is one of the most ironic and tragic aspects of Chinas death penalty system. The government demands that people comprehensively understand the details of a death penalty case before commenting, and yet the governments own laws and policies fuel the ignorance it criticizes.
It is this government secrecy, and not the valiant campaigns that attempt to save people like Jia Jinglong from execution, that cause the real harm to the credibility of Chinas legal system.
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Source: Asia Times , William Nee, December 15, 2016. Mr. Nee is the China Researcher at Amnesty International.
By Chelsea Harvey
14 December 2016 (Washington Post) An adviser on the Trump transition team turned heads Wednesday when he likened modern climate science to the ancient belief that the Earth was flat. I know that the current president believes that human beings are affecting the climate, Anthony Scaramucci, a member of the president-elects presidential transition team executive committee, said Wednesday on CNNs New Day program. There are scientists that believe that thats not happening. [] Scaramucci continued, There was an overwhelming science that the Earth was flat, and there was an overwhelming science that we were the center of the world. We get a lot of things wrong in the scientific community. [] Scaramuccis comments might be among the most eyebrow-raising this week but the Trump teams record on climate change has already been controversial enough until now. The president-elect has been adding climate doubters to his transition team left and right over the past few weeks, particularly to his Environmental Protection Agency landing team, which will help shape the new administrations environmental policy. And his recent nominees for heads of the federal energy and environment agencies are noted skeptics of what is known as anthropogenic climate change. [more]
The Indonesian Bishops have officially asked the government for a moratorium on the death penalty. As reported to Fides by Fr. Paulus Christian Siswantoko, executive secretary of the Commission for Justice, Peace and Pastoral Care of Migrants of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia, the letter sent to the executive states that "it is appropriate for the government to carefully assess the implementation of the death penalty in order to know the impact of capital punishment, and to ensure that executions have actually had the deterrent effects, discouraging crime". In an interview with Agenzia Fides, Fr. Siswantoko reiterated that the Catholic Church has repeatedly asked for a moratorium "but so far the government has not listened to the voices who reject capital punishment".
At a recent conference on the theme "Right to life and the death penalty in the theology of religions", Fr. Siswantoko said that "the Catholic Church still harbors hopes for a moratorium on the death penalty", citing religious but also civilian reasons.
In fact, according to the priest, Catholics reject the death penalty for the fundamental respect for life, as explained by the encyclical Evangelium Vitae of 1995, of Pope John Paul II. On the other hand "the death penalty is contrary to the Pancasila (the paper of the five underlying principles of the state, ed) and to the Indonesian Constitution, claiming the protection of life and fundamental human rights". "It was later shown that the death penalty does not reduce crime", he said.
Since 2015 dozens of prisoners for drug offenses have been executed in Indonesia: "Has there been a significant impact and real deterrent effects?" asked the priest, noting that the spread and drug trafficking is a phenomenon at a national and international level.
Among the other speakers who intervened, Gomar Gultom, representative of the "Communion of Churches in Indonesia" confirmed the vision that "the death penalty has no deterrent effect and it is not an ethical tool".
Muslim professor Siti Musdah Mulia, at the Islamic University "Syarif Hidayatullah" and secretary general of the Indonesian Conference on "Religions for Peace" recalled that Islam teaches human respect and protection from acts of discrimination, exploitation and violence. "The death penalty is inconsistent with religious teachings and faiths that revere the importance of life, preserving it as the greatest blessing of God the Creator. Islam teaches the dignity of human beings, defining them as the most perfect creatures of God. The death penalty is an affront to the greatness and omnipotence of God. "Finally, he said, "the death penalty is inconsistent with the values of democracy and the principles of human rights".
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Source: Fides News Agency, December 14, 2016
"The economic factors are more likely to lead to an end to capital
punishment in Nevada than moral or religious grounds."
Two state legislative leaders have requested a bill be drafted to abolish the death penalty in Nevada.
Bill draft request No. 544 from Assemblyman James Ohrenschall, D-Las Vegas, would make life without the possibility of parole the maximum criminal penalty in Nevada. Sen. Tick Segerblom, D-Las Vegas, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, signed on as a joint requester of the measure.
Ohrenschall had previously indicated he would propose an amendment to the state Constitution to abolish capital punishment, a process that would take five years and a favorable vote of the people to become law.
But Ohrenschall said Tuesday he opted instead for a bill to try to expeditiously accomplish the same goal in the 2017 legislative session, as a change to the existing law could take effect next year.
If approved by the Legislature, the measure would go to Gov. Brian Sandoval, who would have to sign it for a ban to become law. Sandoval, who does not comment on proposed legislation, is a supporter of capital punishment.
DEATH PENALTY IMPASSE
There is currently no capital punishment in Nevada, however, because pharmaceutical companies are declining to provide the drugs needed to perform an execution to the state Department of Corrections. Nevada law mandates lethal injection as the only form of capital punishment.
Ohrenschall, vice chairman of the Assembly Judiciary, Corrections, Probation and Parole Committee, said he opted for a legislative change after talking with Nevada death penalty opponents, including the ACLU of Nevada and the Nevada Coalition Against the Death Penalty.
If the bill is not successful then a constitutional change could be a future option, he said.
A constitutional amendment would have to be passed by the Legislature twice, in 2017 and 2019 and then go to voters in 2020 before it could take effect.
Some opponents of capital punishment cite a legislative audit issued in 2014 that showed the cost of litigating death penalty cases is higher than if a convicted murderer was sentenced to life without parole.
Newly elected Assemblyman Ozzie Fumo, a Democrat and longtime Las Vegas defense attorney, said the economic reasons alone make abolition the right course of action, although he is morally opposed to capital punishment as well.
The Legislature can pass a bill to put it on Sandoval's desk and then see what he will do, Fumo said.
AN EXPENSIVE EXAMPLE
Fumo's legal partner, Tom Pitaro, said the economic factors are more likely to lead to an end to capital punishment in Nevada than moral or religious grounds.
Pitaro said he is preparing for a new death penalty hearing next year for John Valerio, who has been on death row for decades. The case is an example of how costly and time-consuming death-penalty litigation can be, he said.
Valerio was first sentenced to death for the fatal stabbing of a Las Vegas prostitute in 1986. The 9th Circuit upheld his conviction but overturned his sentence and prosecutors are again seeking the death penalty decades later, he said.
The de facto moratorium on the death penalty comes just as the state finished work on a new execution chamber at Ely State Prison, where the 81 men on death row are housed. The project was approved by lawmakers in 2015 and cost nearly $860,000.
Nevada prison officials said earlier this year that the state will have to explore its options to carry out executions after it received no bids from pharmaceutical companies to supply drugs required for lethal injections. The state issued 247 requests for proposals on Sept. 2 after its stockpile of at least 1 drug used in executions expired. Not one response was received.
INMATE VOLUNTEERS FOR EXECUTION
While there was no urgency because no executions were expected to be scheduled anytime soon, that may have changed recently with death row inmate Scott Dozier telling a Clark County District judge that he wants to abandon his appeals and be executed.
After sitting on death row for more than 9 years, Dozier sent a handwritten, 2-page letter to his attorneys and Judge Jeniffer Togliatti on Oct. 31 requesting that his appeal process cease and he "be put to death."
Dozier has the right to end his appeals process but his attorney has asked for a competency hearing.
Nevada's last execution, by lethal injection, occurred at the Nevada State Prison in Carson City in April 2006.
The state has executed 12 inmates since capital punishment was reinstated by the Nevada Legislature in 1977. All but 1 were inmates who, like Dozier, voluntarily gave up their appeals.
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Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal, December 14, 2016
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Philippines: Extrajudicial killings of alleged trug traffickers are soaring
A human rights activist said those in favor of death penalty is banking on the emotions of victims of crimes to justify the push to reinstate death penalty in the country.
Speaking on ANC, Carlos Conde of Human Rights Watch said there is not enough factual evidence to show that death penalty can prevent crimes.
"We're still waiting for statistics for the proponents of the bill to show to us, for instance, that there's an upsurge of crime fueled by drug use, which is the usual argument by those who are pushing for this bill but we haven't seen any significant data or statistics that would convincingly show that," he said.
This is also the reason why backers of death penalty bills are banking on people's emotions instead to gain support for their cause.
"This is why the proponents of death penalty are making this a very emotional issue, citing, for instance, cases of crime supposedly related to drug use or heinous crimes supposedly related to drug use but they haven't shown data that would support the assertion that death penalty is a deterrent to crime," Conde said.
"The death penalty is a highly-charged political issue that legislators and politicians often latch on to as their advocacy because it's a very popular issue. People respond to the death penalty with this very highly emotional response," he added.
According to Conde, the death penalty is a very popular issue because of President Rodrigo Duterte.
"This push for the death penalty arises from the popularity of President Rodrigo Duterte; so as long as he's extremely popular, we expect politicians and lawmakers to follow his lead," he said.
Conde admitted that it will be difficult for those who are against death penalty to convince pro-death penalty lawmakers.
"If there is enough groundswell of dissent against these death penalty proposals in Congress, certainly all those people who did not vote for President Duterte could make a dent in the argument against death penalty, but you know, the death penalty is not a very popular issue among advocates," he said. "It would take a lot of work, to be honest, for those against the death penalty, to sway the legislators to not push this bill," Conde added.
DETERRENCE
Meanwhile, Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) spokesperson Arsenio Evangelista reiterated that the death penalty will prevent crimes.
"It will deter. For us, it is the biggest weapon now for crime prevention, deterrence. When it comes to data, pro-life is saying that it is not a deterrent. It is a deterrent on a very high percentage," he said.
"Precisely, the absence of death penalty will increase extra-judicial killings because for us, death penalty is a retribution for acts being done to victims... The certainty of death will create fear among would-be criminals," Arsenio added.
Last week, the proposal to reimpose the death penalty has advanced to the plenary of the Lower House, 10 years after it was abolished.
Voting 12-6-1, the House justice committee approved the committee report of the substitute bill of the bills restoring the death penalty.
The vote of the mother committee came after an earlier vote of 12-5 adopting the subcommittee report of the same.
Drop plans to expand death penalty, bishops ask Philippines
Catholic prayer and protests greeted proposals to expand the use of the death penalty in the Philippines, with the move drawing outspoken opposition from the country's bishops.
"Christ died for the criminals and the victims. The love of God is for all. Our love should be like God's love. For all," said Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan at a Dec. 12 prayer rally in San Carlos City.
"We are not protesting without a solution. We are protesting with an alternative. Reform the criminal justice system," he added. "If there's a death penalty but the criminal justice system is corrupt, slow and 1-sided, rapist and plunderer, and (drug) pusher and killer will remain confident."
In 2006 the country abolished the death penalty for crimes involving drugs, rape and arson. Now, President Rodrigo Duterte and his supporters have sought to reinstate capital punishment for such crimes, citing rising crime rates and drug use.
President Rodrigo Duterte
Archbishop Villegas, however, said that the courts can make mistakes, and there is no way to correct a mistake after a prisoner is executed. He said the death penalty is "a lazy form of penalty" that does not help reform "those who made mistakes."
Since July 1, when the new president took office, more than 2,000 people have died in police operations against illicit drugs, Reuters reports. Those killed are mainly street level drug dealers, accused by police of resisting arrest.
In the same time frame, another 3,000 people have been killed by masked men and vigilantes on motorcycles. President Duterte has denied claims of extrajudicial killings.
Senators have reported that they have no clear proof the killings are linked to state-sponsored actions. They have told the president to observe due process for the accused.
Cardinal Luis Tagle of Manila and the Manila archdiocese's presbyteral council urged a prayer against the death penalty to be recited at all Sunday Masses in the archdiocese Sunday Dec. 8.
"Father, source and giver of life, we lift our hearts and voices to you. Help us to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations," began the prayer, with the response "Lord, heal our pain."
The prayer was on behalf of victims, perpetrators and society.
"There is in our land a cry for vengeance and a move to fill up death rows and kill offenders but disguised as a call for justice," the prayer continued. "Let true and lasting justice spring forth."
The prayer petitioned that Jesus, who suffered execution at the hands of the powerful, help Christians "reach out to victims of violence so that our enduring love may help heal their wounds."
A separate proposal in the Philippines would lower the age of criminal liability to 9 years old from 12. The bishops have warned this could escalate violence related to anti-drug campaigns.
Death penalty debate set early 2017
House Deputy Speaker Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro yesterday said the discussions on the bill to reinstate death penalty, a priority legislative measure of President Duterte, will be moved to early next year, so that congressmen would have a thorough plenary debate.
In a radio interview, Castro said he was responsible for moving back the bill's discussion on the floor because he wanted to prepare to defend it at the plenary.
Castro is one of the principal authors of House Bill No. 1, which seeks to reimpose capital punishment for heinous crimes after it was abolished by then President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
"We have to let people know, make them understand and study this measure because at first glance, you could say you don't want this bill because life should be respected. This is a reason that is based on one's belief in God and what they call human rights," Castro said in Filipino.
"It's funny because our people might again be misled. This is why I myself said I want to prepare for the debate because I will be the one to stand at the plenary. I will be the one to fight for this bill ... there would be very good interpellators who are now saying they have not made up their mind whether or not they would support this bill," Castro said.
He said the measure could be passed in the Lower House if there would be daily plenary debates on it.
Castro also said he informed House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Farinas, his coauthors, that the proposal should not single out drug dealing and drug use.
Castro said if he had his way, he would add more crimes that are as heinous as the use and sale of illegal drugs to be punishable by death - crimes such as illegal recruitment, plunder, economic sabotage and human trafficking, including the ones conducted via cyberspace.
There are 21 heinous crimes proposed to be punishable by death in the bill approved by the House justice committee - a number which Castro still considers "too small."
Among the "heinous crimes" included in House Bill No. 1 are treason, qualified piracy, qualified bribery, parricide, murder, infanticide, rape, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, robbery with violence, destructive arson, plunder.
It also includes dangerous drug importation, sale and trading, manufacture, possession, cultivation and unlawful prescription, misappropriating confiscated illegal drugs and planting of evidence by public officers, and car theft.
Ifugao solon joins anti death penalty law advocates
Representative Teddy Brawner Baguilat has urged the public to add their voice to the growing chorus calling for a stop to hasty moves in Congress to reimpose the death penalty.
The Commission on Human Rights as well as the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines have already taken a firm stance against the death penalty with the CBCP saying that the abolition of the death penalty by the 1986 Constitution was "a very big step towards a practical recognition of the dignity of every human being created to the image and likeness of God, and the value of human life from its conception to its natural end."
Baguilat added reimposing the death penalty would mean a backward step without moral necessity.
"Indeed the Constitution says that there must be a compelling reason to reimpose the death penalty and there is none today," said Baguilat, a member of the legitimate opposition bloc in Congress known as the "Magnificent 7".
The Ifugao solon reiterated his stand as the House majority led by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez remained resolute in its stance to immediately pass a law that will bring back the death penalty, ostensibly as part of the campaign against illegal drugs and criminality. Baguilat had said the plan to railroad the passage of the death penalty was a grave cause for concern considering that it had already been established that having a death penalty would not deter the proliferation of crime. "It is not a deterrent. There is no reliable and credible data to show that it is," said Baguilat. "That is why I am again appealing to my colleagues in Congress to not rush into passing such a bill and instead allow extensive and intelligent discussion."
The Cordilleran lawmaker also said the better move is to strengthen the justice system to make sure that justice is served quickly and that the real criminals will go to jail.
"As it is, everybody is saying that the justice system is flawed. That means what we need is more reform to avoid wrongful convictions. Without reforms, what will happen is that the poor will again bear the consequence of the weakness and inconsistency in the application of the criminal justice system. We need to strengthen that first to make a more lasting impact on criminality. I have never believed in legislating this ultimate retribution," Baguilat said.
Capital punishment was last suspended in 2006 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. At that time, Congress was overwhelmingly supportive of the tenet that life has value. President Duterte, however, has consistently said that he wanted it back as part of the package of measures to supposedly stop the proliferation of drugs and criminality.
"I have always said that I am supportive of the President's campaign against drugs and criminality. But there is the right way to do it and reimposing the death penalty, which will violate our international commitments, is not the right way," said Baguilat.
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Source: ABS-CBN news, December 14, 2016Source: Catholic News Agency, December 14, 2016Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net, December 14, 2016Source: sunstar.com.ph, December 14, 2016
The United States President-Elect Donald Trump has been far from a quaint figure, and much of his opinions have been rather harsh and outrageous. As if to address these very thoughts, Trump addressed the world leaders of technology on Wednesday, December 14, telling the likes Elon Musk, Satya Nadella, Larry Page and more to keep going with the incredible innovation, and that he and his administration is there to help (them) do well.
As Trump prepares to take his seat and assume governance, the world of technology has been largely against the basis and principles that Donald Trump has spoken of during his Presidential campaigns. Notably, Trump has been against a number of aspects and elements in technology, threatening to slap an antitrust scrutiny against Jeff Bezos Amazon for the Washington Posts coverage of the elections (Bezos Nash Holdings LLC owns The Washington Post), and calling for a boycott of Apple products as the company refused to build a backdoor into accessing the iPhone of the accused in the San Bernardino shooting case.
The leaders of technology, meanwhile, have been wary of the impact that Donald Trump may have on technology and innovation, in the long run. Trumps open stance on racial discrimination, talks of anti-immigrant policies and unclear views on consumer privacy and digital security have been read as a threat to the freedom of expression and mixing of individuals from all over the world in technology. Unsurprisingly, major tech giants chose to support Hillary Clinton during the Presidential campaigns.
(L-R) Jeff Bezos, Larry Page, Sheryl Sandberg, Mike Pence, Donald J. Trump
The biggest names of technology have been concerned with Donald Trumps views on immigrants and the unabashed, unrestricted racism put forth by his supporters, which is seen as a major deterrent for bright minds from all over the world who can code, innovate, build and present the best of technology. Most of technologys greatest minds and entrepreneurs have even gone as far as calling him a disaster for innovation, based majorly on his skewered nationalism. While his anti-immigrant stance has led to fear of foreign employees being deported, the President-elects insistence of focusing on bringing outsourced technological industries back to the USA has been looked upon as interference into the freedom and collaboration that persists within the technology industry.
Trump, meanwhile, has been equally critical of the ones he met yesterday. The President-elect, however, spoke words of assurance to the attending CEOs, Directors and Chairmen - Tim Cook of Apple, Eric Schmidt of Google, Larry Page of Alphabet, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Elon Musk of Tesla, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, Chuck Robbins of Cisco, Safra Catz of Oracle and Ginni Rometty of IBM. He said, We want you to keep going with the incredible innovation. Anything we can do to help this go on, we will be there for you. You'll call my people, you'll call me. We have no formal chain of command around here.
While some have expressed optimism to what appears to be Donald Trumps early attempt at truce with the leaders of technology, many others have shied away from much appreciation. To many, this reads as an early call for collaboration and peace, seeing that a majority of the industries and jobs in the United States are held by this very industry, and Trump is reading into the signs by laying foundation ground in support of technology. It, however, is too early to take a call, and echoing the sentiments of many, ex-Googler Chris Sacca told the Associated Press that we should only be optimistic when Trump has given public assurances he won't encourage censorship, will stop exploiting fake news, will promote net neutrality, denounce hate crimes and embrace science.
While we remain seated in our desks with sincere hopes of a supportive administration, it remains to be seen how Donald Trump takes up his own principles in line with his present promises, in the long run.
Story, Image Credit: The Associated Press
Yahoo's $4.83 billion acquisition by Verizon is still pending and there is lot of hesitation around that deal
Yahoo is revealing another set of data breach dating back to August 2013. Yahoo has announced a new discovery of data breach which exposed names, emails and hashed passwords of over a billion users. Yahoo says the new breach does not involve any payment details and it is distinct from the data breach announced in September.
In a blog post, Yahoo CISO Bob Lord notes the data breach was conducted by an unauthorised third party. The passwords involved with the data breach were hashed using MD5 algorithm. The post also mentions that Yahoo's proprietary code to learn 'how to forge cookies' were accessed by an unauthorised third party leading to this data breach. Yahoo says the data breach method used here is similar to state-sponsored attack disclosed in September.
Since the September announcement, Yahoo has lost its credibility as a secure platform for hosting services. The company's value diminished overtime with Verizon snapping the company for a mere $4.83 billion. That deal is still pending and this new announcement could bring new hesitation in Verizon boards.
Yahoo once had a valuation of $100 billion in the middle of the 'dot com' bubble. Yahoo says it is ensuring safety of its users by protecting their accounts and invalidating unencrypted security questions.
Fluorspar developer Tertiary Minerals updated the market on Thursday, on the progress of the mine permit appeal process for its Storuman fluorspar project in Sweden.
The AIM-traded company said, subsequent to the update it provided on 13 December in the annual report, it has now been informed by the Swedish Government that the case has been referred to the Swedish Mining Inspectorate for reassessment taking the new case law of the Norra Karr Mine Permit into account.
It said the reassessment will now include the impact that mining activity may have on its surroundings.
Taking into account that new case law, Tertiarys board said it believes that the re-assessment is the preferred route for the case at this stage in the process and that the Environmental Impact Assessment prepared by Tertiary and selected Swedish consultants provides a sufficient description of the expected environmental impact on the wider area based on the extensive and detailed baseline environmental studies and reindeer husbandry impact analysis completed.
Once the case file has been received by the Swedish Mining Inspectorate, the company said it will continue to co-ordinate closely with them and will update the market accordingly as and when significant news is available.
We are pleased to see progress is being made, said managing director Richard Clemmey.
[We] are confident that the quality and extent of our EIA coupled with the expected continued support from key stakeholders in the project will provide support for a positive outcome for Tertiary in this process.
Tillerson is leaving his position as CEO after being offered a job in Washington as president-elect Donald Trump's Secretary of States. He was chosen partly because of his close ties with Russia and its leader Vladimir Putin.
The board's decision was widely expected as it follows the traditional step up for the person who occupies the president role in the company. Woods has worked at Exxon for the last 24 years, emerging to lead the firm's refining and transport operations.
In a statement, the company praised Tillerson's work over four decades, and said that due to the confirmation process associated with his new position, it was appropriate for him to take early retirement.
"We thank Rex for his leadership, service and dedication to ExxonMobil," Exxon's board said.
"He led the company with integrity and honor, ensuring that safety and environmental protection were at the forefront of everything we do, generating value for shareholders and highlighting the impressive accomplishments of the companys diverse workforce throughout the world," they added.
Exxon is the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company in the world, but faces a challenging future as the majority of governments look towards more renewable sources of energy.
Rev. Hassan Abduraheem and Rev. Kuwa Shamal
Time is running out for two Christian pastors facing a possible death penalty in Sudan, the American Center for Law and Justice is warning as it launches a global petition asking the world to help save the 2 men.
The Rev. Hassan Abduraheem and Rev. Kuwa Shamal have been arrested, transferred, and re-arrested on multiple occasions this past year in the Islamic-majority country of Sudan, with government officials accusing them of national security crimes.
ACLJ Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow is arguing, however, that the imprisonment and the threat of a death penalty punishment are directly linked to the pastors' Christian faith, and has warned that if other believers don't speak up, the government of Sudan will send them to their deaths.
"They could be sentenced to hang for their faith if the world is silent," Sekulow wrote in an email, linking to the petition
"Christian Pastors Hassan and Kuwa need your voice now. Time is of the essence, as the trial continues. Our silence could be their death," he added.
"Other Christians facing death in Sudan are now free because you spoke out. Be heard now for these persecuted Christians."
Sudanese authorities have arrested numerous Christian pastors in the past couple of years, with South Sudanese Presbyterian Pastors Yat Michael and Peter Yein Reith also facing a possible death penalty until they were freed from prison in August 2015.
The ACLJ's newest petition, which has already been signed by 56,000 people, warns that there is a "deadly crackdown" on Christians in Sudan.
The petition also notes that Abduraheem and Shamal have spent 12 months in very poor conditions, with their situation unlikely to improve unless others speak out.
Other persecution watchdog groups, such as Christian Solidarity Worldwide, have also been reporting on the case against the two pastors. Back in May, lawyers who are representing the two men noted that the clergymen are being held in small rooms "with intermittent electricity supply and limited ventilation."
Shamal and Abduraheem are reportedly both from the Nuba Mountains in South Kordofan, an area which the central government has targeted since 2011 in an aerial bombardment campaign against the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, leading to many civilian deaths.
CSW's Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said back then that the treatment of the two pastors is "indicative of a government campaign to harass and restrict the rights of the Christian community."
"We urge the authorities to end the judicial harassment of the Christian community and to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief for every citizen. We also call on the Sudanese authorities to rectify any derogation from constitutional and international fair trial principles and ensure that the men are detained in a safe and habitable environment," Thomas added.
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Source: christianpost.com, December 14, 2016
US president-elect Donald Trump met with a group of the most influential technology bosses on the planet on Wednesday in a summit to discuss a variety of issues relating to the industry.
Despite fears from many in the sector during the Republican's campaign for the White House that their companies would suffer from his trade and immigration policies, Trump offered a helping hand to the likes of Tim Cook, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.
The chief executives of Apple, Tesla and Amazon were all present at the two-hour meeting, as well as representation from Facebook, Intel and Microsoft. Social network Twitter was one of the notable absentees from the meeting, which was held in Trump Tower in Manhattan.
"This is a truly amazing group of people," Trump said at the beginning of the meeting, which was open to media before a private discussion.
"I'm here to help you folks do well," he told the 13-strong group of executives, with members of his transition team and his children also present.
Trump added that he wanted to oversee the continuation of the rise of the US tech industry during his tenure as president.
"Perhaps even more importantly we want you to keep going with the incredible innovation. There's nobody like you in the world, and anything we can do to help this go along, we're going to be there for you."
Intelligence officials in the United States have said they believe with a "high level of confidence" that Russian president Vladimir Putin was personally involved in a hack associated with the US presidential election.
NBC News reported on Thursday that sources from US intelligence agencies told the broadcaster that Putin directed a hack of Democratic Party emails and their subsequent leak to whistle-blowing website Wikileaks.
Russian authorities have consistently denied that they had any involvement in the hack, which led to the release of thousands of emails from senior Democrats, including defeated presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman John Podesta.
According to the report, evidence seen by NBC's sources say that the actions of the Russian government initially began as a vendetta against Clinton, but soon turned into an attempt to undermine US credibility on an international stage.
Earlier on Thursday, the allegations of Russian involvement in the hack were rubbished by officials from the country.
"I was astonished when I saw it," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. "I think, this is nothing but nonsense, there is not a chance that anybody could believe that."
Clinton unexpectedly lost to Republican Donald Trump in last month's election, sparking fears about Russian intervention due to the warm relations between him and Putin.
Swiss pharmaceutical manufacturer Lonza Group has agreed to buy US capsule products maker Capsugel for $5.5bn in cash from KKR.
The deal, which is expected to close in the second quarter of next year, will be financed with a combination of debt and equity financing.
Chief executive officer Richard Rindinger said: The acquisition of Capsugel meets Lonzas strategic and financial goals. It accelerates our healthcare continuum strategy by giving us broader exposure to the fast-growing pharma and consumer healthcare markets. We expect the transaction to be accretive to our core earnings per share in the first full year post closing.
This new integrated approach will benefit our customers, who will gain from the simplicity and efficiency of working with one company that can provide world-leading support from APIs to excipients and dosage forms. The combined business will allow us to partner with our customers to help them bring highly differentiated products to market more quickly and efficiently.
Lonza anticipates that the deal will be accretive to its core earnings per share from the first full year after closing and said it intends to retain its current dividend policy.
It expects to achieve operating synergies of around CHF30m per year, which are expected to be realised by year three, in the areas of corporate, procurement and IT, as well as various efficiency gains. In addition, the group sees tax synergies of around CHF15m a year.
At 0955 GMT, Lonza shares were down 6.6% to CHF158.40.
London led a rebound for the eating and drinking out sector in November, with good growth in pub sales and a return to annual growth for restaurants, but it was a case of glass-half-full outside the capital.
The Coffer Peach Business Tracker found November like-for-likes sales grew 1.1% nationally on the same month last year, having fallen 1% a month ago.
London provided the main driver, with LFL sales in the capital up 3.5%, as last year a nervous public held back from restaurants in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris.
Having fallen 1.2% in October, pub sales fizzed back up 1.7% in November, with drink-led boozers and bars performing better than food-led pubs.
Branded restaurant chains were up just 0.2% nationally on last year, having declined 0.7% last month.
These latest numbers come on the back of three consecutive months of sales growth in the sector in July, August and September following the EU-referendum, but a 1.0% decline in October, so operators need to remain cautious with plenty of volatility, uncertainty and competition ahead, said Peter Martin, vice president of CGA Peach.
Martin said the data, which is calculated based on sales figures from 34 larger chains owned by companies including Fullers, Greene King, Marstons, Mitchells & Butlers, Restaurant Group, Whitbread and Young's, should be put in context.
Outside of London, groups recorded collective like-for-likes up just 0.3%, which might be a more accurate reflection of the essentially flat nature of the eating and drinking out market post Brexit vote, he said.
Total sales growth in November, reflecting the impact of new openings, was 4.1% among the 34 companies in the Tracker cohort.
PZ Cussons , the owner of Imperial Leather and Carex, said half-year profit was broadly flat amid tough market conditions, but remains positive on the outlook of the company.
For the six months ended 30 November, the FTSE 250 company said that its performance was in line with expectations with profits broadly flat compared to the same period last year, while its balance sheet remains strong.
In the UK the washing and bathing division was robust with new product launches for Imperial Leather, Carex and Original Source brands, but a poor summer adversely affected sales of St Tropez in the.
On the whole the performance across the beauty portfolio was good for the remainder of the period, with new product launches in the second half of the year.
The smaller market in Poland and Greece performed in line with expectations.
In Australia, trading conditions were tough across all categories, but market shares was maintained with new product launches.
There was good growth in Indonesia with brand investment, including a relaunch of the Cussons Kids range and a new range of Imperial Leather products. Performance in the smaller markets of Thailand and the Middle East was in line with expectations.
In Nigeria, following the introduction of the new flexible exchange rate in June which led to a 40% devaluation of the naira, liquidity was poor with the exchange rate weakening both the interbank and secondary markets. Market shares across personal care, home care, electricals and food and nutrition have either been held or grown in the period, although volumes in all categories are lower as a result of changes to relative pricing.
Performance in Ghana and Kenya were in line with expectations.
The company said the strength of its brand portfolio and pipeline continues to ensure that its market share remains strong despite tough trading conditions.
Brand renovation and innovation will underpin the trading result in the second half in Europe and Asia, with various mitigating actions planned across the UK businesses to counter higher costs. In Nigeria, the brand portfolio is well positioned for peak season in the country with the group's heritage and experience serving it well through very challenging macro conditions.
Shares in PZ Cussons were down 1.71% to 308.40 0900 GMT.
Yahoo s latest hack affecting 1bn users has put its $4.83bn acquisition offer from Verizon in jeopardy, according to Bloomberg.
The hack is the second over recent months, pushing the American communications giant to either cut the price on its offer or pull out all together.
On Wednesday Yahoo said it had discovered a new data breach that occurred in August 2013, involving the data associated with more than one billion user accounts.
In September 2014, 500m users were affected and was considered to be one of the worlds largest cyber attacks on a single site.
Verizon told CNBC: "As we've said all along, we will evaluate the situation as Yahoo continues its investigation. We will review the impact of this new development before reaching any final conclusions."
Yahoos share price fell 5.3% to 38.74p while Verizons shares were up 0.77% at 52.03p at the close on Thursday.
Central and Eastern Europe-focused budget airline Wizz Air has announced five new West Balkan routes from Budapest that will commence in April next year.
The new routes will connect Budapest with five capitals of countries in the West Balkan region, Skopje in Macedonia, Podgorica in Montenegro, Tirana in Albania, Prishtina in Kosovo and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Wizz said the routes will connect the countries directly, boost bi-directional tourism and establish an important link for trade and business between Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Chief executive officer Jozsef Varadi said: "Today's announcement further underlines our commitment to Hungary as de facto Hungarian national carrier. In the past few months we have made several major announcements including basing a new aircraft at Budapest in April, revealing the unique Budapest livery that is designed to promote the city with Budapest 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Bid elements, announced four new routes to start in 2017 and today we add another five strategically important routes to our Budapest network.
Today's announcement is the result of a first ever example of imposing a public service obligation in aviation industry in Hungary. We believe that this unprecedented example will help stimulate economic and business relations between the countries as well as further improve accessibility to Budapest where Wizz has the most diverse network, offering 59 routes to 28 countries."
At 1130 GMT, Wizz shares were up 0.3% to 1,842p.
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. Hemp farmers hoping to market their CBD extracts across state lines are in for a real shock when they find out about these new rules. Until now, it was thought that CBD extracts that were only CBD could, in fact, travel between states. Many of these extracts are derived from Industrial Hemp, but the new rule makes no distinction as to the original source and specifies that pure CBD extracts are also banned from crossing state lines.
Under the new code for non-resinous extracts 7350 they define the source as, an extract containing one or more cannabinoids that has been derived from any plant of the genus Cannabis.
So what happens in the states that have CBD only laws and havent made any provisions for production, or are not at the production point yet? I guess the children with Dravet syndrome or other severe seizure disorders or conditions do for their medicine. In many cases, it has proven to be the only relief for many of these people. Has the DEA made ANY considerations for the sick and suffering, and do they understand that its not a candidate for schedule I listing?
They have based their decision on fear and canna-bigotry, not science or reason. Shame on the DEA.
Powerball jackpot now $1.5 billion: Here's what to know, how to play
She did that all by herself, did she?
How about passing a law that any man who fathers an unwanted child has to pack a 30 lb weight strapped to his belly 24/7 for about 4 months, is prevented from working for a few months, gets an 8" diameter foot long plug shoved in his ***, is tasered every 30 seconds for a few hours and is under house arrest for about the next 15 years?
The U.S. Navy yesterday performed a first intercept test of a medium-range ballistic missile target using the new Standard Missile 6 dual mission (SM-6 Dual I) interceptor. The missile was launched by USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), an Aegis baseline 9.C1 equipped destroyer, supporting the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) AEGIS Missile Defense tests. The test met its primary objective, the agency said in a statement. Program officials will continue evaluating system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test.
This test demonstrated the capabilities MDA and the Navy are delivering to our fleet commanders, said MDA Director Vice Adm. Jim Syring. The SM-6 missile and the Aegis Weapon System continue to prove that they are critical components of our nations multilayered, robust ballistic missile defense system.
The destroyer fired a salvo of two SM-6 Dual I missiles against a complex medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) target, demonstrating the sea-based terminal endo-atmospheric defensive capability of the vessel. The test was conducted off the coast of Hawaii just after midnight on Dec. 14.
The SM-6 missile uses an explosive warhead to defeat ballistic missile threats, differing from other missile defense interceptors, such as the Standard Missile-3, which use non-explosive hit-to-kill technology. This intercept is the first time the SM-6 Dual I engages an MRBM target.
Unlike the AEGIS ships equipped with the SM-3 interceptor that can defend land masses from against ballistic missile attacks, vessels equipped with the SM-6 are designed to defend themselves, and the carrier task forces they are assigned to protect, against all aerial threats. The updated threat assessment calls for defense against a wide range of targets from manned and unmanned aircraft, guided missiles launched from surface ships, submarines or aircraft at stand-off range, to ballistic carrier killers missiles, such as the Chinese DF-21, that may be launched from ranges of 2,000 away, against enemy surface vessels and aircraft carriers. Intercepting such targets, attacking from steep angles, at a velocity of Mach 10, the navy has tasked dedicated interceptors that were not useful for other purposes.
The SM-6 has been developed with this threat in mind and upgraded to successfully engage land-attack anti-ship cruise missiles in flight; ballistic missiles in their terminal, or final, stage of flight over land or sea; as well as surface targets (floating ships or land targets). The missile will succeed the SM-2 Block IV missile currently used as a dedicated ballistic missile interceptor on AEGIS surface ships.
Vertically launched from an MK 41 VLS canister, the SM-6 missile is compatible with existing AEGIS cruisers and destroyers and future cruisers and destroyers. The systems operational modes include semi-active homing and active homing to provide highly accurate target engagement, and it incorporates the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities of the AMRAAM air-to-air missile.
But the initial version of the SM-6 did not have a capability against ballistic missiles. The SM-6 is to be given a terminal-phase anti-ballistic missile capability in two phases. The first (Sea-Based Terminal SBT Increment 1) is designated the Dual I upgrade that adds a more powerful processor that runs more sophisticated targeting software to hit a warhead descending from the upper atmosphere at extreme speed. The second phase planned for 2018-2019 will include classified capabilities to be included in the Dual II configuration.
The U.S. Navy fired an SM-6 Dual-I missile in July 2015 for the first time. three Multi-Mission Warfare (MMW) tests were conducted that year successfully demonstrating intercepts of a short-range ballistic missile, supersonic high-diver and subsonic, low-altitude cruise missile targets. The Dual 1 is part of the Missile Defense Agencys Sea-Based Terminal program and is slated for additional testing. It will succeed the SM-2 Block IV missile.
Other upgrades to the system to further integrate into the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air concept (NIFC-CA). In September 2016 the U.S. Navy further expanded the integration of SM-6 weapon system, targeting the weapon with information provided from an airborne F-35B joint strike fighter. Performed at the Navys Aegis test site at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the test tasked a standard Marine Corps F-35B that provided early warning and target detection to the AEGIS system, communicating via its stealthy and jam-proof MADL datalink. The AEGIS launched an SM-6 missile that struck the Beechcraft MQM-107 target representing an adversarial fighter. Using any variant of the F-35 as a broad area sensor, the aircraft can significantly increase the Aegis capability to detect, track and engage.
While MADL-AEGIS links have yet to be fielded, Lockheed Martin has already demonstrated such interface to the AEGIS Baseline 9 systems.
Combining the missile defense with traditional air defense capabilities in the same package the SM-6 Dual-I will increase air defense capabilities of these vessels. The upgraded configuration was scheduled to reach initial operational capability in 2016 but such status has not been announced yet.
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BETHEL, Alaska (AP) The contractor overseeing the $300 million expansion of a Bethel hospital is focusing its hiring efforts on Alaska Native workers and others from the region as it looks to start construction next year.
Project manager James Murrell, with the native-owned contractor ASKW-Davis, said the company is looking to hire as many natives and local residents as possible before the work begins in six months, KYUK-AM reported.
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By JONATHAN LEMIRE and MICHAEL LIEDTKE
Associated Press
NEW YORK President-elect Donald Trump, who faced fierce opposition from some Silicon Valley leaders during the election campaign, strove to assure the titans of tech on Wednesday that his administration is here to help you folks do well.
Trump, still savoring his election victory, convened a summit at Trump Tower for nearly a dozen tech leaders, whose industry largely supported Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Many in the industry are worried that Trump will stifle innovation, curb the hiring of computer-savvy immigrants and infringe on consumers' digital privacy.
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ATLANTA (AP) Federal authorities have announced nearly two dozen safety violations issued to an auto parts manufacturer after a bride-to-be who worked at its Alabama plant was crushed to death by a robotic machine.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Wednesday announced 23 violations after investigating the death at the Ajin USA plant in Cusseta, Alabama, about 90 miles southwest of Atlanta near the Georgia line.
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112th @ Twelfth has sold for $203M to Gemini Rosemont of New Mexico
Photo by The Broderick Group [enlarge]
King County records show One Twelfth @ Twelfth, a three-building office complex at 1110-1120 112th Ave. N.E. in Bellevue, has sold for $202.67 million.
The seller was 112th Bellevue Associates LLC, which acquired the property in 2004 for $134 million.
The buyer was 112th Bellevue Operating LLC, associated with Gemini Rosemont of Santa Fe, New Mexico, which owns or manages over 20 million square feet in the U.S.
The new owner already lists 112th @ Twelfth on its website, and says The Broderick Group's Grant Yerke and Jeff Watson represent a small amount of open space.
The four-acre site is at the southeast corner of 112th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 12th Street. The property was developed by Hines in 2000, with three six-story buildings that have a total of 480,000 rentable square feet.
Update: After deadline, Broderick confirmed that it partnered with Eastdil Secured on the sale.
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FRANKLIN, Tenn. Community Health Systems announced on Wednesday that is has agreed to sell two Yakima County hospitals to Sunnyside Community Hospital & Clinics for approximately $45 million.
The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017.
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Teenager gives father gift of life for Christmas
Christmas came early for one Palm Bay, Florida military family. The family patriarch had been facing the harsh reality that he may not make it to Christmas Day due to a chronic medical condition that was worsening.
His kidneys were functioning at only 12 percent and his hope of finding a viable donor in time was grim. But fate decided he would get the perfect gift this year - life. His 19-year-old daughter, the giver; her gift a kidney.
In fall 2014, recently retired Air Force Master Sgt. Derrell White faced a harsh reality: his kidneys were slowly failing, and his survival depended on a kidney transplant.
While he'd known since 1986 that he had IgA Nephropathy, a chronic kidney condition, he hadn't felt the effects for nearly three decades. While he was taking all the necessary precautions to manage his overall health, his kidneys were only operating at 18 percent.
The first person to volunteer as a kidney donor was his wife, Master Sgt. Heidi White, 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. She was a match, which they thought would solve their problems, but due to kidney stones in both kidneys,
Heidi was eliminated from being a donor. They were devastated. The process of finding a donor has been an emotional rollercoaster for their family. Family members and a good friend tried to be donors, but all were ruled out. Disappointed yet hopeful, Derrell signed up for the national kidney donation registry in June 2015. It could be years -- or too late -- by the time he would be contacted for a transplant.
One night in July 2015, Derrell received a call from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami that they had a kidney from a cadaver, and they would be able to perform the transplant at 5:30 a.m. if he could get to the hospital in time.
He and Heidi rushed to the hospital three hours away in time. "They were rolling me down the hall for surgery, then they said time out, Derrell recalled. The kidney had been out of the body too long.
Again, Derrell and Heidi had gotten their hopes up only to have them abruptly dashed. They drove back home feeling helpless. In November Derrells kidney function degraded to 12 percent.
His 19-years-old daughter, Elissa, couldnt bear to watch as her fathers health decline so she decided to offer him her own kidney, again. Shed made the offer previously when she was 18, but her parents declined. With reluctance, this time the Whites agreed to her offer.
She learned she was a match and the surgery was set for Dec.7 at Florida Hospital in Orlando, three weeks later.
Elissa and Derrell are recovering from surgery and doing well. While everything went better than we anticipated, we are cautiously optimistic, said Heidi White. She did say both dad and daughter are doing exceptionally well and were both sent home after four days in the hospital.
The family agreed the whole process has been challenging both emotionally and physically, but say family, friends and unit members were always there offering support in many different forms. They couldnt have done it without all the outpouring of support.
Alaska Air Group closes $2.6-bn acquisition of Virgin America
The parent company of Alaska Airlines has closed its deal to buy Virgin America, to emerge the fifth-largest US domestic carrier.
the merged entity plans to take on rivals in a bid to emerge the dominant airline on the West Coast.
Alaska Air Group closed the $2.6-billion acquisition of Burlingame, California-based Virgin America yesterday, a week after the justice department approved the deal (See: Alaska Air, US regulators near settlement on $2.6-bn acquisition of Virgin America).
Even though the operations of the two airlines would not be combined immediately, travellers could buy Virgin America tickets on the Alaska Airlines website starting Monday.
According to executives of Alaska Airlines, the newly merged airline would focus on becoming the dominant West Coast carrier, with a combined fleet of 286 planes and 18,800 employees. Between them, the two airlines operate 289 daily flights from California. On 21 December, Alaska planned to announce new daily flights from San Francisco to Santa Ana, Minneapolis and Orlando, Florida.
The acquisition of Virgin America by Alaska Air Group represented the latest in a series of airline combinations that had raised the hackles of antitrust activists.
According to industry experts, the two would eventually form a single carrier to compete with its larger rivals in battleground markets including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
''Ultimately this is going to be one airline,'' said Seth Kaplan, founding partner for the trade magazine Airline Weekly, Los Angeles Times reported in its online edition. ''Most certainly it will be called Alaska.''
By adding Virgin's routes out of California to its own dominance out of Seattle, Portland and the state of Alaska, the deal represented a bold move by Seattle-based Alaska Airlines to buy growth, according to competitors.
Brad Tilden, Alaska's CEO, said he had ''a sleepless night or two'' about the challenges ahead in merging operations, the deal would however, ensure Alaska can survive and thrive as an independent airline for decades.
''We're not going to slow down a step in Seattle. But there is a very large opportunity in California and we are going after that,'' Tilden said in an interview, The Seattle Times reported. ''It gives us critical mass. If we want to be here 10, 15 or 25 years from now, it's good that we be bigger."
Cipla to set up manufacturing facility in Iran in JV with Ahran Tejarat
Cipla Holding BV, the Netherlands-based wholly-owned subsidiary of Cipla Ltd, has entered into an agreement with Ahran Tejarat Company to form a joint venture manufacturing facility in Iran.
Cipla will initially acquire a 75-per cent stake in Iranian firm Issat Co, which is currently owned by Ahran Tejarat, for a cash consideration of 1.35 million and infuse up to 15.525 million into the JV as equity over the next one year.
The Iranian partner will own the remaining stake in Issat Company, an existing company which has a valid pharmaceutical manufacturing licence and also owns certain fixed asset, but has not undertaken any business activity since incorporation in January 1998.
Cipla Netherlands is expected to invest up to a maximum of 16.8 million in cash in the joint venture company.
The acquisition is expected to be completed by March 2017, subject to completion of conditions precedent and applicable regulatory approvals.
The joint venture company proposes to undertake manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products in Iran.
Moller-Maersk, Dong Energy talks to merge oil business stall over price
Talks between two Danish shipping companies A P Moller-Maersk and Dong Energy to merge their oil and gas business have stalled after they could not agree on a price, Reuters yesterday reported, citing industry and banking sources.
Both companies were unable to agree on the valuation of their assets and the terms of the merger, the report said and added that the negotiations were unlikely to resume "any time soon."
Maersk, Denmark's biggest company, had last month entered into talks with Dong to merge their oil and gas operations in a deal that would create a company valued at over $8.7 billion. (See: Moller-Maersk, DONG Energy in talks to merge oil and gas business)
The talks came after Moller-Maersk said in September that it would split its transportation and oil businesses, or sell off its oil business to focus on its core transport operations.
While Dong Energy, Denmark's largest energy company, had this month said that it would divest its oil and gas assets as part of its plan to shift from fossil fuels toward offshore wind.
Several private equity firms, including EIG Global Energy Partners, have shown interest in Dong, the report said
Maersk yesterday said that it may consider selling assets or cutting dividends in order to retain its credit rating, which is at risk.
Maersk produces over 600,000 barrels of oil a day, while Dong Energy produces about 115,000 barrels a day. Both companies have a majority of their assets in the North Sea.
Earlier Maersk had held inconclusive talks on acquiring some North Sea assets of Royal Dutch Shell.
Dong Energy's oil and gas portfolio includes 14 in Denmark, 19 in the UK (West for Shetland), 23 in Norway, 2 in the Faroe Islands and 1 near Greenland.
Moller-Maersk produces oil from the Danish and UK sections of the North Sea, Qatar, Algeria and Kazakhstan.
A wedding celebration that almost turned into a tragedy was saved by the quick actions of musicians playing at the reception.
Two members of the Rockhill Ramblers came to the rescue of the uncle's bride, Alan Johnston of Lisminton, Ballintra, who collapsed with a heart attack on the dance floor at the Sandhouse Hotel in Rossnowlagh last Friday night.
Their quick actions, and the availability of a defibrillator, saved his life.
The potential disaster was averted at the wedding reception of Siofra Johnston and Ben Relton.
Siofra and Ben cutting their wedding cake, with Alan in the background.
Darren Meehan, a member of the Rockhill Ramblers, told the Democrat how the drama unfolded.
"Everybody was dancing away and the next thing we saw Alan drop to the floor. We immediately knew there was something wrong and stopped playing.
"Like lightning, Matthew and Patrick ran to him and started performing CPR. They shouted for me to get the defibrillator but a man behind the bar was already getting it.
"Matthew and Patrick performed CPR and used the defibrillator for about 10 mins. Alan was able to speak again by the time the ambulance arrived.
"Obviously we're absolutely delighted that the quick actions of the two boys helped so much. Needless to say, we're very proud of them, he said.
Darren also paid tribute to 70-year-old Alan Johnston's indomitable spirit, "As he was being taken to the ambulance, Alan told us, 'Make sure and play on, boys, I might be back!'"
A few words from the father of the bride
The bride's grateful father Trevor Johnston, who is from Ballintra and now lives in Irvinestown, said the family are truly blessed. "Alan's was a very severe cardiac arrest and, if there was no defibrillator on hand, Alan would not have survived.
What other band features a paramedic (Matthew Diver) and a nurse (Patrick Meehan) in its numbers? They both responded with an outstanding level of professionalism."
Trevor also thanked all those who helped out during the crisis.
"There were so many good people who made such a massive contribution to what was a life-saving situation.
"Matthew and Patrick were ably assisted by our nieces Linda Cannard (nee Brogan), who is a senior nurse in Letterkenny, and Roisin Mc Grory, who is a student nurse in London.
The family is also deeply grateful to Neilis McInaw "who initially took responsibility when Alan slumped to the floor" and Ryan Hoey of The Sandhouse "who delivered the defibrilator in record time" as well as Karen Farry "whose professionalism and control of the proceedings was a major factor".
Thanking the emergency services for their rapid response, Trevor continued, "One must also mention that paramedics Ken Vaughan and Frankie ODonnell were on the scene quickly to help out even though they were not on call. They are two wonderful men. We have great health professionals in County Donegal."
Like Darren, Trevor was impressed by Alan's fighting spirit. "One of the first things he said was , 'I'm supposed to be going to Dowra mart tomorrow!'
"Alan apologised for interrupting the reception. It was his wish that we enjoy the rest of the night and we did. You could not move on the dance floor and I think that was a tremendous gesture of support not only for Siofra and Ben, but for Alan, and his family and friends as well."
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Sept. 3, 1939 Dec. 12, 2016
Norm Fisher, 77, of Scio passed away on Dec. 12 at home surrounded by family after his year- long battle with cancer.
He was born in Silverton on Sept. 3, 1939. Norm was proud of his service in the United States Army. As a young man, he was stationed in Korea during Vietnam where he supervised the motor pool. Returning to civilian life he spent nearly two decades working for Duraflake before becoming the owner of Main St. Video in Scio.
Norm's big smile and easy manner was a gift to all those who knew him. He was always ready with a story, fun fact or joke to share. He was a devoted husband, a proud and supportive father, and his grandchildren were the light of his world.
Norm is survived by his wife, Becky; sister Eleanor; brother George; daughters Noelle and Holly; son Blake; and five grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at Scio Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Norm's name to Doernbecher Children's Hospital.
Serving the family is North Santiam Funeral Service in Stayton.
The Pope has sent a message upon the death of Dundalk born Bishop Gerard Clifford.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, the chief celebrant at the Funeral Mass today for Bishop Gerard Clifford RIP, in the Church of Saint Patrick, Dundalk, read out the following message of condolence from Pope Francis:
The Holy Father was sadden to learn of the death of Bishop Gerard Clifford and he sends heartfelt condolences to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Armagh. United with you in prayerful thanksgiving for his generous and dedicated episcopal ministry in the service of education and ecumenism, His Holiness joins those gathered for the solemn funeral rites in commending the soul of the late Prelate to our Heavenly Father's merciful love. Upon all who mourn Bishop Clifford 's passing, Pope Francis cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace and consolation in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gerard Clifford was born on 24 June 1941 into a farming family, the second child of the late Thomas and Margaret Clifford of Bellurgan. He was educated at Bellurgan National School, Bush Vocational School, Saint Marys College, Dundalk, and Saint Patricks College, Armagh. He studied for the priesthood at Saint Patricks College, Maynooth. Ordained to the priesthood on 18 June 1967, he undertook post-graduate studies both at Maynooth and at Lumen Vitae, the international catechetical centre in Brussels.
From 1969 to 1979 he was appointed Director of Religious Education in the Archdiocese of Armagh. He liaised with all the schools of the diocese and published several guides to help parents in the religious formation of their children. After the 1979 pilgrimage by Pope Saint John Paul II to Ireland, Father Clifford was part of the response by the Catholic Church in Ireland to the late Popes special appeal for Churches to work more closely together. He undertook this work in partnership with the late Church of Ireland Canon William Arlow. In 1979 the late CardinalTomas O Fiaich appointed him ecumenical and reconciliation officer of the diocese, with a base in Richill, near Portadown. He worked closely with Canon William Arlow, who held a similar post in the Church of Ireland. Bishop Clifford regarded his ecumenical involvement as one of the most important aspects of his life as a priest. His interest in ecumenism went back to his student days his theological degree was awarded for a study of ministry in the Anglican Church.
As ecumenical and reconciliation officer, he organised ecumenical talks twice a year between the diocese and Saint Annes Cathedral, Belfast. He was responsible for organising the inter-church services in Armagh Cathedral during the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which brought a number of prominent ecumenists from abroad to Northern Ireland. With Canon Arlow he organised a major ecumenical pilgrimage to Iona in 1984. Also in the 1980s he brought a group of young people from Portadown to Philadelphia as part of an exchange programme . He was a member of the Ballymascanlon Inter-Church committee and co-chairman of its joint working party on social problems. With Bishop Anthony Farquhar he was observer for the Irish Catholic Bishops to the then newly-formed Council of Churches of Britain and Ireland.
In 1984 Father Clifford was appointed first full-time executive secretary of the Irish Bishops Conference. He was also joint secretary of the liaison committee which links the bishops of Britain and Ireland, and regularly represented the Bishops Conference at meetings abroad.
Bishop Clifford was appointed as Titular Bishop of Geron on 25 March 1991 and his episcopal consecration took place on 21 April 1991. As a member of the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference, Bishop Clifford was a member of its Council for Ecumenism (and Dialogue); a member of the Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care, and was President of CURA from 2010 until 2013.
This transcript provides responses to questions submitted during the Commanders Call held Nov. 16.
Commanders calls are held to offer an open forum of discussion between Team Dyess and wing leaders face-to-face. During these calls, Airmen are encouraged to ask questions, voice concerns and provide direct feedback.
Question: Is a shaving waiver pretty much eventually an automatic medical board now?
Answer: Although a shaving waiver is not an automatic beginning process for a medical board, those diagnosed with Pseudofolliculitis Barbae and who have a repeated need for a shaving waiver should be evaluated by their PCM for retention purposes due to the mobility limiting factor of not being able to maintain an adequate seal while wearing a gas mask.
There are three phases to the shaving waiver process outlined in the attached policy letter, prior to entering the MEB path.
Question: Will you be doing a Facebook Townhall with the Public Affairs Office?
Answer: Yes! I think that is a great idea and I plan on conducting more townhalls with family members and spouses as well.
Questions: When will we implement the transition of additional duties to CSS?
Answer: Most squadrons do not have a CSS, so the SECAF is looking to plus up manning to support that. In the meantime, if you see something within your squadron I am putting it on you to make the call and cut it, if it is not necessary. You make the call, I got your back.
Question: When is the next goal day?
Answer: Goal days are a quarterly event that are approved when we, as a team, keep readiness at a certain level and have good Airmen. The next goal day is tentatively scheduled for February of next year.
Question: Can we please stop flying during training days? We dont accomplish a lot of training due to this.
Answer: This was a work in process, but it has already been addressed and we no longer fly during training days.
Question: What is being done about the rat problem on base?
Answer: For now, all that can be done is to get traps that can be obtained at the CE U-Fix-It store and ensure you all are cleaning up after yourselves. No leaving trash and food out. If you have exhausted all possibilities, then contact CE.
Question: Why are core groups treated as training with 100% completion. If we are cutting training then why add mandatory training?
Answer: Weve noticed a systemic problem in the Air Force where people dont have tough discussions anymore. We dont sit down and talk about topics like integrity and what it means. Gen. Rand said he wanted to have a tool to have these types of discussions, and core groups is that tool. If you have these types of discussions in other ways, then dont use the tool; but you need to have these discussions.
Question: What is being done to monitor, prevent or discipline Airmen who are abusing meal cards?
Answer: How Airmen use their meal cards is already monitored, but they do receive $20 per meal, every day. This stipend is due to the increased prices at the Longhorn Dining Facility. If you feel that an Airman is abusing their meal card, report it to the First Sgt. to handle.
Question: What do you think is the key in determining successful Airmen?
Answer: They must be humble, confident and committed.
Question: Was the B1-B Lancer that flew over North Korea from here or Ellsworth Air Force Base?
Answer: That particular B-1 was assigned to Ellsworth.
Question: Why do we no longer give medals for extended tours?
Answer: Airmen should still be receiving these medals. If you are not getting a medal for an extended tour, then ask your supervisor why. There might be a legitimate reason. This is not a policy. Dont feel bad about reminding your supervisor.
Question: Is it okay to deep fry a frozen turkey?
Answer: No this would not be safe to do. If you have more questions on properly cooking, and how to use a deep fryer, the Fire Department is more than happy to discuss safety techniques with anyone.
Question: You spoke about heritage. I would like to see us go back to wearing our squadron patches on our uniforms. It shows pride. Can we go back to that?
Answer: I think this is a great idea, and I will talk to the Boss on this particular request and see what I can do.
Question: Can we repaint the dorm parking lots?
Answer: 7 CES has an existing contract vehicle that includes parking and street painting. Projects are currently being developed, the next step will be to secure funding for the work and we anticipate being able to execute no later than the summer of 2017.
Question: Can we space out the parking spots in the dorms?
Answer: 7 CES will work to develop a plan that re-spaces the parking lines in the dormitory parking areas.
Question: What is being done about the electric issues and numerous outages in base housing?
Answer: There have been a number of utility outages affecting the installation to include family housing. The outages affected water, power and gas lines in several areas. The cause of each outage has been unique in nature ranging from broken lines underground for both gas and water; to blown fuses on electrical circuits caused by wildlife and cut lines. 7 CES continues to monitor and respond to all outages 24/7 to provide Team Dyess members with the best customer service. Questions can be directed to CE customer service at (325) 696-4154.
Question: When are we getting rid of desktops and moving to 100% laptops?
Answer: During the next 6 months, Team Dyess will be upgrading 3,413 computers to laptops to improve our cyber defense posture by employing Microsoft Windows 10. While we will be replacing the bulk of Dyess computers, there will still be a few desktops that remain on the network due to their upgrade ability. After the deployment of the new laptops, the remaining desktop computers will also be upgraded to Windows 10.
Question: What are some things downtown has planned for our Airmen?
Answer: There are events going on all the time in downtown Abilene. Please use the Dyess FSS website (www.dyessfss.com), which includes a list of restaurants that offer a military discount. Public affairs will offer a calendar of events on the Dyess website (www.dyess.af.mil) with happenings downtown. Abilene has an app called MyABI that advertises events happening in the Big Country. Another website available is (www.abilenevisitors.com).
Question: Whats the status in the reduction in additional duties?
Answer: After the SECAF sent out a memo of the reduced additional duties, I reduced them a little more. However, what I did is empower commanders and you all to stop doing what doesnt need to be done. If there is something you do that doesnt help with manning, training, equipping or meeting our mission set, then stop doing it. Thats going to be different for every squadron, but pass it up your chain of command. Dont accept no for an answer without the why behind it because you deserve to know why you still have to do certain additional duties.
Question: Can we open the base shooting range for military members/families to shoot their own firearms?
Answer: We do have the range open for military and DoD members. If you want to shoot at the firing range with your own weapons, you can contact the 7th Security Forces Squadron. However, were only authorized to shoot certain calibers on the range. Were currently working with the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron to upgrade our permits. Hopefully by next summer, well be able to start getting more people out there to shoot.
Question: What is the Christmas schedule?
Answer: My plan is to disseminate a Christmas schedule the first week of December. Critical sections will need to be manned appropriately. How they are manned will be at the commanders discretion on down. I still have to work out the leave policy. Were not planning on flying during that time, which should minimize the impact of operations.
Question: Can we have more selections at the Food Court in the BX?
Answer: The restaurants offered are contracted through AAFES. That doesnt mean we cant ask the question. However, were opening a restaurant at the Heritage Center and hope to have it completed by January. We want to give Airmen more healthy options. Dorm residents will be able to use their meal card, and it will be open with longer hours than the Longhorn Dining Facility.
Question: Can we get the base housing gate open for housing members?
Answer: While the Delaware gate would provide a convenient entry point into base housing, the potential vulnerabilities associated with opening the gate for vehicle traffic significantly outweigh the benefit. Many of the force protection features you see at Arnold and Tye gates do not exist at the Delaware gate, nor is there permanent shelter or communications infrastructure for Security Forces that would be required to man the gate. Security Forces man the pedestrian gate in the morning and afternoons for the safety of our school children with Security Forces staff personnel who have other primary duties. Although it would be convenient, the security of our base personnel and resources takes precedence over opening Delaware gate to vehicle traffic.
Question: Is it possible to use government facilities for license to carry classes for military and/or dependents?
Answer: There is no issue with using classroom space within unties to accommodate the instructional classroom portion of handgun carry classes. Additionally, it is also feasible within the Air Force Instruction to allow the base Combat Arms range to be used for recreational purposes and non-military courses of fire, however the range currently can only accommodate certain calibers of ammunition under the state permit that it operates under. This permit is currently being adjusted to allow a larger number of calibers of weapons to be fired, potentially opening up the possibility of recreational firing.
Question: Can we increase the speed limit in base housing 5-10 miles an hour?
Answer: This topic was recently addresses during a Traffic Safety Working Group chaired by functional experts from around the base. Any rise in speed limit in housing areas must be weighed against the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and our children. Since we allow parking on most of the housing streets, a rise in the speed limit could create a condition in which drivers would not have the necessary time to safely apply their brakes should a child run out into the street between parked cars. Additionally, our traffic safety record in base housing is as close as a base can come to being incident-free with only one minor incident earlier this fall. While we believe current speed limits provide a safe and secure environment, we can relook at the current posted speed limits in regards to some of the wider, non-residential roads within base housing at the next Traffic Safety Working Group.
Question: It seems that some are struggling with Course 15. How is distance learning PME doing across the Air Force?
Answer: Below are the current pass rates across the Air Force.
-SNCO DL Course: 72% pass rate
-Course 15 DL Course: 53% pass rate
Question: With NCOs finishing Course 15, why is Course 14 rushed upon some NCOs, particularly Staffs, when its for SNCOs?
Answer: PME is now a Time in Service event. Course 15 is now required at 7 years TIS and SNCO DLC at 12 years. For example, and NCO who has reached 12 years TIS during the transition period that we are in now, would be required to complete the courses back to back. This is an anomaly associated with the transition period timeline and in the future this will not happen.
Question: Is there any way we can set up a forum with APD and SFS to discuss cohesion and unity to prevent some of the cases weve seen in the news, on our base and in Abilene?
Answer: Absolutely. Our SFS work hand-in-hand with the APD to protect the people of Team Dyess and the local community. This is the direction we need to go in to increase cohesion and communication between these organizations.
Question: What are some ways we can restore morale with everything going on in the country, particularly with our Airmen who feel targeted or stereotyped?
Answer: We need to focus on all the great things about being in the Air Force, in the community and at Team Dyess. Were so inundated with negative news that we lose sight and forget to celebrate all the great things that are going on.
Question: When is the next exercise?
Answer: There is going to be a no notice exercise in the Spring. With the deployment cycles coming up were going to prove that we can still carry on the fight from right here.
Question: Can we get longer auto hobby shop hours?
Answer: We have agreements with companies downtown, such as Auto A, who offer half-off discounts for Airmen, but right now offering longer auto hobby shop hours is not a cost effective use of our resources.
Question: We are strapped on manning, when will we get more Airmen?
Answer: Make sure you are sending up that feedback to your supervisors and commanders. Were doing everything we can to report any mission impact due to manning to AFGSC. Keep carrying out the mission at our level and lets forward that information up.
Question: Can we urge Abilene Chamber of Commerce to encourage more local businesses to provide a military discount?
Answer: What kind of services do you want discounts at? If you send me your suggestions I can bring it up at our regular meetings with the Chamber of Commerce.
Question: A recent memo came out about reducing additional duties. With this in mind, what is your take on those additional duties and memo here at Dyess?
Answer: I recently published a memo for the Wing on my take on these duties. If youre doing something that isnt essential to the mission and is taking time away from completing that mission, I encourage you to take it to your supervision. My commanders have the authority from me to make the determination on reducing these duties where they see fit.
Question: With the next Airfest being at Abilene Regional, what level of support will we be expected to provide versus the last one that took place on base?
Answer: Our private organizations are going to get first right of refusal as food vendors, and there are going to be volunteer opportunities for anyone who wants to get involved. Units are able to volunteer to create displays such as the military working dogs or CE, but this will all be on a volunteer basis only.
Question: Can we have less C-130 weekend flying, please?
Answer: We cant dictate C-130 operations, but on the 7th BW side we are looking at decreasing the support footprint as a result of these extended hours to include our maintenance and airfield operations support teams. We are pursuing waivers to decrease this requirement for our manpower due to these flights.
Question: How do you feel about alternative work schedules for non-shift workers?
Answer: GS employees are able to have every other Friday off while still working the same hours. This is going to be AFGSC dependent. If your mission can be accomplished with alternative work scheduled, Im open to suggestions, but the mission doesnt stop every other Friday.
Question: Can we get a club card that is not a credit card?
Answer: Your FSS is working hard to roll out this program and we expect that to happen in 2017. The club is part of your AF heritage, and every dollar you spend in club dues goes directly back to services to improve our quality of life.
Question: How do you feel about getting a falcon or hawk for the bird aircraft strike hazard program?
Answer: This is something weve looked into, but if you dont want birds striking our aircraft then you really dont want a large one such as a falcon or hawk. We are looking into getting a U.S. wildlife representative at the base to address our BASH program.
Question: Why are we trying to get rid of C130 COSO and get it minimum manned, but still keep the B1 COSO at fully manned?
Answer: We are not cutting or eliminating the DMS manpower in the 317 AG. However, we did reduce the number of personnel due to low Supply, AFS 2S0, manning and our skill-level challenges. 2S0s manning in AFGSC in LRSs is targeted at 85%, and the 7 LRS is lower than that with a significant shortage in 5-levels and 7-levels. After working with the 317th (Chief to Chief/Flt CC to Flt CC) to put MX supply activities back in MX, we were able to provide better quality personnel to the DMS in the 317 AG and spread the pain across the supply chain to ensure support from the warehouse through the DMS and out on their deployments and TDYs. 7 LRS personnel continue to support 317 AG TDY Enabler requirements as needed.
Question: Offering supply contract to only one company, or any item dooms the military to paying high prices, and creates shortages when the supplier fails us.
Answer: Contracting does not offer supply contracts to only 1 company without an approved and signed brand name and/or Justification and Approval. Congress mandates that we promote competition to the full extent possible IAW the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA). Unless a requirement is being set aside for a socio-economic small business concern, IAW FAR 6.302 any requirements set aside for one source, must be justified by the requirements owner and submitted as part of the contracting requirements package. The Contracting Squadron is required to perform market research to ensure the justification is valid and submit to the CONS/CC for approval.
If this statement is referring to the various commodity council contracts we are required to use (i.e Medical, Furniture, Hand Tools, Roofing, etc), and the pricing is determined to be significantly more, there is a way to document the significant increase in cost, talk with the Commodity Council and not award if it is not in the best interest of the Government.
Question: Can we get a Hooters and Popeyes on base?
Answer: Stand-alone franchise restaurants, such as Popeyes and Hooters, require a significant corporate investment, and Dyess AFB does not have the population to be able to return that investment to their shareholders. The AAFES Corporation is not a proponent of sit-down restaurants and contracts out with grab-and-go operations with lower overhead costs. While it may not be financially viable for a major name brand operation to come on to base, the FSS is committed to expanding food options for you. They are working diligently to open a new restaurant in the Hangar Center.
Question: Is it possible to archery hunt on base? Even for a fee to help support organizations on base such as outdoor rec.
Answer: Due to the lack of sufficient open space on Dyess we are not able to support hunting on the installation. However, the local community offers a wide array of opportunities to hunt, whether archery or rifle. Brian Hersey, our Outdoor Recreation Adventure Programmer, 696-2402, can help you find great places to hunt and even set up special hunting trips.
Question: Can we get more selection at the Food Court in the BX?
Answer: The base population has not been large enough to sustain additional food service vendors at the Exchange. Historically, AAFES has brought in a variety of different vendors into the Exchange and, other than Charleys, Subway and Burger King, none of them have been able to make enough money to remain in business over the long term. With the bulk of their food profits coming from lunchtime operations, this limits their contracting opportunities with franchise and local vendors. Lastly, franchise operations require a high financial return for AAFES to consider.
Question: With the amount of public attention that Russia got during the election, should we be more or less worried with Russia for the next 4 years?
Answer: With the increased aggression shown by the Russians, especially with the annexation of Crimea and its alleged cyber activities, we should keep a closer watch. However, knowing what you provide to our nation in global strike capabilities.Im not worried.
Question: How about them Cowboys?
Answer: As long as they lose to the Broncos!!!
Question: Will the Air Force go to standardized family days to prevent AFGSC having a day off when AMC is flying?
Answer: Unfortunately, this is not a task the Air Force can complete. However, we have made it a priority at Team Dyess and the 7th Bomb Wing safety office has worked with AFGSC and AMC calendars to align all units on Dyess to the same family days and training days in 2017 to ensure we can more effectively utilize them as a team.
Question: What is the current feedback on the new wing training day?
Answer: It is VERY positive. Hopefully you are given the chance to put down your phone and train as a unit.
Question: Is the wing going back to blues day?
Answer: No. However, individual units are always allowed to wear blues at the discretion of the supervisor and commander.
Question: With the inclusion of Transgender Airmen, how will this affect the 36-2903 in regards to dress and appearance, and the 36-2905 in regards to fitness assessments?
In some areas of the mid-valley, carriers may be unable to reach customers until Thursday afternoon or Friday. In fact, some carriers who live in rural areas were unable to travel to the newspaper's press to pick up papers in the first place.
Attorneys for the state of Oregon are pondering whether to appeal a judge's ruling that the state's law requiring paid sick leave for employees represents an unfunded mandate to local governments and therefore is unconstitutional.
Our guess is that they probably will choose to appeal the case, even though such a decision comes with a certain risk: As matters stand now, the ruling from Linn County Circuit Court Daniel Murphy applies to just the nine Oregon counties that are plaintiffs in the case. An appeal potentially could run the risk of spreading Murphy's ruling statewide, although you can be sure that every local government in Oregon has heard about Murphy's ruling and that some are actively considering their options.
In the meantime, the ruling should be raising eyebrows among state legislators and other officials, who might earlier have been tempted to write off the lawsuit as the brainchild of cranky county gadflies. Before Murphy's ruling, state officials might have dismissed the suit as a shot across the bow, the legal equivalent of seniors on a porch telling those legislative kids to get off the lawn.
But now, at least as far this ruling goes, this particular shot has landed right on target.
The lawsuit in question, filed by Linn County and eight other counties, argued that the state's mandatory sick leave law was unconstitutional as it applied to local governments because it didn't come with the funding to cover the additional costs. (The state's constitution bars such unfunded mandates.)
The state's attorneys argued that the constitutional prohibition didn't apply in this case because the sick-leave law didn't qualify as a "program." If this sounds like a technicality, well, it is, but it was a legitimate argument, and Murphy, although he sided with the counties, noted in his ruling that "(T)his is not a case where the answer is crystal clear."
What is clear, however, is that at least some of Oregon's cash-strapped counties feel as if their concerns have been given short shrift by legislators and other state officials. (That very same sense is driving the somewhat similar timber lawsuit that's been filed against the state by Linn County; that lawsuit is pending in Murphy's court.)
In some ways, Oregon's businesses might be feeling the same way. Murphy's ruling, of course, doesn't apply to most state businesses (the constitution does exempt private businesses that in some way compete with local governments).
As other editorial writers have noted, it's unfair to ask Oregon businesses to comply with a rule that local governments don't have to follow. That would suggest that the 2017 Legislature should consider repealing the mandatory sick-leave law.
But let's be honest: That's not going to happen. In fact, if anything, the 2017 session seems likely to take an even deeper dive into the inner workings of businesses through a barrage of so-called "predictive scheduling" regulations: Rules requiring businesses to post employees' schedules at least two weeks ahead of time. In addition, these rules often include penalties for businesses that have to make last-second schedule adjustments.
To be fair, smart businesses already have adopted their own versions of predictive scheduling, because they know that stable schedules make for happier, healthier and more productive employees. But we remain unconvinced that the Legislature needs to be inserting itself into the day-to-day workings of business.
And we hope that legislators and other officials take Murphy's ruling as a sign that they need to pay more than mere lip service to the legitimate concerns of Oregon's local governments. When those governments feel that the only place their voices are heard is in a courtroom, something is broken. (mm)
The Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) Board has approved plans to create a new European leisure airline group in a joint venture with TUI AG, with a fleet of around 60 aircraft, offering 15 million seats capacity per year, focused on point-to-point flying to connect key European tourist markets. The transaction is subject to approvals by aviation regulatory bodies and anti-trust authorities.
The planned transaction includes an agreement for EAGs subsidiary Etihad Investment Holding Company LLC (Etihad) to acquire the 49.8 per cent share indirectly held by airberlin in its subsidiary airline NIKI Luftfahrt GmbH. At closing of the transaction, Etihad will immediately contribute the share in NIKI to the new European leisure airline group and will not effectively control, or become a majority owner of NIKI. TUI will contribute its subsidiary TUIfly GmbH to the joint venture, including the 14 aircraft currently operated by TUIfly for airberlin under a wet-lease agreement.
This follows approval on Wednesday 23 November 2016 by TUI AGs Supervisory Board.
TUI AG will hold 24.8 per cent of shares in the joint venture company, with Etihad holding a 25 per cent stake. The remaining 50.2 per cent will continue to be held by the existing private foundation NIKI Privatstiftung.
The new leisure airline group, headquartered in Vienna, is scheduled to begin operations in April 2017, the start of the summer season, serving a broad network of destinations from Germany, Austria and Switzerland (Hanover, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich, Nuremberg, Baden-Baden, Hamburg, Basel and Vienna). Key markets will include the Balearics, Canaries, mainland Spain and Greece.
The joint venture will be supported by the expertise of Etihad Aviation Group, the fastest-growing aviation group in the world, and TUI Group, the worlds leading tourism business with a strong focus on hotels and cruises. It will be able to leverage synergies and economies of scale accessible through Etihad Airways Partners and the TUI Group to ensure a lean overhead structure and competitive production cost.
Further details regarding the future joint venture will be jointly presented by Etihad and TUI after successful completion of the negotiations.
Ends
About Etihad Aviation Group
Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) is a diversified global aviation and travel group comprising four business divisions Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways Engineering, Hala Group and Airline Equity Partners. The group has minority investments in seven airlines: airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia, and Swiss-based Darwin Airline, trading as Etihad Regional.
From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to, or has announced plans to serve, more than 110 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of over 120 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with 204 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777Xs, 62 Airbus A350s and 10 Airbus A380s. For more information, please visit: etihad.com
Help to Buy boost for Bishops Stortford buyers
Buyers who thought they couldnt afford a new apartment in Bishops Stortford are being urged to reassess their finances.
The Government-backed Help to Buy equity loan scheme has just been introduced at Redrows Regents Court development.
It means that aspiring first time buyers could find that theyre priced into the property market, enabling them to purchase a longed-for home of their own.
Kerry McCoubrey, sales director for Redrow Homes (Eastern), explains: Apartments make great starter homes, but often those who want to buy fear theyre priced out of the property market because lenders require them to have substantial savings to put down as a deposit. Now that building work at Regents Court has progressed were able to offer Help to Buy, which can make a real difference to customers budgets and borrowing power. Typically someone using Help to Buy should only need a relatively small deposit of around 5%, plus a 75% mortgage from their chosen lender. The remaining 20% is covered by the equity loan. Crucially, the equity loan is interest free for five years.
Regents Court offers 38 apartments in a choice of one and two-bedroom styles over two elegant and contemporary buildings.
Current prices start from 244,995 for a one-bedroom home.
Help to Buy reduces the initial price to just 195,996. The lower price includes a deposit of 12,250 (5%) plus a mortgage for 183,746 (75%). The remaining 48,999 (20%) is covered by the equity loan.
The apartments will offer open plan living with combined kitchen, living and dining rooms to maximise the potential of the space available.
Kitchens will be well equipped with integrated top brand name appliances; while bathrooms will feature sleek modern fixtures and fittings. The master bedroom will also benefit from an en-suite.
All of the apartments have allocated parking and selected properties include Juliet balconies.
Bishops Stortford town centre, home to a selection of independent and high street stores including Fat Face, Next, Pandora and upmarket supermarket Waitrose, is less than a 10-minute walk from the apartments.
The train station is also really convenient. Residents could be whisked into London Liverpool Street in just 46 minutes, including walking to the station. The M11 is just 10 minutes away; while the M25 is also close by, offering easy access to Cambridge. For international travel, Stansted Airport is just 13 minutes away by car.
The apartments at Regents Court are being sold off plan via Intercounty estate agents in Bishops Stortford. For more information see redrow.co.uk/regentscourt.
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
Donald Trumps choice for Secretary of Education, the anti-public schools billionaire Betsy DeVos, has gotten the attention of an important coalition of Democratic U.S. Senators. They are asking that DeVos pay the $5.3 million in fines and fees that she owes to the state of Ohio going back to 2008 when her All Children Matter Political Action Committee (PAC) was cited for campaign finance violations. U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) sent a letter to DeVos demanding that she pay up before her confirmation hearings begin.
Heres the text of the very blunt letter that spells out how DeVos violated campaign finance rules and, rather than pay the millions in fines and late fees she owed, she simply dissolved the PAC (emphasis mine):
Betsy DeVos
Secretary-Designate
U.S. Department of Education Dear Secretary-Designate DeVos: We are writing to express significant concerns about the failure of the All Children Matter Political Action Committee (PAC) to pay Ohio $5.3 million in fines and late fees for violating the states campaign finance laws. At the time of the violations, you were the head of the organization, and you and your husband were one of the PACs biggest contributors. In 2006, the federal All Children Matter PAC sought an advisory opinion from the Ohio Elections Commission to determine whether it was allowed to contribute more than the $10,000 statutory limit to its Ohio based affiliate. The Commission provided an advisory opinion stating that aggregate contributions of greater than $10,000 in a year to the Ohio affiliate would violate the law. Inexplicably, your PAC ignored this advisory opinion and proceeded to contribute $870,000 to the Ohio affiliate. The bipartisan Ohio Elections Commission unanimously found both the federal and Ohio All Children Matter PACs to have violated the states campaign finance laws and imposed fines of $5.2 million. An Ohio court subsequently upheld the fine and imposed additional late fees for failing to pay. Rather than pay the fines for violating the law, the All Children Matter PACs simply ceased operation and never paid the significant sum it owed to the state of Ohio. The blatant disregard for the law that your PAC demonstrated is deeply troubling. However, when the organizations violations of law were punished by the Ohio Elections Commission, the PACs refusal to take responsibility and pay the fines is unconscionable. If confirmed as Secretary of Education, you would be responsible for administering our nations student loan programs and ensuring that borrowers repay their loans in a timely manner. However, the PAC that you chaired failed to pay fines that were imposed on it over eight years ago. This demonstrates a serious lack of judgment by the PACs board and a willingness to avoid paying legally obligated public debts. Prior to your confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, we request that you take the necessary steps to ensure payment of all fines and penalties imposed on the All Children Matter PACs by the Ohio Elections Commission and the state courts. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
With this we now know that, not only does Betsy DeVos have no background in education she never attended public schools, did not send her own children to public schools, was never a teacher or a school administrator, and has no training or educational background in education, she actually broke the law in her effort to get tax payers to fund private and religious school education for the wealthy elites like her that she represents. Her interest in blurring the lines between education and religion are well-known and it appears shes willing to do almost anything to promote her agenda, including violating the law.
In other words, shes the perfect choice for the administration of Donald J. Trump.
UPDATE: Heres a bit more about the fine assessed against DeVoss All Children Matter PAC. It turns out that, when it was assessed, it was a record-breaking fine:
All Children Matter was embroiled in campaign-finance controversy in 2008 when then-Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and the Elections Commission determined the pro-school-choice group illegally funneled $870,000 in contributions from its Virginia political-action committee to its Ohio PAC. The PAC assisted a variety of statewide and legislative Republican candidates in Ohio in 2006. David Brennan of Akron, Ohios top charter-school operator and a top state GOP donor, gave $200,000 to the PAC. By running the contributions through Virginia, which has no campaign-contribution limits, the Elections Commission ruled that the PAC illegally skirted Ohio campaign-finance limits. A Franklin County judge in December upheld the $5.2 million fine, a record penalty from the commission.
DeVos contends that the Citizens United Supreme Court decision absolves her of her criminal behavior. However, the Citizens United decision came two years AFTER DeVoss illegal activities. In other words, shes trying retroactively apply Citizens United to her case despite the fact that what she did was illegal at the time she did it.
The website SourceWatch describes the criminal behavior this way:
All Children Matter (ACM) was founded by Amway founder and far-right philantrhopist Richard DeVos and his wife, Betsy DeVos. The organization became the pet project of Walmart heir John Walton, who put more than $4.1M into the organization in 2006 before he was killed in a plane crash. In 2008, All Children Matter was fined $5.2 million by the Ohio Elections Commission for pumping millions of dollars into helping get pro-school voucher candidates elected in Ohio, Wisconsin and other states. Three years after the Commission imposed the record-breaking fine, the group had not yet paid it, according to the state attorney general. In 2008, the Elections Commission ruled unanimously that All Children Matter, then headed by former Michigan Republican Chairwoman Betsy DeVos, had illegally funneled $870,000 in contributions from its Virginia political action committee to its affiliate in Ohio. The payment violated a $10,000 cap on what Ohio-based, political-action committees could accept from any single entity. All Children Matter was also fined $500 in Wisconsin for providing media support for candidates without registering as a PAC. ACM Inc is a federal 527 organization, which can donate money directly to other PACS and can set up guerrilla Super PACs that campaign on behalf of political candidates without any direct coordination by the candidates organization, in theory. Its base of wealthy funders includes most of the Dead Billionaires Club (DBC), including the DeVos family, the Koch brothers [With its] ability to stealthily intervene in local, state and federal political races, the ACM network is an effective tool for the movement to privatize public education.
Betsy DeVoss confirmation hearings begin in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and most of the Democrats on the Committee are progressive rock stars so her hearing should be VERY interesting. Its my hope that it will pull the veil back on the DeVos agenda to destroy public schools and siphon off tax dollars to the bank accounts of private and religious schools.
Contact information for the members of the Committee can be found HERE. Make sure they hear from you.
[CC image credit: Keith A. Almli | Wikimedia Commons]
A new state computer program used between October 2013 and October 2015 determined that tens of thousands of unemployed Michiganders were attempting to defraud the state with bogus unemployment insurance claims. The penalties that were assessed created a huge surplus in the unemployment insurance fund so Republicans yesterday tapped that money to fill the budget hole created by years of tax giveaways to corporations in our state. The problem is that most of those determinations were themselves bogus. And when I say most, I do mean MOST. 93.5%, in fact:
A bill headed to Gov. Rick Snyders desk transfers $10 million in surplus unemployment insurance funds to help balance the state budget at the same time thousands of Michigan residents are claiming millions of dollars in benefits and penalties were unlawfully taken from them after the state wrongly accused them of unemployment insurance fraud.
During their lame duck session, lawmakers gave final passage Tuesday to Senate Bill 1008, shifting $10 million to the states general fund from the unemployment insurance contingent fund. [] The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, partly at the request of the federal government and partly on its own, reviewed 22,427 cases in which a computer determined a claimant had committed civil fraud between October 2013 and October 2015 and found that 20,965 of those cases did not involve fraud, Unemployment Insurance Agency spokesman Dave Murray said Wednesday. Thats an error rate of more than 93%. The balance in the UI contingent funds penalties and interest account largely built on money seized from claimants accused of fraud swelled from $3.1 million in 2011 to about $155 million this October, according to a report from the House Fiscal Agency.
Royal Oak attorney Jennifer Lord has a class action suit pending that would compensate those who were inaccurately determined to be defrauding the state. It is her contention that the fund should be held in an untouchable trust until these people are made whole. Given these facts, it is critical that this fund be held in the strictest trust until each and every claimant whose tax refunds were seized and whose wages were wrongfully garnished have been made whole, she told the Detroit Free Press.
The budget crisis in Michigan is largely caused by the sweeping tax cuts passed by Michigan legislators and signed in to law by Gov. Rick Snyder since they swept into power in 2010. Now they are trying to use money illegally obtained from unemployed Michiganders to fill the hole they created.
In other words, just another day under Republican rule in Michigan.
[CC image via James Lee | Flickr]
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Welcome to the Dark New Climate
50 scientists warn official predictions dont include a feed-back as large as all U.S. emissions: the warming soil. From the Netherlands, Dr. Thomas Crowther. From Maine, paleobiologist Dr. Jacquelyn Gill says abrupt climate change hit species before us. Were next.
In this program, well talk about how creatures fell into extinction during abrupt climate shifts, sometimes within a single human lifetime. Paeloecologist Jaquelyn Gill joins us.
About a thousand years later it was also very abrupt. So within less than a century several degrees Celsius warming, which is what were looking at in the next century today. These very quick events were very shocking scientists a few decades ago when we first discovered just how quickly the climate system could shift like that.
Dr. Jacquelyn Gill
But first, some of the most shocking science yet. From the Netherlands, Dr. Thomas Crowther speaks for a team of 50 world scientists all warning the official climate projections are missing an important carbon feed-back. As we warm, the soil will release carbon dioxide and methane equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of the United States.
We estimated that the carbon emissions from the soil are going to be approximately equivalent to 17 percent of current anthropogenic emissions. So every year, humans will emit a certain amount, and then the soil will be responsible for an extra 17%. Whereas at the moment, the U.S. is also 17% of the total anthropogenic emissions. So its really on that same order of magnitude: every year the soils will emit about an equivalent amount of carbon that we expect to be emitted from the US.
Dr. Thomas Crowther on Radio Ecoshock
Go ahead and deny it. Appoint all the climate deniers to the top levels of government. Command the rising tides to stop, and say it isnt happening. Nature and the geophysical reality of this planet dont care. The atmosphere, the seas and soil are shifting to a new reality. Thats the super-Tweet rocketing around the world, and all the Presidents men cant stop it.
Im Alex Smith, and this is Radio Ecoshock.
Download or listen to this program in CD Quality (56 MB) or Lo-Fi (14 MB)
THOMAS CROWTHER THE GREENHOUSE GASES THEY DONT COUNT
For a couple of decades, Ive heard scientists worry that warming the world will speed up micro-organisms that break down carbon. That could release more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. But is it true? How can we test that? Scientists in different countries have been trying to simulate a warmer world, to see what happens to plants, and to the soil.
Now a team of dozens of scientists have released a summary of those studies. It looks like added carbon from the soil alone adds a whole new need for us to cut human emissions quickly, and as Donald Trump would say, bigly.
Weve reached the lead author for this Letter published in the journal Nature, with 49 other scientists. It was published on December 1st, 2016. Dr. Thomas Crowther has been a Postdoctoral fellow, funded by the Yale Climate & Energy Institute. Now hes at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology. Hes an expert in soil organisms, and extends his study to the process of climate change.
You can find this scientific paper Quantifying global soil carbon losses in response to warming abstract here, or here in the full text.
The key conclusion says scientists have found empirical support that rising temperature can stimulate carbon loss from the soil that could accelerate planetary warming over the twenty-first century.
As our guest points out, this large feedback has been left out of the large-scale models that create projections of warming. That means experts advising governments, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, have lower estimates of developing global warming than reality.
Download or listen now to this Radio Ecoshock interview with Thomas Crowther in CD Quality or Lo-Fi
As always, Chris Mooney of the Washington Post has an excellent article about the importance (and limitations) of this new study: Ground beneath our feet is poised to make global warming much worse, scientists find.
Heres another article, this time from Yale University press. Plus this from Robert Scribblers Blog.
JACQUELYN GILL EXTINCTION THEN AND NOW
If we knew how species changed in the past, maybe we could help our current living companions survive. Of course, we need to know how plants and animals react to a climate shift. Thats part of what Jacquelyn Gill does. At the University of Maine, Dr. Gill is a a paleoecologist and biogeographer. Well find out what those terms mean, and hopefully get a glimpse of how things go extinct, just in case we need to know ourselves.
Officially, Jacquelyn Gill is an assistant professor with the University of Maine School of Biology and Ecology, and the Climate Change Institute. Shes co-authored and been lead author of a series of papers that are redefining how we think about conservation, in a time of climate change. A few of those new tools and visions seem a bit scary to me.
Download or listen now to this 28 minute interview with Jacquelyn Gill in CD Quality or Lo-Fi
We talk about the BEAST Lab, and the amazing fact that woolly mammoths did not go extinct until relatively recently. Jacquelyn says there were still some smaller sized mammoths near the Arctic, at the same time the pyramids were being built in Egypt. We just missed them (and there is a project to re-create a mammoth from DNA)
You should check out Jacquelyns blog The Contemplative Mammoth. Her web site is here.
OK, now for the scary part. My take is that deep biologists realize we cant save all the species, and maybe cant even save many of them, as the climate shifts. So many species wont have the capability to move, the time to adapt, the skills to find new food or shelter. So the experts are now considering a kind of triage, where triage is the process of judging the most important pillar species of the ecosphere, and working to save them first. That may leave others to die, but we have very limited resources for conservation biology (and even that may shrink under Donald Trump).
To dive deeper into this harsh reality, check out this founding paper, published in Conservation Biology in April 2015. The title is The theory behind, and the challenges of, conserving natures stage in a time of rapid change. The lead author is Joshua J. Lawler, with Jacquelyn as one of the co-authors. Find the abstract here, or the full text here.
Here is an article in Rolling Stone you may also want to check out: The Point of No Return: Climate Change Nightmares Are Already Here. Theres also this article all about Jacquelyn from the University of Maine.
FYI, you can find a description of climate shifts during recent ice ages here.
By the way, Jacquelyns 2009 paper won the 2010 William Skinner Cooper Award from the Ecological Society of America, given to honor an outstanding contributor to the fields of geobotany, physiographic ecology, plant succession or the disturbance of plants along environmental gradients. The title of that paper, as published in the journal Science is: Pleistocene megafaunal collapse, novel plant communities, and enhanced fire regimes in North America.
So weve talked with one of the younger leading lights of both the past and the future for species on this planet. Thanks for sharing with us Jacquelyn!
ARE WE ENTERING THE NEW AGE OF CLIMATE ENDARKENMENT?
It sounds like our best scientists will need outlets like Radio Ecoshock more than ever. According to an article at politico.com, published December 9, quote:
Donald Trumps transition team wants the Energy Department to provide the names of any employees who have worked on President Barack Obamas climate initiatives a request that has current and former staffers fearing an oncoming witch hunt.
Thats on top of the Trump teams threats to cut two billion dollars in climate research at NASA. Welcome to the new dark age, where the religion of money trumps reality.
Thank you for listening to Radio Ecoshock, where Ill continue to pump out climate science direct from the sources, as long as my brain and breath continue.
Im Alex Smith. Please tell your friends, and anyone who will listen, about this program and join us again next week for more.
In the show I played my new song Once You Know the Future. You can listen, download or share it at Soundcloud.com.
ADDIS ABABA Humans and livestock have been exposed to high levels of pollution from four textile mills in fast growing textile production hub of Ethiopia, according to newly published research. Textile effluent was collected and analysed from four factories based in Dukem, a town in central Ethiopia and Gelan in the Addis Ababa region, also in central Ethiopia which is becoming a sourcing hub of choice in Africa for many leading apparel brands and retailers. Pollutants at each site were found to be in excess of the national discharge limits set by government agencies.
You can now walk or cycle across most of the state of Missouri. Gov. Jay Nixon has opened a 47.5-mile extension to the Katy Trail, effectively creating one continuous hike-and-bike path from the St. Louis area to the outskirts of Kansas City.
Youll be able to go 287 miles on an incredible asset, Nixon told the Kansas City Star at the ribbon-cutting on Dec. 10 in Pleasant Hill, a suburb just south of Kansas City.
According to the governors office, the new section of the trail follows the corridor of the old Rock Island Railroad for 47.5 miles from Pleasant Hill to Windsor, where a junction connects to the rest of the Katy Trail State Park.
We are only 8 days away from the big event in Pleasant Hill: linking #KC to #STL with extension of #KatyTrail. Get your bikes ready! #KT2KC pic.twitter.com/eA6pYpDjYv Governor Jay Nixon (@GovJayNixon) December 2, 2016
At 287 miles, the Katy Trail is now officially the nations longest rails-to-trails project, besting the 253-mile John Wayne Pioneer Trail in Washington state. Rail-trails are ideal because it converts unused or abandoned rail corridors into recreational areas for the public. The Katy Trail sits on the former MissouriKansasTexas Railroad.
Tyler Month, vice-president of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, told radio station KCUR that the new stretch of the Katy Trail acts like a bridge to smaller communities.
Were off the beaten path as far as highways go, Month said, so this attracts a different group of organizations and individuals to our town that would not have otherwise come here.
The scenic and mostly flat trail follows Lewis and Clarks path along the Missouri River. The nearly 300-mile, uninterrupted trail features plenty of nature, Missouri River bluffs and picturesque communities along the way. Horseback riding is also allowed on a 35-mile section of the trail, from Sedalia to Clinton.
The extension took the Missouri Department of Natural Resources seven years to construct at a cost of $15.5 million, KCUR reported.
Plans are underway to extend the trail even further. Imagine someone biking from Jackson County on the states western border all the way to the iconic Gateway Arch on the eastern border.
Nixon said the trail is eerily close to reaching that goal.
By Steve Horn
Waterkeeper Alliance, represented by Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic, submitted a 54-page petition with 358 footnotes and 448 pages containing 43 exhibits to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), calling for an end of all of its federal contracts with ExxonMobil.
ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson was recently named U.S. Secretary of State by President-Elect Donald Trump and will likely face a contentious congressional nomination hearing due to his own and his companys ties to Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The petition centers around what Exxon knew for decades about climate change, which it studied closely in-house, while funding climate change denial efforts for decades, while also discussing the rest of its environmental track-record.
Trump Taps Exxon's Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State, Confirms 'Support of Big Oil and Putin' https://t.co/OA47LMjMJ1 @OpenSecretsDC EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) December 13, 2016
ExxonMobil kept its knowledge of climate change a secret while using lies to build a generation of climate change deniers. The company continues to push government policy that goes against proven science and exacerbates the greatest threat to humanity and Americas national security, Waterkeeper Alliance President Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said. American tax dollars should not be making a morally bankrupt business richer. We must cut our financial support for this outlaw corporation.
Corporate Rap Sheet
The petition itself reads like a corporate rap sheet, of sorts and could provide fodder for congressional members who have pledged to opposeor at the very least ask tough questionsof Tillerson at his congressional confirmation hearing. This includes intricate details about what Exxon knew about climate change, as well as how it has proceeded to fund the climate denial machine.
Waterkeeper Alliance
The propagation and funding of this misinformation, especially when viewed in the context of ExxonMobils long history of environmental violations, provides a compelling basis for ExxonMobils debarment, reads the petitions introduction. In short, ExxonMobil has exhibited a pattern of behavior reflecting a lack of business integrity and honesty, which behavior has had dire consequences for the environment and society generally. As a result, it should no longer be permitted to do business with the government.
Waterkeeper maintains that EPAs legal authority to do such a thing, in this particular case, comes from the Federal Acquisition Regulation federal codes. The petition lists some examples of federal contracts being cut with corporations due to bad behavior, including the likes of Arthur Anderson and Enron and BP after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
While climate denial efforts and funding make up about two-thirds of the petition, broader environmental and ecological impacts also receive in-depth documentation in the rest of the document, as well. This includes examples of workers safety and health being violated, air pollution, water contamination, pipeline spills, among other things.
Shale gas and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Pennsylvanias Marcellus Shale basin also gets a mention for Exxons subsidiary, XTO Energy, the biggest producer of oil and natural gas in the U.S.
Waterkeeper Alliance
So too do many of Exxons refineries, chemical plants, gas plants and terminals discussed in the context of being in noncompliance with federal clean air and water regulations, according to data they collected from the EPAs Enforcement and Compliance History.
Exxon, as mentioned in the petition, is currently under investigation by multiple state-level Attorneys General for allegedly misleading investors and the public about climate change and its knowledge of it.
EPA has the Power
Waterkeeper says that the Obama Administration has the legal power to get the ball rolling to cut the contract, using the tools of a legal suspension or debarment, which would halt Exxon from landing federal contracts. They also note that the company has received more than $750 million in federal contracts in 2015 alone.
EPA has the power to restore our faith in the values and integrity of our government by ensuring American dollars go to good businesses, Todd Ommen, managing attorney for the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic, said in a press release. Now is the time to push back against this era of misinformation and move toward climate leadership built on truth and a respect for science.
Reposted with permission from our media associate DeSmogBlog.
By Steve Horn
Shaun King, a writer for the New York Daily News, has
uploaded what appears to be a recorded audio file of Energy Transfer Partners Chief Operating Officer saying that election night changed everything for the company as it relates to its embattled Dakota Access Pipeline.
King stated on social media and on the SoundCloud page on which he
posted the file that a source sent him the file on Dec. 13, hours after Matthew RamseyCOO of Energy Transfer Partnersgave his speech. The source who gave King the audio, he explains on SoundCloud, claimed to be in a corporate meeting at Energy Transfer Partners and told him that the person speaking was Matthew Ramsey, the COO of Energy Transfer Partners. King also wrote that the recording was made during a mandatory company meeting.
Listen below:
Ive got to tell you, election night changed everything,
Matthew Ramsey, COO of Energy Transfer Partners, apparently said in the 10-minute clip, the authenticity of which DeSmog could not independently verify. We now are going into a transition where we are going to have a new President of the United States who gets it. He understands what were doing here and we fully expect that as soon as he gets inaugurated his team is going to move to get the final approvals done and well begin to put [Dakota Access] across Lake Oahe.
Dakota Access has yet to receive the easement permit it needs from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in order to cross Lake Oahe, which the company has publicly decried. Ramsey said in the clip, one in which the voice sounds similar to his voice heard in a Nov. 21 company conference call, that it will take about 65 days to cross the lake once they get the permit.
Energy Transfer Partners recently saw one of the members of its Board of Directors, former Texas Republican Gov.
Rick Perry, nominated as U.S. Secretary of Energy by President-elect Donald Trump. Perry also sits on the Board of Directors of Dakota Access LLC co-owner, Sunoco Logistics.
Two days after the presidential election, Energy Transfer Partners CEO Kelcy Warren expressed a similar sense of jubilation about the prospects for Dakota Access when Trump assumes the White House.
Having a government that actually backs up what they say that were going to support infrastructure, were going to support job creation, were going to support growth in America, and then actually does it?,
Warren told The Dallas Morning News. My God, this is going to be refreshing.
Warren was a
major donor to Perrys short-lived run for president during the Republican Party primary cycle and also served as a major donor to Trumps presidential campaign. Warren also sat on the advisory board for Perrys run for president.
Ramsey and Energy Transfer Partners spokeswoman Vicki Granado did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DeSmog.
Quite a Fight
In the tape, the voice that appears to belong to Ramsey spoke about the political battle ensuing over Dakota Access, which has lasted almost two years and
recently stalled temporarily after the Army Corps of Engineers said it needed more time to do a more thorough environmental impact statement for the prospective Lake Oahe easement. The fight against the pipeline has engendered one of the largest cross-tribe mobilizations of Native American people in U.S. history.
This has been quite a fight here on [Dakota Access], remarked Ramsey. So let me just tell you, make no mistake about it, this pipeline is going through. Its going through exactly where we have planned.
He also said Energy Transfer Partners always, always plays by the rules as it relates to following the letter of the law for its projects, saying that Dakota Access LLC crossed every t [and] dotted every i' relating to rules and regulations.
Meeting With Police
Police repression has also played a central role in the ongoing Dakota Access fight and so the audio confirms what many likely already thought. That is, law enforcement has worked closely alongside Dakota Access LLC to fend off those fighting against the project.
We met with some of the officials in North Dakota [during a recent trip to the state], said Ramsey. We met with the National Sheriffs Association. People are tired of this. Theyre tired of seeing whats going on in the community and we think that the tide has turned and people are understanding what a great project this would be for the State of North Dakota. That came right out of the governors mouth. Hes very much in favor of this thing. So, I think were off and running on [Dakota Access].
I know that everybody in this room has had to deal with the protesters. Everybody in this room has had to read on social media the misinformation thats out there. Its not fair. We feel like keeping our head down and doing what we do best, which is to put this pipeline in the ground, is the best thing we can do. We never stopped doing that.
A lot of times people say to me, and Id like to answer this question more directly, Why dont we just immediately answer back every time something is stated wrong about the company and what were doing?, said Ramsey.
https://twitter.com/ShaunKing/statuses/808794068650258432
Not About Water Lots and Lots of Money
Concerns about water contamination and a pipeline spill have played a central role in galvanizing support for those who have protested alongside the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Indeed, participants in the protests and encampment call themselves
water protectors. But the audio captures Ramsey dismissing those concerns out of hand, saying it is not about water at all.
And you have to understand and I didnt really understand this until I got deep into it. This is not really about water. This is not about [unintelligible] this is about environmental activism. And its nothing more than that.
But as King pointed out, a pipeline spill actually took place the morning Ramsey gave his speech, however. That
spill of 176,000 gallons of oil into a creek ensued just 150 miles from the Standing Rock protest site.
Ramsey also alluded to the
Keep It In The Ground campaign, saying that Dakota Access fit under the umbrella of those demanding to keep all fossil fuels in the ground. Keep It In The Ground, though, did not target the pipeline as part of its broader campaign and focuses on supply, not midstream assets like pipelines.
These are people that are pushing to keep all fossil fuels in the ground, at every angle. And make no mistake. This is an event that they are using to raise lots and lots of money. If they can create a cause and they can create a lot of publicity, which theyve clearly done here, its an avenue for them to raise money. Not only to fight us on this project, but to fight all infrastructure projects like this in the United States, Ramsey claimed.
So well continue to fight through this thing. But please, please, please be confident in this company. We are going to get this thing through in short order. We couldnt be more confident in that fact. And look for us to be pouring oil through this thing in Spring of next year.
Water is Everything
In a Dec. 11 interview with Fox News Chris Wallace,
Trump said Dakota Access will start one way or the other once he takes office, but did not offer any detail beyond that.
Not everyone believes that election night changed everything, however. Enter Jane Kleeb, founder and president of the Bold Alliance.
Election night did nothing to change Big Oil from trampling over property rights of farmers and Sovereign rights of Tribal Nations, Kleeb told DeSmog. For us in the states, in the proposed pipeline routes, water is everything. Our livelihoods, our families, our communities all rely on clean water.
Reposted with permission from our media associate DeSmogBlog.
NASA has just released new aerial photographs that show, close-up, an immense, 70-mile long rift in the Larsen C ice shelf in Antarctica. The breach is 300 feet wide and one-third of a mile deep. As it grows, an iceberg the size of Delaware will break off.
Operation Icebridge, in its eighth year of conducting airborne survey of polar ice, flew two missions in November around the 88th parallel. The highly sophisticated aircraft is equipped with radars, lasers, digital imaging and infrared sensors.
The Larsen ice shelf, in the East Antarctic, is of interest because two previous sections have broken off and disappeared into the sea. Larsen A collapsed in 1995. In 2002, Larsen B began to break apart. Within six weeks, a 1,235 square mile chunk of ice slipped away, which scientists attributed to warmer air temperatures. Prior to that, the Larsen B ice shelf had been stable for 12,000 years.
Larsen C began thinning around the time that the other sections broke off, losing 13 feet between 1998 and 2012. But deterioration of the ice shelf has dramatically accelerated.
When the dark of the Southern Hemisphere winter lifted in August, scientists were shocked to see that the rift in the ice had grown nearly 14 miles.
The growth of this rift likely indicates that the portion of the ice shelf downstream of the rift is no longer holding back any grounded ice, said Joe MacGregor, IceBridge deputy project scientist and glaciologist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
[facebook https://www.facebook.com/NASA.GSFC/videos/10155469776460898/ expand=1]
Ice shelves ride on water and are fed by glaciers and continental ice streams. Cracks and calving are normal, and the loss of a portion of an ice shelf will not contribute to sea level rise as it is already afloat on the ocean. However, an ice shelf such as Larsen C holds back land ice, acting as a buttress. When a shelf disintegrates, the glaciers behind it can flow out to sea, which will directly increase sea level.
Long-term satellite observations show that Antarctic glaciers are rapidly retreating. In West Antarctica, they are losing 23 feet of elevation per year. As they slip away, they add up to 150 billion tons of water to the ocean, raising seas by about a tenth of an inch annually.
One of those glaciers, the Pine Island Glacier, calved off a 225 square mile iceberg in 2015. Ohio State University researchers found that the rift began at the base of the glacier in 2013 and worked its way upward.
Its generally accepted that its no longer a question of whether the West Antarctic Ice Sheet will melt, its a question of when, said study leader Ian Howat, associate professor of Earth Sciences at Ohio State.
Britains Halley VI research station has to be moved to avoid being lost at sea. British Antarctic Survey
A separate rift in the East Antarctic is forcing a British research station to relocate. Its on the wrong side of the crack and could be stranded out at sea.
Antarctica holds more than half of the planets fresh water in its snow, glaciers and ice formations. But conditions around the continent are worsening.
The NASA mission also flew over Antarctic sea ice. It found coverage to be sparse in the Bellingshausen Sea, on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Source: National Snow and Ice Data Center
In November, Antarctic air temperatures were 3.6 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than normal. Antarctic sea ice set a new record low, as did the Arctic. Antarctic sea ice was a staggering 699,000 square miles below the 1981 to 2010 average.
Antarctic sea ice really went down the rabbit hole this time, said Ted Scambos, the lead scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
The West Antarctic Ice Sheet could collapse entirely within the next 100 years.
The collapse would lead to a sea-level rise of nearly 10 feet, which would engulf major U.S. cities such as New York and Miami and displace 150 million people living on coasts worldwide, stated the Ohio State researchers.
NASAs Operation Icebridge flights were based this year at Punta Arenas, Chile. Next year, the agency plans to fly from McMurdo Station in Antarctica in order to survey new areas. But, future missions may be in doubt. President-elect Donald Trump has suggested eliminating all climate research conducted by NASA, leaving Antarctica and the rest of the planet in the dark ages.
[facebook https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1386817284664538/ expand=1]
One megawatt of solar power was installed every 32 minutes in the U.S. from July to September, for a record total of 4,143 megawatts of new, clean energy, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and GTM Researchs U.S. Solar Market Insight report.
That brings total installed solar capacity in the U.S. to 35.8 gigawatts, enough to power 6.5 million homes. Solar power may double from 2015 to 2016. SEIA said.
Rapid growth in solar power installations continued in 2016. Source: Solar Energy Industries Association
The United States solar market just shattered all previous quarterly solar photovoltaic (PV) installation records, stated SEIA.
Through the end of September, solar accounted for 39 percent of all new electric generating capacity brought on-line in the U.S. Both utility-scale installations and residential installations grew strongly. Electric power utilities accounted for 77 percent of additions to the grid, while both corporate and residential customers added capacity as well.
The solar market now enjoys an economically-winning hand that pays off both financially and environmentally, and American taxpayers have noticed, said Tom Kimbis, SEIAs interim president.
Source: SEIA
Community solar represents another growing trend. In these programs, both residential and business customers share a large, central installation. These work well for renters and condo owners, homeowners who cant install rooftop solar panels or owners of historic buildings that are not permitted to alter the structure.
Currently, 25 states have active community solar projects, serving both cities and smaller communities. In Boulder, Colorado, the sold-out Boulder Cowdery Meadows Solar Array generates 496,455 kilowatts. A 52-kilowatt installation is up and running in Wayne, Maine, serving nine Central Maine Power customers. Other projects can be found in Orlando, Seattle and Springfield, Missouri.
Community solar is expected to add 200 megawatts this year, a fourfold increase over 2015 according to SEIA. Much of the demand is being driven by the nosedive in solar system costs. Overall pricing fell by 6.9 percent in the 3rd quarter, with costs now below $3 per watt.
The phenomenal boom in U.S. solar is being driven by dramatically lowering solar costs, to the point where solar is in many cases now the most affordable power and smartest investment for homeowners, businesses, and cities, said Glen Brand, Maine chapter director for the Sierra Club. And this is despite the enormous subsidies for dirty fossil fuels and the coordinated attacks on state solar policy by monopoly, private utilities.
Municipalities, which are often large users of electricity for government buildings, streetlights and other needs are adding cost-effective solar as well. The village of Minster, Ohio, was the first. A 3-megawatt solar array is saving the town $1 million per month.
Peterborough, New Hampshire, completed its 1-megawatt installation in 2015 and Portland, Maine, plans to build a 660-kilowatt solar project on an a closed landfill that will power city hall and the 1,900-seat Merrill Auditorium.
Looking ahead, SEIA forecasts a decline in new installations in 2017 and 2018. Some near-term pullbacks are due to delays in utility connection projects, which currently see an 8-gigawatt backlog. SEIA expects growth to resume in 2019.
The solar industry employs 209,000 workers in the U.S. In contrast, the oil industry has shed 350,000 jobs as the price of oil has collapsed since 2014.
Jews are more highly educated than any other major religious group around the world, while Muslims and Hindus tend to have the least years of formal schooling, a new study shows, revealing wide disparities in average educational levels among religious groups.
A Pew Research Center global demographic study shows that the gaps in educational attainment are partly a function of where religious groups are concentrated throughout the world.
http://www.pewforum.org/2016/12/13/religion-and-education-around-the-world/
For instance, the vast majority of the world's Jews live in the United States and Israel; both economically developed countries with high levels of education overall.
And low levels of attainment among Hindus reflect the fact that 98 percent of Hindu adults live in the developing countries of India, Nepal and Bangladesh, the 151 page report finds.
But there also are important differences in educational attainment among religious groups living in the same region, and even the same country.
In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, Christians generally have higher average levels of education than Muslims.
Some social scientists have attributed this gap primarily to historical factors, including missionary activity during colonial times.
The difference between Christian and Muslim educational attainment in sub-Saharan Africa is among the largest intraregional gaps in the world.
The region's rapid projected population growth both Christians and Muslims in sub-Saharan Africa are expected to double in number by 2050 suggests that determining the reasons for the attainment gap will only grow in importance.
Some scholars suggest that the source of the Christian-Muslim attainment gap is rooted in the location of Christian missionary activity during colonial times.
Missionary-built educational facilities were often located in what became heavily Christian areas rather than predominantly Muslim locales.
For example, while school establishment was widespread as a result of missionary activity in many regions under British colonial rule, in northern Nigeria, which is now overwhelmingly Muslim, British colonial administrators discouraged missionary activity, including development of missionary schools.
Historic differences between colonial policy and missionary activity in northern and southern Nigeria are likely an important factor in the present- day Christian-Muslim education gap in Nigeria.
Some Muslims, in any case, feared that missionary schools would attempt to convert their children to Christianity, the report says.
'CHRISITIANS GAINED EDUCATIONAL EDGE'
As a result, Christians gained an educational edge over Muslims that lasted decades.
Harvard economist Nathan Nunn who wrote "Gender and Missionary Influence in Colonial Africa." Finds that the presence of Christian missionaries, particularly Protestant missionaries, has been shown to be strongly correlated with increased educational attainment and the effects appear to persist for many generations.
In another study, of Christian versus Muslim primary school enrollment, Holger Daun, an expert in educational policy at Stockholm University, argues that religion counts as much as economic factors in determining attainment.
He finds no definitive explanation for the gap, but suggests that one factor may be that religious schools set up by local Islamic leaders are viewed as an alternative to government schools.
Some of the Islamic schools follow the curricula of State schools, while others teach only religious subjects.
Melina Platas, an assistant professor of political science at New York University-Abu Dhabi, argues that the Christian-Muslim attainment gap, particularly in Muslim-majority areas, is only partly explained by poverty and access to schools.
Surveys she conducted in Malawi found that Muslims and Christians express similar demands for formal education and do not perceive a trade-off between religious and formal schooling that would affect educational attainment.
She offers two alternative explanations for further research. One, she writes, is that parents with low levels of education are less able to help their children attend and succeed in school "even if they have similar expectations for the economic returns of schooling as more educated parents."
This intergenerational pattern may be stronger in Muslim-majority areas, where many parents have low educational attainment.
Overall the study, drawing on census and survey data from 151 countries, also finds large gender gaps in educational attainment within some major world religions.
For example, Muslim women around the globe have an average of 4.9 years of schooling, compared with 6.4 years among Muslim men. And formal education is especially low among Hindu women, who have 4.2 years of schooling on average, compared with 6.9 years among Hindu men.
Yet many of these disparities appear to be decreasing over time, as the religious groups with the lowest average levels of education Muslims and Hindus have made the biggest educational gains in recent generations, and as the gender gaps within some religions have diminished, according to Pew Research Center analysis.
The report was produced by Pew Research Center as part of the Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures project, which analyzes religious change and its impact on societies around the world.
Funding for the Global Religious Futures project comes from The Pew Charitable Trusts and the John Templeton Foundation.
Considered to be the Ten Best UFO Photos Ever Taken I am sure that we could add more pictures to this list but these are considered ten o...
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will support the construction of the Norther wind farm off the Belgian coast with a loan of EUR 438 million. Half of this amount will be guaranteed under the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the heart of the Juncker Commissions Investment Plan for Europe.
Norther is the third wind project off the Belgian coast to be supported under the EFSI. Upon completion, its 44 wind turbines will deliver an estimated 352 MW*, enough to supply renewably generated electricity to around 324,000 Belgian families. The wind farm will cut about 593000 tons of CO 2 -equivalent greenhouse emissions per year.
Construction is set to begin in the spring of next year and is expected to be operational in summer 2019. The project is expected to create 2,530 person-years in employment, during the construction phase. It is expected to create further 16 full-time positions once operational. The total cost of the project is estimated to be EUR 1.1 billion, of which the EIB would provide nearly 40%. The project will use one of the largest offshore wind turbines in the world, with a rated capacity of 8 MW, which can be increased by 5% if wind conditions allow for it.
EIB Vice-President Pim van Ballekom commented: Renewables are a long-term goal for the EIB and this signature shows that Belgium is serious about making the shift away from carbon-based energy production. In the last 5 years the EIB has invested over EUR 880 million in wind energy projects in Belgium to ensure a safe, affordable and diversified supply for a large portion of the Belgian population. Thanks to the backing under EFSI, the Bank can take on more of these projects, which create jobs while helping to support the energy switch.
Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic, responsible for Energy Union, said: "Today's agreement demonstrates how the EFSI can act to boost investment while also helping to ensure that Europe has secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy sources. I believe that the Investment Plan will continue to make a substantial contribution towards Europe's transition to a becoming a secure, competitive and low-carbon economy in the years ahead."
Treasury Minister wants to continue media industry support
The Treasury Minister will look at ways to use the Media Development Fund to support creative industries in the future.
The agreement between the Manx Government and Pinewood ends next year, leaving the fund available for use in other ways.
However, Alfred Cannan insists there will be ongoing support for media, film and television.
The Minister says he'll need to look at ways to support this sector of the economy while also helping mainstream businesses with the funds.
Mr Cannan was speaking following a question from Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper at this month's sitting of Tynwald.
Will Trump let Sam Johnson and Paul Ryan gut Social Security?
Collin County, north of Dallas, is the 6th most populous county in Texas and all of the 3rd congressional district, represented by crackpot Republican Sam Johnson, lies within its boundaries. The congressional district is just over 60% white, about 15% Latino, 13% Asian and 8% Black. It's the 29th richest district in the country, with a median income of around $81,000. In Texas, the only richer county in the state is Ft Bend, one of Houston's sprawling suburban counties. Ft. Bend County, like Collin County, has been part of the red heartland that keeps Texas Republican. This cycle, Clinton suburban strategy worked in Ft. Bend and she won the county. Collin was a harder nut to crack-- the last Democrat the county voted for was LBJ in 1964-- but Hillary made strides. In 2012 Obama scored 33% there (100,754 votes). This year Hillary won 139,837 votes-- almost 40%.
Sam Johnson, a hideous reprobate and far right extremist, the oldest Republican in Congress at 86 years old, who's been in the House since 1992, doesn't get serious opponents. In 2014 a Green ran against him and this year the Democrat, Adam Bell, raised zero dollars and spent exactly nothing on his campaign. The DCCC doesn't look at the district. Johnson spent $1,148,332 on his reelection bid and beat Bell 193,063 (61.3%) to 108,780 (34.5%). We'll never know how many more votes Bell would have gotten had the DCCC made some kind of effort in the district. Johnson, who has a 1.76 ProgressivePunch lifetime crucial vote score, normally has been reelected with over 70%. The old vampire offers a constitutional amendment every two years to repeal the income tax (the 16th amendment) from his perch as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee's subcommittee on Social Security.
With Trump elected president and Ryan as Speaker, Johnson is making his move-- H.R. 6489-- to destroy Social Security altogether, a dream many Republicans have long cherished. He and Ryan seem to have worked out a plan to create a crisis with Social Security in order to set the table for privatizing it. Instead of eliminating the cap on rich people's Social Security taxes, Johnson's proposal cuts taxes for wealthy people by ending taxation of benefits and then cuts benefits massively to pay for that tax giveaway, cutting deeply-- as much as 50%-- into benefits. Even the poorest retirees will see their benefits cut back 20%.
Pelosi's response to the introduction of Johnson's bill was strong and to the point. I don't see the mass media talking about it though. "Apparently nothing upsets House Republicans like the idea of hard-working people getting to enjoy a secure and dignified retirement. While Speaker Ryan sharpens his knives for Medicare, Chairman Johnsons bill is an alarming sign that Republicans are greedily eying devastating cuts to Americans Social Security benefits as well. Cutting Social Security would have devastating consequences for Americans retirement security. At a time when Americans are more anxious about their retirement than ever, the top Republican on the Social Security Subcommittee is rolling out legislation that cuts benefits by more than a third, raises the retirement age from 67 to 69, cuts seniors cost of living adjustments, and targets benefits for the families of disabled and retired workers. Slashing Social Security and ending Medicare are absolutely not what the American people voted for in November. Democrats will not stand by while Republicans dismantle the promise of a healthy and dignified retirement for working people in America."
Nancy Altman, founding co-director of Social Security Works makes the case that Trump's voters may have wanted "change," but this isn't the kind of change they had in mind.
No one voted for massive cuts to Social Security, nor to end the program as we know it. Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to not touch Social Security. But the powerful Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee has just unveiled a proposal that would slash Social Security benefits and radically transform the program. The Johnson plan would gradually but inexorably turn Social Security from a program that replaces wages to one that produces essentially one flat benefit, independent of how much a worker contributed.
Moreover, the proposal would reduce Social Securitys cost of living increases (COLAs) for everyone and eliminate them entirely for some, even though COLAs are already inadequate. And this radical plan would reduce benefits for spouses and children of workers so seriously disabled that they can no longer support their families.
With Republicans in full control of the federal government, these cuts have a real chance of being passed into law. Trump needs to immediately reassure the American people that he will keep his campaign promise and veto this awful bill. He should tweet that immediately.
I don't know if Johnson can be defeated in 2018-- or if the DCCC will even try to recruit a plausible candidate to run against him; if history is a guide, they won't-- but there are dozens of Republican seats that will be put into jeopardy if Ryan and Trump go along with his bill and begin the process of gutting Social Security. Johnson's bill, introduced in the last week of the 114th Congress could well be the #1 issue for the 2018 election cycle. I asked several progressive Democrats who have pledged to use all they've got to fight against benefits cuts if it's possible to stop Johnson and Ryan. Ted Lieu (D-CA) is watching the Republican overreach and reminded us that "Last decade when the GOP tried to privatize Social Security, the Democrats took back the House of Representatives. Apparently the GOP still has not learned that the overwhelming majority of Americans support Social Security. This new GOP effort to destroy Social Security will fail and I look forward to the voters judgement in 2018." Here at Blue America, we would look forward to the DCCC responding if they got some live wires onto the committee-- like Ted.
Ro Khanna is a freshman from the Silicon Valley areas just north of San Jose, through Santa Clara, Cupertino and Sunnyvale and northeast to Milpitas, Newark and Fremont (CA-17). His perspective is at the core of how House progressives are reacting to Johnson and Ryan: "Standing up for Social Security is the bedrock principle of the Democratic Party. Most Americans want to expand benefits and scrap the cap to pay for it. The Republican proposed cuts are deeply unpopular. This is a time for Democrats to be united in the message that we need to expand Social Security benefits not reduce them. If we unite and resist, we will defeat the Ryan plan through grassroots mobilization just like we defeated Bush's proposal to privatize Social Security in 2004 when the Republicans also had the majority."
Madison's congressman, Mark Pocan, is in no mood to watch the Republicans roll back social policies that started when Franklin Roosevelt was president. "Once again, House Republicans have shown their determination to gut Social Security for future generations and weaken the retirement security for millions of seniors. In 2005, Americans roundly rejected Republican attempts to privatization of Social Security. Now we must stop House Republicans from slashing benefits and destroying the fundamental promise of paying into a system that will be there for you when you retire. President-elect Trump has shown a propensity for flip-flopping his position on any issue at the drop of a hat. While he made general statements about not cutting Social Security on the campaign trail, we cannot and should not trust these promises. Trump must immediately come out against this bill and strongly commit to protecting the retirement security for seniors and future generations throughout his presidency."
Unipalm Investment Holdings Limited was established in 2001 by a group of South African professionals and entrepreneurs who believed that a broad-based empowerment company would attract and secure investment opportunities, which would encourage strong and sustainable growth.
Unipalm is very pleased about its investment into Fine & Country. This investment aligns with our strategy to promote job creation through franchising. Property remains the best investment vehicle in SA which will impact positively long term for many who havent had the opportunity to participate in ownership, said Ragi Moonsamy, the Managing Director of Unipalm.
Ragis extensive business experience and his strong discipline have made him one of South Africas most dynamic business leaders and also one of our countrys most successful rags-to-riches stories. He has a significant track record of twenty years of consistent success, which is underpinned by a sound financial understanding of business models.
Since 1994, he has played a leading role in various broad based empowerment initiatives resulting in more than R5 billion worth of projects. Ragis principal aim has always been growth in the asset base of the company. In this regard, many investments, such as Growthpoint and Afripalm Resources, were facilitated and secured through his relationships with certain business entities and personalities.
Peter Hendricks, director of Unipalm Holdings and now a co-director of selected Fine & Country offices in the Western Cape, commented, Unipalm Investment Holdings is very proud to announce that they have concluded a successful BEE transaction with Fine & Country South Africa and also purchased a significant stake in the Constantia, V & A Waterfront and Camps Bay offices. Unipalm are excited about the prospect of being part of an estate agency group that already has 50 outlets in South Africa and over 300 offices worldwide, with more enquiries every day.
Fine & Country specialises in the sale and rental of luxury properties and their local experience, together with a national marketing footprint, coupled with an international audience, is a sure strategy for success in the real estate sector. In addition, the sophisticated look and feel of the brand, bespoke customer service and the purpose of the brand, assist this closely knit network to operate seamlessly in a tough market.
Bryan Chaplog, CEO of the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB), said, We appreciate the sterling efforts that Fine & Country South Africa have made and continue to make in seeking to address the transformation imperative as well as correcting the unacceptable imbalances that continue to plague the estate agency sector. These efforts reached fruition with the conclusion of an empowerment deal with Unipalm and which will, I believe, enhance the objectives of broad-based black economic empowerment to the benefit of all players. Both the EAAB and I are confident that the Fine & Country South Africa and Unipalm partnership will achieve financial and reputational success and will hopefully serve as an inspiration for other similar enterprises to emulate.
2016 Marks a thirty year career in real estate for Fine & Country Sub-Saharan Africas CEO, Linda Erasmus - rising through the ranks as estate agent, manager of a real estate agency, franchise owner and finally the licensor of the prestigious Fine & Country brand in Sub-Saharan Africa.
As an LLB graduate, Linda Erasmus is well-positioned to enhance services to estate agents, licensees and the public. During 2015 she appeared as the property expert in 26 DStv programmes, viewed by over 5 million South Africans. In 2016 Linda changed roles to that of presenter of the DEKATv programme and recently interviewed Bryan Chaplog and Ragi Moonsamy at the launch event, which was held in Llandudno. She says, The real estate sector in South Africa offers much more than showing a buyer through a house. It offers an opportunity for businesses to merge and acquisitions are simply another form of growth.
These growth methods are often overlooked in this sector as the players in these markets tend to hold onto personal names or local brand names for too long, taking them nowhere. Growing a business means that you often have to give up in order to go up. We at Fine & Country South Africa are pleased to improve our corporate governance, our network with professional people and our offering to both property consultants and our clients.
The closure of Nokia's mobile phone assembly plant in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, just eight years after it commenced production, illustrates how corporations can quit operations at a point when it is no longer profitable for them to continue, while the impact of such closures on workers is profound. The special economic zones policy of the state actively promoted corporate-led industrialisation promising employment, and creating aspirations among young workers. There was no accountability or labour-centred exit policies factored into the state's industrial policies when state governments welcomed private investments. With the closure of Nokia, not only have promises been broken, but its workers and supply companies have lost their livelihoods and future possibilities of work.
HBL, who recovered from 21 for 6 in the first innings to post 236, made WAPDA toil for 122.5 overs in the second innings. Their top three made centuries in the team's 485 for 1 declared. Imam-ul-Haq , nephew of Inzamam-ul-Haq, top scored with 200 not out, while Fakhar Zaman and Ahmed Shehzad made 170 and 104 not out respectively.
The two leaders discussed over the phone ways to promote trade ties.
In a telephone call, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump told Vietnam's prime minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc he wanted to further strengthen fast-warming ties between the two countries, the government of the Southeast Asian nation said on Thursday.
Vietnam has advanced ties with the United States to a new level under the Obama administration as it faces down neighbor China's challenge to its territorial claims in the busy waterway of the South China Sea, which Vietnam calls the East Sea.
During Wednesday's conversation, Vietnamese premier Nguyen Xuan Phuc congratulated Trump on his election win and stressed the importance of maintaining friendship and cooperation.
"President-elect Trump spoke highly of the achievements of Vietnam, as well as the positive developments in bilateral ties," Vietnam's government said on its news website.
"He also asserted his wish to cooperate with Vietnam to accelerate the relationship between the two countries."
Trump has had conversations with several leaders of countries locked in maritime disputes with China, among them Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan.
His trade platform runs counter to Vietnam's interests, however, with his opposition to a Trans-Pacific Partnership proving a major setback for Southeast Asia's biggest exporter to the United States.
Trump and Phuc discussed ways to promote economic ties, trade and investment, the government added.
In a statement, Trump's transition team confirmed the conversation, saying the two men "discussed a range of shared interests and agreed to work together to continue strengthening the relationship between the two nations."
Trump tells Vietnam prime minister he hopes ties will grow stronger What did Donald Trump say about trade with Vietnam?
Just days after Trump's win, Phuc told parliament that ratification of the TPP would be shelved because of political changes in the United States, but Vietnam still wanted good relations with Washington.
Vietnam has expressed support for the United States to maintain its security presence in Asia. Washington fully lifted a U.S. lethal arms embargo on Vietnam in May, allowing closer defence links and some joint military exercises.
In a separate development, a U.S. guided-missile destroyer, the Mustin, visited Cam Ranh international port on Thursday in a routine technical stop, the U.S. embassy said.
The ship's visit was "an example of the depth of our comprehensive partnership and the importance of strengthening our civilian and military ties," said U.S. Ambassador Ted Osius.
Related news:
> Trump elected as America's 45th president
> Vietnam PM backs off from US-led TPP, emphasizes independent foreign policy
Two Yazidi women, Nadia Murad Basee and Lamiya Aji Bashar, who escaped sexual enslavement by the organization known as Islamic State or ISIS, accepted the European Unions Sakharov Prize for human rights. Lamiya Aji Bashar, 18, yesterday (13 December) said the EUs top human rights prize was one for every woman and girl who has been sexually enslaved by ISIS. Lamiya, who was herself sold four times by the Islamists, gave a very vivid testimony of the life of enslaved women in a speech that silenced EU leaders.
Nadia also delivered a speech on the genocide of the Yazidi people in Iraq. The common denominator of their testimonials was a demand that the international community protect their people, a minority of 500,000 living mostly in northern Iraq. They also demand that those responsible face an international court for war crimes.
Currently, hundreds of Yazidi women are still being held by ISIS throughout Iraq and Syria. The Yazidis are an ethnically Kurdish religious community. Their religion, Yazidism, combines elements of Zoroastrianism of ancient Mesopotamia, Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Yazidis are strictly endogamous, they are permitted to marry only within the religion and those who marry non-Yazidis are automatically considered to be converted to the religion of their spouse. Islamists groups consider the religion heretical and in the past there have often been persecuted as devil worshippers.
Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, established in 1988, is awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the fight for human rights around the world, drawing attention to human rights violations as well as supporting the laureates and their cause. Last years winner was Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, who was accused of insulting Islam through electronic channels and eventually sentenced to 10 years in prison, 1000 lashes, and a fine.
European leaders yesterday (14 December) discussed how to relieve the humanitarian tragedy in Aleppo, sanctions against Russia and the EUs security and defense capabilities. Ivan Korcok, Slovakias State Secretary for European Affairs, addressed the tragic situation in Aleppo and pledged that the EU would work hard to put an end to the breaches of international law there. Manfred Weber (EPP, Germany) added that Aleppo is hell on earth and we must act now to deliver humanitarian aid and discuss taking up refugees, and added that Putin has blood on his hands, hence suggesting that prolonging sanctions against Moscow would be the right signal.
While Mr Korcok said that the EU must boost its internal and external security and increase cooperation with NATO and Turkey to tame migration, Mr Weber directly called on Council to freeze accession talks with Turkey, as the country is moving in the wrong direction. Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker was more specific when he reminded the Member States they need to double the 44 billion external investment fund to help fight the root causes of migration. He also urged the Member States to show ambition in security area by setting up the European Defense Union, which would lead to the pooling of the military equipment, harmonization of the standards and the creation of a common basis for research and industry through a European defense fund.
S&D group leader Gianni Pittella urged the EU to enter a new phase especially in the aftermath of Brexit and the US elections. Mr Pittella stressed that most EU priority initiatives were stagnating in the Council and that each delay has direct consequences for peoples lives. [] We need a diversity of political positions, which give democracy its richness. The structured cooperation of the last two and a half years is over.
The day will consist of a series of 6 high-level conferences addressing issues relating to renewable energy and just transition.
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Which Part of Canada Could we move to apply for jobs with the above mentioned role.
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A new non-profit in New York City called Emmas Torch is lighting the way for refugees to become chefs in the United States.
Emmas Torch works with groups like the International Rescue Committee and Church World Service to identify refugees and asylees. The organization then provides them with culinary training and job placement services. Founder Kerry Brodie is building partnerships with restaurants in New York, creating an employment pipeline to connect those restaurants and her students.
Other inspiring organizations like Hot Bread Kitchen in New York City and Cafe Reconcile in New Orleans have successfully jump-started culinary careers for low-income and immigrant families. Emmas Torch, however, is unique in targeting its services to refugees.
Economists such as UC Davis economist Giovanni Peri have shown that immigrants complement the skills of the U.S. workforce, raising the wages of native-born Americans. Peri said in an email, The presence of immigrants who bring to the U.S. labor markets a variety of skills enlarges the opportunities of firms to grow and of other Americans to find employment. In a complex economy such as the United States different types of workers enrich local opportunities.
Immigrants start many businesses, creating value in the economy. According to Krishnendu Rays recent book The Ethnic Restaurateur, immigrants account for 69% of New York City restaurant owners. By connecting immigrants with skills and job opportunities, Emmas Torch is able to make the refugee absorption process smoother and more gainful for immigrants and employers alike.
The hospitality industry has a reputation for being fickle, but according to the New York Department of Labor, it is one of the biggest sources of employment in New York City. It is slated to grow by 30 percent over the next 15 yearstwice as fast as the citys overall economy.
The transition from a high-demand job market to a low-demand one has not been seamless, however. Chefs used to hire line cooks straight out of culinary school, but now graduates are going into other more visibleand potentially better paidventures. Emmas Torch serves both sides of this labor market by training refugees, and then connecting these newly skilled workers with restaurants in need of chefs.
For refugees driven to the seek opportunity in America, finding employment can be disorienting and overwhelming. The minds behind Emmas Torch understand that a job is important for more than just a paycheck. Fulfilling work provides the chance to practice new language skills, develop relationships, and find a feeling of independence. By tapping into New York Citys bustling culinary and hospitality industry, Emmas Torch allows refugees to celebrate their cultural heritage and cuisine in their work.
A child of immigrants herself, Kerry Brodie founded Emmas Torch to empower immigrants and ease their transitions into new communities. Brodie grew up cooking with her mother and grandmother. Today, she is in culinary school, and she plans to use her training to teach immigrants marketable skills. Brodie said, Emmas Torch was a way to use my love of cooking in order to try and change lives.
Emmas Torch has already begun to accomplish that in the refugee community. At a recent information session for a three-student pilot program, fifteen people showed up, all of whom wanted to invite their friends and family to apply to the program as well. The pilot program is still ongoing, but Brodie has already placed two refugees in restaurant jobs.
With Emmas Torch, Brodie dreams of making the American Dream more attainable for those in need. The namesake of her non-profit can be found at the base of Statue of Liberty. Engraved there are the words of poet and activist Emma Lazarus: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Lazarus was a tireless advocate for refugees in the 19th century. Her emphasis on vocational training led struggling Jewish immigrants to self-sufficiency.
Today, Brodie and Emmas Torch carry Lazaruss legacy forward by empowering refugees today and making good on Lady Libertys promise.
Dillon Tauzin is a contributor to Economics21.
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Lifelong resident Max Wignall ran the Elko Independent newspaper for 20 years. He also contributed heavily to the community, serving as a volunteer in a wide range of organizations and activities.
Max C. Wignall was born August 28, 1927, to Melvin and Aurelia Wignall. His fathers job with the Air Mail Service started Maxs love with airplanes and model plane building. He obtained his pilots license while still in high school.
Hired as a delivery boy, Max began his long career at the Elko Independent, working for Warren Snowy and Mary Monroe. He became a printers devil and by the age of 15 was running the presses after school.
Wignall graduated from Elko County High School in 1945 and served in the U.S. Army for the remainder of World War II stationed in Germany.
After being discharged in 1947, Wignall returned to Elko and resumed working for the Independent. On November 22, 1947, he married Barbara Bardsley. Together they raised their children, Nick and Kelly, while Max continued to work at the newspaper and print shop, soon becoming shop foreman.
In 1974, Max and Barbara bought the newspaper from the Monroes. While Barbara continued as the secretary of Southside Elementary, she helped with bookkeeping at night. His column, Two Cents Worth, was a regular feature in the Independent even after his retirement.
While working for the paper, Wignall contributed in various ways around Elko. For 20 years he was a volunteer fireman and served as Battalion Chief. Max also devoted time to civic boards including the Elko Planning Commission, the Convention Center Board, Democratic Central Committee, and the committee to design and build the Elko County Jail.
Additionally, he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Civil Air Patrol, Elko Jaycees, the Lions Club, and Rotary. He also officiated softball and Little League games and was an announcer at Summit Raceway. Always a model airplane enthusiast, he formed the Elko Radio Control Club in 1970.
Max was honored by the Nevada State Press Association in 1986 with the Silver Makeup Rule Award. He and Barbara sold the Elko Independent to Sam and Joyce McMullen and Kay McMullen Thompson in 1994. Barbara had already retired the year before, serving 27 years with the school district.
It does not take money but being open-minded to allow individuals to be themselves. As a retired teacher in the state of Washington, I understand what needs to happen to education. It is not about tests, money, or rigid teacher training, it is about a balanced philosophy for left and right brain creativity.
There is a faction who wants to raise a labor force that does not think for themselves. Schools have been taken over by this agenda and infiltrated the curriculum and purpose of education. What is a real education? To "deliver information" as described by recent educators and Bill Gates is the opposite of the meaning of education. This is the intent of a controlling manipulative group who in our society wishes to govern.
Real education allows that inner person to come alive with imagination, inspiration, and feelings create real people. Free thinkers do not accept tyranny, laws that deprive freedom, and thought control. As a public school teacher with more than fifty years experience, I would like to explain about teaching. It is more important to have a teacher with a rational mind, a healthy attitude, and an open mind, than a trained teacher that is pushed through a restrictive set of curriculum that promotes everyone being the same.
In the fifties, we taught to the needs of the student, and then it changed to the school district decided what we were to teach, followed by the state mandates, then the federal government had "No Child Left Behind". It has been a slow change of philosophy to create a limited mindset, therefore denying the whole child.
We need diversity and not similarity to make our country strong. We have to have people who think out of the box and are not punished for thinking beyond the current trends of uniformity. Test scores are only a number given to the results of the performance by a student on a given day on a skill learned. It has nothing to do with innate intelligence or ingenuity. To pigeonhole a student with a number and compare them to another person takes away the individuality of the student's unique abilities and talents. It reduces them to a digit and takes away their personality and personal freedom to be themselves.
When did leaders come from the well-trained ranks? Only if they have the ability to be creative, intuitive, and offer ideas beyond the confined thinking of the times is there real education.
Our country has departed from our pioneers in education: such as John Dewey, Jean Piaget, and Abraham Maslow. Friedrich Froebel's philosophy was that humans are creative beings. These educators provided an innovative process producing real education for pupils. Teachers need to assist a student in finding their own abilities while discovering learning is limitless.
It is not teaching to fill a student with book learning. In addition, you cannot teach a teacher to think with his heart. However, a person who is able to encourage others to think from his heart did not learn it from a book. This is the real teaching and is not quantifiable. "You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself." Galileo.
The past movie. "Spare Parts" is a great example of a teacher who allowed high students to enter a contest and use their talents to achieve victory over Ivy League colleges in a national contest for underwater robotics. When the students were encouraged to think with their imaginations, they were not only winners, but gained self-esteem.
1. Get the government out of dictating what a student needs. As a teaching when I began teaching in 1961, I identified the students' needs and the teachers in that grade divided the students and met the needs by grouping the classes for certain subjects. It was not the state or Federal government telling what to teach. We did not teach as Bill Gates says, by forcing them to jump hoops that are preset and are not realistic for everyone. The students were encouraged to use their intuition, imagination and develop the individual abilities they had. Another words just a left-brain curriculum creates robots and children with poor self-esteem. People are individuals and no one is the same.
2. The curriculum was not mandated from tests where many children cannot handle this form of evaluation. When labeled a failure for being a square peg in a round hole, the emotional damage may not ever be repaired.
3. Our culture teaches failure, depression, and dropout for not meeting some one's idea of who they "should be" instead of letting them grow in into being themselves.
4. Creativity is discouraged because book learning and test readiness takes priority. This is a grave mistake if you want to build success within a child. Success breeds success I was taught when in teacher's training.
5. The cost of becoming a teacher does not match the pay other occupations with the same amount of college education preparation. For the salary earned compared to expense spent, it is wiser to go into another field.
6. From my experience, I was born a teacher. A basic and diverse background with an emphasis on a major focus does not meant to create humiliating hoops to jump through as I just heard about from a person supervising student teachers. Learning when in a happy situation works much better. A good teacher will drop out of the field because they are sensitive people. What is left is a robot teacher teaching robot students. Is this what we want for education?
As an international speaker, international award winning writer, international author, international consultant, international columnist, international board certified regression therapist, artist, and ordained minister for spiritual counseling, I share my experience, strength and hope that everyone will enrich their lives.
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Wednesday, December 14, 2016
These Pickles cartoons provide concise commentary on the perils of holding onto stuff even if its past its expiration date. In this one, Earl marvels at the age of some of the items in the pantry. Even the chicken bouillon is so old, This chickens great-great-grandchildren are dead, but this is still in our pantry.
Of course, chicken years dont equate to human years, but still Is that going on in your pantry?
Of course, Opal is a waste not, want not kind of gal even if something appears totally useless (looking at Earl). There is a point of diminishing returns, though, when you hold on to perishable goods.
Need help releasing old items cluttering your home? Check out the sage advice in KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die. And for a quick outline of what your estate executor will have to do with the stuff you leave behind, download the 50-point Executors Checklist from this page.
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Oil giant BP is moving its U.S. onshore oil and gas headquarters from Houston to Denver, and taking about 200 of its 4,500 local employees with it.
BP Americas headquarters will remain in Houston.
The new Colorado office for its onshore oil and gas division, the company said Wednesday, will be closer to operations in the Rocky Mountains, an important energy hub of the future. BP expects the Denver office to open in the first quarter of 2018.
Two-thirds of the companys oil and gas production and proven reserves are in the Rockies.
BP still has operations in East and South Texas, but it sold most of its land in West Texas prolific Permian Basin about five years ago. Meanwhile, the company has added acreage in Wyoming and in the San Juan Basin, which stretches from southern Colorado to northern New Mexico.
We have a vast, vast position in the Rockies, said David Lawler, CEO of BP Lower 48. He called Denver a logical and strategic fit for the business and lauded the new headquarters proximity to world-class universities, industry expertise and Rocky Mountain operations.
The move is part of a shift in BP strategy. In the late 2000s, smaller, independent drillers began discovering vast volumes of oil and gas in U.S. shale fields such as South Texas Eagle Ford and Fort Worths Barnett. But the big oil companies, such as Exxon and BP, were slow to adapt and struggled to pick up good acreage in key fields.
In 2010, BP even sold 10 fields and two gas processing plants in the Permian Basin to Houston-based Apache Corp. for $7 billion, part of an effort to help pay cleanup costs and damages from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
By 2014, BP executives knew they had to operate their exploration and production division differently. They hired Lawler away from independent Oklahoma City oil and gas production company Sandridge Energy, separated U.S. Lower 48 operations as a stand-alone business, and embraced new shale drilling and well completion techniques.
In 2015, BP bought all of Oklahoma City explorer Devon Energys assets in the San Juan Basin, adding almost 15,000 net acres to its portfolio. That year, it completed its first San Juan multilateral well, which digs multiple horizontal shafts connected to a single vertical wellbore, accessing more oil and gas via fewer drilling sites.
BPs U.S. Lower 48 onshore operations now span five states Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming and 6 million net acres, an area about the size of Vermont, with 7.5 billion barrels of oil and gas in the ground. The division pumps about 300,000 barrels of oil equivalent each day.
About 30 percent of the units production comes from the San Juan. The companys operations in the basin are based in Durango, Colorado, and Farmington, New Mexico.
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BP has leased office space near downtown Denver. The company anticipates the office will open with at least 200 employees, mostly from Houston, including the CEO and executive leadership team. More staff will be added later, the company said.
BPs onshore oil and gas division has about 450 workers in Houston now. Houston also houses about 4,000 BP employees in the companys Gulf of Mexico, natural gas, wind and upstream technology groups. BP has about 15,000 employees in various U.S. locations, from Texas wind farms to an Indiana refinery to Alaskan oil fields.
Houston will remain a large and important center for our business, and we have no plans to change that, Lawler said. Those being transferred to Denver are already doing a significant amount of their work there. Their absence wont affect Houston much, he said, and should reduce workers travel time and save BP money.
The divisions move isnt about Texas oil fields, Lawler said. This is a step to get closer to the assets we have, he said. This was a portfolio decision for us.
David.hunn@chron.com
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A Corpus Christi attorney filed a lawsuit Thursday against Valero Energy Corp.s refinery there less than 24 hours after the city issued a warning to its 320,000 residents telling them not to drink or shower with the water because it may have been contaminated in an industrial back-flow incident.
The suit was filed in Nueces County on behalf of local businesses, including Anthonys Aveda Concept Salon that had to close because of the lack of water. The plaintiffs are seeking more than $1 million in damages.
This case demonstrates the human and societal suffering caused when the drive for corporate profits takes priority over the safety of ordinary people, attorney Bob Hilliard, who filed the case, said in a statement. Hes also suing Valero Marketing and Supply Co., Valero South Texas Marketing Co., the Valero Bill Greehey Plant in Corpus Christi and Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Inc.
Two chemicals may have been released into the public water system Wednesday, according to state officials. The leak first came to light that day when workers at the refinery noticed a sheen to the water coming from its faucets, said Deanna McQueen, a Corpus Christi city spokeswoman.
The contamination warning sent panic through the Gulf Coast town, shuttering schools and local businesses and prompting a rush on water at grocery stores, where long lines formed with people pushing carts filled with packages of bottled water.
Texas officials are aggressively monitoring the situation, calling on state health, emergency management and industry regulators to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to a statement from Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts office. The Texas Department of Emergency Management is coordinating shipments of water to Corpus Christi in the meantime.
Governor Abbotts top priority is a transparent response and the safety of Corpus Christi residents, and our office will continue to provide any and all support to remedy this situation as quickly as possible, the statement said.
Valero spokeswoman Lillian Riojas said the companys refineries in Corpus Christi werent the source of the contamination. The company blamed the problem on Jackson, Mississippi-based Ergon, which has a Corpus Christi location near Valeros West refinery on property owned by Valero Marketing and Supply Co., according to the Nueces County Appraisal District.
While we have been named in lawsuits, we are not the source of the contamination in question. We continue to believe this is a localized backflow issue from Ergon in the area of Valeros asphalt terminal, Riojas said in an email, adding that the company is cooperating with regulators and providing truckloads of bottled water to residents. Valero is offering its resources to assist in isolating the issue and helping to confirm the Citys water supply is safe.
The city identified Indulin AA-86, an emulsifying agent for asphalt, as the main hazard. Its an amber liquid considered hazardous by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that can cause eye and skin burns and severe respiratory tract irritation, according to the chemical Material Safety Data Sheet.
Up to 24 gallons of the chemical may have leaked into the water supply beginning Wednesday, city officials said. City Councilman Michael Hunter told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times that its unlikely the chemicals are concentrated enough to do harm, but officials are taking every precaution that we can.
Resident Lisa Olivares, who lives about five blocks from the Corpus Christi Bay, said she first learned not to drink the water from a local TV news report around 2 a.m. Thursday. Since then, she's heard nothing from the city about the contamination or where it came from
"We can't bathe, we can't do dishes, we can't wash clothes," she said. "Our city is not telling us anything."
H-E-B spokeswoman Dya Campos said the San Antonio-based supermarket chain has been shipping bottles and gallons of water on 18-wheeler trucks to its 10 stores in Corpus Christi since Wednesday night. The company is also bringing in water tankers from around the region to provide clean water for its store operations, Campos said.
Corpus Christi customers are limited to three cases of water per purchase, Campos said.
By putting a limit on case purchases, we can make sure all customers have access to the water they need throughout the day, Campos said.
Valero Energy, the nations largest refiner, has two plants at its Bill Greehey refinery complex in Corpus Christi. The plants have a combined capacity of 325,000 barrels per day and are located along the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. The citys industrial district is located north of Interstate 37 near downtown and along Nueces Bay.
The Port of Corpus Christi said it was complying with the notice to discontinue the use of tap water and is in touch with customers, but it has other water sources available.
Port Corpus Christi continues to notify customers who may be using the Port facilities of the ban and will continue to keep customers aware and updated on the situation as we know more, the port said in a statement Thursday afternoon. Port Corpus Christi has water supply from other sources including San Patricio Water District which is not affected by the ban. Port Corpus Christi will continue its diligence on keeping customers current on the situation and supporting maritime operations as needed.
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The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which enforces federal clean water rules, said its begun sampling the water supply in Corpus Christi to determine the extent of the problem, spokeswoman Andrea Morrow said in an email.
Its not the first time the city has had trouble with its water supply. The TCEQ ordered residents to boil water after low levels of chlorine disinfectant and chlorine were found in the supply in May and September 2015, respectively.
jhiller@express-news.net
Twitter: @Jennifer_Hiller
Staff Writer Madalyn Mendoza and the Associated Press contributed to this article.
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City officials are seeking an exemption to a federal rule that would allow for nonstop flights from San Antonio to the District of Columbia.
More than 170 passengers travel between San Antonio International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport each day, Jeff Coyle, director of government and public affairs, told City Council members during a briefing on the citys federal wish list Wednesday. But travelers have to make connecting flights in Houston, Dallas and other cities.
Many of those passengers are believed to be members of the armed forces. Data provided by Joint Base San Antonio shows almost 5,000 round-trip tickets from San Antonio to D.C. were purchased by service members at Camp Bullis, Fort Sam Houston, Lackland and Randolph.
Theres never been a question about the demand for that flight and the airlines willingness to serve it, Coyle said.
But a pair of federal rules limit San Antonio and other cities from getting nonstop flights to the airport closest to the District of Columbia. It would require congressional approval to exempt flights from the restrictions.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport allows 60 slots, or arrivals and departures, per hour. A separate rule prohibits nonstop flights from cities more than 1,250 miles from the airport, due to the size of the planes and increased noise for residents near the airport.
Coyle said he hopes Congress could approve exemptions to both rules for an airliner willing to pony up a nonstop flight between D.C. and San Antonio. Congress has authorized 32 such slots since 2000, he said, but San Antonio has been unable to secure one.
Members of Congress would need to include exemptions in a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill, set to expire Sept. 30, 2017.
City and airport officials are courting multiple airlines for a possible route, Assistant City Manager Carlos Contreras said, but he declined to share names of specific carriers.
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Whoever would serve it, we would love it, Coyle said.
San Antonio International Airport currently has 38 nonstop flights to Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, Guadalajara and other destinations.
The city is also backing passage of the federal Marketplace Fairness Act, a bill that would allow states to retrieve sales taxes from online retailers regardless of retailers location. The bill failed to gain congressional approval in 2013 and 2015, according to an advocacy website.
Coyle said the city estimates it loses more than $8 million in tax revenue each year from online sales.
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A Houston bankruptcy judge issued a bench warrant to arrest suspended San Antonio attorney Todd Prins after he failed to show for a court hearing Wednesdsay the second order for his arrest in the last week.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jeff Bohm last week ordered Prins, 50, to appear in court to Wednesday after the attorney defied the judges directions to turn over by Monday $2.4 million in proceeds from a foreclosure sale he conducted on behalf of a client.
The Justice Department seized his account, Prins said in court papers filed before the hearing, making it impossible for him to transfer any funds or even afford transportation to Houston for Wednesdays proceedings.
The account, however, appears to be missing $800,000, according to Pflugerville lawyer Benette Zivley, who is involved in the bankruptcy case. He informed the court that the FBI told him that Prins account only holds $1.6 million.
Zivley added that Prins recently retained two criminal defense lawyers, prompting the judge to joke, Gee, I wonder where he came up with the money for that?
Bohm also wasnt buying what he described as an 11th-hour response from Prins for not showing up in court.
I have a hard time believing he cant get in his car and drive over here, Bohm said. I do not accept the excuse that he cannot afford transportation to Houston.
San Antonio criminal-defense lawyer Don Flanary, who is representing Prins, said his client has been communicating with authorities.
While we cant comment on any specifics about the possible pending FBI investigations, Mr. Prins is looking forward to the issue being resolved so he and his family can move forward, Flanary said in an email.
Last week, Bexar County Probate Judge Kelly Cross signed an order for his arrest after he didnt show for a contempt hearing. He disobeyed her order to turn over about $360,000 that belonged to a deceased client.
Prins is entangled in other legal and financial messes. He was suspended from practicing law Friday after a disciplinary committee of the State Bar of Texas accused him in a court filing of fabricating court documents and forging judges signatures in a 2009 case in San Antonio. He shut down his law practice last month and, along with his wife, filed for bankruptcy liquidation in September.
Prins hasnt been charged with any crimes, but the San Antonio Express-News reported an FBI agent and an assistant U.S. attorney attended a Nov. 21 court hearing in the couples bankruptcy. A spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office in San Antonio declined to comment.
In the Houston case, Judge Bohm issued an order that said Prins violated bankruptcy rules by conducting an Oct. 4 foreclosure sale on a house without the judges approval and by failing to turn over the $2.4 million that the sale generated. Bohm said the money is, at a minimum, arguably property of the (bankruptcy) estate.
Prins argued that he shouldnt be sanctioned because he wasnt aware that a manager at Triple Gate Investment, the borrower, transferred the title to the property to herself and her husband in January.
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.
Prins said the house was posted for the Oct. 4 foreclosure auction. That day, he said he received a fax from Triple Gate manager Oluyemisi Okedokuns lawyer stating she had filed for bankruptcy. Still unaware that the property has been transferred, Prins said, he went ahead with the foreclosure sale.
The day after the foreclosure sale, Prins send he received a deed reflecting the transfer. Prins said he forwarded the information to a representative for the buyers. Nonetheless, Prins added, he received a wire transfer of $2.4 million on Oct. 6 from one of the buyers representatives.
Given the issues in the matter, Prins said he later received multiple instructions on wiring the money back to the buyers. He said he prepared a release of the funds to be signed by the various parties, but added his client refused to sign it.
Prins added it was impossible for him to comply with the judges order to turn over the money after the Justice Department seized his account. At a Nov. 8 hearing in the Houston bankruptcy case, Prins said the money was being held in a trust account at his now-defunct law firm.
At part of his order last week, Bohm directed Prins to appear at a Jan. 9 hearing to address why he not be sanctioned for conducting the foreclosure sale, and for receiving the $2.4 million and representing that the money was being held in his law firms trust account.
blake.paterson@chron.com
pdanner@express-news.net
Blake Paterson is a staff writer for the Houston Chronicle. Staff writer Guillermo Contreras contributed to this report.
This article has been updated to include a response from Prins lawyer.
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Tokyo-based Nissei Plastic Industrial Co. on Wednesday formally announced plans to build a $20 million plastic injection molding machine plant at Brooks City Base, with construction to begin this month.
The company is also formally launching its first U.S. subsidiary, Nissei Plastic Machinery America Inc. headquartered in San Antonio. The 115,000-square-foot factory, Nisseis first plant in the U.S. and third outside of Japan, is strategically located to meet growing demands in the Americas and eventually Europe, company officials said in a news release. It is expected to be fully operational by February 2018.
Nissei is proud to begin supplying the U.S. domestic market with machines manufactured locally in San Antonio to the highest quality and reliability standards, branded as Made in USA and Made by Nissei, said Hozumi Yoda, president of the Nissei group. This new location will support improved customer satisfaction with faster delivery and response times when modifications are required; enhanced customer service capacity with on-site inventory; and shorter lead times compared to orders shipped from Japan.
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Jamie Bloodsworth, spokeswoman for the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, said the new plant will create dozens of new jobs, adding that precise count wasnt yet available. She said no tax incentives were used to lure the plant.
The companys 9-acre purchase along Lyster Road is considered a big win as Brooks continues to evolve from a shuttered air base into an economic hub for the citys South Side. In other recent developments, VIA Metropolitan Transit is building a bus depot to anchor a planned town center, and residential developer Denton Communities is planning on a 249-home community along the Greenline, a 43-acre park that will connect Brooks with the Mission Reach trail. National real estate firm JJL is meanwhile working on a class A office building as well as second second medical office building for the site.
Nissei, founded in 1947 and traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, has two factories in Japan and has in the past decade expanded overseas operations with a factory in Taicang, China, in 2009 and another factory in Rayong, Thailand, in 2012. It has six subsidiary offices in the U.S. and three in Mexico, including one in Monterrey, for a total workforce of about 900 people.
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We are honored to have such an innovative international addition to San Antonios globally competitive advanced manufacturing landscape, San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor said.
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The plant will be used to make and assemble medium- to large-scale hybrid injection molding machines, with the main components supplied by Nissei plants in Japan, China and Thailand. American manufacturers will increasingly be used over time, the company said. The site also will include a technical center equipped with demonstration machines to provide support as well as pre-purchase testing capabilities for customers.
lbrezosky@express-news.net
ELKO Local artist Perri Duncans work is featured on the cover of the Nevada Judiciarys annual report for 2016, which was released Tuesday.
Chief Justice Ron Parraguirre asked Duncan to donate the art for the cover. He owns some of her artwork and is a fan of her work, according to the court.
Duncan began her career in the United Kingdom before moving to Spring Creek. Her outdoor watercolor scenes have featured Scotland and, more recently, Northern Nevada.
Duncan said the watercolor entitled Easy Crossing was painted a few years ago and is based on an award-winning photo that a friend let her use.
I feel very honored that it was selected for this, the front cover of the report, Duncan said.
Her work is based mostly on western themes.
I can still remember my first impressions of the West, since my arrival here in Elko and Spring Creek, Duncan says on her website, www.perriduncangallery.com. I had never been around real cowboys and seen how they lived and worked. So it was all new to me. Painting them now is my love, and I have a large collection of cowboy images and scenes depicting the Working West.
Duncans paintings are featured in many juried fine art shows around the country, but also can be found locally at Duncan Little Creek Gallery, Northeastern Nevada Museum, Cowboy Joes coffee shop and Picture This Gallery.
The Judiciarys annual report highlights the work of Nevadas courts, including technological achievements, court improvements and judicial education. Judicial programs and commissions are also highlighted to showcase efforts to improve the efficiency and openness of the courts.
When Jeff Bezos, Amazons chief executive, first said that the e-commerce giant wanted to use drones to deliver packages directly to customers homes, many people thought he was crazy.
Three years later, his claims no longer look so outlandish.
On Wednesday, Bezos announced on Twitter that his company had made its first commercial drone delivery, on Dec. 7, to an Amazon shopper in Cambridgeshire, England, a major step forward in its experiments with automated shipments.
The flight to deliver an Amazon Fire streaming device and popcorn to a customer identified only as Richard B. took off from a nearby Amazon warehouse and lasted 13 minutes, covering about 2 miles.
Amazon said it would now test drone deliveries with two more customers near Cambridge, an English city where the company has a large drone-testing plant. If the tests are successful, the company says it wants to expand the number of consumers who could participate in the trial to dozens in the coming months, eventually allowing hundreds to use the drone service.
The start of customer trials for the drone delivery service, which Amazon calls Prime Air, is a milestone for a technology that could eventually automate an important part of Amazons business as the company looks to cement its position as the worlds dominant online retailer.
There are reasons to be skeptical about how broadly drones can be used, however, because of aviation rules, weather restrictions and weight limitations on cargo.
Experts say the advent of widespread drone deliveries, even if technically possible, would take years, and regulators from the United States and elsewhere could block the plans.
Even if drones end up handling only a small portion of Amazons overall deliveries, the implications could be far-reaching.
The company, for instance, might not need as many truck drivers or other costly logistical operations. Drones could also have environmental benefits, by reducing reliance on pollution-belching vehicles. The biggest boon may be to customers, who potentially could receive their orders more quickly, depending where they live.
The fact that Amazons latest drone tests were in Britain is no coincidence.
The countrys regulators have been more cooperative than their U.S. counterparts about such flights, even signing an agreement with Amazon in July to allow the testing of drones in rural and suburban areas.
As part of those trials some of which have taken place at a secretive farm in rural Cambridgeshire Amazon has been allowed to fly drones without a human pilot at the controls, navigating to destinations solely by GPS. The company says it has developed sense-and-avoid technology to help the machines fly around towers, birds and other obstructions.
Not all of the residents in the area have been fans, however.
Julia Napier, who helped found a Cambridgeshire association that maintains public footpaths around one of Amazons test sites, said the companys drones threatened wildlife and the wider countryside, something that the company has denied.
They are testing those drones here because they cant do it in America, she said. Whatever the Americans dont want, I dont want it, either.
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While Amazon has experimented with different drone designs, the one that makes the delivery in the companys video appears to be a quadcopter a helicopter with four rotors that can take off and land vertically.
So far, the devices are limited to carrying cargo weighing less than 5 pounds. They use cameras to identify landing marker pads that customers place in their backyards or in other unobstructed locations.
In the United States, regulators have been more cautious about drone tests, though the Federal Aviation Administration issued new rules this year to allow for the commercial use of drones under certain circumstances. One major limitation was the stipulation that devices must be operated remotely by a human pilot.
Amazon is not the first company to test drone delivery.
Chinese internet retailer JD.com has a fleet of drones flying autonomously on round trips of a maximum of 15 miles to reach rural communities (though a person still takes the package on the last leg of its journey to the recipient). In New Zealand, Dominos Pizza is testing drones to deliver fast-food across the country.
And in the United States, 7-Eleven said in July that it had delivered Slurpees, doughnuts and other food to a customer in Reno, Nevada. Google has tested drone delivery of Chipotle burritos on the Virginia Tech campus.
Amazon, however, with its deep pockets, logistical expertise and technological prowess, still seems the most likely to push widespread drone delivery into the mainstream, at least in the Western world.
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For many, the term faux finish may evoke the go-go 1980s and that friend who sponge-painted her dining room so it looked, well, like it was painted with a sponge.
The decorative art of faux finishing using paint to mimic natural materials such as wood, metal, marble and leather or to trick the eye in trompe loeil murals actually dates back millenia to cave painting, Mesopotamian frescoes and Egyptian tomb decoration. In classical times, murals were all the rage in Roman villas, and they were revived in the neoclassical Art Deco movement of the 1920s.
Decorative art has evolved in the 21st century and is alive and well in the high-end home market.
Artists, often working with interior designers, are getting amazing looks on walls, ceilings, floors and furniture with metallic paints, glazes, gold leafing, Venetian plaster, stencils and murals.
It isnt cheap. A good decorative artist will charge at least $85 an hour, or around $5 a square foot, depending on the intricacy of the job.
Wow factor
But original decorative art adds a wow factor to a home that cant be applied any other way.
A more subtle, minimalist look took firm root after the excess of the 80s, and a contemporary urban feel is prominent today.
But Old World dark (faux) wood, rich colors has never really gone away in San Antonio-area neighborhoods from Terrell Hills to Cordillera Ranch.
We do still use sponges, said San Antonio artist Paige Holland, one of the citys go-to decorative artists. As a general rule, we dont want to do things in peoples houses that scream at you. We want to enhance the room, create atmosphere and depth.
Nicola Vigini and Leslie Morrison of San Antonios Vigini Paint & Design are a touchstone for many local decorative artists.
A native of Rome, Vigini studied at the Institut Superieur de Peinture Decorative in Paris and is a master muralist, while Morrison, who grew up in an ONeil Ford house in San Antonio, earned a masters degree from Cooper Hewitts decorative arts program in Manhattan.
They met in the 90s and later opened a studio and meeting place near downtown San Antonio, where they taught workshops to other decorative artists and sold art supplies as a distributor until around 2008.
Now based in a small, cluttered studio in the Five Points area, Morrison and Vigini create elegant finishes in clients homes all over the state, using a variety of methods, from good old Venetian lime plaster and the Italian Renaissance art known as grottesca to metallic glazing and gilding in gold, silver and copper. Morrison does magical things in schaibin, a gilding process using a confetti of copper, gold and aluminum leafing.
The Vigini studio sells its original stencils online and foresees expanding its operations into a new bricks-and-mortar showroom in the coming year.
Nicolas Rule of Stenciling: If you just do one stencil, it will look like a stencil, said the 57-year-old artist. Most of my designs have three overlays.
Recently, the partners stenciled a sunburst pattern in butter yellow and light gray water-based paint onto concrete floors in a King William house. You would swear it is handmade tile.
Faux finishes are hot right now, said Morrison, 52.
People are growing tired of the white box, she said. Some people still want something grand.
Something grand
Mike and Marlos Gilliam did. They recently commissioned the Vigini studio to paint five ceilings in their just-completed Mission-style home in north San Antonio, including a 27-foot dome in a bathroom, a complicated triple groin ceiling in the foyer and starry skies in a private chapel. (In one, Vigini slipped in bears and boars at the clients request, to pay homage to their alma maters, Arkansas and Baylor.)
We lived in London for four years, and we wanted wanted something that was unique to the period 200 or 300 years ago and would also fit with the old antiques, architectural pieces and stained glass that weve collected over the past 20 years, said Mike Gilliam, a retired AT&T executive who now runs the Lighthouse for the Blind. It all had to tie together, and you can only do that with a decorative painter, or it just wont look right. Nicola, being from Italy, knows what it should look like and has the personal insight to do it right. He can paint anything.
Sometimes, its not what you put into a room, but what you take out.
Decorative artists can also make ugly things disappear, said Hillary Conrey, president of Courtney and Company Design, an interior design firm in San Antonio. They can make eyesores like air-intake grills and light-switch plates go away.
Conrey frequently employs the talents of Holland, of Paige Holland Paintings & Decorative Art, as she did for a waterscape backdrop in Brigid Restaurant in Southtown.
Shes beyond a decorative painter; shes an artist, Conrey said of Holland, who exhibits her paintings in galleries. She can do anything from a mural to gold leafing on a wall. Shes very versatile.
Holland, 54, the daughter of a Houston interior designer, trained in fashion design at Baylor University. She began painting in 1985.
In addition to custom wall and ceiling treatments with paint and glazes, she has done everything from replicating lost cast iron columns in Southerleigh restaurant at The Pearl to trompe loeil wall murals that perfectly mimic built-in bookshelves full of knicknacks. She has transformed a dull, wooden bookcase into a stunning three-shelf display piece seemingly made of green-ringed malachite.
Pretty fascinating
Its pretty fascinating what you can make paint mimic, she said. Someone can hand you a piece of pottery or rusted metal or one door to an old cabinet and you can replicate it.
While Holland may like to push clients a degree or two out of their comfort zone, in the end, her philosophy is to please the client. I leave judgment at the door, she said. Even, as she has an 80s flashback, when she got requests for sharkskin walls.
The style was just more opulent back then, she said. Then a more minimal style came in, and for years we were doing lots of beiges and taupes and creams. Slowly, its making its way back to more opulent. Ive had more orders for malachite lately.
Elena Geil sits atop 25 feet of scaffolding in the foyer of a grand home under construction in Cordillera Ranch, spreading plaster on a groin ceiling with a trowel, then setting green fishing net on the wet stuff before peeling it away to give it a unique texture.
When that step is done, Geil, in torn Levis and paint-splattered Chuck Taylors, will prime the ceiling with paint, then come back with some irridescent, metallic green paint before tempering it with a tinted glaze to tone it down a little bit.
Metallic is the thing right now, but you use the glaze so its not screaming metal, said Geil, who has three days to finish the job and is worried about the cold weathers affect on paint drying. She is the only woman on a hectic job site. I dont want to overpower whats in a clients home. I simply want to enhance. If you walk in a room, and my work draws attention to itself, then I havent done my job.
Geil, who studied graphic arts, has been at this for 20 years, starting with a kitchen cabinet in her own home, which she distressed and then finished with multiple coats of paint.
Mostly self-taught (she took a Vigini course several years ago), Geil, 52, today owns Urban Interior Finish with her 32-year-old daughter Jessica van Landingham.
They work on a lot of new-home construction in Cordillera Ranch for Stadler Custom Homes.
Homeowners at this price point can afford to change their minds over details large and small, said Stadler vice president of operations Jay Richman. So customer service is very important. Thats one of their strengths. Theyre good people. They have no problem working with a client until they are satisfied.
Among those clients are the Warings, a couple from the Bay Area who moved to the exclusive development northwest of San Antonio and started building their house last year. They moved in a couple of months ago.
The kitchen cabinets, in a creamy ivory, just werent quite right, homeowner Lynn Waring said.
We lived in Europe for several years and really fell in love with the old architecture, she said. So we went a little out the box for Cordillera Ranch with this Old World design. But we werent satisfied with the cabinets. Elena came in, made an assessment and came back with some samples she had done on extra cabinet fronts.
Geil suggested a distressed, antique look; she abused the cabinets with scrapers, nails, a hammer, then finished with a light antique glaze.
She had a vision from the moment she walked in, Waring said, and it was just perfect.
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For Jeffrey James and Justin Michaelson, Christmas came early and in a big, beautiful way. Upsizing from a cottage, they tripled their square footage with a home they moved into in August in the historic Monticello Park district.
But all that extra space needed to be filled. They enlisted the help of decorator and friend Carolyn Z. Wilson to transform the void into a dream home.
With them sent off for a 48-hour getaway, she finished the job fewer than two weeks ago, complete with a big reveal and countdown on the front lawn. Once inside, the couple were taken by the splendor.
James was moved to joyful tears stating, I never imagined Id live in something like this.
Wilson cried, too. It was the most emotional reveal in my career, she said. It was harder because I love them so much. It was important I got it right.
Knowing her clients so personally wasnt the only challenge; Wilson needed to marry both of their design leanings. James, a San Antonio native and business owner, wanted genteel Southern style, while Michaelson who works at Trinity, preferred a more modern contemporary aesthetic.
More Information House rules Carolyn Wilson employed her designer touch to deck out the two-story home for the holidays. Here she shares tips for Christmas style: Keep what is special to you. You don't have to give up your sentimental heirloom pieces, just incorporate them to step up to a higher-end look. For big impact, purchase large clear iridescent ornaments. They can be glass or non-shatter plastic. Bury them deeply in the tree's branches and you will quadruple the illumination factor as they fill any voids and reflect lights and colors. For a real designer look that instantly coordinates with your home, use a dozen ornaments in the anchor color of the room. In the James-Michaelson home cobalt blue ornaments draw in the drapery, couch and bookcase color in the living room. Don't fear the Dollar Store or craft stores; they offer incredible bargains. Look for glittered branches or colored ostrich feathers for a stylish modern alternative to angels or stars atop the tree. Ribbon can be used as filler. There are beautiful nonbreakable ornaments. Use them on the bottom half of the tree and fragile ones on top if you have toddlers or children. Most essential: moss colored, foot-long chenille stems to hold garlands on banisters and mantles or heavy items on the tree. You can buy them at craft stores or Travis Wholesale Florist. Proper storage will save you time and money. Wrap assembled garlands in bubble wrap or plastic - careful not to squish! - then hang from hooks in the garage. Hang wreaths in heavy duty garbage bags. See More Collapse
To converge their taste and get what she calls, Southern with a kiss of modern, and keep with the homes historic heritage Wilson assessed their belongings, considered the budget and determined which of the acquisitions would be bigger investment forever pieces and where she could spend less.
Wilson used both high-end design trade sources and consumer retail stores such as Pottery Barn and Bed Bath & Beyond.
The couples desire to entertain was a driving force. Every piece of furniture needed to say stay, sit and visit, Wilson said. That included two dining areas, one formal and one casual.
In the formal space, beneath a contemporary chandelier, on a 50 shades of gray rug, a new circular gray wood table is surrounded by ivory tufted chairs. The casual space overlooks the new pool and past the open kitchen, with print and solid colored parsons chairs around a cherished carved table from James Mama James.
From a wooden bead chandelier, art glass sculptures and sheened print chairs, to elegant vignettes on mirrored surfaces, the living room successfully merges their styles. James and Michaelson agree that they dont even notice the others style the pieces blend so seamlessly, a statement Wilson takes as a great compliment.
James sums it up: The greatest gift Carolyn gave us is that we each have our statements in this home, and its comfortable.
Cheryl Van Tuyl Jividen is a San Antonio freelancer.
Facing accreditation warnings at three of the five Alamo Colleges, the community college districts board of trustees Tuesday removed from its leadership development policy all references to author Stephen Covey and his self-help book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
The book had become a touchstone of discord between the districts chancellor and some of its faculty, and the unanimous board vote came a week after the districts accrediting agency issued the warning partly based on the colleges failure to demonstrate that faculty was responsible for its curriculum. The warnings identified that and five other issues of concern.
After a September visit, a special committee of the accrediting agency had noted that trustees bypassed faculty in requiring the 7 Habits be included in curriculum districtwide. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges delayed re-accreditation for a year, promising to detail the reasons for the warnings next month.
I think were going to have to just be a little bit bold here and step forward, and I would certainly hope we get this and the other five issues resolved in the next two months, trustee Gene Sprague said.
The vote changed the districts leadership development policy for students and employees, yanking the 7 Habits as a required curriculum but leaving the door open for its possible reintroduction by directing faculty and administrators to identify and recommend a highly recognized and accepted leadership program.
The boards highly specific instructions say the program must be aligned with a national or global model approved by SA Works, the experiential learning coalition established by Mayor Ivy Taylor and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, be integrated into degree and certificate pathways and represented on student transcripts. It must also align with leadership programs offered by local school districts.
The board will have the authority to approve or reject whatever the faculty and administration recommend, Leslie said.
The 7 Habits have been included in orientation courses that all first-time Alamo Colleges students are placed into. The courses, designed to ease the transition to college, emphasize leadership strategies. Faculty and some administrators protested two years ago when the district tried to replace a humanities requirement in the core curriculum with the orientation course. District administrators backed away from that plan, and the orientation course is not required for graduation.
Several local residents spoke out of concern Tuesday night for the three warned institutions: San Antonio College, Northwest Vista College and St. Philips College. Blaming the board and district administration for the accreditation sanctions, they commended the college presidents and said the colleges, which are individually accredited, should be granted more autonomy.
Several residents came from the East Side and spoke specifically about St. Philips, which opened more than 100 years ago to educate former slaves. It is the nations only college federally designated as both a historically black and Hispanic-serving institution, and would lose millions of dollars in federal grants without independent accreditation.
When I couldnt go to any other school, St. Philips doors were open to me, said Oliver Hill, president of the San Antonio Branch of the NAACP. Even though times have changed, some attitudes have not. ... I ask that you fully consider the ramifications of your past deeds, take ownership of this colossal mistake and correct this situation.
amalik@express-news.net
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BEIRUT Artillery shelling by pro-government forces resumed early Wednesday on besieged eastern neighborhoods of the Syrian city of Aleppo, delaying the evacuation of thousands of civilians and fighters who had expected to leave under a deal involving Russia and Turkey.
It was the latest, bitter whiplash for those trapped in the shrinking rebel-held districts of the ruined city. Under a supposed deal announced Tuesday by Turkey, Russia and Syrian rebels, the last remaining fighters were to evacuate to rebel-held territory farther north and civilians were free to join them or to move to government-held areas. The whole city of Aleppo then would be in the hands of forces loyal to President Bashar Assad of Syria.
The Syrian government has a clear responsibility to ensure its people are safe, and is palpably failing to take this opportunity to do so, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Raad al-Hussein, said in a statement Wednesday. He asserted that the resumed bombardment was a violation of international law and most likely constitutes war crimes.
The way this deal was dangled in front of this battered and beleaguered population causing them to hope they might indeed live to see another day and then snatched away just half a day later is also outrageously cruel, his statement said.
A radiology nurse in Aleppo, Mohamed al-Ahmad, said he hoped the world would hear our final scream from the last free neighborhoods in Aleppo.
He said he had lost faith as the deal to evacuate the last pockets of opposition-controlled areas had fallen apart. The agreement has been broken, he said Wednesday via the messaging app Viber. Hundreds of shells have fallen on us. People who were supposed to leave were attacked.
The lack of medical care and rescue services is so dire, he added, that people are bleeding to death in the streets.
Malek, an activist who said he hoped to join his pregnant wife in northern Aleppo province, and who asked to be identified only by his first name for fear of being killed, said that the scenes are unbearable. He added: I would say that life is becoming harder than death. People are dying for nothing, without any justification. Humans are no longer human.
Interviewed over the messaging service WhatsApp, he added, using a mournful expression, We didnt taste the flavor of life.
On Wednesday, buses that were to evacuate some of the last holdouts in the heavily bombed neighborhoods left, empty, after waiting for hours, according to Al Manar, the television channel of the militant Shiite group Hezbollah.
The Lebanese channel Al Mayadeen showed buses idling at a prearranged evacuation point, waiting to take 5,000 fighters and their families to Atareb, a town west of Aleppo, with thousands more civilians to follow. But the buses left when it became clear that there would be no evacuation.
Osama Abu Zayd, a legal adviser to Syrian opposition factions, told The Associated Press that the evacuation deal was being resisted by Irans field commander in Syria. Opposition leaders and civilians inside Aleppo said they believed that Iran a major ally of the Syrian government had balked at the deal, annoyed that Russia and Turkey had not consulted it.
Witnesses said pro-government militias had prevented a convoy of about 70 wounded people mostly fighters and their relatives from departing. The militias, observers said, insisted that they would not allow anyone out until rebel groups had ended their siege of Fouaa and Kfarya, two encircled Shiite enclaves in Idlib province.
The Russian Defense Ministry blamed the rebels for the impasse, saying Wednesday that they had resumed the hostilities at dawn, trying to break through Syrian government positions to the northwest.
The impasse could be the sign of a stalling tactic by Assad. His government has often skillfully played its backers Iran, Russia and others against one another. The disagreement could provide cover for what the Syrian government has wanted to do all along: finish off the enclave with force. As one Syrian military officer told Reuters in Aleppo recently, rebels must surrender or die.
On Wednesday, Russian television broadcast an interview with Assad in which he reiterated his description of President-elect Donald Trump as a prospective ally, given Trumps call for the United States not to interfere in other countries affairs, and to place fighting terrorism above human rights and the promotion of democracy.
If Trump can overcome all these obstacles and genuinely fight against terrorism, I believe, he will become our natural ally and yours, too, Assad said.
Troubles carrying out the accord were not surprising, as there was no international monitoring U.N. officials said the Syrian government had refused their repeated pleas to observe the process and no mechanism to enforce the agreement. That has been a problem with other deals reached during the conflict.
At the U.N. on Tuesday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said there had been credible reports of atrocities, including extrajudicial killings, while eastern Aleppo was retaken.
Ban said the world body had been unable to verify the reports, however, because the Syrian government had repeatedly denied U.N. staff members the access required to monitor the evacuations and to aid civilians.
As the battle for Aleppo concludes, I call on the Syrian authorities and their allies, Russia and Iran, to honor their obligations under international humanitarian law and do the following: urgently allow the remaining civilians to escape the area and facilitate access for all humanitarian actors and the delivery of critically important assistance, he said. The laws of war and universal human rights must be respected.
Samantha Power, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., directed her remarks at officials of Syria, Iran and Russia, asking Tuesday, Is there literally nothing that can shame you?
Her Russian counterpart, Vitaly I. Churkin, retorted that Power spoke as if she were Mother Teresa. He said that Russia had investigated claims of ill treatment of civilians and had found not a single fact.
In eastern Aleppo, residents expressed alarm as Russian news agencies broadcast remarks from the Russian foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, who said he expected the rebels to stop their resistance within two, three days. Those remarks concerned observers, as the evacuation deal says rebels had already agreed to stop fighting in exchange for being allowed to leave.
They are planning to slaughter us all, said Monther Etaky, a civilian activist who said he had been hoping to evacuate.
Salem, a dentist who had kept his clinic open until last week, and who finally moved to one of the last rebel neighborhoods when his own was taken by government forces, said he could hear heavy shelling.
We slept a quiet night, but sadly the shelling is back, he said Wednesday morning, asking to be identified only by his first name. Please share my message: The cease-fire collapsed. The situation is bad again.
The evacuation plan came after two weeks of rapid advances by the Syrian army and its allies, who drove insurgents into an ever-smaller pocket of eastern Aleppo, with support from heavy airstrikes and artillery fire.
Rebel groups have received support from Turkey, the United States and Persian Gulf states, but far less than the direct military aid that Iran and Russia have provided to Assad.
_________
Ivan Nechepurenko contributed reporting from Moscow and Somini Sengupta from the United Nations.
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Wednesday morning, 11-year-old Trey Wilson was working on a marble-run project at Lopez Middle School, in the North East Side Independent School District, when Army Maj. Evan Chung walked in.
The speechless boy sprang to his feet and burrowed his head in the chest of his father, who had been deployed to Afghanistan for six months.
Howre you doing? Chung, 44, asked his son. Merry Christmas.
Treys mother, Nickola Wilson-Chung, his teacher, Andrea Hopkins, and his 26 classmates looked on as Trey wrapped his arms tightly around Chung.
Its so wonderful to see his reunion with his dad, Hopkins said as Trey rubbed away tears on the sleeve of his fathers camouflage uniform. Its awesome to have them reunited with this Christmas miracle.
After months of planning, several travel days and the sleepy pull of jet lag, Chung and his wife gave their children an early Christmas gift theyll never forget.
Chung stunned their older children later in the day: Hunter, 16, at Reagan High School and Keiana, 18, working at a local restaurant.
We have to do what we have to do in the Army, Chung said. My family has sacrificed an awful lot to support me. Its nice to be able to come home for once on Christmas instead of being away.
Since his Tuesday arrival in San Antonio, the couple has operated in stealth mode.
They visited his mother and surprised family members at a dinner Wilson-Chung had set up to plan a reception when he returned after Christmas.
And he asked friends to not tag him on Facebook or mention anything on other social media.
It was pretty tough, said Wilson-Chung, 42. I love to share good stuff.
Chung, stationed at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, was on his third deployment. He previously served two tours in Iraq.
His wife asked him to try to get home before Christmas. She worried about his safety he was on the base last November when a suicide bomb attack killed four Americans. And she needed him home to fill the void in their lives.
The kids need him in so many ways, Wilson-Chung said. Somehow he was able to make it work.
An hour after shocking Trey, the Chungs drove to Reagan High School to surprise Hunter. The couple hid in an algebraic reasoning class, not far from the sophomores next class. Wilson-Chung asked the students not to spoil the surprise with posts on Facebook about their plan.
This is stuff I see on Twitter and cry about, a girl told a classmate.
When Hunter and Chungs nephew Ryan Bush took their seats in their math class, Principal Brenda Shelton said media people were in the room to report on an education project. Teacher Gloria Garcia was settling the class when Wilson-Chung said, I brought somebody with me.
Oh my God! Hunter said after he turned to see his father walk through the door. He rushed into the majors arms, followed by Ryan and Wilson-Chung, drawing aahs and applause from his classmates.
In the hallway, father and son spoke of no more missed birthdays, missed family gatherings or surprises: Chung is home to stay; hes retiring from the Army.
vtdavis@express-news.net
Mike Garr plans to resign as Bandera city administrator, effective Dec. 30, continuing a string of municipal staff departures since his predecessor, Lamar Schulz, left a year ago.
Garr, hired last April to the $53,000 city post, said Wednesday that hes leaving to accept the post of director of the Kronkosky Library, a position being vacated by former mayor John Hegemier.
Garr was an assistant librarian under Hegemier before taking the job at city hall, where his wife, Rose Garr, is city treasurer.
City leaders praised the work of both Garrs, but Mike Garr said concerns harbored by some about a husband-wife team working side-by-side for the city was a factor in his decision. He sent his resignation letter to City Council on Thursday.
I just figured Id make the problem disappear, he said Wednesday, noting he still lacked a formal contract with the city when the opportunity to head the library arose.
It was all on a handshake, said Garr, a retired firefighter from Michigan.
Since Schulz ended his 19-month tenure as city administrator last December, the council has fired a city secretary and a city inspector, and accepted the resignations of a treasurer, a public works director and another city secretary.
Hegemier, who did not seek re-election in November, is resigning as library director Dec. 30 after 14 years in that post.
Saying Mike Garr had done a great job, for the city, Mayor Suzanne Schauman said the council will discuss the process for replacing him at Thursdays meeting.
zeke@express-news.net
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert Wednesday urging pregnant women to consider postponing any travels to Brownsville because five people there have become infected with the Zika virus through mosquito bites.
The virus poses special risks for pregnant women because it can cause microcephaly and other severe brain defects in unborn babies. This can occur even if expectant mothers dont suffer any symptoms of the illness.
Pregnant women living in Brownsville or traveling to the city are being advised to take strict precautions to prevent mosquito bites. They are also being cautioned to consistently use condoms during sex or to abstain from sex during their pregnancies because the virus is also spread through sexual transmission.
Temperatures in the region are still conducive to mosquito-borne transmission. ... Pregnant women in the area are at some risk for Zika virus infection, said the CDC alert issued Wednesday.
The five cases surfaced within a single city block spanning less than a half-mile on the east side of Brownsville, Mayor Tony Martinez said. The first case was reported Nov. 28. Four more surfaced Friday.
None of those patients are pregnant, Martinez said.
Everybody is on high alert. ... Its a situation that we take very seriously, Martinez told the San Antonio Express-News late Wednesday.
Its really a very confined area of exposure, he said of the block where the cases occurred. But by the same token, we are first and foremost concerned that everybody takes all the precautionary measures.
The four additional cases reported Friday were identified through door-to-door surveillance conducted by the Cameron County Department of Health and Human Services. Martinez said the city block where the infections occurred is a mixed-use area, but is more residential than commercial.
Authorities have declined to publicly identify the street where the cases surfaced because they want to protect the patients privacy.
Esmeralda Guajardo, health administrator at Cameron County Department of Health and Human Services, said she would not be surprised if more cases turn up.
Weve had a lot of patients show up at our county health clinics, Guajardo said late Wednesday. And theyve called whenever they felt that they possibly could have Zika. A lot of providers call and reach out to us because they understand that were taking the lead.
We had a lot of individuals within the community asking, calling for some direction in terms of their health care and not necessarily to say that they were pregnant, but just women as a whole that were considering getting pregnant. So we have a call center that we started as soon as we saw the increase of calls. And were going to continue doing that tomorrow. And thats going to be manned by some of our clinical staff members.
Four of five people infected by the Zika virus wont show any symptoms. Those who do exhibit only mild discomfort, such as rash, joint pain, aching muscles, headache, low-grade fever and red eyes. Those symptoms usually go away within a week.
But the virus is much more insidious for unborn babies. They can be infected before or during birth.
As of Nov. 30, 32 babies exposed to the Zika virus had been born with birth defects in the continental United States, CDC statistics show. Five other infants who did not survive due to miscarriages, stillbirths or terminated pregnancies also showed evidence of birth defects, the CDC reported.
The CDC alert just released advises pregnant women living in Brownsville or who traveled to the city on or after Oct. 29 to get tested for the Zika virus.
Pregnant women who did not use condoms while having sexual contact with anyone living in Brownsville or with anyone who traveled there on or after Oct. 29 also are urged to get tested.
We really need women to take care of themselves and make those appointments with their medical providers and ask them about Zika to reduce the risks of getting it, Guajardo said. Thats crucial. People need to be a little bit more proactive in making sure that they minimize that risk.
The border separating Texas from Mexico passes through Cameron County. Patients have also been infected with the Zika virus through mosquito bites that occurred in Mexico near the U.S. border. Because of that, the CDC issued a bulletin last year urging pregnant women not to travel to any area of Mexico below 6,500 feet.
No vaccine to prevent the infection exists.
pohare@express-news.net
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City Council members pushed Wednesday for more details about San Antonios first housing bond and for the creation of an oversight committee to monitor the program, should voters approve it in the spring.
The actions reflected the potentially confusing nature of the bond package even as officials acknowledged the pressing need for more affordable housing in the city.
Earlier in the day, members of the grassroots community organization COPS/Metro Alliance said they are unhappy with the current structure of the housing bond and pressed for more accountability about how the money would be spent.
Some council members, particularly District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, also raised concerns that the citys most blighted areas might not benefit from the bond, even if voters approve it, because they might not be viewed as ideal places to develop.
The $20 million housing bond is designed to facilitate the construction of affordable housing across the city.
Last week, a citizens bond committee chose 13 areas where that money could be spent and which it wants included in a state-required urban renewal plan.
The areas are in every council district except 9 and 10. Areas were proposed for those districts but the committee voted to remove them from the list.
The City Council will vote Thursday on which areas to ultimately include in the urban renewal plan, the last time it can add any new areas to the current list of 13.
The council, however, can delete areas between now and Feb. 2, when the members take a final vote on the urban renewal plan. Public hearings on the plan are scheduled for January.
Eleven of the sites are inside Loop 410. The two outside the loop, both in District 8, are near the Medical Center. Though those areas already are experiencing housing growth, very little of it is affordable, said housing bond committee co-chair Jackie Gorman, who also sits on the citys housing commission.
However, just because an area is included in the urban renewal plan doesnt mean any money will be spent there. The city pushed for a long list of potential areas to give it flexibility about where to buy land and to reduce the chances of real estate speculation.
As District 4 Councilman Rey Saldana said, the idea isnt to spread the $20 million around like peanut butter, but to pick projects that could have a big impact.
On Wednesday, right before the council discussion, COPS/Metro Alliance held a news conference on the steps of City Hall, to air the groups concerns about the housing bond.
Organization leaders are frustrated there is no funding in the bond to rehabilitate homes, said Maria Tijerina, co-chair of COPS/Metro Alliance.
Thats what our community has voiced to us as being their greatest concern at this time, Tijerina said before the news conference, adding the group met with Mayor Ivy Taylor to discuss these issues last week.
However, the citys charter does not allow for the rehabbing of houses. The charter also says San Antonio cant spend bond dollars on housing thats why the city is doing a workaround, using its urban renewal agency, the Office of Urban Redevelopment San Antonio, or OUR SA, to buy properties.
The city cant legally change its charter until November at the earliest. However, officials decided they didnt want to wait to pursue a housing bond until then, because the cost to buy and rent a home in San Antonio is on the rise.
COPS/Metro Alliance called for the creation of an oversight committee to monitor how the housing bond funds are spent. The group wants the city to do a better job defining affordability and to detail how much of the housing will be affordable and what will be market rate. It fears the bond will result in the construction of homes or apartments that are too expensive for some residents to afford.
To that end, the group suggested accountability guidelines for incentives to developers, rents that are appropriate for the surrounding neighborhood and also a plan to rehab homes using other funding options. It also wants the city to communicate with surrounding neighborhood associations early in the process.
Were not saying were not going to support the bond, Tijerina said. Were just saying we have these concerns and we want them to be addressed before it goes on the ballot for voters.
Taylor, acknowledging some of those concerns, asked city staff what can be done to ensure the residential units are affordable.
Deputy City Manager Peter Zanoni said that if voters approve the bond in May, the city then would develop requests for proposals for nonprofit and for-profit developers in San Antonio. Those RFPs will outline the type of housing the city wants build details that will differ depending on which of the 13 areas the city decides to target. Some will be more appropriate for apartments while single-family homes might better fit in others.
The city wont be building homes but will pay to make properties development-ready, by adding infrastructure and extending utilities, cleaning up any potential environmental issues or even clearing the land. That will allow developers to buy the land at a fair price, so the houses can be sold or rented to families at a reasonable, lower rate.
The city hasnt yet determined what percentage of the homes eventually built will be rental or for purchase, what percentage will be affordable or workforce housing and what will be mixed-income.
The city hopes to get all of the housing projects done in five years, Zanoni said.
The city used an example Wednesday, showing a family of three making $44,500 only could afford rent of $1,112 a month or a house thats priced at $145,000. Currently, median rents and home prices in the city are much higher than that.
However, Councilwoman Gonzales pointed out many of her constituents make far less than the salary in the citys example, some earning as low as $16,000 a year, raising doubt as to whether they could benefit from the housing bond.
Zanoni said the city could try to develop houses and units that are affordable for people making less.
She also worried that the city wont build in the areas in her district because those are traditionally harder to develop in.
I guess we have no guarantee that the money will go to specific areas, especially those with the most blight and the most need, Gonzales said.
District 6 Ray Lopez echoed that concern.
You dont want to walk away from areas just because theres not a large market, the councilman said.
Zanoni said the citizens housing bond committee ranked the 13 areas, and further criteria could be developed to give more weight to areas that are more distressed.
District 10 Mike Gallagher, whos been skeptical of the housing bond in the past, emphasized to his colleagues the city cant make this a district issue, noting that Districts 9 and 10 have no areas on the housing list and those are the districts where voter turnout traditionally is highest. The councilman did not say that District 9 and 10 representatives on the citizens bond committee themselves proposed removing those areas from the list.
When we go forward to the public and explain what these projects are, we need to clarify that very, very carefully, that this is something important for the whole city, Gallagher said.
At the end of Wednesdays discussion, Taylor said she would like the councils housing committee to discuss the creation of an oversight committee for the housing bond and to nail down more about criteria, to determine which of the 13 areas should be targeted for affordable housing discussions she wants to happen before the bond goes to voters May 6.
The mayor, who has made housing a cornerstone of her tenure in office, also said the city needs to look for other funding partnerships to address the communitys affordable housing needs. The city has said theres a shortage of more than 150,000 affordable housing units in San Antonio.
We cant expect this one initiative to address all of our housing challenges for the community, Taylor said.
vdavila@express-news.net
Twitter: @viannadavila
During the Christmas season I want to watch either heart-warming or fun films. So I went to see Office Christmas Party.
The trailer made it seem like the movie would keep me laughing from start to finish, but unfortunately its packaging was better than what was inside.
T.J. Miller plays Clay Vanstone, a fun-loving guy who is the branch manager of the family company. His sister, Carol Vanstone, portrayed by Jennifer Aniston, is all business. She is the CEO of the company and when she arrives in Chicago she announces her plans to close the branch.
Clay enlists help from his chief technical officer Josh Parker, played by Jason Bateman, and his No. 1 employee Tracey Hughes, portrayed by Olivia Munn.
They need to land a big client, Walter Davis, played by Courtney B. Vance, to save their branch. Clays Hail Mary play is to throw an old-school office Christmas party and get Davis to sign as a new client. Of course this type of party filled with booze and bad choices leads to all types of high jinks.
Many of the gags were well done, but they were ruined because I had seen them already in the trailer. One of the biggest mistakes comedies make is showing audiences the best jokes before they see the film. I understand they want to entice people into theaters but it lessens the impact when youve already seen it 20 times.
This movie also earns its R rating, but not in a good way.
I have a high tolerance for bad language and crude humor but this movie had me looking away at times because there were just too many penis jokes that were more ridiculous and over the top than funny.
Bateman and Aniston are seasoned comedic actors, but even they couldnt force a belly laugh out of me. The film had moments of frivolity that I enjoyed, but some bits needed to be cut or just shortened for enjoyment.
The movie made me laugh, but only in select parts. I didnt want my money back at the end, but I also dont think Ill watch it again.
Office Christmas Party is rated R for crude sexual content and language throughout, drug use and graphic nudity. The movie is 105 minutes long.
Rating for Office Christmas Party: 2 popcorns out of 5
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A week and a half after a massive hole opened in a road above a broken sewer pipe on the Southwest Side, sewage is still gushing into the hole while the San Antonio Water System tries to build a bypass.
SAWS crews and contractors have been working round the clock since Dec. 5 to get a surface line in place to route sewage around the broken line, Chief Operating Officer Steve Clouse told the SAWS board Wednesday.
Part-time Bexar County Sheriffs deputy Dora Linda (Solis) Nishihara died on Dec. 4 after her car plunged into the hole spanning Quintana Road. The SAWS board held a moment of silence for Nishihara at its meeting.
The sewer break and hole formed at the junction of an older concrete sewer line and a newer line that had been installed late last year.
The crews at the scene are setting up eight mile-long lines, laid side-by-side, to pump sewage around the hole, Clouse said.
SAWS officials said last week they would have the bypass system running within a few days, but Clouse said Wednesday that work wont done until the end of this week. To completely repair the pipe and the road will likely take four to six weeks, he said.
SAWS crews also surveyed the Quintana Road area by helicopter and walked along nearby sewer line branches. They found one collapsed section on private property about 1,000 feet away from the hole and another damaged section on nearby pastureland. Neither caused the massive erosion like that on Quintana Road.
Sewer lines in that area were due for upgrades as part of a roughly 10-year, $1.1 billion settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that requires SAWS to correct sewer leaks and overflows.
A sewer line that collapsed on Tuesday in the 3500 block of Buena Vista Street on the West Side also was on the list for repairs. That collapse created a smaller hole roughly 3 feet in diameter. SAWS fixed the line and had the hole filled as of Wednesday, spokeswoman Anne Hayden said.
We need to get another half-step in front of it, Clouse said, referring to the problem of sewer-line breaks.
bgibbons@express-news.net
Twitter: @bgibbs
They call me Tiger around here, but not because Im quick on my feet.
Like most nicknames that stick, this ones a mix of affection and ridicule, dating back more than 11 years to that time I wrote a front-page story in the San Antonio Express-News about a tiger on the loose in Atascosa County.
In appreciation of our current season of slow news days, and in an ill-advised fit of nostalgia inspired by recent reports of a mountain lion roaming southern Bee County, heres a glance back to when this jaded columnist was a highly suggestible newspaper intern.
(Its either that, or I complain about President-elect Donald Trump some more. Would you prefer that? I didnt think so.)
Dangerous-animal-on-the-loose stories are a genre unto themselves in journalism; theyre like weather stories with sharp teeth.
Just this past May, Express-News staff writer Brendan Gibbons wrote about an alligator glimpsed on the Guadalupe River by a kayaker, who thought he was looking at a big toad before realizing it was a 3-foot gator.
There was one crucial difference between the gator and my tiger, though. That is, the kayaker had photographic evidence of the alligators existence. When an editor dispatched me in the summer of 2005 to northern Atascosa County to locate a tiger, we were operating solely on hearsay.
I was a 25-year-old intern on the newspapers State Desk, green and eager to please. My editor was an excitable guy with a pre-recession budget who caught wind from a relative that a tiger was running amok about 40 miles south of San Antonio.
Long story short, I drove the farm-to-market roads for days in a Jeep, but I never found any tigers.
This did not stop me, however, from writing a story.
For six months, I began, something has been prowling the countryside along FM 3006 in northern Atascosa County, snatching up dogs, roosters and calves.
Something was prowling the countryside not necessarily a tiger, but something. So far, so truthy, eh?
I quoted a rancher who swore he had come face-to-face with a full-grown tiger one night while baling hay on his tractor.
I quoted another local who recalled meeting a strange man who was looking for an escaped tiger, his sons pet. (The local could not remember the mans name.)
I tracked the disappearance of smaller creatures seven dogs, five game roosters that had vanished from peoples yards under mysterious circumstances.
I thought I was onto something.
The chief deputy of the Atascosa County Sheriffs Office thought differently.
We have no substantiated reports of loose tigers whatsoever, he told me. Everything Ive heard is like fourth- and fifth-hand information. And none of this has come directly to the Sheriffs Office.
Photographic evidence would be nice, he added. In our business, we base our work on facts and evidence. And right now, theres no facts or evidence to support that there is a loose tiger.
Facts? Evidence?
Perhaps my tiger story was just ahead of its time. It would have gained more traction, I would bet, in Trumps post-truth America. (Sorry, I couldnt help myself.)
As it happened, the metro editor of the newspaper spent nearly two months demurring before finally assenting, with grave reservations, to publish my story, Tiger tales swishing through Atascosa.
He had journalistic values, you see.
Nonetheless, for reasons that remain unclear, he hired me as a staff writer later that year. More than a decade later, the only place I could find the entire story online is in a post on Yahoo! by the Paranormal & Ghost Society.
Fitting, perhaps.
Ghost or not, though, in a sense, Im still chasing that tiger: just something someone told me, a story that might or might not be true but would be thrilling if it were and certainly worth sharing in print.
In any case, people here still call me Tiger.
Some things you just cant live down.
bchasnoff@express-news.net
CANTON, Ohio Growing up on the family farm, Charlie Swartz and his adult children knew they had something special. They heard stories about their relatives and about how one of their own, Jacob Schwartz, helped start the Stark County Fair in 1850.
But it wasnt until the past few years that they began to fully appreciate what they have, and what it means to the county.
You never really thought much of it when you were little, said Dave Swartz, a son. (The farm) was just your job work on the farm and go out and do what you have to do. But then as years went by, then you started realizing that yeah, it really is something special to have a farm in your name for over 200 years.
The state of Ohio thought the same thing, when it awarded the family an heirloom certificate signed by Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Ohio Agriculture Director Dave Daniels, during this years opening ceremonies at the Stark County Fair.
Another Stark County farm, owned by the Richard Bowman family, also received the bicentennial farm recognition.
Then and now
Much has changed in the 200 years that the Swartz family has farmed in Stark County.
The original land has changed hands multiple times, the crops and equipment have changed, and so has the family name, which went from Schwartz to Swartz, during the third generation.
But one thing that hasnt changed is the familys commitment to agriculture.
The original Swartz Farm was started in 1816 by Henry and Catherine Schwartz. Their son, Jacob, helped found the Stark County Agricultural Society in 1850, which led to the first county fair.
In Jacobs day, the farm raised sheep and Red Dane cattle, a dairy breed popular in northern Europe. And Jacob didnt just raise them, he also showed them winning a silver cup at the Stark County Fair.
The farm, which is the same age as the township where it is located, Lake Township, became a dairy operation in 1918 and continued until the family retired the herd in 2003.
Current generation
Today, the farm is operated by Charlie Swartz, 85, and his adult children and grandchildren. That includes Dave Swartz sister, Debbie, and brothers Kevin and Ed.
They farm about 450 acres, with a few fields that date back to the original farm. Charlie still has some of the Farmall tractors his family farmed with, including a Farmall C that his father, Russell, bought to replace the horses.
Charlie, who is also a Korean War veteran, joined the fair board in 1958. He is still a board member, and in 2008, he was inducted into the Ohio Fair Managers Hall of Fame.
In 1993, Dave also joined the fair board, and Charlies grandson, Aaron Tournoux, is also a member. Its believed to be the first time that three generations of a family have served on the board at one time.
Dave said he enjoys helping young people come up through the program, and being involved with the whole agricultural experience.
Its just in your blood, he said.
Over the years, Charlie has helped coordinate about every department, including the beef and dairy projects. He also helped start the tractor pull in 1963, which continues today as one of the main grandstand attractions.
Charlie was also a 4-H adviser for 30 years, and when his children were young, they were all involved with showing animals at the fair.
Fond memories
Each member of the family has his or her own memories about the farm, and because its still a family-run grain operation, new memories are being made.
Debbie (Swartz) Tournoux remembers when her grandfather showed her an 1875 atlas, that had a picture of the family farm.
He used to show this to me when I was 10 years old, she said. History means a lot to me.
She said seven generations of family have attended the same local church, St. Jacobs Lutheran, and six generations are buried there.
Overcoming challenges
Charlie said during one generation, three children were buried on the family farm behind his home, where some oak trees now grow. He believes they may have died from a disease, such as smallpox.
The farm has overcome other challenges, as well.
When Dave was 9, he suffered a severe power take-off accident that left him with a broken leg at Thanksgiving. And in 2006, someone apparently set the familys barn on fire, the same night that other local fires were set.
Dave overcame his injuries, and the barn was rebuilt.
Kevin said the family has faced its share of challenges, like any farm family does, but has always stuck together.
This time and age, when things dont even last 10, 15, 20 years anymore, to say weve been here for 200, it gives (me) a lot of pride, he said.
When the family retired from dairy in 2003, they began finishing some beef cattle, but now mostly produce crops. Charlie also still has 25 Cheviot sheep, and four Haflinger mares.
Looking ahead
The farms seventh generation, which includes Aaron and Zachary Tournoux, is active on the farm and they bought some land of their own just last year. Both have degrees from Ohio State University and own their own business, Tournoux Landcare.
Others from the seventh generation include Marissa Tournoux, and Daves son, David.
Charlie said he and the family have made arrangements to keep the land in the family. And even though there are now multiple owners, the family still works together.
We have arguments, but we still get along, Charlie said.
(In 2016, the Rural Roles series featured 12 different voices within the agriculture industry who make a difference and often go unrecognized. This is the final piece in the series.)
COLUMBUS Sometimes when I tell people that I do ag law, they go what is that? Well, take just about any area of law and apply it to agriculture and thats ag law, said Peggy Hall.
From water laws to zoning laws, to employment and labor, there are so many areas that apply slightly differently to agriculture, said Hall, an assistant professor and field specialist in agricultural and resource law at Ohio State University. And one of her favorite parts of agricultural law is finding that balance and helping farmers understand their rights and maintain their production.
Rural beginnings
Hall grew up in the rural town of Richwood, Ohio, in Union County. We lived in a farm community so we all got involved in 4-H and FFA as soon as we got out into the country, but my parents were not farmers, she said. Hall showed horses and pigs and took special-interest projects through the local 4-H program and joined FFA at North Union High School. I and three other girls were the first girls in our FFA chapter, said Hall.
She was actively engaged in the FFA program, taking on an officer role and soaking up all she could learn from her teacher, Harold Karcher. Actually, I think it was my ag teacher who really drew me into agriculture, Hall said. Its one thing to live in the country, but its another thing to really get engaged in the business of agriculture. I was just pulled into that and I just loved it, she said. Taking in everything she could in her agriculture classes, Hall knew she wanted to pursue a career related to agriculture.
When she started college at Ohio State University, she pursued natural resources. Its kind of strange to think of it like this now, but I thought, because I didnt come from a farm, I guess I didnt think majoring in ag was something I could do, she said. So she studied natural resource policy, which has been, actually, a good complement to what I do now in agriculture, she said.
Sometimes when I tell people that I do ag law, they go what is that? Well, take just about any area of law and apply it to agriculture and thats ag law. -Peggy Hall
Out West
After undergrad, Hall moved to Jackson, Wyoming. I went there kind of on a whim. I had some friends out there and took up writing for the newspaper there, she said. Hall found herself becoming more and more interested in natural resource issues, so she came back to Ohio State to get her masters degree in natural resource policy.
It was about that time that I discovered that I could combine agriculture into that, she said. Thats when I decided to go to law school. Hall moved back out to Wyoming because the University of Wyoming law school allowed her to study both agricultural law and resource law. So I got back to ag eventually, but boy, I wish I would have just started in it, she said.
While studying in Wyoming, Hall became more convinced she had chosen the right track in life while she was working for a law firm in Cheyenne. All they did was represent farmers and ranchers on public lands because Wyoming is mostly public land, said Hall.
Hall explained the farmers there are very dependent on federal lands for grazing and water rights, and Hall was in the middle of all those issues. When I had a chance to work with that firm that summer and see, really see, from that kind of inside view, all those issues that a rancher had to deal with that really just pulled me in, she said.
Family farm
After law school, Hall reconnected with her high school sweetheart Dan Hall, who was the president of the North Union FFA chapter while Peggy was the secretary. Dan and Peggy would move to Michigan for a couple years before Dans job would transfer them back to the Buckeye State. It was back in Ohio where things started to come full circle.
They bought a farm in Union County that had been homesteaded by the Hall family in 1880. Its just a small grain farm, around 200 acres. Not big, but we both have careers off the farm, she said. Over the years, the Halls three children have had 4-H projects of their own on the small farm.
She took a job working private practice for a law firm in Dublin, Ohio, working mostly with clients in agriculture. Her boss, Paul Wright, had taught at Ohio State before retiring and opening the law firm. Ohio State Extension approached Wright about bringing an ag law class back to the university. So Paul asked me if I would like to do that teach the class and do some work for Extension and I said, sure, said Hall.
That eventually lead to Ohio State creating a full-time position for Hall in the late 90s. Hall helped recreate the agricultural law program at Ohio State, adding a natural resource law program.
A leader
Along with teaching and being an Extension field specialist, Hall is also a member of the American Agricultural Law Association (AALA), where she has served as president and was recently awarded the Excellence in Agriculture Law Award. Peggy has served the association as president, presenter, moderator, committee member and in almost every capacity that the organization has called upon her for service, said Beth Crocker, a past AALA president.
Hall currently serves as the chairperson of the strategic planning committee, providing guidance into meeting the needs of current and new members. Jesse Richardson, who served on the board while Hall was president, said Hall made significant changes in the organization that led to great improvements.
Basically, Peggy forced everyone to quit thinking in the mode of this is how we have always done it, and to switch to how should we be doing this, he said. Peggy started the organization on a strategic plan, said Richardson. No more ad hoc decisions. Instead, we are now planning for the future, and make strategic decisions.
He explained, when Hall took over as president, we were at a crossroads. Older members wanted to keep the status quo while younger members wanted change. Peggy tipped the balance in favor of re-examining the status quo, said Richardson.
Personally, I have found Peggy to be a wonderful mentor, encouraging me to pursue topics of interest, reaching out to members and believing in me to take on certain leadership roles within AALA, said Crocker.
Current projects
With water quality at the forefront of agricultural issues right now, Hall said one of her latest projects is in agricultural nutrient management. Im looking at approaches all around the country, she said. How are other states handling this issue of trying to address ag nutrient management and land application of ag nutrients in light of water quality, and how do we navigate that?
Its like going back to Wyoming and some of the issues I started with, and here we are dealing with a slightly different issue but still trying to find that balance.
5 minutes with Peggy Hall
Family: Husband, Dan; son, Riley; and daughters, Maggie and Grace.
First job: Working dispatch for the Richwood Police Department in high school.
Best family memory: Traveling to her grandparents place in Harlan, Kentucky, as a child. They had a little cabin in the holler of Kentucky, and I loved going there.
Favorite vacation destination: Lakeside, Ohio. Thats where we have taken the children for years. Its one of Ohios best kept secrets.
Something from your bucket list: Ive always wanted to go to Italy and see the countryside.
Someone might be surprised to know: I waited on Harrison Ford. While living in Jackson, Wyoming, Hall worked as a waitress at a diner that Ford frequented. Hes a very private person, but he had his favorite places to go He was very nice but he really didnt want to be noticed or fussed over. You knew if you waited on Harrison you just kind of gave him his space.
Best advice you ever received: When Hall first started law school, she was a bit overwhelmed with everything she thought she had to know. I just felt like, how am I ever going to learn all of this? Her law professor told her, You dont have to know everything, you just have to know where to find what you need to know.
Advice for someone considering agricultural law: I think its a very good field to get into right now. Theres always been a need for it, but as agriculture becomes more complex, as we become more regulated, and as we continue to expand and diversify, I think that creates need for people who are well versed in both law and agriculture.
Farmers and related services will have to be more agile and resourceful 'than ever before' as subsidies start to decline a leading agricultural lawyer has warned.
Paul Rice, head of the agricultural sector group at Wright Hassall, addressed farmers and businesses from the rural sector at the firms Agricultural Christmas Conference, The future of farming in a post-Brexit world.
Rice said: I get slightly troubled by the constant labelling of farming and related services being part of the rural economy. We are actually part of the economy per se, and a very important part of it, but sadly one which is often overlooked by Government.
The industry has not, perhaps, been vocal enough in advocating its worth in both real and added value terms to the countrys economy.
The UK food industry is bigger than the UK automotive and aviation sectors combined. The CLA Rural Business 2030 report said that on average 13bn is invested by rural businesses each year - which is double that of the car industry.
Mr Rice continued: Like all industries we are operating in a time of general uncertainty but that said, one thing is certain, that farmers and related services will have to be more agile and resourceful than ever before as direct payments to the sector start to decline.
There have been reassurances that money will continue to be paid to the sector after leaving the EU but not a single commentator has suggested that the level will be anywhere near the current level.
The industry has to be on a quest of constant improvement. That might be through maximising yields through improving soil health, moving to spring cropping and operating more efficiently, it might be through machinery sharing agreements with neighbouring farmers or joining buying groups.
Mr Rice concluded: Many farmers, certainly in the Midlands, have diversified but there is still masses more which could be done to supplement income. That should be explored and explored now.
ELKO The Elko County School Board unanimously rejected bids from both Ascent Construction and MGM Construction for the West Wendover Middle School renovation and gym expansion project.
The bids were for a project that is estimated to cost around $3,702,443. Remodel costs of about $2 million are for the 32,500 square foot main school building, while expansion of the gym will likely cost as much as $1,702,443.
There were protests from both companies and state law requires that, if made within a certain amount of time, the board must review the protests.
The board on Tuesday unanimously declared both bids nonresponsive.
According to Superintendent Jeff Zander, both bids had incorrect documentation. He said the school board would be running an advertisement in the Elko Daily Free Press reopening opportunities for the bid.
The bid will be open to other companies, but Zander believes both MGM and Ascent will correct the errors and resubmit.
I think that depending on when the ad goes in we will be able to set the next meeting date, Zander said.
The next board meeting should be scheduled for late December.
A new survey has found that around one in eight (13%) Welsh farmers would consider leaving the industry if the NVZ proposals are introduced.
NFU Cymru has held a briefing event with Assembly Members to reveal the results of the survey, showing members strong opposition to Welsh Governments NVZ proposals.
The survey showed the concerns of almost 300 farmers from across Wales over the costs and impacts that NVZ designation plans could have on farm businesses and the wider rural community.
The survey showed that around one in eight (13%) farmers would consider leaving the industry if the NVZ proposals are introduced. Nearly three quarters (73%) of farmers surveyed did not have sufficient slurry storage on their farm to meet the proposed NVZ requirements and it would cost, on average, nearly 80,000 for Welsh farmers to upgrade their slurry storage facilities to achieve NVZ slurry storage compliance.
A nitrate vulnerable zone is a conservation designation for areas of land that drain into nitrate polluted waters, or waters which could become polluted by nitrates. In line with the Nitrates Directive, EU Member States are required to undertake a review to assess and designate areas as NVZs every four years.
'Strongly opposed'
Stephen James, NFU Cymru President, said NFU Cymru is 'strongly opposed' to the consultation proposals as the costs associated with the implementation 'vastly outweigh any benefits' to water quality.
He said: The rules will reduce a farmers ability to make decisions based upon their own knowledge of the land and the weather, leading to a farming by calendar approach rather than assessing the conditions on the ground.
Farmers play an important role in environment management and we want to help improve water quality our survey shows that 75% of those questioned would consider a voluntary approach to managing nitrate levels - but the fact remains these plans will be extremely damaging to the industry.
The impact on Pembrokeshire, in particular, could be enormous. We estimate the proposals covering Milford Inner Waterway could hit 50% of Wales potato production and 25% of the countrys dairy production.
Mr James concluded: I sincerely hope that the Assembly Members who we have engaged with today are able to make their voices heard and help derail these overly prescriptive, and frankly, unworkable proposals that will have a catastrophic impact on the farming industry and wider rural economy, as well as unintended consequences for the environment.
NFU Cymru Conference: Farmers need more help to 'weather current storms'
Where to eat and drink in the Fayetteville area this weekend
More people from a variety of backgrounds are getting a fair shot at justice these days, thanks to the development of specialty courts such as those used to deal with drug offenders in Elko County.
As Nevada Supreme Court Justice Michael Douglas explained during his recent visit, treatment options were formerly available only to those who could afford to pay an attorney and a private drug counselor. Thanks to the new courts which are funded largely with special assessments more offenders are being channeled into a system that can help determine whether they can be rehabilitated.
Its a trend that has support from both sides of the political spectrum, Douglas explained to members of the local legal community and related organizations.
First, the liberal part of our society said well, drugs in many cases are not that bad, why are we putting these people in jail? The only people they are affecting are themselves, which is not really true. The other group, the conservative side of the agenda, looked up and said you know weve got all these problems and we dont have enough money. Why are we wasting money incarcerating these people?
The drug court system has evolved over the past quarter-century, and for many offenders it is working better than simple incarceration.
Fifty percent of the people who go in our specialty courts tend to be successful and 75 percent of those individuals likewise do not reoccur, Douglas said.
One of the key success factors is the quality of judge, particularly their ability to serve as an authority figure as they monitor a participants progress. Douglas mentioned as an example the late District Judge Andrew Puccinelli, who got Elkos drug court started, as well as current judges Al Kacin and Nancy Porter.
The interaction between a person in a program and their judge, their authority figure, is very important because it is a teaching opportunity and a relationship has to exist, Douglas said.
But that requires qualities not taught in law school.
They have to put time in, they have to do something outside their job descriptions that make it work, he added.
Specialty court programs are expanding nationwide, and the future could bring a virtual cafeteria of choices for judges in determining the most suitable approach. We are seeing a wider selection of categories in places like Clark County, where Douglas said judges were at the forefront of the nations development of drug courts and now have rock star status.
Clark Countys district court now operates six drug courts:
Adult Criminal Drug Court, for felony cases.
Prison Re Entry Drug Court, for non-violent inmates within two years of probable release.
Dependency Mothers Drug Court, to assist women who have child custody issues due to their addiction to methamphetamine or other substances.
Juvenile Drug Court, for juvenile offenders.
Dependency Drug Court, for parents petitioned into court for abuse/neglect of their children
Child Support Drug Court, for non-custodial parents who are petitioned into court for non-payment of their child support obligation.
Elkos district is not likely to see such variation in the near future, particularly with the dearth of mental health providers here. But the possibility of adding more specialty courts should not be overlooked. Categories adopted in other Nevada jurisdictions include felony DUI, mental health, veterans treatment, dependency mothers, and women in need.
Douglas explained that specialty courts are most successful when all of the players in the system work together district attorneys, defense attorneys, judges, treatment providers and social service providers.
Thats why Porter arranged the continuing education opportunity in Elko, and invited Douglas to speak. We appreciate their time and effort to improve the quality of justice in our corner of the state.
Our courts should not be meting out justice based on an offenders ability to buy his or her way out of the situation. Specialty courts are giving more people a second chance to either straighten up or be introduced to Nevadas prison system.
A smiley face, a red kiss or a heart. Any symbol that clearly expresses ones voting intention on the ballot paper will be as acceptable as a cross in the presidential elections coming up in Ecuador on February 19. It will be up to the officers manning the polling stations to interpret citizens voting intention when the latter is expressed through a drawing.
A woman votes in the 2013 general elections. REUTERS
More information Ecuador podra votar con besos y emoticonos
The National Electoral Council is now training the individuals who will sit at the stations, to ensure that those votes get counted unless they are unclear.
If you have a box to check in order to choose the presidential nominee or any other candidate, you can place the vertical line over the horizontal one, but if you draw a happy face as an expression of acceptance, it is also considered valid, explains Tania Arias, in charge of officer training at the Electoral Delegation in Guayas province.
This possibility is implicit in the Democracy Code that regulates elections in Ecuador. The code says that authorities will consider valid any votes cast on ballot papers supplied by the Council and which intelligibly express the voters will in any way. No further details are provided.
It takes away from the seriousness of the process, and creates unnecessary uncertainty at such an important moment of change
Cesar Montufar, Movimiento Concertacion
EL PAIS asked the vice-president of the National Electoral Council, Nubia Villacis, about the decision to accept drawings as votes, and whether it is not arbitrary to leave interpretation at the discretion of polling station officers. This official did not answer any of the queries.
But these and other questions regarding the interpretation of electoral rules are a source of concern for political parties running in the 2017 elections.
Leaders of Compromiso Ecuador, which supports the main opposition candidate Guillermo Lasso, of Movimiento Creando Oportunidades, believe that any symbol that is not a vertical line (superimposed on the pre-existing horizontal line to create a cross) is open to arbitrariness and subjectivity, said Francisco Jimenez.
Wilma Andrade, national president of Democratic Left whose nominee is former Quito mayor Paco Moncayo wondered what will happen if somebody draws a sad face against the name of one of the presidential nominees.
After serving three terms, President Rafael Correa cannot run for re-election next year. EFE
They could interpret it as dislike for the candidate...that is subjective and it would be very dangerous, she said.
Cesar Montufar, head of Movimiento Concertacion, which is allied with Social Christian Party candidate Cynthia Viteri, thinks that this kind of issue is part of a distraction strategy.
It takes away from the seriousness of the process, and creates unnecessary uncertainty at such an important moment of change, he said.
With three weeks to go before the presidential campaign to elect a substitute for President Rafael Correa officially kicks off, the National Electoral Council has yet to issue specific guidelines as to how each symbol should be interpreted.
The official in Guayas province said that if the drawing expressed a positive feeling, the ballot would be considered valid, but if it expressed a negative one, it would be declared spoiled.
Council president Juan Pablo Pozo has sought to allay fears by stating that the number of smiley face votes is minimal and that a vast majority of voters express their will clearly.
In 2015, UK-based newspaper The Guardian reported on the existence of similar guidelines in Britain.
English version by Susana Urra.
Brazil petrochemical giant Braskem SA said Wednesday it will pay about $957 million in penalties and damages for a global settlement related to the Operation Car Wash corruption and kickback scandal.
As part of the global settlement, the company will enter into a leniency agreement with authorities in Brazil.
Braskems announcement about the global settlement referred to negoatiations with competent authorities but didnt identify them or say if they include enforcement agencies outside Brazil.
The company said it will pay about half of the $957 million up front, after the ratification of the agreements by the respective competent courts.
The balance will be paid in six annual installments from January 2018 onwards, the announcement said.
Braskem didnt say Wednesday if the global settlement will include a resolution of FCPA offenses with the DOJ and SEC.
In early October, the company said it had started discussions with the DOJ and SEC. It said the discussions could lead to formal settlement negotiations and the resolution of allegations that it paid bribes in exchange for supply contracts from state oil company Petrobras.
Negotiations with U.S. and Brazil authorities would happen simultaneously, Braskem said in the October disclosure.
Petrobras and Brazil construction firm Odebrecht SA together control about 97 percent of Braskems voting stock and about 74 percent of its share capital.
A long-running probe by Brazil prosecutors into corruption at Petrobras has implicated scores of big companies and dozens of executives and politicians. The investigation is called Operation Car Wash.
Earlier this year, in another case linked to Petrobras, the CEO of Odebrecht SA Marcelo Odebrecht was sentenced to 19 years in prison for money laundering, corruption, and taking part in a criminal association.
In April 2015, Sao Paulo-based Braskem said it and two former executives were accused of making improper payments for Petrobras raw material supply contracts from 2006 to 2012.
The allegations appeared in lawsuits filed by third parties, the company said.
Braskem is Latin Americas biggest petrochemical producer. Revenue last year was about $22.5 billion. It has about 8,000 employees worldwide at 40 production facilities, including five in the United States.
Braskem SA trades on the NYSE under the symbol BAK.
* * *
Heres Braskems December 14, 2016 announcement:
Braskem S.A. (Company), in compliance with CVM Ruling n 358/02, informs its shareholders and the market that, on this date, it entered into a Leniency Agreement with the Federal Prosecutors Office (Leniency Agreement), the effectiveness of which is subject to ratification by the 5th Chamber of Coordination and Revision of the Federal Prosecutors Office and by the 13th Federal Justice Criminal Court of Curitiba/PR.
The Leniency Agreement is the Brazilian part of the global settlement, which the Company previously informed the market is in the advanced stages of negotiation with the competent authorities.
Under the global settlement, the Company will pay to the competent authorities, in penalties and damages, a total amount of approximately US$ 957 million, equivalent to approximately R$ 3,1 billion.
Out of this amount, approximately R$ 1,6 billion will be paid up front, after the ratification of the agreements by the respective competent courts. The balance of approximately R$ 1,5 billion will be paid in six annual installments, from January 2018 onwards, adjusted by the IPCA variation.
The facts under the Leniency Agreement comprise all the facts ascertained up to now that involve Braskem within the context of the Carwash Operation. As a result of the agreements, the Company will continue to cooperate with the competent authorities and implement improvements in its compliance system. The Company will also be subject to external monitorship.
The remaining terms of the Leniency Agreement are confidential, but comply, in general terms, with the standards adopted in other cases by the Federal Prosecutors Office.
The Company will keep the market informed of relevant updates to this matter.
____
Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog.
Kris Jenner is like a "second mother" to Blac Chyna.
Kris Jenner and Blac Chyna
The 61-year-old momager has proved an invaluable source of support and advice to her son Rob Kardashian's fiancee, and the 28-year-old beauty knows she can always turn to her when she needs help.
Speaking in a clip obtained by E! Online from her and Rob's upcoming special episode of their reality show, Chyna said: "Everybody always talks about mother-in-laws and how they can be.
"But Kris is totally different, you know always willing to give me personal, good advice.
"With everything from like health insurance to talking to her about Rob and future plans and everything in between.
"Kris is like a second mother to me."
During the clip which was filmed during her pregnancy, Chyna had a 4D scan of her baby daughter, Dream - who was born in November - and excitedly called Kris to share the images on FaceTime.
Kris exclaimed: "She's so cute!"
It was recently confirmed 'Rob & Chyna' has been renewed for a second eight-episode series in 2017.
Jeff Olde, executive vice-president of programming and development at E!, said: "Rob and Chyna's romance struck such a chord with our viewers, who were engaged in their story even before we started filming the first season.
"We are excited to share the next chapter of their story."
The first season of 'Rob & Chyna' was a major success on cable TV in the US, with the show charting the couple as they prepared for the birth of their first child and lifted the lid on their much-discussed relationship.
Rob and Chyna - who also has four-year-old son King Cairo with ex-partner Tyga - are currently living in a lavish mansion owned by Kylie Jenner, Rob's half-sister, in order to be closer to his family.
Duchess Catherine became a scout for the day on Wednesday (14.12.16).
Duchess Catherine
The 34-year-old royal visited North Wootton, which is just down the road from her home, Amner Hall in Norfolk, East Anglia, where she was greeted by a group of young scouts.
Nine-year-old Dylan McKenna told of how impressed the Duchess of Cambridge was his job of putting her arm in a sling.
He told press at the centre: "It was fun putting her arm in a sling as I was one of the only ones. She said I did a good job.
"She said, 'Well done, I'm very impressed with this.
"She kept the sling on for a wee bit then took it off.
"She asked me what badges I got and how much I enjoy Cubs."
The brunette beauty - who has three-year-old Prince George and 19-month-old Princess Charlotte with her husband Prince William, also 34 - also talked to 10-year-old Klaudia Lovic about her son George's ride on a pony.
She told PEOPLE: "It was awesome meeting her.
"When she asked me what I liked to do, I said I like ponies, and she asked me if I had been for a pony ride. She said when George went on a pony it was called Moo-Moo. I told her I might go for a pony ride on my birthday."
On meeting the Duchess, Cub Scout leader Hazel Colley said: Meeting the Duchess has been the best birthday present this Cub Scout Pack could have possibly imagined
"It's an evening that they will never forget, and the most exciting thing that has happened to me in all my time as a volunteer. The Duchess helped our Cub Scouts learn valuable skills for life and in reality that's what Scouting is all about, adults and young people alike having fun, enjoying new adventures and learning new skills."
Prince Charles visited the Northwood's Joint Forces Command Headquarters on Wednesday (14.12.16).
Prince Charles
The 68-year-old royal was greeted by soldiers at the base in Middlesex, England, who spoke to him about the fight against the extremist group.
Rear Admiral Tony Radakin said: "It was an honour for me to host the Prince of Wales.
"As a long-standing supporter of the armed services, the prince took a keen interest in the diverse range of work we do to support UK defence."
Charles - who is married to Duchess Camilla - has previously been vocal about the threat to the Orthodox Christian Coptic church in the Middle East region in recent years.
He has also met with Christian Syrians and Iraqis who have been forced to flee their homes because of the rise of Islamic State.
The Prince of Wales recently spoke of the "appalling suffering" of Christians in Syria.
He attended the consecration of the Syrian Orthodox Church in west London where he gave a speech.
He said: "It is surely deeply encouraging, at a time when the members of the Syriac Orthodox Church in their homelands of Syria and Iraq are undergoing such desperate trials and such appalling suffering, that in Britain the Syriac Church is able to expand and gain in strength."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle enjoyed their first date in London together on Wednesday (14.12.16).
Meghan Markle
The 32-year-old royal and the 35-year-old actress - who have been dating for around four months - were spotted holding hands as they headed to the Apollo Theatre in the British capital for a last minute trip to see 'Peter Pan Goes Wrong'.
A close pal of Harry's told The Sun newspaper: "Harry has said his privacy is important to him but they are clearly not afraid to be seen in public together.
"They are clearly crazy about each other and have told friends they are very much in love.
"As an actress, Meghan loves the theatre so this was an obvious date to go on."
On Monday (12.12.16), the couple surprised staff when they paid a visit to Pines and Needles in Battersea Park, south London, and walked away with a 6ft Nordman fir Christmas tree.
Sam Lyle - who set up the stall with his brother Josh in 1996 - said: "We have looked after some of Britain's highest profile names for nearly 20 years but you could have heard a pin drop - or a needle - when Prince Harry and Meghan walked into the store.
"They were completely charming together and blissfully unaware that our jaws had hit the floor. They chose a gorgeous Nordmann Fir and walked away after exchanging Christmas pleasantries.
"We hope we can add them to our list of illustrious names who buy from us each and every year. There would certainly be a rush from our staff should they ask us to decorate it, too!"
However, staff serving the couple only recognised the 'Suits' actress at first.
"They came in at about 8.30pm last night.
"Prince Harry was with Meghan and hilariously the staff only recognised Meghan at first - they were so excited to have the girl from 'Suits' there. It wasn't particularly cold but they were gloved and hatted out.
"The Christmas tree shop is in Battersea park so we've no idea if they were just passing - it's not too far from Kensington Palace, or whether they came specifically. It's a gorgeous atmosphere, so Christmassy, with carollers, it's very beautiful."
The couple spent around 15 minutes browsing before they chose and paid 59.05 for their tree, and donated an extra 1 to charity, and are thought to have taken it back to Nottingham Cottage, Harry's home at Kensington Palace.
A source said: "They arrived in a car and picked up a tree - they were there for about 15 minutes browsing and then having a look, then they selected their tree and Harry carried it on his shoulder once it was netted up, back to the car."
US retail companies need to localise their websites for key international markets like the UK, Australia, Mexico and Japan, says a recent research. Although progress is being made by companies, key areas such as localised payments options, merchandising and customer service options were often found to be poor in the study that included 51 US retailers.
The new research Localization Report 2016 published by Practicology, eShopWorld and TranslateMedia reviewed 25 sites of international markets like the UK, Australia, Japan and Mexico. It assessed their localisation efforts in areas including use of language across the site, merchandising and offers, mobile optimization, search engine optimization, social media, customer services, shipping and returns, pricing and payment.
US retailers were particularly strong at providing customer service support in local business hours, localising pricing, and localising their foreign language sites in the cases of Mexico and Japan. However, the same priority was not as evident in other English-language speaking countries, such as the UK and Australia. Overall the findings again demonstrate the competitive advantage to be gained from intensive localisation efforts.
US retail companies need to localise their websites for key international markets like the UK, Australia, Mexico and Japan, says a recent research. Although progress is being made by companies, key areas such as localised payments options, merchandising and customer service options were often found to be poor in the study that included 51 US retailers.#
Japanese websites of US retailers were the most localised, with evidence of the considerable investment by US brands in their Japanese service proposition. Close to 96 per cent have fully localised their product details, 80 per cent have country-specific homepage merchandising, 64 per cent have fully localised site navigation, 76 per cent have country-specific offers and promotions, 88 per cent have a Japanese customer service phone number and 96 per cent offer returns by post to a Japanese address.
US retailers offer Japanese products at a premium price, with 100 per cent of retailers marking up prices for Japans online shoppers, in comparison to their US prices.
We have seen US retailers invest in localising their international websites in the last few years as a way of driving cross-border online sales growth. However, we feel that there are clear opportunities to go further, and provide a truly localised customer experience for their international customers in key markets, Nicola Huet, head of internationalization, Practicology.
The report also found that 52 per cent of US retailers have not localised their sites completely for their UK websites and about 96 per cent of them have done so for their Mexican sites.
About 68 per cent have completely localised their site navigation into UK and Australian English, however, only half have extended this fully to include product and description and other content on their UK sites. Close to 80 per cent retailers have fully localised their UK and Australian homepage language, with Mexican websites coming out on top with 96 per cent. (KD)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk India
The Cotton Productivity Enhancement Program (CPEP) project of US has developed an intercropping system to help Pakistan deal with cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) disease. This technology will protect cotton from curl virus, which otherwise has the capacity to decrease cotton yield by 20 per cent. Cotton is a major raw material for Pakistans textile industry.
Researchers are working towards developing the machinery that will help in the implementation of the intercropping system. This research programme will also increase cotton productivity in Pakistan, which accounts for a significant part of Pakistans gross domestic product, Dr Jodi Scheffler, a research geneticist with the US department of agriculture (USDA), told mediapersons.
Intercropping of cotton and wheat has the potential to save cotton from curl virus. Early plantation of cotton into standing wheat crop will help improve cotton production, according to Dr Abdul Majeed, country representative for International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA). Application of this system will increase the capacity of cotton to withstand CLCuV when the disease is at its highest level.
The application of new technology has begun in Pakistans Punjab province, where sowing starts after mid-November and harvesting begins after mid-May.
CPEP is a 5-year $4.5 million USDA research programme. The project aims to lessen the impact of curl virus on cotton production in Pakistan in order to improve contribution of agriculture, which accounts for a large part of the countrys GDP, said Dr Scheffler.
The USDA is associated with 13 Pakistani research groups from reputed institutions for implementation of CPEP project. (RR)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk India
It all started in early December when a few Colombian residents in Madrid expressed their dislike of a large sign unfurled in the Spanish capitals iconic Sol Square to advertise the Netflix series Narcos. The giant poster made its debut on December 2, or the 23 th anniversary of the death of the famous drug lord Pablo Escobar, the central figure in the popular television show which recounts his life history .
The poster in Madrid's Sol Square that has caused the diplomatic spat. Claudio Alvarez
More information Colombia pide retirar el aviso publicitario de Narcos en Madrid
On the billboard is a picture of Wagner Moura, the actor who plays Escobar, and the pun-laden slogan: Oh, blanca Navidad (Oh, White Christmas, a reference to cocaine).
On Tuesday, the government of Colombia joined the protests, with the countrys Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin asking Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena to take down the poster.
Holguin, who is traveling with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos currently on a European tour after accepting the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in forging a peace deal with the guerilla group FARC brought up the ad at a press conference in Madrid.
Pablo Escobar was a murderer who under no circumstances should be praised as a hero Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos
The minister said that Colombian Ambassador Alberto Furmanski has been in touch with Madrid authorities about taking down the sign because of the negative image it portrays about the Latin American nation.
The efforts that Colombia made to turn the page on the Medellin cartel, on drugs, [it] is something that we are over now, and the vision that the world has of Colombia now is different, but preconceived notions persist, and if we add this type of advertising, then great damage is done to our country, she said.
Juan Manuel Santos himself conveyed the same message in a radio interview on Onda Cero. Although he described the show as very good, he stressed that Pablo Escobar was a murderer who under no circumstances and no point of view should be praised as a hero.
Colombian Culture Minister Mariana Garces has also been in touch with Netflix asking for the poster to be removed. The streaming content company has not made any public statements about the controversy.
The billboard made its debut on the 23rd anniversary of Pablo Escobar's death
Meanwhile, Madrid City Hall has said it is investigating whether the banner is legal.
Colombians in Madrid have started an online petition to have the ad taken down because it is demeaning for Netflix to hang a sign for the Narcos series in Madrids most emblematic spot, where thousands of people from all over the world walk by every day. Over a thousand people had signed the petition by Thursday morning.
English version by Susana Urra.
Seiko Epson Corporation, a pioneer of digital textile printing and a leader in connecting people, things and information with efficient and precision technologies, has announced the opening of two new hub sites, the innovation research lab and the printing research centre, dedicated to the development of new industrial digital textile products in Italy.The innovation research lab will focus on ink technology R&D and has been created by Epson together with For.Tex, provider for dyes, thickeners, and specialty for printing. The printing research centre, in collaboration with F.lli Robustelli, a major player in production engineering for textile printers, will aid future development of Epson inkjet core technology dedicated to textile printing.
Seiko Epson Corporation, a pioneer of digital textile printing and a leader in connecting people, things and information with efficient and precision technologies, has announced the opening of two new hub sites, the innovation research lab and the printing research centre, dedicated to the development of new industrial digital textile products in Italy.#
The two new sites join Epsons established textile solution centre in Como, Italy. With the opening of these facilities, Epson, For.Tex and F.lli Robustelli have realised their vision to create a worldwide hub for the digital textile printing industry based in Italy.With the aim of researching and developing new inks for industrial digital printing on a wide array of materials, the innovation research lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and is staffed with a team of highly-skilled technologists and researchers (chemical engineers, chemical analysts, lab technicians, etc.). The lab is committed to research that will increase industrial ink performance and sustainability on behalf of Epson.The printing research centre, located in F.lli Robustellis head office, will aid product development of inkjet core devices, ensuring the continued development of the highest quality textile printers for Epson.Sunao Murata, chief operating officer, of Epsons professional printing operations division said, We are delighted to announce the establishment of the innovation research lab and the printing research centre in Como. These state-of-the-art R&D facilities symbolise Epsons strong commitment to accelerating the development of digital textile inkjet printing both in the Como region and the rest of the world. (GK)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk India
In its December report, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected US cotton production for 2016 at 16.5 million bales, an increase of 2 per cent above the 2015 cotton crop. However, the December report has kept unchanged the planted and harvested area, estimated respectively at around 10.2 million acres and 9.7 million acres in the current year.According to USDA, the abandonment rate of 5 per cent forecast for this season is the lowest since the 2010 cotton crop.
In its December report, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has projected US cotton production for 2016 at 16.5 million bales, an increase of 2 per cent above the 2015 cotton crop. However, the December report has kept unchanged the planted and harvested area, estimated respectively at around 10.2 million acres and 9.7 million acres in the current year.#
The 2016 US cotton yield is estimated at 821 pounds per harvested acre, 7 per cent above the previous season, driven by improved conditions, particularly in the Southwest regions.2016 upland cotton production is projected at 16.0 million bales, a massive jump as against around 12.5 million bales in 2015, while the extra long staple (ELS) crop is forecast at 562,000 bales, which is also considerably above the 2015 ELS cotton crop. (AR)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk India
Wuxi Yangbo Printing and Dyeing Machinery Equipment Co. Ltd., engaged in design and production of dyeing and finishing laboratory equipments and junk dyeing machine, bagged good business at the recently concluded textile machinery fair ITMA Asia + CITME. The value of contracts already signed based on contacts build up at the fair has touched $400,000.
Wuxi Yangbo Printing and Dyeing Machinery Equipment Co. Ltd., engaged in design and production of dyeing and finishing laboratory equipments and junk dyeing machine, bagged good business at the recently concluded textile machinery fair ITMA Asia + CITME. The value of contracts already signed based on contacts build up at the fair has touched $400,000.#
At the five-day fair in Shanghai, Yangbo showcased its Yabo brand lab dyeing machines and medium dyeing machines. The contracts have valued $400,000 till now, a company representative told Fibre2Fashion.
Wuxi Yangbo Printing and Dyeing Machinery Equipment Co. Ltd., engaged in design and production of dyeing and finishing laboratory equipments and junk dyeing machine, bagged good business at the recently concluded textile machinery fair ITMA Asia + CITME. The value of contracts already signed based on contacts build up at the fair has touched $400,000.#
Established in 2005, Yangbo mainly manufactures lab dyeing machine, medium batch dyeing machine, as well as overflow and airflow high and normal temperature dyeing machine with the advantage of low bath ratio and energy saving and environmental protection.
Wuxi Yangbo Printing and Dyeing Machinery Equipment Co. Ltd., engaged in design and production of dyeing and finishing laboratory equipments and junk dyeing machine, bagged good business at the recently concluded textile machinery fair ITMA Asia + CITME. The value of contracts already signed based on contacts build up at the fair has touched $400,000.#
The company has production factory of about 4,800 square metres in Qianzhou district, Wuxi City, Jiangsu province, China. It is the only company in Qianzhou town to implement 6S standard management. Its machines have been sold around the world, covering Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia and South America. (RKS)
Wuxi Yangbo Printing and Dyeing Machinery Equipment Co. Ltd., engaged in design and production of dyeing and finishing laboratory equipments and junk dyeing machine, bagged good business at the recently concluded textile machinery fair ITMA Asia + CITME. The value of contracts already signed based on contacts build up at the fair has touched $400,000.#
Fibre2Fashion News Desk China
Several Chilean officials have apologized after photographs showed them smiling next to a life-size inflatable sex doll at a dinner event organized by a business association. Seven high-ranking figures, including the economy minister and two presidential candidates all men are seen posing with a doll representing a naked woman, with a sign over its mouth reading: To stimulate the economy .
Economy Minister Luis Felipe Cespedes (r) accepts the inflatable doll. EFE
More information Una muneca inflable para reactivar las finanzas chilenas
The incident took place on Tuesday evening during a meeting organized by the Manufacturing Exporters Association (Asexma).
The images have triggered an intense debate about the pervasiveness of sexism in a country that is run by a female president, Michelle Bachelet.
The fight to earn respect for women has been an essential principle of my two terms in office. What happened at the Asexma dinner cannot be tolerated, said Bachelet in a Twitter message.
What happened is not consistent with respect for the dignity of women
Economy Minister Luis Felipe Cespedes
Womens Affairs and Gender Equality Minister Claudia Pascual tweeted: We lament the gift. The economy needs to be stimulated, but women should stop being used as sexual objects for chauvinist jokes.
The incident has stoked the debate on womens rights in a country where abortion is prohibited in all cases, where Congress is now debating a law to crack down on street harassment, and where 51 women have been murdered so far this year.
Odd presents
The members of Asexma have a tradition of finding atypical presents for the guests at their annual dinner gala. Association president Roberto Fantuzzi said that a committee of men and women decide on the presents each year, and that it was determined that Economy Minister Luis Felipe Cespedes should receive a sex toy this year as a joke about the need to stimulate the economy.
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has called the present intolerable. AFP
We apologize: I have a wife, daughters and grand-daughters, and there was never any intention to encourage violence against women, said Fantuzzi on Twitter, where the scandal first broke.
The economy minister, who is seen smiling as he accepts the present, also begged forgiveness: Even though the Asexma present came as a surprise, I apologize. What happened is not consistent with respect for the dignity of women.
Also in the photograph are two center-left candidates to the presidency: Jose Miguel Insulza, a former secretary general of the Organization of American States, and Senator Alejandro Guillier.
Both have since issued condemnatory statements, despite applauding in public on Tuesday.
My position against sexism and gender violence has been long held and is well known. I lament and reject what happened yesterday at the Asexma meeting, said Insulza. Guillier, for his part, condemned all types of discrimination and gender violence, even symbolic ones.
Former Chilean presidents Ricardo Lagos and Sebastian Pinera have voiced rebukes of their own.
English version by Susana Urra.
They say when 'Denzel Washington speaks, no one else does!' The same happened recently when he lectured a reporter about how to go about her job in the field of journalism. Denzel was on the red carpet for his film 'Fences' and the reporter asked him about 'fake news' doing the rounds on the Internet, in which she hinted Donald Trump and his supporters for propagating it. Denzel Washington masterfully turned the tables against the reporter and said,
"If you don't read the newspaper you're uniformed. If you do read it you're misinformed. That's a great question. What is the long-term effect of too much information? One of the effects is the need to be first, not even to be true anymore. So what a responsibility you all have; to tell the truth, not to just be first, but to tell the truth. We live in a society now where it's just first. Who cares? Get it out there. We don't care who it hurts, we don't care who we destroy, we don't care if it's true. Just say it, sell it." The reporters jaws dropped after hearing Denzel, and it was trending online for two full days.
Jacqueline Fernandez got super excited about how Denzel Washington spoke the truth right back to the media and posted the video clip on her Instagram account by saying, "Love what he says and how he says it! Doesn't get more true than this!!! #responsiblejournalism #respect #dignity #values are most important #stoptheBS."
The media has severely taken a beating in the USA after Donald Trump's victory, as they bashed him left, right and centre every single day and told him that he would never win. President-elect Trump shot back by calling them "the dishonest media" and "a bunch of liars" so much so that a newsreader started crying on live TV when Trump was declared the winner while defeating Clinton.
Well, it's great to see Jacqueline Fernandez being impressed by Denzel Washington on the issues that matter the most - Truth in journalism.
Shahrukh Khan Is A Coward & Beggar! Says Canadian Ex Minister Ujjal Dosanjh For Meeting Raj Thackery
'My Mom Is Upset'
Sana said, "My mom is upset about this, but I hope she will soon understand. She demands to know: 'Why have I exposed so much?'. But I think that all mothers in her place would have reacted likewise."
'It Has Taken Her By Surprise'
When Sana was asked, whether she asked her mom about this film, she told, "No, I did not. It has taken her by surprise." Asked about the reason for not telling her, she told, "Some people take a long time to understand and get convinced. Me too."
Sana's Mom Not Talking To Her?
When asked about the same, she told, "Not really, but I have told her: 'Ma, my character is nice which is why I did it but please stop judging me on it'."
Sana On Shooting Sex Scenes
"Of course, I know audiences enjoy it but trust me, I find sex scenes tougher than emotional scenes. It is very important to do sex scenes perfectly. Vishal used to hold my hand and say: Sana, please don't worry, you will be looking very pretty in these scenes," told Sana to Spotboye.
Is There Any Backless Scene Of Sana?
On that she told, "Thankfully, no. Vishal said: 'Whatever you have done is more than enough'. WTH has content."
Had She Done Retakes Of Love Scenes?
"Minimum. We made very sure of every camera angle and all things that mattered before we rolled. Vishal always set up the stage very patiently."
Sana Got Hate Mails For Exposing In WTH
When asked if she got any hate mail for exposing much in the film, Sana said, "Of course, there are some haters. There is nobody in this world who doesn't have his share of haters. Maybe Abdul Kalam saab was the only exception."
Bollywood is having a hard time this year after the Uri attacks as Pakistani artists are banned in the country and several self righteous groups have flamed the anger and targeted it against actors from across the border. A lot of directors, producers and actors have been facing backlash for including Pakistani actors in their films and now former Health Minister of Canada, Ujjal Dosanjh has written a letter to Shahrukh Khan showing his disgust for meeting Raj Thackery to discuss the safety issues during the release of Raees.
In the letter, Ujjal Dosanjh has called Shahrukh Khan a "coward" and a "Beggar" for not standing up to "self-appointed guardians" MNS. Read the whole letter below!
"Dear Shah Rukh,
I hope you do not mind me calling you Shah Rukh. Like most Indians, I feel I know you. But then again, perhaps I don't. First, it was Karan Johar prostrating himself before the self-appointed extra-constitutional arbiters of Indian patriotism, the MNS- an edifice of fanaticism and hate. I never thought you, the King, could succumb to such illegal and unseemly conduct of any goons, let alone the right-wing religious fanatic variety. I had once defended in writing your freedom to speak when you had thought out loud about an increasing sense of insecurity being felt by many people in India.
Until yesterday you were King Khan, the king of most Indian hearts. Now, one is left to wonder what you really are.
I don't know Mahira Khan. I am told she has an impressive screen presence. And you chose her to be your leading lady. You must have seen something in her to ask her to venture across the barb-wired border and appear in Raees despite the thorny Indo-Pak relations.
You know that the word "raees" means "chief", with a significant whiff of strength and power emanating from it. You were the King and had power that held sway over countless Indian hearts. Raj Thackeray and his hate-spewing followers had no legal power to enforce their diktats. That is why they threatened to disrupt the peace and prevent 'Raees' from being shown in the theatres unless you paid obeisance to Thackeray and agreed to not have Mahira attend the release of 'Raees'.
It must have been in a moment of fear or cowardice- you may call it desire to save your 'Raees' from ruin and I would reluctantly understand- you decided to transform from the King in you into a beggar, clutching the beggar's bowl in your frightfully folded hands and walk over to seek MNS' mercy. In that moment you, just as Karan Johar had done before you- granted them the right to be the self-appointed 'guardians' of peace and order in Mumbai and the surrounding areas. At that moment you mortgaged forever your freedom, particularly your freedom of expression, to MNS and any other group of goons who may choose to mimic them now or later.
You might argue that you couldn't count on Chief Minister Fadnavis having any or sufficient backbone to come to your aid and put Thackeray and his followers in their place. You knew he had once already surrendered to Raj Thackeray the chief ministerial power and responsibility to maintain law and order by sacrificing Johar at the MNS' altar. But then again, life is all about choosing to fight rather than foregoing one's dignity. You chose to be stripped of your dignity.
You are one of the world's wealthiest actors. You did not need to make more films just for money. I also know times do change and the hate of the MNS variety isn't the kind of force that lasts forever. If people of goodwill band together they can always defeat the forces of darkness and evil. And then there is Mahatma Gandhi's love is truth, truth is love-a power mightier than a million Hitlers. All the world needs is a powerful voice of resistance against evil.
Yours could have been that voice. Unfortunately, you failed to become that voice.
What kind of India is being ushered in where the tallest pillars of the film world like Karan and you keep falling one by one to pure hate and evil? Vast majority of Indians are decent, honest, peace-loving and hardworking. They are also freedom loving. If you had resisted the suppression of your freedom of expression, they would have stood with you. Had you told the pseudo-patriots to mind their own damn business, many Indians would have been ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in the ensuing fight.
But unfortunately, you chose surrender to evil, SRK. You bowed to hate. Hate won. And the love-far deeper and more important than the one for which you routinely sing and dance in the movies-the love of fundamental liberty and freedom of expression lost too. 'King' Khan, since you are no longer worthy of being called the "King", please tell us what to call you after your extremely deplorable deal with the merchants of hate of the MNS?
Your friend,
Ujjal Dosanjh"
Well, it's one thing for Mr. Ujjal Dosanjh to sit behind a computer and lecture Shahrukh Khan about what is right and what is wrong about freedom and peace, and it's another thing to be in India and live through the harsh realities of self appointed guardians from several fringe groups who reign supreme power. The only option left is to either fight with them (which is impossible) or to maintain amicable relations with the groups for your own good. Shahrukh Khan chose the latter, which is totally understandable.
Hollywood actress Ruby Rose reveals that she would almost have drowned during the shooting of her forthcoming movie, Meg.
The 30-year-old movie star, also stated that the incident has left deep scars on her mind.
Ruby said she was even more worried about the fact that, the entire crew and director of the film thought that she was just acting when she was actually trying to rescue herself while shooting for the intense shark scene.
"John thought I was acting, and I was acting for a little bit, but then I really needed them to throw me something to get out of the water.(John) was like, 'Just hold, this is great, this is amazing.' And I was thinking, 'This is not fantastic, I'm sinking'. Said Ruby Rose in a statement.
"I then screamed, 'Help!' I did it in my American accent because I thought, 'If this looks amazing, I still want it'. Because you can't say anything longer than (Ruby) when you're choking water up," Rose added further.
Meg is a movie based on the famous 1997 sci-fi book titled Meg: A Novel Of Deep Terror, written by Steve Alten. The movie has been set for a March 2018 release.
As per the reports, the plot revolves round the character of a former Naval captain portrayed by Jason Statham, assigned for a mission to rescue a group of Chinese scientists from a 70-foot prehistoric shark in the middle of a deep sea.
Zain Imam who heaped praises for his negative role as Yuvraj Luthra in Zee TV's primetime soap opera, Tashan-E-Ishq has bagged a meaty role in Yeh Vaada Raha. Yes, the popular show took a massive leap of 15 years and apart from the female lead, almost the entire cast was replaced.
The leap happened recently, post which Zain entered the show as the new male lead. He is playing the role of Abeer oppposite actress Sonal Vengurlekar. His professional life is definitely on a roll. It seems like his personal life is also on a roll!
Yes, the latest buzz is that the handsome actor is in a relationship with the very pretty Eisha Acton. Eisha is a British-born model and TV anchor and is currently hosting the Indian Super League.
Recently, Eisha posted a super cute picture of the duo on Instagram and even wished him luck for his new beginning.
She wrote, "Yay he's back on your screens... all the best @zainimam_official #aka#Abeer make sure y'all watching #YehVaadaRaha @ZeeTV 10pm Monday-Friday." Don't they look adorable together? Yes! They do.
Stay tuned for more updates...
HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/14/16 --Yingde Gases Group Company Limited ("Yingde Gases", the "Group" or the "Company"; SEHK stock code: 02168) was shocked at an open letter (the "Open Letter") on Hong Kong Economic Journal, which was published by Mr. Zhongguo Sun ("Mr. Sun") and Mr. Trevor Raymond Strutt ("Mr. Strutt") (collectively, the "Disgruntled Directors") without the authorization of the Board on December 14, 2016. The Company is uncertain about the purpose or motive of the Disgruntled Directors behind the publishing of the Open Letter, or whether there is any ulterior motive.
Yingde Gases published announcements on 6 November 2016, 8 November 2016 and 2 December 2016, to propose issuing 378,000,000 new shares (the "Proposed Placing") to Originwater Hong Kong Environmental Protection Co., Limited ("Originwater") under a general mandate. In addition, Yingde Gases also published an announcement on 6 November 2016 to reassign Mr. Sun and Mr. Strutt from executive directors to non-executive directors of the Company and remove Mr. Sun and Mr. Strutt from the posts of chief executive officer and chief operating officer of the Company respectively (the "Management Restructuring").
The Proposed Placing and the Management Restructuring were the collective decisions of the majority of the board of directors of the Company, including the independent non-executive directors at the Board meetings on 5 November 2016, in accordance with the articles of association of the Company. The Group is convinced that the Proposed Placing and the Management Restructuring are in the interest of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. The Proposed Placing would be able to improve the financial structure of the Company, lower its financial costs, and introduce Originwater as a strategic investor, which should be helpful in improving the management, long-term business development and corporate governance of the Company. As for the Management Restructuring, it will enable the senior management to cope with the challenges the Company is facing in the current market and economic environment and to encourage the senior management to work more efficiently at a higher performance level to create more value for the shareholders of the Company.
To the best knowledge of the Group, the public shareholders, investors and creditors generally responded positively to the Proposed Placing and the Management Restructuring. Meanwhile, the employees of the Company welcomed the decisions with good morale.
However, following the announcement of the Proposed Placing and the Management Restructuring, the Disgruntled Directors have been trying to frustrate the Group's move to implement the above-mentioned decisions. After the announcement of Proposed Placing, the Disgruntled Directors engaged Anglo Chinese Corporate Finance, Limited to submit a number of complaint letters to the Securities and Futures Commission (the "SFC") alleging that Originwater is acting in concert with Mr. Zhao Xiangti ("Mr. Zhao", the chairman, an executive director and a substantial shareholder of the Company). Moreover, the Disgruntled Directors requested to convene an extraordinary general meeting to remove all the executive directors of the Company and reinstate themselves as executive directors of the Company on 12 December 2016 and published the Open Letter on 14 December 2016.
The Group believes that, the Disgruntled Directors' frustration of the Proposed Placing has caused severe delay in the completion of the Proposed Placing and, as a result, has added to the difficulty of the Company in repaying the bank loans. Given the urgency of loan repayment, the Company is proactively making financial arrangements by all reasonable means to minimize the adverse impact brought by the delay in the completion of the Proposed Placing.
On the other hand, due to the Disgruntled Directors' unsatisfactory performance when they were the executive directors, the Board, excluding the Disgruntled Directors, strongly believes that to reinstate them as executive directors of the Company is not in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. As for the performance of the Disgruntled Directors during their term of office, the Company is conducting an internal financial and business investigation. The Company will disclose the key findings in due course. The Company reserves the right to hold the Disgruntled Directors accountable for any inappropriate actions during their tenure of office with the Company.
Mr. Zhao Xiangti, Chairman of Yingde Gases said, "We intend to introduce Originwater as a strategic investor into our company through the proposed share placement. This can serve to meet the Group's urgent financial needs so as to improve its financial structure and reduce its financial expense. On the other hand, the move can also help the Group to raise the standard of management and can be beneficial to its long-term development. The decision is in the interest of the Group and its shareholders as a whole. As a founder of the Group, I expect the investors and shareholders to share the same view with the board of directors and to act in the interest of the Group, that is, to support the current board of directors and management team in their move to start their work as per normal. This will enable the Company to quickly resume its normal operation and generate greater value for the shareholders."
The Company has applied to Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the resumption of trade in its shares at 9 a.m. on 15 December 2016.
About Yingde Gases Group Co. Ltd.
The Group has been the largest independent on-site gas supplier PRC since 2009. According to the SAI Report 2015, the Group remained as the largest industrial gas supplier in PRC in terms of total annual revenue as of 31 December 2015. The Company produces supplies and distributes a variety of industrial gas products to on-site and merchant customers in various regions in PRC. The main gas products are Oxygen, Nitrogen and Argon.
iPR Ogilvy & Mather
Tina Law / Gary Li / Joseph Zhou
Tel: (852) 2136 6181 / 3170 6753 / 3920 7649
Fax: (852) 3170 6606
Email: Email Contact / Email Contact / Email Contact
BEDFORD (dpa-AFX) - Hologic Inc. (HOLX) said that it agreed to sell its share of its blood screening business to long-time commercial partner, Grifols (GRFS), for gross proceeds of $1.85 billion in cash. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies.
As per the agreement, Grifols will receive a fully paid-up license to certain of Hologic's intellectual property for use in the blood screening field. Approximately 175 people, mainly in operations and research and development, will transfer to Grifols, along with Hologic's blood screening manufacturing facility in Rancho Bernardo, California.
Hologic will retain the engineering expertise that led to the development of the fully automated TIGRIS and Panther systems, but will partner with Grifols to ensure that blood screening customers continue to benefit from state-of-the-art instrumentation over the long term.
For all of Hologic's fiscal 2017, the Company's share of the blood screening business was forecast to contribute approximately $240 million of revenue, GAAP earnings per shareof $0.19, and non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.34. Hologic expects to update its financial guidance for fiscal 2017 after the transaction closes.
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of calendar 2017, subject to customary conditions such as the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting periods under antitrust laws.
Grifols said it expects the transaction will positively impact group margins and bolster generation of operating cash flows. The revenues of the Diagnostic Division will not change as a result of this acquisition due to the existing joint-business between Grifols and Hologic in place since 2014. Under the existing arrangement, Grifols owns customer facing activities and records all revenues. In this respect, the Diagnostic Division's sales will continue to represent around 16% of Grifols' total revenue.
Grifols said it will finance the acquisition with $1.700 billion term loan and existing cash on the balance sheet. The term loan has been arranged and fully underwritten by Nomura.
The agreement does not include any financial restrictions relating to Grifols' dividend or investment policies. The acquisition has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
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CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar strengthened against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday. The U.S. dollar rose to nearly a 2-year high of 1.0468 against the euro, a 2-week high of 1.2513 against the pound, a 1-year high of 1.0256 against the Swiss franc and a 10-month high of 117.86 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.0533, 1.2562, 1.0201 and 117.03, respectively. Against the Australian, the New Zealand and the Canadian dollar, the greenback advanced to a 2-week high of 0.7384, 0.7076 and 1.3324 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7405, 0.7117 and 1.3282, respectively. If the greenback extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 1.03 against the euro, 1.21 against the pound, 1.03 against the franc, 118.00 against the yen, 0.72 against the aussie, 0.69 against the kiwi and 1.35 against the loonie. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen weakened against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday. The yen fell to nearly a 7-month low of 123.55 against the euro, nearly a 6-month low of 147.51 against the pound, an 8-month low of 115.01 against the Swiss franc and a 10-month high of 117.86 against the U.S. dollar, from yesterday's closing quotes of 123.28, 146.99, 114.69 and 117.03, respectively. Against the Australian, the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars, the yen dropped to a 1-year low of 87.28, a 1-1/2-year low of 83.58 and an 8-month low of 88.51 from yesterday's closing quotes of 86.67, 83.29 and 88.10, respectively. If the yen extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 125.00 against the euro, 148.00 against the pound, 116.00 against the franc, 118.00 against the greenback, 88.00 against the aussie, 85.00 against the kiwi and 90.00 against the loonie. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Regulatory News:
Kiadis Pharma N.V. ("Kiadis Pharma" or the "Company") (Euronext Amsterdam and Brussels: KDS),a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative T-cell immunotherapy treatments for blood cancers and inherited blood disorders, today announces that it has obtained regulatory approval from the national authority in the United Kingdom (the MHRA, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), as well as approval from the Ethics Committees of the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and the Birmingham Children's Hospital to start a Phase I/II clinical trial with its product ATIR201 for thalassemia, according to schedule.
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder which results in abnormal hemoglobin formation, leading to improper oxygen transport and destruction of red blood cells. In this new trial the safety and feasibility of using ATIR201 in pediatric and adult patients suffering from beta-thalassemia major, the most severe form of the disease, will be studied.
There is currently no approved curative medicine for beta-thalassemia major. The current standard of care treatment is purely symptomatic, requiring lifelong blood transfusions and iron chelators, with drug support to improve hematopoiesis. Replacing the diseased system and restoring the proper production of hemoglobin through an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from a healthy half-matched family donor could provide a cure for this disease. After an HSCT treatment, however, it usually takes the patient several months to recover to near-normal blood cell levels and immune cell functions, during which time the patient is vulnerable to infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi.
The addition of ATIR201, administered as an adjunctive immuno-therapeutic on top of an HSCT, is intended to provide the patient with functional, mature immune cells that can fight infections while not eliciting severe Graft-versus-Host-Disease (GVHD), thereby bridging the time until the immune system has fully re-grown from stem cells in the transplanted graft.
The new trial will commence in the United Kingdom and the Company plans to expand the trial into Germany pending regulatory approval. A total of up to ten beta-thalassemia major patients will be enrolled. Kiadis Pharma expects first safety and efficacy results to become available in the second half of 2017.
Manfred Rudiger, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Kiadis Pharma, commented: "We are excited to initiate this new Phase I/II study with ATIR201 for thalassemia patients on track as planned. It is well established that a stem-cell transplant, once engrafted, can be functional for life and so the aim of our approach is to not just ameliorate symptoms or reduce the need for transfusions, but to provide patients with an enduring, life-long cure. Our approach could provide an alternative to various gene-therapy-based strategies which, for example, may suffer from gene silencing or suboptimal expression levels over time. We believe ATIR201 has the potential to make curative HSCT a viable option to many more patients suffering from inborn disorders of the blood like thalassemia."
About Kiadis Pharma
Kiadis Pharma is focused on cell-based immunotherapy products for the treatment of blood cancers and inherited blood disorders. The Company's products have the potential to address the risks and limitations connected with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), namely Graft-versus-Host-Disease (GVHD), cancer relapse, opportunistic infections and limited matched donor availability. The Company believes that HSCT could become a first-choice treatment for blood cancers, inherited blood disorders and possibly autoimmune diseases and solid organ transplantations.
On December 5, 2016 at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the Company reported positive Phase II results with its lead product ATIR101 in patients with blood cancer. The data showed that ATIR101 significantly reduced Transplant Related Mortality, significantly improved Overall Survival and did not elicit grade III-IV GVHD in any patient. ATIR101 has been granted Orphan Drug Designations both in the US and Europe. The Company's second product candidate, ATIR201, addresses inherited blood disorders with an initial focus on thalassemia, a disease which results in destruction of red blood cells in patients.
Kiadis Pharma, based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, was granted an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) certificate for manufacturing quality and non-clinical data by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The Company's shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Brussels. For more information visit www.kiadis.com
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements, beliefs and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect Kiadis Pharma's or, as appropriate, Kiadis Pharma's directors' current expectations and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand, competition and technology, can cause actual events, performance or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. As a result, Kiadis Pharma expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Neither Kiadis Pharma nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such person's officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161214005935/en/
Contacts:
Company Contact:
Manfred Rudiger, CEO
Kiadis Pharma
Tel. +31 20 314 02 50
communication@kiadis.com
or
International Media and Investor Contact:
Mary-Jane Elliott, Lindsey Neville, Hendrik Thys
Consilium Strategic Communications
Tel: +44 (0) 203 709 5708
kiadis@consilium-comms.com
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez has criticized the actions of Argentinean police officers and officials, claiming they physically assaulted her on Wednesday morning as she attempted to enter a meeting of foreign ministers of the South American trade bloc Mercosur.
Delcy Rodriguez speaks in Buenos Aires. AFP
More information La canciller venezolana trata de entrar a la fuerza en una reunion de Mercosur
Rodriguez, who was accompanied by Bolivian Foreign Affairs Minister David Choquehuanca, tried to enter the Palacio San Martin in Buenos Aires despite not having been invited to the event after fellow full members of the six-nation group of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay stripped the country of its voting rights for failure to follow group rules.
Speaking to the press at the doors of the palace, the Venezuelan minister said that if they didnt let her in, she would enter through the window.
Argentinas foreign affairs minister, Susana Malcorra, then tried to placate Rodriguez by calling a bilateral meeting but when Rodriguez and Choquehuanca attempted to attend, tense scenes ensued and the ministers were jostled.
The Venezuelan minister said that if they didnt let her in, she would enter through the window
Later on Wednesday, Rodriguez arrived at the citys Instituto Patria, the headquarters of the supporters of former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, with her arm in a sling.
Rodriguez then said she had been attacked by a policeman and an official from the Argentinean Foreign Affairs Ministry. She said Choquehuanca and an assistant were also manhandled in the skirmish.
There was a line of riot police, I raised my hand and said I was the foreign affairs minister of Venezuela, and in response, a policeman hit me with his hand. We managed to get in and there was another barrier where I was grabbed: I had my arm twisted and he told me to leave, said the minister before an auditorium full of Kirchner supporters.
Never, in any part of the world, have foreign affairs ministers been met with a line of riot police or have foreign affairs ministers and their delegations been stopped. I have got no evidence of that, said Rodriguez.
I will take it as revenge on the part of [Argentinean President Mauricio] Macri, the minister added, in reference to Macris comments at a Mercosur summit in December 2015 in Paraguay when he demanded the rapid release of political prisoners in Venezuela.
At that meeting, Macri also said the priorities of the bloc were to push forward with free trade negotiations with the European Union (EU) and the Pacific Alliance trading bloc.
We managed to get in and there was another barrier where I was grabbed: I had my arm twisted and he told me to leave Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez
On Wednesday, Rodriguez said: The only thing they are trying to exclude is the Venezuelan model because when it comes to this meeting, [Argentinean Foreign Minister] Malcorra has claimed Venezuela isnt part of the free trade agreement with the EU, a treaty that has been drawn up behind closed doors.
They dont want to engage in dialogue and are wrong. They arent just wrong but also lack morals and shame because we know that this attempted sanction against Venezuela should first be applied to them, for not having efficiently incorporated Mercosur rules in the manner Venezuela has done in just four years, the countrys foreign minister said.
A shocked Malcorra later explained that she had informed her Venezuelan counterpart in writing that she was not invited to Wednesday mornings event.
English version by George Mills.
MOSCOW, Dec. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The 121st China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), officially held a promotion event at Sheraton Palace Hotel in Moscow on December 14. The event was hosted by China Foreign Trade Centre and co-organized by the Russian Asian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, gathering business organizations, trade entrepreneurs, large chain retailers and media participants in Russia.
Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/449794/A.jpg
Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/449793/B.jpg
One of the most influential business events in China, the Canton Fair has gone through 60 years as a comprehensive and professional exhibition. Every exhibition features 16 commodity categories, including electronics, construction and building materials and machinery, hardware and tools, consumer products, gifts, clothing and textile, medical supplies and pharmaceutical health care products and food.
Zhang Di noted that China and Russia have very close relationship, and more Russian companies are encouraged to participate in the Canton Fair. The fair, as an excellent platform, enables traders, especially small- to mid sized companies, from both countries to reach cooperation and business exchange.
Zhu Liangexpressed that the bridge between Canton Fair and Russian companies built by the China Southern Airlines will make great contributions to the economic and trade exchanges of the two countries.
Russian traders, according to Ye Jijiang, has been a key partner of Canton Fair. A total of 186,000 professional buyers from 213 countries and regions attended the 120th Canton Fair with turnover reaching 27.9 billion USD, among which 6,165 buyers came from Russia.
The 121st Canton Fair will continue to upgrade exhibition zones of emerging and trendy topics such as new energy, pet supplies and outdoor spa facilities and meanwhile invite high quality exhibitors that meet market demand upon various indicators including export and volume, independent intellectual property rights, industry certification and industry exhibition experience to offer more diverse and premium products for buyers to choose.
In addition to the exhibition itself, the 121st Canton Fair will host various forums, design shows and exchange events, bringing abundant information and opportunities for industrial members to explore and integrate with other advantage resources, further promote the development and convergence in the industry.
"As Canton Fair upgrades the service models, the guests not only value the fair as a place to purchase goods or promote brands, but also as a platform for trade exchanges," said Ye.
"At the Canton Fair, buyers and exhibitors from Russia will not only be able to purchase high quality products from China, but also promote new technologies and products from Russia and explore the potential Chinese market."
LABEGE, FRANCE and HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Sigfox, the world's leading provider of connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT), and Thinxtra, the Sigfox Operator in Australia and New Zealand, today announced an agreement to roll-out Sigfox' IoT network in Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) in 2017.
The Hong Kong SAR Government has addressed the importance of IoT in its agenda. The 2014 Digital 21 (the blueprint for Information Technology and Communications (ICT) development) has recognized IoT as one of the latest technologies Hong Kong should adopt and champion, and the 2015 Policy Address introduced a new initiative "Energizing Kowloon East" aiming to carry out a pilot study in that district to examine the feasibility of developing a Smart City.
The IoT space opens up new and exciting opportunities by connecting the physical world to the Internet. In just five years, the company has built a global wireless network that provides a simple, efficient connectivity solution, enabling devices to connect to the cloud at ultra low-cost and using minimal energy. Sigfox's network is now present in 28 countries and on track to be in 60 by 2018, which will represent over 80% of the world's growth domestic product.
"Hong Kong as an innovation hub and technology center, and as the gateway to China, will benefit greatly from the most advanced and mature global IoT network, and developing the local ecosystem will benefit all the other countries in the region. We look forward to extend our partnership with Thinxtra, our operator in Australia and New Zealand", says Rodolphe Baronnet-Fruges, Sigfox executive vice president networks and operators.
"We are delighted to expand our network to Hong Kong market together with Thinxtra, and we are confident that together, we will strengthen Hong Kong government's IoT," said Roswell Wolff, Sigfox's president, Asia Pacific.
Thinxtra was the first Sigfox operator to extend the network in Asia Pacific and has achieved rapid coverage, having rolled out the network across 65% of the Australian and 80% of the New Zealand population in just 8 months. Earlier this year, Thinxtra has announced an engagement with Silicon Controls for 1M connections, as well as a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the State Government of South Australia and Sigfox, for full state roll out of the Sigfox network across South Australia.
Murray Hankinson, Thinxtra Managing Director Asia said, "Thinxtra is the pure play LPWAN IoT service provider in Australia and New Zealand and will soon be in Hong Kong, supporting the city's vision for IoT and Smart City. We have proven that we have a winning team that lives and breathes IoT, a world leading secure purpose built technology in Sigfox and that we achieve great things quickly and efficiently working with local partners and businesses. We are planning to replicate this winning formula in Hong Kong. This experience and forward thinking will serve us well in bringing the most mature IoT network to Hong Kong -- territory-wide. We are excited by the opportunity to harness local talent and the technological community to expand the Sigfox ecosystem in support of Hong Kong's local & global applications. We are already open for business, having recently set up our Solutions business in the HKSTP to foster and promote the IoT device design, solution, and manufacturing industries."
About Sigfox
Sigfox is the world's leading provider of connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT). The company has built a global network to connect billions of devices to the Internet while consuming as little energy as possible, as simply as possible. Sigfox's unique approach to device-to-cloud communications addresses the three greatest barriers to global IoT adoption: cost, energy consumption, and global scalability. Today, the network is present in 28 countries and on track to cover 60 by 2018 -- covering a population of 451 million people. With millions of objects connected and a rapidly growing partner ecosystem, Sigfox empowers companies to move their business model towards more digital services. Founded in 2010 by Ludovic Le Moan and Christophe Fourtet, the company is headquartered in Labege near Toulouse, France's "IoT Valley". Sigfox also has offices in Paris, Madrid, Munich, Boston, San Francisco, Dubai and Singapore. For more information, see www.sigfox.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube.
About Thinxtra
Thinxtra is the exclusive Sigfox operator for Australia & New Zealand. Thinxtra is an Internet of Things (IoT) company founded by IoT experts who share the same passion and expertise: connecting things to improve business processes and people's lives. Thinxtra is backed by NZX-listed high-tech company Rakon Limited, which has a history of innovation in communications technology going back some 50 years. By opening an office in Hong Kong, Thinxtra aims at empowering AsiaPac's Internet of Things with Sigfox world-leading LPWAN connectivity as well as building a full eco-system of IoT solutions & services to enable the non-connected to connect, increase productivity, accelerate decision making, improve quality of service or simply solve problems in an economic & connected manner. Visit www.thinxtra.com and follow us on Twitter @Thinxtra.
SIGFOX contact:
Laurence Collet
Global Media Relations Manager
+ 33 786 273 643
Email Contact
Thinxtra contact:
Renald Gallis
VP marketing & ecosystem
+614 0489 4960
Email Contact
Regulatory News:
Nel Hydrogen Solutions, a division of Nel ASA (OSE:NEL), has been awarded a contract by Uno-X Hydrogen AS (Uno-X Hydrogen) to build the first H2Station in Bergen, Norway.
"Uno-X Hydrogen is developing a world-class hydrogen network in Norway and we are exited to initiate the roll-out in Bergen and the Norwegian West Coast. This brings us one step closer to enabling hydrogen transportation between all the major cities in Norway. In addition, there is a strong regional demand for hydrogen solutions in Bergen, where hydrogen cars have already been deployed and are simply waiting at the harbor for fueling stations to be finalized," says Jacob Krogsgaard, Senior Vice President of Nel Hydrogen Solutions.
The new H2Station will be the first of two new hydrogen fueling stations in Bergen. The contract has a value of approximately EUR one million, and will be deliverd during the second quarter of 2017. The contract award brings Nel's 2016 year-to-date order intake to approximately NOK 135 million.
ENDS
About Nel ASA www.nelhydrogen.com
Nel is a global, dedicated hydrogen company, delivering optimal solutions to produce, store and distribute hydrogen from renewable energy. We serve industries, energy and gas companies with leading hydrogen technology. Since its foundation in 1927, Nel has a proud history of development and continual improvement of hydrogen plants. Our hydrogen solutions cover the entire value chain from hydrogen production technologies to manufacturing of hydrogen fueling stations, providing all fuel cell electric vehicles with the same fast fueling and long range as conventional vehicles today.
About Uno-X Hydrogen
Uno-X Hydrogen AS is a joint venture, owned by Uno-X, Nel and Praxair with 41 %, 39 and 20 %, respectively. The joint venture will build a network of hydrogen refueling stations, where fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) can operate between all the major cities in Norway. The stations will be deployed in cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Kristiansand, along with corresponding corridor locations. The target is that FCEVs can drive between the most populated cities in Norway within 2020.
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Contacts:
Nel ASA
Jon Andre Lkke, CEO
Tel.: +47 907 44 949
or
Bjrn Simonsen, VP Market Development and Public Relations
Tel.: +47 971 79 821
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Dec 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Bactiguard has entered into partnership with Roeser Medical GmbH ("Roeser") and signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Germany and Switzerland. At the same time, an order for products worth some EUR 400000 has been placed and will be delivered throughout 2017.
Bactiguard's central European coverage has expanded significantly in 2016, with market presence in Austria, Germany, Poland and Switzerland. In the same period, a new clinical trial was initiated at the leading prostate cancer center, the Martini-Klinik of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf.
"Entering Germany with an experienced and well connected partner has been a top priority for us. We are confident that Roeser has the competence needed to tailor our offer to the needs of the German healthcare sector and can provide access to both public and private hospitals. Earlier this year, we entered Austria and Poland. With the addition of Germany, one of the biggest markets in the region, we have increased our European footprint significantly", says Christian Kinch, CEO
"Roeser focuses on helping our customers deal with increasingly limited resources, by providing products and services that add value and increase their efficiency. Bactiguard's innovative solution for infection prevention shortens hospital stay for patients and fulfills a clear need in the market. We are therefore very enthusiastic about this partnership," says Jens Egert CEO of Roeser Medical GmbH.
Roeser is one of Germany's leading providers to the healthcare sector. The company is privately owned, has a nationwide coverage and some 300 employees, whereof 60 in direct sales Roeser has great access to the intensive care units and also caters to rehabilitation centers and the homecare segment.
Infection rates are significantly higher in the ICUs and patients are more exposed, which increases the need for prevention. For rehabilitation and homecare purposes, the Bactiguard infection protection portfolio can significantly improve the quality for life for long term users.
For further information, please contact:
Cecilia Edstrom,
Senior Vice President Sales and New Business,
Mobile: +46722 26 23 28
This information is information that Bactiguard Holding AB (publ) 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 08:00 CET on 15 December, 2016.
CONTACT:
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THE HAGUE (dpa-AFX) - Royal Dutch Shell (RDS-B, RDSB.L, RDSA.L, RDS-A) announced Thursday that it has appointed Jessica Uhl as Chief Financial Officer, with effect from March 9, 2017. Uhl succeeds Simon Henry, who is concluding his service as CFO after more than seven years in the role. Uhl will be an Executive Director of the Company and a member of its Executive Committee, and will be based in The Netherlands. Henry will remain on the Board as CFO until March 9 and sign the 2016 annual report, after which he will hand over his duties. He will then remain available to Uhl and to the Board to assist with transition until June 30. Henry has been with Shell for over 30 years and was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the company in May 2009. He is also Regional Executive Director for Asia Pacific with specific oversight of new business development in China. Uhl joined Shell in 2004 and has held Finance leadership roles, based in Europe and the USA, in Shell's Upstream, Integrated Gas and Downstream businesses, as well as in Projects & Technology and Corporate headquarters. She is currently Executive Vice President (EVP), Finance for the Integrated Gas business. 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.
LONDON, ENGLAND -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Condor (AIM: CNR), is pleased to provide an update on scout drilling and regional exploration at the La India Project, Nicaragua, which hosts a high grade mineral resource of 18.08 M tonnes at 4.0 g/t for 2.31 M oz gold.
Highlights
-- 142.4 g/t gold rock chip sample identified approximately 30 m along strike from a 53.9 g/t gold rock chip on the Los Limones prospect at the northern end of a 12.5 km mineralised corridor, 9 km north of the main La India open pit reserve. -- 168 km2 of 313 km2 soil survey completed. The aim is to identify feeder zones and new gold targets. -- Initial interpretation of soil results shows two major feeder zones, the La India and Andrea Corridors, and supports the concept of a major gold District. -- 1,123 m of 4,000 m scout drilling has been completed, assay results due in 2017.
Mark Child CEO comments:
"Condor's strategy of proving that La India Project is part of a major gold District is yielding positive results. A 142.4 g/t gold rock sample, 30 m along strike from a 53.9 g/t gold rock chip, at the northern end of the 12.5 km-long Andrea mineralised corridor, and 6 km away from the nearest gold resource, is highly encouraging. A regional soil survey is about 50% completed. The purpose is to generate new gold targets and better understand the district-scale mineralisation. For example, to determine upflow zones of the fossil geothermal (epithermal) system and identify new gold targets.
The initial interpretation of the soil survey, combined with helicopter borne geophysics, structural and regional mapping, is that there are two major feeder zones. The La India Corridor is better understood and hosts 90% of the Project's high grade mineral resource of 18.08 M tonnes at 4.0 g/t (2.31 M oz gold). The Andrea Corridor is less well understood and is the focus of the current 4,000 m scout drilling programme".
Background
A regional soil geochemistry survey is underway over the 313 km2 La India Project. During 2015 and 2016 a total of 12,208 samples were collected covering 168 km2, assays have been received for most. Samples are collected along lines at 200 m or 400 m apart and at intervals varying from 50 m to 400 m (see Figure 1 below). The survey covers both 'virgin' territory, with no mapped epithermal veins, and areas of known mineralization, such as La India, America and Mestiza. The La India Project has approximately 105 km strike length of veins, of which about 55 km have been trenched or mapped in any detail;; only 13.2 km have been drill tested. Many veins have never been sampled.
To view Figure 1: Soil Survey Sample Spacing, please visit this link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1080285_FIGURE_1.pdf
Samples collected to date are shown in the Figure 2 below. The blue dots remain to be collected. Assays are awaited for the black dots.
To view Figure 2: Soil Samples Collected to date, please visit this link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1080285_FIGURE_2.pdf
Initial Soil Survey Interpretation
The soil survey is ongoing, so this is an initial interpretation. Several elements, in particular Gold (Au), Tellurium (Te), Thallium (Tl), Arsenic (As), Silver (Ag) and Antimony (Sb), define two significant trends. These are interpreted as two major basement feeder zones: La India and Andrea Corridors (see Figure 3 below). The La India Corridor cuts obliquely across some of the better known veins, such as La India, America, Mestiza and seems to localize higher gold grades at these intersections. This understanding will help future drill targeting. There is also a suggestion that some rich veins (Tatascame, Los Limones) are en echelon structures, at high angle to the Andrea Corridor. They may have provided localized dilations for fluids to rise. Drilling to test this model at Tatascame is due to commence shortly.
To view Figure 3 Two Major Basement Feeder Zones, please visit this link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1080285_FIGURE_3.pdf
Antimony, along with Selenium (Se) and Te, also seem to define a sinuous, almost East-West, linking structure between the two corridors ('The Link' above). This has lower gold values, for example in the East part of the Guapinol and Constancia Veins. It may not have been as important an upflow zone as La India and Andrea corridors.
Several elements show a distinct drop off on the East side of the Highway Fault (see Figure 4), implying that the district-scale epithermal system was dropped down by a post-mineral offset. This down-throw preserves the top of the system at Cacao, which includes sinter and phreatic breccias, indicating paleosurface.
142.4 g/t Gold and 53.9 g/t Gold Rock Chip Samples
During January-November 2016 a total of 169 rock chip samples were collected during soil sampling and mapping. Of these, 5 came back with gold values greater than 5 g/t, 4 from the Los Limones prospect, including 53.9 g/t and 142.4 g/t samples (See Figure 4 below) and 1 sample slightly north of Tatascame. In addition, 19 samples from the Dos Hermanos, Mestiza, Tatascame- El Derrumbado and Los Limones prospects have returned with values of 1-5 g/t.
To view Figure 4, please visit this link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1080285_FIGURE_4.pdf
Scout Drilling Update
Condor initiated 4,000 m of scout drilling on several prospects on 7th November 2016, starting with Cacao (See RNS dated 10th November 2016). Four drill holes for a combined drilling of 719.6 m have now been completed at Cacao. The assay results will be announced in 2017, when they are all received. The drill rig has moved to the Real de La Cruz concession, which has not previously been drilled by Condor. Circa 400 m has been drilled at the time of writing. See Figure 4.
Competent Person's Declaration
The information in this announcement that relates to the mineral potential, geology, exploration results and database is based on information compiled, and reviewed, by Dr Warren Pratt, Chartered Geologist (1994), Fellow of the Geological Society of London and Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists. Dr Pratt is a geologist with over twenty years of experience in the exploration and definition of precious metal mineral resources. Dr Pratt consults to Condor Gold plc on an ad hoc basis and has considerable experience in epithermal mineralization, the type of deposit under consideration, and sufficient experience in the type of activity that he is undertaking to qualify as a 'Competent Person' as defined in the June 2009 Edition of the AIM Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies. Dr Pratt consents to the inclusion in the announcement of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears and confirms that this information is accurate and not false or misleading.
Technical Glossary
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assay The laboratory test conducted to determine the proportion of a mineral within a rock or other material. Usually reported as parts per million which is equivalent to grams of the mineral (i.e. gold) per tonne of rock ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- En echelon In structural geology, en echelon veins are structures within rock caused by tension fractures that are parallel to the major stress orientation. They appear as sets of short, parallel, planar, mineral-filled lenses within a body of rock. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Geochemistry The study of the elements and their interaction as minerals to makeup rocks and soils ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Geophysics The measurement and interpretation of the earth's physical parameters using non-invasive methods such as measuring the gravity, magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity, seismic response and natural radioactive emissions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hydrothermal Hot water circulation often caused by heating of groundwater by near surface magmas and often occurring in association with volcanic activity. Hydrothermal waters can contain significant concentrations of dissolved minerals. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Magnetic The measurement of the magnetic properties of the earth (aeromagnetic) surface as controlled by the concentration and distribution survey of magnetic minerals, particularly magnetite, in the rock. Rocks containing higher levels of iron, such as mafic igneous rocks or some sedimentary rocks will have a higher magnetic susceptibility than felsic igneous rocks, siliciclastic and carbonate sediments and their metamorphic derivatives. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mineral A concentration or occurrence of material of economic Resource interest in or on the Earth's crust in such a form, quality, and quantity that there are reasonable and realistic prospects for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated from specific geological knowledge, or interpreted from a well constrained and portrayed geological model ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mineral The economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Reserve Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments and studies have been carried out, and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction could reasonably be justified. Ore Reserves are sub-divided in order of increasing confidence into Probable Ore Reserves and Proved Ore Reserves. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Radiometric Also known as gamma ray spectrometry, is the measure of natural radiation on the top 30- 45cm of the earth's surface. The abundance of the three naturally occurring radioactive elements, potassium (K), thorium (Th) and uranium (U), is proportional to the abundance of minerals containing those elements. This information can be used in mapping the surface geology including the definition of areas of potassium enrichment related to hydrothermal alteration. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rock chip A sample of rock collected for analysis, from one or several close spaced sample points at a location. Unless otherwise stated, this type of sample is not representative of the variation in grade across the width of an ore or mineralised body and the assay results cannot be used in a Mineral Resource Estimation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stockwork Multiple connected veins with more than one orientation, typically consisting of millimetre to centimetre thick fracture-fill veins and veinlets. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strike length The longest horizontal dimension of an ore body or zone of mineralisation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vein A sheet-like body of crystallised minerals within a rock, generally forming in a discontinuity or crack between two rock masses. Economic concentrations of gold are often contained within vein minerals. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
For further information please visit www.condorgold.com.
About Condor Gold plc:
Condor Gold plc was admitted to AIM on 31st May 2006. The Company is a gold exploration and development company with a focus on Central America.
Condor completed a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and two Preliminary Economic Assessments (PEA) on La India Project in Nicaragua in December 2014. The PFS details an open pit gold mineral reserve of 6.9 Mt at 3.0 g/t gold for 675,000 oz gold producing 80,000 oz gold p.a. for 7 years. The PEA for the open pit only scenario details 100,000 oz gold production p.a. for 8 years whereas the PEA for a combination of open pit and underground details 140,000 oz gold production p.a. for 8 years. La India Project contains a total attributable mineral resource of 18.08 Mt at 4.0 g/t for 2.31 M oz gold and 2.68 M oz silver at 6.2 g/t to the CIM Code.
In El Salvador, Condor has an attributable 1,004,000 oz gold equivalent at 2.6 g/t JORC compliant resource. The resource calculations are compiled by independent geologists SRK Consulting (UK) Limited for Nicaragua and Ravensgate and Geosure for El Salvador.
Disclaimer
Neither the contents of the Company's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.
Contacts:
Condor Gold plc
Mark Child
Executive Chairman and CEO
+44 (0) 20 7493 2784
Beaumont Cornish Limited
Roland Cornish and James Biddle
+44 (0) 20 7628 3396
Numis Securities Limited
John Prior and James Black
+44 (0) 20 7260 1000
Farm Street Media
Simon Robinson
+44 (0) 7593 340107
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Dec 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
SKF is investing SEK 225 million in upgrading its distribution centres across Europe and India. The investments will improve customer lead-times and service levels, whilst contributing to reduced stock levels throughout SKF's logistics chain.
Recently completed investments in India and Belgium total SEK 35 million, with a further SEK 190 million to be invested in upgrading existing distribution centres in France, Sweden and Italy during 2017 and 2018.
Luc Graux, President, Bearing Operations, says: "These investments complement our efforts in modernising and digitalising our factories. With a more flexible, digitalised manufacturing and logistics base, SKF and its customers will be better able to compete on the market."
SKF's India Distribution Centre in Pune was inaugurated on 13 December 2016. The purpose-built facility allows for the closure of 15 of 27 previous stocking locations across India, whilst improving product availability for customers and distributors.
SKF's European Distribution Centre in Tongeren, Belgium, was upgraded during the first half of 2016 with a "goods-to-man" workflow, which involves using automated goods retrieval systems and improved handling mechanisms. This results in a more efficient and ergonomically correct working environment and reduces the time needed to pick, pack and ship customer orders.
Aktiebolaget SKF(publ)
CONTACT:
For further information, please contact:
PRESS:
Theo Kjellberg,
Director, Press Relations
Tel: 46 31337 6576,
Mobile: 46 725-776576,
E-mail: theo.kjellberg@skf.com
INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Patrik Stenberg,
Head of Investor Relations
Tel: 46 31-337 2104,
Mobile: 46 705-472 104,
E-mail: patrik.stenberg@skf.com
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Company announcement no. 15/2016Aalborg, Denmark, 2016-12-15 08:46 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --SUMMARYRESULTS FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 2016/17The results before tax amounted to DKK 0.2 million against DKK -180.7 million in the first nine months of 2015/16. The results after tax amounted to DKK -4.1 million against DKK -212.1 million in the same period of 2015/16.The balance sheet total amounted to DKK 2,797.4 million against DKK 2,808.8 million at 31 January 2016. Consolidated equity totalled DKK 1,281.4 million, and the solvency ratio stood at 45.8 %.Breakdown by segment:DKKm Property Asset Unallocate development management d -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit/loss -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit/loss before tax 18.3 -10.7 -7.4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance sheet -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Development projects 839.9 - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Completed properties under asset - 1,176.6 - management -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other asset management projects - 124.2 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other assets 301.5 278.8 76.4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets 1,141.4 1,579.6 76.4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tied-up equity 653.8 566.3 61.3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------OUTLOOK FOR 2016/17Management still expects consolidated results before tax for 2016/17 to total DKK 10-30 million.This profit estimate is based on the expected execution of a few small and medium-sized projects in Q4 2016/17 as well as the anticipated sale of a few plots of land before the reporting date. TK Development is recording good progress on the individual projects. The Group's most significant development projects are not expected to contribute to consolidated results until subsequent financial years.PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTThe results for this business area amounted to DKK 18.3 million before tax for the first nine months of 2016/17. At 31 October 2016 the balance sheet total came to DKK 1,141.4 million, and the equity tied up represented DKK 653.8 million.During the first nine months of 2016/17, TK Development completed the sale of a superstore of about 2,150 m in Rdekro, a retail property of about 1,200 m in Holbk, a small superstore in Dronninglund and a few plots of land, and also generated fee income on several projects. In addition, TK Development handed over a substantial number of the completed units comprised by the second phase of the Bielany residential project in Warsaw, Poland, to the buyers.Major development projects:-- TK Development has conditionally sold a 5,300 m youth housing project in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen. Construction started in October 2016, and handover to the buyer is scheduled for January 2018.-- Construction of the new shopping centre, BROEN Shopping, in Esbjerg, Denmark, is proceeding according to plan and scheduled for completion in April 2017. The current occupancy rate is 80 % of the premises (Q2 2016/17: 75 %).-- The construction project in Kge, Denmark, is moving ahead. Most of the project is still expected to be completed in autumn 2017, while a minor part is not scheduled for completion until 2018. The retail project, of which 78 % has been let (Q2 2016/17: 74 %), has been sold conditionally to the Finnish company Citycon together with the parking facilities. The sale to Citycon is still expected to have a significant positive impact on results in the 2017/18 financial year when the completed part of the project is handed over to the investor.-- Construction of the Amerika Have residential project in Copenhagen, Denmark, is progressing as planned, and 88 of the 121 apartments have been sold (Q2 2016/17: 65).-- In June 2016 construction started on the third phase of the Bielany residential project in Warsaw, Poland. The pre-completion sale is progressing satisfactorily, and 30 % (Q2 2016/17: 19 %) of the residential units have been sold.-- After the reporting date TK Development has conditionally sold a residential rental project of about 4,900 m at stre Havn in Aalborg, Denmark, to a private investor. Construction is expected to start at the beginning of 2017, with completion and handover to the buyer scheduled for spring 2018.The projects in the pipeline are moving ahead at a good pace due to robust tenant and investor interest.A number of major projects for handover in 2017/18 have been sold in whole or in part, which underpins the strategic earnings goal in the property development business area.As from the 2017/18 financial year, the return on equity from the property development business area is expected to amount to 15-20 % p.a. before tax.ASSET MANAGEMENTThe results for this business area amounted to DKK -10.7 million before tax for the first nine months of 2016/17. At 31 October 2016 the balance sheet total came to DKK 1,579.6 million, and the equity tied up represented DKK 566.3 million.The portfolio of completed properties in this business area consists of 156,200 m, amounting to DKK 1,592.4 million at 31 October 2016. This amount includes joint venture projects. The annual net rent from the current leases corresponds to a return on the carrying amount of 4.3 % (Q2 2016/17: 4.5 %). Based on full occupancy, the return on the carrying amount is expected to reach 6.1 % (Q2 2016/17: 6.1 %).Detailed development and operating plans have been drafted for each property, and good progress is being made in their realization in a number of areas.As previously announced, the aim is to sell the asset management activities within a period of three to five years starting in December 2015, and the tied-up equity thus released is planned to be distributed to TK Development's shareholders. The operation of the assets is to be matured and optimized prior to their sale, and intensive efforts are being made to achieve this.The expectations mentioned in this Interim Report, including earnings expectations, are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties, which may result in deviations from the expected results. Expectations may be impacted by factors generally applicable to the sector as well as the factors referred to in the Group's 2015/16 Annual Report under Risk issues and note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, Accounting estimates and judgments, including the valuation of the Group's project portfolio.Further information is available from Frede Clausen, President and CEO, on tel. +45 8896 1010.Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=608318
HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Vpon releases the latest Hong Kong mobile advertising data report, revealing Hong Kong mobile market and mobile users' behaviors. An in-depth analysis of 16 audience segments has been conducted to unveil their online behavior, providing insights for advertisers to formulate optimal mobile advertising strategy.
Uncovering New Business Opportunities from Big Data
Vpon has identified 16 audience segments based on mobile users' behavior. These segments respond differently not only toward various kinds of ads, but also in different periods of time throughout the day. Take the segment -- "World Explorers" as an example. "World Explorers" are most active at night time and highly engaged in airline and travel services ads, while "Property Searchers" are active during daytime (8a.m.-3p.m.). Besides property ads, this segment of "Property Searchers" also shows interest in airline ads.
Arthur Chan, Hong Kong General Manager at Vpon Big Data Group, said that this analysis clearly illustrates a fact that the importance of audience buying cannot be underestimated. Chan added, "It is said that the approach of audience buying helps brands reach the target audience more precisely than ever and ensures every single marketing penny is worth spending. However, many advertisers have overlooked the core value of big data -- uncovering new business opportunities."
For example, when it comes to automotive brands, advertisers tend to put the majority of the ad budget on the segments of "Automotive Enthusiasts" and "Finance Gurus" who have been stereotyped as high potential car buyers; however, thanks to Vpon's big data analytics, the ad budget allocation decision can be made by insights and may discover a blue ocean -- "Modern Mama" in this case, allowing advertisers to unlock new opportunities.
The Rise of Video Ads
The data report indicates that mobile users prefer Wi-Fi to cellular when accessing internet. However, the proportion of using two connection types is interestingly almost the same when users are using apps under the video app category. Arthur explained that this result matched today's phenomenon -- mobile users love watching movies and dramas on their smart devices in commute. "Advertisers have to adjust their advertising strategy in respond to the trend. It is a must for brands to increase their video advertising budget on mobile channel in the 'mobile-first era'. To accomplish the goal of branding, it is time for advertisers to think a way to augment brand-customer engagement level, ways like integrating interactive elements in the video ads," he added.
Samsung Loses Ground in Smartphone Market
The smartphone market in Hong Kong remains the battlefield of two tech giants, Apple and Samsung, which accounts for over 70% of market share in total. Nonetheless, Samsung's market share was stolen by smartphone brands including SONY, Hauwei, and HTC in Q3 2016, which leads to a sudden 4% market share fall in one quarter. According to the data report, although Apple was fail to capture the market share, it remains at the level around 35%.
To download the full report of "2016 Q3 Hong Kong Mobile Advertising Data Report," please go to the following link: http://www.vpon.com/en-us/Vpon_2016-Q3_HK.html
About Vpon (www.vpon.com)
A leading Big Data Analytics company in Asia, Vpon Big Data Group was founded in 2008 and focuses on the area of big data processing and analytics capabilities, and proprietary technology specializing at mobile targeting advertisements. Vpon serves over 1500 renowned brands through its network of 4 offices in Shanghai, Tokyo, Taipei, and Hong Kong. Vpon has continuously been recognized by the industry, winning the Bronze for Greater China Specialist Agency of the Year Awards by Campaign Asia-Pacific in 2016, and the third place of "Top 100 Privately Held Small Businesses for 2015" by Forbes China in 2015. Vpon has expanded its coverage of over 900 million unique mobile users across Asia to provide insights and strategies for clients to explore business opportunities through mobile marketing and use data to drive transactions.
Media Contact
Ms. Bowie Ma
+852 - 2748 7376 (Ext. 805)
Email Contact
HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) announced it will offer an integrated intelligent motion-sensing module featuring the market's smallest 24GHz industrial radar chipset from Infineon Technologies AG, a world leader in semiconductor solutions that make life easier, safer and greener. The small form factor and ultra-low-power radar module provides precise motion detection data which can be translated into optimized functionalities and features of next-generation smart and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Sensor technology has emerged to be a key building block of IoT. Lux research report predicts that the number of sensors will reach 1 trillion by 2020. Providing mission-critical information of an object including speed, velocity, range, distance, angle, direction to target, and position, Infineon radar sensing system yields a higher level of reliability and is less prone to environmental interference for a wide range of applications such as gesture-sensing augmented reality gadgets or tools, drones with soft landing and collision avoidance, home automation devices, speed meters, robotics, security and surveillance system, etc.
"Infineon continues to set industry standards in radar technology and quality. Combining sophisticated algorithms with highly integrated and miniaturized radar chips creates revolutionary motion- and gesture-sensing capabilities that can take augmented reality and IoT to the next level," said David Poon, managing director of Infineon Technologies Hong Kong Limited. "With Arrow's extensive IoT capabilities and engineering expertise, we are now able to make it easier for the developer community to leverage radar technology to create more intelligent and intuitive devices with improved human-to-machine interface for a wide variety of applications."
To accelerate technical know-how for deploying radar sensing technology, Arrow and Infineon will join forces to set up a radar technology application lab. The joint lab will co-locate with Arrow's Open Lab in the Hong Kong Science Park. The Arrow and Infineon joint lab will serve as a competency center for Arrow's technical engineers to work closely with Infineon's product experts to advance proof of concept and application design of radar technologies.
"We are pleased to add Infineon's industry leading radar chip products to our host of intelligent systems and IoT portfolio," said Esmond Wong, vice president of Supplier Marketing, Semiconductor for Arrow's components business in the Asia-Pacific region. "Arrow's full IoT-product-lifecycle capabilities draw on our core strengths in sensor and component distribution, enterprise computing and system integration. This positions Arrow to help designers and innovators to face ever-increasing complexity and challenges around wireless connectivity, system integration, data management and aggregation, and monetization opportunities in the digital economy."
About Infineon
Infineon Technologies AG is a world leader in semiconductor solutions that make life easier, safer and greener. Microelectronics from Infineon is the key to a better future. In the 2016 fiscal year (ending September 30), the company reported sales of about Euro 6.5 billion with some 36,300 employees worldwide. Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the over-the-counter market OTCQX International Premier (ticker symbol: IFNNY).
About Arrow Electronics
Arrow Electronics is a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions. Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for more than 100,000 original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network of more than 460 locations serving over 85 countries.
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Arrow Electronics (Asia-Pacific)
Grace Kung
Tel: (852) 2484 2682
Email: Email Contact
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector
STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH
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Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders
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PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces
There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan
Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia
Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair
Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan
I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General
I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox
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EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol Armenia and Azerbaijan to do so without delay
An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".
UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT
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The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022
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This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan
Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments
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Silvano Fashion Group AS, registry code 10175491, location Tulika 15/17, 10613 Tallinn, ("SFG") Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on 14 December 2016, at 12:00 pm, Radisson Blu Hotel Olumpia conference hall of the "Sigma", Liivalaia 33, 10118 Tallinn (the "Meeting").The meeting started at 12:00 and ended at 12:30. The meeting was held in the Estonian language.Notice convening the meeting was published 21/11/2016. a. The website of the Tallinn Stock Exchange and the Warsaw Stock Exchange Information System and 11/22/2016 in the newspaper "Eesti Paevaleht" and Silvano Fashion Group website at www.silvanofashion.com.According to the notice convening the meeting was based on the weighting of votes in the Estonian Central Register of electronic extract from the list of shareholders as at 07 December 2016, at 23:59, and at the start of the meeting the participants registration form.December 7. 2016 was AS Silvano Fashion Group share capital of 11.1 million euros, and the total number of shares was 37 000 000. AS Silvano Fashion Group owned 451,204 of its own shares, which represented 1.22% of the total number of shares. Own shares do not give AS Silvano Fashion Group shareholders' rights and does not go into determining a quorum. AS Silvano Fashion Group had 07.detsember 2016 at 36,548,796 voting shares, which were represented by 36,548,796 votes.At the meeting, represented were 21 shareholders, whose shares were represented by a total of 23,993,085 votes, representing a total of 65.65% of the voting rights and total share capital. Thus, the meeting had a quorum.Procedural issues:AS Silvano Fashion Group by a member of the board Jarek Sargava presented a proposal to the shareholders and asked to vote to include an additional item on the agenda of AS Silvano Fashion Group for an extraordinary shareholders' meeting:-- AS Silvano Fashion Group, 29 June 2016 the General Meeting approved the terms of its share buyback program. -- Due to the repurchase program to repurchase price cap set (2.70 euros per share) arrival, the Management Board of AS Silvano Fashion Group and of the Council proposes to establish a new maximum price at which the AS Silvano Fashion Group may buy back their shares. Proposal for a repurchase price for the new limit of EUR 3.30 per share.Voting results:In favor: 14,297,963 votes, or 59.59% of the represented votes and 38.64% of total share capital Against: 0 votes, or 0% of the votes represented at the meeting, and 0% of the total share capital Impartial: 9,695,122 votes, or 40.41% of the represented votes and 26.20% of total share capital Did not vote: 0 votes, or 0% of the votes represented at the meeting, and 0% of the total share capitalDue to the results of voting it was decided to include an additional item on the agenda of amendment of the share buyback program.The agenda of the meeting it was decided as follows:1. Change of AS Silvano Fashion Group June 29, 2016 the General Meeting decision on distribution of profit and the Amendment of the additional allocation of profits. 2. Change of AS Silvano Fashion Group June 29, 2016 the General Meeting decision of its share buyback program in terms of the determination of the terms of its share buyback program.Voting results:In favor: 14,304,603 votes, or 59.62% of the represented votes and 38.66% of total share capital Against: 0 votes, or 0% of the votes represented at the meeting, and 0% of the total share capital Impartial: 9,688,482 votes, or 40.38% of the represented votes and 26.19% of total share capital Did not vote: 0 votes, or 0% of the votes represented at the meeting, and 0% of the total share capitalAgenda Item 1: Change of AS Silvano Fashion Group June 29, 2016 the General Meeting decision on distribution of profit and the Amendment of the additional allocation of profits.Decided: 1.1. To distribute to AS Silvano Fashion Group shareholders on the basis of approved annual report 2015 an additional dividend of profit as follows: 1.1.1. To fix the additional dividend entitled shares of AS Silvano Fashion Group shareholders' list of 29 December 2016, 23:59; 1.1.2. To pay to AS Silvano Fashion Group shareholders an additional dividend of 0.10 euros per share no later than 30 December 2016.Voting results:In favor: 23,992,120 votes, or 100% of the represented votes and 64.84% of total share capital Against: 0 votes, or 0% of the votes represented at the meeting, and 0% of the total share capital Impartial: 965 votes, or 0% of the votes represented at the meeting, and 0% of the total share capital Did not vote: 0 votes, or 0% of the votes represented at the meeting, and 0% of the total share capitalItem 2: Change of AS Silvano Fashion Group June 29, 2016 the General Meeting decision of its share buyback program in terms of the determination of the terms of its share buyback programDecided: 2.1. Amend AS Silvano Fashion Group 6/29/16 general meeting approved a share buyback program in the following terms: 2.1.1. The maximum price at which the AS Silvano Fashion Group may repurchase program to buy back its own shares in the course of 3.30 euros per share.Voting results:In favor: 21,194,696 votes, or 88.34% of the represented votes and 57.28% of total share capital Against: 0 votes, or 0% of the votes represented at the meeting, and 0% of the total share capital Impartial: 1,688,782 votes, or 7.04% of the votes represented at the meeting and 4,56% of the total share capital Did not vote: 1,109,607 votes, or 4.62% of the votes represented at the meeting, and 3% of the total share capitalAt the meeting, resolutions were adopted in compliance with the law and the statutes SFG decision-making procedures. Minutes and related materials are available to investors not later than one (1) week after the meeting at SFG website http://www.silvanofashion.com.Jarek Sargava Silvano Fashion Group Member of the Board E-mail: info@silvanofashion.com Tel: +372 684 5000; Fax: +372 684 5300; Aadress: Tulika 15/17, 10613 Tallinn http://www.silvanofashion.com
Regulatory News:
NOXXON Pharma N.V. (Paris:ALNOX) today announces the signature of a collaboration agreement with Merck Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA (known as MSD outside the US and Canada), under which the two companies will collaborate in a phase 1/2 clinical trial of NOXXON's anti-CXCL12 agent, NOX-A12, and MSD's anti-PD-1 inhibitor, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), in patients with metastatic solid tumors that do not usually respond to checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy.
The goal of the two-part, open-label phase 1/2 study is to evaluate pharmacodynamic effects and safety of NOX-A12 as a monotherapy in addition to safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 in combination with Keytruda in patients with metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer. A total of twenty patients will be recruited, ten of each cancer type. NOXXON will be the sponsor of the study, which will be conducted in Europe.
The design of the clinical trial was a collaborative effort between NOXXON and MSD. Part 1 of the study, in which patients will receive NOX-A12 monotherapy for up to two weeks, will evaluate immune infiltrate changes within the tumor microenvironment induced by CXCL12 inhibition with NOX-A12 by comparing pre- and post-treatment biopsy specimens as well as the safety and tolerability of NOX-A12 in patients with metastatic (stage IV) colorectal and pancreatic cancer. Part 2 of the study, in which NOX-A12 is to be combined with Keytruda, will assess the safety and tolerability of the combination in addition to the efficacy of treatment.
NOX-A12, which inhibits the key tumor microenvironment chemokine CXCL12, may be a key partner for a wide range of IO (immuno-oncology) agents. NOXXON has generated promising pre-clinical and clinical data, including recent animal data showing synergy with a checkpoint inhibitor, as well as recent phase 2a trials in multiple myeloma and a second hematological cancer that showed a safety profile that supports further development and first signs of efficacy. NOXXON believes that its planned clinical study will position the drug to be combined with multiple classes of IO approaches including those acting on or through T cells and/or NK cells.
Under the collaboration agreement, MSD will provide Keytruda to NOXXON for the conduct of the trial and has approved the trial design. Multiple paths for further development of the combination in pivotal clinical trials are envisioned in this agreement, although the agreement grants no commercial rights to either party for the other party's compound. Additional details were not disclosed.
Aram Mangasarian, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of NOXXON commented: "This collaboration with MSD allows us to initiate a clinical trial of NOX-A12 in patients with metastatic solid tumors with the advice and support of one of the key players in the immuno-oncology space. We are pleased that MSD shares our interest in the potential of the CXCL12 pathway to modulate the tumor microenvironment to increase the efficacy of checkpoint therapy."
KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.
About NOXXON
NOXXON Pharma N.V. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on cancer treatment. NOXXON's goal is to significantly enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments including immuno-oncology approaches (such as immune checkpoint inhibitors) and current standards of care (such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy). NOXXON's Spiegelmer platform has generated a proprietary pipeline of clinical-stage product candidates including its lead cancer drug candidate NOX-A12. NOXXON is supported by a strong group of leading international investors, including TVM Capital, Sofinnova Partners, Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners, DEWB, NGN and Seventure. NOXXON has its statutory seat in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and its office in Berlin, Germany. Further information can be found at: www.noxxon.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161215005474/en/
Contacts:
NOXXON Pharma N.V.
Aram Mangasarian, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer
Tel. +49 (0) 30 726 2470
amangasarian@noxxon.com
or
NewCap
Florent Alba, Tel. +33 (0) 1 44 71 98 55
falba@newcap.fr
For Immediate Release
15 December 2016
DORIEMUS PLC
("Doriemus" or the "Company")
UK onshore Brockham Oil Field Update - Rig has mobilised and work has commenced.
London-quoted Doriemus PLC (ISDX: DOR) is pleased to announce that work has now commenced on operations at the Company's Brockham Oil Field ("Brockham"), which is located near Gatwick Airport and which is also situated only about four and a half miles north west from the Company's first significant oil strike at the Horse Hill oil discovery which had excellent oil flow rates in March this year from the testing programme.
This Brockham well is the latest initiative by Doriemus in actively participating in UK onshore conventional oil exploration designed to boost domestic oil.
Angus Energy Plc ("Angus Energy"), the operator of Brockham, has just advised Doriemus that they have today received the all important final approvals required from the UK Government Oil and Gas Authority's ("OGA") and HSE to commence the work on the BR-X4Z well on UK onshore Production Licence PL 235.
The rig is now on site and has commenced work, as per the approved programme, and has started to abandon the required redundant wells in the upper Portland formation before re-entering the original Brockham-X1 well that BP drilled in 1987 down through the Portland, Kimmeridge, Corallian and in to the much deeper greater Oolite formations. All the original BP wells at Brockham that passed through the Kimmeridge and Corallian formations were drilled without properly assessing their hydrocarbon potential.
Interest in Brockham Oil Field (PL 235):
Doriemus owns a 10% direct interest in the Brockham Oil Field which is held under UK Production Licence PL 235.
David Lenigas, Executive Chairman of Doriemus Plc, commented:
"I'm very pleased that Angus have managed to get the required approvals from the UK Government to perform this new work at Brockham and that they have already started operations on this exciting project ahead of the end of the 2016 calendar year. Doriemus looks forward to reporting the results of this very important oil exploration well for Brockham and the wider Weald Basin in due course."
The directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.
For further information please contact:
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Croatia's consumer prices decline slowed for a third straight month in November, figures from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics showed Thursday. The consumer price index decreased 0.2 percent year-on-year following 0.5 percent fall in the previous month. The index has been declining since June last year. On a month-on-month basis, the CPI was unchanged in November after a 0.4 percent rise in October. 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.
HOUSTON, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Brown Technical Media Corp., (www.browntechnicalmedia.com) (Brown), a division of Panther Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC PINK: PBYA) (Panther), is pleased to announce today that it has executed a binding letter of intent to acquire One Exam Prep, LLC (www.oneexamprep.com) (OEP), a Florida limited liability company, which is in the business of exam preparation with a focus on construction training and certification. OEP will be managed as a new division of Panther.
Based in Coconut Creek, Florida, OEP offers weekly training classes and certification courses in a wide variety of topics for contractors with continuing education in 22 states with a goal of servicing all 50 states. OEP owns over 70 domains pertaining to contractor licensing and continuing education throughout the United States. OEP has written dozens of courses which are offered both in an online e-learning setting or in classroom.
"We are incredibly excited about joining forces with Panther," stated Rob Estell, President of One Exam Prep. "This combination allows both parties to capitalize on each other's strengths, and effectively leverage our synergistic intellectual property and distribution power. We look forward to growing revenues together for many years to come."
"One Exam Prep will be the cornerstone for our construction training division, a market that represents one of the largest certification populations in the United States," stated Noah Davis, President and Chief Operating Officer of Panther. "Our goal is to offer a program in all 50 states as each state brings their own complex set of laws. One Exam Prep already offers programs in 22 states, so we are off to a great start."
Further, Panther Biotechnology Inc. has submitted an application to OTCMarkets for trading on the OTCQB. To be eligible for the listing, Panther must be current in its reporting to a US regulatory body and undergo an annual management certification process to verify officers, directors, controlling shareholders and shares outstanding.
"We have made significant progress in executing our business plan but we recognize that many broker dealers will not allow the trading of OTC Pink Sheet Stocks. We have now organized our governance and reporting activities to exceed OTCQB standards with a continued endeavor to offer more transparency to our shareholders and believe that this will not only reward our current but also our future shareholders with more confidence and liquidity," stated Evan Levine, Chief Executive Officer of Panther. "We believe that upgrading our current trading exchange will instill improved investor confidence through verified information, deliver confirmation that the Company Profile displayed on www.otcmarkets.com is current and complete, offer greater access to information for investors through the OTC Disclosure & News Service, as well as be subject to annual management certification."
About Brown Technical Media Corp.
Brown Technical Media Corp. is the only online aggregator of e-learning and training content, exam preparation, testing, certification, continuing education, compliance and career advancement tools for engineers, tradesman and technical experts in a wide variety of professions. From our Corporate Headquarters in Houston, Texas, Brown is executing a disruptive strategy of defragmenting the marketplace of thousands of disparate companies by acquiring smaller companies in the areas of our expertise and organically growing revenue through synergies. Brown serves customers in engineering firms, electrical contractors, fabricators, plumbing contractors, pipe fitters, riggers, and qc firms and is aggressively expanding into additional industries offering the full chain of training, certification and continuing education. Brown is changing the landscape for small and medium sized businesses by providing consistent, high quality online training usually only available to enterprise companies serving hundreds of thousands of customers with an established and proven online marketing platform delivering products via e-learning, print and digital media.
About Panther Biotechnology Inc.
Panther Biotechnology, Inc. has been an entity focused on the acquisition and development of enhanced therapeutics for the treatment of neoplastic, autoimmune and antiviral disorders for the last two years. Panther has recently merged with Brown Technical Media Corp. Panther will continue its regulatory effort with the goal of seeking a partner or financing for its anticipated phase 2a study of Transferrin Doxorubicin and will focus its efforts on growing its revenues in the e-learning and training content, exam preparation, testing, certification, continuing education, compliance and career advancement tools for engineers, tradesman and technical experts in a wide variety of professions.
Panther Biotechnology Inc.
Evan Levine
858-263-2744
info@pantherbiotechnology.com
NEW YORK, December 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
In reference to a new report published by Persistence Market Research, the globalbuilding automation systems marketwill showcase significant growth between 2016 and 2026. Manufacturers of building automation systems are rapidly adopting new regulations set across the globe and they are also lining up new products to meet rising market demand.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/438683LOGO )
"The global building automation systems market was valued more than US$ 43 Bn in 2015 and is expected to mint better revenue by the end of 2016, reaching approximately US$ 48 Bn. The market will continue its journey towards expansion and the market worth will reach US$ 141.1 Bn towards the end of 2026. The global building automation systems market will record a CAGR of 11.1% during the projected period".
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Global Building Automation Systems Market: Factors and Trends Impacting Growth
Governments around the globe are rolling out different precautionary measures to cut down the wastage of energy. Different new regulatory methods are adopted to reduce the consumption of energy. This is a massive booster for the global building automation systems market. Several big economies around the globe such as Europe, US and Japan have already curated some restrictive methods to revise the previous trends. This opens a new window of opportunity for the global building automation systems market. A slew of new technologies that are eroding this market are actively affecting the global canvas of the market. Better and more advanced technologies are enhancing the end-user experience and also increasing market outreach.
The introduction of smart web-based, cloud-based control networks backed by the Internet of Things (IOT), mobile technologies, integrated building systems and facility management solutions are expanding the periphery of the global building automation systems market. Last but not the least, the urgent need for consolidated security solutions is also pushing ahead the market growth of the global building automation systems market. These key factors will complement the all-round development of the market within the forecast period but there are also certain key factors that might barricade the normal development of the market within the period of forecast. Building automation systems come with a high price tag and this is expected to impact their widespread adoption. The absence of skilled manpower is another market growth deterrent.
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Global Building Automation Systems Market: Revenue Forecast
The rising incidences of security violations across the globe are likely to impact the growth of the security and surveillance segment in the global building automation systems market. The security and surveillance segment will exhibit a robust growth in terms of revenue and will overshadow the market within the forecast period. The commercial segment will contribute notably to the global building automation systems market. Towards the end of the projected period, the commercial segment will touch a market worth of more than US$ 63 Bn and will record a CAGR of 10.9%. Apart from this the government and residential segments will also project promising growth trends by 2026 end. North America will lure maximum investors, as the building automation systems market in this region will exceed a whopping value of US$ 55 Bn by the close of 2026.
View Report Table of Contents, Figures, and Tables@http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/building-automation-systems-market/toc
Global Building Automation Systems Market: Top Contenders
The global market for building automation systems is crowded with several players. The Rheem Manufacturing Company, United Technologies, General Electric, Lennox International, Philips Lighting Holding B.V., Ingersoll-Rand Plc. Honeywell International Inc., Johnson Controls are some of the major players contributing to the growth of the market. They are establishing smart IT backed platforms to provide advanced building automation systems to their customers.
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PUNE, India, December 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
According to a new market research report "Insights-as-a-Service Market by Application (Revenue Cycle Management, Governance, Risk & Compliance, Customer Life Cycle Management), Type, Deployment Model, Organization Size, Vertical, and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market size is expected to grow from USD 1.16 Billion in 2016 to USD 3.33 Billion by 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.5% during the forecast period.
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Browse 68 market data Tables and 48 Figures spread through 127 Pages and in-depth TOC on"Insights-as-a-Service Market"
http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/insights-as-a-service-market-65595452.html
Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.
The major drivers of this market include the need for improved customer satisfaction and operational performance.
The descriptive insights market is estimated to dominate the Insights-as-a-Service Market share during the forecast period
The descriptive insights segment is estimated to have the largest market share in the Insights-as-a-Service Market. Organizations' focus on offering specialized services to achieve greater customer experience and achieving operation efficiency at a reduced cost & time is driving the demand for insights services across the globe. The Insights-as-a-Service Market is growing at an exponential rate, since most of the players are focusing on providing specialized services for the businesses. A rapid growing demand for customer satisfaction with better and faster support through data insights and its reliable & efficient integration are some of the other drivers impacting the services market.
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"Customer life cycle management is expected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period"
The customer life cycle management application of Insights-as-a-Service Market is witnessing a potential growth in comparison to other applications owing to the benefits it offers such as, lowered costs, improved productivity, and advanced data analytics. The BFSI, healthcare and life sciences, manufacturing, and many more verticals are opting for this application to quickly address customer queries and concerns, keeping in mind the long term benefits. They are additionally achieving a competitive advantage. The major players in this market are Accenture, Oracle, IBM, Deloitte, and Capgemini.
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"North America is the leading region in terms of market share in the Insights-as-a-Service Market space"
North America is expected to hold the largest market share and dominate the Insights-as-a-Service Market in 2016, due to the penetration of large enterprises situated in this region with strong technically sound employees providing continuous innovative technologies, high penetration into the growing industries of the market, and greater efficiency of software-as-a-service based solution in the front office. These are some of the major driving factors contributing to the growth of cloud-based services and solutions in North America.
Major vendors covered in the Insights-as-a-Service Market for the study are Oracle Corporation (California, U.S.), Accenture Plc (Dublin, Ireland), International Business Machines Corporation (New York, U.S.), Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (New York, U.S.), Capgemini (Paris, France), NTT Data Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), Dell EMC (Massachusetts, U.S.), GoodData (California, U.S.), Zephyr Health (California, U.S.), and SmartFocus (London, U.K.).
Browse Related Report
Analytics as a Service Market by Solution (Financial Analytics, Risk Analytics, Customer Analytics), Services, Analytics Type (Prescriptive, Predictive), Deployment Model, Organization Size, Verticals, and Regions - Global Forecast to 2021
http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/analytics-as-a-service-market-159638048.html
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TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Minera Alamos Inc. (TSX VENTURE: MAI) (the "Company" or "Minera Alamos") is pleased to announce that it has engaged CSA Global Canada Geosciences Ltd. ("CSA Global") to undertake a Preliminary Economic Assessment of the La Fortuna gold project located in the State of Durango, Mexico and prepare a technical report for the project in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 (the "PEA").
CSA Global will be working with Minera Alamos to review, and utilize where practical, the analysis and assessments completed by the Company over the past eight months. A preliminary review of this work has now been completed by CSA Global with a schedule to release the PEA near the end of January 2017.
"We hold very high expectations for this project and look forward to providing our investors with a clearer examination of its value," said Chris Frostad, CEO of Minera Alamos. "Once the PEA is released, we will move quickly to upgrade the study to a pre-feasibility level of compliance for release in Q2 of next year."
"We believe the project will benefit significantly from the engineering work the company has completed over the past number of months," said Darren Koningen, President of Minera Alamos. "Through progressive phases of metallurgical analysis, we have continued to find practical approaches to simplify further the development of the La Fortuna project."
CSA Global is a leading mining, geological, technology and management consulting company with international offices spread across the Americas, Australia, Africa, Asia, and Europe. CSA Global is Minera Alamos' independent engineering consultant, and the CSA Global personnel who will author/supervise the PEA will be "qualified persons" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
About Minera Alamos
Minera Alamos is a junior exploration and development company. Its growing high-grade Mexican portfolio currently includes the La Fortuna open pit gold project in Durango and the Los Verdes open pit copper-molybdenum project in Sonora, both currently in development.
Mr. Darren Koningen, P. Eng., Minera Alamos' President, is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this press release under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Koningen has supervised the preparation of, and approved the scientific and technical disclosures in this news release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information with respect to the proposed transaction, timing of the closing of proposed transaction and the Company's consideration of the proposed production plans. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will be taken", "occur", or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made at the date that such statements are made.
Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the risk factors disclosed elsewhere in the Company's public disclosure. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purposes of assisting readers in understanding the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
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.
Contacts:
Minera Alamos Inc.
Chris Frostad
(416) 306-0990
www.mineraalamos.com
CUPERTINO (dpa-AFX) - An appeals court in Florida has ruled that police can compel individuals to hand over the passcode to their phones, reports said.
The ruling came in the case of Aaron Stahl, a Florida man who was arrested for video voyeurism.
The suspect initially had given police verbal consent to search his iPhone 5, but later withdrew. The law enforcement agents, despite having a warrant, were unable to access the phone's content due to its four-digit passcode. It is the encryption lynchpin to all Apple devices, and entering wrong passcode more than 10 times would permanently erase any data it has stored.
The phone is a significant part of the alleged crime in question, and a motion was filed with the trial court to compel Stahl to provide the passcode. But, the trial judge denied the state's motion, stating that doing so would violate Stahl's Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination.
However, the Florida Court of Appeal's Second District reversed that finding, stating that the passcode itself is not connected to any criminal data found on the phone.
The opinion read, 'The information sought by the State, that which it would require Stahl to provide, is the passcode.... The state has not asked Stahl to produce the photographs or videos on the phone . By providing the passcode, [he] would not be acknowledging that the phone contains evidence of video voyeurism. Moreover, although the passcode would allow the State access to the phone, and therefore to a source of potential evidence, the State has a warrant to search the phone - the source of evidence had already been uncovered.'
In many cases, earlier court rulings had denied access to the passcode. In 2014, a court in Virginia found that making someone tell their passcode can be forcing them into self-incrimination, against the Fifth Amendment.
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As a result of this agreement, Dentix will further expand its presence in Europe and Latin America, and open new markets in Asia Pacific
This transaction is direct lending financing, which does not entail the entry of KKR into the equity of Dentix
This is KKR's thirteenth investment in Spain in the last 6 years, and its second direct lending investment following the financing to SARquavitae in 2015
BBVA has acted as financial advisor in this transaction. PwC Financial, Tax Legal Services, Ropes Gray and Linklaters have advised on legal and tax matters, and Due Diligence in this investment
Dentix, a leading company in the dental industry in Spain, has signed a strategic financing agreement with KKR, a leading global investment firm, who will provide 200m of long-term credit financing to the Company to boost its international expansion plan.
Dentix currently operates 251 clinics in four countries (Spain, Italy, Mexico and Colombia) and has set itself the goal of opening new clinics in the next 4 years in Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. In 2015, Dentix reported revenues of 258m and expects to reach 350m in revenues in 2016.
Dentix entrusted BBVA, as financial advisor, with the search of the best option to finance its strong international expansion. BBVA is also one of the reference banks of the company in consumer finance.
After assessing different alternatives, an agreement has been reached with KKR, who proposed an attractive bespoke unitranche solution that met the company's needs for flexibility.
This investment is part of a strategic financing operation that will help to boost growth in the company's existing markets, in the markets where it has announced expansion plans for 2017 (Chile, Peru and the United Kingdom) as well as in new geographies in the medium term in Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. PwC Tax Legal Services, Ropes & Gray and Linklaters, as advisors of corporate transactions, including Direct Lending, have been legal and tax advisors to the transaction. PwC Financial Services has performed the Financial Due Diligence.
Angel Lorenzo, Chairman and Founder of Dentix, said: "We are extremely pleased with this agreement, whereby KKR, a world leader in its sector, is backing our model and our expansion. Growth of the company in other countries has demonstrated that the 'Dentix Method' works and that our business model delivering quality dentist services available to all is well received everywhere. Mr. Lorenzo added thatBBVA "is a strategic partner of the company in terms of consumer financing in many of the countries in which we are present".
Mark Brown, Director at KKR Credit, said: "We are delighted to be providing Dentix with long-term credit financing that will support its international growth ambitions. The company's model of owned clinics and its vision for the sector's future have delivered impressive results over the last five years in Spain, and we are convinced of its potential to export and adapt this model into other international markets. This is our thirteenth investment in Spain since 2010, and the second direct lending credit investment in the region."
Different model from other dental chains
Dentix is a wholly Spanish and family owned dental company which adopts a different business model from other Spanish chains and insurers. The Dentix model, based on its own clinics, aims to make cutting-edge dentistry accessible to everyone.
On the one hand, this is achieved because all clinics are owned (not franchised), which allows to eliminate the margins of intermediaries and to maintain a rigorous control over the management of the clinics, its processes and patient services. On the other hand, Dentix buys materials at an international level, achieving economies of scale by negotiating prices with its global suppliers and achieving better conditions. And lastly, the use of cutting-edge technologies, such as CAD-CAM or Tac Digital, which enable to reduce treatment periods and, therefore, to increase patient satisfaction and reduce costs.
About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and driving growth and value creation at the asset level. KKR invests its own capital alongside its partners' capital and brings opportunities to others through its capital markets business. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds. For additional information about KKR Co. L.P. (NYSE:KKR), please visit KKR's website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161215005584/en/
Contacts:
KKR UK Finsbury
Victor Mallet
victor.mallet@finsbury.com
+44 (0)20 7251 3801
Stas Namin: I was raised in the Armenian spirit (video)
Serzh Sargsyan received today the RF culture figure, the well-known musician and artist of the Armenian descent, director and producer Stas Namin Anastas Mikoyan, who has arrived to Armenia to participate in the events to be held in Yerevan on December 14-20 on the occasion of his 65th birth anniversary conducted in the framework of the Armenian-Russia cooperation. Welcoming the celebrated artist to Armenia, President Sargsyan noted that the Armenian people have a great respect towards their talented compatriot who has always stood by our nation in difficult times and today celebrates his anniversary in Armenia through a number of cultural events which will raise the spirits and will introducing the public to exceptional pieces of art. The President hailed years-long activities of Stas Namin in different areas and added that he carries on worthily the best traditions of his wonderful family. Stas Namin noted that the visit to Armenia is a great honor for him and underscored that in his perception Armenia has always been a fairytale land. He said that he was truly happy to be able to demonstrate here his works. I was raised in the Armenian spirit and I am profoundly thankful for the invitation and warm welcome, said the celebrated performer at the meeting with the President of Armenia.
DUBLIN, Dec 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Industrial Castings Market 2016-2020" report to their offering.
The global industrial castings market to grow at a CAGR of 1.88% during the period 2016-2020.
The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global industrial castings market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report presents individual market size and forecasts by geography have been provided with detailed analysis for each segment. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.
One of latest trends in the market is simulation-based castings. Simulation-based casting is used to produce cost-effective, reliable, and high-precision components. Also, simulation-based casting is used to increase casting yield and reduce the shop floor time. By using simulation-based casting, we can predict the defects and their location easily compared with conventional casting besides being able to analyze and optimize the feed ability of the casting process.
According to the report, one of the primary drivers in the market is augmented demand from aerospace, defense, and telecom sectors. Aluminum die casting process, along with forging techniques, is widely used in the aerospace and defense sectors. There has been a rise in demand for aluminum and other lightweight alloys over steel for use in the manufacture of aircraft bodies and the corresponding parts, as these metals reduce the weight of the overall aircraft to a great extent.
Further, the report states that one major challenge in the market is volatile raw material prices. Major steel casting manufacturers worldwide are under stress to improve their profit margins due to volatile prices of raw materials and declining prices of steel casting products. This has a greater impact on steel producers that maintain long-term raw material supply contracts. These producers are integrating their upstream operations vertically to overcome these concerns and remain competitive in the market. Also, this will allow them to gain more control over raw material prices.
Key vendors
Alcast Technologies
Alcoa Howmet
Kobe Steel
Brakes India
Dandong Foundry
Other prominent vendors
ACAST
AMCOL Metalcasting
Amsteel Castings
Anhui Yingliu Electrochemical
Benton Foundry
Bodine Aluminum
Brantingham Manufacturing
Consolidated Metco (ConMet)
Decatur Foundry
Dynacast International
ESCO
Georg Fischer
Gibbs Die Casting
Gravity Cast
Grede Holdings
Grupo Industrial Saltillo SAB de CV
Hinduja Foundries
Hitachi Metals
Hua Dong Teksid
Hyundai Steel
JCFC
Leggett & Platt
Martinrea Honsel Germany
Nucor
OSCO Industries
Pacific Steel Casting
Peekay Steel Castings
Precision Castparts
Qingdao Tian Hua Yi He Foundry Factory
Ryobi
Schuler
ACO Group
Key Topics Covered:
Part 01: Executive summary
Part 02: Scope of the report
Part 03: Market research methodology
Part 04: Introduction
Part 05: Market landscape
Part 06: Market segmentation by material
Non-ferrous casting
Part 07: Market segmentation by end-user
Part 08: Geographical segmentation
Part 09: Market drivers
Part 10: Impact of drivers
Part 11: Market challenges
Part 12: Impact of drivers and challenges
Part 13: Market trends
Part 14: Vendor landscape
Part 15: Key vendor analysis
Part 16: Appendix
For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/38grfr/global_industrial
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press@researchandmarkets.com
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BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- New Colombia Resources, Inc. (OTC PINK: NEWC), a Colombian company listed in the U.S. with metallurgical coal and medical marijuana companies in Colombia is pleased to post this letter to shareholders...
Dear Shareholders:
I'm happy to report that we are finalizing agreements and contracts that will generate significant cash flow. I realize the extreme importance of being current with our SEC filings, our auditor, Malone Bailey in Houston, TX is currently reviewing our annual report. A conference call yesterday between our accountants and auditors identified some small requests by auditors that the accountants will provide and a filing is expected shortly thereafter. Company current assets, most liabilities, subsidiary ownerships, business plans, etc. are all in the audited 10K Annual Report filed last year. Before last year New Colombia Resources had never been not current and always filed in a timely manner. Our limited cash resources were used to build two businesses, mining and Medical Marijuana products in Colombia. Going forward as we generate revenue from several businesses, we don't anticipate this happening again as we aim to trade on a higher exchange
Coal and Rock Mining
Metallurgical coal prices continue to maintain over 300% gains this year at $ 285/tonne. We recently filed an 8K disclosing a joint venture with MSG Mining Corp. to develop Concession Contract JC3-15231 in Cucuta. My partners Erasmo and Tito have been meeting with geologists and engineers that will operate the mine to initially produce 10,000 tonnes/month starting in 4-8 weeks. They've been at the mining and environmental agencies assuring a smooth operation. Our specially designed water system will be a showcase for environmental agencies across Colombia to encourage other miners to avoid polluting the waterways. Our J.V. partner, Tito Castillo, is a chemical engineer setting up state of the art water systems around the world for over 20 years.
Contracted operators will supply the equipment and manpower to mine the coal, we contract a trucking company to deliver it 25 Km to our 50,000 tonne storage yard where it's then hauled to an export terminal on the Caribbean coast. I'm finalizing a purchase order for up to a 60,000 tonne delivery in April, most of this will be sourced from neighboring mines. Once I have the purchase order I'll file an 8K with complete details. The purchase order, mining titles with permits, and operator's agreement allows us to get traditional financing to begin operations and buy from existing mines in the area, store it and ship it to the coast.
The Guaduas rock mining operation is also expected to begin next quarter, we're still waiting for the approval of the addition of rock mining to our approved mining permit for coal. When we added rock mining, coal prices were depressed, so we decided to mine rocks to supply the many road projects in our area. We received notice from the mining agency that the application is still being reviewed. We don't anticipate any issues since we addressed all concerns from their site visit earlier this year. All we can do is wait and start setting up the rock crushing plant we purchased so we can begin to work immediately once approved. Earlier this year a large Asian company gave us a letter of intent to develop a power plant and coal operation. They've asked for extension to begin the project. We are in Guaduas, to see the road project click http://www.consorciovialhelios.com/proyectos.php'seccion=3
Medical Marijuana
Sannabis, our joint venture, introduced a newly designed product line that will enhance sales. Sannabis is a medical marijuana pioneer in Colombia operating in an area notorious for growing high quality marijuana all year round. Our indigenous partners who are totally opposed to illegal drug trafficking and legally grow 100% organic, all natural medical marijuana on their reservation, process it onsite into a variety of topical and oral products that are sold by distributors throughout Colombia. Not only are we providing for the farmers but we create value added jobs in product development to the community. The Colombian military contacted us to establish alternative crops for other indigenous regions of Colombia in post conflict zones. This will be documented by reporters and film crews and is expected to garner significant international attention. Infomercials will be filmed next month with retired professional athletes promoting our all natural CBD products for the U.S. market and medical marijuana products for the Colombia market. International interest has sparked and we're gearing up to manufacture dozens of products for international buyers.
FDA Applications
I'm meeting with Dr. Stanley Satz of Advanced Imaging Projects (AiP) today to finalize our joint venture agreements to file for an orphan drug designation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We've identified the indications we will file for and they'll be detailed in an 8K filing along with file numbers.
Some of you have been here to see our operations, I invite all of you to do the same. Please email me for documentation of any item mentioned in this letter. I look forward to keeping you current on all developments, but more importantly posting audited revenue and earnings.
Sincerely yours,
John Campo
President/Chairman of the Board
To view or buy Sannabis products visit www.sannabis.co. Follow Sannabis on Facebook for photos and testimonials at https://www.facebook.com/sannabis.oficial/
New Colombia Resources, Inc.
New Colombia Resources, Inc. owns vast reserves of premium metallurgical coal mining titles and a medical marijuana joint venture in the Republic of Colombia. They are setting up a rock mining operation to supply the major road and infrastructure projects within miles of their properties. They own 100% of La Tabaquera metallurgical coal mine in Colombia with an estimated 15- 17 million tonnes of reserves. They have an additional 1196 ha. metallurgical coal mining title that they are negotiating to develop with a foreign entity to build a coal fired power plant. New Colombia Resources holds a significant position in Sannabis SAS which legally produces medical marijuana products in the Republic of Colombia, visit www.sannabis.co. For more information on the Company visit www.newcolombiaresources.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Forward-Looking Statements; This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing works such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements might not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include financing, the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations. New Colombia Resources, Inc. does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward-looking statements.
Company Contact:
New Colombia Resources, Inc.
John Campo
President/Chairman
410-236-8200 USA
jcampo@newcolombiaresources.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Serengeti Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SIR)(FRANKFURT: 34S) and partner Fjordland Exploration Inc. (TSX VENTURE: FEX) have identified a very strong induced polarization(IP) geophysical anomaly on their jointly held Milligan West property located four kilometers west of the currently producing Mt. Milligan Mine owned by Centerra Gold Inc. Serengeti views this newly identified target as having the size and intensity to host a potentially significant sulphide system at a moderate depth. The anomaly remains open to the west for expansion and is a high priority for drill testing.
Serengeti completed a deep-penetrating, reconnaissance IP geophysical profile in the Heidi Lake West area of the Milligan West property in late September. The survey was designed to test for possible extensions of the sulphide system hosting the Mt. Milligan deposits, below the depth penetration of prior shallow-penetrating historical geophysical surveys in the area. The recently completed induced polarization work has identified a strong to intense, multi lobed, 1100 metre wide anomaly, with modelled chargeability values up to 80 mV/V. The anomaly is associated with a high-resistivity feature, possibly representing a deep intrusive body and also straddles a regional northwest trending structure, similar in orientation to the Great Eastern Fault which bounds the Mt. Milligan deposit to the east. Shallow drilling of two widely spaced holes in the general area in 2005, reaching a maximum depth of 156 metres intersected sedimentary rocks locally cut by propylitically-altered monzodiorite sills of the Milligan-age intrusive suite with increasing sulphides to the bottom of the hole and with one interval assaying 0.15 g/t gold over 9 metres. Furthermore, limited soil geochemical sampling in 2011 in the area of the newly identified anomaly located several strongly anomalous gold and molybdenum sample sites.
"This newly identified anomaly is a compelling drill target located close to one of BC's largest gold-copper mines," stated Serengeti President & CEO David W Moore. "There is room to expand this target to the west, but even at this stage, given the location it's a quality target meriting a minimum of several deep drill holes. Serengeti also holds the right to a multi-year, area-based notice of work for the property enabling a drill program to be conducted next year," elaborated Moore.
Please go to the Milligan West property section of Company's website to view images of the location maps and IP profiles of the target area (http://www.serengetiresources.com/i/pdf/2016-12-15_NR-maps.pdf).
As a result of the recent program which was solely funded by Serengeti, the property is now owned approximately 55% by Serengeti and 45% by Fjordland Exploration Inc. Milligan West is part of the Company's prospective pipeline of properties that Serengeti believes has the potential to add significant value for its shareholders. These properties are in addition to Serengeti's flagship Kwanika property where the Company recently published a mineral resource update (See NR-2016-13 dated November 14, 2016) and is currently engaged in completing a Preliminary Economic Assessment due for completion in Q1, 2017.
About Serengeti Resources Inc.
Serengeti is a mineral exploration company managed by an experienced team of professionals with a solid track record of exploration success. The Company is currently advancing its Kwanika copper-gold project in partnership with Daewoo Minerals Canada and exploring the balance of its extensive portfolio of properties, largely 100% held, in the highly prospective Quesnel Trough of British Columbia. A number of these other projects are available for option-joint venture and additional information can be found on the Company's website at www.serengetiresources.com.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
The geophysical field program described above was conducted by Peter E Walcott & Associates and directed by Serengeti Resources Inc. staff. The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in National Instrument 43-101, and reviewed by the Company's qualified person, David W. Moore, P. Geo., President and CEO of Serengeti Resources Inc.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
David W. Moore, P. Geo., President, CEO and Director
Cautionary Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and US securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein are forward-looking statements. Information concerning mineral resource estimates also may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Although Serengeti Resources Inc. ("SIR") believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. SIR cautions investors that any forward- looking statements by SIR are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. All of SIR's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to SIR's mineral properties.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Investor Relations:
Paradox Public Relations
514-341-0408
Toll free (in North America) 1-866-460-0408
info@paradox-pr.ca
Serengeti Resources Inc.
520 - 800 West Pender St.
Vancouver, BC V6C 2V6
604-605-1300
info@serengetiresources.com
www.serengetiresources.com
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Knight Therapeutics Inc. (TSX: GUD) ("Knight"), a leading Canadian specialty pharmaceutical company today announced the signing of an exclusive license agreement with AstraZeneca, for the rights to Movantik (naloxegol) in Canada and Israel. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Movantik, the first once-daily oral peripherally-acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA) approved in Canada for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation ("OIC") in adult patients with non-cancer pain who have had an inadequate response to laxative(s), was launched by AstraZeneca in October 2015. Movantik is currently under regulatory review in Israel and, when approved, will be marketed under the name Moventig.
According to the Canadian Family Physician Practice Guideline, it is estimated that at least 26% of chronic opioid users suffer from OIC.
Based on QuintilesIMS, Movantik sales in Canada were $372,000 for the ten-month period ending October 2016.
Under the terms of the exclusive license agreement, Knight will be responsible for all commercial, regulatory and certain supply chain activities for Movantik in Canada and Israel.
"We are pleased to partner with AstraZeneca and to continue their efforts at introducing Movantik to patients in Canada and Israel," said Jonathan Ross Goodman, CEO of Knight. "Movantik is a unique product that addresses a clear unmet need and will be a great addition to our portfolio of products that treat conditions associated with the use of opioids, such as Probuphine."
Conference Call Notice
Knight will host a conference call to discuss the transaction today at 8:00 am ET. Investors and other interested parties may call 1-877-223-4471 (Operator Assisted Toll-Free) or 647-788-4922 (local or international).
A presentation with additional information about the transaction can be found on Knight's website at www.gud-knight.com under presentations and will remain available until January 15, 2017.
A taped replay of the conference call will be available from today at 11:00 am ET until January 15, 2017 at 11:59 pm ET. To access the replay, please call 1-800-585-8367 or 416-621-4642 and use access code 33758691.
About Movantik/Moventig
Movantik/Moventig is a peripherally-acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA) for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adult patients with non-cancer pain who have had an inadequate response to laxative(s). It is the first once-daily oral peripherally-acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA) to be approved in Canada. In Phase III clinical studies, Movantik/Moventig was administered as a once-daily tablet and was designed to block the binding of opioids to opioid receptors in tissues such as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
The KODIAC clinical programme was comprised of four studies: KODIAC-4, -5, -7 and -8. KODIAC-4 and -5 were identically designed, placebo controlled, double-blind, 12 week studies assessing safety and efficacy, while KODIAC-7 was a 12-week safety extension to KODIAC-4, and KODIAC-8 was a 52 week long-term safety study.
Movantik/Moventig is part of the exclusive worldwide licence agreement announced on 21 September 2009 between AstraZeneca and Nektar Therapeutics. Movantik/Moventig was developed using Nektar's oral small molecule polymer conjugate technology.
Moventig was granted Marketing Authorisation by the European Medicines Agency in December 2014. Outside the EU, it was launched in the US in March 2015 and in Canada in October 2015 under the brand name Movantik.
In March 2015, AstraZeneca entered into an agreement with Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., for the co-commercialisation of Movantik in the US and in March 2016, AstraZeneca entered into an agreement with Kyowa Kirin International for the rights to Moventig in the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
About Knight Therapeutics Inc.
Knight Therapeutics Inc., headquartered in Montreal, Canada, is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring or in-licensing innovative pharmaceutical products for the Canadian and select international markets. Knight Therapeutics Inc.'s shares trade on TSX under the symbol GUD. For more information about Knight Therapeutics Inc., please visit the company's web site at www.gud-knight.com or www.sedar.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This document contains forward-looking statements for Knight Therapeutics Inc. and its subsidiaries. These forward looking statements, by their nature, necessarily involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Knight Therapeutics Inc. considers the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based to be reasonable at the time they were prepared, but cautions the reader that these assumptions regarding future events, many of which are beyond the control of Knight Therapeutics Inc. and its subsidiaries, may ultimately prove to be incorrect. Factors and risks, which could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations are discussed in Knight Therapeutics Inc.'s Annual Report and in Knight Therapeutics Inc.'s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2015. Knight Therapeutics Inc. disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information or future events, except as required by law.
Contacts:
Knight Therapeutics Inc.
Jeffrey Kadanoff, P.Eng., MBA
Chief Financial Officer
514-484-GUD1 (4831)
514-481-4116 (FAX)
info@gud-knight.com
www.gud-knight.com
TORONTO, 2016-12-15 13:30 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mandalay Resources Corporation ("Mandalay" or the "Company") (TSX:MND) is pleased to announce its exploration efforts in 2015 and the first three quarters of 2016 have resulted in substantially increased Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves at its Bjorkdal open pit and underground gold mine in Sweden. In the Measured and Indicated Resource categories (Table 1) after mining depletion, contained gold increased from 598,000 ounces as of December 31, 2015, to 911,000 ounces as of September 30, 2016 (approximately a 52% increase). In the Proven and Probable Reserve categories (Table 2), contained gold increased from 418,000 to 586,000 ounces (approximately a 40% increase) in the same period. These increases are after depletion of 44,000 ounces produced from December 31, 2015 to September 30, 2016. Before depletion, the absolute increase of Measured and Indicated Resources was 357,000 ounces and Proven and the increase of Probable Reserves was 212,000 ounces.The effective date of the new Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate is September 30, 2016, and the estimate was independently compiled and verified by Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. ("RPA"). The new estimate will be fully documented in an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report, which will be filed on www.sedar.com and the Mandalay website (www.mandalayresources.com) within 45 days of this press release. All dollar amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.Mark Sander, CEO of Mandalay, commented, "Mandalay's Mineral Resource and Reserve position at Bjorkdal has significantly increased due to our increased rate of exploration drilling since our acquisition of the mine in September, 2014. This investment is based on a continuing evolution of our understanding of the fundamental geology of the deposit, made possible by the careful factual observations and insightful interpretations of our team. As well, the methodology for conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves has improved to more closely match the actual mining practices we are implementing. We believe that the Mineral Resources and Reserves will continue to grow significantly with future exploration efforts.""Our spending on underground exploration drilling since the previous underground estimate of year-end 2014 (see Mandalay February 17, 2015 press release) as well as our open pit exploration drilling since the previous open pit estimate of year-end 2015 (see Mandalay February 29, 2015 press release), totals $5.94 million. Dividing this amount by the 212,000 gold ounces added to reserves yields a discovery and conversion cost of new Proven and Probable Reserves of just $28 per ounce of contained gold."Dr. Sander concluded, "Finally, dividing the new reserves by the 2017 guidance for gold production from Bjorkdal (50-55,000 saleable ounces of gold; see Mandalay November 2, 2016 press release) yields a forward-looking mine life of over 10 years, up from the previous 8 years (including 2016). This extension of the beneficial economic, employment, and community impacts of the mine is most gratifying and we look forward to continued extensions."Table 1: Mineral Resources at Bjorkdal, Inclusive of Mineral Reserves, as of September 30, 2016Category Area Tonnage Au Grade Contained (kt) (g/t) Au (koz) Indicated Resources Open Pit 4,258 1.99 273 Underground 5,643 3.29 597 Sub-total 9,900 2.73 870 Stockpile 1,929 0.65 40 Total Indicated 11,829 2.39 911Inferred Resources Open Pit 2,643 1.19 101 Underground 920 3.20 95 Total Inferred 3,564 1.71 196Notes:1. Mineral Resources are estimated as of September 30 th , 2016. 2. CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Resources. 3. Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. 4. Mineral Resources are estimated using an average Au price of $1,400/oz, and an exchange rate of 8.4 SEK/US$. 5. Bulk density is 2.74 t/m 3 . 6. High gold assays were capped to 30 g/t Au for open pit. 7. High gold assays underground were capped at 60 g/t Au for the first search pass and 40 g/t Au for subsequent passes. 8. Interpolation was by inverse distance cubed utilizing diamond drill, reverse circulation and chip channel samples. 9. Open pit Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.35 g/t Au, constrained by the resource pit design and the 30 th September 2016 open pit digital terrain model. 10. Underground Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.90 g/t Au. 11. A nominal two metres minimum mining width was used to interpret veins using diamond drill, reverse circulation, and underground chip sampling. 12. Reported Mineral Resources are exclusive of previously mined underground development and stopes. 13. Stockpile Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.40 g/t Au and are based upon surveyed volumes supplemented by production data. 14. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 15. Numbers may not add due to rounding. 16. The Independent Qualified Person for the Bjorkdal Mineral Resource estimate is Reno Pressacco, P.Geo., RPA, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.Table 2: Mineral Reserves at Bjorkdal, as of September 30, 2016Category Area Tonnage Au Grade Contained (kt) (g/t) Au (koz) Probable Open Pit 4,592 1.36 201 Underground 4,256 2.52 345 Stockpile 1,929 0.65 40 Total Probable 10,778 1.69 586Notes:1. Mineral Reserves are estimated as of September 30 th , 2016, and depleted for production through to September 30 th , 2016. 2. CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Reserves. 3. Open Pit Mineral Reserves are based on mine designs carried out on an updated resource model, applying a block dilution of 75% at 0.2 g/t Au. A cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t Au was applied. 4. Underground Mineral Reserves are based on mine designs carried out on updated resource model. Minimum mining widths of 3.5 m for stopes (after dilution) and 3.8 m for development were used. Dilution was applied by adding 0.5 m on each side of stopes and adding 10% to development. Extraction was assessed at 95% for stopes and 100% for development. A cut-off grade of 1.00 g/t Au was applied. An incremental cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t Au was used for development material. 5. Stockpile Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.40 g/t Au and are based upon surveyed volumes supplemented by production data. 6. Mineral Reserves are estimated using an average long-term gold price of $1,200/oz, and an exchange rate of 8.4 SEK/US$. 7. Tonnes and contained gold are rounded to the nearest thousand. 8. Totals may appear different from the sum of their components due to rounding. 9. The Independent Qualified Persons for the Bjorkdal Mineral Reserve estimate are Ian Weir, P.Eng., RPA, (for open pit reserves) and David Robson, P.Eng., RPA, (for underground reserves), who are Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101.Bjorkdal 2016 Exploration and Updated Mineral Resources and ReservesBjorkdal has drilled 38,709 m of diamond core and reverse circulation exploration holes since the previous resource estimation (December 31, 2014 for underground targets, and December 31, 2015 for open pit targets). As well, through September 30, 2016, the effective date of the new estimate, 8,263 m of underground on-vein development has occurred. A total of 2,000 chip samples along this on-vein development and from the open pit were assayed to provide short-range confidence in the model.Mandalay personnel performed all core and reverse circulation drill logging and sampling, as well as all underground and open pit mapping and chip sampling. Drill and chip samples were sent to CRS Research, Ltd. for assay by the pulverise-and-leach process. The exploration drill samples were assayed at offsite commercial CRS Research facilities, whereas chip samples were assayed either at CRS commercial offsite facilities or at the on-site assay laboratory at Bjorkdal that CRS Research has operated for Mandalay since mid-2016. Mandalay geologists conduct a QA/QC procedure in which blanks, standards and sample duplicates are inserted in sample batches submitted to the assay lab.In the underground, the Company generated substantial exploration success in all principal production areas drilled - Main Zone, Central Zone, South Zone and Lake Zone. The Company expects that the underground Resources and Reserves will continue to increase in 2017 as further definition drilling is carried out along the known extensions of the underground orebody.In the open pit, the Company conducted infill and extension drilling of the currently operating East Pit, West Pit, and Quartz Mountain areas. As well, it continued to infill and extend the Nylunds Open Pit deposit, yet to be mined, to the southeast of the operating mine. The Company expects further increases in Resources and Reserves in the Nylunds Pit area over the course of 2017 as it continues drilling in the area.Mandalay geologists interpreted approximately 600 individual vein wireframe models which were reconciled in three dimensions and were used to constrain grade estimation. The Mineral Resource estimate was carried out using Geovia Surpac software and utilized an inverse distance cubed interpolation within wireframes. Gold assays were capped at 30 g/t Au in the open pit, whereas a two stage capping strategy was used for underground, 60 g/t Au for the first search pass and 40 g/t Au for subsequent search passes. The estimates were based on intercepts from diamond core, reverse circulation drilling, and chip-channel sampling in both the open pit and underground domains.Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves.Underground Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.90 g/t Au over a nominal minimum two meter mining width utilizing a $1,400/oz gold price.Open pit Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.35 g/t Au as constrained by the September 30, 2016, open pit digital terrain model, and by a Whittle pit shell designed on Indicated and Inferred Resources at a $1,400/oz gold price.Underground Mineral Reserves are based on mine designs generated from the updated resource mode utilising the auto-stope function within Deswik software. Mineable stope shapes were designed based on the distribution of Indicated Resources at a minimum mining width of 2.5 metres with a 0.5 m dilution applied to both the hanging wall and footwall. Development was then designed and scheduled to access these stopes. Mining recoveries used were 95% for stopes and 100% for development. Underground Reserves were estimated using a $1,200/oz price.Open pit Mineral Reserves were estimated using Whittle software to produce a pit shell based on Indicated Mineral Resources at a gold price of $1,200/oz. This shell was imported into Deswik software, where mineable designs were produced using the Whittle pit shell as a guide. The open pit Mineral Reserves are reported at an in-situ cut-off grade of 0.40 g/t Au from within the mineable designs produced in Deswik. The reported Mineral Reserves have 75% dilution at a dilution grade of 0.20 g/t Au and a mining extraction factor of 100% applied to them. The dilution and mining extraction factors are based on a reconciliation between mine production and the block model.Complete details of the drilling, sampling, assaying, resource estimation and reserve estimation methodologies will be published in the Technical Report to be filed within 45 days of this press release.Qualified Persons:All Qualified Persons listed below have read and approved the contents of this news release as it pertains to the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates disclosed in this news release.The Mineral Resource Estimate was carried out under the supervision of Reno Pressacco, M.Sc.(A)., P.Geo., an employee of RPA and independent of Mandalay Resources Corporation. He is a "Qualified Person" for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. The Mineral Reserve Estimate was carried out under the supervision of David Robson, P.Eng. and Ian Weir, P. Eng., both employees of RPA and independent of Mandalay Resources Corporation. Both are Qualified Persons for the purpose of NI 43-101.About Mandalay Resources Corporation:Mandalay Resources is a Canadian-based natural resource company with producing assets in Australia, Chile and Sweden, and a development project in Chile. The Company is focused on executing a roll-up strategy, creating critical mass by aggregating advanced or in-production gold, copper, silver and antimony projects in Australia, the Americas, and Europe to generate near-term cash flow and shareholder value.Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including guidance as to anticipated gold, silver, and antimony production and production costs in the future. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, changes in commodity prices and general market and economic conditions. The factors identified above are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Mandalay. A description of additional risks that could result in actual results and developments differing from those contemplated by forward-looking statements in this news release can be found under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mandalay's annual information form dated March 30, 2016 a copy of which is available under Mandalay's profile at www.sedar.com. Although Mandalay has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.For Further Information:Mark Sander President and Chief Executive OfficerGreg DiTomaso Director of Investor RelationsContact: 1.647.260.1566
NEW YORK, 2016-12-15 13:42 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC (NYSE:OZM) today announced the closing of its first European collateralized loan obligation (CLO) transaction, OZLME B.V., totaling approximately 413 million. The CLO, arranged by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, will be managed through Och-Ziff's affiliate, Och-Ziff Europe Loan Management Limited, and will invest predominantly in broadly syndicated senior secured loans. "We are very pleased to announce the closing of our first European CLO," said Adeel Shafiqullah, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager of Institutional Credit Strategies in Europe. He added, "We have a deep, experienced team of credit investment professionals in Europe with significant and broad expertise investing and managing CLO portfolios. This closing is an important milestone in the development of our Institutional Credit Strategies platform in the region." Institutional Credit Strategies (ICS) is Och-Ziff's asset management platform that invests in performing credits, including leveraged loans, high-yield bonds, private credit/bespoke financing and investment grade credit via CLOs and other customized solutions for clients. Since the inception of the platform in May 2012, ICS has issued 14 CLOs totaling approximately $7.6 billion. About Och-Ziff Och-Ziff is one of the largest institutional alternative asset managers in the world, with offices in New York, London, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Beijing, Dubai, Shanghai and Houston. Och-Ziff provides asset management services to investors globally through its multi-strategy funds, dedicated credit funds, including opportunistic credit funds and Institutional Credit Strategies products, real estate funds and other alternative investment vehicles. Och-Ziff seeks to generate consistent, positive, absolute returns across market cycles, with low volatility compared to the broader markets, and with an emphasis on preservation of capital. Och-Ziff's funds invest across multiple strategies and geographies, consistent with the investment objectives of each fund. The global investment strategies Och-Ziff employs include convertible and derivative arbitrage, corporate credit, long/short equity special situations, merger arbitrage, private investments, real estate and structured credit. As of December 1, 2016, Och-Ziff had approximately $37.1 billion in assets under management. For more information, please visit Och-Ziff's website (www.ozcap.com). Investor Relations Contact Tina Madon +1-212-719-7381 tina.madon@ozcap.com Media Relations Contact Joe Snodgrass +1-212-887-4821 joseph.snodgrass@ozcap.com
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
SAINT PETERSBURG, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- 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 RemoteEye -- a secure cloud-based centralized remote grow facility management system tailored specifically for the marijuana industry.
The system monitors and manages grow systems across geographical boundaries from a centralized location. This cloud-based operating center is built and managed from our facility in St. Petersburg with servers hosted at large reputable data centers. The duties and responsibilities of the centralized management are geared towards proactively managing and maintaining efficient operating states of hardware devices, operating systems and insuring continuity of services. The centralized management center will become the primary point from which the various grow systems spread around the country will be monitored and managed. RemoteEye provides the ability to gather data, identify potential problems either with the plants or equipment that's running the facility such as lights, sensors, chillers or HVAC system. The primary objective is to provide remote eyes and hands to address issues that could be potentially detrimental to the plants.
In addition to the management of the grow system, the RemoteEye will also be able to monitor the facility and track any physical security breaches. The access management and video systems are closely monitored to provide a level of security that's higher than what's required by the legal States. The other functionalities include backup and storage of grow profiles, policy enforcement, shared threat analysis, seed to sale tracking, alarm logging and reporting. Shared management of multiple facilities provides each customer with labor cost savings by minimizing the requirement for maintenance staff. This allows the customer to focus on growing and expanding the business. The other cost reduction attribute is through standardization of processes, effective policies, rapid problem management and resolution. To summarize, here's a short list of the advantages of a centralized monitoring and management center:
Ability to remotely perform software upgrades simultaneously
Perform scheduled maintenance -- software patches and operation system upgrades
Automatic restart of failed systems
Generating audit trail of operations
Analytics to realize precisely successful grows
HempTech is committed to bringing cutting edge technology to cannabis growers everywhere. The perfect blend of technology and human experience, we bring you the best in automation systems. For more information on RemoteEye and other products offered by HempTech, please contact; info@hemptechcorp.com.
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
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- A majority of Canadians support Ottawa's balanced approach to oil pipelines and transportation, according to results of an Ipsos poll done in part for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.
The results also show the number of British Columbians who support the approval of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (54 per cent) is more than double those who oppose it (26 per cent). The same is true for Line 3 Replacement Project, where results show the number of British Columbians who support the approval (53 per cent) is more than double those who oppose it (19 per cent).
British Columbians' agreement with Ottawa's approach ranks above the national average on each of the four decisions. Support for Ottawa's plan is highest in Alberta and B.C. and lowest in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
On November 29, the Government of Canada:
-- Approved the Trans Mountain Expansion Project; -- Approved the Line 3 Replacement Project; -- Rejected the Northern Gateway Project; and, -- Announced it will proceed with a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic off the north coast of B.C.
The Ipsos poll of 1,000 Canadians conducted Dec. 5 to 8 found:
All numbers indicate per cent and may not add to 100 due to rounding(i)
--------------------------------------------------------- National Results --------------------------------------------------------- Government Decision Agree with Neutral Disagree with Decision Decision --------------------------------------------------------- Trans Mountain 37 43 20 --------------------------------------------------------- Line 3 39 43 18 --------------------------------------------------------- Northern Gateway 33 45 21 --------------------------------------------------------- Tanker Moratorium 34 50 16 ---------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------- British Columbia Results --------------------------------------------------------- Government Decision Agree with Neutral Disagree with Decision Decision --------------------------------------------------------- Trans Mountain 54 20 26 --------------------------------------------------------- Line 3 53 28 19 --------------------------------------------------------- Northern Gateway 38 25 37 --------------------------------------------------------- Tanker Moratorium 43 38 19 ---------------------------------------------------------
Detailed results of the Ipsos poll can be found online here: http://ipsos-na.com/news-polls/
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers quotes: Tim McMillan - president and CEO, CAPP
-- On poll: -- "A majority of Canadians agree the Government of Canada has taken a balanced approach to pipelines." -- "Canadians want to see governments take action on climate change but Canadians also want their governments to take action to grow our economy. These decisions can balance both - and Canadians support these decisions." -- "It's important we continue to listen to all Canadians - both those in favour of pipelines and those opposed - to have a balanced conversation about our energy future." -- On Trans Mountain and Line 3 -- "The Ipsos results show that in their approval of Trans Mountain and Line 3 pipelines, the Government of Canada has the support of most Canadians. " -- "A majority of British Columbians approve of Ottawa's decision to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline - to connect Canada's energy to new customers around the world and support jobs for Canadians." -- "As most British Columbians support the approval of Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, we need to move forward with construction and with creating jobs for Canadians." -- On Northern Gateway and Tanker Moratorium -- "We respect Ottawa's decision on Northern Gateway. Naturally we are disappointed that this project to connect Canadian energy with the world is not going to be built. British Columbians appear split on the project too, with as many in favor as opposed to it." -- "The protection of Canada's coasts is a priority for all Canadians, for governments and for industry. We hear and respect the views of Canadians. We will continue to collaborate with governments and communities to listen and work together on the tanker moratorium to find a path forward."
Methodology: Ipsos conducted this poll between December 5, and December 8, 2016. A sample of 1,000 Canadians from Ipsos' online panel was interviewed. Weighting was then employed to balance demographics to ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to census data and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll is accurate +/- 3.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20, had all Canadian adults been polled.
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents companies, large and small, that explore for, develop and produce natural gas and crude oil throughout Canada. CAPP's member companies produce about 85 per cent of Canada's natural gas and crude oil. CAPP's associate members provide a wide range of services that support the upstream crude oil and natural gas industry. Together CAPP's members and associate members are an important part of a national industry with revenues from crude oil and natural gas production of about $120 billion a year. CAPP's mission, on behalf of the Canadian upstream crude oil and natural gas industry, is to advocate for and enable economic competitiveness and safe, environmentally and socially responsible performance.
Contacts:
Chelsie Klassen
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
403-267-1151
chelsie.klassen@capp.ca
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/01/17 -- GT Gold Corp. ("GT Gold") (TSX VENTURE: GTT) has now completed planning for the first-ever drill program at its newly identified Saddle Gold target, located on the Tatogga property in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. Contracting of service providers has begun. In keeping with the outstanding merits of the property, in particular the exceptionally high gold-in-soil values demonstrated by recent work (see press releases dated November 30 and December 13, 2016), the initial Saddle drill program will be robust, comprising drilling (up to 4,600 metres in 98 holes), geophysical (20 line-km of IP), and soil geochemical (1,200 samples) elements. Saddle is an entirely new gold prospect and has never been drilled. It represents among the more promising untested gold targets in B.C.'s renowned Golden Triangle.
In preparation for the summer's work, Company management met in January with the senior leadership of the Tahltan First Nation, upon whose traditional territory the Tatogga property is situated. Additional meetings are planned for late April, and the Company anticipates entering into an agreement with the Tahltan to allow for effective, open and mutually beneficial communications as the Company's planned activities unfold. The Company is actively seeking engagement with locally established businesses and Tahltan personnel, with a view to making its exploration activities in the area strongly beneficial to the people of the region.
Previously Announced Results
The Phase I drill program will focus on the Saddle South part of the much larger Saddle target area. Saddle South has had detailed soil sampling in three rounds of work carried out in 2013, 2014 and 2016, bringing sample density over much of it to 25 X 25 metres or less. In contrast to nearby targets which show considerable promise but require additional work, Saddle South is now drill-ready. As previously announced (above referenced news releases), Saddle South encompasses an irregularly-shaped core zone of very high gold-in-soil values which span a distance of approximately 300 metres E-W by 225 metres N-S, and which fall within the +500 ppb (0.5 g/t) Au contour. The +500 ppb anomaly remains open to the west under cover and is itself encompassed by a considerably larger E-W trending +100 ppb (0.1 g/t) Au anomaly. A total of 58 soil samples, including samples from each of the three programs completed to date, fall within the core +500 ppb (0.5 g/t) Au contour. The 58 soils returned an average value of 7.43 grams per tonne Au (0.22 ounces per ton), with a high of 72.33 g/t Au (2.11 ounces per ton). The median soil assay falls between 1.61 and 1.80 g/t Au, and 33 of the 58 samples returned assays greater than 1 g/t Au. Eleven of the 58 samples (19%) returned assays greater than 10 g/t Au.
Phase I Drill Program
The Phase I drill program is anticipated to commence in early June with camp construction, followed by a program of up to 20 line-kms of ground based geophysics (induced polarization (IP)), which will start at Saddle South, and expand outward to cover more than 3 km2 of the larger Saddle target area. The IP results are intended to enhance known targets, help define potential depth projections, and possibly reveal new targets along strike, at depth and under cover. A program of up to 2,000 metres of track-mounted reverse circulation (RC) drilling in up to 76 shallow holes is planned to unfold concurrent with the IP. In the relative absence of outcrop at the Saddle South target, the RC work, which will not require drill pads, is intended to rapidly provide information on the geology underlying the high soil values, the location of the bedrock mineralization, and its orientation.
The RC and IP work is expected to require approximately three weeks to conclude. Results will be used to better target an initial round of HQ-diametre core drilling, comprising up to 2,600 metres in 22 holes from 10 setups, the intent of which will be to provide geotechnical and mineralogical data and to follow potential mineralization intercepted by the RC drilling to depth. Core drilling is planned to get underway in early July, and to conclude around month's end, leaving time for compilation and interpretation of results, and implementation of a follow-up program in the early fall, should results warrant.
While Phase I IP and drilling is underway, additional soil sampling over other Saddle gold targets, including Saddle North, will occur. Some sampling of promising targets farther afield, such as the Valleyside gold target some 7 kms to the southwest, will also take place. This work, which will involve on the order of 1,200 samples, is expected to enhance and advance known targets to the drill-ready stage.
Drill Plan Presentation Available for Download
An animated presentation in Microsoft Powerpoint of the Company's proposed Saddle Phase I drill program is available for download as a .zip file from the 'Downloads' portion of the Company's website home page at www.gtgoldcorp.ca Users must save the file to their hard drive, and have Powerpoint installed on their computers to open and view it. Clicking on the 'right' arrow advances new elements into each slide being viewed.
Commenting on the summer 2017 Saddle exploration plan, Kevin Keough, President & CEO, states, "The exceptional Saddle target warrants a robust drill program, and that's what this plan delivers. It is focused on the best of what Saddle currently has to offer, is designed to maximize our chances of success and, if we achieve a discovery of merit, to make the most of the season's drilling window. In theory, we could, if results warrant, continue drilling well into the fall."
Charlie Greig, Vice President, Exploration, adds, "Our intent with the RC drilling, in concert with in-camp XRF analyses, is to rapidly get a handle on where the best of the bedrock mineralization is, and where it's going laterally and to depth. The early RC drill results and IP will be used to guide later drilling, and obviously we will adjust that drilling - the number and location of holes, etc. - to focus on where the early results tell us the best of the mineralization is headed. If this means chasing it deeper, or along strike, as the case may be, we will do so. It is going to be exciting!"
Charles J. Greig, M.Sc., P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration for GT Gold Corp. and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release.
Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, save and except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
GT Gold Corp.
Kevin M. Keough
President and Chief Executive Officer
(613) 832-4592
GT Gold Corp.
Charles J. Greig
Vice President, Exploration
(250) 492-2331
www.gtgoldcorp.ca
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Statement: (The following statement from Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN)(OTCQX: IVPAF) has been issued in response to a column published December 15, 2016, by The Globe and Mail newspaper's Report on Business involving executive compensation.)
A column published online and in the Report on Business section of today's Canadian Globe and Mail newspaper misleads readers with false and damaging information concerning elements of compensation awarded to Ivanhoe Mines founder and Executive Chairman Robert Friedland.
Globe and Mail columnist Tim Kiladze, citing what he claimed are "egregious" compensation policies involving stock and option awards to executives of Canadian mining companies, presented information about practices at Ivanhoe Mines that he says benefited Mr. Friedland. Mr. Kiladze indicated that his information came from Ivanhoe's 2016 proxy circular, which is published annually to inform shareholders.
But the actual content of the Ivanhoe proxy circular clearly shows that The Globe and Mail did not correctly report the facts.
Specifically:
-- The Globe and Mail column claimed that Mr. Friedland "has six million stock options" from a 2011 restructuring at Ivanhoe Mines, "all of which are now back in the money, meaning they have value again, considering they can be exercised at $2.40." (Ivanhoe stock reached a three-and-a- half-year high of C$2.98 on the Toronto Stock Exchange this week.) The truth, as affirmed by Ivanhoe's 2016 proxy circular, is that the options are not in Mr. Friedland's hands and, indeed, they do not exist. The proxy circular reported that the options expired - without ever being exercised - 10 months ago, on February 17 this year. -- The Globe and Mail column also ignored a notice on a list in the proxy circular declaring that exercise prices of two other option awards to Mr. Friedland, in 2015 and 2014, were shown in U.S. dollars. But The Globe failed to correctly report the exercise prices in U.S. dollars. Instead, The Globe misrepresented the exercise prices as lower-valued Canadian dollars, creating a mistaken appearance of a substantially lower price. The Globe understated the actual exercise prices by 39%. This served to support the columnist's criticism of options, but potentially could mislead readers and create a false appearance of an excessive executive benefit. The Globe also ignored another table in the proxy circular that did contain the correct, much higher exercise prices in Canadian dollars. -- The Globe and Mail incorrectly reported that half of the bonuses awarded to Mr. Friedland and some other Ivanhoe executives in 2015 for successfully securing a US$412 million investment from China's Zijin Mining "were paid in shares". The Globe knew, but failed to report, that half of the bonuses actually were awarded in the form of Restricted Share Units. Unlike regular shares, which would be immediately tradable when issued, the proxy circular explained that these Restricted Share Units vest in three equal installments over three years and also may be subject to performance conditions. This means that the recipient has to continue to provide services to the company for at least a further year before receiving any payment in shares when the RSUs vest. They are not a gratuitous payment of free shares.
The accuracy of The Globe and Mail's intended use of these details was not checked with Ivanhoe Mines before publication.
The Globe and Mail knew, but chose not to recognize the fact, that on two occasions during the past three years Mr. Friedland participated in equity financings by Ivanhoe Mines - at C$2.00 and C$1.50 per share - investing a total of C$53.8 million to maintain his proportionate equity ownership in the company and to help ensure that Ivanhoe Mines had sufficient funding to continue with its exploration and development activities.
The Ivanhoe Mines proxy circular states, in part, "The purpose of the company's compensation program for senior executives is to provide incentives to attract, motivate and retain qualified and experienced executives, to align their interests with the interests of the company's shareholders, and to provide for transparent and defensible compensation."
Contacts:
Investors
Bill Trenaman
+1.604.331.9834
Media
North America:
Bob Williamson
+1.604.512.4856
Media
South Africa:
Jeremy Michaels
+27.82.939.4812
Zinnov also recognized L&T Technology Services as an Expansive and Established player in Product Engineering, Embedded Systems and Mechanical Engineering
Zinnov announced that it has recognized L&T Technology Services Limited (NSE: LTTS) as an Expansive and Established player in Zinnov Zones 2016 Product Engineering Services and in the Leadership Zone across 10 major industries due to the company's best in class solutions, capabilities and offerings that seamlessly combine cutting edge infrastructure with a robust innovation-led portfolio.
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161215005672/en/
LTTS Leadership across key industries over the years (Source: Zinnov Zones)
Zinnov, in its latest report titled Zinnov Zones Product Engineering Services report 2016, positioned L&T Technology Services as an "Expansive and Established" engineering partner with deep domain competencies across both Embedded Systems and Mechanical Engineering domains.
The premiere consultancy rated L&T Technology Services in the "Leadership Zone" across verticals such as Automotive, Aerospace, Telecom, Semiconductors, Consumer Electronics, Energy Utilities, Industrial Automation, Transport, Construction Heavy Machinery and Medical Devices.
This is the sixth consecutive year in which L&T Technology Services has been distinguished as a leading player in Industrial Automation by Zinnov. L&T Technology Services has also been rated as a leading player in the Construction Heavy Machinery vertical for the third straight year.
"The depth that L&T Technology Services brings to engineering solutions because of its extensive range of over 31 labs and 174 patent filings gives the company a clear edge in the product engineering space and has made it one of the largest pure-play engineering services company in the world, providing exciting new solutions to more than 50 Fortune 500 customers," said Mr Sidhant Rastogi, Partner Practice Head, Zinnov.
Mr Bhupendra Bhate, Chief Delivery Officer, L&T Technology Services, said, "Zinnov's leadership ratings are a testimony to the unique propositions that L&T Technology Services offers to its global clientele. Our focus on innovation and cross pollination of technologies have enabled us to become the premier engineering partner for 43 of the world's largest global R&D spenders, most of whom have rewarded us with repeat business. Our end to end solutions across the product development lifecycle and expanding portfolio of patents give us the ability to address rapid shifts in technology, thereby making us a transformational partner for our clients."
Zinnov Zones is an annual rating published by Zinnov which rates Service Providers based on their competencies and capabilities. Since 2009, Zinnov Zones (previously known as GSPR Global Service Provider Ratings) has become one of the most trusted reports globally, for both enterprises and service providers to better understand the vendor eco-system in multiple domains. For additional details, please visit: http://www.slideshare.net/zinnov/zinnov-zones-2016-pes-executive-summary
About L&T Technology Services Limited:
L&T Technology Services Limited is a subsidiary of Larsen Toubro Limited with a focus on the engineering services space, partnering with over 50 Fortune 500 companies. A leading global pure-play Engineering, Research and Development services company, we offer design and development solutions through the entire product development chain, across various industries such as Industrial Products, Medical Devices, Transportation, Telecom Hi-tech, and the Process Industry. We also offer solutions in the areas of Mechanical Engineering Services, Embedded Systems Applications, Engineering Process Services, Product Lifecycle Management, Engineering Analytics, Power Electronics, Machine-to Machine (M2M), and the Internet-of-Things (IoT). For additional information about L&T Technology Services, log on to www.LntTechservices.com.
About Zinnov:
We at Zinnov assist our clients improve organization efficiency, innovation and revenue by leveraging global resources and markets. We offer deep expertise in Engineering, Digital and Globalization. Zinnov has been at the forefront of innovation and thought leadership. Our over a decade experience in globalization helps us in understanding customer problems and coming up with viable solutions. We assist our clients in addressing globalization challenges by offering customers insights, data, and implementation support to address their challenges. Our in-depth experience is driven by our focus on engineering and digital practice areas.
Zinnov serves clients in Software, Automotive, Telecom Networking, Semiconductor, Consumer Electronics, Storage, Healthcare, Banking, Financial Services Retail Verticals in US, Europe, Japan India. Zinnov was founded in 2002 and is head quartered out of Bangalore. The company has locations in Houston, Silicon Valley, Bangalore Gurgaon.
For additional information about Zinnov, log on to www.zinnov.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161215005672/en/
Contacts:
L&T Technology Services Limited
Aniruddha Basu, +91-80-67675173
Aniruddha.Basu@LntTechservices.com
or
Zinnov
Jaya Shukla
media@zinnov.com
DEERFIELD (dpa-AFX) - Baxter International Inc. (BAX) said that it agreed to acquire Claris Injectables Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Claris Lifesciences Limited, for total consideration of about $625 million. Claris Injectables will add proven capabilities in production of essential generic injectable medicines, such as anesthesia and analgesics, renal, anti-infectives and critical care in a variety of presentations including bags, vials and ampoules. The Boards of Directors of both companies have approved the proposed acquisition, which is expected to close in the second half of 2017. Upon closing, the deal is expected to be modestly accretive to adjusted earnings and increasingly accretive thereafter. Claris Injectables, based in Ahmedabad, India, is a global generic injectables pharmaceutical company with a successful 15-year history. The acquisition of Claris Injectables will provide Baxter with a robust pipeline and marketed portfolio of generic injectables with 11 molecules currently approved in the U.S. along with fully integrated research and development expertise and three world-class manufacturing facilities registered with a number of global regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Through this combination, Baxter anticipates launching seven to nine new products annually over the next few years, increasing to 10-15 anticipated new product launches a year beyond 2019. In 2016, Claris Injectables is expected to deliver annual global revenues in excess of $100 million. Global revenues for Claris Injectables business have increased by double-digits annually over the last several years driven by new product launches and geographic expansion. Baxter expects to finance the transaction through cash on hand, debt or a combination. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. 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.
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.
Axiom, a leading provider of technology-enabled legal and contracting services, today announced a 5-year, managed contracting services agreement with Johnson Johnson Services, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Axiom will provide a multi-shore contract management service supporting the company's global procurement contracting function.
The breadth and reach of this initiative is considerable especially in the life sciences sector. Axiom will support and standardize the company's global contracting function responsible for thousands of procurement agreements in more than 10 different languages, across a dozen contract types.
"We are pleased by what this deal represents for contracting in the life sciences industry: the progression from an artisanal approach to a model that applies standardization, automation and process," said Al Giles, Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial, Axiom. "That approach not only creates a more efficient contracting function, but it also has commercial benefits shortening cycle times and better managing risk."
Continued Giles, "This deal is significant, not only because it represents a tipping point for a new approach to contracting in life sciences, but because of its application to a global contracting model."
Under the arrangement, an integrated Axiom team of negotiators and subject matter experts will employ a unique approach to contracting to more efficiently create, execute and negotiate procurement agreements. In addition, an experienced team of Axiom attorneys will provide 'white glove service' for more complex agreements.
While Axiom's Chicago Center of Excellence will serve as a 'front-door' supporting in-time zone coverage for North America, the majority of the team will operate from Axiom's Center in Wroclaw, Poland. Since opening in late 2014, the Wroclaw Center has seen dramatic growth, driven in large part by new life sciences clients.
With this announcement, Johnson Johnson Services, Inc. joins Axiom's growing life sciences portfolio. Axiom serves 22 of the top 25 global pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies, including 9 of the top 10.
About Axiom
Axiom, a recognized leader in the business of law, provides tech-enabled legal, contracts, and compliance solutions for large enterprises. Axiom's solutions combine legal experience, technology, and data analytics to deliver work in a way that dramatically reduces risk, cost and cycle-time. The firm comprises 2,000 lawyers, professionals, process engineers and technologists who serve over half the Fortune 100 across 15 regions and 3 centers of excellence globally. www.axiomlaw.com
Follow us on Twitter: @Axiom_Law
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161215005343/en/
Contacts:
For Axiom:
Carrie Kalish, 917-657-3155
carrie@gkcomms.com
SAN MATEO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Franklin Resources, Inc. (Franklin Templeton Investments) (NYSE: BEN) today announced that Co-President Vijay C. Advani will be leaving the company December 31, 2016, and Co-President Jennifer M. Johnson will continue as president. Mr. Advani has announced plans to join TIAA Global Asset Management as president and chief operating officer. Ms. Johnson and Mr. Advani have worked together in senior leadership positions since 1995 and were named co-presidents of Franklin Resources in 2015.
"We would like to thank Vijay for his many contributions to our firm, and we wish him well," said Chairman and CEO Greg Johnson. "Jenny has a proven track record of managing all major aspects of the business over the past 28 years, and we have a very experienced and capable leadership team in place. Our focus will continue to be on delivering strong investment results to our shareholders and clients around the world."
Ms. Johnson said, "I have enjoyed working with Vijay over the past 21 years, most recently as co-president. We have been focused on cultivating innovation and our ongoing mission of offering high-quality investment solutions and providing outstanding service to our customers globally. I continue to be excited by the possibilities in this industry, both in the US and internationally."
Mr. Advani commented, "I'm very proud of my time at Franklin Templeton, of what we have accomplished together to grow the global business and position the firm for future success. I have been privileged to have worked with some of the most talented and passionate people in the business, especially in my most recent role collaborating with Jenny."
Ms. Johnson has served as co-president of Franklin Resources, Inc. since October 2015. Prior to that, she served as executive vice president and chief operating officer beginning in 2010, overseeing the company's global transfer agency operations, investment services, technology, human resources and Fiduciary Trust Company International. She joined the firm in 1988 and has also previously served as the company's chief information officer.
Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN) is a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management to retail, institutional and sovereign wealth clients in over 180 countries. Through specialized teams, the company has expertise across all asset classes -- including equity, fixed income, alternative and custom solutions. The company's more than 600 investment professionals are supported by its integrated, worldwide team of risk management professionals and global trading desk network. With offices in 35 countries, the California-based company has more than 65 years of investment experience and over $714 billion in assets under management as of November 30, 2016. For more information, please visit investors.franklinresources.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
The financial results in this press release are preliminary. Statements in this press release regarding Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Franklin") and its subsidiaries, which are not historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, words or phrases generally written in the future tense and/or preceded by words such as "will," "may," "could," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "seek," "estimate," "preliminary" or other similar words are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, some of which are listed below, that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. While forward-looking statements are our best prediction at the time that they are made, you should not rely on them and are cautioned against doing so. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance.
These and other risks, uncertainties and other important factors are described in more detail in Franklin's recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, in Risk Factors and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Franklin's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016:
Volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets, and adverse changes in the global economy, may significantly affect our results of operations and may put pressure on our financial results.
The amount and mix of our assets under management are subject to significant fluctuations.
We are subject to extensive, complex, overlapping and frequently changing rules, regulations and legal interpretations.
Global regulatory and legislative actions and reforms have made the regulatory environment in which we operate more costly and future actions and reforms could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to comply with the laws, rules or regulations in any of the jurisdictions in which we operate could result in substantial harm to our reputation and results of operations.
Changes in tax laws or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
Any significant limitation, failure or security breach of our information and cyber security infrastructure, software applications, technology or other systems that are critical to our operations could disrupt our business and harm our operations and reputation.
Our business operations are complex and a failure to properly perform operational tasks or the misrepresentation of our products and services, or the termination of investment management agreements representing a significant portion of our assets under management, could have an adverse effect on our revenues and income.
We face risks, and corresponding potential costs and expenses, associated with conducting operations and growing our business in numerous countries.
We depend on key personnel and our financial performance could be negatively affected by the loss of their services.
Strong competition from numerous and sometimes larger companies with competing offerings and products could limit or reduce sales of our products, potentially resulting in a decline in our market share, revenues and income.
Changes in the third-party distribution and sales channels on which we depend could reduce our income and hinder our growth.
Our increasing focus on international markets as a source of investments and sales of investment products subjects us to increased exchange rate and market-specific political, economic or other risks that may adversely impact our revenues and income generated overseas.
Harm to our reputation or poor investment performance of our products could reduce the level of our assets under management or affect our sales, and negatively impact our revenues and income.
Our future results are dependent upon maintaining an appropriate level of expenses, which is subject to fluctuation.
Our ability to successfully manage and grow our business can be impeded by systems and other technological limitations.
Our inability to successfully recover should we experience a disaster or other business continuity problem could cause material financial loss, loss of human capital, regulatory actions, reputational harm, or legal liability.
Regulatory and governmental examinations and/or investigations, litigation and the legal risks associated with our business, could adversely impact our assets under management, increase costs and negatively impact our profitability and/or our future financial results.
Our ability to meet cash needs depends upon certain factors, including the market value of our assets, operating cash flows and our perceived creditworthiness.
We are dependent on the earnings of our subsidiaries.
Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
Franklin Resources, Inc.
Media Relations:
Becky Radosevich
(212) 632-3207
Investor Relations:
Brian Sevilla
(650) 312-4091
investors.franklinresources.com
Confluence Predicts the Industry's Embrace of RegTech will be the Tipping Point That Drives Efficiency
Over the past year, the asset management industry has been met with new rounds of regulatory requirements that are promising to put new strains on industry operating models. Though firms have certainly made some headway in improving their approaches to data management, they have still struggled to leverage automation to improve back-office processes, despite a long-standing desire to do so.
Confluence predicts that the rise of RegTech in 2017 will trigger a transformation of the asset management back office. Improved data management models combined with innovative technology solutions will finally begin to deliver long-sought operating model improvements through automation.
A subset of FinTech, RegTech consists of technologies proven to facilitate the delivery of regulatory requirements faster and more cost-effectively than existing capabilities. For asset managers, RegTech will be particularly meaningful in solving complex regulatory data management challenges and complying with condensed reporting cycles.
"Next year will be a pivotal year in the future of the asset management industry," said Todd Moyer, Executive Vice President, Global Business Development at Confluence. "While there are no quantum leaps that can be realized in one calendar year, we've already begun to see rapid adoption of the belief that RegTech will have transformative impacts on the industry. We believe this will be a multi-year process, but we also believe there will be fundamental changes that occur in 2017 that will set the stage for the reshaping of our industry."
Confluence predicts three major changes across the asset management industry next year:
The RegTech initiative put in motion by UK regulators will spread globally as firms turn to disruptive technologies to manage new regulatory requirements
RegTech's promise will be the tipping point for achieving long-sought efficiency through automation in the back office
Asset management firms that embrace RegTech will be better positioned for longer-term success as the industry moves into the era of digitalization
The RegTech initiative put in motion by UK regulators will spread globally as firms turn to disruptive technologies to manage new regulatory requirements
The idea that RegTech will be a driver of progress across the industry will spread quickly among asset managers, their service providers and regulators. The first reference to RegTech came in a March 2015 report from the U.K. Government Chief Scientific Adviser. After the FCA co-opted the term in late 2015 in a plea to the European market for input on how to use technology to solve regulatory challenges, RegTech began to take on a life of its own. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) said in November that they see major opportunities for technology to meet regulatory requirements. Regulators in Australia, Canada, Japan and Singapore have echoed the SFC. In 2016, the global industry will embrace the trend.
"There have been very few terms introduced by regulators that have sparked the imagination and aspirations of the industry like RegTech," Moyer said. "That is very much a function of the pressure that regulatory regimes have placed on the asset management back office over the last several years, but it also is an indication that the industry is motivated and ready to transform the back office to the same extent that the front office was transformed a decade ago. Firms are hungry for change. RegTech solutions that can deliver that change will be sought after in 2017."
RegTech's promise will be the tipping point for achieving long-sought efficiency through automation in the back office
The collective buy-in to the concept of RegTech will expedite user adoption among asset managers and their service providers as the industry seeks to open the door for full-scale automation. A central goal among asset managers for nearly a decade, back-office automation has remained fairly elusive for a number of reasons, including widespread fragmentation of back-office data, processes and technologies. While challenges in the back office will certainly persist, RegTech will ignite a shift in the industry's mentality.
"A year ago, asset managers were struggling to cope with data challenges that new regulatory mandates created. It's a challenge our industry has faced for several years," Moyer said. "The conversations I've had in the last several months have been different. Firms are beginning to view RegTech as a way to reduce reporting timeframes well below regulatory-mandated deadlines, not just meet a minimum threshold. The industry has started to view this as a way to streamline business and improve their overall operating models. We definitely weren't having those types of conversations in 2015."
Asset management firms that embrace RegTech will be better positioned for longer-term success as the industry moves into the era of digitalization
Adoption of RegTech and the promise of efficiency that it brings is just the beginning of an industry-wide journey to revolutionize how it does business. Firms that actively embrace this shift to a new digitalization will position themselves for long-term growth and success. Those that do not will risk being increasingly marginalized as changing investor expectations render old models of doing business obsolete.
"Implementing RegTech solutions is one of many steps that will change the way our industry works," Moyer said. "Achieving continued efficiencies through automation is just the beginning. The long-term trend is really about the digitalization of the asset management industry and what that can deliver to investors. We expect firms will begin to look at how this shift will impact all aspects of their business, from investor engagement to what skill sets their staff will need to ensure the full value of automation and digitalization is achieved by the business. Those firms that are beginning to embrace the positive disruption that RegTech promises for their business are the firms that will transform themselves and be best positioned to thrive in years to come."
About Confluence
As a global leader in data-driven solutions for efficiency and control, Confluence solves tough data management and automation challenges for the asset management industry, including performance reporting, regulatory reporting, investor communications and fund expense management. Confluence solutions enable asset managers and third-party administrators to consolidate and leverage data across business operations which results in lower costs, reduced risk, decreased reporting turnaround times and the scalability to automate more processes without additional resources. The platform features solutions to support a wide array of fund types including mutual funds, ETFs, alternative investments, institutional portfolios and UCITS funds. Seven of the top 10 global service providers license Confluence products and eight of the top 10 global asset managers have business processes automated through Confluence.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Confluence serves the international fund industry with locations in Brussels, Dublin, Ho Chi Minh City, London, Luxembourg and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.confluence.com
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161215005701/en/
Contacts:
U.S. Media:
Bliss Integrated Communication
Patrick Ruppe, +1 646-386-2922
patrick@blissintegrated.com
or
Europe Media:
Hume Brophy
Camille Oster, +44 20 3440 5661
Confluence@humebrophy.com
LIMASSOL, Cyprus, December 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
One of the leading binary options brokerage firms, Banc De Binary Ltd (BDB), takes yet another revolutionary step in client care and features a 24-Hour withdrawal process
It was long ago that BDB came to an understanding that online trading is all about user experience. As the company constantly evolves, it keeps its clients at the top of its priorities; one of the leading binary options brokerage firms takes yet another step towards revolutionizing client care in the online trading industry.
As of December 1st, 2016, the withdrawal process at BDB has shortened from five business days to 24-hours. BDB puts special emphasis on online security, which is why up until recently a withdrawal request took five business days to be processed, putting BDB in line with the rest of the industry. However, as one of the leaders of the binary options industry, BDB is once again raising the bar high when it comes to client care by adjusting its own mindset and internal workflow to reach quicker and more quality results without having to compromise client security.
This contemporary step adds to a long line of milestones previously set by BDB such as the receiving of the first CySEC regulation. BDB was the first binary options brokerage firm to be fully regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), which led the rest of the industry to fall in line. BDB hopes that this new approach will lead the rest of the binary options industry to focus its efforts on client care and create a trustworthy and friendly online trading environment.
With a constant glance towards the future, BDB stands committed to its vision and core values of directing the binary options industry with integrity, respect, and uncompromising professional excellence, to provide online traders around the globe with an unparalleled binary options experience.
About BDB
Since its inception, BDB has undergone exponential growth. As a pioneer in its field and one of the industry leaders, BDB is committed to providing traders with an all-inclusive trading experience. This includes offering an intuitive trading platform, effective trading tools, a wealth of educational material, a wide range of global underlying assets, trade options and a responsive support team. In their quest to provide a safe and transparent trading environment, BDB offers top quality binary options services and is constantly striving to improve their products and offerings.
IRVINE, CA--(Marketwired - December 15, 2016) - SmartBug Media, a leading inbound marketing agency assisting businesses in generating leads, increasing awareness, and building brand loyalty, is pleased to announce the recent hire of Danielle Riley as the agency's Creative Director. Riley will lead the creative team at SmartBug Media, elevating all current branding efforts while exploring new opportunities for the agency to grow.
Riley has a decade of experience, most recently as the Associate Creative Director for the distinguished FCB Chicago where she led the digital team on the largest account in the global network, managed all major digital design initiatives and advised the creative team of writers and designers.
Prior to her time at FCB Chicago, Riley was a Senior Designer at Symmetri Marketing where she worked on the branding and creative efforts of websites, emails, packaging and videos.
"I am excited to work with such a great group of people at SmartBug Media," Says Riley. "I believe that the work you do is only as good as the team that you're working with, so I foresee doing amazing things and taking the agency's branding to the next level."
Riley originally started her career in print, eventually making the switch to digital. She has a B.A. in journalism from Cal State Fullerton.
"Danielle is a key strategic hire for our agency as creative is the first impression of any marketing campaign. Her role will expand the breadth and impact of our creative delivery and we look forward to seeing SmartBug's branding transformation," said Ryan Malone, Founder and CEO of SmartBug Media. "Danielle's unique aesthetic, strong leadership and open mind will be an asset as she takes ownership of our visual and written content, moving SmartBug to the next level. We look forward to having her on our team."
About SmartBug
For more than seven years, SmartBug Media has been helping businesses increase sales leads, close more customers, and enhance the reach of their brands. SmartBug is one of a handful of HubSpot Diamond partners in the world and is the highest rated agency in the history of the HubSpot ecosystem. We also boast the highest ROI documented from any HubSpot partner -- 3,558% and 14,500% ROI on a six-month and three-year campaign.
For a free inbound marketing or web design consultation, or to learn more, visit http://www.smartbugmedia.com/ or call 949-236-6448.
Contact Information
Doreen Clark
SmartBug Media
949-236-6448 x815
pr@smartbugmedia.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Trevali Mining Corporation ("Trevali" or the "Company") (TSX: TV)(LMA: TV)(OTCQX: TREVF)(FRANKFURT: 4TI) announces results from eight new drill holes that are part of the ongoing 2016 underground resource definition and expansion drill program at its Santander zinc mine in Peru. The aim of the current phase of drilling is to extend and define the newly discovered zone of high-grade massive sulphide replacement mineralization between Magistral Central (MC) and Magistral North (MN), in addition to test the down-dip expression of the recently discovered Oyon zone.
Drill hole MC-182-16 targeted the down-dip expression of the Oyon zone in the 4150-level area, approximately 200-220 metres below the current active mining zone. The drill hole successfully intercepted multiple stacked lenses (or mantos) of massive sulphides in the main MC and Oyon zone (Table 1) and mineralization remains open for expansion (Fig. 1).
The reminder of reported drill holes targeted newly discovered mineralization (New zone) between MC and MN in the 4370-level area that is adjacent (approx. 90-metres horizontally) to the current mining front (see Oct. 31/16 News Release for details). All drill holes intersected narrow but exceptionally high-grade Pb-Ag-Zn replacement mineralization and the zone remains open for expansion (Table 1 and Figure 1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zone / Core Length Ag From - To Interval(i) Zn Pb oz/ton Borehole (metres) (metres) (%) (%) (g/tonne) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MC-182-16 347.70 - 350.90 MC / 3.20 7.51 1.13 0.96 (32.74) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 360.60 - 363.35 OYO / 2.75 3.74 0.02 0.05 (1.80) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 370.15 - 375.65 OYO / 5.50 6.60 0.72 0.97 (33.37) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 388.95 - 389.95 OYO / 1.00 8.69 0.32 1.40 (47.90) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MC-183-16 85.90 - 86.75 MC / 0.85 4.21 2.17 4.11 (140.47) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MC-184-16 72.55 - 74.00 1.45 9.21 1.24 4.78 (129.39) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 102.30 - 103.30 MC / 1.00 7.15 4.59 12.51 (427.98) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 113.95 - 114.95 OYO / 1.00 5.00 5.43 2.29 (78.38) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MC-185-16 76.35 - 78.20 MC / 1.85 9.08 0.11 0.50 (17.11) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MC-186-16 202.30 - 205.65 MC / 3.35 12.44 1.16 1.78 (61.07) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MN-187-16 147.40 - 150.80 MN / 3.40 11.46 9.91 14.81 (506.60) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MN-188-16 176.65 - 179.20 MN / 2.55 9.93 10.67 5.67 (194.06) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MN-189-16 154.00 - 155.40 MN / 1.40 17.29 7.38 4.18 (143.07) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table 1: Summary of MC-182-189 drill hole assay results. (i)True widths of the mineralized intervals are estimated between 75-100% of core length.
To view Figure 1, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/tv1215fig1.pdf.
"These latest results of the 2016 exploration program continues to maintain our Santander team's 100%-discovery track-record since the Company's initial exploration on the property in early 2008," stated Dr. Mark Cruise, Trevali's President and CEO. "Our 2016 exploration program has been particularly successful in so far as it has unequivally demonstrated that the Magistral zones have now merged at depth, forming what is essentially a plus-600-metre long zone of semi-contigous, massive sulphide mineralization comprised of multiple stacked replacement horizons and host units. This coupled with increasing zinc grades, typically only seen in the larger end members of the deposit class, sets a very solid foundation for future resource expansion programs particually given constructive macro-zinc fundamentals."
Trevali to be added to S&P/TSX Global Mining Index and S&P/TSX Global Base Metals Index
Effective after the close of trading on Friday, December 16, 2016, Trevali Mining will be added to the S&P/TSX Global Mining Index and the S&P/TSX Global Base Metals Index.
Qualified Person and Quality Control/Quality Assurance
EurGeol Dr. Mark D. Cruise, Trevali's President and CEO and Daniel Marinov, P.Geo, Trevali's VP Exploration, are qualified persons as defined by NI 43-101, have supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Mr. Marinov is responsible for all aspects of the work, including the quality control/quality assurance programs. Dr. Cruise is not independent of the Company, as he is an officer, director and shareholder. Mr. Marinov is not independent of the Company as he is an officer and shareholder. Drill core samples were processed and assayed in the Santander mine onsite laboratory. Zinc, lead and silver, assays were obtained by Aqua-Regia dissolution followed by Atomic Absorption measurement. Values of lead and zinc over 15% are assayed by volumetric method. Analytical accuracy and precision are monitored by the analysis of reagent blanks, reference material and replicate samples. Quality control is further assured by the use of international and in-house standards. Blind certified reference material is inserted at regular intervals into the sample sequence by Trevali personnel in order to independently assess analytical accuracy. The onsite laboratory is outsourced and managed by SGS-Peru personnel. SGS-Peru's quality system complies with the requirements for the International Standards ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 17025: 1999. Finally, representative blind duplicate samples are routinely forwarded to an ISO compliant third party laboratory for external quality control.
ABOUT TREVALI MINING CORPORATION
Trevali is a zinc-focused, base metals mining company with two commercially producing operations.
The Company is actively producing zinc and lead-silver concentrates from its 2,000-tonne-per-day Santander mine in Peru and its 3,000-tonne-per-day Caribou mine in the Bathurst Mining Camp of northern New Brunswick. Trevali also owns the Halfmile and Stratmat base metal deposits, located in New Brunswick, that are currently undergoing a Preliminary Economic Assessment reviewing their potential development.
The common shares of Trevali are listed on the TSX (symbol TV), the OTCQX (symbol TREVF), the Lima Stock Exchange (symbol TV), and the Frankfurt Exchange (symbol 4TI). For further details on Trevali, readers are referred to the Company's website (www.trevali.com) and to Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors of TREVALI MINING CORPORATION
Mark D. Cruise, President
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States private securities litigation reform act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the Company's plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation to, update such statements containing the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to statements as to: the intended use of proceeds in connection with the Offering, the accuracy of estimated mineral resources, anticipated results of future exploration, and forecast future metal prices, expectations that environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, political, marketing or other issues will not materially affect estimates of mineral resources. These statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies.
These statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in spot and forward markets for silver, zinc, base metals and certain other commodities (such as natural gas, fuel oil and electricity); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar and Peruvian sol versus the U.S. dollar); risks related to the technological and operational nature of the Company's business; changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, Peru or other countries where the Company may carry on business in the future; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers, refiners and other parties with whom the Company does business; inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining, diminishing quantities or grades of mineral resources as properties are mined; global financial conditions; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, the Company; the Company's ability to complete and successfully integrate acquisitions and to mitigate other business combination risks; challenges to, or difficulty in maintaining, the Company's title to properties and continued ownership thereof; the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, and changes in project parameters to deal with unanticipated economic or other factors; and increased competition in the mining industry for properties, equipment, qualified personnel, and their costs.
Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty or reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
Trevali's production plan at the Caribou Mine is based only on measured, indicated and inferred resources, and not mineral reserves, and does not have demonstrated economic viability. Trevali's production plan at the Santander Mine is based only on indicated and inferred mineral resources, and not mineral reserves, and does not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is therefore no certainty that the conclusions of the production plans and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) will be realized. Additionally, where Trevali discusses exploration/expansion potential, any potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.
We advise US investors that while the terms "measured resources", "indicated resources" and "inferred resources" are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the US Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize these terms. US investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the material in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold within the United States, absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.
The TSX has not approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.
Contacts:
Trevali Mining Corporation
Steve Stakiw, Vice President,
Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
(604) 488-1661 or Direct: (604) 638-5623
sstakiw@trevali.com
www.trevali.com
For the one month period ended 30 November 2016, the Company's NAV increased by 4.1% whilst the share price increased by 2.0% (all in sterling). The Company's benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index, gained 3.3% for the period.
The largest contributor to relative performance during the month was a combination of stock selection and allocation decisions in the health care sector. Notably, strong stock selection and an overweight to the health care providers & services industry proved to be beneficial. Our decision to be underweight the health care equipment & supplies industry also boosted relative returns. Within financials, our decision to be overweight the banks industry contributed to relative performance. Our significant overweight to Bank of America Corporation (+25% in GBP) was the largest relative contributor within the banks industry. An underweight to real estate, and a combination of stock selection, and an underweight to consumer staples also contributed to relative returns.
The largest detractor from relative performance was a combination of stock selection and allocation decisions in the energy sector. Notably, our overweight positions in Occidental Petroleum Corporation and Total SA detracted from relative returns. An underweight to the energy equipment & services industry also proved to be costly during the month. Within industrials, our decision to be underweight the machinery industry also dampened relative returns, as did stock selection in the materials sector.
Transactions/Options
Transactions: During the month of November, new positions were initiated in Hilton Worldwide Holdings and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Further, we exited our position in NVIDIA Corporation during the month.
Options: As at 30 November 2016, the Company's options exposure was 16.41% and the delta of the options was 88.23%.
Positioning
The Company is currently overweight to the health care, consumer discretionary, industrials, financials and materials sectors. We are underweight to real estate, energy, telecom, consumer staples, utilities, and information technology sectors.
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- The Canadian Labour Congress is celebrating today's announcement that the federal government is banning the manufacture, import, export and use of asbestos.
"We can all breathe easier," said CLC president Hassan Yussuff. "This is good public health policy that will, without question, save lives for generations to come."
"Canada's unions, along with survivors and health advocates, have been working hard for this ban for decades. We know this will strengthen occupational health and safety protections for workers and make workplaces and public spaces safer for everyone," said Yussuff.
This year, Canada's unions redoubled their efforts to win a ban on asbestos, releasing a powerful video on Labour Day and staging a captivating holographic installation at West Edmonton Mall in October to raise awareness of the need for a ban.
More than 2,000 Canadians die every year from diseases caused by asbestos exposure such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Experts estimate that 150,000 Canadians are exposed to asbestos at work, particularly in industries like construction, automobile maintenance, shipbuilding, trade contractors and waste management.
"Because these diseases have a long latency period, the danger is not over, but this is the beginning of the end," said Yussuff. "Now we need the provinces and territories to show the same leadership that the federal government has shown and move quickly to take stock of where asbestos is, harmonize regulation around disposal and remediation, and ensure a comprehensive health response," he added.
Yussuff also emphasized the need for governments to work with First Nations to address high levels of friable asbestos in on-reserve housing.
"We must ensure we move to protect everyone living in Canada from exposure, including those living in First Nations housing filled with asbestos-ridden vermiculite insulation," he said.
"This week's announcement from the federal government is the result of years of advocacy and hard work by people dedicated to safer, healthier workplaces. Today, I celebrate with them and thank them for giving the next generation of Canadians a better future, free from the pain and suffering caused by asbestos," Yussuff said.
Contacts:
Chantal St-Denis
National Representative, Media Relations
613-355-1962
cstdenis@clc-ctc.ca
PUNE, India, December 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
The report "Endoscopy Equipment Market by Product (Endoscopes (Flexible, Rigid, Capsule), Visualization Systems, Other Endoscopy Equipment, Accessories), Application (GI Endoscopy, Laparoscopy), End User (Hospitals, ASCs/Clinics) - Trends & Forecasts to 2021" published by MarketsandMarkets, this report studies the global endoscopy equipment market for the forecast period of 2016 to 2021. This market is expected to reach USD 35.36 Billion by 2021 from USD 26.23 Billion in 2016, at a CAGR of 6.2%.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )
Browse 535 market data Tables and 51 Figures spread through 449 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Endoscopy Equipment Market"
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The global endoscopy equipment market is segmented on the basis of product, application, end user, and region.
Based on product, the endoscopy equipment market is categorized into endoscopes, visualization systems, other endoscopy equipment, and accessories. The endoscopes segment is further divided into flexible, rigid, and capsule endoscopes. The visualization systems segment includes endoscopy cameras, camera heads, video convertors, transmitters & receivers, carts, and video recorders. The other endoscopy equipment is classified into other electrical endoscopy equipment and other mechanical endoscopy equipment. The accessories of endoscopy equipment include cleaning brushes, surgical dissectors, needle forceps & needle holders, fluid flushing devices, light cables, biopsy valves, mouthpieces, and overtubes. In 2016, the endoscopes segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the endoscopy equipment market.
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Based on application, the market is segmented into laparoscopy, gastrointestinal endoscopy, arthroscopy, obstetrics/gynecological endoscopy, urology endoscopy, bronchoscopy, media stinoscopy, otoscopy, and laryngoscopy. The gastrointestinal endoscopy segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market in 2016.
Based on end user, the market is segmented into hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs)/clinics. The hospital segment is expected to account for the largest share of the endoscopy equipment market in 2016.
On the basis of region, the global market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW (Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa). In 2016, North America is poised to account for the largest share of the endoscopy equipment market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. However, the Asia-Pacific market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period and serve as a major revenue pocket for companies offering endoscopy equipment.
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Rising investments, funds, and grants by government bodies worldwide, rising number of hospitals and growing hospital investments in the expansion of endoscopy instruments, growing patient preference for minimally invasive surgeries, technological advancements, favorable reimbursement coverage in selected countries slated to propel the capsule endoscopy market, rising geriatric population, and rising prevalence of diseases that require endoscopy procedures are major factors driving the endoscopy equipment market.
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Some major players in the global Endoscopy Equipment Market include Ethicon, Inc. (U.S.), Olympus Corporation (Japan), Fujifilm Holdings Corporation (Japan), KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Medtronic plc (Ireland), Stryker Corporation (U.S.), Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.), Pentax Medical Corporation (Japan), Smith & Nephew plc (U.K.), Richard Wolf GmbH (Germany), and Cook Medical Incorporated (U.S.).
Browse Related Reports:
Smart Pills Market by Application (Capsule Endoscopy, Drug Delivery, Patient Monitoring), Target Area (Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine) & Geography - Global Forecast to 2024
http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/smart-pill-technologymarket-840.html
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SMITHVILLE, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, will make an announcement in support of manufacturing.
MP Bittle will be available to answer questions from the media, following the announcement.
Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.
DATE: Friday, December 16, 2016 TIME: 10:00 a.m. - Tour 10:30 a.m. - Announcement (Please Note: Safety goggles and ear plugs, provided by Stanpac Inc., will be required for the tour.) PLACE: Stanpac Inc. 2790 Thompson Road Smithville, Ontario L0R 2A0
Contacts:
Media Relations Office
FedDev Ontario
416-954-6652
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@canada.ca
Regulatory News:
Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.
Kommunalbanken KBN
Stabilisation Notice
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (contact: Rom Balax, tel: 020 7085 6268) hereby gives notice that no stabilisation, within the meaning of the rules under Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2273/2003 implementing the Market Abuse Directive (2003/6/EC), was undertaken by the Stabilising Manager(s)named below in relation to the offer of the following securities.
Issuer: Kommunalbanken KBN Guarantor (if any): n/a Aggregate nominal amount: USD 200,000,000 Description: June 2020 Tap (Reg S XS1433450258 144a US50048MCB46) Stabilising Manager(s) The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (co-ordinating stabilisation manager) Merrill Lynch International J.P. Morgan Securities plc
This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.
This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities referred to above have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. There has not been and will not be a public offer of the securities in the United States.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161215005757/en/
Contacts:
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Rom Balax
tel: 020 7085 6268
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Back in Motion Rehab Inc. is pleased to announce that they have merged with Training Innovations Inc. Both organizations opened their doors in 1993 and have a long history of offering employment services that assist job seekers in finding meaningful, sustainable work. Combining the companies will optimize best practices, drive innovative service delivery, and expand geographic reach within BC.
"The Back in Motion leadership team is very excited about joining forces with Training Innovations," said Debbie Samsom, President of Back in Motion. "They have an extremely talented team, and we look forward to a strong collaboration that we are confident will benefit the people we serve."
Training Innovations looks forward to this exciting new endeavour. "I have always respected Back in Motion and our values alignment combined with our commitment to clients, staff, and quality services makes this a natural, strategic partnership," said Tannis Goddard, President of Training Innovations. "Together I am confident we will create innovative solutions for our clients and communities."
Together, Back in Motion and Training Innovations will be leaders in the provision of high quality employment services to job seekers across Metro Vancouver and the Sea to Sky Corridor.
About Back in Motion
Back in Motion is dedicated to helping people overcome barriers and reach their full potential, through the delivery of employment and healthcare services across Metro Vancouver. Their customers include government agencies, insurance companies and employers. With a staff of over 300 dedicated, enthusiastic people, Back in Motion is known for their creative solutions and exceptional results. Back in Motion's credo is Helping People Work. Helping People Live.
About Training Innovations
Training Innovations provides community-based employment services that help people achieve their work goals, manage their careers and succeed in the workplace. They are pioneers in the field of online career services and have developed their own technology to facilitate the career learning process. Training Innovations also provides consulting services to government, businesses, research institutions and career service agencies in the areas of online career development, instructional design, workplace learning and organizational career development. Passion and quality are at the heart of their business.
Contacts:
Brent Mulhall
VP of Business Development & Strategy
Back in Motion Rehab Inc.
778.724.1590 Ext. 3300
brentm@backinmotion.com
www.backinmotion.com
Tannis Goddard
CEO/President
Training Innovations Inc.
tannis.goddard@training-innovations.com
www.training-innovations.com
SANTA CLARA, California, Dec. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Valley-based Collinear Networks, Inc. (Collinear) is announcing a 2.5-year ongoing collaboration with Lockheed Martin Corporation (Lockheed Martin) to advance its plan to commercialize a worldwide high-capacity wireless transmission technology for telecommunications network operators.
Collinear has been working with Lockheed Martin Space Systems under an exclusive licensing and development agreement entered in June 2014 to commercialize a hybrid point-to-point wireless transmission product developed by Lockheed Martin Space Systems that incorporates innovative Free Space Optical (FSO) and Radio Frequency (RF) technologies. The agreement provides Collinear exclusive marketing and non-governmental sales rights on a global basis.
Global internet and mobile data usage is growing and existing data transmission technologies are challenged to address this growing capacity demand cost-effectively. Applications for point-to-point wireless transmission products include mobility, fixed and mobile infrastructure, Internet of Things, automotive, software defined networks and mobile and fixed wireless backhaul.
Collinear is integrating its networking technology with this hybrid solution, which Collinear expects will provide benefits in the areas of capacity and distance; network intelligence with an integrated switch to provide features that will support transition to new architectures, such as 5G and software defined networks; and low cost implementation when compared to existing technologies.
Collinear plans that the technologies' intended size and weight will allow a single technician to install the technology into an existing network infrastructure. Collinear forecasts that the technology will supplement or replace existing wireless infrastructure, significantly increasing capacity while eliminating the need for highly expensive and challenging fiber deployment.
"We are extremely excited to announce this collaboration," said Collinear Founder and Executive Chairman John Drury. "Collinear and Lockheed Martin have been working together for a number of years to commercialize this technology, and Collinear is excited to bring it to market with break-through performance to both carriers and enterprise users."
"We appreciate the opportunity to work with Collinear to develop this hybrid communications technology that leverages Lockheed Martin's heritage in RF and optical technologies with Collinear's experience in networking technology," said Rick Ambrose, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Executive Vice President.
Pursuant to the licensing and development agreement, scientists and engineers at Lockheed Martin in Silicon Valley are collaborating with Collinear experts to complete product design. Collinear is targeting a commercial release in late 2017.
"Today is a great day for Collinear. We have announced to the public our collaboration with Lockheed Martin after 30 months of dedicated work. We look forward to bringing our products into the market to meet the growing needs of our customers by providing them the optimal choice of capacity over a distance that matters to them," said Dana Waldman, Collinear's newly named Chief Executive Officer.
About Collinear Networks, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Collinear Networks is pioneering wireless networking technologies with Lockheed Martin to provide much needed capacity and enable the "always connected" era. The company is led by a highly credentialed team with over 250 collective years of international, technology and management experience.
AboutLockheedMartin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 98,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
Media Contact:
Collinear: Gloria Arevalo, +1 408-219 2352, info@collinear.com
Lockheed Martin: Sydney Owens, +1 408-756-1241, sydney.c.owens@lmco.com
More information: www.collinear.com
Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/449825/Collinear_Networks_and_Lockheed_Martin_Logo.jpg
A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (ICR) of "bbb-" of Arab Reinsurance Company S.A.L. (Arab Re) (Lebanon). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) remains stable.
The ratings reflect Arab Re's strong risk-adjusted capitalisation, good track record of operating profitability and stable business profile. Partially offsetting rating factors include the company's weak technical performance and the elevated economic and political risks associated with operating in Lebanon.
Arab Re's risk-adjusted capitalisation remains strong, reflective of the company's low underwriting leverage. After having decreased for several years, chiefly as a result of an onerous dividend policy and the purchase of treasury shares, risk-adjusted capitalisation improved in 2015, strengthened by increased retained earnings following the shareholders' decision to forgo a dividend payment for one year. With shareholders' equity increased to USD 97.8 million in 2015, from USD 92.6 million in 2014, Arab Re's capital base is sufficiently solid to absorb the asset and credit risks associated with elevated exposure to Lebanese investments (notably Lebanese sovereign debt, although this exposure has been reduced substantially over the past two years), and unrated reinsurance counterparties.
Arab Re has a stable business profile in its core markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which is built upon the company's original role as a reinsurer for the Arab insurance market and its long-standing strong relationships with cedants, retrocessionaires and shareholders. Whilst the company's profile remains underpinned by its wide coverage and access to business throughout the MENA region, it was impacted by the decision to withdraw from Asia and reduce its share in specific accounts in Lebanon and Turkey, in an effort to focus on technical profitability. In A.M. Best's opinion, these factors, combined with a lack of growth opportunities in the company's core markets, is expected to lead to a 17% decrease in gross written premium to approximately USD 65 million in 2016, following a 3% decline in 2015.
Arab Re has a track record of operating profitability, with a five-year (2011 to 2015) average return on equity marginally below 5%. While operating profit continues to be supported by robust investment returns, the company has experienced weak technical performance in recent years, with difficult underwriting conditions in its core markets resulting in a five-year average combined ratio of 103%. Arab Re's net income improved from USD 0.6 million in 2014 to USD 5.3 million in 2015, following a more favourable claim reserve development than in the prior year. The cancellation of loss making accounts is expected to eventually improve the company's technical performance; however, combined ratios are likely to remain high in the next two years, with decreasing premium income putting greater strain on its expense ratios. For the first nine months of 2016, Arab Re posted a net income of USD 2.7 million.
An additional offsetting rating factor is the continued risk from regional political instability and social unrest, which has the potential to seriously disrupt the economic conditions in Lebanon. Despite Arab Re's geographically diverse underwriting portfolio, track record of operating performance in challenging economic conditions and developing enterprise risk management framework, the potential for significant business disruption remains elevated. A.M. Best will continue to monitor developments in Lebanon and assess any impact on the company, and on its strategic development plans.
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/20161215005829/en/
Contacts:
A.M. Best
Charlotte Vigier, +44-20-7397-0270
Senior Financial Analyst
charlotte.vigier@ambest.com
or
Ghislain Le Cam, CFA, FRM, +44-20-7397-0268
Associate Director, Analytics
ghislain.lecam@ambest.com
or
Christopher Sharkey, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5159
Manager, Public Relations
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5644
Director, Public Relations
james.peavy@ambest.com
It is difficult for the winner to negotiate (video)
A few days ago in Stepanakert Serzh Sargsyan explained his visit to Karabakh by the fact that difficult times are ahead, Now is time when both the armed forces, the population and the NKR citizens must be ready for living through difficult times. The Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) Head Vahram Baghdasaryan isnt surprised by this statement; he thinks that Serzh Sargsyan hints that ceasefire is deceptive, everything may be expected from Azerbaijan, If at present we try to calm down our troops, our society, saying that we are powerful, we are strong and nothing can happen, I think that it will be rather unfounded statement. There are no negotiations, no peace. Mr Baghdasaryan does not agree that for the Armenian side it has become difficult to participate in the negotiations from the winners position, For the winner it is always difficult to negotiate, as the loser can always find reasons, as the loser doesnt want to admit its defeat. But we know that in the interview with Russian journalist Kiselyov, Serzh Sargsyan told that he was ready to return 7 regions, which are considered to be security zone, to Azerbaijan. Yet, that isnt enough for Aliyev, The issue of Nagorno Karabakhs status was the priority, and they say another thing- to leave it at the end. Leader of the Armenian National Congress (HAK) Levon Ter-Petrosyan still in 1997 said that the longer the settlement of the conflict lasts, the more difficult it will be for the Armenian side to negotiate. HAK faction Head Levon Zurabyan says, For 20 years we have warned that military balance changes in favor of Azerbaijan. Everything is going towards war, says Levon Zurabyan. These authorities had an opportunity to find solutions, for which they came to power in 1998. Today we even dont negotiation from the positions of the strong side. By the way, according to Levon Zurabyan, Serzh Sargsyan himself is obliged to explain what he meant by saying people must be ready for living through difficult times.
PHILADELPHIA (dpa-AFX) - Comcast Corp. (CMCSA, CMCSK) said it is actively investigating an incident in which cars slid off an icy Indianapolis road that was partially blocked by the cable giant's repair truck.
A video of the incident was posted on YouTube by one of the drivers and has gone viral. It shows multiple slide-offs and crashes around a Comcast Xfinity service truck parked on the side of the two-lane road. The video was seen nearly 130,000 times in about 20 hours.
In the video, at least four cars are seen sliding off the icy road, while another two collide along the same stretch. All the vehicles are trying to avoid crashing into the Comcast vehicle that blocked the right lane of the road.
But what is more shocking is that despite the accident, the Comcast workers are seen acting in complete disregard for the chaos around them.
The problems started after a Comcast truck arrived to make repairs to a Comcast cable box that was hit by a vehicle after it slid off the road. The truck was then parked in the right lane of the road.
The Comcast worker placed five cones directly behind the truck, on the icy stretch of the road that is at the bottom of a blind ridge. But due to the ridge, motorists were unable to see the cones as quickly as on a flat road and end up sliding off the road to avoid hitting the Comcast truck.
The man recording the video is frustrated with the unsafe situation and asked the Comcast worker if he wanted to place more cones further behind the truck to provide drivers with more warning. But the worker said he is only required to have five cones up, based on the 40-mile-an-hour speed limit on that roadway.
Other motorists then put out their own cones in an effort to provide drivers with more warning.
In response to the video, Comcast said it was actively investigating the incident.
'We are actively investigating what happened when our technicians were on site to restore services during an outage and we will reach out to those who were impacted by this incident,' Ed Marchetti, SVP of Technical Operations, Comcast Cable said.
'Within the next 24-48 hours, my team leaders will meet with our technicians across our company to use this as an example of how important it is to make everyone's safety a priority in everything we do,' Marchetti added.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
TORONTO, CANADA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- BacTech Environmental Corporation ("BacTech" or the "Company"), (CSE: BAC)(OTC PINK: BCCEF) today announced that it will conduct a non-brokered capital raise of up to CAD$200,000 for working capital.
Each unit, priced at 5 cents per unit, consists of one common share and one half of a non-transferable common share purchase warrant. One full warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at a price of CAD$0.10 for a period of 2 years from the date of closing. The common shares and warrants are subject to a four-month hold period.
A lead order has been received for CAD$100,000. Prospective investors should contact the Company directly or by email to learn more about the capital raising and the ability to participate.
Telamayu Drilling
The Company also wishes to announce that 7 holes have been completed in the Antiguo tailings area, with very good recoveries being noted. The holes are intersecting the underlying native riverbed material approximately 12 metres below surface. The drill crew and geologists will break for the holiday season on December 23, and resume drilling on January 3, 2017. Initial assay results should start to flow in January.
The Company has posted pictures from the drill campaign on social media. Please visit our Facebook and Twitter profiles for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/BacTechGreen/
https://twitter.com/BacTechGreen
Company Profile
BacTech Environmental Corporation holds the perpetual, exclusive, royalty-free rights to use the patented BACOX bioleaching technology for the reclamation of tailings and mining waste materials. The Company's principle focus is a high-grade silver/copper tailings project called Antiguo, located in Telamayu, Bolivia, in association with COMIBOL, the state mining group. The Company signed an MOU with Duran Ventures Inc. to explore the viability of building a BACOX plant in Peru to treat high-grade gold/arsenic ores. Investigation has begun to identify similar opportunities in Ecuador. The Company continues to field enquiries globally with respect to additional opportunities for remediation, including licensing transactions for the technology.
Follow us on:
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BacTechGreen
Twitter http://twitter.com/BacTechGreen
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/1613873
Vimeo http://vimeo.com/bactechgreen
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/bactechgreen
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking information", which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to future tailings sites, sampling or other investigations of tailing sites, the Company's ability to make use of infrastructure around tailings sites or operating performance of the Company and its projects. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Shares outstanding 55,618,944
The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of the contents of this release.
Contacts:
BacTech Environmental Corporation
Ross Orr
President & CEO
416-813-0303 ext 222
borr@bactechgreen.com
www.bactechgreen.com
Bill Mitoulas
Investor Relations
416-837-7147
billm@venturenorthcapital.com
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 --Polsinelli, an Am Law 100 firm, held a panel discussion Thursday at their New York office about the legal and regulatory challenges banks are facing as they look to adopt to financial technology (FinTech).
The development of FinTech presents new opportunities for incumbent banks to revolutionize their operations and the industry. FinTech firms are bringing innovative technologies to traditional banks that rely on legacy systems and business processes. However, transformative technologies like Blockchain come with a variety of legal and regulatory issues that must be navigated by banks to fully harness the potential of FinTech.
The Dec. 8 event was an opportunity for bank executives to hear from thought leaders in the FinTech space about the potential business opportunities and legal challenges posed by these new technologies. The panelists included Richard Levin, the Chair of Polsinelli's FinTech and Regulation Practice; Brent Tomer, Chief Trial Attorney for the U.S. Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); and Obreahny O'Brien, Business Solution Leader for Blockchain and Distributed Infrastructure Strategy at Ernst & Young. The panel was moderated by Ying Wang, of Counsel in Polsinelli's New York office.
"Polsinelli was honored to have distinguished speakers from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the CFTC, and Ernst and Young join our guests in discussing the opportunities and challenges posed by FinTech," Wang said.
The panel discussed a variety of topics including the potential applications and implications of FinTech and the potential regulatory issues for banks and FinTech companies. They suggested how to develop a coordinated approach to managing potential risks associated with the use of these technologies in a way that brings together compliance, IT and front office personnel. The panel concluded with a recommendation that financial services firms looking to deploy FinTech be proactive in their communications with regulators and consult with qualified external counsel in advance of deploying new technologies, to avoid potential sanctions and associated compliance, reputation and legal risks.
Levin noted how the event brought together thought leaders in the FinTech space. "Polsinelli's FinTech and Regulation practice is uniquely qualified to advise incumbent banks and FinTech companies on the legal and regulatory issues presented by the development and deployment of innovative technologies," he said. "We look forward to continuing to facilitate the dialogue between the regulators and the industry on this important subject."
About Polsinelli's FinTech and Regulation Practice
Polsinelli's FinTech and Regulation practice helps clients meet the challenges posed by the development of transformative technologies including: artificial intelligence; Blockchain technology; crowdfund investing platforms; digital currencies; ePayments; peer to peer lending; and robotic investment advisers. Bringing together attorneys from across the firm, members of the FinTech and Regulation practice advise clients on a variety of matters, including: corporate and transactional issues; cybersecurity; government investigations and compliance; intellectual property; labor and employment; litigation; public policy; regulation by the CFTC, the SEC and FinCEN; securities and corporate finance; and tax.
About Polsinelli
Polsinelli is an Am Law 100 firm with more than 800 attorneys in 20 offices, serving corporations, institutions, and entrepreneurs nationally. Polsinelli attorneys provide practical legal counsel infused with business insight, and focus on health care, financial services, real estate, intellectual property, mid-market corporate, labor and employment, and business litigation. Polsinelli attorneys have depth of experience in 100 service areas and 70 industries. The firm can be found online at www.polsinelli.com. Polsinelli PC. In California, Polsinelli LLP.
For more information, contact:
Dan Flanigan
Polsinelli
Email Contact
816-360-4260
Amanda Bush
Adam Friedman Associates
Email Contact
917-675-6244
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Dec 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Hoist Kredit AB (publ) (Ba1 / stable), ("Hoist Finance"), a fully-owned subsidiary of Hoist Finance AB (publ), today announces that it has issued Additional Tier 1 capital to further optimise its capital structure.
The instrument is perpetual with a non-call period of 6.5 years and has a coupon of 8.625%. The instrument will be listed on the Global Exchange Market regulated by the Irish Stock Exchange.
"We are very pleased with the terms for the new issue. This transaction demonstrates our investors' positive view of Hoist Finance's solid financial position and growth opportunities. We are seeing increased activity in the European market for non-performing loans, and this transaction further strengthens our capital ratios and thereby increases our growth capacity going forward", says Magnus Linnersand, Group Head of Treasury.
Credit Suisse acted as sole structuring advisor and book runner on the transaction.
For further information, please contact:
Magnus Linnersand, Group Head of Treasury
Phone: +46 (0)8 555 177 72
Michel Jonson, Group Head of Investor Relations
Phone: +46 (0)8 555 177 19
This information is information that Hoist Kredit AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Swedish Securities Market Act. The information was submitted for publication on 15 December 2016 at 17:40 CET.
CONTACT:
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
http://news.cision.com/hoist-finance/r/hoist-finance-issues-eur-30-million-additional-tier-1-capital,c2151273
The following files are available for download:
http://mb.cision.com/Main/8270/2151273/604672.pdf PDF
SOURCE Hoist Finance
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Balabit, a leading provider of Contextual Security Intelligence (CSI) technologies, today announced the findings from its CSI Report survey of more than 100 IT and security professionals about security incident investigations.(1) According to the study, 75% of organizations set fixed time limits for investigating potential security incidents. However, 44% of respondents reported missing internal or external deadlines for investigating or reporting a breach in the last year, and 7% said a missed deadline had resulted in serious consequences.
Peter Gyongyosi, Product Manager of Blindspotter at Balabit comments: "The Balabit survey identified that the primary reason for not being able to investigate data breaches in time is that organizations still do not understand their own data. It is difficult for them to extract the necessary information from unstructured data with their existing tools and they lack the contextual information that would help transform this data into valuable, actionable information."
Reporting obligations will change with new data protection regulations
The Balabit survey also shows that today 30%, of organizations do not need to report security incidents to external authorities. Though 70% of organizations are required to report incidents, only one quarter of respondents set time limits for reporting. These survey results come as organizations are under increasing pressure to prepare for new or updated compliance regulations that require data breaches to be reported within 72 hours. The EU General Data Protection Regulation, due to come into force in May 2018 (and related to that, the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield), can lead to fines up to 2% of organizations global turnover. Likewise, a new regulation proposed by the New York Department of Financial Services, Part 500 of Title 23, also requires financial institutions to report data breaches within 72 hours, with severe penalties resulting from a failure to do so.
Additional Key Findings:
Top pain points in forensics investigations
Balabit also asked survey participants to rank aspects of their current breach investigation processes in terms of importance and satisfaction. The following ranking (in order of dissatisfaction) shows which aspects they are the least satisfied with:
1. "Turning data into understandable information"
2. "Seeing how users compare to their peers"
3. "A single dashboard view of all data sources"
4. "Seeing differences between actual user actions and normal baseline"
5. "Fast access to data"
6. "The ability to perform ad-hoc searches, drilling down to specific events"
7. "Easy access to all relevant information"
For more information, please visit the Balabit CSI Report Infographics.
(1) About Balabit's CSI Report about security investigations
Balabit asked 108 IT and security professionals including CIOs, CISOs and auditors from Computer Security-, Financial-, Telecommunications, Governmental-, Healthcare- and other sectors at RSA Conference 2016 USA in San Francisco, about the current status of their security investigation processes. The survey aimed to map which aspects they consider the crucial part of their investigation processes, and whether or not they are satisfied with those aspects. The effectiveness of security tools in forensics investigations was also examined, as well as organizations' ability to detect, respond, investigate and report data breaches in a timely manner.
About Balabit
Balabit -- founded in Budapest, Hungary -- is a leading provider of contextual security technologies with the mission of preventing data breaches without constraining business. Balabit operates globally with offices across the United States and Europe, together with network of reseller partners. Balabit's Contextual Security Intelligence platform protects organizations in real time from threats posed by the misuse of high risk and privileged accounts. Solutions include reliable system and application Log Management with context enriched data ingestion, Privileged User Monitoring and User Behavior Analytics. Together they can identify unusual user activities and provide deep visibility into potential threats. Working in conjunction with existing control-based strategies, Balabit enables a flexible and people-centric approach to improve security without adding additional barriers to business practices.
Founded in 2000 Balabit has a proven track record, with 23 Fortune 100 customers and more than 1,000,000 corporate users worldwide.
For more information, please visit https://www.balabit.com
Dan Chmielewski
dchm@cox.net
714-832-8716
SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- The outlook of the pari-mutuel industry, including its relationship with casino gaming, will be one of the critical issues in the spotlight when national experts convene at the Winter Meeting of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), which takes place January 6-8, 2017, at the Hotel Valley Ho here.
The pari-mutuel experts will also discuss the state of horse racing, profitability of racetracks, the future of greyhound racing, state attitudes toward the industry, and other vital issues.
"The complexity of the pari-mutuel industry and the ever-changing environment of gaming require that we provide real-time analysis for what is and is not working," said NCLGS President Bill Galvano, a state senator from Florida.
Panel members who will address the committee on January 6 are:
Steve Geller, Shareholder, Geller Law Firm
Jack Jeziorski, Executive Vice President, Monarch Content Management
Keith Johnson, President, AmTote International
Steve Keech, Executive Vice President, AmTote International
Chris McErlean, Vice President of Racing, Penn National Gaming
Doug Reed, Principal, RG&E LLC
NCLGS Winter Meeting registration is open to all legislators and the general public. Click here to register. Registered attendees receive a discounted conference rate at the host hotel.
The conference includes presentations from industry experts in responsible gaming, pari-mutuels, lotteries, casinos, and state-federal relations, which covers both Internet and tribal gaming issues. The International Masters of Gaming Law is also leading sessions that address the emergence of eSports, tribal legal issues, and the role of regulators.
The NCLGS Foundation, the educational and research arm of NCLGS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, strives to educate lawmakers through scholarships to NCLGS meetings and is a source of nonpartisan data on issues of gaming legislation and regulation.
Spectrum Gaming Group serves as Executive Director for NCLGS. For more information, email info@nclgs.org or visit NCLGS.org
BLACKROCK LATIN AMERICAN INVESTMENT TRUST PLC
All information is at 30 November 2016 and unaudited.
Performance at month end with net income reinvested
One
month
% Three
months
% One year
% Three
years
% Five
years
% ^^Since
31.03.06
% Sterling: Net asset value^ -13.7 0.9 44.0 1.3 -7.8 63.9 Share price -14.0 -0.1 36.2 -1.8 -10.1 50.6 MSCI EM Latin America -12.6 2.2 50.3 1.4 -7.1 79.7 US Dollars: Net asset value^ -11.7 -3.8 19.4 -22.7 -26.7 18.2 Share price -12.0 -4.8 12.9 -25.1 -28.5 8.6 MSCI EM Latin America -10.6 -2.5 24.7 -22.7 -26.2 29.5
^cum income
^^Date which BlackRock took over the investment management of the Company.
Sources: BlackRock, Standard & Poor's Micropal
At month end Net asset value - capital only: 442.55p Net asset value - cum income: 451.55p Share price: 387.75p Total Assets#: 184.6m Discount (share price to cum income NAV): 14.1% Average discount* over the month - cum income: 13.7% Net gearing at month end**: 3.3% Gearing range (as a % of net assets): 0-25% Net yield##: 2.3% Ordinary shares in issue***: 39,369,620 Ongoing charges****: 1.1%
Total assets include current year revenue.
## calculated using total dividends declared in the last 12 months as at the date of this announcement as a percentage of month end share price.
*The discount is calculated using the cum income NAV (expressed in sterling terms).
**Net cash/net gearing is calculated using debt at par, less cash and cash equivalents and fixed interest investments as a percentage of net assets.
***Excluding 2,071,662 shares held in treasury.
**** Calculated as a percentage of average net assets and using expenses, excluding performance fees and interest costs for the year ended 31 December 2015.
Geographic Exposure
% of Total Assets % of Equity Portfolio * MSCI EM Latin American Index Brazil 64.9 65.2 58.3 Mexico 23.7 23.8 26.3 Peru 4.8 4.8 3.0 Argentina 3.3 3.4 0.0 Chile 1.6 1.6 9.2 Colombia 1.1 1.2 3.2 Net current assets (inc.Fixed interest) 0.6 0.0 0.0 ----- ----- ----- Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 ----- ----- -----
Sector % of Equity Portfolio * % of Benchmark Financials 29.7 29.8 Consumer Staples 23.4 18.1 Materials 13.8 15.5 Energy 13.3 9.7 Industrials 5.2 5.9 Utilities 4.1 6.0 Information Technology 3.6 1.9 Consumer Discretionary 3.1 5.8 Telecommunication Services 3.0 5.5 Real Estate 0.8 1.4 Health Care 0.0 0.4 ----- ----- Total 100.0 100.0 ----- -----
* excluding net current assets & fixed interest
Ten Largest Equity Investments (in percentage order)
Company Country of Risk % of
Equity Portfolio % of
Benchmark Petrobras Brazil 9.5 6.7 Itau Unibanco Brazil 8.9 6.5 Banco Bradesco Brazil 8.0 6.1 AmBev Brazil 4.9 4.6 Vale Brazil 4.9 4.9 Femsa Mexico 3.8 2.8 BM&F Bovespa Brazil 3.6 1.6 Grupo Financiero Banorte Mexico 3.4 2.3 BRF Brazil 3.2 1.8 Walmart de Mexico Mexico 3.1 1.9
Commenting on the markets, Will Landers, representing the Investment Manager noted:
Performance
For the month of November 2016, the Company's NAV fell by 13.7% and the share price fell by 14.0% while the benchmark, the MSCI EM Latin America Index, fell by 12.6% (all in sterling terms).
An overweight to Peru was the largest contributor to returns after Peru was the only Latin American country to post a positive return for the month due to solid economic figures and business confidence. An overweight to off-benchmark Argentina also added to returns. The largest individual contributor to performance was an overweight to Grupo Mexico. The stock benefitted from the commodity price rally after the US election, during which copper prices advanced 18.9%. An overweight to Peruvian bank Credicorp also contributed positively for the month.
Stock selection in Brazil was the primary detractor from returns. An underweight to Chile, which was a relative outperformer in the region, weighed on returns. Cash, which averaged 3.2% during the month also detracted from performance. An overweight to Petrobras weighed on returns as the stock followed the broader trend seen throughout emerging markets following the Trump victory. An overweight to Banco Bradesco also detracted from performance.
Transactions/Gearing
During the month we continued to build our position in Vale given our more positive view on iron ore/coal prices. This was partially funded by exiting Buenaventura which had reached our price target and from profit taking in Grupo Mexico. We added selectively to names in both Brazil and Mexico following the post-US election sell-off. Elsewhere in the fund we reduced exposure to properties in Mexico. We initiated a position in Hypermarcas following a positive meeting with management. We also initiated a position in Brazilian utility CESP on news that the Sao Paulo government is initiating its privatization process
Net gearing was approximately 3.3% at the end of November.
Positioning
We enter the last month of the year maintaining our overweights in Brazil, Peru and off-benchmark Argentina and underweights in Mexico, Chile and Colombia. Despite volatility, Brazil's quest to stabilize its economy with a return to sustainable economic growth is moving forward via fiscal reform and the creation of an environment suitable for a long-lasting easing cycle by the Central Bank. Peru should be among the fastest growing economies in Latin America in 2017 led by infrastructure investments, while Argentina continues on its path of re-establishing economic stability. We are watching Mexico closely as we look for clarity on US policy regarding trade and immigration following the election of Donald Trump in the US. Chile and Colombia remain unattractive at this stage.
15 December 2016
Latest information is available by typing www.blackrock.co.uk/brla on the internet, "BLRKINDEX" on Reuters, "BLRK" on Bloomberg or "8800" on Topic 3 (ICV terminal). Neither the contents of the Manager's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Manager's website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The California DMV has asked ride-hail company Uber to stop operating its fleet of self-driving cars in San Francisco. Uber started testing its self-driving car service in San Francisco on Wednesday, the second city where Uber has started testing its autonomous vehicles. 'The California DMV encourages the responsible exploration of self-driving cars. We have a permitting process in place to ensure public safety as this technology is being tested. Twenty manufacturers have already obtained permits to test hundreds of cars on California roads. Uber shall do the same,' the California Department of Motor Vehicles said in a statement. According California DMV, Uber did not apply for a DMV permit to operate autonomous vehicles on public roads in California. California Vehicle Code requires a vehicle manufacturer or anyone that installs autonomous technology to obtain a permit before the self-driving vehicle is tested on public roads. However, according to Uber, the company did not request for a permit because its self-driving Volvo XC90s aren't fully self-driving and have a safety driver behind the wheel. 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.
TAMPA, Florida, Dec. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --WilsonHCG, a global talent solutions leader, today announced it has been recognized by Profiles in Diversity Journal for their2016 International Innovation award. This award features global organizations, institutions, and government agencies that are unlocking innovation in the areas of diversity, inclusion, and human equity. "To be recognized amongst other distinguished global leaders for the work we are doing to innovate diversity and inclusion practices is quite an honor," said WilsonHCG CEO John Wilson. "WilsonHCG strives to be a champion for diversity of thought and continues to push beyond traditional diversity standards which has enabled our continued growth while sharing these best practices with our clients and partners."
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPXTeMDVUeg
In its thirteenth year, the award generates a wide-range of unique applicants from businesses around the globe. Organizations were named to the award due to their alignment of diversity and inclusion with strategic business objectives in the workplace.
Wilson notes that as workforces and economies rapidly evolve, leading organizations must look to progressive talent strategies when it comes to attracting and retaining diverse employees through an inclusive culture - methods of the past simply will not work for businesses to succeed into the future.
This award acknowledges those companies that have forged ahead and rewritten the text on what an inclusive workforce culture looks like.
"These leaders are reinventing standards and incorporating fresh perspectives and different ways of thinking through realigning practices, linking diversity goals to performance metrics, thinking globally, and networking wider," PDJ Publisher James R. Rector said. "They all demonstrate that change is a foundation for innovation and their future is connected to the power to innovate," he added.
About WilsonHCG
WilsonHCG is a global talent solutions leader that operates on the principle of providing true partnership to its clients. Delivering business-impacting talent solutions - including recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), talent consulting, contingent workforce solutions and executive search - WilsonHCG is transforming its clients' businesses through their talent. Founded in 2002, the company's global headquarters is located in Tampa, Florida. Its global capabilities span six continents and more than 35 countries. While optimizing clients' talent strategies is essential, WilsonHCG recognizes the relationships it develops lead to the results its clients realize. Better People, Better Business.
For more information about WilsonHCG and its services, visit www.wilsonhcg.com.
Contact: Jessica Lang, (813) 280-7746, Jessica.Lang@wilsonhcg.com
Logo -http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/449918/WILSONHCG_Logo.jpg
TUSTIN, CA--(Marketwired - December 15, 2016) - Preston Lerner took top honors in the Best of the Year: Book category for "Ford GT: How Ford Silenced the Critics, Humbled Ferrari and Conquered Le Mans" at last night's Annual Motor Press Guild Awards presented at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Orange County. The comprehensive 224-page hardcover book, which details the entire Ford GT program from start to finish, also earned Lerner the 2016 Dean Batchelor Award for Excellence in Automotive Journalism.
Also recognized was Jean Jennings, the latest recipient of MPG's Lifetime Achievement Award. Presented by Michael Jordan, the West Coast Editor for Automobile Magazine, the award turns the spotlight on Jennings for her outstanding contributions to the automotive communications industry. Jennings is the founder of the automotive blog JeanKnowsCars.com and the former president and editor of Automobile magazine. She has been writing about cars and the car business for more than 30 years. "It is an honor to bestow the Motor Press Guild Lifetime Achievement Award onto Jean for her enormous contributions to both journalism and the automotive industry," stated Jason Fogelson, President of the Motor Press Guild. "She, for one, will go down in history for breaking that 'glass ceiling,' attaining a level of credibility, integrity and authority not only for women, but for all journalists."
The annual celebration of excellence is intended to inspire automotive journalists, both present and future, to produce work of the highest professional caliber in eight specific categories including feature articles, news stories, vehicle reviews (in both print and video format), books, audio programs, video features, and photography.
The Motor Press Guild was extremely proud to recognize these deserving parties for their excellent contributions to automotive journalism. Congratulations to the following individuals who took top honors in their individual categories:
DEAN BATCHELOR AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN AUTOMOTIVE JOURNALISM: Preston Lerner: "Ford GT: How Ford Silenced the Critics, Humbled Ferrari and Conquered Le Mans"
MOTOR PRESS GUILD LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Jean Jennings
FEATURE ARTICLE: Randy Wells: "Searching for Salt" -- Road Scholars Magazine
NEWS ARTICLE: Kelsey Mays: "Which New Cars Still Have Takata Airbag Inflators?" -- Cars.com
VEHICLE REVIEW: Doug DeMuro: "I Drove One Of Five TVR Tuscans in the Entire Western Hemisphere" -- Autotrader.com
AUDIO: Charlie Vogelheim & Shawn Myers: Motor Trend Audio #92: "Storied Histories" -- Motor Trend Audio
BOOKS: Preston Lerner: "Ford GT: How Ford Silenced the Critics, Humbled Ferrari and Conquered LeMans" -- Motorbooks Publishing
FEATURE VIDEO: Sam Mercer, Lauren Scott, Inigo Oleaga, John Stein, Producers; "Inside the Archives of Jesse Alexander."
REVIEW VIDEO: Yellow B Films, Jabari Jones (Brian Moody, Tara Trompeter), Producers; "2016 Toyota RAV4: 5 Reasons to Buy" -- AutoTrader
BOB D'OLIVO AWARD FOR PHOTOGRAPHY: Camden Thrasher: "Back Story" (Porsche Panorama) -- Porsche Panorama
CAPTIONS:
Preston Lerner receives the Dean Batchelor For Excellence In Automotive Journalism from MPG President Jason Fogelson for his book, "Ford GT: How Ford Silenced the Critics, Humbled Ferrari and Conquered Le Mans." Each year, the Motor Press Guild presents the Dean Batchelor Award and a $500 prize to the journalist judged to have produced the single piece of work which best represents the professional standards and excellence demanded by Dean Batchelor during his life as an editor, writer, and chronicler of the automotive industry. The prestigious award was presented on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at the annual Motor Press Guild Awards ceremony at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Orange County.
Jean Jennings receives the MPG Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Motor Press Guild Awards ceremony at the Marconi Automobile Museum in Orange County on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. The award turns the spotlight on Jennings for her outstanding contributions to the automotive communications industry. Jennings is the founder of the automotive blog JeanKnowsCars.com and the former president and editor of Automobile magazine. She has been writing about cars and the car business for more than 30 years.
For multimedia content -- http://motorpressguild.tritium.co/top-honors-recognized-at-the-2016-motor-press-guild-awards
About the Motor Press Guild Awards
The Motor Press Guild Awards single out persons demonstrating outstanding achievement in automotive journalism and communications. Judging for each category is conducted by MPG members and non-members appointed by the Chair of the MPG Awards Committee, and a final panel of three judges, including the Chair of the MPG Awards Committee as Head Judge, selects the winner of the Dean Batchelor Award from amongst the category winners. Selected separately by the Motor Press Guild Board of Directors, the Lifetime Achievement Award is presented on a case-by-case basis to individuals for their outstanding contributions to the automotive communications industry.
About the Motor Press Guild
The Los Angeles-based Motor Press Guild (MPG) is the largest automotive media association in North America. This exclusive, non-profit organization is dedicated to upholding the highest ideals in automotive journalism and promoting education and information exchange within the motoring press. For more information, please visit www.motorpressguild.org
Media Contacts:
Jason Fogelson
MPG President
jason@motorpressguild.org
Brandy Schaffels
Publicity Chair
818-921-9876
publicity@motorpressguild.org
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector
STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH
SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders
PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces
There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan
Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia
Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair
Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan
I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General
I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox
UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS
There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur
EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol Armenia and Azerbaijan to do so without delay
An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".
UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT
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The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022
Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully
The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces
LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN
This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan
Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments
Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan
Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement
With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building
OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border
Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh
Two-day conference will seek to explain the relationship between the concept of the contemporary nation state, and the state in Islamic tradition
Organizers have announced that this year's two-day conference will be centralized around the notion of nation state and its relationship with Islam's ontological principles that aim to sustain peace. The world's leading Islamic scholars, academics and leaders will convene in Abu Dhabi on December 18th 19th, for the third annual Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies forum, to explicate the problems facing the Muslim world and how we can collectively address them.
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161215006178/en/
HE Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, President of the Forum for Peace (Photo: ME NewsWire)
The forum will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the chairmanship of Shaykh Abdallah bin Bayyah.
HE Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, President of the Forum, noted that the most pressing need for scholars, intellects and politicians is to collaborate address the need for peace. He said: "There is no other option whilst we see the ongoing spread of destruction, death and sectarianism. The world is facing a wave of extremism, sectarianism and violence as a direct result of our failure to promote Islam's culture of peace and mercy. This year's forum will seek to explore the best ways to find peaceful solutions to rectify the negative and distorted image of Islam in some parts of the world. In addition, the forum is a ground-breaking initiative that will serve as an intellectual endeavor to refute extremist ideologies with a culture of peace and tolerance, which has been a driving force of Islam."
"The importance of the third forum is to continue our efforts in crystallizing the primary narrative of Islam, so that our religion is not hijacked by extremist voices," he added.
He added, "Incorrect ideas have always posed a threat for Islam, however, the forum will promote a positive change through the use of Islamic legal methodology and create awareness about Islamic values and guidelines which has always been subject to criticism and conflict."
The forum will focus on seven topics of discussion, each aimed at sharing knowledge and expertise, as follows:
1. The concept of nation Umma state in the Islamic history; past and present.
2. The Islamic nature of a state
3. The concept and context of a nation state
4. The state's sovereignty in an age of globalization
5. The nation state's role in strengthening and promoting peace
6. The UAE experience; to explain how UAE attempts to maintain itself as a role model as a state of peace.
7. Marrakesh Declaration on the Rights of Religious Minorities
To discuss how Islam can be actualized in practice that can have a lasting, peaceful impact on Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
*Source: ME NewsWire
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161215006178/en/
Contacts:
SAHARA Management Consultancy
Sara Atat, Project Coordinator
Mob: +971-50-155-4694
Tel: +971-4-329-8996
Sara@saharagcc.com
DUBLIN, Dec 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Antivirus Software Package Market 2016-2020" report to their offering.
The report forecasts the global antivirus software package market to grow at a CAGR of 10.20% during the period 2016-2020.
The report, Global Antivirus Software Package Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.
There is an increasing number of partnerships among antivirus software vendors, smartphone manufacturers, and telecom services providers, which is supporting the growth of the global antivirus software package market. Many factors, such as the increasing youth population across the world, reduction in smartphone prices, rising awareness of mobile devices, increasing technological knowledge among consumers, and the urge of consumers to keep up with the latest technology, have increased the adoption of mobile devices across the globe.
According to the report, Cybercrime includes malware, hacking and DoS attacks, computer viruses, fraud, identity theft, harassment and threats, and phishing scams. Cyber attacks by malware such as Trojans, adware, viruses, and worms have become very common, which is a major concern for businesses and individual consumers. Such malware allows hackers to gain access to confidential data on mobile devices, triggering loss of personal and financial data, exploitation, and misconduct. Malware can infect a mobile device through networks, the Internet, and use of external devices such as USBs and media cards.
Further, the report states that earlier versions of the free antivirus software had limited security protection features. The current versions of free antivirus software offer advanced features such as backup, e-mail protection, e-mail scanning, and anti-rootkit scan. Users prefer advanced versions of free software instead of paid ones.
Key vendors:
AVAST
Microsoft
AVG
Avira
McAfee
Symantec
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 device
Part 07: Market segmentation by end-user
Part 08: Geographical segmentation
Part 09: Buying criteria
Part 10: Market drivers
Part 11: Impact of drivers
Part 12: Market growth inhibitors
Part 13: Impact of drivers and challenges
Part 14: Market trends
Part 15: Five forces model
Part 16: Vendor landscape
Part 17: Description of major vendors
Part 18: Assumptions
Part 19: Key insights
Part 20: Appendix
For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/q2lcf7/global_antivirus
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
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. (TSX VENTURE: LIT)(FRANKFURT: OAY1)(WKN: A0RK7E)(OTCQB: PNXLF) ("Argentina Lithium" or the "Company") has appointed Dr. Daniel Galli as Director of Technical Operations effective November 28, 2016.
Dr. Galli is a highly respected professional mining entrepreneur with more than 40 years' experience working on mining projects and processing of industrial minerals contained in the salt mines of the Argentine Puna and the Bolivian Altiplano, within the "Lithium Triangle". Among Dr. Galli's greatest achievements is the development of processes for the production of lithium carbonate and battery grade lithium hydroxide from the brines contained in the salt mines. His wide range of experience from early stage exploration to production has made him one of the highest profile consultants in the lithium industry in Argentina.
Dr. Daniel Galli graduated with a degree in Chemical Science with an emphasis on Industrial Chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina) and holds the title of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) awarded by Macquarie University, Sydney (Australia). Currently, Dr. Galli is a Professor of Thermodynamics at the Faculty of Engineering at the National University of Jujuy, Argentina.
During the period 2006 - 2013, Dr. Galli served as the Technical Director of ADY Resources Limited's "Rincon Project", taking it from the initial stage of consolidation of mining properties through to conducting exploration, permitting and production of lithium carbonate employing proprietary patented processes that he developed. Dr. Galli has several reports and patents and has participated as a speaker at numerous symposiums relating to the production of lithium carbonate from brines and the design of appropriate processes for use in the Argentine Puna, the Bolivian Altiplano and the Atacama Desert in Chile.
"We are extremely pleased to welcome Dr. Galli to Argentina Lithium," said Nikolaos Cacos, President and C.E.O. "His stature and proven track record in building and successfully operating large-scale lithium brine operations is a tremendous asset to our company."
All processes developed by Dr. Galli favor the use of clean energy, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing recovery not only of lithium but also other chemical elements of interest contained in the brines.
Consulting Agreement
Pursuant to the terms of an Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement dated as of November 28, 2016 (the "Consulting Agreement") made between the Company and Daniel Galli (the "Consultant"), Dr. Galli will provide advisory services to the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Argentina Litio y Energia S.A., which services will include the evaluation of mining properties, preparation of technical reports, reviews of and presentations of new projects, training programs and technical field visits.
The Company may elect to pay a portion of the Consultant's compensation by the issuance of common shares of the Company, having up to a maximum deemed value of US$4,000 per month. Any such common shares shall be issued on a quarterly basis at a deemed price equal to the volume weighted average trading price of the Company's common shares over the twenty trading days on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") immediately preceding the last day of the applicable quarterly period, which shall not be less than the Discounted Market Price (as defined by the TSXV policies) as at the date that the Company elects to issue common shares to the Consultant, in respect of any such quarterly period.
The Consulting Agreement is subject to the approval of the TSXV and all share issuances thereunder will also be subject to TSXV approval.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Nikolaos Cacos, President, CEO and Director
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements. 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. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's public disclosure documents for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Contacts:
Corporate Communications
1-604-687-1828
Toll-Free: 1-800-901-0058
info@argentinalithium.com
Regulatory News:
Eutelsat Communications (Paris:ETL) (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) announces the appointment of Antoine Mingalon as Group Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the Executive Committee. He will join Eutelsat on 2 January 2017.
Antoine is a seasoned professional in human resource leadership, with more than 20 years of experience managing cross functional teams, articulating Human Resource needs, developing talent and improving business performance through digital transformation.
He joins Eutelsat from Vimpelcom, the international telecom services group, where he was Group Human Resources Director Technology Function, based in Amsterdam. From 2012 to 2014, as Chief Human Resources Officer, he developed and executed the Human Resources strategy at Criteo, a technology company engaged in digital and personalised performance marketing in France and internationally. From 2008 to 2012 he held executive Human Resource positions at Areva that he joined from Bristol-Myers Squibb, based in Abu Dhabi and Cairo. He started his career at Schlumberger Ltd as Human Resources Director Europe Africa and Latin America and then spent four years at Autodesk Inc as Human Resources Director Southern Europe before joining the Paris office of PwC Transaction Services Group as head of HR Due Diligence and postmerger integration.
Commenting on the appointment, Rodolphe Belmer, Eutelsat's Chief Executive Officer, said: "With experience across all specialist areas of Human Resources, Antoine brings to Eutelsat a truly global and commercial perspective on people management and will be an integral part of our executive team. His expertise in organisational development, talent management and workforce planning will enhance our approach to building strong and motivated teams that strengthen our business performance."
Antoine succeeds Jean-Louis Robin, who will be an advisor to the CEO over the coming months before leaving Eutelsat to pursue other interests.
A French national, Antoine holds a Master's degree in Human Resources management at the Institut de Gestion Sociale.
About Eutelsat Communications
Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world's leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 38 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Eutelsat's satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user's location. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 37 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service.
For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com.
www.eutelsat.com - Follow us on Twitter @Eutelsat_SA and Facebook Eutelsat.SA
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161215006280/en/
Contacts:
Eutelsat
Press
Vanessa O'Connor
Tel: 33 1 53 98 37 91
voconnor@eutelsat.com
or
Marie-Sophie Ecuer
Tel: 33 1 53 98 37 91
mecuer@eutelsat.com
or
Investors and analysts
Joanna Darlington
Tel.: +33 1 53 98 35 30
jdarlington@eutelsat.com
or
Cedric Pugni
Tel.: +33 1 53 98 35 30
cpugni@eutelsat.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- (TSX: LBS)(TSX: LBS.PR.A)(TSX: SBC)(TSX: SBC.PR.A)(TSX: LCS)(TSX: LCS.PR.A)(TSX: DGS)(TSX: DGS.PR.A) Investors and Investment Advisors are invited to listen to a recorded update on certain Brompton Split Share Funds, hosted by Senior Portfolio Manager Laura Lau of Brompton Funds.
Laura Lau discusses the Canadian Financial Sector, in particular banks and lifecos recent strong performance, and their income and growth potential. Brompton Split Banc Corp., Brompton Lifeco Split Corp., Life & Banc Split Corp. and Dividend Growth Split Corp. each provide investors with significant exposure to Bank and Lifeco stocks. A link to the presentation recorded on December 14, 2016 has been posted to the Brompton Funds website at the following link:
www.bromptongroup.com/presentation/splits_update_dec2016
About Brompton Funds
Brompton Funds, a division of Brompton Group which was founded in 2000, is an experienced investment fund manager with approximately $2.0 billion in assets under management. Brompton's investment solutions include TSX listed closed-end funds, mutual funds, hedge funds and flow-through limited partnerships. For further information, please contact your investment advisor, call Brompton's investor relations line at 416-642-6000 (toll-free at 1-866-642-6001), email info@bromptongroup.com or visit our website at www.bromptongroup.com.
You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell shares of the investment funds on the Toronto Stock Exchange or other alternative Canadian trading system (an "exchange"). If the shares are purchased or sold on an exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying shares of the investment fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them.
There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning shares of an investment fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the Funds. You can find more detailed information about the Funds in the public filings available at www.sedar.com. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.
Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to matters disclosed in this news release and to other matters identified in public filings relating to the Funds, to the future outlook of the Funds and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the future financial performance of the Funds. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "continue" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.
Contacts:
Brompton's investor relations line
416-642-6000 (toll-free at 1-866-642-6001)
info@bromptongroup.com
www.bromptongroup.com
HOUSTON, Dec. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc. announces that the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics (JCO) has published results from "Accelerated Orthodontics Using Pulsatile Forces in Orthognathic Surgical Patients," a case series demonstrating accelerated treatment when incorporating AcceleDent into combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgery cases.In these cases orthodontists are using techniques to both straighten the teeth (orthodontic) and correct structural conditions of the jaw or face (orthognathic).
Manufactured by OrthoAccel, AcceleDent is the first and only FDA-cleared vibratory orthodontic device that is clinically proven to speed up orthodontic treatment by as much as 50 percent. With peer-reviewed evidence that supports AcceleDent's effectiveness in reducing discomfort as well as accelerating tooth movement and bone remodeling when used in conjunction with braces or aligners, this report is the first to publish results focused on AcceleDent's use in multiple cases that combine orthodontic and orthognathic surgery.
AcceleDent employs patented SoftPulse Technology that enhances physiological bone turnover enabling orthodontists to achieve predictable clinical outcomes. Primary author Dr. Sharon Orton-Gibbs, who began prescribing AcceleDent to patients in 2009, found that the mean actual treatment time for the 15 orthodontic-orthognathic surgery patients who used AcceleDent in conjunction with their fixed appliance braces was 33 percent shorter than the predicted treatment time (14.9 months vs. 22.2 months). Orton-Gibbs' accurate treatment time predictions were discussed and verified in a previously published 2015 JCO article.1
"Prior to offering AcceleDent none of my surgery patients finished treatment in less than 16 months. With AcceleDent the fastest treatment time was eight and a half months," said Orton-Gibbs, who is a highly regarded orthodontic specialist in the United Kingdom. "In my practice, treatment progressed faster and post-treatment healing was uneventful in orthognathic surgery patients who used AcceleDent."
To accommodate for an estimated 30-50 percent reduction in treatment time with AcceleDent, Orton-Gibbs reduces the intervals between archwire changes by 25 -33 percent during leveling and aligning for her surgery cases and was able to see patients every five days for the five weeks after surgery, rather than the standard weekly appointments for six weeks.
"Since orthodontics cannot begin until bone growth is complete, surgery has the potential to extend treatment times," said Orton-Gibbs. "That's why I believe surgery patients are especially interested in accelerating treatment with AcceleDent."
Reporting that 83 percent of her surgery patients chose to use AcceleDent, she also noted that two of the patients chose AcceleDent because they desired to complete treatment prior to relocating to attend university within the year. A third patient who is self employed chose AcceleDent to ensure that her surgery could be performed when she was least busy with work.
"We're excited to add this publication to our growing clinical library and believe that Dr. Orton-Gibbs' findings further demonstrate that AcceleDent's pulsatile forces can enhance treatment efficiency and improve predictable clinical outcomes," said Michael K. Lowe, president and CEO of OrthoAccel. "As the leader in accelerated orthodontics, we are committed to sharing compelling clinical evidence that demonstrates how AcceleDent can be successfully integrated into clinical practice with any preferred orthodontic appliance or treatment protocol."
The article was published in the December issue of JCO and can be viewed here. In the article's introduction Orton-Gibbs provides a synopsis of previously published peer-reviewed studies examining AcceleDent's safety and effectiveness that may be of interest to orthodontists. For more information about clinically proven AcceleDent, visit AcceleDent.com.
About OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc.
OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc. is a privately owned medical device company engaged in the creation, manufacturing, marketing and sales of innovative solutions that enhance dental care and orthodontic treatment. Among the company's innovations is AcceleDent, an FDA-cleared, Class II medical device that employs patented SoftPulse Technology that is clinically proven to speed up bone remodeling during orthodontic treatment by enhancing physiological bone turnover. These safe and gentle vibrations accelerate tooth movement by as much as 50 percent and reduce discomfort associated with treatment. OrthoAccel, the Leader in Accelerated Orthodontics, has received positive feedback from patients and leading orthodontists from around the world who report increased mechanical efficiency with orthodontic appliances and improved predictability of clinical outcomes with AcceleDent. Ranked onDeloitte's 2015 Technology Fast 500as one of the fastest growing companies in North America, OrthoAccel is based in Houston, Texas and maintains a global presence through its EMEA office in Essen, Germany. To learn more about OrthoAccel's focus on improving the journey to healthy, beautiful smiles, visit AcceleDent.com.
References
BOSTON, MA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- LearnLaunch Institute today released a research brief based on its work with 40 preK-8 teachers and 1200 students in an urban district.
MassNET's Research Brief: Insights on Software Piloting in an Urban District highlights the importance of teacher mindset and experience with regard to education technology, the importance of professional learning communities (PLCs) to support teacher adoption, and a number of key factors that influence successful edtech adoption.
The MassNET project recruited teams of teachers at six urban schools interested in adopting digital literacy products to help move towards personalizing learning for improved student engagement and achievement. Teachers selected, piloted, and evaluated edtech products over the course of a year, while MassNET provided software, job-embedded professional development, and conducted research on the process. The goal of the research was to increase understanding of how various factors play into effective incorporation of these tools as an on-ramp for teachers to personalized learning.
Detailed findings from the implementation study conducted during the 2015-16 school year, with much greater detail, is available upon request from Research Director, Steve Newton, PhD at steve@learnlaunch.org.
About MassNET
The Massachusetts School Support Network Edtech Testbed (MassNET) enables schools to become smarter about how to deploy digital instructional tools in ways that reinforce and enrich student learning and move their instruction towards personalized learning. Teams of teachers with supportive principals identify a problem of practice, and MassNET provides software and job-embedded professional development to meet their learning goal. This pilot process builds knowledge that is shared with product developers and educators. LearnLaunch Institute MassNET is one of seven edtech testbeds across the nation, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, known as The Learning Assembly.
About LearnLaunch Institute
LearnLaunch Institute catalyzes a community that drives innovation to transform learning and increase achievement. Our education innovation ecosystem mobilizes educators, entrepreneurs, learners, investors, and industry affiliates. As a nonprofit, the Institute offers learning opportunities and connections to individuals, support services to schools, and a district network. We believe in expanding access to learning that is engaging, personalized, and effective. Edtech is a critical component of achieving this vision at scale. For more Information and our upcoming events, visit www.learnlaunch.org or follow us @LearnLaunch.
About LearnLaunch
LearnLaunch is dedicated to connecting, supporting, and investing in the education technology ecosystem to drive innovation and transform learning. We offer a vibrant community, educational events, a collaborative co-working space, and a selective accelerator program to promote the growth of the edtech sector. LearnLaunch is based in Boston, a world education hub. Learn more about LearnLaunch Accelerator, Campus and Institute at www.learnlaunch.com and follow LearnLaunch on Twitter at @learnlaunch.
Follow LearnLaunch on Twitter at @learnlaunch or MassNET
All logos, company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Josef Blumenfeld
EdTech180
508.333.0938
Email Contact
The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) has closed the candidature period for Specialised Expo 2022/23. Four countries have submitted competing bids to organise Specialised Expo 2022/23: the Republic of Poland, the United States of America, the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Republic of Argentina.
The 169 Member States of the BIE will elect the host country of Specialised Expo 2022/23 at the 162nd General Assembly in November 2017.
Poland's bid is for a Specialised Expo in the city of Lodz between 15 June and 15 September 2022 under the theme "City Re:Invented."
The United States' bid is for a Specialised Expo in Minneapolis between 15 May and 15 August 2023 under the theme "Wellness and Well Being for All: Healthy People, Healthy Planet." The United States is not a Member State of the BIE.*
Brazil's bid is for a Specialised Expo in Rio de Janeiro between 4 March and 27 May 2022 under the theme "Metropolitan Cities and Sustainability: Cross Border Potentials."
Argentina's bid is for a Specialised Expo in Buenos Aires between 15 January and 15 April 2023 under the theme "Science, Innovation, Art and Creativity for the Human Development."
The Secretary General of the BIE, Vicente G. Loscertales, stated that "these four candidatures demonstrate a high level of interest for this type of Expo." The project examination phase for Specialised Expo 2022/23 will take place over the next few months. Each candidate will submit a bid dossier, to be followed by a BIE Enquiry Mission. The projects will then be presented to the General Assembly of the BIE on 14 June 2017. The election of the host country by the 169 Member States of the BIE will take place at the subsequent General Assembly in November 2017.
Specialised Expos, known officially as International Recognised Exhibitions, can be organised in the interval between two World Expos. They can last up to three months and are designed to respond to a precise challenge facing humanity. The most recent Specialised Expo was held in the city of Yeosu in the Republic of Korea in 2012, which attracted over 8 million visitors under the theme "The Living Ocean and Coast". The next Specialised Expo is to take place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, between 10 June and 10 September 2017 under the theme "Future Energy".
In accordance with BIE regulations, Member States must be given priority over non-Member States.
The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) is the intergovernmental organisation embodying the commitment of its 169 member States to lead, promote and foster International Exhibitions for the benefit of the citizens of the international community.
The BIE oversees four types of International Exhibitions: World Expos (International Registered Exhibitions), Specialised Expos (International Recognised Exhibitions), Horticultural Expos and the Triennale di Milano.
International Exhibitions are global events dedicated to finding solutions to specific challenges facing humanity by offering a journey inside the Expo theme through engaging and immersive activities.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161215006392/en/
Contacts:
Bureau International des Expositions (BIE)
Antoine Bourdeix
media@bie-paris.org - Tel: 33(0)1 45 00 38 63
www.bie-paris.org - Twitter/Facebook: bieparis
Struer, 2016-12-15 22:26 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Company Announcement no. 16.14 Pursuant to section 29 of the Danish Securities Trading Act, it is hereby announced that Sparkle Roll Holdings Limited BVI ("Sparkle Roll") has informed Bang & Olufsen a/s ("Bang & Olufsen"), that Sparkle Roll has transferred their shares in Bang & Olufsen to Sparkle Roll Group Limited. Sparkle Roll Group Limited hereafter owns 6,519,358 shares corresponding to 15.09 per cent of the total share capital in Bang & Olufsen. Mr. Qi Jianhong will hereafter, through another 100 per cent owned company, Sparkle Roll Tech. Investments Limited (former Sparkle Roll Group BVI), indirectly hold 2,404,186 shares in Bang & Olufsen, corresponding to app. 5.57 per cent of the issued share capital in Bang & Olufsen and will also indirectly hold approximately 48.95 per cent interest in Sparkle Roll Group which in turn holds 6,519,358 shares in Bang & Olufsen, corresponding to approximately 15.09 per cent of the total share capital in Bang & Olufsen. Please see attached announcement for further details. For further information, please contact: Investor Relations, Claus Hjmark Jensen, tel: +45 2325 10 67 Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=608478
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Peyto Exploration & Development Corp. ("Peyto") (TSX: PEY) confirms that the monthly dividend with respect to December 2016 of $0.11 per common share is to be paid on January 13, 2017, for shareholders of record on December 31, 2016. The ex-dividend date is December 28, 2016.
Dividends paid by Peyto to Canadian residents are eligible dividends for Canadian income tax purposes.
Shareholders and interested investors are encouraged to visit the Peyto website at www.peyto.com to learn more about what makes Peyto one of North America's most exciting energy companies. The website also includes the President's monthly report, which discusses various topics chosen by the President and includes estimates of monthly capital expenditures and production.
Certain information set forth in this document, including management's assessment of Peyto's future plans and operations, contains forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond these parties' control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, currency fluctuations, imprecision of reserve estimates, environmental risks, competition from other industry participants, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility and ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Peyto's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Peyto will derive therefrom. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.
Contacts:
Peyto Exploration & Development Corp.
Darren Gee
President and Chief Executive Officer
(403) 237-8911
(403) 451-4100 (FAX)
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX: SJR.B)(TSX: SJR.PR.A)(TSX: SJR.PR.B)(NYSE: SJR)(TSX VENTURE: SJR.A) ("Shaw") announced today that it has amended the terms of its five-year $1.5 billion bank credit facility with its syndicate of ten financial institutions, including TD Securities as lead arranger and sole bookrunner, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Royal Bank of Canada and The Bank of Nova Scotia as syndication agents and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ as documentation agent. The maturity date of the facility was extended from December 2019 to December 2021. The facility is used for working capital and general corporate purposes.
About Shaw Communications Inc.
Shaw is an enhanced connectivity provider. Our Consumer division serves consumers with broadband Internet, Shaw Go WiFi, video and digital phone. Our Wireless division provides wireless voice and data services through an expanding and improving mobile wireless network infrastructure. The Business Network Services division provides business customers with Internet, data, WiFi, telephony, video and fleet tracking services. The Business Infrastructure Services division, through ViaWest, provides hybrid IT solutions including colocation, cloud computing and security and compliance for North American enterprises.
Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (TSX: SJR.B)(TSX: SJR.PR.A)(TSX: SJR.PR.B)(NYSE: SJR)(TSX VENTURE: SJR.A). For more information, please visit www.shaw.ca.
Contacts:
Shaw Communications Inc.
Investor Relations
investor.relations@sjrb.ca
www.shaw.ca
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2016) - Iconic Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ICM) (FSE: YQGB) (OTC Pink: BVTEF) (the "Company" or "Iconic") is pleased to announce that it has received very encouraging initial lithium leaching results from sediments drilled in BC1601 at its Bonnie Claire project. Three samples from different elevations of the 1,560 feet (475 m) thick, continuously mineralized section of fined grained sediments show leach recoveries of 98, 93 and 89 percent Li, leaching with dilute acid. The lithium in the brine leachate appears to be lithium chloride, which is how lithium occurs in Clayton Valley brines. Early analysis of the sediments including geochemical and x-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate the lithium is possibly occurring as lithium carbonate. Sample depths, lithium content of the original sample, lithium content of the leachate, and total recovery are shown in the table below.
Sample Description Sediment Assay Li (ppm) Leachate Assay Li (ppm) Recovery (%) BC1601 440-460' 1420 1390 98 BC1601 780-800' 1220 1130 93 BC1601 1220-1240' 2550 2260 89
Samples were leached with dilute hydrochloric/nitric acid and the leachate analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) by ALS Minerals of Reno, Nevada. The sediment assays average 1,153 ppm Li over the 1,560 feet (475 m) depth of the drill hole with the highest value being 2,550 ppm Li. The lithium-rich sediments probably continue below the currently drilled depth. XRD results show the sediments, dominated by very fine grained particles, are made up of common volcanic minerals and only minor clay minerals. Further leach tests are under way using only deionized water. Additional metallurgical testing is planned to determine if either bulk mining and heap leaching or in-situ leaching may be feasible for lithium recovery at Bonnie Claire.
Brine assays from both BC1601 and 1602 have now been received. Analysis was done by Western Environmental Testing Laboratory of Sparks, Nevada. A highly anomalous brine sample was taken at 1,500 feet (457 m) in BC1601 which assayed 132 ppm Li. Although the lithium content of other brine samples from BC1601 were low, the assay from 1,500 feet is encouraging enough to warrant additional brine drilling. Results from BC1602 had a high Li value of 19 ppm. The results show that the Bonnie Claire project has the ability to produce lithium brine, but more drilling is needed to define the most productive areas. Future drilling will specifically target major fault zones hosting groundwater fluid flow as at Clayton Valley. At Clayton Valley producing wells occur along linear trends we interpret as fault zones.
Iconic has refined its structural interpretation of the 35 square mile (90 sq. km.) project area and moved future drill sites to interpreted fault zones. Drilling fault zones should increase the probability of intersecting more lithium brine and also provide further intercepts of the Li bearing sediments. A NI 43-101 resource report is planned after the drilling is completed. Starting with the 1,500 feet (457 m) intercept of lithium-rich sediments in BC1601 it should be relatively easy to define a very large lithium resource. McClelland Laboratories, Inc., of Sparks, Nevada has been selected to conduct advanced metallurgy to determine the feasibility of dilute acid leaching of the sediments producing a lithium brine that could then be treated by conventional means currently used by lithium mines producing from brine.
The Bonnie Claire Lithium Property Characteristics:
The Property is located within Sarcobatus Valley that is approximately 30 km (19 miles) long and 20 km (12 miles) wide, the associated drainage basin covers an area of 2,070 square km (800 sq mi). Quartz-rich volcanic rocks, that contain anomalous amounts of lithium, occur within and adjacent to the drainage basin. Geochemical analysis of the local salt flats has yielded lithium values up to 340 ppm. The gravity low within the valley is 20 km (12 miles) long, the current estimates of the depth to bedrock range from 600 to 900 meters (2,000 to 3,000 feet). The current claim block covers the gravity low and the associated mud flats.
Richard Kern, Certified Professional Geologist (#11494) and CEO of Iconic is the Qualified Person who has prepared and reviewed this press release in accordance with NI 43-101 reporting standards.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
SIGNED: "Richard Kern"
Richard Kern, President and CEO
Contact: (604) 336-8614
For further information on ICM, please visit our website at www.iconicmineralsltd.com. The Company's public documents may be accessed at www.sedar.com
Forward Statement: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Iconic expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.
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.
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Enbridge Inc. ("Enbridge" or the "Company") (TSX: ENB) (NYSE: ENB) announced that Enbridge shareholders overwhelmingly approved the required resolutions in connection with the merger transaction (the "Transaction") between Enbridge and Spectra Energy Corp (the "Transaction") at the Special Meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held today in Calgary, Alberta.
Of the common shares of Enbridge ("Enbridge Shares") voted at the Meeting, 99.42% of the Enbridge Shares were voted in favour of the issuance of Enbridge Shares as consideration for the Transaction, and 99.80% of the Enbridge Shares were voted in favour of the amendments to General By-law No. 1 of Enbridge. More than 661 million, or approximately 70.5%, of outstanding Enbridge Shares, were voted in person or by proxy at the Meeting.
At a separate meeting today in Houston, Texas Spectra Energy Corp shareholders also approved the previously announced merger.
"We are pleased with the results of today's vote, and we thank Enbridge and Spectra shareholders for their overwhelming support and confidence in our future," said Al Monaco, President and Chief Executive Officer, Enbridge Inc. "This marks an important milestone toward creating North America's premier energy infrastructure company, with the size, scale and scope that will launch Enbridge into a unique global investment category.
"With this combination we are bringing together the highest quality liquids and natural gas infrastructure assets in North America under one roof and achieving our strategic objective to extend and diversify our growth well into the future. With six growth platforms, each with very strong competitive positions, Enbridge will have the largest and most diversified capital investment program in the sector. We expect to generate industry-leading cash flow and dividend growth, which will continue to be underpinned by sound commercial structures and a strong balance sheet."
Mr. Monaco noted that integration planning is well underway. "We're pleased with our progress in planning for the integration of the two companies and we will be ready to operate as one company, with one vision, when the Transaction closes. Over the decades, our two companies have proven they approach shareholder value creation, customers, communities and staff in the same way, and we look forward to welcoming the Spectra team to Enbridge."
Both companies continue to work to meet closing conditions and the required regulatory applications are progressing. Clearance has been received under the Canada Transportation Act (Canada) to complete the Transaction and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has begun its 30-day review period after accepting the joint voluntary notice by Enbridge and Spectra Energy on November 21, 2016. The CFIUS review will conclude no later than December 20, 2016, unless it extends the review period. Additionally, on December 8, the Ontario Energy Board communicated that it is satisfied the Transaction does not require its approval. As a standard part of the regulatory approval process for transactions of this type, both companies continue to work closely with the Federal Trade Commission and the Canadian Competition Bureau to expeditiously conclude each of their reviews of the Transaction.
Pending the satisfaction of the remaining conditions and approvals, the Transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017.
About Enbridge Inc.
Enbridge Inc., a Canadian company, exists to fuel people's quality of life, and has done so for more than 65 years. A North American leader in delivering energy, Enbridge has been ranked on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations index for the past seven years. Enbridge operates the world's longest crude oil and liquids transportation system across Canada and the U.S., and has a significant and growing involvement in natural gas gathering, transmission and midstream business, as well as an increasing involvement in power transmission. Enbridge owns and operates Canada's largest natural gas distribution company, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and New York State. Enbridge has interests in more than 2,200 megawatts of net renewable and alternative generating capacity, and continues to expand into wind, solar and geothermal power. Enbridge employs approximately 10,000 people, primarily in Canada and the U.S., and has been ranked 15 times on the annual Canada's Top Employers list, including the 2017 index.
Enbridge's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ENB. For more information, visit www.enbridge.com.
Forward-Looking Information
Forward-looking information, or forward-looking statements, have been included in this news release to provide information about the Company, including management's assessment of Enbridge and its subsidiaries' future plans and operations. This information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "anticipate", "expect", "project", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "intend", "target", "believe", "likely" and similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking information or statements included in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Transaction and expectations regarding the timing and closing thereof; expectations regarding required regulatory approvals; expectations regarding the impact of the Transaction; and the combined company's scale, asset base, financial strength, cash flows and growth opportunities.
Although Enbridge believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable based on the information available on the date such statements are made and processes used to prepare the information, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. By their nature, these statements involve a variety of assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, levels of activity and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Material assumptions, risks and uncertainties include the following: the timing and completion of the Transaction, including receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions precedent; the realization of anticipated benefits and synergies of the Transaction and the timing thereof; the success of integration plans; and the expected supply of and demand for crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids and renewable energy and the prices of these commodities. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information about these and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties can be found in applicable filings of Enbridge with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators, including proxy statements, prospectuses and registration statements filed in connection with the Transaction. Due to the interdependencies and correlation of these factors, as well as other factors, the impact of any one assumption, risk or uncertainty on a forward-looking statement cannot be determined with certainty, particularly with respect to the impact of the Transaction on the Company.
Except to the extent required by applicable law, Enbridge assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made in this news release or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
Contacts:
Media
Toll Free: (888) 992-0997
media@enbridge.com
Adam McKnight
Investment Community
(403) 266-7922
adam.mcknight@enbridge.com
BAAR, Switzerland, Dec. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Weatherford International plc (NYSE: WFT) announces the appointment of Mr. Christoph Bausch as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective December 13, 2016. Bringing many years of financial and operational management experience, Mr. Bausch joined the Company in May of 2016 as Vice President and Controller Product Lines. Previous to his tenure at Weatherford, and since May of 2011, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial officer of Archer Limited, an oilfield services company publicly traded in Norway on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Before his role at Archer Limited, Mr. Bausch served as a Global Finance Director of Transocean, after having a 20-year international career with Schlumberger, where he held senior financial positions in global and regional capacities in the U.S., the U.A.E., France, Mexico, Venezuela and Germany across a number of business segments covering operations, engineering, manufacturing and supply chain. Mr. Bausch holds an M.B.A.degree ("Diplom Kaufmann") from the University of Mannheim, Germany.
Also effective December 13, 2016, Mr. Frederico Justus has been promoted to the position of President - Regional Operations. Mr. Justus joined Weatherford in 2010 and, since May 2015, was Vice President of the Middle East and Africa region. He has over 19 years of oilfield experience across the entire services industry, which includes managing multiple environments and product lines spanning several countries. Mr. Justus is a mechanical and industrial engineer with a degree from the Federal Technical University of Parana, Brazil. His appointment comes as Weatherford's current President - Regional Operations, Mr. Antony J. Branch, leaves the Company. Weatherford is grateful for Mr. Branch's leadership and contributions over the years.
Both Mr. Bausch and Mr. Justus will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Commenting on the management appointments, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Krishna Shivram stated "Christoph's previous experience as a public company CFO, his financial expertise, depth of knowledge in the oil and gas industry as well as leadership capabilities will further help strengthen our focus on financial discipline, cash flow generation and improved cost efficiencies. In addition, we are confident that Frederico, in his new role of President - Regional Operations, with his successful track record and many years of direct hands-on experience will have a positive impact and help us reach our objectives and build a stronger Company. The future is full of opportunity for Weatherford, and I very much look forward to working with both Christoph and Frederico to take our company to the next level."
About Weatherford
Weatherford is one of the largest multinational oilfield service companies providing innovative solutions, technology and services to the oil and gas industry. The Company operates in over 100 countries and has a network of approximately 1,000 locations, including manufacturing, service, research and development, and training facilities and employs approximately 31,000 people. For more information, visit www.weatherford.com and connect with Weatherford on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
Investor Contact:
Krishna Shivram +1.713.836.4610 Chief Executive Officer
Karen David-Green +1.713.836.7430 Vice President - Investor Relations,
Corporate Marketing and Communications
Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/73933/weatherford_international_logo.jpg
LA PRAIRIE, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/16 -- Vanstar Mining Resources inc. (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: VSR) announces that it has completed a $100,000 non-brokered financing.
The Company will issue 1,428,571 common shares at a purchase price of $0.07 per share, for an amount of $100,000. This financing is part of the Repurchase of Option to the PRH Gold Project by Vantex Resources Ltd. (see Vantex press release dated September 13, 2016).
The securities issued as part of this financing are subject to a minimum hold period of 4 months and are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture exchange.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Guy Morissette
CEO
819-763-5096
gmvanstar@gmail.com
www.vanstarmining.com
Kreditech, a Hamburg, Germany-based consumer finance company, raised 10m in funding.
Rakuten, Inc. (TSE: 4755), a leader in internet services and global innovation headquartered in Japan, made the investment via the Rakuten FinTech Fund and Michael Piechalak will join the Board as an observer.
The company intends to use the funds to further develop its partnership business.
Founded in 2012 by Alexander Graubner-Muller, CEO, Kreditech combines non-traditional data sources and machine learning to provide access to credit. The companys product offerings include consumer loans, a digital wallet and a personal finance manager designed for customers manage their credit score and plan their spending. Kreditech also offers a credit as a service model, allowing partners to integrate its credit products as payment method or funding source.
FinSMEs
15/12/2016
Intertwine, a Naples, Italy-based storytelling social network, raised 1.03m in funding.
The financing package included:
a capital increase from FI.R.A., via the seed fund Starthope, business accelerator TechinTouch, holding company Hubcom, Eclettica, as well as angels Nello Di Biase, Giovanni Marinaccio, and Stefano Squillacciotti,
public funding from Invitalias Smart&Start Italia, and
debt financing from Banco di Napoli S.p.A (Intesa Sanpaolo).
The company intends to use the funds to increase its product development, marketing and sales efforts as well as hire new people and expand the 15 person community.
Led by Gianluca Manca, founder and CEO, Intertwine operates a storytelling social network based on a shared creativity approach which enables writers, readers and talent to create, share, and publish multimedia (text, audio, video, images) works.
The company targets schools and universities which advance co-learning and digital projects for students and companies which aim to create their value & storytelling strategy.
Intertwine, an Innovative Startup based at Digital Magics Napoli, the Naples-based branch of Digital Magics, business incubator listed on AIM Italia (DM), is going to open new offices in Abruzzo.
FinSMEs
15/12/2016
Serial entrepreneur Jacob Mullins has re-joined Silicon Valley based venture capital firm Shasta Ventures.
As Principal, Mullins will invest in emerging platforms with an initial focus in Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality.
In a dedicated post, post, he explained that Virtual reality & augmented reality (VR/AR), along with robotics, autonomous vehicles, space, quantum computing, nanomedicine, artificial intelligence and the immense amount of data they create are all near-term opportunities where entrepreneurs are creating lasting change.
Over the past year, Mullins has plunged himself into virtual and augmented reality and launched VR Tuesday, a business-focused VR meet up in San Francisco to source and find opportunities in the field. He had already worked at Shasta Ventures as an investment professional from July 2011 to May 2013 and is currently the founder of Exitround, a M&A marketplace for technology companies.
FinSMEs
14/12/2016
Personal Capital, a San Francisco, CA-based digital and professional advisor based wealth management startup, received a $25m investment from IGM Financial to complete its Series E round.
The investment valued the company at approximately $500m more than doubling the valuation of the Series D funding round.
With this round, along with $25m in debt financing from Silicon Valley Bank, Personal Capital has accelerated company growth, increased its marketing efforts and hired new staff across the San Carlos, San Francisco and Denver offices.
Led by Bill Harris, CEO, and Mike Armsby, CFO, the company combines online financial tools that provide transparency into peoples finances with services from licensed financial advisors.
Its dashboard and financial tools are available for free to any user. Users can also become clients of its full suite of financial advisory services, which include creating a personalized investment portfolio with tax loss harvesting, diversified asset allocation and disciplined rebalancing.
Clients have access to a licensed financial advisory team available to answer questions and advise on saving for retirement or a childs college, estate planning, home purchases, 401k allocation and more.
The platform has over 1.3 million registered free tool users.
FinSMEs
15/12/2016
Rocsole Ltd, a Kuopio, Finland-based company which specializes in real-time tomography, completed an additional funding round of undisclosed amount.
The round, which followed the investment led by Spanish oil company Repsol in early 2016, was led by Shell Technology Ventures (STV).
Led by Chairman Anssi Lehikoinen, Rocsole provides electrical and ultrasound tomographic industrial process monitoring systems. Its current products include a pipe sensor for both topside and subsea pipes, providing real-time information on the flow and, in particular, deposition buildup in a pipe through probe sensor technology which can be used in separators when extracting oil and water.
The company intends to use the funds to expand its product portfolio with a smart deposition pig sensor that enables efficient deposition monitoring of a customers entire pipe network from the inside. Once the deposition has been located, a measuring device for monitoring and identifying deposits from the current product family may be permanently installed in the areas discovered during the inspection.
With detailed information on pipe deposits, operators can prevent pipes clogging that can lead to lost production costing money in down time and from the use of chemicals to clean the blocked pipe.
Rocsole also has a sales and service office in Houston, Texas.
FinSMEs
15/12/2016
TVA Medical, Inc., an Austin, Texas-based medical device company, received a $7m credit facility.
Square 1 Bank, a division of Pacific Western Bank, provided the financial resources.
The company intends to use the funds for global clinical and market development initiatives.
Led by Adam Berman, president and chief executive officer, TVA Medical develops minimally invasive therapies for chronic kidney disease and other medical conditions. The companys catheter-based system uses an endovascular approach to create an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), joining an artery to a vein, in patients in need of hemodialysis, which requires vascular access to connect the patient to the dialysis machine.
FinSMEs
14/12/2016
Warburg Pincus, a global private equity firm focused on growth investing, closed a $2 billion fund focused on China.
Warburg Pincus China, L.P., will be a companion fund to Warburg Pincus Private Equity XII, L.P., a $13.4 billion global private equity fund that closed in late 2015.
Limited Partners include existing investors in Warburg Pincus funds and new investors to the firm, including public and private pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and high-net-worth individuals.
Led by Julian Cheng and and Frank Wei, Managing Directors and Co-Heads of China, the fund will continue Warburg Pincus thesis-driven, sector-focused approach to investing in China, partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams to build companies of sustainable value. Warburg Pincus China will focus on investing across sectors including Consumer, Healthcare, Real Estate, Energy and Industrials, Financial Services, and Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT).
Warburg Pincus select current investments in China include Amcare, ANE Logistics, China Huarong Asset Management, China Kidswant, D&J China, ESR Group, Evercare, Hygeia, Liepin, Mofang Apartment, UCAR Inc., Uxin Ltd. and ZTO Express, among others.
Notable recent partial and full exits include CAR Inc., a car rental company; 58.com, a lifestyle services platform; and China Biologic Products, a plasma-based biopharmaceutical company.
FinSMEs
14/12/2016
It seems as though Santa Claus is not coming to Mollywood laden with new films this Christmas. A major crisis is brewing in the Malayalam film industry as various film organisations are going on a strike over the sharing of box-office revenues. There will not be any new releases and shooting and production work of new films will be stopped from 16 December.
The big Christmas releases scheduled to hit the screens over the 23 December weekend Mohanlals Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol, Prithvirajs Ezra, Dulquer Salmaans Jomonte Suvisheshangal and Jayasuryas Fukri have been postponed indefinitely. The battle is basically between the Malayalam Film Producers Council and Distributors Association versus the powerful Kerala Film Exhibitors Federation (KFEF) led by the controversial Liberty Basheer.
The current crisis is basically over the percentage of box-office collections. The single screens in Kerala were paying 60 percent of the total net to distributors and producers in the first week of a new film. KFEF chief Basheer, who has control over a large number of screens in the Malabar area which accounts for 45 percent of the total box-office collections in Kerala wants parity with multiplexes, which get 50 percent of the total net in the first week.
National multiplex players like PVR, Carnival Cinemas, Inox and Cinepolis have very profitable properties in Kerala. Basheer, over the years, has been controlling the KFEF. The KFEF had a big fight over the wide release of Malayalam films in the recent past, and then they tried to stop the wide release of Baahubali in Kerala. The Competition Commission of India had recently passed strictures against KFEF and against Basheer in particular as they tried to scuttle the growth of the oldest theatre in Kerala, Crown Theatre in Kozhikode.
The producers and distributors' association has been over the years trying to clip the wings of Basheer, who is popular among single screen owners. On the other hand, Kerala is seeing a theatre boom as major multiplex players in India make a beeline for the state, where the government runs theatres. The state government runs 15-odd screens under the Kairali-Sree brand and that is one of the most successful public sector ventures in the state. And older single screens are converting to twin or triple screens, with the latest in sound and screening technology. Kerala, which now has around 450 screens, is expected to have over 1000 screens by 2020.
Meanwhile, fans of Mohanlal, Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj are peeved that there are no new releases for Christmas, traditionally one of the best seasons in Kerala. But there is still some hope that the issue will be sorted out amicably as there is lot riding on the Christmas releases in a year when Pulimurugan grossed over Rs 100 crore worldwide.
By Alex Lawler
| LONDON
LONDON OPEC's first supply cut deal in eight years came as good news for a Swiss family business founded by an economics analyst who once helped the then Rhodesian government procure oil supplies in the face of sanctions.Geneva-based Petro-Logistics earns money from the lack of timely and complete information from OPEC members and other oil exporters like Russia in the 95 million barrels-per-day global market, by tracking shipments to estimate production and supply.The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is planning to cut its output by 1.2 million bpd from Jan. 1, its first such deal since 2008. Russia and other non-members are planning to cut about half as much.The deal will heighten interest in assessments of OPEC production, to see the extent to which it makes good on the cutbacks. As well as Petro-Logistics, other consultants, government bodies and news services estimate OPEC output. Oil prices jumped to $57.89 a barrel, their highest since July 2015, on Dec. 12, supported by the prospect of lower supply. Estimates of OPEC and Russian compliance in 2017 will likely lead to more price volatility.Since the early days of Petro-Logistics which was founded in 1980, and since the last OPEC cut of 2008, more data has become available, such as satellite information on tanker positions, helping to make the oil market more transparent. While this helps, piecing together the whole picture such as what type of crude is on the tanker and who is buying it remains no easy task, Petro-Logistics' chief executive Daniel Gerber, who began with the firm in 2009, told Reuters."When I started at Petro-Logistics, we were still using Lloyds List Voyage Records, which were monthly publication hardbound books providing you with a handful of tanker positions in any one update," he said."While there is some information that is easier to get, such as satellite data on ship positions, the whole story is harder to put together in terms of things like grades, customers, refining activity, in-country demand and field-by-field production, making the element of human experience even more important than in the past."
Petro-Logistics estimates OPEC managed to achieve about 60 to 70 percent of the pledged reductions last time around in 2008-2009, and expects a similar level with the new initiative."This time we expect the core OPEC Saudi, UAE and Kuwait to largely stick to their commitments, which alone should result in about 50 percent cut compliance. With a bit of help from the other members, we should see 60-70 percent compliance once again."Libya and Nigeria - exempt from the cut - are wild cards, as is Russia. "Russia doesn't have the best history of joining OPEC cuts, they are another big wild card."COUNTERING SANCTIONS
Since OPEC accounts for the bulk of the world's oil exports, its level of production is vital information for traders, consumers and governments. The trouble is, finding that number is not easy due to a dearth of timely official information. Even OPEC itself issues two sets of figures - those provided by members and independent estimates - which show significant differences about the level of, say, Saudi or Iraqi output.Petro-Logistics was founded by Conrad Gerber, Daniel's father, after he had spent 13 years working for the Rhodesian government, "countering sanctions and defying an apparently hostile world," as his son put it."My father received a challenge from an oil trader to perfect a new discipline in oil market analysis the art and science of tanker tracking," Gerber said."He was willing to do the hard work. That meant a lot of travel to some pretty interesting places, setting up structures to bring all the information together, and the crucial part, the experienced human element."
The Petro-Logistics OPEC estimates originally relied on Gerber senior's vast network of contacts. Sent out to clients under the heading "CONFIDENTIAL," the numbers sometimes made their way onto news wires, moving the price of oil.This gave rise to an oil-market myth that Petro-Logistics had people stationed at ports around the world with binoculars, counting tankers as they left with crude, although this was "just people trying to make sense of how my father got access to such good information," Gerber said.Daniel and his brother, Mark, now manage the company following their father's death in 2009. It has 15 staff, of which 10 are full time. Three are based in a Houston office.Petro-Logistics' clients have included most of the main types of participant in the oil market - oil majors, trading houses, banks, hedge funds, national oil companies - and even other OPEC members themselves. "Back in the 80s in particular and still today, OPEC members didn't trust each other and they were very keen to understand what other members were doing, if they were sticking to their quota agreements," Gerber said.While it was a myth about the binoculars, and technology now allows real-time tanker tracking, the company does collate information from a source network accumulated over decades."In reality, knowing what tankers are arriving and leaving a port is the easiest part of the equation," Gerber said. "Knowing what is on board is far more complex and requires contacts on the ground." (Editing by David Evans)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
CBI's arguments in Patiala court
According to CNN- News 18, these are the CBI's arguments in Patiala House court when SP Tyagi and the two others were produced over the AgustaWestland scam.
- Criteria of 6,000 ft was to fly in areas like Ladakh
- In 2005 when SP Tyagi took over, Agusta did not even have choppers for demonstration
- NSA in 2005 had also opposed single vendor system for procurement
- Minimum flying ceiling became 4,500 ft after Tyagi took over as Indian Air Force chief
- In 2004, IAF had remained firm on 6,000 ft ceiling
- Agusta was ruled out because of ceiling constraints
- A French company was fulfilling criteria of 6,000 ft ceiling
- Searches in Switzerland showed incriminating evidence
- Custody required to confront accused, retrieve bribe money
- Sufficient evidence of bribe being paid to SP Tyagi, others
- SP Tyagi met AgustaWestland officials in private
- Gautam Khaitan routed bribe money from Agusta to India
- SP Tyagi purchased huge agricultural land when he was IAF chief
- SP Tyagi never declared land purchases to any aithorities
- Tyagi has failed to give explanation to give source of the money for land procurement
The CBI is asking for custody because they have certain incriminating evidence against the accused which they cannot reveal now. CNN-News18 reports that evidence from Mauritius and Italy has startling details.
As over 8,500 trees lay uprooted on 12 December, the Tamil Nadu civic authorities and the rescue team were in high gear. The uprooted trees have bee removed, the arterial roads have been cleared, and work is on full swing two days after cyclone Vardah tore into Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts before heading to Andhra Pradesh.
The 5,000 electricity polls have been destroyed by the cyclone in Kanchipuram and another 4,000 in Tiruvallur. Close to 500 electricity transformers have been crushed in Chennai by fallen trees.
This has meant no power to a large part of the city. Officials at the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (Tangedco) told Firstpost that the priority was to give power to residential areas and later to commercial and industrial zones. "By tonight, most of Chennai will have power," said state electricity minister P Thangamani.
What authorities are not able to do much about, though is the lack of mobile connectivity in cyclone-hit areas. This has thrown ATMs, banks and POS machines out of gear.
With Cyclone Vardah keeping Chennai offline and frequent power cuts not helping either, the good old notebook came to the author's rescue. She sent images of the pages of her story on WhatsApp.
Vardha Cyclone by Firstpost on Scribd
Upscale supermarkets in the posh Boat Club area of Chennai too are unable to allow customers use their debit/credit cards. "Tower illai" was the constant refrain of restaurants and supermarkets in the city.
Two days after the cyclone, mobile connectivity is yet to be restored. Police, Tangedco and Chennai corporation officials continue to use walkie-talkies to communicate as the mobile network is down. R Shanmugam, 43, a resident of Mylapore, said that he had gone to almost all the ATMs in his area but they were either shut or had no cash in them.
"We had to call in some people to remove the fallen trees from our house," he said. "We have to pay in cash. There is absolutely no cash anywhere. Even bank branches don't have cash. What do I do?"
Those in poorer areas of the city like 44-year-old B Perumal says power is yet to be restored and water has become a big problem. Pointing at his empty wallet, "There is not a paisa in my hand. Due to power cut there is no water. I am not even able to buy water cans," he said.
Perumal said he walked for two kilometres with buckets to find a public water supply point. "I have walked to work because I have no money for petrol and they are not accepting cards. They say their machines are not working," he said.
With demonetisation hitting especially hard, in the aftermath of cyclone Vardah, Chennai is reeling under the double whammy. While Chief Minister O Panneerselvam asking for relief of Rs 1,000 crores, what Chennaiites really need is a quick infusion of cash into their banks and a speedy restoration of mobile services.
The new Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam seems to be too modest for the devastation of cyclone Vardah, he has asked the Centre for only Rs 1000 crore. Had it been Jayalalithaa, it would have been at least ten times as much.
In fact, that was the opposition leader MK Stalins instant ballpark estimate. Trade body Assocham has put it at Rs 6500 crore. An estimate is an estimate and nobody knows how all the losses add up, and for how long, because every aspect of life and business has been disrupted. Even on the third day, many parts of the city are struggling without power and communications.
Ten thousand electric posts and 800 transformers going down doesnt summarise the damage because it could cascade down quite a bit. Most of the mobile phones went dead and even the BSNL lines, that depend on underground cables, were disrupted. Demonetised souls couldnt eat because their digital fantasy wouldnt work.
However, the biggest loss to Chennai is the loss of its precious green cover. As the The Hindu reported quoting a senior revenue official, about 10,000 trees have been uprooted and 75 per cent of them are in Chennai. In another report quoting workers on the field, the same newspaper said that the number of uprooted trees could exceed one lakh. This is in fact the most visible loss as well because whats more visibly overwhelming and widespread than the mangled electric posts, tattered cables and the general raggedness, are uprooted trees.
All that one could see in the pitch dark city after the cyclone left the coast of Tamil Nadu, or rather Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts, on Monday evening were uprooted trees. Every neighbourhood and every street was covered by trees felled by the strong wind. The roads became unmotorable with ripped-out trees blocking them every few meters. Famous classical musician Sanjay Subramanyan tweeted the photo of a 40-year old neem tree that came down next to his house.
40 year old neem tree falls outside our building #Vardahcyclone pic.twitter.com/1FFPJiM9l7 Sanjay Subrahmanyan (@sanjaysub) December 12, 2016
Uprooted trees topped the social media images of the impact of the cyclone. Although the workforce of the government, that ran to a few thousand, managed to move them aside to make the roads partly usable on Tuesday, they are still lying on either side of the roads. The next big headache for the civic authorities and the government is to find a place to dump them. Reportedly, they would be kept in the city playgrounds for the time being. The volume is too big to be transported to the municipal corporations dump yards. For a city thats short on water and known for its intense summer, this is a tragedy because trees are its hard-gained treasure of a lifetime. Despite the adverse conditions, many parts of the city - mostly the traditional residential areas - have impressive canopies, tree-lined avenues and impeccably green parks. In fact, these patches held up even when it was losing its green cover to infrastructural development. Reportedly, in the last four years, Chennai lost about 10,000 acres of green cover although the state as a whole improved its record. In fact all the three cyclone-hit districts showed depleting green cover in the last satellite-based forest survey of India. In the light of this poor record, the impact of Vardah is a double whammy. Probably, its already showing on satellite images. Two of the most beautiful campuses in Chennai in terms of its green cover the IIT and Madras Christian College (MCC) have reported widespread uprooting of trees. A resident of the MCC said the college campus now looks like a warzone and the sight is heartbreaking because many of the trees were very old.
The only redeemable part of the tragedy is that some of the damage might be partial because what came down in a limited number of cases are the tree-branches that could grow back in a couple of years.
Since economic liberalisation, Chennai had 'developed' itself to be the city with the worst green cover in India. Even a highly polluted Delhi has three times more green cover. As this report explained in 2011 in some parts of Chennai, it lost about 99 percent of the green cover between 1997 and 2011.
If the city doesnt repair the damage, the consequences are going to be grave because even during the disastrous floods last year, the reasons cited for the excessive rains and flooding included localised heat caused by increasing concrete and poor surface rundown that good green cover would have abated. Besides regular infrastructure, even utilities roads, electric lines and sewers come into conflict with trees and the narrowing roads allow very limited avenues for planting new ones although various research studies have proposed specific ideas for increasing the green cover.
The minimum that the three agencies responsible for green cover in the city the Chennai Corporation, the forestry department and the highways department can do is to compensate for the loss caused by Vardah. Its also an opportunity to do something more dust the proposals of various researchers, civil society organisations and agencies on how to make the city greener.
Unfortunately, it will still look too brown compared to other big cities in India.
A policy document released by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) contained admissions of the Indian Catholic Church accepting for the first time in history that Dalit Christians face discrimination and untouchability, reported The Indian Express.
The document released by the apex body sought a detailed report and plans from 171 dioceses on how to end these caste-based discriminations against the Dalit Christians, added the report. According to The Telegraph, of the 19 million Dalit population, 12 million are Catholics.
Fr. Z Devasagayaraj, executive secretary of the CBCI Office for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, was quoted as saying, "untouchability was prevalent in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh". Not only are the Dalits forced to have separate graveyards, but also have separate feasts, added the report.
The policy documents stated that though there have been positive changes with more participation from the younger generation, but greater awareness and sensitivity is required to address the issues of discrimination and untouchability.
US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma has recently stated that the US-Pakistan relationship is complex, while US relations with India are more broad-based.
In saying so, Verma will be acutely aware that the US-Pakistan relationship is already on the trajectory towards becoming far more complex with Pakistan being inexorably subsumed by China, the CIA-ISI relationship notwithstanding. With China gearing up to establish an oceanic front in the Gwadar-Omari-Karachi region, a future US-China Cold War-like situation may be inevitable no matter the pretenses, and how and in what timeframe the transition from lukewarm to cold takes place, which will be resisted by China.
President-elect Donald Trumps statement that the US may not necessarily be bound with the One China policy raised hackles in China with Beijing hitting back that it would help the foes of America. Only time will tell how Trumps remarks about the One China policy are followed through in future. However, in all probability he will act against Chinas economic policy of dumping goods abroad at the cost of target countries. But if China says it will help Americas foes, it is already doing so through proxies of Pakistan as well as through its own links with the Taliban.
What will affect South Asia most is how the Trump administration deals with Pakistan now that Generals Michael T Flynn (former director of US Defence Intelligence Agency) and James Mattis (former commander of US Central Command) will be the next National Security Advisor and Secretary of Defence respectively. This is particularly so given their firm views about countering terrorism. Notwithstanding the joint statement on conclusion of the recent Heart of Asia Summit categorically naming Pakistani proxies operating in Afghanistan, this had already been explicitly brought out in the report of the United Nations Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) in July 2016. These facts have been ignored by the US in the past despite Pakistani proxies, Haqqani Network in particular, targeting US-Nato forces in Afghanistan
With the US Senate clearing a bill characterising India as a major defence partner, India-US relations have taken a leap. The 2017 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) was passed by the US House of Representatives by 375 votes to 34. When Prime Minister Narendra Modis visited Washington in June this year, President Barack Obama had said he looks at India as a major defence partner of the US. The US Senate has now cleared the decks to put an official seal on it before it goes for signatures to Obama, which should be a mere formality. It is significant to note that after the passage of the bill within 180 days, the secretary of defence and the secretary of state are required to jointly submit to the Congressional Defence Committee, the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on how the US is supporting its defence relationship with India.
The India-US joint statement issued during the visit of Secretary of State John Kerry to India in August 2016 had noted that robust defence ties were the bedrock of bilateral strategic and commercial ties, making reference to the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the title of major defence partner for India that Obama envisaged. In December 2016, Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter made an official visit to India for the seventh institutionalised interaction with Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar. The joint statement issued during Carters visit finalised Indias designation as a major defence partner of the US. This special status is unique to India and institutionalises the progress made to facilitate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level on par with that of Americas closest allies and partners, ensuring enduring cooperation in future.
The emergence of the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative ( DTTI) as an integral and enduring component of India-US security cooperation is a sign that the relationship has matured to a level of strategic importance. The DTTI will strengthen Indias 'Make in India' initiative and both sides committed to convening all-new DTTI working groups prior to the next DTTI group meeting anticipated for February 2017. India-US defence relations in recent years have been on an escalating trajectory. The signing of the Defence Framework Agreement in 2015 was a major signpost.
This along with other agreements laid the blueprint for collaboration between defence establishments of both nations, enabling deeper cooperation. Joint exchange opportunities, in both personnel and training exercises, have expanded and strengthened our bilateral cooperation. The signing of the LEMOA has facilitated additional opportunities for practical engagement and exchange.
What does 'major defence partner' imply?
Logically, it should result in greater sharing of defence technologies (state-of-the-art ones), co-production of armaments as part of Make in India and dovetailing defence plans with the US approach through coordination in military logistics, and in strategic and satellite communications and sensors. The US is also looking at early signing of the Communication and Information Security Memorandum Agreement (CISMOA) and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Cooperation (BECA) joint agreements that would complete the trinity of foundational agreements for bilateral defence ties.
Admiral John Richardson had visited India in February 2016 coinciding with India hosting the spectacular international fleet review, in which the US Navy also participated. The year 2016 also saw the navies of India, US and Japan participating in the MALABAR exercise in the Western Pacific, much to the chagrin of China. The India-US Maritime Dialogue has been ongoing with strategic interests converging with respect to the Indo-Pacific region.
But while the US interests in the bilateral relationship centre mainly on cooperation on the seas and defence industry cooperation, the 'major defence partnership' must also address Indias concerns in South Asia. These include the China-Pakistan nexus exporting terrorism to India and Afghanistan. Pakistans newly appointed DG ISI, Naveed Mukhtar, has called for Pakistan to be more aggressive against Indian interests in Afghanistan. Pakistan is in illegal occupation of PoK and China-occupied Shaksgam and Aksai Chin all Indian Territories. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor together with Chinese naval vessels and submarines at Gwadar have strategic implications both for India and the region including on future operations in the IOR. Similarly, the PLA's lodgment in Gilgit-Baltistan, and deployment of strategic weapon platforms have serious implications.
Now that President Vladimir Putin has indicated he will work with Trump in countering terrorism, attention must be paid to Pakistan as the epicentre of terrorism which is supported and abetted by China. The India-US Defence Partnership must focus on these issues, particularly targeting the epicentre of terrorism, ensuring stability and economic progress of Afghanistan and connectivity within South Asia.
The author is a veteran Lieutenant-General of the Indian Army
Hacking group Legion now claims it has hacked into the emails of 74,000 chartered accountants across India, The Times of India said on Thursday.
The newspaper said that it has received a link from the hacker group during an interview over an encrypted chat platform, offering access to a list of emails and passwords of some major Indian institutions including banks and chartered accounts that the group claims to have hacked.
The newspaper quoted a member of the group as saying:
"We have dumpz from all the major institutions...all the major banks and passwords...of all da chartered accountants in INDIA. And those that had the same pw on Dropbox? Too bad, they got owned and all the dox were dumped. The people they work for? Too bad for them too. Raw data brings chaos (sic)."
The group, the report said, would also release more raw data from the hack.
The hacker group, which goes by the name Legion (Legion Crew according to The Washington Post), has become a sensation in India after it claimed to have carried out the well-publicised hacks of some high profile Twitter accounts including former liquor baron Vijay Mallya, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and journalists Barkha Dutt and Ravish Kumar. The group recently claimed that it has also hacked into the account of former IPL chief Lalit Modi, and would soon be releasing all the data on a public platform.
Just two days ago, the group in an interview with FactorDaily.com, said that it has hacked government emails hosted on Sansad.nic.in. The hacker group had also claimed to have dumped emails of journalist Dutt in the public domain.
Incidentally, there have been contradicting reports about the group's identity and location; while some claimed it to be based out of eastern Europe, others including The Times of India and The Washington Post claimed the group to be based in India. The group in its various interviews has claimed themselves to be drug-loving, cyber criminals who just want to create chaos.
Militants killed two policeman and injured eight during two surprise attacks in two different places in Manipur's Chandel district on Thursday.
UPDATE: Another police personnel dead taking death toll to 2, four injured in Manipur ambush. ANI (@ANI_news) December 15, 2016
According to PTI, one of the attacks took place in Lokchao village in Chandel district, 21 kilometres from the border town of Moreh, along the Imphal-Moreh route killing one personnel on the spot and injuring seven others.
A News18.com report said that team of Manipur Police were travelling from Moreh (near India-Myanmar border) to Tengnoupal District for a scheduled programme of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, when they came under attack. The jawans were attacked with improvised explosives and bullets by terrorists on reaching Lokchao, the report said, adding that injured were rushed to a nearby hospital.
One wounded personnel succumbed to injuries later, a police officer told PTI. Ibobi was scheduled to inaugurate the newly created district of Tengnoupal, carved out from the existing Naga-dominated district of Chandel.
The two dead Manipur Police personnel have been identified as Md Ayub Khan and Hc Ngarei Marring, the police officer said.
While the no terrorist outfit has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, News18 said that the police suspect the terrorists who attacked near Lokchao village to belong to the Naga outfit, National Security Council of Nagaland Isak-Muivah(NSCN-IM).
Manipur: One security personnel killed and three injured in ambush laid by terrorists in Lokchao (Tengnoupal) pic.twitter.com/l3xhX3mzKX ANI (@ANI_news) December 15, 2016
In the second ambush that took place at Bongyang area in the same district, one personnel of the state forces was also severely injured. Of the eight injured, three personnel who received critical injuries have been rushed to Imphal for further medical treatment, the police officer said.
Incidentally, Chandel district, which sits close to the Myanmar border, has been seeing a lot of deadly attacks on security forces in the recent past. According to reports, on 26 November, five security forces personnel were injured in an ambush in Sajik Tampak in Chandel district. In similar incidents, according to Indian Express, "eighteen soldiers were killed in the district on 5 June 2015" whereas, "on May 23 this year, six personnel of the Assam Rifles were killed in an ambush in Chandel".
According to News18, the entire area has been put on high alert following the incident.
With PTI inputs
Ahmedabad: At least 40 Aam Aadmi Party workers, including senior leader Kanu Kalsariya, were detained by police on Thursday for protesting outside the Gujarat High Court before the hearing of a case challenging an order of CIC regarding academic degrees of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"We have detained around 40 Aam Aadmi Party workers, including Kalsariya, for protesting outside the High Court. They will be released later," Sola police inspector D V Rana said.
A case pertaining to the degrees obtained by Modi while studying at Gujarat University has been listed for hearing today in the High Court.
The petition in this regard was filed by Gujarat University against the order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) on the degrees earned by Modi.
Earlier in July in 2016, the Gujarat High Court had issued a stay on the CIC's order asking Gujarat University (GU) to provide information on degrees earned by Modi to Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal.
Gujarat AAP unit media coordinator Harshil Nayak said their party workers were detained while raising slogans.
"Since there was a hearing of a case related to Modi's degrees, AAP workers, led by our Saurashtra zone in-charge Kanu Kalsariya, staged protest outside the high court," Nayak said.
On 29 April, the CIC had directed Delhi University and Gujarat University to provide information to Kejriwal on degrees earned by Modi in 1978 (graduation in DU) and 1983 (post-graduation in GU).
The CIC's order had come a day after Kejriwal had written a letter to Information Commissioner M Sridhar Acharyulu, saying he does not object to government records about him being made public and wondered why the Commission wants to "hide" information on Modi's educational degree.
The Information Commissioner had treated Kejriwal's letter as an RTI application and passed the order.
Soon after the CIC issued the directive, GU Vice Chancellor M N Patel had informed the media that Modi completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science as an external candidate in 1983 with first class.
However, Patel had expressed inability to share the same details under the RTI Act citing technical grounds.
According to Patel, details of marks can only be provided to the candidate himself. He further claimed that the varsity does not provide details of records beyond 20 years.
Later in June, GU approached the high court demanding a stay on the CIC's order.
Three people were killed and 12 injured in a building collapse in the Mankhurd suburb of Mumbai on Thursday, reports said.
#SpotVisuals Mumbai: 3 dead and 12 rescued after a house collapsed in Maharashtra Nagar (Mankhurd). pic.twitter.com/l6YR22lDxa ANI (@ANI_news) December 15, 2016
A report published in The Indian Express said that a cylinder explosion led to the collapse of three single-storeyed structures in one of the hutments in Maharashtra Nagar slum in Mankhurd. "The explosion had occurred when leaked LPG gas from the cylinder in one of the structures caught fire when someone lit a stove," it said.
Fire officials told the newspaper that they have rescued 26 people, and the injured have been taken to Shatabdi Hospital and Sion Hospital.
According to reports, the incident took place in the early hours (anywhere between 5 am to 6 am) on Thursday. Two firefighting vehicles and two ambulances were rushed to the spot to take care of the casualties, NewsX said.
According to Hindustan Times, the names of the deceased are Rekha Wankhede (30), Shankar Wankhede (38) and Kasturba Wankhede (60). Rescue work is still going on.
New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru Students Union (JNUSU) on Thursday promised "full cooperation" to police search on the campus to trace MSc student Najeeb Ahmed who went missing two months back after a scuffle allegedly with ABVP affiliated students.
"JNUSU will extend its full cooperation in finding Najeeb. Delhi High Court's direction to the Delhi police to search the university campus accommodation, ad-block, and the green areas using sniffer dogs, has long been a demand of JNUSU," president of the students union Mohit Pandey said in a statement.
The Delhi High Court today directed the police to "scan" the entire campus, including hostels, classrooms and rooftops, of the varsity by using sniffer dogs. The court also asked Delhi Police to take all necessary steps without further loss of time to trace Najeeb, saying there has been delay in recording statements of some students suspected of thrashing him a day before his disappearance. Pandey said that, the Delhi police should have done this right in the beginning when they could not find Najeeb.
"JNUSU has been pointing out this lapse on the part of Delhi police even in its submission to the petition in the Court. We appeal to everyone to please cooperate with the High Court directions and in our struggle to find Najeeb" he said. Najeeb disappeared after scuffle with alleged ABVP students at his hostel.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the plea of former apex court judge Justice Markandey Katju seeking quashing of a resolution passed by Parliament condemning his remarks made in a blog on Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose.
A bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur said the plea is being dismissed on merit.
The bench also comprising Justices PC Ghose and UU Lalit rejected preliminary objections that the plea was not maintainable.
Justice Lalit, who pronounced the judgement on behalf of the bench, said, "We have held that the plea is maintainable. We have dismissed the plea on merit".
Justice Katju had on 29 June last year moved the apex court seeking quashing of resolutions passed against him by both Houses of Parliament for calling Mahatama Gandhi and Subhash C Bose as British and Japanese "agents" respectively.
The former judge, in his Facebook post, had said both Houses of Parliament condemned him for his statements "calling Gandhi a British agent, and Subhas Chandra Bose a Japanese agent" without even giving him a hearing.
A former chairperson of Press Council of India, Justice Katju had sought quashing of resolutions passed against him by Lok Sabha on 12 March and Rajya Sabha on 11 March.
He had also sought a direction to Lok Sabha Speaker and Chairman of Rajya Sabha that he be heard personally or through his duly designated lawyer(s).
His plea had alleged that both Houses of Parliament lacked "competence" to condemn him.
"Because, Parliament lacks the competence and authority to pass the impugned resolutions condemning the act of the petitioner, who is a private person."
"They (LS and RS) are not competent to take cognizance of expressions of free speech of a private person like petitioner as power under Rule 171 of Lok Sabha Rules provides that the resolution must relate to act of Government. Thus Impugned Resolution does not fulfill the jurisdictional requirement and necessary jurisdictional facts are lacking," it said.
The plea also referred to the reasons behind the alleged posts against Gandhi and Bose.
"That, the post in respect of Gandhiji in short made the point that by constantly using religious symbolism in politics for several decades, Gandhiji, in effect furthered the British Policy of Divide and Rule by alienating the Muslim population of the Indian sub-continent away from the national movement."
"That, the post in respect of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, in short made the point that through his actions knowingly or unknowingly, he ended up perpetuating Japanese imperial interest in the Indian sub-continent," the plea stated.
Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan submitted an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court on Thursday for calling the Bulandshahr gangrape case "a political conspiracy". The Supreme Court accepted his apology saying he has expressed "sincere and heartful remorse", PTI said.
Khan had stirred a controversy in July by alleging that a "political conspiracy" might be involved in the gangrape of a Noida-based mother and daughter near Bulandshahr. "To get power, politicians can get down to any level. They can murder people, trigger riots, kill innocent people, so the truth has to be found out," he had said. Khan had also said that it was an attempt to malign the Uttar Pradesh government.
His comments had attracted a lot of public ire and had forced the court to issue a notice to Khan on 29 August. The case was then handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. However, as Firstpost reported earlier, despite the notice Khan didn't make a personal appearance in the court. The Supreme Court had then asked the CBI to issue a fresh notice to Khan on the same.
In August, eight armed men stopped a family car on the Delhi-Kanpur highway and dragged the members to nearby sugarcane fields and raped the teenager and her 38-year-old mother as other members of the family was tied up. The mother-daughter duo was ravished barely 100 metres away from the police post as the offenders snatched cash to the tune of Rs 36,000 and some jewellery from the victims.
On 18 November, the Uttar Pradesh Minister had expressed that he was ready to unconditionally apologise for his comments on the incident. However, the apex court had rejected Khan's affidavit on 7 December stating that it was not an unconditional apology. A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra had also cited errors and had asked the Samajwadi Party leader to submit a fresh affidavit on the same.
However, the apex court had rejected Khan's affidavit on 7 December stating that it was not an unconditional apology. A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra had also cited errors and had asked the Samajwadi Party leader to submit a fresh affidavit. The case was slated for a hearing on Thursday.
With inputs from PTI
Mumbai: Following a lower court order and rejection of bail plea by the Bombay High Court, former Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal was sent back to Arthur Road jail here from a government hospital. Bhujbal was sent to the Arthur Road Jail late tonight, said Dr TP Lahane, Dean of the JJ Hospital.
The Bombay High Court today dismissed the NCP leader's plea seeking bail and challenging arrest under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). While the special PMLA court directed that he be shifted from hospital to Arthur Road jail. The jail authorities had told the PMLA court that Bhujbal, 69, had refused to undergo angiography thrice, and his continued stay in the hospital would serve no purpose.
High Court, which rejected Bhujbal's bail plea, observed that he had failed to show that his arrest is wholly illegal, null and void. Bhujbal had sought bail on medical grounds. He also said that his arrest by Enforcement Directorate (ED) was not as per the procedures established by law. Bhujbal, whose stay at the private-run Bombay Hospital here since November 2 prompted criticism that he was receiving preferential treatment, was discharged from there on December 8 and sent back to the government-run JJ Hospital.
An intervention application filed by activist Anjali Damania had said it was "sheer negligence of duty" by JJ Hospital and Arthur Road jail that Bhujbal was in Bombay Hospital since 2 November. On 27 October, special judge PR Bhavake had allowed Bhujbal to be taken to a private hospital after he was told that a Thallium scan, one of the three tests recommended for Bhujbal, was not available at the government hospital. On 28 October, prison authorities took Bhujbal to government-run JJ Hospital for the other two tests. He was then transferred to Bombay Hospital.
Bhujbal was arrested on March 14 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Maharashtra Sadan scam and Kalina land case in which he and his relatives were alleged to have received kickbacks. He was PWD Minister in the Congress-NCP government.
Lal Krishna Advani feels like resigning again. This time around he is upset over the continued ruckus in both the Houses of Parliament. This is for the second time in the past one week that he has publicly expressed his anguish over the manner in which the parliamentary proceedings of the Winter Session is being disrupted and has not spared his own party, the ruling BJP, and its floor managers from his ire.
He also let it known publicly that he is upset over all round indiscipline that he no longer wants to continue as an MP, representing Gandhinagar (Gujarat) in Lok Sabha.
But the irony is when Advani, the co-founder of the BJP, party president for 12 years and former Deputy Prime Minister made one of the biggest statements quitting from 16th Lok Sabha Parliament mid-way and that way from active politics, which essentially is an indictment and statement of frustration against current dispensation of the party, which he once built didn't even make big breaking news. What was supposed to feel like a bang, could only make a whimper.
Advani has been giving vent to his feelings to some party leaders and some others who met him in the recent past. Till then it was considered to be the anguish of the senior most leader in Parliament and in BJP and those he spoke to kept it to themselves. But things were different on Thursday, a day before the Winter Session of Parliament is to close. When Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the Lok Sabha for the day, Advani didn't move and kept sitting in his front row seat. Some MPs, including Idris Ali of TMC, came to talk to him and it was then that the veteran BJP leader bared his feelings. What he said was heard by some journalists who were sitting in media gallery. Ali later told other mediapersons on what Advani had just told them: "Koi jeete yaa haarey, iss sab hungame se sansad ki haar ho rhi hai, speaker se baat karke kal charcha honi chahiye... Vajpayee would have been very disappointed if he was in the house. I feel like resigning." Advani had earlier asked Home Minister Rajnath Singh to intervene to see if the House functioned.
On 7 December Advani had taken on Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar for his inability to manage the functioning of the House.
The veteran BJP leader has been known for his measured words and how every word spoken by him would be dissected by the media and people at large. The question is why Advani's supposed bombshell statement didn't shake the BJP and couldn't be the lead news for the day in media? That's perhaps because his agitation is perceived to be emanating from reasons other than the disruption of Parliament. It comes from a mix of his personal isolation in the organisational structure in the party, where his word used to be law.
More so, in the past few years, on more than one occasion, since the time Narendra Modi in June 2013 was anointed in Goa to lead 2014 parliamentary polls, Advani has used far stronger words against his own party.
Advani was hugely discussed and debated when he didn't go to the Goa convention to see Modi's elevation. He subsequently shocked then party president Rajnath Singh by announcing his resignation from all posts he held in the National Executive, Parliamentary Board and Election Committee.
In his letter to Rajnath Singh, Advani had then said, "All my life I have found working for the Jana Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party a matter of great pride and endless satisfaction to myself. For some time I have been finding it difficult to reconcile either with the current functioning of the party, or the direction in which it is going. I no longer have the feeling that this is the same idealistic party created by Dr Mookerji, Deen Dayalji, Nanaji and Vajpayeeji, whose sole concern was the country, and its people. Most leaders of ours are now concerned just with their personal agendas. I have decided, therefore, to resign from the three main fora of the party, namely, the National Executive, the Parliamentary Board, and the Election Committee. This may be regarded as my resignation letter."
In the run up to the parliamentary polls, when Advani expressed his desire to shift to Bhopal parliamentary constituency from his existing Gandhinanagr constituency, the party leadership had great difficulty in making him review his position and stay put in Gujarat. His move had obvious implications on Modi. But in the end, Advani reconciled and contested from Gandhinagar. Modi assigned Anandiben Patel the task of ensuring that the senior BJP leader's poll campaign went smoothly.
But shortly, Modi won a historic mandate for the BJP, Advani was removed from party's highest decision making body and the Parliamentary Board and made to be on total pause mode inside all party forums.
Advani struck again after BJP badly lost Bihar elections. He issued a written statement with Murli Manohar Joshi, Yashwant Sinha and Shanta Kumar taking on the Modi-Shah dispensation in the BJP. He said: "The results of Bihar elections show that no lesson has been learnt from the fiasco in Delhi. To say that everyone is responsible for the defeat in Bihar is to ensure that no one is held responsible. It shows that those who would have appropriated credit if the party had won are bent on shrugging off responsibility for disastrous showing in Bihar. The principal reason for latest defeat is the way the party has been emasculated in the last year. A thorough review must be done of the reasons for the defeat as well as of the way party is being forced to kow-tow to a handful and how its consensual character has been destroyed."
In summer of 2005 in the wake of "Jinnah is a secularist" controversy, Advani had resigned from the BJP president's post but was made to withdraw his resignation. His resignation from Parliament in 1996 in the wake of the Hawala chargesheet by Narshimha Rao government had put him in a moral high. Advani had set a new ethical benchmark in Indian politics by vowing not to return to Parliament till his name was cleared.
So far, each time that Advani resigned, he bounced back, lately with diminished strength and clout. His new resignation threat may not augur well for him for things have changed since the time he last held BJP president's post in 2006.
The poor turnout for the silent Maratha morcha in Nagpur on Wednesday failed to meet the expectations of its organisers.
While the previous marches generated massive responses with participants running in lakhs, the first march after demonetisation drew around only 15,000 people that according to organiser Sakal Maratha Samaj's claims should have drawn 2.5 million, according to a report by Livemint.
Marathas are politically and numerically the strong community in the state, whose votes can swing the political fortunes of parties. The decision of the previous Congress-NCP government to provide 16 percent quota in government jobs and education to Marathas was put on hold by the Bombay High Court. The blame-game is on between the ruling and Opposition parties over the responsibility of the same.
Earlier touted as a historic march for having MLAs and MLCs from all parties united to participate and at a time corresponding with the Winter Session of the state legislature which is underway at present, the 'mook' morcha was organised in the state's second capital in Nagpur for the reservation demands of seeking 16 percent reservation in government jobs and educational institutes, and to secure capital punishment for the rapists of a teenage girl in Ahmednagar district, and also the amendments to the SC/ST Atrocity (Prevention) Act, which they allege is being misused to target the community.
The march started at Yashwant Stadium in south Nagpur in noon and terminated near Vidhan Bhawan (legislature complex) after passing the main streets in Sitabuldi area. A string of politicians across party lines, including legislators, participated in the march that culminated into a rally at T-Point near Assembly Hall where the Winter Session is in progress. From the government, Revenue Minister Chandrakantdada Patil and Parliament Affairs Minister Vinod Tawde reached the venue, where they were apprised of the demands raised by Maratha community by the morcha organiser Madhukar Meherkar. The prominent legislators who participated include Ashish Shelar, Ashish Deshmukh (both BJP), Bharat Gogavale (Shiv Sena), Bhai Jagtap (Congress) and Vidya Chavan (NCP). BJP Rajya Sabha MP and a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji, Sambhaji Raje Bhosale, also joined the march.
The Maratha protests were low-profile for quite some time after demonetisation and first phase of local municipal bodies polls. In fact, funding for the march which involves arranging for transport and refreshments among other things, post demonistisation of higher currency notes was deemed to be one of the biggest problems, according to Mumbai Mirror.
But this may not be the only reason for the lukewarm response. The Livemint report quotes a BJP legislator as saying that Vidarbha is dominated more by OBCs and Kunbis who are apathetic to the Maratha demands. He went on to say that to involve them the march had even been renamed as Maratha-Kunbi Kranti Morcha.
Towards the end of the march, a delegation of five young girls called on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, according to a report by The Times of India, making it the first time that the Marathas presented a memorandum directly to the CM, departing from the practice of handing it over to district collectors.
The chief minister has promised that his government will set up a high-profile panel to look into the issues raised by the Maratha community. The proposed panel will have experts and intellectuals to study the issues raised by the community and the services of retired higher and lower court judges from the community, professors and other intellectuals will be availed for preparing a detailed report.
A suggestion in this regard was made by Vinod Tawde and Chandrakant Patil said the panel may include 10 or more members and will meet in Mumbai soon. Fadnavis said the issue of reservation for Marathas is pending before court and the government has roped in top lawyer Harish Salve to fight the case.
The government recently filed a 2500-page affidavit before the Bombay High Court, supporting the demand for 16 percent reservation for the community in jobs and education. Referring to the affidavit, the chief minister said he himself gave the final touch to it and it may come up for hearing on 30 December.
With inputs from PTI
Rahul Gandhi has warned of an earthquake if he were allowed to speak in Lok Sabha. It is, as he intensified his Chinese torture, it was revealed that he had proof of personal corruption by no other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He told the media, "We have all the information" but he was not allowed to speak.
Is it pure swank, or does Gandhi have something really juicy with a lot of meat to it? It would be known only when he speaks up, and chances of that are receding more rapidly than a tsunami does. He is at pains to indicate that his is a real tsunami.
Let us grant him his contention.
But why is he not letting the cat out of the bag outside Parliament? The media shadows him and is ready to bite and he is known for shooting from the hip, sometimes with a script in hand as we saw him in one debate in Parliament and as he trashed his own partys the then prime minister, Manmohan Singh.
Recall how he had arrived as a stage-managed surprise at the Delhi Press Club in 2013 and announced, "My opinion about the ordinance is that it is complete nonsense. It should be torn up and thrown away." It was an ordinance in the offing, to protect MPs convicted of misdemeanours. Despite the humiliation, Manmohan Singh, as his won't, quietly fell in line.
It cannot be as simple when he speaks against the prime minister who is from another party. Gandhi would be made accountable for each syllable he would utter if he were to address a press conference. He may become liable for libel. Though he has a battery of lawyers P Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Singhvi who would be pleased to argue for him in court, he seems to want to avoid that.
With a good reason.
Speaking in Parliament provides a member with some immunity to enable performance of his or her duty. He enjoys the freedom of speech and expression. MPs cannot be called up to explain the content of whatever statement they make inside Parliament. This privilege is not extended to an MP in the premises of the Parliament but when he speaks during a sitting, including that of a committee of which he could be a member.
However, it is not a virtual licence. An MP has to conform to some rules like giving sufficient notice via the presiding officer Speaker if it is Lok Sabha, the Chairman if Rajya Sabha if specifics are to be mentioned. The member against whom references are to be made also has to be kept in the loop. The idea is not to leave room for unbridled accusations.
The entire idea is to ensure that a member, given the seriousness of purpose of Parliament, has the freedom to put forward his or her views without any fear on matters pending before the House. It is after all the highest law-making body in the country. It is part of the individual privilege an MP is conferred with, as much as the House itself is entitled to this privilege under the Constitution. However, except during an impeachment, there can be no reference to any judge of a court.
However, given the evolving or evolved, should one say? character of the Parliament where little is spoken, much less debated, and members instead of sitting and listening to anothers articulation, stand up, scream, shout slogans, even menacingly walk into the well and almost to the presiding officers chair, Gandhi may not manage to speak much even if he gets his chance to speak.
The moment he touches upon whatever he says is his information with proof, the treasury benches could create a ruckus. Much like the entire Opposition has been since the start of the Winter Session wasting the days which could have been used to discuss demonetisation. If the BJP had been in the Opposition, as past record till the previous Lok Sabha goes, would have perhaps done much the same.
Will Uttar Pradesh witness Assembly polls in February? Probably, yes.
There are three unambiguous pointers that make you feel that elections are round the corner in Uttar Pradesh: First, the Election Commission (EC) of India has cancelled the examination date sheet for Class 10 and 12 rather abruptly.
The EC doesnt want the UP Secondary Education Board to conduct examinations from 16 February to 20 March. The Board has now been directed by the Commission to reschedule the dates in consultations with the states Chief Election Officer. Does that make things clearer?
Second, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is now a man in a hurry. Drawing inspiration from Jayalalitha's 'Amma salt' campaign in Tamil Nadu, Akhilesh has hastened the launch of the subsidised sale of samajwadi namak in UP.
According to Samajwadi Namak Vitaran Yojna, this salt (fortified with iron and iodine) would be made available to BPL (below poverty line) and antodaya card holders at three rupees per kg, while those above the poverty line (APL) would get it for six rupees per kg.
And third, in his bid to further flummox political adversaries, the Chief Minister and his cabinet rushed to approve the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, with effect from as early as 17 January, 2017.
About 24 lakh state employees and pensioners would stand to gain from this move. Their feel-good factor apart, all incumbent governments want state employees to be on their side for another reason: They are employed for election duty.
Obviously, the Chief Minister knows much more about the probable election dates than we do. Little wonder then that, while announcing the pre-election bonanza to state employees like a bolt from the blue, he spoke his mind last Tuesday: "Its a pro-people measure. We shall form the next government on our own And if we are able to strike an alliance with like-minded parties, we will win at least 300 of the total 403 seats."
Continuing in the same vein, Akhilesh said further: We all want the menace of black money to take a beating, but demonetisation without adequate preparation by the Centre has put people in all kinds of trouble. The common man, particularly farmers, is in distress. All those who are standing in queues outside banks shall soon line up to teach the BJP a lesson."
The Chief Ministers apparent preparedness and body language apart, there are two more pointers which indicate that the ensuing Assembly elections in five states and not just UP will be held sooner than later: One, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi too, like Akhilesh, seems to be in a race against the clock. And two, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is busy behind the scenes, trying to build bridges between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP).
To understand all this better, listen carefully to what Gandhi has been saying of late aggressively, in a no-holds-barred mould. He said that there will be an earthquake if he is allowed to speak on demonetisation on the floor of Lok Sabha. He also claims that he has explosive information on Prime Minister Narendra Modis personal corruption.
And read my lipsthe prime minister is personally terrified of the information I have, we have. It is personal corruption of the PM that we have detailed information on, Gandhi had said.
But Gandhi stops there without elaborating on things. Posturing for elections? Maybe, yes. Its rather significant that the Congress heir-apparent had ensured that at least 15 leaders of different opposition parties stood by his side, while he was making these statements to media at the Parliament House premises.
Having failed to spell out things on the floor of the Parliament, he would now hit the streets, along with his supporters, in different parts of the country, even more so in poll-bound states. Already, he has collected detailed distress petitions from more than two-and-a-half crore UP and Punjab farmers.
According to the latest grapevine in the corridors of power in Lucknow, an alliance between the SP and the Congress is already on the cards. Ajit Singhs Rashtriya Lok Dal and Mukhtar Ansaris Qaumi Ekta Dal would also join this larger alliance.
Akhileshs tilt towards Gandhi is well known. And nobody should be surprised if he finally succeeds in clinching the SP-Congress tie-up formally. SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav would, according to Akhilesh, take the final call on the issue of alliances.
BSP chief Mayawati too knows that elections would be held anytime now. Perhaps, that can explain why she has been addressing press conferences and issuing statements almost daily recently.
By Laila Bassam, Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Tom Perry
| ALEPPO, Syria/BEIRUT
ALEPPO, Syria/BEIRUT An operation to evacuate thousands of civilians and fighters from the last rebel bastion in Aleppo began on Thursday, part of a ceasefire deal that would end years of fighting for the city and mark a major victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. A convoy of ambulances and buses with nearly 1,000 people aboard drove out of the devastated rebel-held area of Aleppo, which was besieged and bombarded for months by Syrian government forces, a Reuters reporter on the scene said. Syrian state television reported later that a second convoy of 15 buses had also left. Women cried out in celebration as the buses passed through a government-held area, and some waved the Syrian flag. Assad said in a video statement the taking of Aleppo was a historic moment.An elderly woman, who had gathered with others in a government area to watch the convoy removing the rebels, raised her hands to the sky, saying: "God save us from this crisis, and from the (militants). They brought us only destruction."Wissam Zarqa, an English teacher in the rebel zone, said most people were happy to be leaving safely. But he said: "Some of them are angry they are leaving their city. I saw some of them crying. This is almost my feeling in a way."Earlier, ambulances trying to evacuate people came under fire from fighters loyal to the Syrian government, who injured three people, a rescue service spokesman said."Thousands of people are in need of evacuation, but the first and most urgent thing is wounded, sick and children, including orphans," said Jan Egeland, the U.N. humanitarian adviser for Syria.Behind those fleeing was a wasteland of flattened buildings, concrete rubble and bullet-pocked walls, where tens of thousands had lived until recent days under intense bombardment even after medical and rescue services had collapsed.The once-flourishing economic centre with its renowned ancient sites has been pulverised during the war which has killed more than 300,000 people, created the world's worst refugee crisis and allowed for the rise of Islamic State."PLACE THEM ALL IN IDLIB"
Turkey is considering establishing a camp in Syria for civilians being evacuated from Aleppo and the number of people brought out of the city could reach 100,000, Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak said.
In Aleppo's rebel-held area, columns of black smoke could be seen as residents hoping to depart burned personal belongings they do not want to leave for government forces to loot."It's difficult to leave your belongings knowing that your enemy is going to use them. Thugs usually will take them ... They will take everything as a prize for kicking us out," Zarqa, the teacher, said. A senior Russian general, Viktor Poznikhir, said the Syrian army had almost finished its operations in Aleppo.However, the war will still be far from over, with insurgents retaining their rural stronghold of Idlib province to the southwest of Aleppo, and the jihadist Islamic State group holding swathes of the east and recapturing Palmyra this week.The International Committee of the Red Cross said close to 1,000 civilians and 26 wounded, including several children, were evacuated, a total it expects to double by day's end. The ICRC said there was "very light screening" by Syrian authorities without identity checks and registrations.Rebels and their families would be taken towards Idlib, a city in northwestern Syria which is outside government control, the Russian defence ministry said.
Idlib province, mostly controlled by hardline Islamist groups, is not a popular destination for fighters and civilians from east Aleppo, where nationalist rebel groups predominated.A senior European diplomat said last week that the fighters had a choice between surviving for a few weeks in Idlib or dying in Aleppo. "For the Russians it's simple. Place them all in Idlib and then they have all their rotten eggs in one basket." Idlib is already a target for Syrian and Russian air strikes but it is unclear if the government will push for a ground assault or simply seek to contain rebels there for now.The ICRC said: "Escaping Aleppo doesn't mean escaping the war ... After witnessing the ferocity of attacks on civilians in Aleppo, we are very concerned that the sieges and barrel bombs will follow the thousands who arrive in Idlib." Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he had summoned the ambassadors of Russia and Iran to convey profound disquiet over Aleppo, saying it was crucial to protect civilians and deliver aid.SHI'ITE VILLAGES
The evacuation deal was expected to include the safe passage of wounded from the Shi'ite villages of Foua and Kefraya near Idlib that are besieged by rebels. A convoy set off to evacuate the villages on Thursday, Syrian state media said.Efforts to evacuate eastern Aleppo began earlier in the week with a truce brokered by Russia, Assad's most powerful ally, and Turkey, which has backed the opposition. That agreement broke down following renewed fighting on Wednesday and the evacuation did not take place then as planned.A rebel official said a new truce came into effect early on Thursday. Shortly before the new deal was announced, clashes raged in Aleppo.Government forces made a new advance in Sukkari - one of a handful of districts still held by rebels - and brought half of the neighbourhood under their control, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group. The Russian defence ministry said - before the report of the government forces' advance in Sukkari - that the rebels controlled an enclave of only 2.5 square km (1 square mile). The evacuation plan was the culmination of two weeks of rapid advances by the Syrian army and its allies that drove insurgents back into an ever-smaller pocket of the city under intense air strikes and artillery fire.By taking control of Aleppo, Assad has proved the power of his military coalition, aided by Russia's air force and an array of Shi'ite militias from across the region. Rebels have been backed by the United States, Turkey and Gulf monarchies, but that support has fallen far short of the direct military assistance given to Assad by Russia and Iran.Russia's decision to deploy its air force to Syria more than a year ago turned the war in Assad's favour after rebel advances across western Syria. In addition to Aleppo, he has won back insurgent strongholds near Damascus this year. The government and its allies have focused the bulk of their firepower on fighting rebels in western Syria rather than Islamic State, which this week managed to take back the ancient city of Palmyra, once again illustrating the challenge Assad faces reestablishing control over all Syria. (Reporting by Laila Bassam in Aleppo and Tom Perry, John Davison and Lisa Barrington in Beirut, Michelle Martin in Berlin, John Irish in Paris; Writing by Angus McDowall in Beirut and Giles Elgood in London, editing by Peter Millership)
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By Laila Bassam, Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Tom Perry
| ALEPPO, Syria/BEIRUT
ALEPPO, Syria/BEIRUT An operation to evacuate thousands of civilians and fighters from the last rebel bastion in Aleppo began on Thursday, part of a ceasefire deal that would end years of fighting for the city and mark a major victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. A convoy of ambulances and buses with nearly 1,000 people aboard drove out of the devastated rebel-held area of Aleppo, which was besieged and bombarded for months by Syrian government forces, a Reuters reporter on the scene said. A Syrian official source told Reuters that a second convoy was likely to bring people out on Thursday. Women cried out in celebration as the buses passed through a government-held area, and some waved the Syrian flag.An elderly woman, who had gathered with others in a government area to watch the convoy set off, raised her hands to the sky, saying: "God save us from this crisis, and from the (militants). They brought us only destruction."Wissam Zarqa, an English teacher in the rebel zone, said most people were happy to be leaving safely. But he said: "Some of them are angry they are leaving their city. I saw some of them crying. This is almost my feeling in a way."Earlier, ambulances trying to evacuate people came under fire from fighters loyal to the Syrian government, who injured three people, a rescue service spokesman said."Thousands of people are in need of evacuation, but the first and most urgent thing is wounded, sick and children, including orphans," said Jan Egeland, the U.N. humanitarian adviser for Syria.Columns of black smoke could be seen rising from the rebel-held area, where residents hoping to depart were burning personal belongings they do not want to leave for government forces to loot.RUSSIAN DRONES
A senior Russian general, Viktor Poznikhir, said the Syrian army had almost finished its operations in Aleppo. Since August, around 3,000 rebels had left and 108,000 civilians had been moved to safe parts of the city, he said.Rebels and their families would be taken towards Idlib, a city in northwestern Syria which is outside government control, the Russian defence ministry said.Idlib province, mostly controlled by hardline Islamist groups, is not a popular destination for fighters and civilians from east Aleppo, where nationalist rebel groups predominated.A senior European diplomat said last week that the fighters had a choice between surviving for a few weeks in Idlib or dying now in Aleppo. "For the Russians it's simple. Place them all in Idlib and then they have all their rotten eggs in one basket." Idlib is already a target for Syrian and Russian air strikes but it is unclear if the government will push for a ground assault or simply seek to contain rebels there for now.
The International Rescue Committee said: "Escaping Aleppo doesn't mean escaping the war."After witnessing the ferocity of attacks on civilians in Aleppo, we are very concerned that the sieges and barrel bombs will follow the thousands who arrive in Idlib." The evacuation deal was expected to include the safe passage of wounded from the Shi'ite villages of Foua and Kefraya near Idlib that are besieged by rebels. A convoy set off to evacuate the villages on Thursday, Syrian state media said.Efforts to evacuate eastern Aleppo began earlier in the week with a truce brokered by Russia, Assad's most powerful ally, and Turkey, which has backed the opposition. That agreement broke down following renewed fighting on Wednesday and the evacuation did not take place then as planned.A rebel official said a new truce came into effect early on Thursday. Shortly before the new deal was announced, clashes raged in Aleppo.Government forces made a new advance in Sukkari - one of a handful of districts still held by rebels - and brought half of the neighbourhood under their control, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group.
The Russian defence ministry said - before the report of the government forces' advance in Sukkari - that the rebels controlled an enclave of only 2.5 square km (1 square mile). RAPID ADVANCES
The evacuation plan was the culmination of two weeks of rapid advances by the Syrian army and its allies that drove insurgents back into an ever-smaller pocket of the city under intense air strikes and artillery fire.By taking control of Aleppo, Assad has proved the power of his military coalition, aided by Russia's air force and an array of Shi'ite militias from across the region. Rebels have been backed by the United States, Turkey and Gulf monarchies, but that support has fallen far short of the direct military assistance given to Assad by Russia and Iran.Russia's decision to deploy its air force to Syria more than a year ago turned the war in Assad's favour after rebel advances across western Syria. In addition to Aleppo, he has won back insurgent strongholds near Damascus this year. The government and its allies have focused the bulk of their firepower on fighting rebels in western Syria rather than Islamic State, which this week managed to take back the ancient city of Palmyra, once again illustrating the challenge Assad faces reestablishing control over all Syria. (Reporting by Laila Bassam in Aleppo and Tom Perry, John Davison and Lisa Barrington in Beirut, Michelle Martin in Berlin; Writing by Angus McDowall in Beirut and Giles Elgood in London, editing by Peter Millership)
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Beijing: A US think tank says recent satellite images appear to show that China has installed anti-aircraft and anti-missile weapons on its man-made islands in the strategically vital South China Sea, upping the stakes in what many see as a potential Asian powder keg.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies said in a report late on Wednesday that the anti-aircraft guns and close-in weapons systems designed to guard against missile attack have been placed on all seven of China's newly created islands.
The outposts were built in recent years by piling sand on top of coral reefs followed by the construction of military grade 3,000-meter (10,000-foot) airstrips, barracks, lighthouses radar stations and other infrastructure.
CSIS based its conclusions on satellite images taken of the islands in mid-to-late November and published on the website of its Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.
China's new island armaments "show that Beijing is serious about defense of its artificial islands in case of an armed contingency in the South China Sea," CSIS experts wrote in the report.
"Among other things, they would be the last line of defense against cruise missiles launched by the United States or others against these soon-to-be-operational air bases," the report said.
China's defense ministry did not immediately respond Thursday to a faxed request for comment. Beijing says the manufactured islands are intended to boost maritime safety in the region while downplaying their military utility. They also mark China's claim to ownership of practically the entire South China Sea, its islands, reefs and other maritime features.
Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei also claim territory in the waterway through which an estimated $5 trillion in global trade passes each year, while the US Navy insists on its right to operate throughout the area, including in waters close to China's new outposts. China has strongly criticized such missions, formally termed Freedom of Navigation Operations.
The US has committed to beefing up its military presence in the area, although new uncertainty has been introduced by incoming president Donald Trump who broke long-established diplomatic protocol by talking on the phone earlier this month with the president of China's longtime rival Taiwan.
Trump has called for a reconsideration of its commitments to its Asian allies, including Japan and South Korea, while simultaneously criticizing Chinese trade policy toward the US along with its new territorial assertiveness.
Trump referred to China's man-made islands in a tweet earlier this month, saying Beijing didn't ask the US if it was OK to "build a massive military complex in the South China Sea."
"The timing is significant in that these first clear images come amid Trump's challenging comments about China and its South China Sea fortresses," said Alexander Neill, a senior fellow for Asia-Pacific security for the International Institute for Strategic Studies based in Singapore.
In all, China has reclaimed more than 1,295 hectares (3,200 acres) of land in the southeastern South China Sea. The US says the building doesn't give China any additional territorial rights and an international arbitration panel in the Hague ruled over the summer against China's historical claim to ownership of waters within the South China Sea. Beijing has ignored the ruling.
China has sought to emphasize the usefulness of the island developments for civilian navigation in the area, while also asserting its right to equip them with whatever means deemed necessary for their defense. Chinese President Xi Jinping said on a visit to the US last year that "China does not intend to pursue militarization" of the area, prompting some foreign experts to accuse China of going back on its word with its new deployments.
Despite that, China considers it vital to equip the islands with defensive means given their distance 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from the Chinese mainland, together with the nearby presence of forces from rival claimants such as Vietnam, said Yue Gang, a retired colonel and military analyst.
"As the matter of fact, these occupied islands have been armed and fortified for a long time," Yue said. "No country in the world would only commit to providing civil services without considering its own security safety."
Hoping to avoid an armed naval conflict, China has thus far used its coast guard and law enforcement vessels to assert its claims and protect its interests. However, military spokesmen say they see a role in the region for the navy's sole operating aircraft carrier, along with similar vessels coming on line in the next few years.
Looking forward, the nature of China's new military deployments will likely be calibrated in response to moves taken by the US, said the IISS's Neill.
Augmenting its renewed emphasis on Asian security referred to as the "pivot" by policymakers in Washington the US could heighten the pace of naval operations in the area, including the use of undersea drones, and deploy advanced F-22 fighters to ally Australia, which sits on the region's southern rim. China, in response, might dispatch submarines on regular patrols in the South China Sea while also siting surface-to-air missile batteries on the islands that it already maintains on the Paracel island group that it control located to the west.
"China will argue that they are entitled to place whatever they want there in reaction to US actions," Neill said. "The big question is whether Trump will embark on a more strident or discordant policy in the South China Sea."
Cairo: Traces of explosives have been found on some of the victims of an EgyptAir flight from Paris that crashed in the Mediterranean Sea in May, Egypt's Civil Aviation Ministry said on Thursday.
A ministry statement said a criminal investigation will now begin into the crash of Flight 804, which killed all 66 people on board and came just seven months after a Russian passenger plane was blown up over the Sinai Peninsula in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.
That attack, which killed all 226 people on board in October 2015, led to widespread flight cancellations and dealt a major blow to Egypt's vital tourism sector, already weakened by years of unrest unleashed by the 2011 uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak.
Egypt has never officially said what caused the downing of the Russian plane. But a local IS affiliate said it blew up the plane with a bomb smuggled on board, and Russia said the aircraft was likely downed by explosives.
No one has claimed to have brought down Flight 804. The Airbus A320 crashed as it approached Egypt's northern coast before dawn on 19 May.
France's accident investigation agency has said that smoke detectors went off during Flight 804's final moments. Spokesman Sebastien Barthe told The Associated Press earlier this year that such messages "generally mean the start of a fire."
Industry publication Aviation Herald has reported that sensors detected smoke in the plane's lavatory, as well as a fault in two of the plane's cockpit windows in the final moments of the flight.
France opened a criminal investigation into the disaster in June.
Islamic State has carried out several attacks in recent years, mainly in the Sinai, where it is based, but also on the Egyptian mainland. The group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a Cairo church on Sunday, which killed at least 24 people, mainly women, and wounded nearly 50.
In recent months Egypt has spent millions of dollars trying to restore international confidence in its airport security measures. Russia had suspended all flights to Egypt after the October crash, while Britain cancelled flights to Sharm El-Sheikh, the Red Sea resort from which the airliner took off.
By Patrick Markey
| AL-DHIBANIYAH, Iraq
AL-DHIBANIYAH, Iraq His right arm strapped with a tourniquet and numbed by anaesthetic, Azad Hassan sat before the crowd waiting for Islamic State militants to chop off his hand as a punishment.First, he had watch them do the same to his brother.Freed from Islamic State rule in Mosul by Iraqi forces who are fighting to recapture the city, the Hassan family bear more scars than most from two years under the jihadists' self-declared caliphate.The family tragedy parallels Mosul's own recent history, from its storming by Islamic State in 2014, and the imposition of the group's ultra-hardline rule in its de facto capital, to the Iraqi military campaign to retake it which has led to ferocious fighting in eastern districts.A dispute over flour deliveries brought the two brothers before an Islamic State court more than a year ago. Militants had already taken another brother a few months before - a document given to the family says he was shot suspected of working with the Iraqi army, but they never saw his body.A younger brother has joined the Sunni militia brigades, one of the forces fighting in support of the army around Mosul.On a small USB stick, Azad, 21, carries a copy of the Islamic State video made of his and his brother Mohamed's public amputations, hoping someday for some form of justice."As long as I live I won't forget that moment they cut off my brother's hand," Azad said. "Then they tied down my hand. They had to hit it twice to cut it off. I wanted the ground to open up." Their father Hussein lies in a small bed in the family's farm in the village of Al-Dhibaniyah outside Mosul, his legs seeping blood through bandages over wounds from an explosion after he returned to their former home in a recaptured but still fragile area in Mosul."They cut the hands of two of my sons, and my third son they took him - Daesh hurt my family badly," said Hussein, whose wife is Kurdish, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. "We are all Iraqi, all the same people. I don't know why they did this to us."
CORPSES CRUCIFIED
Iraqi forces, engaged in a nine-week-old U.S.-backed campaign to crush Islamic State in its last urban bastion in the country, have retaken about a quarter of Mosul, but their advance has been slow and punishing.As they slowly gain ground, refugees fleeing the city and those living inside recall a brutal life under Islamic State, whose religious police would patrol and enforce their laws.Men were forced to wear beards to lengths deemed Islamic. Women had to cover up from head to foot. Some people were beaten for infractions, others were shot - their corpses sometimes crucified - with punishments decided by Islamic State courts. One refugee in Khazer camp outside the city showed Reuters scars from where he says his teeth were pulled out and his tongue slashed for smoking in public.Islamic State also systematically killed, captured and enslaved thousands from the Yazidi minority in northern Iraq region around Mosul, regarded by Sunni militants as devil-worshippers, and targeted Christian towns for desecration and Shi'ites who they deem apostate.
MASKED JIHADIST
When militants overran the city in mid-2014, Azad was helping in the family's small flour delivery business."Daesh came to Mosul and turned our lives upside down," he said. "At first they tried to come as if they were revolutionaries. But then they showed their real face, torturing, cutting off heads, treating people extremely badly."The Hassan brothers said they ran foul of Islamic State in May last year because they were selling flour to a baker who was loyal to the militants and who didn't pay his debts. One day the brothers broke into his business to take back flour in lieu of cash.
Azad said they were summoned by Islamic State judges, detained and accused of theft. An Iraqi judge known as the "Blood Judge" sentenced them to be beheaded and crucified, but a Saudi judge changed the sentence to amputation.Later, they were taken to a public square where Islamic State had gathered hundreds to watch since early morning. A doctor administered anaesthetic to their wrists.In the Islamic State video, a militant fighter was the first to be punished, screaming "God is Great" after his hand was hacked off by a masked jihadist who smashed a cleaver's blunt edge down onto another blade set against the man's wrist.Then it was the turn of 25-year-old Mohamed, and finally Azad's hand was amputated after his right arm was strapped to a table. Another militant wrapped the bloody stump in bandages."They are not human, they are against all humanity," Mohamed said. "I wanted to die when I saw them cutting my brother."Now both the married men, who are unemployed and supported by their family, are looking to aid agencies for help with artificial limbs. Neither has much hope.Their younger brother Niad, 20, has taken another route, joining a local government-sponsored Sunni militia taking part in the Mosul campaign.On his right forearm, Niad tattooed the face of a woman with hair flowing free, an image he says was to defy Islamic State."Daesh would never let us do that so that's why I did it," he said. "It was to say no to Daesh." (Editing by Pravin Char)
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UNITED NATIONS Incoming United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Thursday appointed Nigeria's Environment Minister Amina Mohammed as his deputy secretary-general and Brazilian diplomat Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti as chef de cabinet, a U.N. spokesman said. Before her appointment as environment minister a year ago, Mohammed was outgoing U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's special adviser on post-2015 development planning - a role that culminated last year with the adoption by the General Assembly of sustainable development goals for the next 15 years.Guterres succeeds Ban on Jan. 1.
(This version of the story has been refiled to fix day in first paragraph)
(Reporting by Michelle Nichols)
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In response to an alleged attack on a train commuter at the Forest Hill station, London, Muslim girls decided to distribute roses to 'trump hate with love'.
Iysha Arun, a local Muslim, was the woman behind the gesture of peace. In the wake of the Forest Hill station stabbing, she announced on Twitter that she would respond to the hate crime by distributing roses at the same station.
In response to the Forest Hill stabbing a few friends and I will be distributing roses tomorrow at #ForestHillStation ... Iysha (@iyshaarun) December 13, 2016
... if anyone has any further suggestions please do not hesitate to get in contact Iysha (@iyshaarun) December 13, 2016
Volunteers with The Dialogue Society and the Mevlana Rumi Mosque joined Arun to hand out flowers to passersby. Gluistan Arslan, a 23-year-old volunteer at Dialogue Society said their primary intent was to spread peace in the community by giving out roses. A lot of people came and approached us. We met a young lady who witnessed what happened. She told us what we were doing really warmed her heart and that really got me teary,Arslan told Daily Dash.
Iysha Arun wanted to break the negative stereotypes that surrounded Muslims. Together, she wanted to show the community that they, as Muslims, arent who the attacker thought they were.
People were overwhelmed by this act of kindness. It received appreciation and sparked a positive reaction on social media too. The recipients and onlookers embraced the volunteers and thanked them.
Muslims handing out roses today at Forest Hill station in light of the recent stabbing of an unfortunate commuter. #usnotthem pic.twitter.com/uDStyF7hWL Maggie Williams (@MaggieCWilliams) December 14, 2016
Lovely women at Forest Hill Station offering roses to all, beautiful gesture of community healing and love #SE23 pic.twitter.com/VIa0q85HZ4 rhona (@RhonaPool) December 14, 2016
What a lovely feedback from a local commuter to our volunteers giving rose out event this morning #ShareTheLove #LoveNotHate pic.twitter.com/PP4a27Ftf5 Dialogue Society (@DialogueSociety) December 14, 2016
Getting some hate mail. https://t.co/tM4WKHmk1a Rory Gallery (@rorygallery) December 14, 2016
On the plus side there was a lovely sight at Forest Hill this morning with Muslims handing out roses to everyone. Warmed my heart Rory Gallery (@rorygallery) December 14, 2016
The distribution of roses was organised by the Dialogue Society, from Holloway, and the Mevlana Rumi Mosque in Edmonton was lauded on Twitter with posts and pictures.
The alleged attacker, Adrian Brown, 38, stabbed the bystander and shouted, I want to kill Muslims". The victim suffered injuries to his head and torso.
Adrian Brown, charged with attempted murder, possession of offensive weapon and assault by battery, was remanded to custody and is to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 11 January.
By Patricia Zengerle
| WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON A defence policy bill that President Barack Obama is expected to sign into law this month will give President-elect Donald Trump greater influence over U.S. foreign broadcasting entities.The National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress last week includes a provision abolishing the Broadcasting Board of Governors, an independent body that oversees government-backed media outlets such as the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, and replaces it with a chief executive nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.The election victory of Republican businessman Trump, who has had a stormy relationship with some media outlets he accuses of being biased against him, has raised concerns among some officials about whether the media outlets can maintain their editorial independence under a Trump-appointed CEO.It is not clear, however, if the change is intended to give the president greater influence over news, information and fact-checking that U.S. government-supported broadcasters send to Russia, Cuba, China and other authoritarian states, or whether it is simply an effort to make those efforts more effective.There has been support from both Republicans and Democrats for reorganizing the broadcasting operation to reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency.
A senior U.S. official familiar with the broadcasting agencies said he was not aware of the Trump transition team making contact with the Board of Broadcasting governors and associated agencies."We have no (concrete) indication that anything bad's going to happen," the official continued.
Congressional aides familiar with the issue said they thought such concerns were overblown, noting that the chief executive must be confirmed by the Senate and that the organization's basic structure would remain in place, minus the nine-member board.They said the reorganization plan was developed with input from members of both parties in Congress, as well as Democratic officials from the Obama White House.
However, some officials in the State Department and the U.S. intelligence community have said they are worried that Trump is not wary enough of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who considers Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's efforts "to promote democratic values" an attempt to undermine his government.The board of governors would first be transitioned into an "International Broadcasting Advisory Board" to advise the new CEO, but that also would be phased out. (Additional reporting by Warren Strobel.; Editing by John Walcott and David Gregorio)
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In a significant geo-political development in India's neighbourhood, Pakistan and Russia held their first ever consultations on regional issues in Islamabad on Wednesday, Hindustan Times reported.
"During the consultations, the whole range of regional issues as well as key areas of mutual interest including economic cooperation and connectivity were discussed. The two sides also exchanged views on important global and regional developments.It was decided that the next round of Consultations will be convened in Moscow in 2017," the Pakistan Foreign Office statement said.
The Pakistan delegation was led by Ahmad Hussain Dayo, Director General (West Asia) while the Russian delegation was headed by Alexander V Sternik, head of the third CIS Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the statement added.
The latest meeting comes in the backdrop of growing closeness between the former Cold War rivals in the last few years.
In September 2016, Russian troops, for the very first time, joined their Pakistan counterparts for a joint military exercise named 'Friendship 2016'. The drill took place at a time of growing tensions with India on the Kashmir issue, an RT report noted.
The military exercise was preceded by Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu's visit to Islamabad in November 2014 the first in the recent past, Dawn reported. According to a report in the same daily, the same year, Moscow also lifted its military embargo on Islamabad, while in August 2015, both countries signed a landmark defence agreement under which Russia sold four Mi-35 attack helicopters to Pakistan.
Last month, the Pakistan Foreign Office said that Russia will host a trilateral meeting involving Pakistan and China to discuss the future of war-torn Afghanistan. "We attach high importance to all initiatives aimed at bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region at large," The Nation quoted foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria as saying.
In November, Pakistani media reports speculated that Russia might be interested in joining the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project. However, the Russian foreign ministry soon denied the reports.
According to The Times of India, the change in Pakistan's foreign policy stance on Russia began after US special forces hunted down Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad in May 2011. The killing of 24 Pakistani troops by Nato air strikes along the Afghan border also contributed to the growing discord between Islamabad and Washington.
WASHINGTON Russian President Vladimir Putin supervised his intelligence agencies' hacking of the U.S. presidential election and turned it from a general attempt to discredit American democracy to an effort to help Donald Trump, three U.S. officials said on Thursday.U.S. intelligence agencies' conclusion that Russia tried to influence the election by hacking people and institutions, including Democratic Party bodies, has angered President-elect Trump, who says he won the Nov. 8 vote fairly. Russian officials have denied accusations of interference in the U.S. election.But in the most direct comments yet linking the Russian president to the hacking, a senior White House official said on Thursday that Putin was likely to have been aware of the cyber attacks. "I don't think things happen in the Russian government of this consequence without Vladimir Putin knowing about it," Ben Rhodes, the White House's deputy national security advisor, told MSNBC. "When you're talking about a significant cyber intrusion like this, we're talking about the highest levels of government," Rhodes said. U.S. officials said on the condition of anonymity that the hacking of U.S. political groups and figures had a more general focus at first."This began merely as an effort to show that American democracy is no more credible than Putin's version is," one of the officials said."It gradually evolved from that to publicizing (Hillary) Clinton's shortcomings and ignoring the products of hacking Republican institutions, which the Russians also did," the official said.By the fall, the official said, it became an effort to help Trump's campaign because "Putin believed he would be much friendlier to Russia, especially on the matter of economic sanctions" than Democratic rival Clinton. NBC reported earlier that U.S. intelligence officials have "a high level of confidence" Putin was personally involved in the Russian cyber campaign against the United States.
Hacked emails of Democratic operatives and Clinton aides were leaked during the presidential campaign, and at times dominated the news agenda. The U.S. officials said Russia also hacked Republicans but did little-to-nothing with the information they found. PUTIN ROLE?
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told state TV channel Rossiya-24 that he was "dumbstruck" by the NBC report of Putin's alleged involvement."I think this is just silly, and the futility of the attempt to convince somebody of this is absolutely obvious," he said.
Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, has brushed off reports of Russian hacking of U.S. political institutions. "If Russia, or some other entity, was hacking, why did the White House wait so long to act? Why did they only complain after Hillary lost?" Trump wrote in a post on Twitter on Thursday.In fact, the U.S. government did formally accuse Russia of a campaign of cyber attacks against U.S. political organizations in October - one month ahead of the election.Obama also said he warned Putin about the consequences for cyber attacks attributed to Moscow that were seen as trying to influence the U.S. election and last week ordered a review by the U.S. intelligence agencies.
Asked on Thursday about the hacks, Secretary of State John Kerry described how Obama had been considering the evidence ahead of the October announcement."The president made the decision based on the input that was carefully, carefully vetted by the intelligence community. . . that he did have an obligation to go out to the country and give a warning. And he did so," Kerry said at a briefing. The three U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters said the fact Putin oversaw a hacking operation was not surprising and is standard operating procedure in Russia."If anything, given his background as a KGB officer, Putin has a much tighter grip on all Russian intelligence operations, civilian and military, foreign and domestic, than any democratic leader does," one official said.The reports of Russian hacking have raised concerns among both political parties in Congress, with top Republicans breaking with Trump to call for closer scrutiny.Some Republican lawmakers have also questioned Trump's pick for Secretary of State, Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, who has close business ties to the Russian government. (Reporting by Washington newsroom and Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow; Writing by Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Alistair Bell)
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By Laila Bassam, Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Tom Perry
| ALEPPO, Syria/BEIRUT
ALEPPO, Syria/BEIRUT Syrian opposition groups said an evacuation of rebel-held areas of Aleppo was back on track and expected to begin early on Thursday, but uncertainty persisted as a media outlet run by Lebanon's Hezbollah said truce talks faced "big complications".Such an exodus would end years of fighting for the city and mark a major victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. An initial deal stalled on Wednesday, the planned evacuation failed to materialise and renewed fighting raged in the city. Iran, one of Assad's main backers, had imposed new conditions, saying it wanted the simultaneous evacuation of wounded from two villages besieged by rebels, according to rebel and U.N. sources. But rebel officials said late on Wednesday that they had agreed to an evacuation of the wounded from those Shi'ite villages in Idlib province, and that the Aleppo deal would now go ahead as planned."Within the coming hours its implementation will begin," said Abdul Salam Abdul Razak, a military spokesman for the Nour al-Din al Zinki rebel group.An official with the Jabha Shamiya rebel group said implementation would begin around 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) on Thursday. He said around 1,000 wounded people would be the first to leave eastern Aleppo, and the entire evacuation should be complete within three days. It was not immediately clear how a deal had been reached, and it was soon thrown in doubt by the military media unit run by Hezbollah, an armed Shi'ite group backed by Iran and an ally of the Damascus government."The negotiations are seeing big complications, in light of tension and operations on the front lines," it said.The original ceasefire was brokered by Russia, Assad's most powerful ally, and opposition backer Turkey on Tuesday. But the planned evacuation of rebel-held areas did not happen and instead shelling and gunfire erupted in the city on Wednesday, with Turkey accusing government forces of breaking the truce. Syrian state television said rebel shelling killed six people.The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein, said the bombardment by Syrian government forces and their allies "most likely constitutes war crimes".Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russian leader Vladimir Putin agreed in a phone call earlier in the day to make a joint effort to start the process, Turkish presidential sources said.Shortly before the new deal was announced, clashes raged in Aleppo.
Government forces made a new advance in Sukkari - one of just a handful of districts still held by rebels - and brought half of the neighbourhood under their control, the Observatory said. Rebels saying they launched an attack against government forces using suicide car bombs. The Russian defence ministry said - before the report of the government forces' advance in Sukkari - that the rebels controlled an enclave of only 2.5 square km (1 square mile). RAPID ADVANCES
At dawn on Wednesday nobody had left under the initial evacuation plan, according to a Reuters witness waiting at the departure point, where 20 buses stood with engines running but showed no sign of moving into rebel districts.People in eastern Aleppo had packed their bags and burned personal belongings, fearing looting by the Syrian army and its Iranian-backed militia allies.
Officials in the military alliance backing Assad could not be reached immediately for comment on why the evacuation had stalled.U.N. war crimes investigators said the Syrian government bore the main responsibility for preventing any attacks and reprisals in eastern Aleppo and that it must hold to account any troops or allied forces committing violations.In what appeared to be a separate development from the planned evacuation, the Russian defence ministry said 6,000 civilians and 366 fighters had left rebel-held districts over the past 24 hours.A total of 15,000 people, including 4,000 rebel fighters, wanted to leave Aleppo, according to the Hezbollah-run media unit. The evacuation plan was the culmination of two weeks of rapid advances by the Syrian army and its allies that drove insurgents back into an ever-smaller pocket of the city under intense air strikes and artillery fire.By taking full control of Aleppo, Assad has proved the power of his military coalition, aided by Russia's air force and an array of Shi'ite militias from across the region.
Rebels have been supported by the United States, Turkey and Gulf monarchies, but the support they have enjoyed has fallen far short of the direct military backing given to Assad by Russia and Iran.Russia's decision to deploy its air force to Syria 18 months ago turned the war in Assad's favour after rebel advances across western Syria. In addition to Aleppo, he has won back insurgent strongholds near Damascus this year. The government and its allies have focused the bulk of their firepower on fighting rebels in western Syria rather than Islamic State, which this week managed to take back the ancient city of Palmyra, once again illustrating the challenge Assad faces reestablishing control over all Syria.FEAR STALKS STREETS
As the battle for Aleppo unfolded, global concern has risen over the plight of the 250,000 civilians who were thought to remain in its rebel-held eastern sector before the sudden army advance began at the end of November. The rout of rebels in Aleppo sparked a mass flight of terrified civilians and insurgents in bitter weather, a crisis the United Nations said was a "complete meltdown of humanity". There were food and water shortages in rebel areas, with all hospitals closed.On Tuesday, the United Nations voiced deep concern about reports it had received of Syrian soldiers and allied Iraqi fighters summarily shooting dead 82 people in recaptured east Aleppo districts. It accused them of "slaughter".The Syrian army has denied carrying out killings or torture among those captured, and Russia said on Tuesday rebels had "kept over 100,000 people in east Aleppo as human shields". Fear stalked the city's streets. Some survivors trudged in the rain past dead bodies to the government-held west or the few districts still in rebel hands. Others stayed in their homes and awaited the Syrian army's arrival. (Reporting by Laila Bassam in Aleppo and Tom Perry, John Davison and Lisa Barrington in Beirut; Writing by Angus McDowall in Beirut; Editing by Giles Elgood and Pravin Char)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Moscow, Russia: When Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the Kremlin's bombing campaign in Syria last year to back up leader Bashar al-Assad, the regime's forces were being pushed back.
Now Damascus is celebrating its biggest victory in over five years of war after recapturing control of the rebel bastion in the east of the city and dealing a hammer blow to those looking to oust Assad.
Here's how Russia helped break the stalemate:
Turning the tables
Russian warplanes played a central role in bludgeoning rebel-held parts of Aleppo towards defeat with a brutal campaign that stirred memories of Putin's destruction of the Chechen capital Grozny in 1999-2000.
Although Assad's opponents finally gave up after Moscow said it halted air strikes on the city in October, Russia's bombers had already pulverised rebel defences for months, allowing the Syrian leader's forces to tighten their siege.
"Without Russia, nothing would have happened with Aleppo," said Alexei Malashenko, an analyst at the Carnegie Center in Moscow. "Everything was focused on Aleppo."
While Moscow insists its troops are not fighting on the frontlines, it admits it has military advisors on the ground supporting Assad's forces.
Malashenko said Russian advisors had played their role in helping the ground operation, noting that the death of a Russian army tank commander in Aleppo suggested Moscow might have drafted in some of its big guns to help out.
In addition to helping turn the tide militarily, Russia's presence also made sure of one thing: there would be no intervention from the West in Aleppo -- despite an outcry over the bloodshed.
As the operation intensified, Moscow demonstratively bolstered its hi-tech air defences in the skies over Syria and sent more warships -- including its only aircraft carrier -- to patrol the shores off the war-torn country.
A pyrrhic victory?
For the Kremlin, victory in Aleppo can be seen as a stunning triumph to crown Moscow's first intervention outside the former Soviet region since the disastrous Afghanistan campaign.
Russia has helped thrust Assad into a position of strength while breaking the back of more moderate rebels groups supported by Washington and its allies.
Putin now appears the undisputed kingmaker in Syria and a key player across the entire Middle East. And he cut the US and Europe out of the loop on Aleppo by dealing directly with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
But the ferocious bombardment of Aleppo saw the West levelling accusations of war crimes that clearly stung the Kremlin and further strained its fragile ties with the West.
That was a blow for what many saw as one of the major initial aims of Putin's intervention in Syria: trying to ease his isolation over the Ukraine crisis.
"The main goal of the operation has been to force the West to speak to Putin," independent military expert Alexander Golts said.
"The situation has come full circle: Russia is now isolated because of the victory in Syria."
Blistering international criticism did eventually see Russia claim to halt its Aleppo strikes in October in the move the Kremlin called a "manifestation of goodwill".
But the damage was done and any chance of pushing the US to coordinate forces in Syria evaporated.
On the military side, the show of strength in Aleppo did not always go smoothly.
Moscow's ageing Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier suffered two embarrassing mishaps within a month with two jets ending up in the drink.
What's next?
Just as Russia was about to hail the fall of Aleppo, bad news emerged from elsewhere.
As Assad's troops focused Syria's second city, Islamic State group jihadists seized back control of the ancient city of Palmyra eight months after Damascus and Moscow retook it.
The loss was both a major blow for Putin for whom the capture of the World Heritage site had been a major propaganda coup and a potentially worrying sign of things to come.
The shock IS advance highlighted how tough Assad's forces will find it to keep a lid on areas they control -- and showed that Syria's protracted war is still far from over.
"With Palmyra captured for a second time, it's difficult to imagine that Aleppo will instantly turn into a peaceful city," Malashenko said.
"This big city will need to be controlled and there will need to be a huge Syrian army contingent with permanent Russian support."
The defeat of the rebels in Aleppo has so far not been accompanied by any progress towards a negotiated end to the conflict.
An emboldened Assad may now prove even more difficult for Moscow to bring to the table, which could hamper any efforts to scale back Russian operations there.
Key for the Kremlin will be how US President-elect Donald Trump approaches the Syria conflict when he takes power in January.
With the capture of Aleppo now a fait accompli, Putin and Assad may be hoping Trump stays true to his word and prioritises cooperation against IS over all else.
A United Nations committee has expressed concern that "white van" abductions and "brutal" torture of Tamils have continued in Sri Lanka even though more than seven years have passed since the civil war between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in the island nation.
The UN Committee Against Torture (CAT) that released its fifth periodic report on Sri Lanka on 7 December states that it has received information that numerous individuals suspected of having even a remote link with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have been abducted and then subjected to brutal torture, including sexual violence and rape.
According to the information received, such practices are carried out by both military and police in unacknowledged places of detention, which have included law enforcement headquarters, army and IDP camps, and rehabilitation centres, the report states.
The committee also expressed concern over credible reports of so-called white van abductions of Tamils that has continued since the end of the civil war.
The OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL) has listed 48 sites that were torture centres or were used as transit points for torture centres between 2009 and 2015. The Sri Lankan government, however, denies the presence of any extant torture or detention sites.
The committee headed by Jens Modvig also said that it remains seriously concerned over reports of national and UN sources such as the UN special rapporteur's finding that torture is a common practice carried out in relation to regular criminal investigations in a large majority of cases by the criminal investigation department of police regardless of the nature of the suspected offence. The broad sweep of powers of the police in arresting people without a warrant has led to the practice of detaining persons while conducting investigations as a means to obtain information under duress.
Quoting the main findings of the OISL conducted for the period between 2002 and 2011 that said that the security forces committed widespread or systemic torture, enforced disappearances and human rights violations during and in the aftermath of the armed conflict, the UN committee is "seriously concerned" at the failure of the concerned government to undertake an institutional reform of the security sector.
The committee was also "alarmed" by the presence of Sisira Mendis, as part of the Sri Lankan delegation that interacted with CAT on the countrys torture review, since Mendis has been mentioned in the OICLs scathing report on Sri Lanka. Mendis was the deputy inspector-general of the criminal investigations department from March 2008 to June 2009 where the fourth floor facility of the police headquarters in Colombo was a notorious site of torture.
Mendis was also the supervisory authority for other sites where there were allegations of torture against individuals. The state party did not answer questions related to Mendis and the subject of these torture sites during CATs interaction with the Sri Lankan delegation.
The committee also said that 90 percent of the convictions are based on confessions alone and in many cases individuals were forced to sign papers in a language they did not understand. It also cites the UN special rapporteur on tortures findings that overcrowding in prisons goes beyond 200 percent.
The continued use of the "rehabilitation programme" under the emergency regulations for persons who surrendered to the army at the end of the conflict in 2009 remains a source of concern for the committee with regard to a lack of transparency for the criteria of selection, condition of detention and judicial oversight for the necessity and lawfulness of the confinement. There were recent allegations from credible sources of torture of persons under rehabilitation. This is over and above the OISL's report of torture at rehabilitation centres between 2002 and 2011.
The UN committee also noted that only 17 cases of torture have been filed under the Convention Against Torture Act since 2012 resulting in only two convictions suggesting that impunity prevails in most cases of torture by the state.
CAT, a body of ten independent experts drawn from across the world monitors the implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment by its state parties, reports to the OHCHR. It completed 59 sessions on 7 December after reviewing the torture records of and adopting recommendations for seven countries including Sri Lanka.
Aleppo: Syrian rebels announced a new evacuation deal for Aleppo civilians and the injured on Wednesday, after shelling and air strikes sent terrified residents running through the city's streets.
However a source close to Syria's government denied the development, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said hostilities were ongoing after an earlier agreement collapsed.
Under the initial plan, thousands of civilians and rebel fighters were due early Wednesday to evacuate the east of Syria's second city, scene of some of the worst violence in more than five years of war across the country.
But cold and hungry civilians who had gathered before dawn to leave were instead plunged back into a familiar nightmare.
"Bombing is ongoing, no one can move. Everyone is hiding and terrified," activist Mohammad al-Khatib told AFP from inside east Aleppo.
"The wounded and dead are lying in the street. No one dares to try and retrieve the bodies."
Officials from the Nureddin al-Zinki and the hardline Ahrar al-Sham rebel groups confirmed to AFP that a new truce deal had come into effect after hours of violence on Wednesday.
"A ceasefire has come into effect in Aleppo after negotiations between the Russians and the Turkish Red Crescent," said Yasser al-Youssef, a Nureddin al-Zinki political official.
"The first group of civilians and wounded people will leave at dawn on Thursday," Youssef told AFP.
He said an agreement on rebels had also been reached but news of the deal was denied by a source close to Syria's government.
"There is no agreement, the negotiations are ongoing," the source said.
Telephone diplomacy
As air strikes and artillery fire shook the city earlier on Wednesday, AFP's correspondent in rebel areas of Aleppo saw panicked civilians running for cover.
The Britain-based Observatory reported "very intense clashes on every front line" and said at least two people had been killed in rebel areas.
State television said rebel rocket fire on government-controlled areas had killed at least seven people.
Former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front said on Wednesday that one of its suicide bombers detonated a car bomb at a regime position in southern Aleppo.
A source with knowledge of efforts to resuscitate the ceasefire deal earlier said Syria, opposition backer Turkey, and regime allies Russia and Iran were locked in talks.
Moscow has blamed rebels for violating the ceasefire, saying it now expected opposition resistance in Aleppo to end in the next "two to three days".
A source close to the government said Damascus objected to the number of people leaving, claiming rebels had sought to raise it from 2,000 to 10,000.
But Youssef from the Nureddin al-Zinki rebel group said the regime and Iran sought to link the Aleppo deal to the fate of Fuaa and Kafraya, two Shiite-majority villages in northwest Syria under rebel siege.
It was unclear whether the new agreement included a condition that wounded people would also be evacuated from there.
The rebels and Ankara have accused President Bashar al-Assad's regime and its supporters of blocking the evacuation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed in a phone call that ceasefire violations must end.
"They stressed that the ceasefire agreement... should be put into practice (and) the violations of the deal must be stopped," Turkish presidential sources said.
Moscow meet
Turkey said it would meet with Russia and Iran in Moscow on 27 December to discuss a political solution to the conflict in Syria.
"We are striving to secure a ceasefire throughout the country and for negotiations for a political solution to start," said Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.
US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday also spoke again with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, as well as with Cavusoglu and Qatar's Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
Syria's army has pressed a month-long assault that has seen it take more than 90 percent of the former rebel stronghold in east Aleppo.
Turkey has said those leaving would be taken to Idlib province, which is controlled by a powerful rebel alliance that includes the Fateh al-Sham Front.
The agreement came amid international concern about the plight of civilians in the city, and as the UN said it had reports of atrocities being committed by advancing government forces.
In Istanbul, more than a thousand people protested outside the Iranian consulate to denounce the actions of regime allies Tehran and Moscow and demand the evacuation of civilians from Aleppo.
In Kuwait around 2,000 demonstrated in front of the Russian embassy while in Paris several hundred people gathered in support of the victims of Aleppo.
Eiffel Tower goes dark
The lights on the Eiffel Tower were also switched off in what Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo was a protest at the "unbearable" situation for civilians in Aleppo.
The UN said Tuesday it had credible reports of at least 82 civilians, including 11 women and 13 children, being executed in recent days.
And the UN's Commission of Inquiry for Syria said it had received reports opposition fighters were blocking civilians from fleeing Aleppo and using them as human shields.
Aleppo, a cultural and economic hub second only to Damascus in importance, had been split between a rebel-controlled east and government-held west since 2012.
It was unclear how many civilians remained in rebel territory, after an estimated 130,000 fled to other parts of Aleppo during the government advance since mid-November.
More than 465 civilians, including 62 children, have died in east Aleppo during the assault, the Observatory said Wednesday in a new toll.
Another 142 civilians, among them 42 children, have been killed by rebel rocket fire on government-held zones in the same period, the monitor said.
Syria's conflict has evolved from anti-Assad protests into a multi-front war that has killed more than 312,000 and drawn in world powers on all sides of the war.
By Phil Stewart and David Alexander
| WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON The head of U.S. forces fighting Islamic State said on Wednesday the United States may target weapons seized by the group when it captured the Syrian city of Palmyra, adding the equipment posed a danger to the U.S.-led coalition in the region.Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend told a Pentagon video briefing that the weapons seized by Islamic State likely included armoured vehicles, guns and possibly air defence equipment or other heavy weaponry.He hoped Russia or Syria would quickly retake Palmyra and neutralize the threat, but cautioned the United States would stand ready to strike if needed, including if the looted weapons started moving out of the city."Basically anything they seized poses a threat to the coalition but we can manage those threats and we will," Townsend said. "I anticipate that we'll have opportunities to strike that equipment and kill the ISIL that's operating it soon."Still, he cautioned that Russia or Syria would have a far better sense of who was on the ground and would be in a better position to react quickly."We can't tell one side from the other. So we can't tell if the truck and the armoured vehicle is being operated by a regime trooper, a Russian trooper or ISIL fighter," he said, using an acronym for Islamic State.Islamic State recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra on Sunday despite dozens of Russian air strikes to push back the militants, exposing the limitations of the Russian backing that has turned the tide of the conflict in Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's favour.
The focus of Syria's overstretched army on defeating insurgents in their last urban stronghold of Aleppo may have diverted resources needed to defend the city, where Moscow in recent months beefed up its defences.Palmyra, with its Roman-era city and spectacular ruins, had been recaptured from the militants last March, in what was hailed as a major victory for the government and the biggest reversal for Islamic State in Syria since Russia's intervention.
'FLEETING VICTORY'
"(They) took their eye off the ball there, the enemy sensed weakness and struck and gained a victory that I think will probably be fleeting," Townsend said.White House spokesman Josh Earnest said that if it were true the militants seized an anti-aircraft missile system, the threat from Islamic State "is worse because of the failed strategy of the Syrians and the Russians."By taking full control of Aleppo, Assad has proved the power of his military coalition and dealt a crushing blow to rebel hopes of ousting Assad after revolting against him during the 2011 Arab uprisings.
Rebels have been supported by the United States, Turkey and Gulf monarchies, but the support they have enjoyed has fallen far short of the direct military backing given to Assad by Russia and Iran.Townsend said he expected rebels who lost Aleppo would take their fight elsewhere in Syria but that it was unlikely to significantly affect the U.S.-backed effort against Islamic State - including a bid to capture the group's stronghold of Raqqa, Syria."Our estimate is they'll probably go somewhere else that is more important to them, and I won't care to comment on where we think that might be," he said. (Reporting by Phil Stewart and David Alexander; Editing by Peter Cooney)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Greg Lacour
| CHARLESTON, S.C.
CHARLESTON, S.C. A federal jury on Thursday found avowed white supremacist Dylann Roof guilty on all counts for gunning down nine black parishioners at a historic church in Charleston, South Carolina, last year.Twelve jurors deliberated for a little under two hours after six days of chilling testimony about the bloodshed during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 17, 2015. The panel will return on Jan. 3 to decide whether Roof should be sentenced to death or life in prison.Roof, 22, showed no emotion as the guilty verdicts were read on 33 charges of federal hate crimes resulting in death, obstruction of religion and firearms violations."Justice has been served," South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said in a statement immediately after the verdict in a case that intensified the debate about race relations in the United States.
In the aftermath of the massacre, Haley led a push that removed the Confederate battle flag from the state capitol grounds in Columbia. The flag was carried by pro-slavery Confederate forces during the Civil War and is viewed by many as a racist emblem.Roof's trial was one of two racially charged proceedings that played out in recent weeks in courthouses across the street from each other in the heart of Charleston's downtown. A state murder trial against a former North Charleston police officer who shot and killed a black man fleeing a traffic stop last year ended on Dec. 5 in a mistrial after jurors deadlocked.
Roof's guilt was not in dispute. But his defence lawyers, hoping to spare him from execution, asked jurors to consider what factors had driven Roof to commit the senseless act and suggested he might be delusional.The defence did not call any witnesses after the trial judge blocked them from presenting evidence of Roof's mental state during the guilt phase of the trial. Roof plans to represent himself during the penalty phase.
During closing arguments on Thursday, prosecutors reminded jurors that Roof had been eager to share his story, giving a two-hour videotaped confession to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and telling one worshipper he was letting her live so she could recount what he had done."He must be held accountable for each and every action he took inside that church," Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Williams said. "For every life he took." (Additional reporting by Letitia Stein in Tampa, Florida; Writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Lisa Shumaker)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Just yesterday, Google released Year in Search 2016 list for India. Now, the company has shared list of top trending devices in 2016 in the country on Google Search. The most searched mobile device in India was Freedom 251 smartphone which created a buzz this year for being the cheapest smartphone with a price tag of Rs. 251.
Ringing Bells, maker of the Freedom 251 smartphone has been in the news over a number of controversies. The company has been facing troubles since the launch and was accused of alleged fraud, non-payment of dues and abrupt termination of contract by Cyfuture call center. Adcom took a legal action against Ringing Bells as it distributed prototypes to the media attendees that were actually Adcom handsets. Hence, it is not a surprise that the Freedom 251 was the most searched mobile device in India in 2016. The cheapest smartphone in the country pipped Apple iPhone 7, one of the most costliest smartphone to top the list.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, Lenovo K4 Note and Samsung J7 grabbed third, fourth and fifth spot in the top trending devices of 2016. Moto G4, OnePlus 3, iPhone SE, Google Pixel and Lenovo K5 Note were other most searched devices in India this year.
What happened
General Electric Company (GE -0.55%) held its annual outlook meeting on Wednesday and updated investors on what to expect in 2017. Let's take a look at the headline numbers and whether they change the investment thesis on the stock.
First thing to note is that the guidance for 2016 is pretty much in line with guidance given on the third-quarter earnings call. Turning to the all-important 2017 outlook:
Full-year operating-earnings-per-share forecast to be in the range of $1.60 to $1.70, which straddles analyst consensus of $1.67.
Margin expected to expand by 100 basis points (1%).
Organic revenue growth of 3% to 5%, a range notably ahead of peer Illinois Tool Works ' recent outlook.
' The Alstom energy acquisition and Baker Hughes merger are on track.
It's a tale of margin expansion and organic revenue growth ahead of its peers, with EPS set to grow in a range of 6.7% to 13.3% compared to the expected $1.50 in EPS in 2016.
In discussing end-market conditions in 2017, CEO Jeffrey Immelt described being at his most optimistic about the U.S. economy in many years. That may seem an odd statement to make, but Immelt expects good growth in three of its four main end markets (power, aviation, and healthcare) while oil and gas -- the main problem area in 2016 -- is stabilizing. The Baker Hughes merger is unlikely to reduce exposure to oil price sensitivity, but it will create extra growth opportunities provided that the market starts to steady itself.
As an example of the positive end-market outlook, note that services revenue (GE's services generate higher margin than its products) is expected to increase 7% in 2017, an important improvement on 2016's growth rate of 3%.
Does it matter?
Frankly, there wasn't anything surprising about General Electric Company's headline guidance. Management is executing very well with Alstom and key products like HA-turbine and the LEAP engine. Moreover, the pivot to becoming an industrial-focused company continues apace, with management promising productivity improvements.
For instance, industrial free cash flow conversion from industrial operating net income is set to rise from 85% in 2015 to 95% in 2018. Moreover, the company's leadership in the industrial internet looks assured: Management expects more than $1 billion in orders powered by Predix (its cloud-based platform-as-a-service solution) in 2017, up from $300 million in 2016.
All told, General Electric Company's 2017 outlook implies continued execution in line with its long-term strategic plans. While that's a good thing for investors, there wasn't really anything new in the outlook to change the investment thesis.
BlackBerry Ltd said China's TCL Communication Technology Holdings Ltd would make and sell BlackBerry-branded mobile devices globally, the Canadian smartphone pioneer's first licensing deal since its transition to a software company.
The devices made by TCL, which also makes Alcatel-branded mobile devices, will be coupled with BlackBerry's security software and service suite, the company said on Thursday.
BlackBerry is betting its future on the more profitable business of making software and managing mobile devices after largely ceding the smartphone market to rivals such as Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd <005930.KS>. 005930.KS>
BlackBerry said in September that would outsource the development of its smartphones, and a month later launched its last mobile device the Android-based DTEK60, which was made under an agreement with TCL.
The new agreement gives TCL, the fourth-largest handset maker in North America, the right to make and sell BlackBerry-branded smartphones in all countries except India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Indonesia, some of BlackBerry's biggest handset markets.
BlackBerry in September signed a deal giving Indonesia's BB Merah Putih the rights to make and sell new devices in that country, its largest handset market.
BlackBerry's revenue from software and services was $156 million in its latest quarter, down from $166 million in the prior quarter. The device business contributed $105 million in revenue.
(Reporting by John Benny in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)
Carnival Cruise is laying off its entire IT department and forcing its workers to train their foreign replacements, Carnival Cruise Line IT worker Matthew Culver revealed during an interview with the FOX Business Networks Maria Bartiromo.
The laid off workers are reportedly being told that they will have guaranteed employment for six months at Capgemini, a French consulting and outsourcing firm. After the six months are over, the workers will be cut loose, Culver said.
Three hundred families are going to be affected and were going to be forced to sign with Capgemini or be out of a job and lose our benefits, he said. Our deadline is December 19th, 6 days before Christmas and the ultimate goal is that we would train our replacements, most likely H-1B Visa workers, and eventually be out of a job.
Other media reports have said that it was up to 200 jobs in South Florida and other parts of the country that were affected.
Despite this, Culver said he refuses to sign the offer.
I refuse on principal to work for Capgemini. Theyve already confirmed that their business model is to offshore the jobs to cheaper locations, he said.
Just this week in Florida, 30 former Disney IT workers filed a lawsuit against the theme park over claims that they were discriminated against because they were fired and replaced by contractors from India.
Culver said his attorney also represents the Disney workers. He did not say whether he also plans to file a lawsuit.
Shes made it clear to me that this is just a way of sidestepping the responsibility and that the ultimate goal is not to take care of us as workers, he said. Its to increase profits only.
In a statement, Carnival Corporation told Fox Business Network that it was overhauling its IT operations to keep pace with the evolving technology environment.
All impacted individuals are being offered employment with Capgemini, which operates offices in 36 cities in 15 states throughout the U.S., as well as four offices in Florida, the statement said. In addition to the work being done with our company, Capgemini offers broader career opportunities for individuals who specialize in IT. In addition, impacted individuals can also seek other career opportunities within Carnival Corporation.
Verizon Communications Inc is looking at ways to modify its $4.8 billion deal to buy Yahoo Inc's core internet business after the technology company disclosed a second massive data breach, sources told Reuters on Thursday.
Yahoo Inc shares fell almost 5 percent after the breach of data belonging to more than 1 billion users was disclosed, following another large hack reported in September.
Verizon is seeking to persuade Yahoo to amend the terms of the acquisition agreement made in July to reflect the economic impact of the data breaches, according to people familiar with the matter.
The telecommunications company has threatened to go to court to get out of the deal if it is not repriced, citing a material adverse effect, said the sources, who asked not to be identified because the negotiations are confidential.
Verizon still expects to go through with the deal, but is looking for major concessions in light of the most recent breach, according to another source familiar with the situation, who wished to remain anonymous because they are not permitted to speak to the media.
The person did not know what kind of concessions Verizon is pushing for.
Verizon had already said in October it was reviewing the deal after September's breach disclosure. Late on Wednesday, it said it would "review the impact of this new development before reaching any final conclusions" about whether to proceed.
The company declined to comment beyond that statement on Thursday.
Verizon shares rose 0.5 percent to $51.89, in line with the S&P 500 Index .
BIGGEST BREACH
Sunnyvale, California-based Yahoo said late on Wednesday that it had uncovered a 2013 cyber attack that compromised data of more than 1 billion user accounts, the largest breach in history.
That followed Yahoo's disclosure in September of a separate breach that affected over 500 million accounts, which the company said it believed was launched by different hackers. Yahoo shares were down 4.7 percent at $39.00 on Thursday.
The White House said on Thursday the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation was probing the breach. Several lawsuits seeking class-action status on behalf of Yahoo shareholders have been filed, or are in the works.
The latest breach has drawn widespread criticism of Yahoo from security experts, several of whom have advised consumers to close their Yahoo accounts.
"Yahoo has fallen down on security in so many ways I have to recommend that if you have an active Yahoo email account, either direct with Yahoo of via a partner like AT&T, get rid of it," Stu Sjouwerman, chief executive of cyber security firm KnowBe4 Inc, said in a broadly distributed email.
Germany's cyber security authority, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), advised German consumers to consider switching to safer alternatives for email, and criticized Yahoo for failing to adopt modern encryption techniques to protect users' personal data.
"Considering the repeated cases of data theft, users should look more closely at which services they want to use in the future and security should play a part in that decision," BSI President Arne Schoenbohm said in a statement.
CONGRESS TAKES INTEREST
Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia said he was looking into Yahoo's cyber security practices.
"This most-recent revelation warrants a separate follow-up and I plan to press the company on why its cyber defenses have been so weak as to have compromised over a billion users," he said in a statement.
Warner, who will become the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee next year, described the hacks as "deeply troubling." He said he had repeatedly asked Yahoo for briefings about the 2014 hack, which affected 500 million accounts, but had not received a response.
After the 2014 hack, which was disclosed in September, Warner asked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether Yahoo had fulfilled obligations to inform investors and the public about it.
"If a breach occurs, consumers should not be first learning of it three years later," Warner said on Thursday. "Prompt notification enables users to potentially limit the harm of a breach of this kind, particularly when it may have exposed authentication information such as security question answers they may have used on other sites."
Yahoo has said the data stolen from more than 1 billion user accounts may have included names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords and, in some cases, encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers.
(Reporting by Greg Roumeliotis and Jessica Toonkel in New York and Dustin Volz in Washington; Additional reporting by Liana Baker and Eric Auchard; Writing by Jim Finkle and Jonathan Weber; Editing by Bill Trott and Bill Rigby)
One of the most difficult, and important, decisions many Americans will make next year is whether or not to claim Social Security at full retirement age, or wait to claim to benefit from delayed retirement credits.
Any number of reasons can influence when you decide to claim Social Security, but if you're thinking that you might not file next year because future income taxes are heading lower under Trump, you might want to think again. Claiming Social Security next year could mean you end up paying more in taxes, but the benefit of receiving payments at 66 could more than offset any tax savings associated with waiting.
IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.
Who pays income taxes on Social Security?
About one-third of all Social Security recipients pay income taxes on at least some of their Social Security income, and if your adjusted income eclipses specific income thresholds, then you'll end up paying income taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security income, too.
A quick way to determine if you might have to pay income taxes on your Social Security income is to add one-half of your expected Social Security income to all of your other expected income, including tax-exempt interest. If that amount exceeds $25,000 for individuals, or $32,000 for married couples, then it's likely that at least some of your Social Security income will be taxable.
Why waiting to claim might be on your mind
If you'll have to pay income taxes on your Social Security income, it's understandable to wonder if Donald Trump's tax reform policies makes claiming Social Security next year less compelling than claiming it after his tax plan makes its way through Congress.
After all, Social Security income taxes can be significant. How significant? Let's usethis Motley Foolcalculatorto see just how big the tax bill can be.
Assuming you're married filing jointly, with income of $50,000 from various sources other than Social Security, and that your Social Security income will be $25,000, then 85% of your Social Security income, or $21,250, is taxable.A marginal 15% income tax rate means that Social Security income taxes in this scenario increase your tax liability by $3,188.
TABLE BY AUTHOR. DATA SOURCE: IRS.
Waiting to claim until Donald Trump's tax plan is enacted could reduce that tax bill because Trump hasproposed three tax brackets and, if his plan passes, all but $1 from our example above would get taxed at 12%.Therefore, your tax on your Social Security income could fall by $638 to about $2,550 under Trump.
TABLE BY AUTHOR. DATA SOURCE: DONALDJTRUMP.COM
So why not wait?
While waiting to claim benefits until tax reform passes could pocket you some income tax savings, and allow you to receive a bigger monthly Social Security payment because of delayed tax credits,break-even analysis suggests that claiming benefits sooner, rather than later, remains compelling.
To convince people to hold-off on filing for their benefits,the Social Security Administration offers delayed retirement credits that can increase Social Security income by up to 8% annually, until age 70. A person with a full retirement age of 66 who delays claiming can net 132% of their full retirement age benefit at 70.
A bigger pay-outmay sound like a no-brainer, but break-even analysis suggests that for some, it could be better to receive more smaller payments than to wait.
For instance, if you claim at 66 and receive $1,000 per month, then you will have collected $60,000 in benefits up to, and including, the year you turn 70, $120,000 in benefits up to, and including, the year you turn age 75, and $180,000 up to, and including, the year you turn age 80.
If you decide to wait until 70, you'll get $1,320 monthly, but it won't be until you reach 82 that the total amount collected by waiting surpasses the amount you would have collected by claiming at 66.
SOURCE: SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, AUTHOR'S CHART
Based on how long it takes larger payments to catch up to smaller payments, and the fact that any tax savings associated with delaying when you claim could be small, it may not be best to make your decision based on potential tax reform.Instead, a better decision might be to claim your Social Security income now, and invest itin a Roth IRA, where it can grow tax free, and won't subject to required minimum distributions in your lifetime.
Things to remember
Tax reform isn't being debated in Congress yet, and there's no guarantee that any tax reform that eventually passes will mirror Trump's proposals. Further, not everyone's tax rate declines under Trump's plan, and importantly, there's a chance that tax reform is done retroactively, making the wait until tax rates fall argument a moot point.
Overall, if you're unsure about Social Security's impact on your tax situation, it's time to get educated. Learning about Social Security and tax planning strategies can be empowering, and it can help you achieve financial security in retirement.
The $15,834 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $15,834 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after.Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies.
Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
On Wednesday Yahoo (NASDAQ:YHOO) disclosed that more than 1 billion user accounts were breached in a new cyber-attack, the largest in history.
The breach, which occurred in August 2013, is separate from the 2014 hack disclosed this past September, affecting 500 million Yahoo accounts.
Yahoos recent security breach may force Verizon (NYSE:VZ) to reconsider its $4.83 billion deal to acquire the internet company. AOL co-founder and former CEO Steve Case said its difficult to predict what will happen with the deal, but expects Verizon to renegotiate for a lower price.
My guess is that they [Verizon] still would like to go for it, but they are trying to digest this new information and either reprice the deal or potentially walk away from the deal, Case said during an exclusive interview on FOX Business Network Countdown to the Closing Bell.
On Thursday, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a consumer alert after Yahoo announced its second data breach.
Its partly the size of this breach. The billion users and also some of the timing the fact that it happened three years ago I am sure that Verizon will be interested, maybe the [New York] Attorney General as well. What did they know and when did they know it, will now be a focus in the coming weeks, Case told host Liz Claman.
The Third Wave author said our digital information is generally safe, but warns the risk of hacks increases as the world becomes more interconnected.
Is not just about your PCs like the first wave, or your smart phones the second wave. It really is a series of different censors and devices, he said.
According to Case, it is really important for Silicon Valleys innovators and the policy makers in government to work together in order to reduce the cyber threat.
President-elect Donald Trump met yesterday with leaders of the technology industry. Case said he gives Trump a lot credit for meeting with the tech elite, and sees it as step forward after such a tumultuous campaign that generated criticism from all sides.
One of the things I think it was great that he focused on was trying to drive innovation all across the country. Theres too much focus in places like Silicon Valley. We need to also focus on the entrepreneurs what we call the Rise of the Rest cities and focus more on investing in them, he said.
General Motors (NYSE: GM) is gearing up to expand its testing of self-driving cars in its home state. CEO Mary Barra said on Thursday that the General will "immediately" begin testing self-driving Chevrolet Bolt EVs on public roads in Michigan.
GM also announced that the next generation of self-driving Bolt test cars will be built on the Bolt's assembly line at GM's Orion Township assembly plant.
A Chevrolet Bolt EV equipped with a prototype self-driving system drives by the GM Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. Image source: General Motors.
GM is expanding its testing of self-driving systems on public roads
It will be the first testing of fully autonomous vehicles by a major automaker on public roads in Michigan following passage of a new law that expands what is allowed for self-driving vehicles on Michigan roads. The new law permits:
Testing of vehicles that lack steering wheels, pedals, or humans in the driver's seat.
Self-driving ride-hailing services.
The sale of self-driving vehicles, once the technology has been certified as safe.
The bill's supporters, which included GM, argued that the law would help put Michigan in the forefront of the development of self-driving technology, ahead of other states (including California) that have stricter limits.
GM's move to test in Michigan is an expansion of efforts that have been ongoing for several months. Self-driving Bolts have been spotted testing in San Francisco, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona. San Francisco is the home of Cruise Automation, a self-driving start-up purchased by GM earlier this year that has since become a key center of GM's self-driving research and development.
"Revolutionizing transportation for our customers while improving safety on roads is the goal of our autonomous vehicle technology, and today's announcement gets us one step closer to making this vision a reality," Barra said in a prepared statement. "Our autonomous technology will be reliable and safe, as customers have come to expect from any of our vehicles."
Where will these tests happen?
GM has already been testing on the campus of its huge technical center in Warren, Michigan. Initially, GM said, it's expanding the test drives to the roads around its Warren campus. The testing will expand further to roads in the metro Detroit area within a few months.
Why does GM care about testing in Michigan if it's already testing elsewhere?
For starters, Michigan is GM's home state and the site of its huge technical center in Warren. And GM no doubt likes the flexibility available under Michigan's new law.
But there's another important factor for testing self-driving vehicles: Unlike San Francisco and Scottsdale, Michigan gets plenty of winter weather. Snow and ice present special challenges to a self-driving vehicle's cameras and sensors. Early self-driving prototypes have struggled to stay in their lanes when lane markings in roads are obscured by snow, and have been confused by icy or snow-covered surfaces.
Extensive testing will be required to master those challenges before the systems can be brought to market. A Michigan winter offers an excellent opportunity to do that testing.
Is it a big deal that GM is building the next test cars in Michigan?
Yes. The current test cars were pre-production Bolts that were retrofitted with prototype self-driving systems. Building the next test cars on the Bolt's regular assembly line is a step closer to putting them into production. GM said the new test cars will have LIDAR, cameras, sensors and other hardware built and installed to GM's regular manufacturing quality standards.
It's likely that the sensors on the new set of test cars will be more fully integrated into the Bolt's body structure rather than plopped on the roof as with the current test vehicles.
What does this mean for GM shareholders?
GM is expanding its testing of self-driving electric cars and gearing up to produce a new generation of self-driving electric test cars on a regular assembly line. That suggests that GM is getting closer to putting these cars into production -- and it also suggests that GM's self-driving efforts are ahead of many rivals, both in and out of the traditional auto business.
For GM shareholders betting that the General will be a winner in the coming technological transformation of the auto business, today's news is a good sign.
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John Rosevear owns shares of General Motors. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
A couple of weeks ago, OPEC agreed to cut production for the first time in almost a decade and the oil market has rallied on the news.
In this week's episode of Industry Focus: Energy, Motley Fool analysts Sean O'Reilly and Taylor Muckerman dive into how the cut will affect oil prices in the short and long terms and how investors might want to think about this opportunity. Also, they also look at how Donald Trump's upcoming presidency might affect the energy industry -- from the president-elect's new pick for the head of the Environmental Protection Agency to his proposed expansion of the coal industry and more.
A full transcript follows the video.
10 stocks we like better than EOG Resources When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*
David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and EOG Resources wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.
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*Stock Advisor returns as of Nov. 7, 2016
This podcast was recorded on Dec. 8, 2016.
Sean O'Reilly: Welcome to Industry Focus, the podcast that dives into a different sector of the stock market every day. Today isThursday, December 8th, 2016, sowe're talking about energy, materials, and industrials.I'm your host, Sean O'Reilly,and I'm joined in studio by the one, the only Mr. Taylor Muckerman. How are you today, sir?
Taylor Muckerman: Youlet me back on the show.
O'Reilly: I missed you. What was this, multiple weeksthat we haven't hung out? I missed you. I forgot what you looked like.
Muckerman: I don't know much about airline investing,so it was probably a good idea to sub me out.
O'Reilly: I couldn't believe it, because I set up that show with Adama week or so ago in advance. I was like, "Hey, Adam, I want to talk about Warren Buffett and airlinesif you're willing to join me,"and then OPEC cut production that week! He wasactually very knowledgeable on the subject.
Muckerman: Where's yourcrystal ball when I'm around?
O'Reilly: Yeah, right?(laughs)I haven't told you about it yet.
Muckerman: OK, well, secret's out.
O'Reilly: I did get to talk to, last week, Adam Levine-Weinberg about the OPEC cut. We talked about it for five or sixminutes. But I did want to talk to you about it. How surprised we were you? Were you elated? Were you like, "I don't believe them at all, they're going to cheat?" What'sgoing on in the mind of Taylor Muckerman right now?
Muckerman: I was kind of surprised. You saw Saudi Arabia took it on the chin. They took the bulk of the cut.I mean, they had the bulk of the production.
O'Reilly: They wanted this bad.
Muckerman: Yeah, they did want it badly, and it shows. They gave into thedemands of Libya, Iraq, and Iran. Maybe not to the fullest extent thatthose countries might have wanted, but they did allow them to keep production where it's at. Rather than a cut, they just installed a ceiling on those three countries. It worked, prices are up --temporarily, at least.
O'Reilly: Yeah, it took a breather yesterday. Not that we care about daily prices or anything. Boy,the oil sector has been a good sector to own in the past couple of weeks.
Muckerman: Oil, banks, yeah, they're ripping, man.
O'Reilly: Yeah, post Trump's election, too.
Muckerman: He has a few things he's said thatobviously energy producers and people investing in energymight want to hear.
O'Reilly: Yeah. This week, we're hearing that OPEC is now going around to all the non-OPEC major oil producers, and they're trying to get them to cut.(laughs)
Muckerman: Yeah, we'll see how that plays out.
O'Reilly: Did you hear that they're going to accept natural decline rates as part of the cuts that they're looking non-OPEC producers to make?
Muckerman: I did not see that, no.
O'Reilly: Isn't that like playing whiffle ball?(laughs)
Muckerman: I mean, it's tough to hit or...?
O'Reilly: No,it just sounds ridiculous. Like, of course that's going to happen.
Muckerman: Yeah, it's the beauty of this beast.
O'Reilly: This is the circle of life.(laughs)
Muckerman: Especially when you're talking about U.S. oil decline rates.I don't think Russia is experiencing the same kind of decline ratesbecause they have more conventional oil. Yeah.
O'Reilly: I just thought that was ridiculous. Are you taking OPEC at their word? Has this changed your investmentphilosophy up there in Fool Canada? You don't doany producers -- you do mostly midstream stuff.
Muckerman: As far as our recommendations, yeah, you keep your eye on the producers because --
O'Reilly: They pay you, as owning pipelines and stuff.
Muckerman: As thepipeline companies and the services companies. You definitely want to maintain an eye on their activity. That's purelydictated by price nowadays. OPEC is cutting because we are oversupplied,not because we have so much demand that it would be illogical. Companies on the producing side arestrictly makingmoney on higher prices now. No one's really going out there and ramping up production. I don't think we'll see a production boom like we sawover the past several years again in the U.S. for at least, in thispresidential term, if nota handful of more, if ever,because it is purely price dictated now. Prices are in the $50s. It looks greatcompared to January but not so --
O'Reilly: Right, bottoming out at $27.
Muckerman: Yeah. Not so great compared to summer 2014.
O'Reilly: Moving on tosomething we briefly mentioned, which is the election of Donald J. Trump as the president of the United States --
Muckerman: What'shis middle name? I don't even know.
O'Reilly: I think it's James? Anyway.
Muckerman: Some Americans we are.
O'Reilly: I know it's J.
Muckerman: I know it's J as well.
O'Reilly: He recently made his pick for theEnvironmental Protection Agency, the EPA.
Muckerman: Scott Pruitt.
O'Reilly: Talk to me. Who is Scott Pruitt?
Muckerman: I'm just going to say one word,and you might figure out which anglehe's leading toward. That's Oklahoma.
O'Reilly: Oh, boy.
Muckmerman: That'swhere he's from. He is very outspokenabout the fossil fuel industry --
O'Reilly: I thought you were going to tell me he used to work forExxonMobilor something.
Muckerman: I don't know all of his background. But his state isvery highly dependent on the production of fossil fuels. So, he's definitely come out andpublicly bashed the EPA beforehe took this position. So, I think he's going to be able to do some knocking of heads from the inside out now.
O'Reilly: Do we knowanything else about likely policy changes andhow this is going to affect oil companies? You haveContinental Resourcesdown there inOklahoma, I believe, at least the headquarters.
Muckerman: I don't think he's going to specify state-specific regulations. But I do expect them to try to follow through on some things that Donald Trumptalked about during his campaignand has talked about after his campaign.
O'Reilly: He did talk about,in the episode where we talked about his energy policies, he talked about federal lands, doing that a lot more.
Muckerman: Deregulating oil a little bit more. He wants to bring back the coal industry. I mean,if he can do that, he can do anything.
O'Reilly: Like, snap your fingers, right? This is about economics, this is not about...
Muckerman: It's about economics purely. Oil as well. You cansay all you want about being able totry to bring back jobs to these sectors,but it's dependent on a global demand and supply balance.
O'Reilly: Natural gas is a wonderfulsubstitute.
Muckerman: Yeah, and it's still reasonably pricedcompared to coal. But you're seeingmassive demand centerstalk about how they're only going to allow coal production of electricity in their countries for the next 13-30 years. Youtalk about Canada phasing it out completely by 2030 -- they just announced thatrecently. They get 7% of their electricity from coal. France, even faster, they want to get rid of coal as early as 2023. Only 3% of their electricity comes from coal, but still, fairly big country, so 3% is a fairly meaningful amount ofdemand. Germany wants to get rid of it by 2050,half of their demand by 2030. Finland,the largest of these big countries,12% of their electricity comes from coal,and they are targeting 2030 as well. All of these countries are talking about getting rid of it.
O'Reilly: Yeah. And China, theirpollution worries, they are getting rid of all of their coal plants.
Muckerman: They have a similar target date between 2030 and 2050. The U.S.,I don't think we have a specific date in mind. We have seen more than a handful of utilities shed a lot of coal assets in favor of natural gas. When youlook at a company likeAmerican Electric Power,they get about 60% of their electricity from coal. So if Donald Trump does free up the coal industrya little bit,maybe they would benefit. But again,you need demand and it's disappearingover the next 20 to 30 years, almost completely.
O'Reilly: This isentirely speculative, but I did want to talk to you about it. Donald Trump won, he has this new head of the EPA fromOklahoma -- take that for what you will, wink -- shale oil and the oil industry did pretty well under Donald Trump'spredecessor. Are we to expect gangbusterseven more deregulations, so shale oil is going to go crazy?
Muckerman: Again,it did great under President Obamafor nothing that he did. It was an abundance oftechnological advances and anabundance of newly acquired oil reservesbecause of those technological advances, and it caught everyone off guard, OPEC included, which is why they decided to not cut in 2014, a little over two years ago, November 24th.I had just come out of Nationals Park, turned my cellphone on, and saw that oil was down by 50% in a day. That was a nice surprise.
O'Reilly: Happy Thanksgiving!(laughs)
Muckerman: Right aftermunching on some Texas barbecue. But, yeah, you might see a little bit more shale activity. But I don't see it. If you do, you want to stick with thosebiggest and brightest players. If you look at Oklahoma and Texas, that'sEOG (NYSE: EOG) andPioneer Natural Resources(NYSE: PXD).
O'Reilly: Actually, on that note, OPEC just cut production for the first time in eight years, and they did it in earnest. The last time they did this that wasn't recession-based was 2001 or something. Thisdoesn't happen every day, so we have to talk oil stocks. Does this make Pioneer, EOG,Chesapeakeeven -- they'rea little bit more trouble because of that balance sheet...what should shareholders or potential investors in the oil sector be thinking right now?
Muckerman: I think you could look at companies that maybe havea lot of inventory of wells that are drilled but not fracked, because that's the last stage, so they can bring those on quite quickly if oil prices do rise further or kind ofplateau --
O'Reilly: I mean,we just named a couple of them. I mean, EOG has...
Muckerman: Yeah, they'reone of the biggest independent oil producersin the United States, and they havesome of the best acreage. Their management team is extremely respected in the industry. They're fairly integrated. They have the ability to supply some, if not all, of their own sand in the basins that they operate in. They're able to take oil away from their well sites on their own and get it to the pipelines. Again, theacreage is just prime for this company. If youlook at Oklahoma in particular, the Permian Basin, whicheverybody is raving about the opportunity here,in terms of the size and the scale that can beachieved, Pioneer is the largestacreage holder there and a very good operatorwith the ability to grow production at 15% a year in theenvironment that we're in. It's pretty impressive.
O'Reilly: Before we head out here, your specialty is midstream guys. How does this affectKinder Morgan(NYSE: KMI)? Does this all of the suddenmake some more attractive? Because obviously everyone is going to be paying their bills.
Muckerman: Yeah, you can renegotiate a little bit more, which the services companies are trying to do, trying to bring those prices back up,because people saw the cost of producing oil go way down. Butthat's not only because of technological advances, it's also because of concessions from companies likeHalliburtonandBaker HughesandSchlumberger. Once they try to recoup that a little bit, you're going to see the cost of producing oil go up a little bit, because it was kind of a handout to keep these companies running during the downturn.
O'Reilly: That's a really good point that I don't think many people are talking about.
Muckerman: Yeah. The cost per barrel of oil is likely to tick up a little because of that, because of thesecontract renegotiations,because Halliburton and Baker Hughes and Schlumberger, whoprobably handle the vast majority of oil productionand natural gas production in the United States and worldwide over 50%,I would imagine these guys were giving some handouts to keep their customers in business and keep the oil and natural gas flowing. And now it's their turn to say, "All right, we have to mean revert a little bit here price-wise." But, on the midstream side, Kinder Morgan is a company werecommended in our Pro Canada service. It'swidely recommended here at The Motley Fool in general. I don't necessarily look at thembenefiting from a deregulation side, but if taxes get cut likeDonald Trump has said he wants,all the way down to a 15% flat corporate tax,that would be extraordinary. The oil and gas sectorsover the past five years have been the most heavily taxedin the United States. You're looking at an effective tax of around38.7% --
O'Reilly: A little bit higher than 35%.
Muckerman: A little bit higher, yeah. Youcompare that to biotech at 19%,insurance at 20.2%,and pharmaceuticals at20.5%. Those three sectors, almost half.
O'Reilly: Just toclarify for the layman, is that basically, they took the entire sectors and said, "What is the total amount the sector paid in taxes? What's the total gross income? And that's the percentage."
Muckerman: Yeah, they take their earnings before taxes and then you apply that, so that's theeffective tax rate of those sectors from 2010 to 2015. When you look at insurance, maybe that's why Warren Buffettreally didn't care whether orcorporate taxes were cut or not becauseBerkshire's--
O'Reilly: Aha! The truth comes out!
Muckerman: -- has all those insurance companies under its umbrella. But,with Kinder Morgan in particular,they were the highest taxed last year on an effective tax basis.
O'Reilly: So, that's all thelocal taxes and the state and all that?
Muckerman: Yeah. So, they're like 73%,international taxes, domestic taxes. If you trim that down to an even more conservative amount,if you take that down to 25%, say, they would have saved an extra $371 million last year, which amounts to about 10% of their long-term debt, which has been a stated goal of theirs to pay down. So, right there, you knock 10% off your long-term debt.
O'Reilly: And that ups yourinterest coverage ratio, whichallows them to increase their dividend.
Muckerman:Yeah,might get their credit rating back up to where it used to be. And yeah, the long-term goal hereis to get that dividend back up to where it was before the cut.
O'Reilly: That would help.
Muckerman: Freeing up 10% of your long-term debt to pay down wouldcertainly accelerate that process.
O'Reilly: Awesome. Thank you for your thoughts, Mr. Muckerman. Have a good one.
Muckerman: You got it. You, too.
O'Reilly: Before we head out,I want to take a second to give a special shoutout to our producer, Mr. Austin Morgan.Austin, we love you. Before we conclude our podcast,do you own anAmazonEcho? You can now get a brand-new skillfrom The Motley Fool. You can get stock quotes, create a watch list,ask Alexa how your portfolio is doing -- and it's all free. Formore details,including a demo of how it works, go towww.fool.com/alexa. Lastly, thank you, Mr. Muckerman, again, for joining me on the show.
Muckerman: One more thing -- we have a Motley Fool flash briefing you can add. When you say, "Alexa, give me the news," that would be a flash briefing. It's a 90-second clip on one big header news topic of the day.
O'Reilly: Do you do that 20 times a day?(laughs)
Muckerman: No, it's only once a day. We generally have an analyst from MarketFoolery stick around after the show and tape that.
O'Reilly: Awesome. Cool.As always, people on the program may have interests in the stocks that they talk about, and The Motley Fool may have formal recommendations for or against, so don't buy or sell anything based solely on what you hear on this program. For Taylor Muckerman, I am Sean O'Reilly. Thanks for listening and Fool on!
Sean O'Reilly has no position in any stocks mentioned. Taylor Muckerman owns shares of Halliburton. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and Kinder Morgan. The Motley Fool owns shares of EOG Resources, ExxonMobil, and Halliburton. 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.
Making public comments about regulators is, in Wells Fargo's case, a little like stirring up a hornet's nest. Image source: iStock/Thinkstock.
The first law of holes states that "if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging." The executives at Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) should keep this law in mind the next time they decide to even subtly criticize bank regulators.
An ill-advised move
At an industry conference last week, Wells Fargo's new CEO, Tim Sloan, was asked to share "one or two things that he thinks make sense to change from a regulatory standpoint." The context for the question was the incoming presidential administration's promise to roll back the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act.
The same question was put to Sloan's peers at Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, both of whom answered it diplomatically, in no way making it seem as if they were criticizing regulators.Sloan took a different route. While JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon declined to provide a list of desired changes, Sloan's response was that "there'd probably be a few more than" the one or two changes asked for.
Sloan said he's "still scratching his head" on new rules aimed to bolster large banks' capital and leverage ratios. He pointed out that the new FHA mortgage restrictions have minimized the role of commercial banks in that market. He implied that regulators have too much subjective discretion in the annual stress tests. He suggested that the new capital and liquidity rules have "gone a bit far." And he finished off by saying that he could "go on for about another hour" on the topic but didn't want to because of the limited time.
Consider the source
Everything Sloan said is true. The regulators have taken things too far. They were upbraided for allowing the financial crisis to occur, and now they're taking their vengeance out on the industry.
In exacting their revenge, the regulators are unduly dampening economic growth. Banks don't need to hold as much capital and liquidity as they do right now. This is aggravated by the fact that they have to maintain higher capital ratios through the stress tests, which try to forecast how banks will perform in a hypothetical downturn that's worse than the financial crisis.
On top of this, the fanatical way in which the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau pursues its mission to protect consumers simply takes things too far. Talk to those in the industry, at small banks in particular, and they'll tell you that the CFPB is waging nothing less than a holy war on banks irrespective of the impact it has on innovation and access to credit.
These are all problems that need to be addressed. And, at least by the sounds of it, they will be after Trump's team gets to work next year.But I can say that without fear of reprisal from the regulators. They don't have a beef with me. I doubt they even know who I am.
Negotiating from a position of strength
Sloan isn't in the same boat. Not only do the regulators know who he is, he and the rest of Wells Fargo are already under the regulatory microscope thanks to the bank's fake-account scandal, in which thousands of its employees opened millions of unauthorized accounts for customers without the approval to do so.
Wells Fargo paid a $185 million fine for the practice in September. Two months later, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency began requiring Wells Fargo to get regulatory approval for changes to its board of directors or senior executive officers. All along this time, moreover, the bank was working to remedy deficiencies in its so-called living will that the Fed rejected back in April.
The point is, Wells Fargo isn't operating from a position of strength vis-a-vis regulators. And in case the bank needed a reminder, it got one on Tuesday, a week after Sloan's comments, when the Fed said that Wells Fargo was the only one of five banks that failed to satisfy regulators with its resubmitted living will.
This isn't to say the regulators failed Wells Fargo's resubmitted living will as punishment for Sloan's comments. I'm sure they had plenty of other reasons to do so. But Sloan's comments certainly couldn't have helped.
Sloan owes his shareholders a fiduciary duty to act in their best interest. Right now, that includes keeping his criticism of regulators to himself. Their time will come, and probably sooner rather than later, but it's not in Wells Fargo's power or interest to try to hasten its arrival.
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Republicans and Democrats can agree on one thing about the incoming administration, President-elect Donald Trump is an unconventional political leader. From his preferred method of communication via Twitter (NYSE:TWTR), to striking deals with companies like United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) to save U.S. jobs, to criticizing Boeing (NYSE:BA) for the cost of its latest iteration of the Air Force One jet; many in the political establishment have their guard up as they try to anticipate Trumps next move.
Working class voters on the other hand, who had traditionally voted Democrat, saw in Trump a promise to lift them out of economic immobility.
It was the prospect of higher paying jobs [that allured these voters]. Because most of those industrial statesnot only lost high paying jobs but the jobs that may have replaced them are much lower paying, Al Angrisani, former assistant U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Ronald Reagan, told FOXBusiness.com.
Trumps vows to increase stagnating wages are fortified by traditional Republican policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, as well as innovative strategies like cracking down on business outsourcing and competition from illegal immigration.
Fusing parts of the customary Republican agenda with an effort to directly tighten the labor market proved to be the injection of modernism needed to reinvigorate the working class, but the President-elect is straddling a fine line in an emerging battle between corporate America and the American worker.
I believe that [Trump] sees big business as part of the problem what may have been in their best interest wasnt necessarily in the best interest of workers, Angrisani said.
Beholden to shareholders, public corporations value free market principles, and their own profit, above all else. Therefore, they are likely to take advantage of any means necessary to improve their financial gain with less regard for the impact it has on American workers or wages.
The bottom line is big companies are benefitting from the global economy: If theyre allowed to, theyre willing to sacrifice the benefits that theyre bringing to their own countries for a global purpose. And that connects to a loss of jobs, lower paying jobs, etc., Angrisani pointed out.
Therein lies the real tension for Trump and his economic team; finding a balance of policies that create a favorable business environment for corporate America and simultaneously lift the working class out of stagnation. While downward pressure on the labor market has kept wage growth nominal in the wake of the financial crisis, the share of Americans actively looking for work fell to 62.7% in November, the lowest rate in decades.
Were really seeing the bigger issue here that no one is talking about is the coming clash between the Trump agenda and big corporate America. Its coming, its coming big time, warned Angrisani.
Although the President-elect has already shown his willingness to personally take on the likes of Boeing, Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and United Technologies, that strategy may not be sustainable over the long-term, Danielle DiMartino Booth, former Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas advisor, told FOXBusiness.com
I am highly skeptical that Trump's promise to bring back those manufacturing jobs via traditional deal-making will work in a widespread fashion. Tax incentives can only go so far towards offsetting the high cost of doing business in this country, she said.
In fact, the unique nature of the current economic circumstances in the United States calls for an equally unique policy solution.
Massive tax cuts for high income people and corporations didn't ignite growth when George W. Bush did it in 2002, and I don't think it will now, Austan Goolsbee, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Obama, told FOXBusiness.com.
[Trumps] going to have to experiment with some techniques Its a whole new area of economic policy that hes going to have to develop, Angrisani said.
The President-elect has promised to improve workers conditions by tackling trade imbalances, renegotiating trade deals, and discouraging companies from outsourcing, even proposing a 35% tax on those which move production offshore. But is there something missing from his platform?
Angrisani thinks the President-elect has a golden opportunity to capitalize on one of President Obamas biggest mistakes; economic development in Americas inner cities.
My top priority would be to go into the inner cities, Detroit, Newark, Baltimore, the places where its not just about improving the wage, but its about creating a jobI would pursue the path that President Reagan and Jack Kemp started to pursue with their enterprise zones, and create tax zones in those inner cities that allow people to invest...[i.e.] If you create a certain number of jobs, you get a tax waiver.
DiMartino Booth said meaningful deregulation along with tax incentives and energy independence could be the next administrations best bet.
Still, as the world economy becomes more globalized, it will be hard to incentivize the largest companies to forego global opportunity in favor of local benefit. Angrisani faced similar challenges working under President Ronald Reagan, and believes Trump would be making a big mistake to forget the populist message that resonated so strongly with blue-collar America.
We lived this in 1980-84. Reagan came out as a populist president But eventually, in the second term, he got a little more corporate than he should have, he said. If Trump abandons his grassroots populist messageand he becomes part of the big corporate traditional Republican agenda, he will be a one-term President, guaranteed.
While Trump is taking on some global corporate giants, he is also filling his Cabinet with those who lead them. Earlier this week he confirmed ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) CEO Rex Tillerson as his nomination for Secretary of State. Tillerson joins billionaire investor Wilbur Ross, Andy Puzder of CKE Restaurants, Linda McMahon of WWE, and a bevy of former Goldman Sachs executives who will determine the direction of the economy over the next four years.
Though the stage is set for Trump to follow through on the promises he made to the American working class, the outcome all depends on which route Trump takes once he assumes the Oval Office, Angrisani said.
Which Trump are we going to see? Grassroots Donald or big corporate America Donald? I dont know.
A small group of Royal Bank of Scotland retail shareholders is close to joining three other investor parties and settling a 4.0 billion pound ($5 billion)-plus lawsuit against the bank out of court.
State-controlled RBS offered five investor groups 800 million pounds last week in an effort to draw a line under allegations that it misled shareholders during a 12 billion pound fundraising at the height of the financial crisis in 2008.
One industry source familiar with the situation said he expected a formal announcement over the next few days that the small retail shareholder group, led by lawyer Leon Kaye, would become the fourth group to accept the offer. Three institutional investor parties agreed to the RBS offer last week.
This would leave the RBoS Shareholder Action Group the last claimants still considering whether to take the cash on offer or proceed to trial in one of the largest and most complex lawsuits in English legal history.
"The Action Group notes that the Leon Kaye Group, representing 0.6 percent of the claimants by value, has indicated its agreement in principle with RBS's offer," a spokesman for the group said.
"We are considering our position with RBS and its advisers."
RBS said in a statement it was pleased to have settled with some claimants and was hopeful of settling with the remaining groups.
The RBoS Shareholder Action group, which represents around 27,000 retail investors and more than 100 institutions, including Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Aberdeen Asset Management , says its claim is worth around 1.8 billion pounds, including interest and costs.
It is the only claimant group to pursue both the bank and former directors over alleged recklessly optimistic statements that gave a "grossly misleading impression" about the bank's financial health in 2008.
RBS's Chief Executive Ross McEwan has said he is worried about the damage a trial could inflict on the bank's battered reputation. But he also said RBS could not agree to a deal that was unfair to shareholders.
The case has cast a long shadow over the Edinburgh bank, which remains 73 percent state-owned since it was rescued in a 45 billion pound bailout.
A six-month trial to establish liability has been scheduled for next March. A second trial to establish any damages will follow. RBS, which has already run up a legal bill of more than 90 million pounds, has said the case may not be settled before 2023 if it goes to trial.
(Editing by Jane Merriman)
Health experts often assume that blood pressure measured in a medical office or hospital may be higher than usual, thanks to the anxiety brought on from being in a doctor's office (a phenomenon known as white-coat hypertension). As a result, physicians may not take borderline-high blood pressure too seriously in otherwise healthy adults.
A new study suggests that white-coat hypertension is actually less common than its exact opposite: a condition known as masked hypertension, in which blood pressure measurements at the doctors office are actually lower than those taken at other times of the day. Doctors may be missing a significant percentage of people who should be monitored (and potentially treated) for high blood pressure, the authors say, especially among young, normal-weight patients.
For the new study, published yesterday in the journal Circulation, researchers from Stony Brook University and Columbia University recruited 888 healthy men and women with an average age of 45. They asked participants to wear a portable blood pressure cuff for 24 hours as they went about their daily activities to monitor their ambulatory (around-the-clock) blood pressure. Multiple blood pressure readings were also taken during three separate visits to a clinic to represent measurements taken in a doctors-office setting.
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When the researchers compared those numbers, they found that ambulatory blood pressurean average of all measurements taking while they were awaketended to be higher than their in-office averages, not lower. On average, ambulatory systolic readings were 7 points higher than those taken in clinical settings, while diastolic readings were 2 points higher.
About 16 percent of patients who had normal in-office readings turned out to have high blood pressure the rest of the day. Overall, masked hypertension affected about 15 percent of all study participants, while white-coat hypertension affected only 1 percent.
Masked hypertension was more common in men than in women, and in younger adults who were not overweight. As participants grew older and heavier, the gap between their in-office and ambulatory blood pressure narrowed and, in some cases, disappeared or reversed.
"These findings debunk the widely held belief that ambulatory blood pressure is usually lower than clinic blood pressure," said lead author Joseph E. Schwartz, PhD, professor of psychiatry and sociology at Stony Brook University, in a press release. "It is important for healthcare providers to know that there is a systematic tendency for ambulatory blood pressure to exceed clinic blood pressure in healthy, untreated individuals evaluated for hypertension during well-patient visits.
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The findings were true among white, African American, and Hispanic participants, although the authors say they should be confirmed in more diverse study populations. (The majority of patients in this study were white.) They also note that this trend may not apply for people who have previously been diagnosed with, or are currently being treated for, high blood pressure.
Ambulatory blood pressure is generally recognized as a better predictor of future cardiovascular disease than in-office blood pressure readings; previous research has shown that elevated blood pressure throughout the day significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events, compared to consistently normal readings. Unless doctors recognize a potential problem during an office visit, though, most patients are never given ambulatory tests.
The study authors suggest that many adultsespecially young and normal-weight people whose in-office readings put them in the prehypertension categorywould likely benefit from completing a 24-hour monitoring. (The closer a persons in-office reading is to high blood pressure, the more likely that person is to have masked hypertension, they say, so people on the low end of normal probably arent at risk.)
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When seeing patients for routine physicals or other reasons not related to heart health, physicians should probably be more concerned that the clinic [blood pressure] underestimates, rather than overestimates, the patients average daytime [blood pressure], the authors wrote.
They hope that their findings will encourage doctors to recommend this next step for more people, and that future research will determine if and how people with high ambulatory blood pressure should be treated.
This article originally appeared on Health.com.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration left open the door on Wednesday for Swedish Match AB to claim its snus smokeless tobacco products represent a substantially lower risk to health than cigarettes.
The agency said the company could not remove a warning that the products may cause gum disease and tooth loss. But it deferred a decision on whether to allow the company to claim the products cause less harm than cigarettes.
It also deferred a decision on whether to allow removal of a warning that the products may cause mouth cancer. Snus is a moist tobacco product placed under the upper lip that does not involve spitting or chewing.
The FDA said evidence showed the products could cause gum disease and tooth loss. But it deferred action on the other requests, saying it believed the applications "could be amended to support issuance of modified risk orders."
Dr. Lars-Erik Rutqvist, senior vice president of scientific affairs at Swedish Match, said he was encouraged by the FDA's response.
"There doesnt seem to be a disagreement between the company and the FDA as to whether snus is a modified risk product," he said. "The disagreement seems to be the way to communicate this to the general public."
Rutqvist said there may be other ways to communicate a reduced harm message than altering the label. He said he expected the company to meet with the FDA soon.
Snus has been used for decades in Sweden and has overtaken cigarettes as the country's most popular tobacco product. Swedish smoking rates have plummeted as snus use has risen.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration left open the door on Wednesday for Swedish Match AB to claim its snus smokeless tobacco products represent a substantially lower risk to health than cigarettes.
The agency said the company could not remove a warning that the products may cause gum disease and tooth loss. But it deferred a decision on whether to allow the company to claim the products cause less harm than cigarettes.
It also deferred a decision on whether to allow removal of a warning that the products may cause mouth cancer. Snus is a moist tobacco product placed under the upper lip that does not involve spitting or chewing.
The FDA said evidence showed the products could cause gum disease and tooth loss. But it deferred action on the other requests, saying it believed the applications "could be amended to support issuance of modified risk orders."
Dr. Lars-Erik Rutqvist, senior vice president of scientific affairs at Swedish Match, said he was encouraged by the FDA's response.
"There doesnt seem to be a disagreement between the company and the FDA as to whether snus is a modified risk product," he said. "The disagreement seems to be the way to communicate this to the general public."
Rutqvist said there may be other ways to communicate a reduced harm message than altering the label. He said he expected the company to meet with the FDA soon.
Snus has been used for decades in Sweden and has overtaken cigarettes as the country's most popular tobacco product. Swedish smoking rates have plummeted as snus use has risen.
"A properly prepared application could well have received a different result," he said.
Swedish Match was the first to have a modified risk application accepted for review by the FDA. Earlier this month, Philip Morris International Inc filed a modified risk application for an electronic product that heats rather than burns tobacco.
A two-year investigation led by the Chicago Tribune revealed a hazardous trend involving pharmacists dispensing dangerous drug pairings without warning patients. The newspaper reported that 52 percent of the 255 pharmacies involved in the investigation sold the medications without mentioning the potentially deadly consequences of interactions to consumers.
For their tests, the newspaper sent 15 reporters into various CVS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Kmart and Costco pharmacies, as well as local independent pharmacies, to fill one prescription for clarithromycin, common antibiotic, and another for simvastatin, a popular anti-cholesterol drug.
The newspaper reported that when taken alone the drugs are safe, but once combined, patients are at risk of a breakdown in muscle tissue that could lead to kidney failure or potential death. The investigation was conducted in the Chicago area, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. According to the Tribune, Illinois regulation requires pharmacists who identify a dangerous drug pairing to contact the prescribing doctor to verify the order and then alert the patient.
The Tribunes report found that the CVS pharmacists involved in the investigation failed to warn patients of the potential interaction 63 percent of the time. While Walgreens pharmacists failed to warn patients 30 percent of the time, Kmart pharmacists failed 60 percent of the time and Wal-Mart in 43 percent of tests. Costco pharmacists also failed in 60 percent of the tests, the Tribune reported.
The pharmaceutical chains had an overall 49 percent failure rate, with Walgreens, CVS, Kmart and Wal-Mart vowing to address the issue with staff and technicians as a result of the newspapers published investigation.
There is a very high sense of urgency to pursue this issue and get to the root cause, Tom Davis, CVS vice president of pharmacy professional services, told the Tribune.
Though the big-chain pharmacies scored poorly, the Tribune included independent pharmacies as well, which missed risky drug interactions 72 percent of the time.
Anytime theres a serious interaction, theres no excuse for the pharmacist not warning the patient about that interaction, Carmen Catizone, executive director of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, told the Tribune.
The report revealed that while the pharmacists may have failed to alert patients, a number of safety precautions put in place to prevent such oversight is also being ignored. The Tribune found computer alert systems either ignored the issue or were broken, and an emphasis was placed on faster production over safety.
One Wal-Mart pharmacist told the Tribune she fills 200 prescriptions in a nine-hour shift.
Every prescription is timed, Deepak Chande, former head pharmacist at a CVS, told the Tribune. And this is the worst of the pharmacists nightmares.
According for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the sale of prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999, and so have death rates. More than 165,000 people have died from overdoses related to prescription opioids from 1999 to 2014.
A dying mans wish to marry the love of his life was granted last Friday 36 hours before he died, thanks to quick-thinking nurses and staff at his Texas hospital. Raul Hinojosa, 33, was admitted to Baptist St. Anthonys Hospital on Oct. 22 for his chronic lymphocytic leukemia and a fungal infection in his throat and lungs, Amarillo.com reported.
Doctors informed Hinojosa, who had been battling the disease since 2012, he wouldnt be leaving the hospital this time, and to name some of his end-of-life wishes. He told nurses he wanted to marry Yvonne Lamas, whom he proposed to in 2007.
I want to marry her, he told a nurse, Amarillo.com reported. I want her to be mine.
The two, who have four children between them, had been saving for a fairy-tale wedding but put plans on hold once Hinjosa got sick about four years ago.
His nurse shared his wish with hospital staff, and a nearby courthouse helped expedite their marriage license. The hospitals cooks baked a wedding cake, and the centers gift shop prepared wedding bouquets, Amarillo.com reported.
Lamas received a white dress from a family member, and the hospitals director of critical care lent Hinojosa his suit jacket and tie, the news outlet reported.
He had never seen me in a dress, and I had never seen him in a suit, Lamas told Amarillo.com. I saw him in that suit, and he looked so handsome. I thought Wow.
Hospital staff formed a human-linked aisle for Lamas father to walk her down, and the two recited their vows.
She changed my life around, Hinjosa said of his bride.
Hinjosa, who died Saturday, is survived by Lamas, her three daughters, and their 9-year-old son.
In a radio interview Tuesday, Vice President Biden said, he and the President are breaking their necks trying to get immigration reform. Someone will need to let the Vice-President know that what President Obama in fact broke, was his promise to Hispanics on immigration reform and is once again using the issue to pander to our community.
In the modern era, two presidents have tackled immigration reform. They were Ronald Reagan and George W. Bushboth conservatives. Plenty of liberal presidents have come and gone, but failed to champion immigration reform. Consider Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama nada! In fact, to make matters worse, President Obama leveraged the issue in 2008 to win over Hispanics. But then, once elected, he broke his promise, shattering the dreams of many hardworking immigrants.
While working in the White House for President George W. Bush, I saw first-hand his unwavering commitment to achieving a bipartisan agreement on immigration reform and his leadership in the pursuit of it, even when it was politically unpopular with some members of his own party. In contrast, President Obama did not even try to work with leaders from both parties to fix our broken immigration system despite the fact that he enjoyed the benefits of working with a Democrat-controlled Congress during his first two years in the White House.
President Bushs marching orders were clear. We held weekly meetings with a bipartisan coalition of groups from various sectors, including the business, agriculture, civil rights, and religious communities. We listened, collected their input, and shared our ideas with them. President Bush sent two of his Cabinet Secretaries to Capitol Hill to help draft legislation; and he was the only president ever to deliver a national address on immigration from the Oval Office. Now that is commitment.
President Obama often says that he is committed to immigration reform, but saying those words repeatedly dont make it so. Let. Me. Be. Clear: President Obama has not drafted any immigration reform legislation. When he says those words, what he really means is I am committed to it, so Congress now you go and do it. That is not leadership; and that does not get important issues moving in Congress.
Immigration reform is a complicated issue; as such, it requires both leadership and commitment from the Executive. The Presidents excuse for his inaction is that no Republicans would vote for his plan. What plan? You cannot vote on legislation that does not exist. News flash: speeches alone dont cut it.
Remember when he told us, during a May 2008 interview with Univisions Jorge Ramos that what I can guarantee is that we will have in the first year an immigration bill that I strongly support and that Im promoting. And I want to move that forward as quickly as possible.
Well, even though the President had a veto-proof Congress for the first two years of his term -- more than 700 days with a majority of Democrats in the House and Senate who could have helped him pass immigration reform he did nothing. Instead, he ignored the dire state of our economy and his promise to reform immigration, pushing through his health care law.
Why did he ignore his promise to our community? At best, we might conclude that he couldnt get enough votes from his own party. After all, there are Democrats who dont support immigration reform because unions oppose a guest worker program. At worst, Obama wasnt committed to getting it done, figuring he could blame the Republicans and demonize them with Hispanics.
Now lets compare President Obamas lackadaisical approach to immigration reform with his push for a health care law. He cared so much about health care reform that he helped craft legislation, campaigned for its passage, and negotiated with elected officials to garner their support. Now that is commitment.
Confronted with his broken promise and an impending election, the President decided, just five months before the 2012 presidential elections, to issue an executive order allowing for a temporary, pseudo-DREAM Act. I agree that this unilateral measure is indeed beneficial to the children of undocumented immigrants brought here through no fault of their own. However, if President Obama cared so much about this issue, why didnt he pass a permanent measure over two years ago when he knew he had the chance? It looks political, it smells politicalcould it be political?
To top it all off, President Obama has deported more immigrants than any other president in history - 400,000 each year - over 1.4 million people - separating countless families during his presidency.
Now, the president is asking us for four more years with the same promise of post-election immigration reform. In a recent article, the headline reads, Obama says Latino vote is key to victory, vows immigration reform in 2013. This deal sounds awfully familiar. Hispanics need to take a closer look at what the president has and has not delivered, and not just what he says.
Jennifer S. Korn is the Executive Director of the Hispanic Leadership Network (HLN). Previously, she served in President George W. Bushs White House as Director of Hispanic and Womens Affairs.
It is always worse than you think it was. Having covered scores of hurricanes over five decades, that is my personal bottom line. The terror of the storm is always dwarfed by the gasping horror of the morning after. The adrenaline rush of having battened down the hatches or fled the oncoming monster fades. As devastating as the ravages of wind and rain, flood and fire are in real time, it is only days later, when the sun shines and your heart stops thumping, that the true extent of ruin is apparent.
By day two or three, "That wasn't so bad," is replaced by "Oh my God!"
We peek our heads, look around, count the dead and tally our losses. In this case the butcher's bill is already jaw-dropping, and it is getting worse by the hour.
From North Carolina to Maine, storm-related deaths will surely pass one hundred. They already approach 40 in New York City alone. And every hour bodies are found, like the tiny toddlers heart-wrenchingly torn from their mother's arms during the flood surge on Staten Island.
Government can't do it all. This is the time to channel the adrenaline of storm survival into practical compassion and reasonable sharing. Geraldo Rivera
Halloween Hurricane Sandy Frankenstorm is a mass murderer. And millions of those she didn't kill, she disrupted, damaged, denied, and diminished, some permanently altering innumerable lives. From Breezy Point in Queens to Asbury Park in New Jersey, what was will never be again.
As heart-warming as the president's bipartisan visit this week to storm-ravaged New Jersey arm in arm with Governor Chris Christie was, the image will soon turn bitter and sour if the poor souls along the Jersey Shore, Lower Manhattan, the Connecticut coast, and elsewhere in Sandy's vast killing field do not soon see relief from their misery.
As of this writing there are still folks stranded and deprived, out of gas, food, water and power. Traffic is snarled, mighty high-rises are humbled, and broken hearts will soon become angry. Our charitable instincts will soon be translated into action, but the suffering has to be alleviated immediately. This is the time for our elected officials to suffer sleepless nights on behalf of their constituents not just their own election.
I have another bottom line. Action talks, bull sh*t walks. This is the time for all good hearts to open their wallets. I would love to hear that message from President Obama and Governor Romney. The malignant federal deficit they both talk about has reasonably been put on the back burner during this emergency. But government can't do it all. This is the time to channel the adrenaline of storm survival into practical compassion and reasonable sharing.
There is something else that has been weighing heavily on my mind as we prepare to pick the President of the United States next Tuesday. It is the controversy I named "Benghazi-gate."
Why did I use that obvious reference to the Watergate scandal of 1972? Because of the appearance of a cover-up by the government of the true nature of the attacks in Libya that killed four Americans including our ambassador Chris Stevens on September 11, 2012.
There are three aspects to the story.
The first is the obvious lack of security at the Consulate in Benghazi prior to the attacks. The second is what happened during the attack on our Consulate, and the resulting deaths of our people. And the third is the Obama Administration's characterization of the attacks after the fact.
On point one, the lack of security, the criticism of the Obama Administration deserves thoughtful examination.
It is self-evident that the State Department failed to secure the compound in Benghazi. Although security at the Consulate was beefed up prior to 9/11, whatever was done was tragically insufficient. Remember, though, in our diplomatic facilities around the world, even those defended by United States Marines, we count on the host country to provide security. Those facilities aren't like the Alamo. We can't defend the walls against hordes of attackers.
In Benghazi, as the Ambassador's recently discovered messages suggest, the local police were probably complicit in the attack. Therefore, like our Embassy in Tehran in 1979, the local government in Benghazi either joined in or allowed militants to attack us either unwilling or incapable of doing anything to stop them. Why Ambassador Stevens choose to remain in harm's way is another question that deserves answers.
The infamous interviews given by our UN Ambassador, Susan Rice, five days after the tragedy about the nature of the attacks are another valid point of criticism of the Obama Administration. Why they allowed her to blame the Libyan violence solely on reaction to a vile anti-Muslim video is yet another area that deserves investigation. I believe there is an innocent explanation, but the question of whether the administration sought to spin an act of terror into an act of vandalism just to keep intact the president's image as Bin Laden Killer is a valid one.
Where the critics of the president fall short is the issue of what the military could have done to prevent those deaths of our people once the attack in Benghazi started. Much has been made of the time that elapsed from the first attack on the Consulate, in which Ambassador Chris Stevens and communications expert Steve Smith perished, and the subsequent mortar attack seven hours later that killed former Navy SEALS Chris Doherty and Ty Woods.
We hear tales of real-time drone surveillance and Delta commandos straining at the bit in nearby Italy waiting to rescue our people in distress. But no combat veteran commander I know will say that a military response during the seven hour attack was possible or indeed has ever been done before.
Unlike the CIA and State Department, the Pentagon did not have the relationship with the local militias. The military with no units in Libya, did not know the local "bad" guys from the "good" guys. According to our premier military analyst, the retired Vice Chief of Staff of the Army General Jack Keane there was no suitable military unit standing by waiting for a 911. The Army isn't the fire department or the SWAT team.
Our rapid deployment unit is based in the United States, not in Italy. If there was an AC-130 (Snoopy) gunship in the region General Keane doesn't know about it. And who was "Snoopy" going to shoot at?
Life is not a videogame. Our military has never launched a relief operation under the circumstances described. Not even the Israelis have pulled off a caper like this; the famed 1976 Entebbe rescue took seven days not seven hours to prosecute.
We mourn the loss of our heroes and we pledge our sacred honor to killing or capturing their killers, but to insist self-righteously that more should have been done to prevent their deaths once the attack started is more about presidential politics than military science.
Tomorrow is Election Day. All the negative TV ads, Get Out the Vote calls, gaffe-spotting and fundraising solicitations will finally come to an end.
On second thought, the fundraising solicitations probably wont stop.
Theres a chance that Obama will pull off a squeaker tomorrow, but its not high. In all likelihood, Mitt Romney will be the 45th President of the United States.
The reason is simple: Barack Obamas reelection bid has been doomed by his own broken promises.
Obama built his 2008 campaign on a false premise: that a man with no leadership experience whatsoever could change the way America is governed.
When the same man, who has never run a business and spent a negligible amount of his adult life working for a profit-making enterprise, told us that his stimulus package would keep unemployment below 8 percent, we should not have believed him.
We did (some of us, anyway), and for our faith we received $800 billion more of debt and 43 consecutive months of unemployment above 8 percent.
With a record of spending like that, its no surprise that Obamas promise to cut the deficit in half by the end of my first term also fell by the wayside as the deficit ballooned from $500 billion in 2008 to nearly $1.5 trillion this year.
Obama promised to present a plan for immigration reform during his first term in office. Four year later, were still waiting. Meanwhile, a drug and gun war rages on our southern border and the human tragedy of illegal immigration carries on unabated.
During the 2008 campaign, Obama repeatedly promised to close Guantanamo Bay. On January 22, 2009, two days after his swearing in, he signed an executive order mandating the closure of the military prison within one year. He even bragged about it in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech. Yet so weak is Obamas leadership that even his executive orders go unfulfilled.
That Obama failed to deliver on these promises is bad enough; that many were made with no intention of being kept is far worse.
In a speech after the Minnesota primary, Obama actually claimed that:
I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children this was the moment that the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal.
Imagine the kind of gall it takes to promise that your ascendency to high political office will stop the rise of the oceans.
Its the sort of thing that an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh might have said with a straight face. That we allowed it of a 21st Century Presidential candidate boggles the mind.
As a candidate, Barack Obama was singularly capable of inspiring hope in Americans. But time and again, Americans hopes have been dashed.
Americans have watched as 2008s campaign of hope and change devolved into 2012s campaign of desperation, marked by embarrassing ads about big bird and comparing voting for Obama to a girl losing her virginity.
The last months of the campaign have seen a series of announcements that play off of the hopes of millions of still-struggling Americans, but will result in more of the disappointment that weve become accustomed to over the last four years.
In June, Obama announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals memo, an election year maneuver that exacerbates our immigration crisis by incentivizing further illegal immigration.
In August, Obama promoted a bill offering refinancing to struggling homeowners that he knew was destined to fail.
Just last week, Obama announced plans for a new Secretary of Business in a last-ditch effort to associate his administration with economic growth.
Obama campaigned in poetry, governed in prose, and is running for reelection in deceitful advertising copy.
This time, Americans arent buying it.
President Obama himself let the whole country in on one of the secrets that has been driving this election since day one when he made this comment to a newspaper: "And since this is off the record, I will just be very blunt. Should I win a second term, a big reason I will win a second term is because the Republican nominee and the Republican Party have so alienated the fastest-growing demographic group in the country, the Latino community."
The only part of the President's statement that could actually be more blunt is to remove the word "should" and insert a "when.
That's right, the overwhelming number of Latino and immigrant voters that the President will win in this election make it virtually impossible for the Republican nominee to take the White House.
Truthfully, the election was largely settled by the spring.
Mitt Romney ran an anti-immigrant campaign during the primaries, holding out Arizona's racial profiling law as a model, calling for the immiseration of immigrants so as to induce "self-deportation," attacking opponents with a moderate practical approach to immigration reform and vowing to veto the DREAM Act.
The president, on the other hand, acknowledged the moral disaster of our deportation policies by adopting prosecutorial discretion and announcing deferments on deportation for young immigrants in America who know no other home.
For immigrant and Latino families, these positions boil down to a sharp difference.
The Republican nominee's vision would continue to rip families apart, perhaps even accelerating families being shattered by hardship induced "self-deportation.
Families would suffer greatly under new racial profiling laws modeled after Arizona and without a pathway to legalization, many immigrant families would continue to toil under the terror that at any moment a mother, father, son or daughter might be ripped from their grasp forever.
You see, the economy or education might outrank immigration as an issue with Latinos in some polls, but it is a deeply personal issue because Romney's attacks are seen as an assault on the very identity of recent immigrants or those who count recent immigrants as community or family members. And that attack can be seen in the polling numbers.
In the early summer, after the deferred action announcement, support for the president among Latinos surged to a 43-point gap, 66-23. Mitt Romney has focused his attention on leveling that gap by turning to his economic message. The result? The gap has reached an all-time high of 52 points, 73-21. In the end, no amount of TV ads about the jobs crisis can counteract the perception that one of the candidates wants to rip your family and community apart.
It wasn't always this stark for our community.
George Bush, who favored a practical path to citizenship for hard working immigrants, won 35 percent of the Latino vote in 2000 and more than 40 percent in 2004.
Those were two of the closest elections in American history.
Since that time the Latino population in America has grown 43 percent, and now stands at 52 million people.
And groups like mine, the Campaign for Community Change and our partners in the Fair Immigration Reform Movement have been working tirelessly to boost registration and turn out rates in our communities with astounding results.
The year 2010 marked our coming out party. Latinos became the firewall that saved the U.S. Senate from an all but certain Republican takeover when, in record numbers, our voters rejected anti-immigrant candidates in Nevada, Colorado, California and Washington.
Over one million people have been deported, shattering hundreds of thousands of families in America who deserve to be together.
My family has also felt the pain and suffering that comes with a broken system.
Ive lost a cousin who crossed over to provide a better life for his family only to be left to die alone in the Texas desert.
I have family members who are currently being separated from their loved ones because of this inhumane policy that needs to be changed for the good of all of us.
Americans support practical solutions based on the core American value that family is the sacred building block of our nation.
We need immigration reform that ends the attack on this fundamental value by creating a path to legalized status for hardworking immigrants and restores family unity as a core principle in all aspects of our law.
Only one of the candidates has promised this solution and that's why he's going to win, and when he does, its up to us to keep him to his word and pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform for good of the country.
Rudy Lopez is National Political Director, Campaign for Community Change
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As we reflect about the billion dollars in damage caused by the Superstorm Sandy, we know that Latino and immigrant workers will be an essential part of the workforce rebuilding our towns and cities.
We will get to work repairing our homes and communities, but also remain focused on our core priority of assuring a strong voter turnout on Nov 6.We know firsthand that there is too much at risk to pause while we recuperate from Sandys devastation.
More than one million families have been separated by deportation in the last four years, laws that open the door to racial profiling remain intact, and Congress inaction to connect economic growth with immigration reform are among the frustrations of Latinos driving us to the polls.
In essence, it is fair to say that human and civil rights of Latinos and immigrants are in peril.
A record voter turnout of 12 million Latinos is expected for the 2012 presidential election. As many as 23 million Latinos are eligible to vote this presidential cycle, 22 percent more than in 2008, according to the Pew Hispanic Center.
Moreover, the large Latino constituency in battleground states such as Florida, Nevada, Colorado, Virginia, and Pennsylvania strongly adds to the value of their vote. Correspondingly, multiple polls position nearly 70 percent of Latinos voting to reelect President Obama.
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And President Obama understands this calculation perfectly.
The president himself expressed optimism on this score in a recent Des Moines Register interview.
A big reason I will win a second term is because the Republican nominee and the Republican Party have so alienated the fastest-growing demographic group in the country," Obama said. "The Latino community."
It is encouraging to hear from the President himself that he is indebted to Latinos. It is a debt that must be repaid with action.
It is truly a testament to the miscalculations of Republicans that the President garners this level of support despite some significant missteps by his administration as it fumbled in resolving the civil and humans rights crisis facing this country. But Latinos are far from being naive. To the contrary, the Latino community has grown politically savvy the past years.
Latino students have become one of the most politically active demographics across the nation. Their passion to achieve justice by legalizing undocumented youth known as DREAMers is electrifying. They are a true example of what being American means: people with a strong sense of justice and an eagerness to contribute financially and socially to their only country, the United States.
The persistence of DREAMers to obtain deferred action for undocumented youth a form of relief that halts deportation and allows people to work during Obamas first presidential term is a victory for the Latino and immigrant movement.
By the same token, the arduous work of highly organized Latino and immigrant communities to stop or at least diminish the impact of divisive state-wide anti-immigrant and voter suppression legislation in different parts of the nation, led by Republicans, are also colossal victories.
Latinos are demonstrating that we know how to use our political power. And this election is no exception.
As President Obama points out, the agenda of hate that has separated Latinos from the Republican Party is indeed the reason why Latinos prefer to re-elect a President committed to pass immigration reform in his second term over a candidate who has pledged to continue an agenda that treats Latinos as second class citizens.
President Obama and his party will be held responsible for years to come if they fail to deliver passage of immigration reform, as promised. Democrats cant rely forever on Republican incompetence. The fastest growing community in the nation may give Democrats a second try in 2012, but that is not a permanent pass.
You may remember about 10 years ago, The OReilly Factor began spotlighting companies that refused to say the words "Merry Christmas."
In fact, some of those businesses actually ordered their employees not to say that. Well, that culture war issue ignited. And we won. Most companies stopped the nonsense and Merry Christmas became a common greeting once again. For me, it was interesting to go through that, because some on the far left actually denied there was any controversy at all and claimed that I fabricated it. More lies from a crew that is incapable of telling the truth.
Anyway, this year the American Family Association, based in Tupelo, Miss., Elvis' hometown, has issued its annual naughty or nice list. That tells the public which businesses are Christmas-friendly and which are not. This year, the following companies are rated five-star nice: Cracker Barrel, Hobby Lobby, Kirkland's, Lowe's, Michael's and Walmart. I remember at one time, Lowe's was a problem. But obviously that's turned around.
Also on the Christmas-friendly list: Ace Hardware, Banana Republic, Bass Pro Shops, Bed Bath and Beyond, Books-A-Million, Dick's Sporting Goods, Home Depot, JC Penney, Kmart, L.L. Bean, Marshalls, Neiman Marcus, Proflowers.com, Rite Aid, Sam's Club and Toys R Us.
All of those companies use the word Christmas in their advertising and promotion.
Now, the naughty companies that kind of marginalized Christmas: Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Foot Locker, The Gap, The Limited, Nordstrom, Office Depot, Office Max, Petsmart, Staples and Victoria's Secret.
According to the AFA, those companies are not in the Christmas spirit. And thats bad news for them, because Donald Trump is on the case.
We're going to start saying Merry Christmas again! he told a rally earlier this week. How about all those department stores they have the bells and they have the red walls and they have the snow but they don't have Merry Christmas? I think they're going to start putting up Merry Christmas.
Or they will be deported. But seriously, does the Christmas deal really matter? Since the War on Christmas has basically been won, this is a cleanup operation. But the information is valid. Many Americans celebrate Christmas because they believe that Jesus is the savior and his birth should be honored. And because it's a federal holiday, there is no reason to diminish Christmas or insult those who believe in it. Don't like Christmas? Ignore it.
Companies and stores that embrace Christmas obviously will attract folks who feel the same way. The OReilly Factor is just happy that most Americans see Christmas as a positive experience. And we're happy we could contribute to that.
Merry Christmas!
Bill O'Reilly currently serves as the host of FOX News Channel's (FNC) The O'Reilly Factor (weekdays 8PM/ET), the most watched cable news show for the past 13 years. He joined the network in 1996 and is based in New York. Click here for more information on Bill O'Reilly.
This should be a time for a serious reappraisal by Democrats. Their party suffered a startling defeat last month from top to bottom. The Democrats way back must begin with understanding what happened and why. Only then can they determine how to build a majority again.
Instead, many Democratic leaders are engaging in self-deception and looking for excuses. The Electoral College is a prime villain. More than 4.8 million people have signed a petition calling on electors to support the winner of the most ballots, Hillary Clinton. This would prevent Donald Trump from taking office as the fifth president who won an Electoral College majority without winning the popular vote.
But it isnt the Founders fault that the Clinton campaign failed to turn out African-American voters in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit and Milwaukee. The Electoral College didnt force blue-collar voters and rural Democrats in the Midwest to defect from the Democratic Party.
Mrs. Clintons popular majority is the result of getting more votes than President Obama did in states like California and Virginia, where Mr. Trump underperformed Mitt Romney.
Jennifer Palmieri, the communications director for Mrs. Clintons campaign, wrote in the Washington Post that Mr. Trump gave a platform to white supremacists. Besides insulting the 55 million whites who voted for him, this doesnt make sense.
To continue reading Karl Roves column in the Wall Street Journal, click here.
According to the New York Post, Mayor Bill de Blasio is creating a citywide safe space for New York Citys municipal workers and offering them psychotherapy sessions to deal with the results of the presidential election.
Taken literally (and we should), the mayor is telling citizens of New York City that they should indulge any potential weakness inside them that makes them believe they cant deal with the results of American democracy when the results dont go their way that theyre easily injured, inherently weak and dont have the personal fortitude to keep fighting for what they believe in.
See, there are politicians who will use any occasion to coax people into dependency on the state whether for food, shelter, the raising of their children or hand-holding when anything in life doesnt go their way.
Remember, Mayor DiBlasio is offering New Yorkers therapy to cope with the results of an election. These are the same people who battleevery daythe vagaries of living in the largest metropolitan area in the country. These are the same people who survived 9/11.
The DiBlasio mindset is the same one that results in telling the losing team of kids that they get trophies, too. They need only to agree that they are sad and defeated and need parental figures to indulge them with unwarranted accolades.
The mayor is suggesting to citizens of New York City that they should consider whether the democratic process has injured them to such an extent that they need to limp into therapists offices and, kind of, cry it out. Like coddled children. He seems to believe that he and other progressive leaders like him should be the only ones with personal power the only real adults.
Isnt that why progressives would tax citizens even more, if they could because individuals dont really know how to use their own money? Isnt that why they would disarm citizens, if he could because Americans dont need to be able to defend themselves and decide when it is necessary? Isnt that why many of them would reverse the election of Donald Trump, if they could because they believe that Americans who voted differently than they did must not have known what they were doing?
Be weak, de Blasio and the likes of him say, and you will be embraced. You will be loved.
This undermining of human autonomy, self-confidence and self-determination in citizens of a city or a nation is the opposite of what psychiatrists like me stand for which is self-possession. And make no mistake, it isnt just funny and it isnt just foolish. It is a strategic effort to erode individual well-being, individual thought, individual action and individual potential.
This nation has faced tests of its will before, in world wars and it faces one now, in radical Islamic terrorism. Our survival and the survival of liberty around the globe will depend, ultimately, on American, God-given strength. And those who would bleed that strength from our souls, would only set the stage for other vampires, who dont pretend they love us, to finish us off.
President-elect Donald Trump won't take the oath of office until Jan. 20, but that is not stopping him from trying to clean up the economic mess his predecessor is leaving behind.
On Wednesday, Trump met with tech titans to discuss job creation and innovation. Just before that roundtable discussion at Trump Tower, the CEO of IBM, who attended the meeting, announced that her company is going to create 25,000 new jobs and invest more than $1 billion right here in America over the next four years.
President-elect Trump promised the American people that he's going focus on job growth, and that's what he's doing.
WARY SILICON VALLEY LEADERS MEET WITH TRUMP
Last week, Trump announced that Japan's SoftBank will invest $50 billion into America's economy. That will create 50,000 new jobs. And of course, last month, Trump cut a deal with air conditioner manufacturer Carrier to save over 1,000 jobs that the company was planning to ship to Mexico.
This is a great start. But the truth is this: The president-elect has his work cut out for him. President Obama's policies have been a complete and utter disaster. Consider where Donald Trump is starting:
We now have the lowest labor force participation rate since the 1970s, 95 million Americans are out of work, we are in the weakest recovery since the 1940s, we have the lowest home ownership rate in 51 years, there are 13 million more Americans on food stamps in the last eight years, we have 43 million Americans living in poverty up 8 million from eight years ago and one in six American men ages 18 to 34 are either in prison or living in Mommy and Daddy's basement because they don't have a job.
And by the time he leaves office, President Obama will have accumulated more debt than all 43 presidents before him combined.
There are very clear reasons why President Obama failed. One of the biggest is that he insisted on using big government statism to create jobs, a strategy that has never worked.
Remember his failed stimulus plan that was going to create "shovel-ready jobs?" When those jobs never materialized and cost American taxpayers nearly a trillion dollars, he joked in retrospect that the jobs werent so shovel ready after all.
It failed because all those billions of dollars were filtered through that big, bloated government bureaucracy in Washington, and that is a lesson we need to learn. Doling out money through the political cronies to companies like failed solar panel maker Solyndra was destined to fail from day one.
These results have been pathetic, and all we have to show for it is a doubling of the national debt at the expense of our own kids.
Obama's plan didn't work. So the question we've got to ask before Donald Trump becomes president is, what will work? How do we create success for the forgotten men and women who turned out for Trump?
Trump's plan is in stark contrast to President Obama's. He's going to take the opposite approach. He will implement policies that historically have worked.
He intends to create jobs with lower taxes and other reforms including a reduction from seven tax brackets to three, a 15 percent corporate tax rate and a 10 percent repatriation rate for the trillions of dollars that multi-national corporations have parked abroad in banks. He's going to cut government regulation big league. He plans to renegotiate trade deals, achieve energy independence and repeal and replace ObamaCare. That should add up like a tax cut for most Americans.
Trump has set a goal of four percent GDP growth. Obama did not have one year of three percent GDP growth, making him the first president ever to bear such a dubious distinction.
If President-elect Trump follows through on that agenda, it could create one of the biggest economic booms the country has ever seen. I would be similar to what Presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan did. They understood that, in order to have real economic growth, you need to unleash the potential of the free market.
Kennedy set in motion a plan to cut the top marginal tax rate from 91 percent to 77 percent. During his short time as president, 3.8 million jobs were created while seeing an average of 4.4 percent GDP growth.
Ronald Reagan inherited Jimmy Carters dismal economy and took Kennedys concept even further. He shredded the top marginal rate, lowering it over the course of his presidency from 70 percent to 28 percent. As a result, the Reagan economy created 20 million new jobs after the '82 recession ended. GDP growth averaged 3.5 percent and government revenues nearly doubled. We saw at the end of his presidency the longest period of peacetime economic growth.
President-elect Trump has one major advantage over JFK and Ronald Reagan. We now know that we can become energy independent. We have massive natural gas, shale oil reserves, and not only will tapping into those resources create millions of jobs here at home, but it will also create a whole new foreign policy dynamic in the Middle East. We won't be dependent on countries that hate our guts.
And if we export some of those resources to Western Europe, they won't be dependent on Russia for their energy needs.
There is one aspect of the president-elect's agenda that I worry about. He is talking about spending $1 trillion on infrastructure. Everybody agrees we've got to fix our crumbling roads and bridges, but how are we going to pay for it?
The money cannot be spent by congressmen and senators, 535 greedy bureaucrats in Washington who will only divert money to failed projects and corrupt cronies.
There has to be an outside commission put in place to oversee how this $1 trillion is spent. Stimulus spending under President Trump must truly result in shovel ready jobs.
Adapted from Sean Hannity's monologue on "Hannity," airing Dec. 14, 2016
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The House Intelligence Committee abruptly canceled a briefing set for Thursday on alleged Russian interference in the U.S. election, after the CIA declined to provide a briefer for the session, Fox News is told.
Amid concerns about reports that conflict with details previously provided to the committee, Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., had requested a closed, classified briefing Thursday for committee Republican and Democratic members from the FBI, CIA, Office of the Director of National Intelligence and National Security Agency.
But Fox News is told the CIA declined citing its focus on the full review requested by President Obama, and the other agencies did not respond to the committees request, which is unusual given the panel is the most-senior committee with jurisdiction.
"It is unacceptable that the Intelligence Community directors would not fulfill the House Intelligence Committees request to be briefed tomorrow on the cyber-attacks that occurred during the presidential campaign," Nunes said in a statement. "The Committee is deeply concerned that intransigence in sharing intelligence with Congress can enable the manipulation of intelligence for political purposes."
Nunes also had given the agencies until Friday to address conflicts in the record.
In response to Fox News' initial report, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), which oversees all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies, issued a statement claiming that lawmakers from both parties have received "extensive, detailed classified and unclassified briefings ... since last summer and have continued to do so after Election Day."
"Last week, the President ordered a full Intelligence Community review of foreign efforts to influence recent Presidential elections from 2008 to present," the statement added. "Once the review is complete in the coming weeks, the Intelligence Community stands ready to brief Congressand will make those findings available to the public consistent with protecting intelligence sources and methods. We will not offer any comment until the review is complete."
A Washington Post report Friday, citing anonymous sources, said the CIA determined Russia interfered in the election with the purpose of helping Trumps campaign. But, as Nunes first noted in a letter Monday, DNI James Clapper told their committee on Nov. 17 that the intelligence community lacked strong evidence connecting Russia to the WikiLeaks disclosures.
Nunes wrote, According to new press reports, this is no longer the CIAs position I was dismayed that we did not learn earlier, from you directly about the reported conflicting assessments and the CIAs reported revision of information previously conveyed to this Committee.
Separately, Fox News has learned additional details about the full review President Obama ordered from his intelligence agencies regarding Russian interference.
The review is being led by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and is a multi-agency effort. Investigators plan to take existing intelligence and reconstruct what happened.
Fox News is told one focus is on whether there is new intelligence that substantiates analysis the interference was designed to ensure a Trump victory, or whether a review of the existing intelligence with fresh eyes leads to new conclusions.
Some lawmakers, on both sides of the aisle, have backed calls for a separate congressional investigation, voicing concern that Obamas intelligence agencies might not be able to conduct a thorough review before he leaves office.
The White House has backed calls for a congressional review as well, while joining Democrats in reviving criticism of the Trump campaigns alleged Russia connections.
Given statements from the White House, Fox News is told there is considerable pressure on the intelligence community to declassify as much of the findings as possible before Jan. 20, when Trump is set to take the oath of office.
A Bitcoin user has gone to court to prevent the Internal Revenue Service from accessing personal data of millions of users on Coinbase, a San Francisco-based digital asset exchange company.
Jeffrey K. Berns, a managing partner with the Los Angeles firm Berns Weiss LLP, filed a motion Tuesday before a California federal court in an attempt to quash a John Doe summons issued last month by the IRS on the Bitcoin trading and storage platform.
A John Doe summons is an order that identifies a person or group by their activity, rather than by their specific identity.
In this case, the IRS is using it to require Coinbase to disclose almost every transaction of every user from 2013 to 2015 based on alleged wrongdoing committed by one individual and two companies, according to IRS declaration to the court.
Berns says relying on just three isolated cases of alleged tax evasion does not justify placing the privacy of millions of Coinbase users at risk. He argues the three cases do not mean most Coinbase users may fail or may have failed to comply with IRS laws.
Federal investigators justify the summons on the grounds they need the personal information to ensure Coinbase users are fully complying with tax laws by paying all proper taxes due on their Bitcoin-related income.
The case will be heard on Jan. 19.
The IRS Summons is certainly not what the Supreme Court envisioned. Further, the breadth of the summons, which seeks substantial personal information that is not at all relevant to tax compliance issues, and which could expose these clients to significant risk of having their identity and funds stolen by hackers who have succeeded previously in hacking the federal government, including the IRS numerous times, makes it easy to conclude that the IRS is engaging in abuse of process, the motion, on behalf of all Coinbase users, states.
Asked for a response to the class action lawsuit, IRS spokeswoman Anny K. Pachner told FoxNews.com the IRS will not comment due to pending litigation.
According to the IRS, for an order to be valid, the agency must establish a reasonable basis for suspecting noncompliance with the tax laws by the unidentified person or the entire group or class of unidentified persons that are the subject of the investigation.
The intersection of digital currency and tax law is still being explored and defined, posing tricky questions and pitfalls for all parties.
In 2014, the IRS issued guidance describing Bitcoin and other digital currencies as kinds of taxable property. However, they never fully developed a plan for digital currency taxation.
Jim Harper, senior fellow at the Cato Institute, voiced concern about the precedent that could be established if the court rules in favor of the IRS.
If the level of evidence can be that low and still allow access to private information, then there is not a payment in any format that the IRS could not subpoena, Harper said.
Harper said the precedent would reach beyond individuals engaged in digital currency trading to the heart of Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches.
For example, the IRS could argue they had evidence some cable users were using their bill expenses as write-offs in an effort to reduce their tax liability -- and attempt to access the records of all cable users.
A September 2016 report from the IRS Inspector General faulted the agency for failing to develop compliance guidelines for Bitcoin users. The IG noted none of the actions taken by the IRS to address virtual currency tax noncompliance were coordinated to ensure that the IRS maintains a strategic approach to the tax implications of virtual currencies.
President Obama ends his presidency with positive ratings for his overall job performance as well as his handling of the economy, according to the latest Fox News Poll.
Yet while more people feel positively about the economy today than have in more than a decade, not many say their familys financial situation has improved since Obama took office.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL POLL RESULTS.
One-third says the economy is in excellent (3 percent) or good shape (30 percent). Thats up 10 percentage points from 23 percent in January 2016 (2 percent excellent and 21 percent good).
Before Obama took office in 2009, just five percent of voters rated economic conditions positively (1 percent excellent and 4 percent good). Some 23 percent say its in poor condition today, down drastically from 74 percent (January 13-14, 2009).
Despite that improvement, only 30 percent feel they are better off financially now than before Obama became president. One-in-five says theyre worse off (22 percent), and nearly half feel their familys financial situation is about the same (47 percent).
A 56-percent majority thinks the economy will be in better shape a year from now. One-third expects things to get worse (34 percent).
Theres a significant partisan gap in views on the economys future. Republicans (89 percent) are three times more likely than Democrats (28 percent) to say the economy will be better next year. Fifty-eight percent of independents see sunnier times ahead.
Obama leaves office with a thumbs-up from 53 percent of voters for his overall job performance, while 41 percent disapprove.
For his handling of the economy, 52 percent of voters approve and 44 percent disapprove. Thats notable since Obamas ratings on the economy were in negative territory for most of his presidency.
He received his record high of 55 percent approval in September 2009 -- the most recent time more voters than not rated him positively on the economy. His record low was in August 2011 when 34 percent of voters approved.
Obama ends his second term with less than half of voters approving of the job hes doing on foreign policy (47-46 percent), health care (47-51 percent), immigration (47-49 percent), and ISIS (41-51 percent). In each of these areas, his ratings are at or near the high point of his second term.
Meanwhile, 43 percent feel the country is less safe than when Obama became president. Thats more than twice as many as say its safer (20 percent). One-third feels it hasnt changed under Obama (35 percent).
Views of Obama as a person have been more positive than negative for much of his presidency.
The new poll finds 57 percent of voters have a favorable opinion of him, including 40 percent who have a strongly favorable view. Forty-two percent have an unfavorable opinion (30 percent strongly unfavorable).
Michelle Obama is more beloved: 67 percent favorable vs. 28 percent unfavorable. Nearly half of voters, 48 percent, have a strongly positive opinion of the first lady.
Pollpourri
By a nearly three-to-one margin, voters say Obama should not pardon Hillary Clinton for crimes she might have committed in connection with the Clinton Foundation or her time as secretary of state. When Donald Trump mentioned Clintons email troubles at rallies, his supporters regularly chanted the phrase, Lock her up! The poll shows 23 percent of voters think Obama should pre-empt any attempt to prosecute Clinton with a pardon. Sixty-eight percent disagree.
Even voters who backed Clinton in the presidential election are more likely to oppose a pardon: 40 percent say Obama should vs. 48 percent shouldnt.
Among those voting for Trump, its 8 vs. 87 percent.
The Fox News poll is based on landline and cellphone interviews with 1,034 randomly chosen registered voters nationwide and was conducted under the joint direction of Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R) from December 11-13, 2016. The poll has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points for all registered voters.
Anger on Capitol Hill boiled over Wednesday night after the intelligence communitys alleged intransigence forced the cancellation of a House Intelligence Committee briefing on claims of Russian interference in the U.S. election.
"Somebody has the time to leak it to The Washington Post and The New York Times, but they dont have the time to come to Congress," Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., a member of the committee, told Fox News' "The Kelly File." "Its their job to come. They dont have any choice. They have to come in, especially when they have created this."
Amid concerns about reports that conflict with details previously provided to the committee, Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., originally had requested a closed, classified briefing for members from the FBI, CIA, Office of the Director of National Intelligence and National Security Agency.
But Fox News was told the CIA Director John Brennan declined to provide a briefer, citing its focus on the full review requested by President Obama. The other agencies did not respond to the committees request, which is unusual given the panel is the most-senior committee with jurisdiction.
Nunes had to cancel the briefing in response.
"It is unacceptable that the Intelligence Community directors would not fulfill the House Intelligence Committees request to be briefed tomorrow on the cyber-attacks that occurred during the presidential campaign," Nunes said in a statement. "The Committee is deeply concerned that intransigence in sharing intelligence with Congress can enable the manipulation of intelligence for political purposes."
King pointed out the irony in the lack of cooperation.
"The consensus was that there was an attempt by the Russians to put a cloud over the election, to create disunity. Well, thats whats happening right now, but its the intelligence community thats doing it, he said.
King added that lawmakers have not received any assessment from the CIA that Russia interfered to help Trump win the presidency over Hillary Clinton, allegations first reported by The Washington Post Friday.
The intelligence community defended its position late Wednesday, releasing a statement noting senior administration officials regularly provide extensive, detailed classified and unclassified briefings to members and staff from both parties on Capitol Hill.
But the statement said they are focusing on the review ordered by President Obama on foreign efforts to influence U.S. elections.
Once the review is complete in the coming weeks, the Intelligence Community stands ready to brief Congressand will make those findings available to the public consistent with protecting intelligence sources and methods. We will not offer any comment until the review is complete, the statement said.
King, referring to recent press reports, said its almost as if people in the intelligence community are carrying out a disinformation campaign against the president-elect of the United States."
He added, "Its absolutely disgraceful and if theyre not doing it, then it must be someone in the House or the Senate whos leaking false information and there should be a full investigation of this."
A Washington Post report Friday, citing anonymous sources, said the CIA determined Russia interfered in the election with the purpose of helping Trumps campaign. But, as Nunes first noted in a letter Monday, DNI James Clapper told their committee on Nov. 17 that the intelligence community lacked strong evidence connecting Russia to the WikiLeaks disclosures.
Nunes wrote, According to new press reports, this is no longer the CIAs position I was dismayed that we did not learn earlier, from you directly about the reported conflicting assessments and the CIAs reported revision of information previously conveyed to this Committee.
Separately, Fox News has learned additional details about the full review Obama ordered from his intelligence agencies regarding Russian interference.
The review is being led by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and is a multi-agency effort. Investigators plan to take existing intelligence and reconstruct what happened.
Fox News is told one focus is on whether there is new intelligence that substantiates analysis the interference was designed to ensure a Trump victory, or whether a review of the existing intelligence with fresh eyes leads to new conclusions.
Fox News Catherine Herridge contributed to this report.
The Obama administration is finding itself back on the defensive over its Syria policy as Aleppo falls to Bashar Assads government and civilians are evacuated, an operation preceded by desperate pleas from the citys battered residents and reports of atrocities against them.
Ambulances reportedly were carrying out the first groups of wounded and other residents on Thursday, under a cease-fire deal that would seal a rebel pullout from what had been their stronghold in the eastern part of the city.
Outgoing Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters Thursday he was encouraged by the cease-fire arrangements as well as the start of convoys moving out of the city.
But he also cited a report that a convoy of injured people were fired upon, and reports that Syrian men are being detained or conscripted at checkpoints. He condemned inexcusable attacks on civilians and humanitarian personnel, calling for an immediate and verifiable, durable cessation of hostilities.
Were going to continue to do our part to push all parties toward resolution, Kerry said.
At the same time, Kerry noted that if Aleppo falls completely, it will be harder to bring the parties around and will not end the war.
He put the onus on Damascus and its allies in Moscow to pursue peace. Within minutes, State Department spokesman John Kirby took the podium and was peppered with tough questions about how the administration sees any political transition or deal playing out at this stage.
Asked whether the U.S. is prepared to take action beyond talks, Kirby said it was determined that military options will not get us to the end we seek, while insisting the U.S. is leading and acting on behalf of the Syrian people. He conceded diplomacy has fallen short so far.
In a feisty exchange at the White House press briefing a day earlier, Press Secretary Josh Earnest also was pressed repeatedly by reporters on the U.S. governments policy. President Obama famously drew a red line with Syria in 2012 over the use of chemical weapons and then opted not to enforce it after evidence surfaced the line was crossed.
Its offensive to somehow suggest that the United States government and the world is not doing anything, Earnest said Wednesday.
He defended using diplomatic efforts rather than military force to seek an end to the fighting.
I think the Assad regime has demonstrated that theyve crossed all the lines in pursuit of their goals, Earnest said, adding he didnt know what kind of sick mind comes up with the strategy Russia and Assad are pursing.
Those goals apparently include depraved tactics like trying to starve innocent civilians into submission, bombing hospitals and playgrounds, targeting them, he said.
Retired Army Gen. Jack Keane, a Fox News military analyst, blasted Earnests comments.
I cant believe he can stand here and make a statement like that, Keane said Thursday on Fox News. Keane said Obama had the right to respond militarily after Assad used chemical weapons on his own people but was paralyzed by the fear of adverse consequence [that] could happen from that.
But, Keane added, Theres consequences from doing nothing.
Kirby also faced tough questions earlier this week from a reporter who pressed him on why the U.S. did not go beyond diplomatic calls to help civilians stranded in the Syrian city.
Youve failed repeatedly doing the same thing over and over again, which is a combination of trying to bring together people in some sort of talks with, sort of, imperfect cease-fire and then when things go badly you get really angry and then nothing ever changes, the reporter charged.
Kirby said Kerry stressed the need for an immediate end to civilian deaths in Aleppo. He also blamed Shia fighters for violating a truce secured Tuesday but broken hours later.
At the annual Saban Forum on Sunday, Kerry admitted the administrations failure to enforce the red line threat had cost the U.S. significantly in the Middle East in terms of a damaged reputation.
But Kerry insisted it was Congress that dropped the ball and not Obama, by not formally authorizing military force.
"People have interpreted it as his decision not to when, in fact, he never made a decision not to bomb, Kerry said. He made the decision to bomb. He simply decided he had to go to Congress because David Cameron lost the vote in the parliament on a Thursday, and on Friday, President Obama felt he would go [to Congress] and get the decision. Well, the decision wasnt forthcoming, and in the meantime, I got a deal with Lavrov to get all of the chemical weapons out of the country."
The deal with Lavrov was cast as reducing the pressure on the West to intervene in Syria. But as Russia subsequently increased its involvement in the war, Assads hold on power strengthened. The war became increasingly complicated as the United States turned its attention toward targeting Islamic State forces, following a largely ineffective effort to arm moderate rebels.
In some circles, any large-scale intervention in Syria was seen as a losing campaign. By punting to Congress, Obama simply avoided the entanglement.
But some lawmakers insisted all along there were middle-ground options that could have reduced the bloodshed in Syria.
It did not have to be this way, Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said in a statement. But this is the inevitable result of hollow words and inaction, red lines crossed without consequences, tarnished moral influence, leading from behind, and a total lack of American leadership.
They said the name Aleppo will echo through history, like Srebrenica and Rwanda, as a testament to our moral failure and everlasting shame, while predicting the Assad regime will use the cease-fire to reset its war machine and prepare to slaughter its way to victory across the rest of the country.
Despite the criticism of the Obama administrations lack of action, its unclear what President-elect Trump plans to do. Aleppos fall to Syrian government forces could be his first major test of how he plans to approach Russia, with which he has sought friendlier ties.
Trumps pick of Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, who has extensive businesses dealings with Russia and ties to President Vladimir Putin, has fueled speculation.
Currently, the situation in Aleppo is fluid.
According to Reuters, the International Committee of the Red Cross said the evacuation of 200 wounded people had begun. Russia, an ally of Assad, claimed 5,000 Syrian rebels and family members had been brought out of eastern Aleppo, though those claims could not be confirmed.
The evacuations come after two weeks of rapid advances by the Syrian army, aided by Russian air power and Shiite militias, in a part of the city held by rebels for four years.
Labor Secretary Tom Perez shook up the Democratic National Committee leadership race on Thursday by officially announcing his bid for chairman -- challenging front-runner Rep. Keith Ellison.
"Now more than ever, I believe we need a full-time chair who can inspire people, grow our party and speak to its broad tent," Perez said in a statement, in an apparent swipe at Ellison's initial waffling over whether he'd step down from the House to lead the DNC full-time. He added, "And we need a chair with the leadership and management experience to protect the progress we've made and keep us moving forward."
Perez' entry into the leadership race, if he gains traction, could serve to stir up party tensions from the primary season. Perez endorsed Hillary Clinton and at one point was vetted to be her running mate. Ellison aligns more with the party's left flank and had endorsed Bernie Sanders in the primary.
The next chairman will serve as a counterweight to President-elect Donald Trump and have a hand in rebranding the party that lost the Oval Office and failed to retake the Senate or House in November. Perez suggested he might be able to give the party broader appeal in that effort.
We have a lot of fighting to do. We have a lot of advocating to do. And Ive been doing that all my life, Perez said Thursday.
Perez will face off in February against Ellison, South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jamie Harrison and New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley.
Minnesota Rep. Ellison, who was the favorite going into the race, is the first Muslim elected to Congress. He has the backing of Sanders, progressive firebrand Sen. Elizabeth Warren and incoming Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer.
When the DNC opened up, (Sanders) called me and said we need to make the DNC not a fundraising and political organization but a true organizing tool, Schumer told The Washington Post in December. I said, Youre exactly right. And he says, The guy to do it is Keith Ellison.
At a campaign event, Sanders praised Ellison as someone who could promote change within the Democratic Party. Ellison also is backed by major labor unions and several progressive groups that supported Sanders during the primaries. The five-term congressman has crisscrossed the country in recent weeks meeting some of the 447 voting DNC members who will cast their vote in February.
After initial hesitation, Ellison also pledged to quit his House seat if he is elected chairman.
But Ellison is not without controversy.
He faces some pushback from Jewish groups and others who have taken him to task for his support of the Nation of Islam when he was younger and his criticism of Israels treatment of Palestinians.
J Street, a liberal Jewish advocacy group, has defended Ellison. J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami wrote in a Washington Post piece that Ellisons positions are consistent with those of the large majority of Jewish Americans.
The Republican Jewish Coalition countered by saying J Street was "moving even further out of the mainstream with their support for Keith Ellison," according to The Washington Free Beacon.
Perez, a prominent Hispanic Democrat, served as assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Obama Justice Department before being tapped for Labor secretary. Before that, he served on the Montgomery County Council in Maryland.
The media are vowing to get tough on the next president.
Suddenly, theyre like growling watchdogs baring their teeth.
Slate has a pop-up ad that links to a fundraising pitch: President Trump has declared war on the press. Help us fight back. Its a liberal site, of course, but increasingly anti-Trump.
My position is the same with every administration: Journalists should aggressively cover those in power. Its supposed to be an adversarial relationship.
All the critics who said the press wasnt tough enough on Barack Obama cant now turn around and insist that news outlets shouldnt scrutinize Donald Trump.
By the same token, I dont recall all this breast-beating at the end of 2008 about how the fourth estate would hold Obama accountable.
So its fascinating for me to watch journalists opine on covering this president-elect now and over the next four years.
Jim Rutenberg, the New York Times media columnist, praises CNNs Jake Tapper for his aggressive questioning of Mike Pence. Im all for that. But Rutenberg calls this a shining example of stand-up journalism, because, unfortunately, such moments now seem so rareIf only such moments could stop being so special and start being normal.
He writes that television news is going to have to do its part should Mr. Trump and his administration try to make policy based on false assertions, the same way he used them on the campaign trail. (And, yes, television will have to be just as vigilant should Mr. Trumps opponents use falsehoods to fight him, too.)
That sentiment is worth more than a parenthetical sentence. With Harry Reid retiring, much of the mainstream media seems to have forgotten that he made up a blatant lie about Mitt Romneys taxes and later said he was proud of it.
Rutenberg quotes CNN President Jeff Zucker as saying the key for us will be to make sure that we hold the administrations feet to the fire, hold them accountable not presuppose that anything is wrong or bad, but not be intimidated and not be afraid to call things out.
The subtext to many such critiques is that Trump is so different, and has such a loose relationship with the truth, and so openly disdains the media, that journalists have to quadruple their efforts against him. Which obviously raises questions of fairness and balance.
Refreshingly, former Politico Editor Susan Glasser writes that she doesnt miss the old days: Because, lets face it: too much of Washington journalism in the celebrated good old days was an old boys club, and so was politicsthey were smug, insular, often narrow-minded, and invariably convinced of their own rightness
Yes, we are now being accusedand accusing ourselvesof exactly the sort of smug, inside-the-Beltway myopia we thought we were getting rid of with the advent of all these new platforms. Im as angry as everybody else at the catastrophic failure of those fancy election-forecasting models that had us expecting an 85 percent or even a ridiculous 98 percentthanks Huffington Post!chance of a Hillary Clinton victory. All that breathless cable coverage of Trumps Twitter wars and the live shots of his plane landing on the tarmac didnt help either. And Facebook and Snapchat and the other social media sites should rightfully be doing a lot of soul-searching about their role as the most efficient distribution network for conspiracy theories, hatred, and outright falsehoods ever invented.
More important, Glasser has an existential fear because the media scandal of 2016 isnt so much about what reporters failed to tell the American public; its about what they did report on, and the fact that it didnt seem to matter. Stories that would have killed any other politiciantruly worrisome revelations about everything from the federal taxes Trump dodged to the charitable donations he lied about, the women he insulted and allegedly assaulted, and the mob ties that have long dogged himdid not stop Trump from thriving in this election year. Even fact-checking perhaps the most untruthful candidate of our lifetime didnt work; the more news outlets did it, the less the facts resonated.
That was the source of endless media frustration. Journalists would call out Trump for comments made without evidence, or that he maintained were sarcastic, or where the details were in dispute. And despite predictions of gloom and doom, these episodes wouldnt hurt him with his supporters, and may even have helped him.
They heard Trump in a different way, as a politically incorrect guy willing to denounce the media, and gave him plenty of leeway rather than parsing his words.
The challenge now is to provide tough coverage of this president without crossing the line into hostility.
Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., slammed the intelligence community Wednesday for forcing the cancellation of a planned House Intelligence Committee briefing on alleged Russian interference in the U.S. election.
"All weve heard from the intelligence community over the last several months is that they could not say that there was any attempt to undermine Hillary Clinton [or] to help Donald Trump," King told Fox News' Megyn Kelly on "The Kelly File." "The consensus was that there was an attempt by the Russians to put a cloud over the election, to create disunity. Well, thats whats happening right now, but its the intelligence community thats doing it."
King spoke hours after the committee abruptly canceled the scheduled Thursday briefing after the CIA declined to provide a briefer.
INTEL PANEL NIXES BRIEFING ON ALLEGED RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE IN US ELECTION AFTER RESISTANCE
"Somebody has the time to leak it to the Washington Post and the New York Times, but they dont have the time to come to Congress," said King, a member of the committee. "Its their job to come. They dont have any choice. They have to come in, especially when they have created this."
King added that lawmakers have not received any assessment from the CIA that Russia interfered to help Trump win the presidency over Hillary Clinton, allegations that were first reported by the Washington Post Friday.
"There was nothing at all, ever told to us, in fact they said they couldnt prove it, that there was an attempt to favor one candidate over the other. [James] Clapper, the director of national intelligence, said that publicly on Nov. 17," King told Kelly.
"This violates all protocols and its almost as if people in the intelligence community are carrying out a disinformation campaign against the president-elect of the United States," the congressman added. "Its absolutely disgraceful and if theyre not doing it, then it must be someone in the House or the Senate whos leaking false information and there should be a full investigation of this."
"Ninety-nine percent of the people in the CIA are great," King concluded. "Theres somebody here, though, thats behind something thats totally irresponsible."
Oil companies who have long coveted an environmentally sensitive Alaskan refuge may be on the verge of tapping its huge reserves under a Donald Trump administration that has signaled its support for fossil fuels.
Trumps nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency and Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson as secretary of state -- along with rumors that he will choose Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke as Interior Secretary -- have buoyed the hopes of many energy industry insiders and Alaskan lawmakers who have seen attempts to drill the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge thwarted during President Obamas time in office.
This is exactly the time we need to start developing the area, Nick Loris, an energy expert at the Washington D.C.-based conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation, told FoxNews.com. It will take more of a hurdle given what Obama has done, but it can be undone.
At the heart of the battle over ANWR a 19 million-acre tract of land flanked by the Brooks Range to the south, the Beaufort Sea to the north and Canadas Yukon province to the east is a section of the refuge called the coastal plain, or section 1002.
ANWR Facts
Refuge was created in 1980 under Carter Adminstration
Encompasses 19 million acres along Alaska's northesatern border with Canada
Home to polar bears, porcupine caribou, gray wolves and over 200 species of migratory birds
There are an estimated 7.7 billion barrels of oil under ANWR's coastal plain
On one side of the debate: Alaskas Republican lawmakers and a fossil fuel industry that sees the estimated 7.7 billion barrels of oil under the coastal plain a boon to the states flagging economy that has suffered from low oil prices on the global market and a decline in crude flowing through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.
On the other side: Environmental groups and the indigenous Gwich'in people, who consider the coastal plain sacred land and say oil drilling would ruin a fragile habitat for gray wolves, polar bears, porcupine caribou and more than 200 species of migratory birds.
ANWR is a national treasure and an amazing piece of land, Nicole Whittington-Evans, the Wilderness Societys Alaska regional director, told FoxNews.com. It is not a place where oil and gas development should be allowed.
The refuge was created in 1980 as part of comprehensive public-lands legislation signed into law by President Jimmy Carter that put more than 100 million federal acres in Alaska under conservation protection. Lawmakers at the time recognized the potential for oil drilling on the coastal plain but they prohibited leasing or other development on the land unless authorized by a future Congress.
That is basically where the issue has stood for the past 36 years as Alaskan lawmakers and oil industry executives advances have been thwarted in Congress.
In 1995, the Alaskan delegation inserted a provision opening ANWR to development in a budget reconciliation bill, but the bill was vetoed by President Bill Clinton. In 2005, despite having the Senate, House and White House all in Republican hands, a push to open ANWR was also unsuccessful as a number of moderate Republicans voted against it.
Recently as global oil prices have dropped to just more than $50 per barrel oil companies have backed away from pushing to open ANWR and instead focused on their existing projects. Royal Dutch Shell in 2015 indefinitely canceled plans to drill in the Arctic and an oil industry consortium that included Exxon Mobil and BP recently suspended its arctic exploration program in the Beaufort Sea.
In the same year, the Obama administration made an official recommendation to Congress to designate 12.3 million acres of ANWR including the coastal plain as wilderness, the highest level of protection available to public lands and a move, that if approved by Congress, would be the largest ever wilderness designation since Congress passed the Wilderness Act in 1964.
Parts of ANWR are already designated as wilderness, but not the coastal plain and Obamas recommendation would prevent any road or industrial development on the land.
Designating vast areas in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as Wilderness reflects the significance this landscape holds for America and its wildlife, outgoing Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said in a statement. Just like Yosemite or the Grand Canyon, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of our nation's crown jewels and we have an obligation to preserve this spectacular place for generations to come.
The Republican-controlled Congress has so far ignored the presidents recommendation and the future of the refuge looks to be decided under the Trump administration an idea that is very appealing to those in the Alaska congressional delegation.
We have been working to advance ANWR for decades now. And we need to have the support of the Congress," Murkowski told the Alaska Dispatch News on election night. "But if the numbers continue for us with the Senate and you have a president who has expressed support, I will be chairing the energy committee again, and I am going to look to push that early on.
A Trump administration and a Republican-held Congress, however, doesnt mean that oil drilling in ANWR is a guarantee. GOP senators need 60 votes to get closure on any legislation allowing drilling in ANWR and to prevent a Democratic filibuster, but there are only 52 Republicans in the Senate.
To open up ANWR you need to get 60 votes, so the question is can you get eight Democrats to vote for it? Robert McNally, the president of the Rapidan Group, an energy consulting firm, and former official in the George W. Bush administration, told FoxNews.com.
McNally added: There may be a push to do it, but it might be better to wait for 2018 and see if they can get a filibuster-proof Congress.
The other option for Alaskan lawmakers and a scenario that increasingly concerns environmental groups is repeating their move in 1995 and attaching an ANWR provision to a budget reconciliation bill. This only requires 51 votes, cannot be filibustered and, unlike in 1995, wont face the threat of a veto by a Democratic president.
Republicans may try to put drilling in the Arctic into the budget reconciliation bill, Athan Manuel, the director of the land protection program at the Sierra Club, told FoxNews.com. So we have our work cut out for us to win over some Republicans.
In his remaining time in office, Obama does have one card up his sleeve that could permanently halt any efforts to open ANWR to oil drilling declare the region a national monument.
The 1906 Antiquities Act allows presidents to designate monuments as a way to protect natural, cultural or scientific features on certain pieces of land. Since its enactment, 15 presidents have designated more than 150 monuments with Obama using the law 25 times most recently to expand the Papahanaumokuakea Marine Monument in Hawaii.
There has been little indication, however, that Obama plans to declare ANWR a monument in his final weeks in office and environmental groups say they are gearing up for a clash with the incoming administration.
Weve pushed the Obama administration to name the coastal area a national monument, but that probably wont happen, Manuel said. So were bracing for a fight.
The U.S. will "take action" against Russia for alleged cyberattacks on Democratic officials, President Obama warned Thursday, hours after his spokesman claimed that President-elect Donald Trump "obviously knew" about the breaches and leaks that critics say propelled him to victory in last month's election.
The tough talk from Obama came in an interview scheduled to air on National Public Radio Friday. It followed complaints of Republican lawmakers that federal authorities refuse to brief them on investigations into Russia's role in leaking tensof thousands of damaging emails from top Clinton campaign officials.
"I think there is no doubt that when any foreign government tries to impact the integrity of our elections ... we need to take action," Obama said. "And we will at a time and place of our own choosing. Some of it may be explicit and publicized; some of it may not be."
Earlier Thursday, Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters during the daily White House briefing that "Mr. Trump obviously knew that Russia was engaged in malicious cyber activity that was helping him, [and] hurting [Democrat Hillary] Clinton ... "These are all facts that are not in dispute."
Earnest pointed out that Trump had encouraged Moscow during a news conference to find missing emails from Clinton's private server. Trump has said he was joking.
"I don't think anybody at the White House thinks it's funny that an adversary of the United States engaged in malicious cyber activity to destabilize our democracy," Earnest said. "That's not a joke."
Earnest, without mentioning Russian President Vladimir Putin by name, also said "only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities," repeating the words from an October U.S. intelligence assessment.
Obama's deputy national security adviser, Ben Rhodes, connected the dots further, saying it was Putin who was responsible for the Russian government's actions.
"I don't think things happen in the Russian government of this consequence without Vladimir Putin knowing about it," Rhodes said on MSNBC.
Trump fired back Thursday evening, calling Earnest "foolish" during a "Thank You" rally in Hershey, Pa.
"I don't know if he's talking to President Obama," Trump said of Earnest, without addressing the hacking controversy directly. "You know, having the right press secretary's so important. Because he is so bad, the way he delivers a message ... The president is very positive, but he's not positive. And I mean, maybe he's getting his orders from somebody else? Does that make sense? Could that be possible?"
The White House officials' comments only escalate the feud between Trump allies and Democratic figures over Russia's alleged hacking.
U.S. intelligence officials have linked the hacking to Russia's intelligence agency and its military intelligence division. Moscow has denied all accusations that it orchestrated the hacking of email accounts of Democratic Party officials and Clinton's campaign chief, John Podesta, and then leaked them to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks.
But lawmakers seeking a briefing this week on potential conflicts in the record about Russia's role were rebuffed, fueling GOP concerns on Capitol Hill about what the intelligence says.
U.S. officials have not contended that Trump would have been defeated by Clinton on Nov. 8 if not for Russia's assistance. Nor has there has been any indication of tampering with the vote-counting.
The Kremlin flatly rejected the claim of Putin's involvement, with Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissing it Thursday as "laughable nonsense."
The dispute over Russia's role is fueling an increasingly public spat between Obama's White House and Trump's team that is threatening to spoil the delicate truce that Obama and Trump have forged since Election Day.
Although the president and president-elect have avoided criticizing each other publicly since Trump's win, their aides have been more openly antagonistic. Kellyanne Conway, Trump's senior transition adviser, said it was "breathtaking" and irresponsible that the White House had suggested Trump knew Russia was interfering to help his campaign.
Trump and his supporters insist the Democrats' outrage about Russia is really an attempt to undermine the validity of his election victory. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., a Trump ally, called it "disgraceful" as he spoke to reporters amassed in Trump Tower after meeting with the president-elect.
"Right now, certain elements of the media, certain elements of the intelligence community and certain politicians are really doing the work of the Russians," King said.
There has been no specific, persuasive evidence shared publicly about the extent of Putin's role or knowledge of the hackings. That lack of proof undercuts Democrats' strategy to portray Putin's involvement as irrefutable evidence of a directed Russian government plot to undermine America's democratic system.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Silence is golden, the saying goes. But so, evidently, was the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, according to a recent study.
Brahe, who was born in 1546 and died in 1601, was a keen observer of the heavens. But he also was exposed to enough gold while he was alive for it to show up in tests of his hair in fact, researchers found about 20 to 100 times the amount of gold in hair samples from Brahes corpse than is normal today. The hair came from his eyebrows, beard, and scalp, and the scientists also found evidence in his bones that hed been exposed to gold.
The work was carried out by Kaare Lund Rasmussen, an associate professor at the University of Southern Denmark. Brahes body was exhumed in 2010.
DA VINCI DISCOVERY: RARE DRAWING, VALUED AT $16 MILLION, FOUND
We found traces of gold in Tycho Brahe's hair, and we can establish that he was exposed to gold while these hairs were still on his body, Rasmussen said, in a statement. He thinks that Brahe got the gold into his system because of his lifestyle like the plates from which he ate.
It may have been the cutlery and plates of gold, or maybe the wine he drank contained gold leaf. It's also possible that he concocted and consumed elixirs containing gold, or that he worked with alchemy, Rasmussen said.
While gold was found in the highest amounts, the researchers also found evidence of other substances, like silver, arsenic, and iron, though not enough to poison the famed Renaissance astronomer. And while some had thought that Brahe had died from mercury poisoning, this research and past research shows that wasnt the case.
FEATHERED DINOSAUR TAIL FRAGMENT TRAPPED IN AMBER AMAZES SCIENTISTS
The researchers were even able to figure out, based on Brahes hair and how it grew, that his exposure to the gold and other elements actually decreased in a period of about two months before he died. That means that the astronomer might have been weak before he passed away, and unable to spend time in his laboratory.
What Tycho Brahe died of is therefore still uncertain, Rasmussen added. One theory has it that he died from an infected bladder.
Brahe is also known for his nose, or lack thereof. He lost part of it in a sword fight, and wore a prosthesis that metal piece was made of brass, previous research showed, not silver, as had been thought.
The study about the golden hair was published in the journal Archaeometry.
Follow Rob Verger on Twitter: @robverger
Forget about the stork it's the albatross that should be in charge of baby delivery. That's because the world's oldest wild breeding bird mother, a 66-year-old albatross named Wisdom, is incubating another egg, likely her 41st one, experts say.
Wisdom's new chick is unexpected; many albatrosses don't breed for two consecutive years, and Wisdom had a chick last year. Rather, most lay an egg one year and then take a break the next, instead investing their time and energy into molting their feathers, said researchers at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial, located about 1,400 miles northwest of Hawaii.
Having healthy feathers is important because albatrosses spend almost 90 percent of their time flying, often covering thousands of miles as they search for food in the north Pacific Ocean, the researchers said. [Adorable Photos of Baby Shorebirds]
For whatever reason, Wisdom chose to lay an egg this year. The last time researchers saw the famous mom, she was sitting on her egg, waiting for the return of her mate, Akeakamai (a Hawaiian word that means "a love of wisdom, scholar"). Albatrosses often tag-team, with one parent incubating the egg while the other goes out to sea to hunt for food.
Every year, the duo returns to the wildlife refuge at Midway Atoll, an albatross hotspot .
Kristina McOmber, the refuge's biology program volunteer crew leader, discovered the expecting bird on Dec. 3. McOmber spotted Wisdom thanks to the bird's bright-red leg band placed there by scientists. Akeakamai was seen by the nest on Nov. 23, refuge volunteers said.
"I find it impressive that not only has Wisdom returned for over six decades as the oldest living, breeding bird in the wild, but also that biologists here on Midway have been keeping records that have allowed us to keep track of her over the years," Charlie Pelizza, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's acting project leader for Midway Atoll Refuge and Memorial, said in a statement . "The staff was abuzz with the news that Wisdom was back and incubating. It's amazing what a bit of good news can do to brighten the day."
Biologist Chandler Robbins first banded Wisdom in 1956. Robbins, who is now 98, has kept abreast of Wisdom's travels over the years an estimated 3 million miles (5 million km) in her lifetime and heralded in the nine chicks she's laid since 2006, including Kukini, who hatched in February 2016.
Wisdom may be a celebrity, but she's not a prima donna. Instead, she shares the National Wildlife Refuge with about 70 percent of the world's Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) population, and almost 40 percent of the world's black-footed albatrosses (Phoebastria nigripes). The short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria albatrus), which the International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies as a vulnerable species, also occasionally nests on the Sand and Eastern islands within the refuge.
The birds typically arrive at the refuge in late October, and they number in the hundreds of thousands by the end of November, the biologists said.
Original article on Live Science .
An American citizen charged with receiving terrorist training at an Al Qaeda camp in Somalia including classes in how to become a homicide bomber and "wage violent jihad" was taken into custody by FBI agents and returned to the U.S. Monday night night, Justice Department officials told FOX News.
An indictment unsealed Tuesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Houston charges Daniel Joseph Maldonado, 28, a.k.a Daniel Aljughaifi and Abu Mohammed, whose last known address was in Houston, with receiving training from a foreign terrorist organization and conspiring to use an explosive device outside the United States.
Click Here to Read the Criminal Complaint (pdf )
Maldonado was captured by the Kenyan military on January 21 as he fled to avoid capture by Ethiopian and Somali government forces battling Al Qaeda-backed rebels, Justice Department officials said.
He was turned over to U.S. law enforcement officials last weekend, and flown to Houston on Monday night accompanied by special agents of the FBI. He appeared Tuesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Calvin Botley, who ordered him detained without bond pending a detention hearing on Feb. 20.
If convicted, Maldonado could face life imprisonment on the bomb-making charge, while receiving military training from a terrorist organization carries a maximum punishment of 10 years, the Justice Department said.
"Any who seek to aid terrorists in their mission to threaten our national security will be held to account for such serious criminal conduct," said Don DeGabrielle, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District in Houston. The investigation included elements of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Houston Police Department.
According to criminal allegations in the complaint, Maldonado traveled from Houston, Texas, to Africa in November, 2005 and then on to Somalia in December, 2006. At that point, he joined the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) and elements of Al Qaeda to fight "jihad" against the Transitional Federal Government to establish of an independent Islamic State in Somalia.
In the fall of 2006, the ICU used suicide bombers and vehicles containing improvised explosive devices to target the leadership of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, the complaint said.
While in Somalia, Maldonado was, according to the complaint, provided an AK-47, equipped with military combat uniforms and boots in Mogadishu, and participated in training camps in Kismaayo and Jilib, Somalia.
The camps included physical fitness, firearms and explosives training all in preparation to go to the front to fight for the ICU.
Al Qaeda members were allegedly present at the training camp. During the course of his training, the complaint alleges Maldonado spoke to an individual about his willingness to become a suicide bomber if he was wounded, and also observed the making and testing of bombs with the group's bomb-maker, the complaint said.
"This case represents the first criminal prosecution of an American suspected of joining forces with Islamic extremist fighters in Somalia," said Kenneth L. Wainstein, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's National Security Division. "The prosecution of Mr. Maldonado demonstrates the scope of our laws and serves as a warning to others who would travel overseas to wage violent jihad."
Joseph Billy, Assistant Director of the FBI Counterterrorism Division, said, "The FBI is working closely with our law enforcement and intelligence community partners in this country and around the world to bring all necessary resources to bear to protect Americans and its allies from terrorist attacks."
FOX News' Ian McCaleb contributed to this report.
The pirate city of Eyl is Somalia's only boomtown. In a country that has seen 14 provisional governments since 1991 all of them corrupt high-seas hijackings have been the best business in town, and may net upwards of $100 million this year.
The seizure of an Iranian-owned ship in the Gulf of Aden Tuesday was only the latest in a series of assaults that have accelerated drastically since the summer.
The International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Center said before Wednesday's hijacking that 88 attacks have been reported in the area this year, including 36 successful hijackings. About 14 vessels and 250 crew members are still being held hostage. Intelligence sources believe the number of vessels held presently is about 15.
Click here to see photos of the hijacked ships.
Many seafarers are receiving double pay for traveling by Somalia's dangerous coast. Most of the kidnap victims are Filipinos, who constitute about one-third of the international shipping force.
Major shipping operators already bypass the Gulf of Aden, traveling all the way around the Cape of Good Hope at Africa's southern tip to avoid the waters that lie before the Suez Canal.
"It's got a lot of people's attention and is starting to have impact on the commercial side," said Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The risks for international shipping and the industries it serves are enormous. A report on the piracy crisis prepared by Chatham House, a British foreign affairs institute, called it a "very serious" problem, making insurance premiums skyrocket and raising the future prices of goods.
A number of navies have started sending warships to the gulf to protect their shipping interests, and Blackwater is planning its own small anti-piracy fleet. These renewed efforts haven't stopped pirates just yet.
Heres a list of ten of the biggest vessels still in pirates' hands.
1. Sirius Star
Hijacked November 17
Cargo: 2 million barrels of oil, valued at $100 million
Crew: 25 men
2. MV Karagol
Hijacked November 12
Cargo: 4,000 tons of chemicals
Crew: 14 Turks
3. MV Stolt Strength
Hijacked November 10
Cargo: Phosphoric acid
Crew: 23 Filipinos
4. CEC Future
Hijacked November 7
Cargo: Unknown
Crew: 11 Russians, one Georgian, one Lithuanian
5. MV Yasa Neslihan
Hijacked October 29
Cargo: Iron ore
Crew: 20 Turks
6. MT African Sanderling
Hijacked October 15
Cargo: Unknown
Crew: 21 Filipinos
7. MV Faina
Hijacked September 25
Cargo: 33 T-72 Russian battle tanks
Crew: 17 Ukrainians, 2 Latvians, one Russian
8. MV Captain Stefanos
Hijacked September 21
Cargo: Unknown
Crew: 17 Filipinos, two other nationals
9. Centauri
Hijacked September 18
Cargo: 17,000 tons of salt
Crew: 25 Filipinos
10. MV Great Creation
Hijacked September 17
Cargo: Chemical fertilizer
Crew: 24 Chinese, one Sri Lankan
A poor, agrarian, landlocked country in South America with a nearly 100 percent Christian population is hardly the place one would expect to become a hotbed of Islamic extremism in the Western Hemisphere.
But a recent report by the Open Source Center (OSC) of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence says it's so.
There are only 1,000 Muslims in Bolivia, a country of 9.7 million people, but the connection between some of the communitys religious leaders and Iran as well as with fundamentalist factions in the Palestinian territories has U.S. officials and terror experts keeping a watchful eye on them.
The report revealed a number of Muslim organizations in Bolivia whose leaders have publicly denounced U.S. foreign policy and have direct associations with extremists in the Middle East.
Theres a theory that they may believe Latin America, particularly with its Leftist leanings in recent years, may be more receptive to the anti-American-type rhetoric that weve been accustomed to hearing from Iran, said a U.S. intelligence official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
One Muslim leader named in the OSC report is Mahmud Amer Abusharar, founder of the Centro Islamico Boliviano (CIB) in Santa Cruz. Abusharar emigrated from the Palestinian territories in 1974 and claims to have built Bolivias first mosque in 1994 so that he would not lose touch with his religion.
But public statements by Abusharar and other members of his mosque reveal clear anti-US sentiments. In a 2007 interview with a local Bolivian university, Abusharar told a student that he didnt know Muslims in jail who werent there especially due to the United States influence in Bolivian politics. The CIBs Web site also posts an article by its administrative director, Isa Amer Quevedo, that rebukes the U.S. for launching an attack on the Taliban after 9/11, stating: Today we see the U.S. declaring armed Jihad against terrorism. They aim their bombs at UBL and Afghanistan, whom they financed and trained.
The CIB is also the Bolivian headquarters for the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), a Saudi-based major fundraiser for the Muslim community. According to U.S. State Department documents, one of its regional offices in Northern Virginia was raided by the FBI in connection with terrorist activities in 2004.
Another Muslim leader in Bolivia, Husayn Salgueiro, is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian government and a known critic of Israel. While there are no public records of Salgueiro speaking out against the U.S., a local news interview earlier this year shows him urging Palestinians to continue their armed struggle against the Israeli people.
Other leaders of Islamic groups in Bolivia, according to the OCS report, have shown evidence of sympathies with Islamic radicals. Fayez Rajab Khedeer Kannan, leader of the Asociacion Cultural Boliviana Musulmana (ACBM), has openly praised Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi and asked the wealthy Islamic organization, The Libyan International Center for Studies and Research of the Green Book, to heighten its missionary efforts in Bolivia. Roberto Yusuf Chambi Calle, president of the Fundacion Cultural Islamica Boliviana (FCIB) is friendly with a possible associate of Moshen Rabbani, a known Iranian terrorist and the former director of a Buenos Aires mosque.
Some Latin America analysts say religious organizations like these could provide cover for more radical groups.
Clearly, jihadists, or potential jihadists, would look very intensely at ways of diversifying their sources of revenue, potential candidates for missions intelligence missions, infiltration people whose profile, whose point of origin leads people to be less suspicious, said Ray Walser, a senior policy analyst specializing in Latin America at the Heritage Foundation. I think there is a potential in these types of organizations that may exist in Bolivia or elsewhere of becoming the kind of points of diversification of radical groups in the Middle East.
Latin America has already seen the influence of Muslim extremists. In 1994, Hezbollah the Islamic terror organization based in Lebanon bombed the Argentine-Jewish Mutual Association in Buenos Aires, killing 85 people and wounding many more. Moshen Rabbani was believed to be one of the main operatives. In 1992, Hezbollah bombed Argentinas Israeli embassy, killing 29.
Were aware that certain groups have the capability to conduct operations in the region, the U.S. intelligence official told FOXNews.com. So that is something that were constantly on the look-out for signals that something like that could be going on. So its a definite concern on a general level that could be used again in the future or for an operation by similar groups as well.
U.S. relations with Bolivia have deteriorated since President Evo Morales took office in 2005. In 2008, Morales kicked U.S. Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg out of Bolivia, claiming that the ambassador was plotting a coup detat to overthrow him. Three months ago, Bolivia broke diplomatic ties with Israel, a close U.S. ally, to protest Israels treatment of Palestinians.
But Morales has found support and camaraderie in Iran and its president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In the past year, Iran has made some large investments in the impoverished Andean nation, pouring millions into various sectors: Bolivias natural gas reserves (the second largest in South America); the agricultural sector, by setting up new milk processing plants and donating agricultural tools; and the medical industry, by planning two clinics in Bolivia that will employ Bolivian staff but be managed by Iranians. Morales recently announced he will build a new embassy in Iran.
Its about anti-Americanism, Mr. Walser told FOXNews.com. Its about, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Some Latin America watchers are wary of the influx of Iranian money into Bolivia and warn that economic investment could provide a convenient mask for extremist groups illicit activities.
Theres always a concern from a security perspective when theres the perception of extremism being exported to other nations in innocuous forms whether thats by charitable works of social services or educational efforts, said Marisa Porges, former policy adviser on counterterrorism at the U.S. Defense Department. It does have a radicalizing influence. And we see the populations that are receiving medical services or educational services or religious support then having more and more extremist tendencies. And eventually that can lead to radicalization and violence.
The goal of the revolution is not just for Iran, but they feel an obligation to spread it, the U.S. intelligence official told Foxnews.com. So we see their outreach as not just an economic one, but also a cultural one. Now, is there potential that that could be capitalized by some other for some more nefarious purposes? Theres a lot of possibilities out there.
But other foreign policy experts say that the warm relationship betweenIran and Bolivia is based not on terror, but on trade.
Iran certainly is one of many countries and that includes Russia, India,South Africa who are extremely anxious to lay their hands on South American commodities, said Larry Birns, Director of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs.
Still, Birns says, strong economic ties between Bolivia and Iran with or without the spread of radical Islam ideology could nonetheless pose a threat to U.S. interests.
In terms of the pending worldwide shortage of commodities, theres a real ... the equivalent of an arms race," Birns said. "But its a commodities race, to sew up as many commodities dealers as they can find. Theres a genuine fear in the United States of being left out.
Yahoo is coming under fire from security experts after the tech giant confirmed that more than one billion customer accounts have been compromised in a massive data breach.
This is the Exxon Valdez of security breaches. 1 billion accounts compromised, when there are only 3 billion people with Internet access in the world, said Jeff Williams, CTO of Contrast Security, in a statement emailed to FoxNews.com. Many people use Yahoo email as their primary account. That means the attackers could reset passwords for bank accounts, medical providers, credit card accounts, etc and retrieve the password reset email from the Yahoo victims.
In a statement released Wednesday, Yahoo said that an unauthorized third party stole data associated with more than one billion user accounts in August 2013. The stolen account information may have included names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords (which use an algorithm to protect the password), and, in some cases, encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers, according to Yahoo. However, the companys probe indicates that the stolen information did not include clear text passwords, payment card data, or bank account data. Yahoo said that payment card and bank account information are not stored in the system it believes was compromised.
The breach disclosure comes hot on the heels of a separate hack of 500 million accounts confirmed by Yahoo in September, which related to data stolen in late 2014.
YAHOO CONFIRMS MORE THAN ONE BILLION ACCOUNTS COMPROMISED IN MASSIVE DATA BREACH
The company believes the August 2013 intruder accessed Yahoos proprietary code to learn how to forge cookies. Widely used on the Web, cookies are small text files that let websites recognize users and track their preferences.
Yahoo confirmed that the stolen data include passwords hashed, or protected, with the MD5 algorithm, which many experts consider insecure.
Some of the practices that Yahoo has disclosed as part of this breach, such as using MD5 for hashing passwords and using a forgeable cookie algorithm, are just reckless, Williams of Contrast Security told FoxNews.com.
Yahoo should know that it is an invaluable target for cybercrime syndicates and nation-states and invest the resources to protect its data accordingly, added Kenneth Geers, senior research scientist, at cybersecurity firm Comodo, in a statement The use of vulnerable MD5 hashes suggests that Yahoo was not paying sufficient attention to security.
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS DATA BREACH PUTS HEALTH CARE SECURITY IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Experts have also voiced concern that the latest breach disclosed by Yahoo occurred way back in 2013, leaving users data exposed for more than three years.
These accounts have been compromised for years and the sheer number of accounts means this has been a large source of identity theft already, said Tyler Moffitt, senior threat research analyst at Internet security company Webroot, in a statement emailed to FoxNews.com.
Given that this, the largest hack of all time, took place over three years ago, the damage may already have been done, but Yahoo users should immediately change passwords and security questions as well as enable 2-factor authentication, added Adam Levin, founder of identity protection specialist IDT911, in a statement.
Two-factor, also known as two-step verification, is a method of bolstering users online security. In addition to a password, additional login data could be used, such as a code sent to a cell phone.
EARS IN THE SKY? NSA, GCHQ, INTERCEPTED IN-FLIGHT PHONE CALLS, REPORT SAYS
"This is more of the same bad news for every Yahoo! user, said Paul Martini, CEO of iboss Cybersecurity, in a statement emailed to FoxNews.com. What's really shocking about this latest breach is that everyone with a Yahoo! account has now likely had their personal information stolen two or three times. Had Yahoo! simply taken steps to monitor network data for evidence of the theft in real time, this could have been largely prevented.
Yahoo said Wednesday that it connected some of the activity around forged cookies to the same state-sponsored actor believed to be responsible for the breach disclosed in September.
Yahoo has not yet responded to a request for comment on this story from FoxNews.com.
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A Nicaraguan diplomat found dead in his New York City apartment Thursday, his throat slashed and his stomach stabbed, was grasping hair in both hands and at least some of his wounds appeared to have been self-inflicted, police said Friday.
Investigators haven't determined whether Cesar Mercado's death was a homicide or suicide, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said.
Mercado's body was found Thursday by a driver who had come to take him to his job at the United Nations, where Mercado was acting consul. He was last seen alive Wednesday afternoon.
The diplomat was stabbed a dozen times in the abdomen, was grasping hair in both hands, but it appeared from the initial autopsy that some of the wounds may have been self-inflicted, Kelly said Friday. More investigation was needed to determine who the hair belonged to and a cause of death.
Kelly described the slashes as "hesitation wounds," meaning they were not clean, decisive wounds that are often made when someone aims to kill.
"It's something that causes the medical examiner to pause for thought," Kelly said.
There were no signs of forced entry or a struggle in Mercados apartment, he added.
Authorities also were investigating the possibility that Mercado was murdered by a gay lover, police sources told the New York Post.
Neighbors said they heard men arguing in the apartment before Mercado's death and that the diplomat was sometimes seen with dangerous-looking men, the sources said.
"I saw him often with young men who looked like they were unsavory," a woman who lived in his building told the Post.
A co-worker said Mercado had recently tested positive for AIDS, so police were investigating the possibility that he was killed by someone outraged over the diagnosis, the sources said.
Mercado, 34, usually arrived by subway at about 7:30 a.m., but when he didn't show up, the driver, Edgar Hernandez, went to the apartment and discovered the door unlocked. He opened it to find Mercado's body on the ground. His clothes were smeared in blood and he was wearing socks but no shoes.
It was initially thought one knife was used in the attack and was found near the body, but investigators later determined there were two knives involved, a 12-inch steak knife found at the side of a blood-filled bathroom sink and a smaller paring knife found in the sink.
Sources told the Post Mercado's throat was slashed so severely his head was nearly severed from his body and the apartment was covered in blood.
Security cameras were not working in Mercado's Bronx apartment building, but police were canvassing the area for any other useable video. They also were examining cell phone records.
Friends said Mercado was ill in recent weeks and was diabetic. They also described him as a kind, happy, caring, friendly person who had no enemies.
"He had no enemies. He was loved by everyone who knew him," a friend, Amparo Amador, said in Spanish. "When I first heard of his death, I thought he must've died from natural causes because there would be no way he could be killed."
Mercado, 34, came to the U.S. in 2001 to work as an assistant in the office of Nicaragua's ambassador to the United Nations, the friend said. He was single, and his family was in Nicaragua.
He eventually took on the duties of consul general, working with passports and immigration visas.
Amador said he was like a son to her. Recently, she'd urged him to go to the doctor because he looked thin, and he was diagnosed with diabetes. The two danced at a wedding of another friend in Brooklyn last week, she said.
"He was the perfect guy. The best person, just wonderful," she said. "I feel as if one of my children has died."
Leaders from 192 nations were in town for the General Assembly, including Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, who is a fierce critic of the United States and a defender of North Korea and Iran. President Barack Obama addressed the General Assembly on Thursday.
Nicaraguan Vice President Jaime Morales said U.S. Ambassador Robert Callahan assured him that the FBI would do everything possible to investigate.
The assistant to the ambassador said the Nicaraguan mission in New York couldn't immediately release any information.
Mercado lived on the top floor of a six-story apartment building in a working-class section of the Bronx. Police barred reporters from entering the building Thursday. Residents said they didn't hear anything out of the ordinary Wednesday night, but some said it's often noisy in the building at night.
A crowd gathered outside the building Thursday. Police had cordoned off the entrance, though some neighbors peered out from their apartment windows down at the scrum of reporters below. An SUV with consul plates and a Nicaraguan flag dangling from the rearview mirror was parked down the street.
Sharon Fonseca, who's from Nicaragua and lives nearby, said she went to see what was going on after a friend told her about Mercado's death. She said she had met him at the consulate in Manhattan, where he helped her get a passport.
"He was a nice person," she said. "He took care of me personally."
Mexican Consul Ruben Beltran, a leader of the Association of Latin American Consuls, said the organization will ask authorities for a prompt investigation.
"The Latin American community in New York has lost an active consul, who will be missed by his friends, colleagues and countrymen," the association said in a statement.
Beltran said he remembered Mercado's solidarity.
"There is concern among the community of Latin American consuls," he said. "He was an active colleague; he always came to the important events. He was a generous, friendly, straightforward person, a good colleague."
It was earlier thought Mercado was attending the General Assembly's annual meeting, but officials now believe he just had his office at the U.N.
Click here for more on this story from the New York Post.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A U.S. citizen living in Moscow was arrested Wednesday after he flew to the United States to surrender to face charges he stole contact information for over 100 million customers of U.S. financial institutions, brokerage firms and financial news publishers, authorities said.
Joshua Samuel Aaron, 32, was arrested at Kennedy Airport on Wednesday. He pleaded not guilty to a 22-count indictment charging him with conspiracy, computer hacking, securities fraud and wire fraud, among other charges.
His lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, said Aaron waived extradition and asylum in Russia and voluntarily returned to the United States "to responsibly address the charges."
The prosecution was announced last year by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, who said two men had been arrested in Israel after they conspired with Aaron to carry out "the single largest theft of customer data from a U.S. financial institution ever."
Bharara said thieves took data on more than 83 million customers of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in 2014. The prosecutor said Aaron was charged with working to hack into the networks of dozens of American companies. In a release Wednesday, Bharara said the men engaged in "what we have called 'hacking as a business model.'"
JPMorgan Chase is the nation's biggest bank by assets.
A Manhattan federal court indictment said identifying information on millions of customers from companies other than JPMorgan Chase was stolen from 2012 to last summer, too.
Aaron's co-defendants Gery Shalon and Ziv Orenstein were arrested by Israeli authorities in July 2015 and were extradited from Israel in June. They have pleaded not guilty.
The indictment said some of the massive computer hacks and cyberattacks occurred as the men sought to steal the customer base of competing internet gambling businesses or to secretly review executives' emails in a quest to cripple rivals.
If convicted of the charges, the defendants could face decades in prison.
Aaron pleaded not guilty to the charges during a brief appearance Wednesday before a magistrate judge. With consent from his defense lawyer, he was scheduled to be held overnight pending another court appearance on Thursday before a district judge.
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A new DNA analysis has given more clues to detectives investigating a suspected string of serial killings on Long Island.
The analysis, posted on a federal database this week, shows that a torso found stuffed inside a rubber bin at a state park in 1997 belongs to the same female victim whose skeletal remains were discovered, along with the remains of her young child, many miles away near a Long Island beach highway in 2011.
The link between the body in the park and the so-called Gilgo Beach serial killer case is the first development in the vexing murder mystery in years. As they have been for years, police on Wednesday remained mum about the investigation.
It was six years ago this week that a K-9 officer and his cadaver dog on a training mission searching for a missing New Jersey prostitute happened upon what would become the first of 11 sets of human remains.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Justice Department's Missing and Unidentified Persons Systems records were updated to show DNA links a woman's torso found in Long Island's Hempstead Lake State Park in 1997 to the same female remains found along Ocean Parkway in April 2011.
The DNA also linked the woman's remains to a toddler found several miles down the parkway.
Neither the woman's nor the child's remains have been identified. Three other sets of remains in the case also remain unidentified.
Human remains of eight women, a man and the toddler were found strewn along several miles of thicket adjacent to the parkway.
The remains of the missing prostitute the K-9 officer was searching for were found several miles away near a private beach community a year after the first discovery of bodies in 2010, but police insist her death is not connected to the others.
Police on eastern Long Island suspect one or more killers are responsible for the spree that began more than 20 years ago. No suspects have ever been formally identified in the deaths of the 11 people, some of whom worked in the sex industry.
The woman whose torso was found in Hempstead park had been nicknamed "Peaches" by investigators because of a large heart-shaped peach tattoo she had on her chest. The torso was discovered stuffed in a plastic tub, covered by garbage bags.
Acting Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter, whose department is investigating the Peaches case, declined to comment on the latest development.
Last year, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini said the FBI would be joining the investigation and agents were working to develop a profile of a possible suspect. The FBI previously assisted with a search for victims shortly after the bodies were found but had not directly participated in the investigation until last year, Sini has said.
A spokesman for Sini didn't immediately comment Wednesday.
A St. Louis-area executive and four others have been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly kidnapping a man and collecting ransom from his parents.
The U.S. attorney's office in St. Louis announced kidnapping conspiracy charges Thursday against Todd Beckman, Kerry Roades, Zachary Smith and brothers Blake and Caleb Laubinger. All but Smith also face a weapons charge.
Beckman is president and CEO of BAM Brands, which according to its website owns tanning and age management businesses.
Prosecutors say the victim was abducted Nov. 21 from his home and taken to a home where he was beaten, assaulted and attacked with a stun gun. He was then allegedly transported in a shipping container to another home.
The U.S. attorney's office says his parents paid a ransom of about $27,000.
A teenager charged with murder in the death of a 16-year-old boy in Alaska reportedly asked "What are you gonna do?" in the courtroom, in comments that may have been directed at the dead teenager's parents.
David Grunwald's parents spoke with @e_ruble about their son's murder and what they want from the justice system. https://t.co/EBKvm8fLgX pic.twitter.com/6xOfCnva4P KTVA 11 News (@ktva) December 12, 2016
Walking out of the courtroom Tuesday, 16-year-old Bradley Renfro -- charged as an adult in the death of David Grunwald -- cocked his head back while passing Ben and Edie Grunwald in the front row, a reporter for the Alaska Dispatch News wrote.
"He said, 'What are you gonna do?'" private investigator Luke Smith told the newspaper, saying Renfro was looking at the Grunwalds. "And then he paused and looked at them again and said, 'Do something.'"
He also said the teen made a gesture with his hands indicating some kind of physical challenge.
However, Renfro's parents said he was actually talking to his father, who was sitting behind the Grunwalds. "He has no disrespect for the Grunwalds, I swear to God," the suspect's mother, Brittany Smith, told the newspaper.
Renfro was one of five teenagers charged as adults in the case. Erick Almandiger, Dominic Johnson and Austin Barrett also were charged with first- and second-degree murder, kidnapping and hindering prosecution. Eighteen-year-old Devin Peterson was charged with hindering prosecution and evidence tampering.
Each of the suspects pleaded not guilty in the courtroom in Palmer, KTVA reported. Almandinger was arrested Dec. 3 and the others were arrested Friday.
A criminal complaint against Almandinger claimed Grunwald was pistol-whipped by an acquaintance, driven to a remote location and shot.
Grunwald failed to return home after dropping off his girlfriend Nov. 13. His remains were found in a torched Ford Bronco north of Wasilla on Dec. 2.
Grunwald's mother said the girlfriend had mentioned a plan to stop at Almandiger's house on the night he disappeared -- although the mom said the family didn't know him.
Palmer is a 45-minute drive northeast of Anchorage.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A woman in Ohio who said her ex-boyfriend doused her with gasoline and set her on fire didn't have an opportunity to testify against him -- so she spoke out to local news to show the extent of her trauma.
NYPD ARRESTS MUSLIM GIRL WHO CLAIMED ATTACK BY TRUMP SUPPORTERS
Judy Malinowski was set to undergo her 52nd surgery this week, ABC 6/Fox 28 reported. She spoke to the station after her ex, 41-year-old Michael Slager, pleaded no contest Monday in Columbus to charges including aggravated arson, keeping her off the stand.
The judge sentenced Slager to 11 years in prison for the August 2015 attack.
'AFFLUENZA' TEEN'S DAD CONVICTED OF PRETENDING TO BE OFFICER
Malinowski, 33, described Slager as "pure evil." She said the fire effectively burned off some of her fingers and her ears, with burns covering 80 percent of her body.
She remained in critical condition this week, prosecutor Ron O'Brien said. Malinowski could speak to the news station only in a whisper, saying the burns also damaged her windpipe.
Slager didn't speak in court, and his attorney, Robert Krapenc, declined to comment because he said his client potentially could face more charges in the case. Slager previously told the news station he accidentally sparked the fire while trying to light a cigarette.
Malinowski said she agreed to the plea deal only if he'd face murder charges upon her death. She told the news station that in the future she'd push for stiffer penalties in arson cases that left victims burned or otherwise wounded.
After Slager's plea, the judge found him guilty of aggravated arson, felonious assault and possession of criminal tools.
Supporters set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the woman's treatment.
Click for more from ABC 6/Fox 28.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jurors on Thursday began deliberations in the capital murder trial of Dylann Roof after a federal prosecutor contrasted the hate of the self-avowed white supremacist with the goodness of the nine African-American church members he was accused of gunning down at a Bible study last year.
DEADLY TENN. SCHOOL BUS CRASH CASE HEADS TO GRAND JURY
This defendant chose to take their lives. He chose to break their body. But he does not get to choose who they were, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Williams told the jury. These nine people exemplified a goodness that was greater than his message of hate.
Defense lawyer David Bruck did not dispute the facts of the case against his client, but urged jurors to consider the question, Why did he do this?
MOM OF SUSPECT IN SCHOOL SHOOTING PLOT HAD WARNED POLICE ABOUT HIM
You have to understand what was going on in his head, how to interpret it and whether it was voluntary, Bruck told the jury.
Bruck said testimony by one of the prosecutions witnesses, FBI Special Agent Michael Stansbury, suggested Roof showed signs of mental illness and flaws in how he perceived reality.
This mornings closing arguments were perhaps Brucks last and best opportunity to present mitigating evidence in hopes of influencing the jury not on their immediate decision on whether Roof is guilty of the murders at Emanuel A.M.E. Church, but their later choice on whether he should face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Bruck, a longtime opponent of capital punishment, is most famous in South Carolina for convincing a Union County jury to spare the life of Susan Smith. The mother had drowned her two young sons by deliberately rolling their family car into a lake back in 1994.
From the beginning of Smiths trial the following year, Bruck acknowledged the horrific nature of the crime and Smiths involvement. But he used the sentencing phase to present evidence that Smith had suffered from mental illness and sexual abuse. During closing arguments, Bruck elicited tears from many in the courtroom as he held a Bible and quoted a passage from the Gospel of John in which Jesus saves a woman from a death sentence by saying, He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.
In the Roof trial, Bruck opened with a similar acknowledgement of his clients involvement in a horrific crime. But the judge denied his requests to present evidence about Roof's mental health during testimony in the guilt phase of the trial. And in the sentencing phase, where Bruck would normally present this type of evidence, Roof plans to serve as his own lawyer.
I doubt that it will be very effective, said Ashleigh Merchant, an Atlanta-based criminal defense attorney. I think that there is a lot of evidence of mitigation that David Bruck was trying to put out during the actual trial, and he wasnt able to. So, that tells me theres a lot there. And I dont think that Mr. Roof is going to put that forward during the sentencing phase.
Merchant predicted the jury would return quickly with a guilty verdict. The sentencing phase of Roofs trial is expected to begin in early January.
Fox News Multimedia Reporter Terace Garnier contributed to this report from Charleston.
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Jurors will likely soon be asked to decide if the man accused in the shooting deaths of nine black worshippers at a South Carolina church is guilty of federal hate crimes.
Closing arguments are expected when the jury arrives Thursday morning at Dylann Roof's death penalty trial. The judge will hand jurors the case a short time later.
Jurors will decide if Roof is guilty or not guilty of 33 separate charges, including hate crimes and obstruction of religion charges for each of the nine people killed and three who survived the June 2015 massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal church in Charleston.
If they find Roof guilty, the same jurors will return Jan. 3 for the next phase of the trial to determine if he's sentenced to death or life in prison.
The case of the driver accused in a school bus crash that killed six children in Tennessee will go to a grand jury, a judge in Hamilton County ruled Thursday.
BURN VICTIM WHO COULDN'T TESTIFY AGAINST EX-BOYFRIEND SHOWS HER INJURIES
Johnthony Walker, 24, was driving about 20 mph above the 30 mph speed limit, police said. Two children were still recovering in a hospital after the Nov. 21 crash on a curved road in Chattanooga.
Walker, who appeared in court in a red jail jumpsuit, faced charges of vehicular homicide, reckless driving and reckless endangerment. His attorney, Amanda Dunn, has said he likely would plead not guilty.
CLOSING ARGUMENTS UNDER WAY IN CHARLESTON CHURCH SHOOTING TRIAL
The grand jury could choose to keep or add to the charges against Walker, analysts say.
Police said Walker was using a cellphone before the crash. His lawyer, Amanda Dunn, questioned Chattanooga traffic officer Joe Warren about that.
The officer acknowledged that a camera inside the bus showed Walker using his phone while the bus was stopped, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported.
Several family members of the children killed were in court Thursday. Some were crying when Warren discussed the bus's speed.
Dunn told the judge there was evidence yet to be submitted that suggested differing versions of what happened.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Federal prosecutors are suing a Detroit suburb after a religious organization's proposal for a mosque in a residential neighborhood was denied.
The U.S. Attorney's office filed the suit Thursday in federal court against Sterling Heights.
Planning commissioners voted in 2015 against a special land agreement sought by the American Islamic Community Center.
Some residents protested the plan, citing traffic congestion and other concerns. Mosque supporters said the issue was anti-Muslim bias.
The lawsuit says the denial constitutes discrimination on the basis of religion and imposed a "burden on the religious exercise" of the center.
Sterling Heights says Thursday that the center's application denial was not based on "emotional feelings tied to religious beliefs either for or against the applicant."
The Associated Press left a message seeking comment from the center.
A man who authorities say fatally shot a person and injured four others when he fired his gun at a hotel and at passing cars on a Tennessee highway has pleaded guilty to murder.
News outlets report that 37-year-old Lakeem Keon Scott entered the plea to murder and other charges Thursday morning. He was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 52 years.
The shooting took place on July 7 along a highway in Bristol, which borders Virginia. Authorities said Scott began by shooting at a Days Inn, and then turned his fire toward passing cars.
Authorities have said Scott, who is black, was motivated to act in response to police violence against African-Americans.
Sullivan County prosecutor Barry Staubus Scott told investigators Scott said he was "tired of seeing my people killed."
The lawyer for the family of a prostitute whose body was found near a suspected serial killer's dumping ground claimed Thursday that a disgraced former New York police chief regularly hired women for sex in a home near the scene.
Attorney John Ray held a press conference Thursday with a prostitute, identified only as "Leanne," who claims she was paid to have sex with former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke in 2011.
The remains of four prostitutes, each covered in burlap and dumped in thick bramble on the south shore of Long Island, N.Y., along the edge of Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach, were discovered five years ago in a case that remains unsolved. Ray represents the family of Shannan Gilbert, a New Jersey escort whose body was found near the other women and whose death may also have been a homicide.
Burke, who reportedly blocked the FBI from investigating key evidence in the murders, is currently serving time in federal prison in a separate case. Burke was sentenced to 46 months for beating up a man who stole sex toys and other items from his car and then later orchestrating a cover-up.
Burke has not been named a suspect or person of interest in the Long Island serial murders.
"The allegations against my client dont warrant a comment," Burke's attorney, John Meringolo, told FoxNews.com Thursday.
On Thursday, "Leanne," told reporters she met Burke at a party in Oak Beach in June 2011. According to the woman, Burke paid her $400 for "rough sex" at the home, a few miles from where the murdered prostitutes were found. The woman claims Burke hired her again for sex two months later.
According to an affidavit, the woman claims she observed Burke "roughly pull a young woman by her hair to the ground" at the party, which included cocaine. She said in read sworn affidavit that Burke was introduced to her as a "a high police official."
In August 2011, the woman said she met Burke for sex a second time in a bathroom at an undisclosed location. "He insisted upon oral sex, which was given," the affidavit states.
She described Burke as "aggressive" to reporters and said he called her a "whore" before throwing $300 or $400 in cash at her.
"I was a little dehumanized," she said.
A law enforcement source with knowledge of the Long Island serial killer investigation told FoxNews.com last month that Burke was being eyed as a person of interest in the murders, though the FBI declined to comment on the case. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said federal investigators were questioning Burke's former girlfriends after learning he had a "violent past."
This is not the first time Burke -- once Suffolk County's top cop -- has been linked to prostitution.
A 1995 internal affairs report by the Suffolk County Police Department shows Burke -- then a sergeant -- had a months-long relationship with a convicted prostitute and drug dealer named Lowrita Rickenbacker, according to Newsday, which obtained a copy of the report.
The report claimed Burke once left Rickenbacker alone in his car with his gun belt and service weapon resting on the backseat. The report also said Burke engaged in a sexual act with Rickenbacker at least once inside his patrol car.
Despite the report, Burke continued to rise through the ranks of the Suffolk County Police Department -- one of the highest paid police departments in the country. In 2000, Burke was promoted to lieutenant. In 2002, he was named chief of detectives by Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota and, in 2012, he became the Suffolk County police chief.
It was the search for Shannan Gilbert that led to the discovery of four other women's remains -- the work of a suspected serial killer.
Gilbert, 23, of Jersey City, N.J., disappeared May 1, 2010, after visiting a client in the gated community of Oak Beach on a barrier island off Long Island's south shore.
On December 10, 2010, a police dog and his officer stumbled across the first set of remains. In the following days, police found three more women in varying states of decomposition.
The women were identified as Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello. They were all sex workers in their 20s found stuffed inside burlap bags along Ocean Parkway, a 15-mile road that spans Jones Beach, roughly a mile from where they would later find Gilbert's body, in December 2011.
After the discovery of Gilbert's remains, the medical examiner ruled her cause of death "undetermined," and police theorized she drowned while running through a marsh in a drug-induced state -- calling her death unrelated to the four other victims.
But that finding was called into question in March 2015, when Dr. Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner of New York City, and a Fox News contributor, examined Gilbert's skeletal remains inside a Nassau County funeral home at the request of her family.
Baden observed the hyoid bone -- a small horseshoe-shaped bone in the neck -- had a "rough edge" on one side, suggesting a fracture. A fracture to the hyoid bone is a hallmark sign of a strangulation.
"The hyoid shows some breakage," Baden said at the time. "If it is a fracture, that would be strong evidence Ms. Gilbert was strangled to death by neck compression."
FoxNews.com's Robert Gearty contributed to this report.
A lawyer for a man accused of shooting a Detroit officer during a chase says a psychiatric review has found his client incompetent to stand trial.
Twenty-one-year-old Marquise Cromer is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Sgt. Ken Steil. Steil died unexpectedly Sept. 17 of a blood clot, five days after being shot in the shoulder.
Cromer's lawyer Sanford Schulman tells the Detroit Free Press (http://on.freep.com/2gOJXEL ) that he met with prosecutors Tuesday to discuss the state forensic center's report. The Wayne County prosecutor's office has requested an independent competency evaluation.
A competency hearing was initially scheduled for Thursday in Detroit, but records say the case now is due back in court Jan. 9.
Cromer also has been accused of shooting two other people, including his father.
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Information from: Detroit Free Press, http://www.freep.com
Miss Canada will be vying for more than the winner's tiara when she competes in the annual Miss World pageant in Washington this weekend. Anastasia Lin wants to tell a global TV audience about the evil of organ-harvesting.
Lin was due to compete at Miss World last year when it was hosted by China but was barred from entering the country due to her activism against persecution of Falun Gong, a meditation practice that she follows and China's government has outlawed.
U.K.-based Miss World is allowing her to compete again this year in the U.S. Some U.S. media organizations say Miss World, which has Chinese corporate sponsorship, has prevented them from speaking to Lin. But she was allowed to speak to The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday where she talked forthrightly about her cause, although she sidestepped questions about whether she had faced restrictions.
"Everybody is tied economically with China. China's soft power is so huge that no one really dares to speak up," said Lin, 26, at a hotel just outside Washington at the National Harbor.
Lin, who was born in China and moved to Canada with her mother at age 13, has riled China's government with her public advocacy. She has alleged that tens of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been killed so their organs could be harvested and sold for transplants. She has spoken out at a U.S. congressional hearing, and since her exclusion from last year's pageant in China, she has attracted world media attention and given testimony before the British and European parliaments. She says the Miss World pageant, where contestants each present a cause or platform, presents another opportunity to speak out.
"I'm talking about organs being taken from prisoners of conscience, meaning citizens who have not done anything wrong but to speak their mind and believe what they believe in. It's like innocent citizens being killed for their organs and their body parts sold for profits. It's happening and people need to pay attention to it," Lin said.
Chinese Embassy spokeswoman Fang Hong said the allegations of the Chinese government harvesting organs are "sheer fabrications of the Falun Gong cult." She claimed Falun Gong's "spiritual control" of its practitioners has led many to self-mutilation and suicide.
The Chinese government outlawed Falun Gong as an "evil cult" in 1999, saying the group had attracted 70 million followers and was a threat to social stability. As of 2015, the government claimed it was ending the long-standing practice of involuntarily harvesting the organs of executed prisoners for use in donor transplants, and had replaced it with a voluntary donor system, but international medical professionals and human rights advocates question whether that has happened.
Lin says Falun Gong was persecuted because it encouraged independent thought. She says she was inspired to compete for Miss World and use it as a platform for her cause by a previous Miss Canada, Nazanin Afshin-Jam, a human rights activist of Iranian origin who was runner-up in the 2003 contest.
Lin is also an actress. She played a Falun Gong prisoner and organ-harvesting victim in a Canadian-made movie, "The Bleeding Edge," which was being screened late Wednesday at a theater in Washington by the activist group, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.
In an apparent sign that the Miss World organization was easing constraints on her, Lin attended the screening. Last Friday, when she met at the State Department with the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, David Saperstein, a chaperone from the Miss World contest indicated to an AP reporter that Lin risked being excluded from the pageant if she spoke to media without permission.
Lin said she doesn't blame the pageant organizers, as even Western governments are leery of criticizing China.
"Governments are not really speaking out, even for their Chinese citizens outside of China," she said. "Last year when I was banned, the Canadian government did not really take a stand," she said.
Lin said that her father, who lives in China, has faced severe pressure, including multiple lawsuits hurting his business selling medical equipment and has been prevented from traveling from China to attend the pageant. Those allegations could not be independently confirmed by AP.
Beyond the promotional video on her social media feed, Lin said she'll only have a fleeting chance to speak out at the Miss World ceremonies, and that's only if she makes the top 10, but she's determined to stay the course.
"I'm going to stick here to the end because I know that this Miss World final is going to be watched by a billion people around the world, and it's going to be broadcast to China," she said. "I have traveled a long journey to (get) here and I want the people to see me on that show."
A New Jersey man who police say was driving drunk while behind the wheel of a backhoe is facing charges.
Fifty-six-year-old William Campbell was charged Tuesday with driving while intoxicated, careless driving and failing to maintain a lane among other offenses.
Police say a South Brunswick officer stopped Campbell Monday after observing him "drinking beer and swerving all over the road."
The officer reportedly smelled alcohol on Campbell's breath and found bottles of Jack Daniels and vodka in the backhoe.
Police say Campbell failed a field sobriety test and admitted to the officer that he didn't have a valid license.
Campbell has seven prior DWI convictions. It's unclear if he has an attorney who can comment on the charges.
City officials in Corpus Christi, Texas said they have identified the chemical that prompted a mandated drinking water ban late Wednesday night.
During a news conference Thursday morning, city spokeswoman Kim Womack revealed that about three to 24 gallons of an asphalt emulsifier called Indulin AA86 had made its way into the citys water supply after back-flow incident that occurred late Wednesday, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times reported.
The announcement came about 12 hours after the city issued a mandated ban on drinking or using tap water.
Water samples were sent to a testing facility in Austin and city officials have been working closely with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to ensure the publics safety. The results are expected back Thursday afternoon.
Everyone has been extremely helpful. They are on top of it, State Rep. Todd Hunter told the Caller-Times on Thursday. Im encouraging them to be judicial and prudent in getting us as much information as possible.
Burn victim who couldn't testify against ex-boyfriend shows her injuries
Late Wednesday night, city officials issued a warning mandating residents to use only bottled water for cooking and drinking after an unknown chemical made its way into the water system.
Another spokeswoman for the city, Deanna McQueen, said the leak first came to light Wednesday when workers at the refinery discovered the water coming from its faucets had a sheen.
The city warned that boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting the water stand will not make the water safe.
Only bottled water should be used for all drinking, beverage and food preparation (including baby formula and juice), making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes or clothes, washing hands, and bathing until further notice," the release said.
The warning, which went out at around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night, prompted a rush on water at grocery stores, where long lines formed with people pushing carts filled with packages of bottled water.
At least two large retailers, H-E-B and Walmart, have contacted their shipping centers to have more water sent to the city.
City Councilman Michael Hunter told the Caller-Times that it's unlikely the chemicals are concentrated enough to do harm, but officials are "taking every precaution that we can."
Hunter said a local company reported that the water coming from faucets at its plant had a sheen, but he did not identify that company or the nature of its business. Hunter described the possible contaminants as two petroleum-based chemicals.
The warning is the latest for a city beset by problems with its drinking water.
In May, officials issued their third boil-water advisory in a year. That notice lasted two weeks and officials at the time said it was largely a precautionary measure taken after nitrogen-rich runoff from rain flowed into the water system, resulting in low chlorine disinfectant levels in the water supply.
Boil-water notices were issued last year because of elevated levels of E. coli and another for low chlorine levels, the Caller-Times previously reported. The notices mirrored two others that were issued in 2007.
There have been no reports of illness or sickness from residents due to the water.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jurors hearing the largest street-gang trial in recent Chicago history are being told that members of the Hobos gang lived by a creed that required killing perceived enemies, including an informant who likely would have testified at the trial.
Government attorneys began their closing arguments Thursday at the racketeering conspiracy trial of six alleged Hobos members, including purported leader Gregory Chester.
Prosecutor Timothy Storino told jurors the men treated Chicago's South Side "like it belonged to them." He said that after Chester's arrest, one subordinate killed gang associate-turned-informant Keith Daniel in front of his stepchildren in 2013.
The trial comes during an especially violent year in Chicago. There have been more than 700 homicides since January.
Six defense lawyers will also address jurors. Closings are expected to last four days.
The only U.S. ship capable of breaking through Antarctica's thick ice is getting scrubbed down, fixed up and loaded with goods in balmy Hawaii this week as it prepares to head to the frigid south.
The voyage by Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star comes as the U.S. looks to replace and expand its aging fleet of polar icebreakers so it can maintain a presence in the most remote corners of the world. The demand for icebreaking ships is expected to grow as climate change melts sea ice and lures more traffic to northern Arctic waters.
"The specter in the future is more marine use in the Arctic, more shipping, more offshore development, more tourism," said Lawson Brigham, a professor of geography and Arctic policy at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The Coast Guard needs to be able to enforce U.S. laws as well as search for and rescue people in the Arctic like it does in other waters, Brigham said. Though sea ice is melting faster than before, the Arctic Ocean is fully or partially covered by ice for about three-quarters of the year.
The Seattle-based ship has stopped in Pearl Harbor to stock up on food and fuel. It was scheduled to leave Monday to carve a channel through 30 miles of ice in Antarctica so ships can resupply a U.S. research center, but it was delayed by last-minute repairs.
The Polar Star specializes in the Antarctic mission because it can handle the thicker ice, leaving the jobs in the Arctic to a medium icebreaker called the Cutter Healy.
The 40-year-old Polar Star was built to last only three decades of grinding through thick sheets of ice. It forces its way through by riding up on ice and crushing it. When it can't break through, it backs up and rams the ice.
Brigham, a retired Coast Guard captain who commanded a heavy icebreaker in the Arctic and Antarctic in the 1990s, said policymakers have debated boosting the icebreaker fleet for decades. Climate change adds a new element to the discussion.
More cargo ships already have been taking Arctic routes as the planet warms. Last summer, a luxury cruise liner sailed to Nome, Alaska, then farther north to become the largest ship to ever traverse the Northwest Passage. Melting ice also will attract those seeking to extract oil, metals and other natural resources.
The U.S. should be present in the northern and southern reaches of the planet as a global power, Brigham said.
Russia has 40 icebreakers but owns more than half of the Arctic Ocean coastline and operates over a much larger stretch of icy seas. Russia's fleet is primarily used to escort commercial ships, while Coast Guard icebreakers only do so in emergencies, Brigham said.
The Obama administration proposed spending $150 million this fiscal year for early work on a new heavy icebreaker. The Senate Appropriations Committee instead voted to spend $1 billion, the estimated cost of one ship.
Neither proposal was adopted because the sides could not agree on a new federal budget, maintaining last year's spending levels through April.
Coast Guard Capt. Michael Davanzo, the Polar Star's commanding officer, told reporters Monday that the agency needs additional icebreakers partly in case something goes wrong.
"If we go down there on this trip and we run into problems, there's nobody down there who can come and help us," he said.
The Coast Guard has only one other heavy icebreaker, the Polar Sea, that also was built in the 1970s and isn't operational. The agency is using some of its parts to keep the Polar Star running.
The Coast Guard has said it needs three total heavy icebreakers, which can bust through ice 6 feet thick. It also wants three other icebreakers that can break slightly thinner ice, up to 4 feet thick, like the Healy.
On the Polar Star's upcoming journey to Antarctica, 14 months' worth of food will be aboard for the crew in case the ship gets stuck and it needs to wait until next year's thaw to get out.
If that happens, some of the crew would be flown off the ship, while others would stay behind until the vessel is able to break its way out or get a tow when the weather warms.
If Venezuela thinks that President-elect Donald Trump will soften its stance on U.S.-Venezuela relations, it is likely wrong.
Its unclear how Trumps candidacy will impact relations between Washington and Caracas, but hes already promised a tough hand against Nicolas Maduros socialist regime.
"Venezuelans are good people, but they have been horribly damaged by the socialists in Venezuela and the next president of the United States must show solidarity with all the oppressed people in the hemisphere [Latin America], Trump said at a campaign rally at Miamis Bayfront Park.
Some fear the interaction between two belligerent temperaments such as Maduro and Trump's will leave Venezuela at the gates of an even deeper financial crisis, with oil at the center of the equation.
But others hope that Trumps tough stance will force Venezuela to finally hand over power to the opposition.
We are expectant, said Congressman Angel Medina, who sides with the opposition.
Venezuelans are also wondering what Trump will do in regard to President Obamas actions toward a normalization of the relationship with Cuba.
"Perhaps he will put an end to this sort of political and economic opening with Cuba, [which] may also impact the relationship with Venezuela by re-including Cuba as an ideological enemy, said Gustavo Salcedo, a political analyst who specializes in relations between the U.S. and Latin America.
Maybe Venezuela is included in the bag of enemies that ought to be financially sanctioned."
Obama had a rocky relationship with the regime though in recent months seemed to be trying to smooth relations.
While no official statement or comment has been issued, members of the ruling party have been particularly vocal about President Obamas executive order from March of 2015 in which the U.S. describes the situation in Venezuela as an extraordinary threat to the countrys security.
Chavistas and political analysts alike say the government will be watching closely to what President Trump does with the order, which also pinpoints seven high-ranking officials for human rights violations among them, the directors of the National Police and of the top intelligence agency known as Sebin.
"If President Donald Trump continues to follow Obama's policy, relations will be at a very low level, as they have been ever since the executive order [was signed], said Roy Daza, a member of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela's PSUV International Committee.
We are interested in equal relations with the United States, he added.
But diplomatic relations between the two countries have not been the best since President George W. Bush time, when President Hugo Chavez was still alive. Ambassadors were pulled from both countries more than five years ago.
If Trump the candidate is Trump the president, this would strengthen the polarized narrative the narrative of empire against Latin America. And that narrative could be adopted not only by Venezuela but also its allies, Congressman Medina said.
A senior Indonesian cabinet minister says the government is not losing the fight against radicalism despite the success of hardline Islamic groups in attracting hundreds of thousands of people to protests against the capital's Christian governor.
Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who is close to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, said Thursday the government needs to reinforce Indonesia's founding ideology "Pancasila" which has been neglected since the fall of dictator Suharto in 1998 ushered in democratic rule.
Pandjaitan told a Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club event: "We are not losing control."
The Jakarta governor, Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, is on trial for alleged blasphemy and faces five years in prison.
The minister said the government has "detailed data" about radical protest leader Rizieq Shihab and "we know what we are going to do."
One of the stranger chapters of Mexico's drug war has had a relative happy ending, with residents of a southern town freeing the mother of a drug gang leader and the criminals releasing a kidnapped engineer.
The releases are part of a solution negotiated by the Guerrero state government to ease a tense standoff in the town of Totolapan.
Vigilantes angered by kidnappings took up arms Monday and abducted the mother of a drug gang boss known as "El Tequilero." They offered to release her and about two dozen suspected members of the Tequileros gang, but they demanded the release of a local construction engineer who the gang had snatched Sunday.
The Guerrero government issued a statement late Wednesday saying both the mother and the kidnapped engineer had been released.
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A Kabul airport official says 34 Afghan asylum seekers returned home after being deported from Germany the previous day.
The Kabul airport chief of police, Mohammad Asif Jabarkhil, says the deportees all young men without families landed around 5 a.m.
Many expressed disappointment over their deportation, saying they had lived and worked in Germany for years and were now forced to come back without any job prospects.
Sidiq Kuchai, a 23-year-old from northern Baghlan province who was in Germany for seven years, says he "had a good job and was working in a restaurant in Cologne.
Kuchai, who was among those who returned on Thursday says that in Afghanistan he has "no job and no security." He added: "I am not happy, everything is different for me here."
About 20 people believed to have links to a criminal gang remained kidnapped Thursday in southern Mexico by local residents who say they are tired of being at their mercy and are now taking matters into their own hands.
The few dozen men who make up the newly-formed vigilante group appeared Sunday evening in the streets of San Miguel Totolapan, one of the bloodiest in the state of Guerrero, waving shotguns and hunting rifles in response to the abduction earlier that day of a well-respected businessman.
A video on YouTube showed the vigilantes as they took up arms in response to repeated crimes attributed to "Los Tequileros."
"They have humiliated us. They have killed our families and we won't let it happen again," one of the vigilantes says.
Totolapan is considered so dangerous that many outlying hamlets in the township have been abandoned by fearful residents.
The town has been controlled for years by a drug gang boss named Raybel Jacobo de Almonte, better known as "El Tequilero" (in Spanish, The Tequila Drinker).
Following Sundays rally, residents rounded up several people they accused of collaborating with the gang, including Tequileros mother.
"We have your mother here, Mr. Tequilero," said a woman who identified herself as the abducted businessman on a video. "I propose an exchange: I'll give you your mother if you give me my husband, but I want him safe and sound."
After two days of negotiations, on Wednesday night the residents released the gang leaders mother and the criminals released the kidnapped businessman.
However, the angry residents continue to hold nearly 20 men and women and are demanding the release of several Totolapan inhabitants allegedly snatched last week by the Tequileros in order to extort them or because they were suspected of supporting a rival gang.
The emergence of vigilante groups, also known as self-styled "community police," has become a headache for Guerrero's government. Authorities say they understand residents' frustration but note the groups often wind up kidnapping suspects, fighting among themselves or preventing police from doing their work.
"The truth is, they are not really community forces, nor are they police," Gov. Hector Astudillo said earlier. "They are armed groups that unfortunately carry out acts ... that generate more violence and confrontation, rather than help."
"This is something that has to end, he said.
The area where Totolapan is located is a the foot of the mountains that produce much of Mexico's opium poppy crop.
Based on reporting by The Associated Press.
Austrian lawmakers have expropriated the house in which Adolf Hitler was born in 1889 in an effort to stem the flow of neo-Nazi sympathizers from using the residence as a shrine to the Fuhrer, according to published reports.
On Wednesday night, Austrias parliament passed a law to seize control of the three-story house in the northern town of Braunau am Inn from the buildings owner, Gerlinde Pommer, after years of legal wrangling, the Times of Israel reported Wednesday.
The Austrian government will pay Pommer an undisclosed sum of money for the loss of the building.
Over the years, Pommer has steadfastly refused to sell the building or have it demolished due to its association with the German dictator.
Instead, Pommer has rented it out as a guesthouse and has received a large amount of compensation from the Austrian government to prevent it from becoming an attraction for neo-Nazis, but it hasnt always worked.
It is not so seldom that neo-Nazis stop in front of the house to be photographed making the Hitler greeting, Harry Buchmayr, a Social Democrat who lives in Braunau, told parliament, according to the Guardian.
Click here to read more from the New York Post.
Police in Peru, the worlds top cocaine producer, can use all the help they can get in their fight against drug trafficking and this time of year that includes Santa Claus.
Earlier this week, an undercover police officer disguised as Santa was caught in video heading a raid that led to the arrest of four alleged drug dealers.
In an odd sight, a puffy Papa Noel is seen violently hitting the front door of a home with a sledgehammer and then going about his police business wearing a velvety red suit and even a cheeky mask.
Colonel Jorge Angulo told a local TV station that the narcotics unit is getting good results with the new tactic, which he said may expand to other characters such as the Three Kings.
He said officers usually resort to all kinds of disguises to go unnoticed as they follow criminals down the busy streets of Lima.
In this 'Santa' operation police seized 4,564 small packets of cocaine paste.
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The European Union has earmarked hundreds of millions of euros for the northern African nation of Niger as part of its efforts to stop migrants from reaching Europe.
Niger is a main transit route for people moving from Western Africa to Libya, where many board unseaworthy boats to cross the Mediterranean to Italy in search of better lives.
The EU's executive Commission announced Thursday that it would provide Niger with 610 million euros ($640 million) in development aid, and a further 140 million euros ($147 million) for nine projects under the bloc's fund for Africa.
The EU is developing other deals to manage migration with Ethiopia, Mali, Nigeria and Senegal.
Debate has swirled about setting up similar arrangements with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and Pakistan but the deals are extremely expensive.
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The Latest on Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Japan (all times local):
4:35 p.m.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has visited his father's grave while waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrive for a two-day summit.
Abe said Thursday on his Facebook page that he paid respects at the grave in his ancestral hometown of Nagato in western Japan. Putin's flight was delayed.
Abe wrote, "Looks like the president's arrival is being delayed, I used the time to visit the grave and reported to my father who devoted his late career to push for a peace treaty."
His father is former Foreign Minister Shintaro Abe, who pushed for resolution of a territorial dispute between the two countries.
During the talks Thursday and Friday, Abe hopes to make progress on the dispute over islands that kept Japan and Russia from signing a peace treaty formally ending wartime hostilities.
Behind the graffiti-speckled cement walls of the Women and Children's Prison here in the Kurdish capital of Erbil, an array of female ISIS jihadists languish along with scores of prostitutes, murderers and other criminals.
Some have been tried, some are still waiting for their sentences," the facility's female manager, Diman Bayeez, tells FoxNews.com in her office. "They are here for various offenses Because of ISIS, we have more and more terrorists."
The facility is designed to hold as many as 150 inmates, but it has more than double that about 325 women and children. Of those, only a fraction are accused of terrorism.
"I got 15 years," a 54-year-old in a black hijab says. "For being an ISIS terrorist. I wanted to be a suicide bomber."
As directed by prison officials, she can only be referred to in print by the initials K.S.
"I wanted a divorce, she says. I was very poor. I have schizophrenia and was just diagnosed with blood cancer, and my only daughter wasn't treating me well. I was borrowing money from people for the treatment."
That was in June 2014, and she described her situation to a cab driver named Mahmoud in her home city of Kirkuk.
"He was ISIS and said if I joined, they would treat me well and pay me," she says. "I said I would join on one condition: That they make me a suicide bomber and put me out of my misery."
Mahmoud was killed fighting in Hawija, and two ISIS members found her number in his phone. She along with her now ex-husband were recruited.
K.S. says she did not receive any formal training as a combatant, and did not pledge allegiance to ISIS, but admits that she allowed two militants to stay at her home she now suspects that one was a spy for the Kurdish security forces.
But when she was scheduled to put on the suicide vest, she got cold feet. She fled with the idea of seeking asylum in Europe, but the Kurds picked her up before she could leave.
"I told them I did all these bad things I didn't do because I wanted to be executed. I still wanted to die," K.S. says, saying that she attempted to kill herself in jail, too, with a kitchen knife. "Now I am thankful to God. I know I have committed no crime."
Kurdish authorities beg to differ.
According to the deputy manager of the correctional center, Zhino Azad, K.S. was deeply entrenched in ISIS, coordinating for their agents and being a guard at their female prisons possibly filled with captured Yazidi sex slaves.
"Even her daughter, a lawyer, is terrified of her," Azad tells FoxNews.com. "She is a little psychotic. That's the type of people ISIS takes advantage of."
K.S. doesnt mind prison at all. "It is like heaven in this jail," she says.
Here, she is safe from ISIS, is fed and receives medical treatment.
"I get to read the Koran all day and sleep," K.S. says with a bright smile. "And I interpret dreams for the other women."
A.H., a 35-year-old mother with a small tribal tattoo on the tip of her nose, also spoke to FoxNews.com.
She was issued a life sentence, which was reduced to 20 years, then 15, because she has young children -- six of them who are between 5 and 16 years old. They are being looked after by the second of her husband's four wives.
He is in jail now too, she says.
At first, A.H. maintains that she was working at a civilian hospital that was controlled by ISIS, but that she never treated wounded fighters, but it doesnt take long for her to let her guard down, especially after the prison official with us begins wandering in and out of the room.
"I went to ISIS myself and said I would do anything, clean hospitals, if they gave me a salary" $260 a month, she says. "So I was setting up IVs and injections for the fighters."
While she admits to having sworn allegiance to the Caliphate, A.H. also claims she was a spy for Iraqi intelligence, and, fearful that ISIS members would find out, she fled to Kurdistan in early 2016.
We have problems, especially with the new [prisoners], radicalizing others, so we try to keep the terrorists separate. Diman Bayeez, manager of the Women and Children's Prison of Erbil
She says all evidence of her spying was taken from her at an Iraqi Army checkpoint.
"Of course I regret [helping ISIS]. But my family was hungry. My husband was old," she pleads. "I feel betrayed. They took my phone, my proof I was helping them."
"They all say they aren't guilty, Bayeez tells FoxNews.com about the woman she watches over, but we know otherwise. We have to try to bring them back into the community."
The prison is starting a deradicalization program that includes social activities. School, while optional, is encouraged and is held five days a week.
"We have problems, especially with the new [prisoners], radicalizing others, so we try to keep the terrorists separate," Bayeez acknowledges.
"It is rewarding to help those who are in deep trouble, to be part of a process that brings them back to normal life," she says. "But the downside [is] everyone has a problem and some cases just cannot be fixed."
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says that the Western alliance's main forum for dialogue with Russia, the NATO-Russia Council, will meet next week.
Stoltenberg said as he arrived Thursday at a summit of European Union leaders that the meeting of ambassadors will be held on Monday.
NATO's ties with Russia have been severely strained since Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.
NATO-Russia Council meetings resumed earlier this year after a freeze in talks but so far have made no progress.
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Pope Francis is to visit the Fatima shrine in Portugal next year on the centenary of the date when three shepherd children said the Virgin Mary first appeared to them above an olive tree.
The Portuguese president's office announced on its website Thursday that the pontiff will be in the small farming town on May 12 and 13, 2017. The first apparition was May 13, but a midnight mass the previous day usually begins the annual celebrations.
While the Vatican only confirms papal trips closer to the date, Francis himself has previously said he planned to visit Fatima to mark the anniversary.
Francis will be the fourth pope to visit Fatima. The last one was Benedict XVI in 2010, when he also visited the cities of Lisbon and Porto.
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German prosecutors say two employees at a medical practice in the western city of Marburg have been fatally shot.
The dpa news agency reported Thursday that the shooting occurred at an office near the city's main train station, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Frankfurt.
Further details weren't immediately available and Marburg prosecutors didn't answer their phones, or respond immediately to an email query.
Serbia's prime minister says Russia will arm Serbia with fighter jets to boost its defenses amid a row with neighboring Croatia, a member of NATO.
Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said Thursday he will travel to Moscow next week to secure the deal that involves six aging MIG-29 aircraft donated by the Kremlin. Vucic says the deal "would deter anyone who would like to attack us."
Although formally seeking European Union membership, Serbia has been sliding toward its traditional ally Russia.
Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said during this week's visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that new jets were needed to counter an alleged threat from Croatia.
The two former Yugoslav republics were at war in the 1990s and continue to disagree on a number of issues.
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Vladimir Putin's first official visit to a G-7 country since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea is starting in somewhat customary fashion: He is arriving late.
The Russian president was due in western Japan on Thursday for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, but his flight was behind schedule. Japanese media reported he would arrive about three hours late.
During two days of talks, Abe hopes to make progress on a long-running territorial dispute, while trying to bolster ties with economic projects, though a major breakthrough is seen as unlikely.
The meetings begin Thursday at a hot springs resort in Nagato city and continue Friday in Tokyo. Abe has invited Putin even though the G-7 nations, including Japan, still have sanctions on Russia.
"This really is an extraordinary development," said James Brown, author of a book on the Japan-Russia territorial dispute and a professor at the Japan campus of Temple University in Tokyo. "I think Prime Minister Abe is being really quite bold in announcing this new approach to relations with Russia, especially coming at such a difficult time in relations between Russia and the west."
Putin has shown up late before. He kept Pope Francis waiting at the Vatican for one hour and 20 minutes in 2015. Earlier this month, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida waited for two hours when he visited the Kremlin.
Disagreements over four southern Kuril islands, which Japan calls the Northern Territories, have kept the countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities.
"I hope to negotiate thoroughly in quiet atmosphere, in the silence of the night," Abe told reporters in Tokyo ahead of his departure for Nagato. "I head into negotiations keeping close to my heart the long-cherished desire of the former islanders" to resolve the dispute.
Japan says the Soviet Union took the islands illegally at the end of World War II, expelling 17,000 Japanese to nearby Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four main islands. Russia governs the islands and the Russians who live there.
Putin told Japanese journalists earlier this week that progress hinges on Japan's flexibility to compromise, and that he doesn't mind the status quo. "We think that we have no territorial problems. It's Japan that thinks that is has a territorial problem with Russia," he said.
But Russia wants to attract Japanese investment, particularly to its far east. Japan hopes that stronger ties through joint economic projects will help resolve the thorny territorial issue over time.
___
Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo. Associated Press videojournalist Kaori Hitomi in Tokyo contributed to this story.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Japan on Thursday for a two-day summit that marks his first official visit to a G-7 country since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.
His Rossiya Airlines plane touched down at 4:50 p.m. at Yamaguchi Ube Airport on the coast of western Japan, two hours and 40 minutes behind schedule.
After shaking hands with Japanese officials, Putin and his motorcade headed for a hot springs resort in Nagato city, the ancestral hometown of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
During two days of talks, Abe hopes to make progress on a long-running territorial dispute, while trying to bolster ties with economic projects. A major breakthrough is seen as unlikely.
Abe has invited Putin even though the G-7 nations, including Japan, still have sanctions on Russia. The meetings will move to Tokyo on Friday.
"This really is an extraordinary development," said James Brown, author of a book on the Japan-Russia territorial dispute and a professor at the Japan campus of Temple University in Tokyo. "I think Prime Minister Abe is being really quite bold in announcing this new approach to relations with Russia, especially coming at such a difficult time in relations between Russia and the West."
Putin has shown up late before. He kept Pope Francis waiting at the Vatican for one hour and 20 minutes in 2015. Earlier this month, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida waited for two hours when he visited the Kremlin.
Abe, who flew from Tokyo to Nagato in the morning, used the time to visit the grave of his father, Shintaro Abe. As foreign minister, the elder Abe strove for a resolution of the territorial dispute in the 1980s.
Disagreements over four southern Kuril islands, which Japan calls the Northern Territories, have kept the countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending their World War II hostilities.
"I hope to negotiate thoroughly in quiet atmosphere, in the silence of the night," Abe told reporters in Tokyo ahead of his departure for Nagato. "I head into negotiations keeping close to my heart the long-cherished desire of the former islanders" to resolve the dispute.
Japan says the Soviet Union took the islands illegally at the end of World War II, expelling 17,000 Japanese to nearby Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four main islands. Russia governs the islands and the Russians who now live there.
Putin told Japanese journalists earlier this week that progress hinges on Japan's flexibility to compromise, and that he doesn't mind the status quo. "We think that we have no territorial problems. It's Japan that thinks that is has a territorial problem with Russia," he said.
But Russia wants to attract Japanese investment, particularly to its far east. Japan hopes that stronger ties through joint economic projects will help resolve the thorny territorial issue over time.
China appears to have installed anti-aircraft and anti-missile weapons on its man-made islands in the strategically vital South China Sea, a U.S. security think tank says, upping the stakes in what many see as a potential Asian powder keg.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies, or CSIS, said in a report late Wednesday that the anti-aircraft guns and close-in weapons systems designed to guard against missile attack have been placed on all seven of China's newly created islands.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Thursday that he could not confirm the report, but Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the imagery shows China is militarizing the South China Sea. He called for a "determined response" from the U.S. and its allies.
"The United States must take immediate steps to underscore our unwavering commitment to freedom of the seas and to enforce a stable balance of power in the region," McCain said in a statement.
The outposts were built in recent years over objections by the U.S. and rival claimants by piling sand on top of coral reefs, followed by the construction of military-grade 10,000-foot airstrips, barracks, lighthouses, radar stations and other infrastructure.
CSIS based its conclusions on satellite images taken in mid-to-late November and published on the website of its Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.
In a statement, China's Defense Ministry repeated that development on the islands was mainly for civilian purposes, but added that defensive measures were "appropriate and legal."
"For example, were someone to be threatening you with armed force outside your front door, would you not get ready even a slingshot?" the ministry statement said.
The Philippines, which has troops and villagers stationed on some reefs and islands near China's new artificial islands, expressed concern despite recently improving relations with China.
"If true, it is a big concern for us and the international community who uses the South China Sea lanes for trade," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said. "It would mean that the Chinese are militarizing the area, which is not good."
CSIS experts wrote that China's new island armaments "show that Beijing is serious about defense of its artificial islands in case of an armed contingency in the South China Sea."
"Among other things, they would be the last line of defense against cruise missiles launched by the United States or others against these soon-to-be-operational air bases," the report said.
Beijing says the islands are intended to boost maritime safety in the region while downplaying their military utility. They also mark China's claim to ownership of practically the entire South China Sea.
Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei also claim territory in the waterway through which an estimated $5 trillion in global trade passes each year, while the U.S. Navy insists on its right to operate throughout the area, including in waters close to China's new outposts. China has strongly criticized such missions, known as freedom of navigation operations.
The U.S. has committed to beefing up its military presence in the area, although new uncertainty has been introduced by incoming president Donald Trump, who has called for a reconsideration of its commitments to its Asian allies, including Japan and South Korea, while simultaneously criticizing China and speaking with the president of China's longtime rival Taiwan.
"The timing is significant in that these first clear images come amid Trump's challenging comments about China and its South China Sea fortresses," said Alexander Neill, a senior fellow for Asia-Pacific security for the International Institute for Strategic Studies based in Singapore.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on a visit to the U.S. last year that "China does not intend to pursue militarization" of the area, prompting some foreign experts to accuse China of going back on its word with its new deployments.
Looking forward, the nature of China's new military deployments will likely be calibrated in response to moves taken by the U.S., said the IISS's Neill.
"China will argue that they are entitled to place whatever they want there in reaction to U.S. actions," Neill said. "The big question is whether Trump will embark on a more strident or discordant policy in the South China Sea."
A 21-year-old Iraqi man freed from Islamic State rule says he is holding onto video footage of bloodthirsty militants publicly chopping off his hand, in the hopes of finding justice someday.
Azad Hassan, now living on his familys farm in the village of Al-Dhibaniyah, just outside the city, says he first had to watch ISIS militants chop the hand off his brother before his turn came.
ISIS MANUFACTURING ARMS ON AN INDUSTRIAL SCALE, REPORT FINDS
"As long as I live I won't forget that moment they cut off my brother's hand," Hassan told Reuters. "Then they tied down my hand. They had to hit it twice to cut it off. I wanted the ground to open up."
A dispute over flour brought the brothers in front of an ISIS court in Mosul more than a year ago. Working in the familys business, the two brothers sold flour to a baker who was loyal to the militants. But when the baker refused to pay up, the brothers snuck into the business to steal flour back, and were later detained and accused of theft.
ISIS MEMBER ORDERED FRANCE TRAIN ATTACK, LAWYER SAYS
One of their other brothers disappeared in the months before, with a document given to the family saying he was shot over suspicion of working for the Iraqi army.
Hassan told Reuters that he still carries a video of the amputation on a small USB stick, hoping to use it one day against the terror group. Iraqis army has been engaged in a nine-week-old U.S.-backed campaign to wrestle control of Mosul back from ISIS, and have retaken about a quarter of the city so far.
Both men are now out of work and are looking for artificial limbs.
"They cut the hands of two of my sons, and my third son they took him - Daesh hurt my family badly," said their father, Hussein. "We are all Iraqi, all the same people. I don't know why they did this to us."
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editionslapagaie@yahoo.fr
THEY KILLED AN ANGEL
My first born son Richard Sheja
A testimony of Esperance Mukashema Rwandan genocide survivor :
"My name is Esperance Mukashema; I am a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide; I lost loved ones killed by the Interahamwe Hutu militias during the genocide targeting Tutsis.
My son Richard Sheja was born on 15 October 1985.
In April 1994, the Lord protected him from the Interahamwe evil killers, but unfortunately he would be taken from us by other murderers from the RPF.
His father had been killed by the Interahamwe Hutu militias, and Richard would be mercilessly murdered by the RPF Tutsi soldiers who were supposed to be ending the massacres against Tutsi.
As regards to my dealings with the RPF government following my return to Kigali after the war; I was never given the opportunity to get any form of justice or other legal recourse, given that it was they who had killed my son."
Expect to see a lot of new signs pop up around the Spotsylvania Towne Centre.
The signs wont mention Macys, Costco or other mall mainstays. They will promote the Village at Towne Centre, a lifestyle marketplace tucked behind the Spotsylvania Towne Centreformerly Spotsylvania Mall.
The signs are needed because a lot of shoppers dont know about the Villages tenants, particularly the retailers, said Joe Bell, a spokesman for Ohio-based Cafaro Co., which owns the mall off State Route 3.
The Board of Supervisors recently voted to approve the companys request to allow the additional signs.
I think some trouble that theyve had are customers coming to the Costco and to Macys or other anchor stores, and theyre leaving and dont even know that the Village exists, said Kimberly Pomatto of the Spotsylvania Planning Department.
Chris Frederick, president of Signs for Anything, said his company is designing the signs to create excitement about going to the Village, and to remind shoppers about the stores there. He said in an email that the signs should go up in March or April, when it is warm enough to pour the concrete footers.
The 180,000-square-foot Village includes restaurants such as Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Park Lane Tavern and Cheeburger Cheeburger. Retailers there include Sephora, White House | Black Market, Arhaus Furniture, Saxon Shoes, Charming Charlie and Books-A-Million.
One of the new signs would be at the roundabout at the mall entrance and depict the Village logo with an arrow pointing in the direction of the stores.
And two proposed signs along the malls perimeter road would feature the Village logo with names of some major tenants. Those signs would be up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide, Bell said.
Cafaro would also put up narrower, 10-foot-tall decorative sailboard signs at various locations around the mall, including on the malls perimeter road near Costco. Each would include the name of a shop or restaurant at the Village.
Spotsylvania supervisors approved tax incentives for the Village in 2006 in order to get the project off the ground. According to the incentives package, the county must return half of the Villages annual sales tax revenue to Cafaro through 2031.
Several stores have closed at the Village since it opened in 2010, including Ten Thousand Villages and Coldwater Creekwhich shuttered its 365 stores in 2014 after filing for bankruptcy protection.
The Spotsylvania School Board unanimously approved using a portion of the 2016 carryover funds to purchase literacy materials at its regular meeting this week.
The district will spend $175,140 for the purchase of Benchmark Education Phonics materials and related professional development for teachers.
The Benchmark program was selected for kindergarten through fifth-grade students almost two years ago, according to Jennifer Belako, the districts director of teaching and learning.
Though a part of the adoption, phonics resources for K through second were not purchased due to limited funds, Belako said.
The purchase comes after the Board of Supervisors authorized the return of the funds to the school district shortly before Thanksgiving. LaShahn Gaines, the schools chief financial officer, said that the leftover $454,905 was about 0.2 percent of the schools total funding, the smallest remainder in 20 or 30 years.
Local government best practices sometimes vary regarding how much money should be left in a budget at the end of a fiscal year. Trying to spend down to the penny can result in going over budget, but a budget with a large balance might mean needs werent met.
This is where the foundation for the next 12 years happens, Salem district board member Bill Blaine said of his support for the materials.
Also at this weeks meeting, the School Board approved a change to the format of future meetings.
Following a November work session, the board proposed moving closed sessions to before the main content of the meeting, as well as some other changes.
During the Nov. 28 workshop meeting, the School Board discussed streamlining the regular meeting agenda, board chairman and Battlefield district member Baron Braswell said.
Public meeting agenda items will still begin at 6:30 p.m. after a recess from closed session, staff said. Most other area boards already hold closed meetings before regular agenda items, returning to closed session at the end of the meeting if necessary.
Even when regular agenda items are scheduled to start after closed sessions, governing boards still have to advertise their meeting start times before the closed session starts.
Thats because according to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, governing bodies can only go into a closed session by taking a vote in an open meeting, where the board reasonably identifies the purpose of the closed session.
The act also states that for a meeting to be open, the start time must be advertised.
A 5 p.m. vote to go into closed session, for example, would not be valid if the meeting were advertised to start at 7 p.m.
Advertisements can state that regular agenda items will start at a set time, but keeping to that schedule is considered good faith, not a legal requirement, because boards can rearrange agendas the day of meetings.
Culpeper County officials described as ill-informed and meritless the recent lawsuit filed against them by the U.S. Department of Justice that alleges the Board of Supervisors religiously discriminated against a Muslim congregation earlier this year when it denied a utility permit to serve a planned mosque site.
A religious liberty expert at the University of Virginia, on the other hand, said the complaint against the county was full of incriminating evidence,
Culpeper County Attorney Bobbi Jo Alexis will represent the county in the lawsuit filed Dec. 12 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville. In a news release issued Tuesday, she said the county intended to vigorously defend its 4-3 vote in April to reject the Islamic Center of Culpepers request for a pump-and-haul sewer permit to serve bathrooms at a planned mosque site on State Route 229.
The issue regarding a permit for the permanent pump and haul of excrement is a health issuenot a religious one, she said.
She defended the supervisors vote in a four-page letter Dec. 7 to Justice Department trial attorney Onjil McEachin, saying the county was dismayed by the federal action and that the vote to deny the utility permit did not warrant federal investigation or litigation.
Alexis asked the agency to reconsider its position and provide a report of its findings to the county.
DOJ has a public obligation to be forthcoming, and not just threaten, she said.
Alexis said the county did not violate the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Practices Act as alleged by the Justice Department and that the boards vote was simply motivated by regulations for the handling of sewage: This issue concerns a quintessential health matter and not the use of land as or by a religious entity.
She said the countys action did not prevent the Islamic Center from building on the site.
But according to the local health department, the subject property was unsuitable for a traditional septic tank and drain field. It is also located just beyond the area serviced by public utilities, meaning that while the Islamic Center could have built its prayer house, it wouldnt have a bathroom.
Alexis maintained in her letter to the DOJ that the religious group did not investigate any other methods for sewage disposal and that the board was therefore reasonable in its denial.
The county has routinely approved pump and haul permits through the years, including for various Christian churches.
According to Alexis, the county submitted more than 1,000 pages of documents since the Justice Department launched its investigation in May. She said the agency has interviewed a majority of the supervisors and various staff members and that the county has been cooperative.
The lack of any DOJ report, the absence of the release of any specific findings and the absence of any substantive dialogue through counsel as to the identified concerns of law and fact are very troubling, Alexis wrote in the letter. These omissions on a matter that DOJ indicates is so important suggests that DOJ is proceeding rashly and precipitously.
The Justice Department suit alleges that supervisors bowed to intense public pressure from constituents opposed to a mosque being built in Culpeper, based on various emails and other documentation.
County staff had recommended approval of the sewage permit.
Douglas Laycock, a law professor at the University of Virginia Law School in Charlottesville, said Wednesday that the lawsuit is full of smoking guns.
The alleged evidence is overwhelming, he said. And the emails and other official records say what they say; government lawyers did not make up the fact that the county had granted 26 pump-and-haul permits in a row.
While Laycock emphasized that the allegations had not been proven in court, he noted that they are based on the federal governments lengthy investigation. He said the county should settle the case.
The county cannot win at trial and the longer it resists, the more expense it will incur, in legal fees, he said. They might hold out on a bet that the Trump administration will enforce [the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Practices Act] only on behalf of Christians, and drop all cases about Muslims.
Laycock added that is not likely.
Career employees in the Department of Justice will continue to enforce the law, he said. And there are important forces in the Republican coalition who understand the importance of protecting religious liberty for everybody and are prepared to bring pressure to bear if necessary.
According to the pending lawsuit, the Islamic Center of Culpeper in April purchased for $15,000 the land on Rixeyville Road as a site for a prayer house following a five-year search for a suitable and affordable location. Members believe that Islam does not permit borrowing money at interest and that it is especially important that the financing of religious buildings not be tainted by such financing, according to the lawsuit.
The group of local Muslims currently has been gathering for years in an old house on Brandy Road that does not meet its religious needs because, according to the Justice Department:
It is too small to host events that attract additional worshipers for celebrations of holidays.
There is no separate area for women to worship.
There is no dedicated space for Quran or Arabic language studies.
The house has an inadequate washing facility for performing wudu, a sacred ritual that requires the washing of hands and feet before Friday prayer.
The lawsuit asks the court to order Culpeper County government officials to grant the necessary approvals that would allow the Islamic Center of Culpeper to use the Route 229 property as a place of worship, and to take actions to prevent the recurrences of such unlawful conduct in the future, including training for its personnel, establishing guidelines for addressing Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Practices Act complaints and maintaining records and submitting reports relating to its compliance with the law.
Lawyers for Ricky Javon Gray went to federal court Wednesday in an effort to block his execution, scheduled for next month, on the grounds it would violate the bar against cruel and unusual punishment.
There is a constitutionally intolerable risk that on January 18, 2017, the Virginia Department of Corrections (VDOC) will chemically torture Plaintiff Ricky Gray to death, the 38-page complaint begins. Gov. Terry McAuliffe and several Department of Corrections officials are named as defendants.
Gray claims officials are violating his due process rights by operating behind a veil of secrecy that frustrates Mr. Grays efforts to learn any meaningful details about the chemicals that will be used to cause his death.
The complaint asserts the electric chair is unconstitutional and suggests the use of a firing squad would not violate Grays rights. Virginia law calls for an inmate to choose between death by injection or electrocution. If the inmate fails to choose, the default method is by injection.
In addition, the complaint says Gray was frequently raped by a stepbrother and physically abused by his father as a child and suffers from postraumatic stress disorder.
A spokesman for the Virginia Attorney Generals Office said Wednesday any response will be made in court.
Gray, 39, was sentenced to die for the New Years Day 2006 slayings of sisters Ruby Harvey, 4, and Stella Harvey, 9. He also killed their parents, Bryan Harvey, 49, and Kathryn Harvey, 39, in their South Richmond home. Gray and Ray Dandridge, 39, murdered seven people in Richmond in 2006. Dandridge was sentenced to life.
The two also killed Ashley Baskerville, 21, who had been a lookout when Gray killed the Harveys; Baskervilles mother, Mary Tucker, 47; and stepfather Percyell Tucker, 55, in their Richmond home days after the two men killed the Harveys.
Earlier this year the Department of Corrections said it had received enough of the first and third drugs used in lethal injections midazolam and potassium chloride from an unidentified compounding pharmacy, to conduct an execution.
Authorities already had rocuronium bromide, the second of the three drugs used in Virginia. The first drug is intended to render the inmate unconscious during the execution. The second drug causes paralysis and the third stops the heart.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers have stopped making drugs available for use in executions. In response, the General Assembly passed a law allowing the department to buy special-ordered drugs from compounding pharmacies. The law allows the vendors identity to remain secret.
Grays complaint charges that compounding pharmacies typically follow an informal recipe attempting to approximate the patented process approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
This method for creating drugs unnecessarily adds enormous risk that the drugs will be ineffective, sub-potent, expired or contaminated, Grays lawyers contend. Recent botched executions have shown the horrific results of using FDA-approved, manufactured midazolam, the complaint argues, which cites an execution in Alabama last week in which the inmate struggled for breath, heaved, coughed and clenched a fist.
Lisa J. Fried, of the Hogan Lovells law firm in Washington, which represents Gray in his lethal injection lawsuit, said in a prepared statement that Midazolam has failed to adequately anesthetize prisoners during executions in Alabama, Arizona, Ohio and Oklahoma. It is clear that midazolam is not an appropriate drug for executions.
Yet, in an unprecedented move, the (Department of Corrections) plans to execute Mr. Gray using compounded midazolam, combining the extraordinary dangers already posed by manufactured midazolam with the inherent danger attached to using a compound and by definition, unapproved drug, alleges the complaint.
Grays lawyers said they are not aware of any other instance in which any state has executed someone using compounded midazolam. This new and untested method of execution risks subjecting Mr. Gray to extraordinary and needless pain and suffering, their complaint argues.
The complaint says information the state has not provided Grays lawyers includes the credentials of the compounding pharmacy, the date the chemicals were made, the ingredients used and how the chemicals were stored.
Grays lawyers say that Gray was repeatedly raped and physically abused as a child and as a result suffers from nightmares he is being raped but is unable to move away from his attacker because his arms and legs will not move. The nightmare is a description of a physiological response to extreme terror and helplessness.
The states lethal injection protocol will mimic this state of paralysis, asserts the complaint. This will cause Mr. Gray extreme terror, and play upon one of Mr. Grays most significant and long-standing fears. Mr. Gray will therefore experience the psychological torture from his nightmare of being harmed while immobilized.
Grays lawyers allege that Virginias other means of execution the electric chair also violates the constitutional bar against cruel and unusual punishment.
The complaint suggests the use of a firing squad would pass constitutional muster, although it has not been authorized under Virginia law. Two other states, Utah and Oklahoma, allow for firing squads in certain circumstances.
A firing squad, say Grays lawyers, significantly reduces the risk of severe pain compared with the three-drug protocol planned by the Department of Corrections.
The complaint suggests among other things that while Virginia law does not expressly permit the use of a firing squad, the department can use Utahs protocol as a model.
(804) 649-6340
TWO hundred twenty-five years ago today, Dec. 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights became part of the U.S. Constitution.
In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who described the Bill of Rights as the great American charter of personal liberty and human dignity, declared this day Bill of Rights Day.
The quiz below, from the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University in Ohio, provides an opportunity for you to test and refresh your knowledge of the signing and adoption of the Bill of Rights, which comprises the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.
1. The Bill of Rights states that
A. In criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the Assistance of Counsel.
B. No person shall be compelled in any civil case to be a witness against himself.
C. No (search) warrants shall be issued, but upon reasonable doubt.
D. The people have a right to assemble peaceably or unpeaceably.
2. In which city was the Bill of Rights signed by the First Congress?
A. Boston
B. New York
C. Philadelphia
D. Washington
3. In what year were the amendments comprising the Bill of Rights sent to the States for ratification?
A. 1776
B. 1787
C. 1789
D. 1791
4. According to the First Amendment, Congress shall make no law
A. Allowing only oil from Saudi Arabia to be sold in America
B. Respecting an establishment of religion
C. Favoring the appointment of conservative originalist judges
D. That imposes taxes without the consent of the people
5. Which memorable phrase is included in the Bill of Rights?
A. Give me liberty or give me death
B. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
C. The laws of nature and of natures God
D. Nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted
6. The Fourth Amendment addresses the issue of
A. Unreasonable searches and seizures
B. Trial by jury
C. Suits at common law
D. Excessive bail
7. Who was most responsible for guiding the Bill of Rights through the First Congress from its introduction to signing?
A. Thomas Jefferson
B. James Madison
C. George Mason
D. Patrick Henry
8. Which state provided the last vote needed to secure the adoption of the Bill of Rights?
A. Delaware
B. Massachusetts
C. Virginia
D. Kentucky
9. According to the specific language of the Bill of Rights
A. The powers not expressly delegated to the United States are reserved to the States
B. Congress can abridge freedom of speech and of the press in emergencies
C. The powers not delegated to the United States are reserved to the States or to the people
D. There shall be no standing armies in time of peace.
10. According the Bill of Rights the people have the following right:
A. The right to bear arms
B. The right to equal protection of the laws
C. The right to alter or abolish their government
D. The right to a free education
ANSWERS: 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-B, 5-D, 6-A, 7-B, 8-C, 9-C, 10-A
Gordon Lloyd is a senior fellow at the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University in Ohio and author and editor of a series of online exhibits on the American Founding hosted by the Ashbrook Centers website, TeachingAmericanHistory.org. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
TODAY, please take a few minutes to honor and inquire into one of Americas great charters of freedomthe Bill of Rights.
This is the 225th anniversary of that globally revolutionary document, which secured the first rights of conscience, petition, privacy and the rule of lawand changed the lives of many millions the world over.
Credit sons of Virginia, more than most people, for its existence. The Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, was ratified on Dec. 15, 1791. Virginia was the last state to ratify them. Its vote created the three-fourths majority in Congress needed to make them law.
But the ideas behind the amendments sprang from the fertile mind of George Mason, another Virginian, who refused to sign the newborn Constitutionone of only three men to do so. Mason, who stayed out of the limelight to be with his beloved family and books, is today less well-known than the Northern Virginia university that bears his name. Thomas Jefferson described him as a man of the first order of wisdom. James Madison called him the ablest man in debate he knew. (Masons beautiful estate on the Potomac River near Mount Vernon behooves a visit).
Crucially, Mason penned Virginias Declaration of Rights in June 1776. Its tenets echo through the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. But Masons notions were a hard sell.
In the final months of debate at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, Mason and Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts argued that the Constitution should include a bill or rights to protect peoples liberties against the Congress and newly empowered president. But the tired delegates wanted to go home, and swiftly defeated their motion.
Years more work and fierce arguments ensued before some of the ideas put forth by Mason, Gerry, Madison and Thomas Jefferson, another Virginian, prevailed.
Getting there wasnt pretty. Partisan conflict isnt new. People quarreled over whether the government should protect individual rights at all. Some said a bill of rights wouldnt guarantee freedoms, but would restrict them. Listing specific rights would imply they were granted by the government, not inherent in nature.
Others said the federal government couldnt interfere with personal rights. State constitutions provided those protections and the Constitution should say nothing about them, they argued. Alexander Hamilton, now the star of a hit Broadway musical, was one such fellow.
Madison, who wrote the draft amendments, worried that the federal government might claim that rights not listed in the Bill of Rights were not protected. He crafted the 9th and 10th amendments to limit the powers of Congress.
Ultimately, the Bill of Rights was a product of politics, of that dreaded word compromise. Take, for instance, freedom of religion, part of the Constitutions First Amendment. The concept was devised by Jefferson and contemporaries in a Fredericksburg tavern in 1777. Highly controversial in the commonwealth at the time, the Statute for Religious Freedom was one of Jeffersons proudest accomplishments.
Buthorrors!a congressional conference committee hammered out that element of the First Amendment. It resolved differences between the House and Senate versions, just as legislators do today. It came up with words familiar to us even now: Congress shall make no Law respecting an establishment of Religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
U.S. lawmakers adopted the first 10 amendments at once, selected from more than 200 changes suggested during two years of ratification debates by the states.
C. Douglas Smith, vice president at the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at James Madisons Montpelier, calls it a monumental moment. Yale University professor Akhil Amar said it is a hinge-point in human history between tyranny and democracy.
To learn more about our fundamental freedoms, download an ebook from the National Archives or enjoy its temporary exhibition Amending America at the archives headquarters near Washingtons National Mall. Check out the archives Facebook or Tumbler pages. And to mark this weeks anniversary, the Twitter hashtag #BillOfRights225 will turn up some nuggets.
The Bill of Rights, which nearly didnt happen, seems freshly relevant today. Its protectons were mostly ignored by the courts for the first 100 years, the National Constitution Center notes.
Yet the freedoms enumerated in this charter likely resonate anew with many Americans in the wake of 2016s tumultuous presidential election.
Democracy has always been the tenderest of flowers, cautions author Jon Meacham, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Thomas Jefferson.
With some now urging that a convention be held to amend the U.S. Constitution, our more thoughtful appreciation of the rights bequeathed us by the Foundersnot to mention bickering congressmen and state legislatorscan hardly be more important.
We must never take these rights for granted.
From a psychologists view, people have different ways of thinking that help them cope with traumatic events. Those differences are often expressed in stark themes or tones including the notion that they are walking a far harder (or far easier) road than other patients, Syrjala said.
Some people emphasize how their situation, even when it looks dreadful from the outside, could be worse and is better than someone elses. Other people tend to think nothing could be worse than what theyve had to endure, and Ive never found them receptive to the idea that it may not be that bad, said Syrjala, who is also director of Behavioral Sciences in the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutch.
In her experience, shes learned that its helpful to validate how bad the situation is or how scared the patient or survivor must feel but also how well theyre managing given the medical difficulty theyre facing, she said.
Then I move on to what could make things better for them or to what might have been gained from their terrible experience, Syrjala said, rather than sticking with the topic of who has it worse. Theres just no gain in staying with that topic.
Your cancer is far worse than mine.
No question, various cancers and different disease stages have better long-term outcomes, on average, than others. Thats the cold, mathematical reality.
But some patients who are diagnosed with cancers caught early and with forms that require minimal treatment come to believe they dont have real cancer. Sometimes, other patients make them think that way.
Breast cancer survivor Marie Ennis-OConnor has encountered this sentiment with the readers of her blog, Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer. One woman confided that fellow breast cancer patients in a support group had made her feel like a fraud because she had undergone less-intensive treatment than they had and, thus, I hadnt gone through as much agony. Another woman revealed to Ennis-OConnor that because she was not treated with chemo (but with radiation and surgery), I didnt want to make any fuss when so many others had real cancer.
Is there a hierarchy among cancer survivors? Ennis-OConnor wrote in her blog. Do some of us suffer more than others? Are some of us braver? Do some of us look up to/look down on others who have suffered more/less? (She purposely used those cancer cliches, like suffer to underscore her message).
She then answered her own questions: Cancer is cancer, is cancer, and how you process that, regardless of the treatment you did/didnt receive, can only be truly assessed according to your own individual experiences.
But patients often voice that sense of being unworthy to hold a place in serious cancer conversations, said Tammy Weitzman, a clinical oncology social worker at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Fred Hutchs clinical care partner.
I hear that all the time from patients, Weitzman said. You can have somebody who, say, has chronic-phase leukemia or theyre on an oral chemotherapy and they look well and for the most part are functioning well, and they feel guilty for even sitting in the waiting room because what they have is essentially well managed.
They feel grateful for that but, at the same time, they think: What am I doing here in this waiting room? Im not that sick and Im taking away from somebody else. Its a form of guilt, she said.
I survived more grueling treatment than most patients, and you can too!
This corner of the cancer Olympics can sound a bit like a humble brag. But it also can be a sincere rallying cry from patient to patient, a moment when one person is simply trying to inject optimism and remove fear in another.
This is not uncommon at all amongst cancer patients to help newly diagnosed patients alleviate stress (or) give one hope and support, said Randy Broad, a lung cancer survivor from the Seattle area, He was treated at SCCA.
Broad hasnt encountered the cancer hierarchy, he said. Turning any cancer into a badge of honor and using that to compete with other patients is incomprehensible, added Broad, who was diagnosed with and treated for stage 3 non-small-cell lung cancer. Since the end of 2008, hes had no recurrence.
But he remembers a fellow patient he describes her as his stage 3 lung cancer mentor who embodied some of that rallying-cry attitude.
I recall her downplaying her treatment almost as if it was like having a cold, stating (it was) no big deal, Broad said.
She is no longer with us, by the way.
Florida Damaged Property Dilapidated House Agency Buying Services Launched
Home Solutions FLA, a real estate agency based in West Palm Beach, Florida, launched a range of investments in damaged and dilapidated properties throughout the state. The company buys properties regardless of price range and degree of damage, and offers fast, cash-only payments.
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Home Solutions FLA, a real estate agency based in West Palm Beach, Florida, launched a range of investments in damaged property and dilapidated houses throughout Florida.
More information is available at http://homesolutionsfla.com/we-buy-ugly-houses-repair-damaged-property.
For a variety of reasons, many houses become dilapidated, due to age, neglect, or lack of inhabitance. Home owners who inherit such properties, or who relocate and cannot afford a housekeeper for their old residence, are many times in a difficult situation when they try to sell their damaged property.
Many real estate agents will usually take a long time before being able to sell such properties, and the overall price may be extremely low. If the owners decide to sell on their own, they may find themselves in a situation where they cannot find buyers willing to pay a reasonable price.
The proper solution seems to be working with a real estate company specifically investing in damaged and dilapidated properties.
Home Solutions FLA announced its intention to invest in damaged properties throughout Florida. The company buys houses in any price range and suffering from any degree of damage, and makes offers within 24 hours of the initial contact.
The real estate agency will buy properties suffering different types of damage, including willful, structural or water damage, negligence, high utility bills, malfunctioning electrical systems, pest infestations, mildew and mold infestation, storm or fire damage, leaking roofs and more.
The company offers fast evaluation for home owners looking to sell their house fast, and the buying offer is given within 24 hours. The contract can then be completed at the home owner's convenience.
Home Solutions FLA has a cash-only policy and it pays its clients as soon as they are ready to close the contract. The company does not operate on loaned money or checks, thereby ensuring a fast, secure and convenient transaction.
Interested clients can find more information by visiting the above-mentioned website.
For more information, please visit http://www.homesolutionsfla.com/sell-my-house-fast-west-palm-beach/
Contact Info:
Name: Robert Weglewski
Organization: Home Solutions Fla LLC
Address: 12482 Sawgrass Court, Wellington, Florida United States
Release ID: 153557
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Next is Now 2017 : Fashion-Forward Tech Conference powered by Visual 2000
Visual 2000 International, announces the launch of Next is Now 2017, a fashion-forward tech conference tailored to the Apparel, Footwear & Fashion Accessories industry.
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End2End fashion software provider, Visual 2000 International, announces the launch of Next is Now 2017, a fashion-forward tech conference tailored to the Apparel, Footwear & Fashion Accessories industry. This initiative is inline with Visual 2000's mission of providing best-of-breed business technology solutions to the global AFA industry.
Taking place in the heart of Montreal, Canada from March 29th to 30th 2017, this two-day event will explore today and tomorrow's fashion industry challenges, tech innovations and trends. Top brand executives, industry experts, and influencers will present topics
such as the omni-channel revolution, the future of ecommerce, how to quantify success with business intelligence and the foundations of product innovation.
Open to all professionals, day one of Next is Now will focus on the software innovations shaping the future of fashion with industry talks, a surprise announcement and networking. The second day, open exclusively to Visual users, will focus on exploring Visual's new generation of solutions with product discovery and training sessions.
Charles Benoualid, VP of Research and Development, explains, "We are excited to bring together so many industry professionals and influencers to join heads and discuss the future of fashion. The goal of Next is Now is to empower industry professionals to make better business decisions faster and drive sustainable competitive advantage. Visual 2000 has always been a forward thinking company and we are eager to announce our 2017 roadmap, revamped products and as well as a surprise announcement. This event is not to be missed."
Next is Now 2017 will be taking place from March 29th to 30th 2017 at the Phi Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Early bird tickets at a reduced price can now be purchased here.
About Next is Now 2017
What : Fashion-Forward Technology Conference
When : March 29th & 30th 2017
Where : Centre Phi, Montreal, Quebec Canada.
www.visual-2000.com/next-is-now
About Visual 2000 International
20 years in the making, Visual 2000 provides End2End software for apparel, footwear and fashion accessory companies. More than 600 companies around the world take advantage of Visual 2000?s End2End advanced ERP, PLM, supply chain management, warehouse optimization and business intelligence software. For more information, please visit www.visual-2000.com
For more information, please visit http://www.visual-2000.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Julien Belisle
Email: julien@visual-2000.com
Organization: Visual 2000 International Inc.
Address: 8960 Av du Parc, Montreal, QC H2N 1Y8, Montreal Canada
Release ID: 154579
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Food Safety Testing Market Projected To Grow At A CAGR Of 7% From 2016 To 2021
Food Safety Testing Market Projected to Grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2016 to 2021
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Market Research Future published a Cooked Research Report on Food Safety Testing Market that contains the information from 2016 to 2022. The Global Food Safety Testing Market is expected to grow with the CAGR of more than 7% from 2016 to 2021, and with this it is predictable to cross USD $15 billion by 2021.
Increasing Consumer Awareness for Food Safety - The Major Opportunity in the Market
Consumer awareness about food safety has increased significantly. Increasing consumer demand for healthy and safe food has been creating a huge opportunity for food safety testing market. The food manufacturing companies have to conduct food safety testing on all their food products as described by the regulatory bodies. Consumers have been depending on the reports of food safety tests to decide on consuming the food products. Consumer perception on food safety has significantly increased witnessing higher number of chemical contamination in food products, higher number of product recalls due to contamination by various pathogens, and so on.
Key Findings
o Worldwide increase in the outbreak of foodborne illness, stringent regulations, increasing consumer awareness, globalization in food trade were the main drivers of food safety market
o Leading testing laboratories were involved in obtaining accreditation and certification for the testing services
o Greater opportunities for food safety testing due to increase in food trade were observed in emerging countries, especially in India and China
Request for Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample-request/global-food-safety-testing-market-forecast-to-2021
Among The Food Safety Testing Contaminants Market Pathogens Segment is Compositing the Growth of the Market
The Global Food Safety Testing Market revenue is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecasted period. The market was dominated by pathogens testing, accounting for nearly 65% of the food safety testing market in 2012.
Key Players in Food Safety Testing Market:
o Accugen Laboratories
o Adpen Laboratories
o Aegis Food Testing Laboratories
o ALS Limited
o AsureQuality limited
o Avomeen Analytical Services
o Bio-Rad Laboratories
o Bureau Veritas SA
o Campden Bri
o Det Norske Veritas AS (DNV)
Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 100 market data tables and figures spread in 137 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on "Global Food Safety Testing Market Information from 2011 to 2021"
Access Report Details @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/global-food-safety-testing-market-forecast-to-2021
North America is Dominating the Overall Market followed by Europe. Asia-Pacific is Projected to be the Fastest Growing Market
In North America, food borne illness has accounted high expenses through the medication and lost work. North American government has spent many billions to recover the pathogen epidemic. Asia-Pacific is likely to be the fastest growing region, due to rising demand for food safety from consumers, producers, and regulators. The most rapid moving country in Asia-Pacific food safety testing is China, and this gain will be amplified by larger base. Australia has also been affected severely with pathogen induced foodborne diseases, and has prioritized food safety testing.
Ask for your specific company profile and country level customization on reports.
Make an Enquiry for this Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/global-food-safety-testing-market-forecast-to-2021
About Market Research Future:
At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.
MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.
In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.
For more information, please visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/global-food-safety-testing-market-forecast-to-2021
Contact Info:
Name: Akash Anand
Organization: Market Research Future (MRFR)
Address: Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India
Phone: +1 646 845 9312
Source: http://marketersmedia.com/food-safety-testing-market-projected-to-grow-at-a-cagr-of-7-from-2016-to-2021/154526
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Office 2016 Promo Code Launches New Information On The Upcoming Visual Studio 2017
Office 2016 Promo Code is helping more people break into the coding and program-design market by promising special offers on Microsoft Visual Studio 2017, to be released early next year.
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Microsoft is one of the biggest software companies in the world. Their operating system still dominates the market share for both business and home users. As such, coding programs, web applications and even websites is essential for the future success of their platform. Microsoft Visual Studio is a programming suite designed to help people create tomorrow's programs, websites and apps. It comes with built in debugging and a host of extra features, which include a forms designer for building GUI applications, web designer, class designer, and database schema designer. Office 2016 Promo Code is looking to help people get a great deal on the latest version of this important software, and has released new information on Visual Studio 2017.
Visual Studio 2017 was talked about briefly this year when Microsoft released the first discussion of new features to be included. These have been collated and recapped on the website, so individuals using existing versions can see the benefits of upgrading.
The website also assures users that on day one of launch, the site will play host to an exclusive Visual Studio Promo Code to help them save money. The site already has up to 80% discounts available on current versions, in addition to their Microsoft Office Promo Code, Surface Studio discounts, deals on Surface Book, Xbox One, Windows 10, Accessories and more.
A spokesperson for Office 2016 Promo Code explained, "Office 2016 Promo Code is pleased to be able to create resources to help people discover more about Microsoft Visual Studio 2017. The company has been very hush hush about progress on the suite, but we are pleased to report that the latest release will be sooner rather than later, with improved navigation, shortcuts, and testing features. We are also pleased to be able to offer people money off this latest version as soon as it is released, thanks to our exclusive links with the Microsoft Store."
About Office 2016 Promo Code: Office 2016 Promo Code is one of the Official affiliates of Microsoft Store, with close links established and developed over the last 9 years. The site offers visitors amazing discount codes and promos direct from the Microsoft store. These include daily, weekly and monthly deals, together with special discounts for special occasions like Black Friday Day, Cyber Monday, Christmas, Valentine's day, Father's day, Labor day, Veteran's day and more.
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Contact Info:
Name: PRWhirlWind
Organization: PRWhirlWind
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Ranch Marketing Associates Publishes Farmland Ownership Benefit Guide
The company wants to help buyers understand why now is the time to invest in their dreams of owning agricultural property, reports www.rmabrokers.com.
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Ranch Marketing Associates recently announced the publication of their short farmland ownership benefit guide. The company is using the guide to help interested buyers understand how the market is currently swinging in their favor and why now is the time to invest in agricultural property. The recently-published guide is now available on the RMA Associates blog.
"The vast experience we have in the ranch brokering industry tells us that right now is a phenomenal time to buy. For people who want to raise a family away from the hustle and bustle of suburban life or those who have considered starting a career in the always-thriving agriculture industry, it's important for them to know that farmland is cheaper than it has been in years, making the hundreds of thousands of acres of beautiful, American agricultural land all over the country a hot-ticket opportunity that is unlikely to last for very long," said Ron Morris, one of Ranch Marketing Associates Founders.
Right now, Ranch Marketing Associates has buyer opportunities all over the country. The company boasts an unmatched inventory of diverse and scenic landscapes from Texas to California, New Mexico to Idaho, and many beautiful places in between. Among the benefits of owning farmland listed in the new RMA associates guide are the fact that it has a history of strong capital protection over extended periods of time, that it creates a stable, income-producing asset for the buyer, and that it provides a specific range of tax incentives as well.
Morris went on to say, "Unlike traditional homes, ranches tend to hold on to their worth, making them more valuable to the buyer in the long haul. We've studied market conditions inside and out, and all factors point to this being one of our best buying seasons yet. For those who may be thinking about jumping on the opportunity to own a piece of the 920 million acres of farmland across the country, we can promise that the decision won't be a regrettable one."
Those who are interested in learning more about the current inventory of farmland available from RMA Brokers can visit their website at rmabrokers.com for more information.
About Ranch Marketing Associates:
Ranch Marketing Associates, LLC represents the top echelon of ranch brokers in the west. Founders Ron Morris and Billy Long have assembled the most knowledgeable ranch real estate firm in the nation combining extraordinary client service, unsurpassed knowledge of the marketplace, and global reach.
For more information, please visit http://www.rmabrokers.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Ron Morris
Organization: Ranch Marketing Associates
Address: JohnsTown, Colorado, 80534
Phone: (855) 535-0881
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Venues.sg Announces Expansion Of Venue Listings
The website offers access to a growing database of venues and event planning services in Singapore, reports company spokesperson.
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With its dynamic economy and openness to global trade, Singapore is known as a center of commerce with a thriving middle class. These factors drive the business of event planning and management. For both commercial and personal event planners in Singapore, the event planning website Venues.sg has released good news: they are increasing an already extensive database of venues and services.
According to company spokesperson Jameson Koh, the website has recently added new listings due to a growing demand for event planning services in the area. "Events are a big aspect of both business and personal life around here," said Koh. "Team-building events, for examples, are very popular because of their proven effectiveness in improving work relationships and productivity. But there are all kinds of events that help companies build their culture, like celebrations of holidays, celebrations of achievements, conferences, retirements, grand openings, etc. In the personal sphere, you have weddings, birthday parties, and baby showers, to name a few of the major life events that call for celebration. We are here to help everyone from professional event planners to individuals organizing a family event. If you're looking for the Best Wedding Venue in Singapore, for example, we can help you find it."
The website allows any user to search venues by type of event, location, capacity, and type of service required. Each listing features detailed information about the venue, including photographs, complete contact information, and specific details about the equipment and services available. The search options are varied; users can look for indoor or outdoor venues, children's events, karaoke, moving screenings, road shows, corporate dining, cruises, pool parties, and rooftop venues, to name just a few. "Our mission is to connect people to venues and help them make the perfect match. Searching for venues through Google or another search engine can end up being very time-consuming because the search results don't necessarily lead to the information you want. So we have created our own niche on the internet where we eliminate all the extra information and just give event planners exactly what they need to know."
While any visitor can search the website, members have the option of saving their searches and preferences. Users can also sign up to receive an e-newsletter with up-to-date news about event planning in Singapore. "With our newly expanded listings," said Koh, "we are continually increasing the quality of our services, and we look forward to assisting even more event planners in our city."
About Venues.sg
Venues.sg is a website designed to assist anyone planning a Singapore event with information about venues and event management services. Users can search an extensive database of venues by category and type of service. Users who become members are able to save bookmarks and preferences. Venues.sg is the one-stop shop for everything related to event planning and management in Singapore, and their mission is to save clients time and effort by connecting people, venues, and ideas.
For more information, please visit http://venues.sg/
Contact Info:
Name: Jameson Koh
Organization: Venues.sg
Address: Singapore 416248
Phone: +65 6684 3363
Source: http://marketersmedia.com/venues-sg-announces-expansion-of-venue-listings/154700
Release ID: 154700
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All Locations Near Me Launches, Satisfying a Common Need from a Single Source
New online service at Alllocationsnearme.com locates and displays franchises, branches, and storefronts of dozens of different kinds and brands, saving users time, All Locations Near Me reports.
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All Locations Near Me has launched and is now serving visitors online at AllLocationsNearMe.com. An all-in-one, nationwide business and service directory, All Locations Near Me makes it easy for users to locate everything anything from the closest McDonald's franchise to the nearest Bank of America branch. A powerful, advanced mapping system produces useful, instant results, while other resources help visitors learn more about All Locations Near Me Now. With dozens of different categories making it simple to get started, All Locations Near Me already lists thousands of storefronts, branches, and franchises, and more are being added every day.
"We're happy to report that we have launched, with many great new features added since our recently concluded, highly successful beta," All Locations Near Me representative Mike Smith said, "All Locations Near Me is something entirely unique, embodying an idea whose time has truly come. We've made it easier than ever before to find whatever kind of business or service a person might be looking for, and the site is only getting better. Whether for locating a garage nearby for an oil change or a great gym in the area for a workout, All Locations Near Me makes everyday life easier."
Franchised businesses and chains that stretch far beyond local markets have played major roles in the American economy for decades, and they are only becoming more important. Close to a million individual franchise locations, for example, do business across the United States today, with over 3,000 franchising companies authorizing and supporting them, according to a major online franchise directory.
Whether for finding the nearest franchise of a favorite fast-food restaurant or a local branch of a nationwide bank, All Locations Near Me was created to offer a unique, valuable service to every visitor. Instead of needing to head to different websites particular to each business that might be of interest, All Locations Near Me users can rely on a single, accurate, consistent service that produces all the information that might be wanted.
All Locations Near Me users save time because they do not need to search company-specific websites or learn how to deal with the quirks particular to each one. Instead, they make use of one simple, thoughtfully designed, highly responsive interface that gives them all the location-related information they could want for any conceivable kind of business or service. Visitors to the new website at www.alllocationsnearme.com will also find a wide range of informative guides and other resources, all available free of charge and without registration.
About All Locations Near Me:
Making it easy to find the closest McDonald's, the nearest Bank of America branch, or any other franchise or chain location, All Locations Near Me saves readers time and effort by delivering instant, accurate results.
For more information, please visit http://alllocationsnearme.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Mike Smith
Organization: Find Locations Near Me
Address: 123 Jolly St. San Francisco, CA 94101
Phone: 404-521-4562
Source: http://marketersmedia.com/all-locations-near-me-launches-satisfying-a-common-need-from-a-single-source/154726
Release ID: 154726
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Smart Transformers Market Worth $2,185.8 Million In 2020, With A CAGR Of 19.3%
Increasing expenditure on power transmission and distribution infrastructure by utilities, along with growing investments for smart grid infrastructure are some of the key demand drivers for the global smart grid market.
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The report "Smart Transformers Market by Type (Power, Distribution, Specialty, and Instrument), Application (Smart Grid, Traction Locomotive, Electric Vehicle Charging, and Others) & by Region - Global Trends & Forecast to 2020" defines and segments the smart transformer market with analysis of value, market share of leading players, and forecast for future trends. It also identifies the driving forces, restraining factors, and challenges for the market, highlighting the latest trends, and identifying opportunities.
Browse 76 market data tables and 62 figures spread through 182 pages and in-depth TOC on "Smart Transformers Market - Global Trends & Forecast to 2020"
Speak to Analyst: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=15362928
The global distribution smart transformer market is projected to grow from $903.7 Million in 2015 to $2,185.8 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 19.3%.
Asia-Pacific is also projected to emerge as the fastest growing market during the forecast period, growing at a CAGR of 20%, followed by North America at 19.4%. Europe and the Middle East are expected to witness growth rates of 18.8% and 19.3% during the forecast period, respectively.
The global smart transformer market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.3% from 2015 to 2020, with increasing demand from countries such as China, India, the U.S., and Germany. Expansion of power distribution networks to connect more populations to electricity supply, modernize aged infrastructure, improving efficiency of power supply using smart grid technology, and increasing installations of electric vehicle charging stations are playing an important role in generating demand for smart transformers.
Leading players in the global Smart Transformer Market include Siemens AG (Germany), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), General Electric (U.S.), Eaton Corporation (U.S.), Alstom (France), Schneider Electric (France), and Crompton Greaves (India) among others. Players in the global smart transformer market make investments in R&D to enhance the efficiency of their products. These companies are expanding into new territories to take advantage of opportunities in the fast-growing emerging economies of Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and South America through joint-ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships.
This report offers a detailed analysis of key companies and competitive analysis of developments recorded in the industry in the past three years. Market drivers, restraints, opportunities, burning issues, and latest industry trends of the market have been discussed in detail
The global smart transformer market based on type includes the segments of distribution transformer, power transformer, specialty transformer, and instrument transformer. The market on the basis of application has been segmented into smart grid, traction locomotive, electric vehicle charging, and others. Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East, South America and Africa, along with information for important countries in each region, such as the China, India, Japan, the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, South Africa, and others.
Request for Customization: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomization.asp?id=15362928
About MarketsandMarkets
MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors.
M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.
We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository.
For more information, please visit http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/smart-transformers-market-15362928.html
Contact Info:
Name: Rohan
Organization: MarketsandMarkets
Source: http://marketersmedia.com/smart-transformers-market-worth-2185-8-million-in-2020-with-a-cagr-of-19-3/154853
Release ID: 154853
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Lighting As A Service Market To Grow $638.7 Million By 2021, At A CAGR Of 46.3%
This growth is attributed to increasing demand for energy efficient lighting systems, zero capital cost requirement and growing convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) in lighting systems to reduce energy consumption across the globe.
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The report "Lighting as a Service Market by End-User (Commercial, Municipal, and Industrial), Installation (Indoor, and Outdoor), Component (Luminaires, Software & Communication Systems, and Maintenance Services), and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", The lighting as a service market is expected to grow from an estimated USD 95.3 Million in 2016 to USD 638.68 Million by 2021, registering a CAGR of 46.3% from 2016 to 2021.
Browse 70 market data Tables and 50 Figures spread through 146 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Lighting as a Service Market - Global Forecast to 2021"
Speak to Analyst: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=117526361
The global market is witnessing significant growth on account of the increase in demand for energy efficient lighting systems, and government policies supporting adoption of energy efficient lighting systems over traditional lighting. Increasing convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) with lighting is also expected to drive the demand for the lighting as a service market across the globe.
The indoor segment is expected to hold the largest share in the lighting as a service market, by installation, during the forecast period
The indoor segment led the overall lighting as a service market in 2015, owing to the increasing electricity demand from the commercial sector. However, the outdoor segment is expected to register the higher growth rate during the forecast period. Increasing convergence of IoT for street lighting design and efficient utilization is the main driver behind the growth of the outdoor installation segment in the lighting as a service market. Outdoor installation covers street lighting, park and recreational areas, and parking garages, among others.
Commercial segment is expected to be the dominant end-user in the global lighting as a service market
The commercial segment is expected to dominate the global lighting as a service market during the forecast period, whereas the municipal segment is expected to constitute the fastest growing segment, by end-user. Energy savings and cost reductions promised by lighting as a service constitute an attractive offer for commercial end users in view of the increasing corporate focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
North America: The leading market for lighting as a service
North America is expected to dominate the global lighting as a service market, and is driven by demand from commercial establishments keen to leverage the cost saving potential of efficient lighting systems and government policy support to phase out traditional lighting systems to reduce energy consumption in the region. It is closely followed by Europe.
To enable an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes profiles of some of the leading players in the lighting as a service market. These players include Koninklijke Philips N.V (Netherlands), General Electric Lighting (U.S.), Zumtobel Group AG (Austria), SIB Lighting (U.S.), Lunera Lighting (U.S.), Igor Inc. (U.S.) and Cree Inc. (U.S.). Leading players are trying to penetrate developing economies and are adopting various strategies to increase their market share.
Target Audience:
The report's target audience includes:
Lighting manufacturers
Lighting as a Service providers
Research institutes and organizations
Lighting control manufacturers
Lighting industry associations
Technology standards organizations, alliances, and associations
Government bodies, and private Equity firms
Institutional investors
Make an Enquiry: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=117526361
Available Customizations:
With the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations as per the client's specific needs. The following customization options are available for this report:
Company Information
Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (Up to 5)
Request for Customization: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomization.asp?id=117526361
About MarketsandMarkets
MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors.
M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.
We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository.
For more information, please visit http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/lighting-as-a-service-market-117526361.html
Contact Info:
Name: Rohan
Organization: MarketsandMarkets
Source: http://marketersmedia.com/lighting-as-a-service-market-to-grow-638-7-million-by-2021-at-a-cagr-of-46-3/154844
Release ID: 154844
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Czech North American Chamber of Commerce & Culture Inc. Announces Plans for 2017
The Czech North American Chamber of Commerce & Culture Inc. today announced its plans to align with Distinct Press to encourage the publishing of Czech and Slovak authors from the United States and Canada. Also, they welcome Kytka Hilmar-Jezek, to their Board of Directors.
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The Czech North American Chamber of Commerce & Culture Inc. today announced its plans to align with Distinct Press to encourage the publishing of Czech and Slovak authors from the United States and Canada, as well as translations of books by Czech authors. Also, they have welcomed aboard Kytka Hilmar-Jezek, founder of the magazine style website, www.TresBohemes.com, to their Board of Directors to reach younger audiences and expand their range providing services to the Czech community worldwide.
"This past month we saw over 70,000 visitors to our website at www.CzechEvents.net, which attracts American and Canadian Czechs and Slovaks who want to stay abreast of news, current events, cultural information, business news, artistic events and learn more about their Czech history and traditions," said Lubomir Novotny, executive director of the Czech North American Chamber. "The Czech North American Chamber of Commerce & Culture is committed to working with our partners to advance Czech business and culture and we're excited to move towards publishing and reaching a younger audience as we continue to grow and serve the Czech and Slovak population abroad."
With the support of the Chamber, Distinct Press has begun an initiative to publish more Czech literature and work with more Czech authors. Their goal is to bring more awareness to the incredible histories, immigration stories, talented artwork, and music to the world through both traditional and digital media.
The Chamber is a membership-based non-profit organization whose success is based upon the active involvement of its members. Czechs and Slovaks living in the United States and Canada are invited to take advantage of the unique opportunity to promote their business, music, art, literature and events among the Czech and Slovak communities across North America by sharing the portal and considering advertising themselves as a Czech resource. The CNACC also works in close cooperation with the Standing Senate Commission on Compatriots Living Abroad, as well as with the Czech Embassies in Washington D.C. and Ottawa.
In addition, the CNACC also assists and operates the Czech School of Atlanta, www.CzechSchoolAtlanta.cz, honoring Karel A. Velan through its educational division. It is dedicated to teaching children of Czech and Slovak descent not only the language but also Czech and Slovak culture, history, and geography. The school strives to develop each child fully by helping each one to live our core values: the joy of learning and persistent effort as well as mutual respect and understanding in a diverse setting. The School's goal is to shape and improve local and global Czech and Slovak communities through the active participation of its multilingual students, parents, and volunteers.
The Czech North American Chamber of Commerce & Culture focuses on promotion and coordination of Czech cultural activities in North America. The organization has created a unique website which informs Americans and Canadians of Czech heritage about incoming cultural events, specifically about tours, performances, and exhibitions of Czech artists coming over the Atlantic to North America. The United States and Canada have the largest Czech expatriate communities in the world. Per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, some 3 million persons are living in North America who share Czech and Slovak heritage.
For more information, please visit http://www.czechevents.net
Contact Info:
Name: Lubomir Novotny
Organization: The Czech North American Chamber of Commerce & Culture Inc.
Source: http://marketersmedia.com/czech-north-american-chamber-of-commerce-culture-inc-announces-plans-for-2017/154530
Release ID: 154530
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Guided Winter Snowmobile Tours Operator Upgrades Website to Offer Online Booking
Rocky Mountain Riders now offers online booking for popular guided winter snowmobile tours departing from Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Golden, BC.
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Rocky Mountain Riders in Golden, BC has announced a new upgrade to their website! The new site is now offering online booking for all their popular guided winter snowmobile tours, including Banff Snowmobile Tours, Kicking Horse Snowmobile Tours, and Extreme Backcountry Snowmobile Tours in Golden, British Columbia.
The new website has multiple new features designed to make life easier for visitors of all skill levels and abilities, including a FAQ section, detailed tour descriptions, and trip videos. Most importantly, visitors can now book their sledding adventure directly from the new website and confirm their reservation without having to call or email. Online booking is available on all tour and snowmobile rental products.
The changes in how bookings for guided winter snowmobile tours were being handled, were brought about due to increased demand and bookings volume. Now as part of an ongoing effort to improve the user experience for guests, customers can expect regular updates both now and in the future.
As part of their regular service, Rocky Mountain Riders offer a daily free shuttle service from Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, and Field/Emerald Lake. Tour guests will be picked up right at the hotel lobby front doors. This service is free of charge and adds to the comfort of the visitor's touring experience. Guests will get dropped off again in the evening, too. This Banff Snowmobile Tours shuttle leaves Rocky Mountain Riders in Golden again around 4pm daily. Tour guests are driven back straight to their hotels in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise or Field/Emerald Lake.
A full list of available snowmobile tours can be found on the company website, http://www.rockymountainriders.com.
Luke Burley, Owner of Rocky Mountain Riders, said:
"People can't go snowmobiling within the towns of Banff or Lake Louise because these towns are located inside Canadian National Parks, and there is no motorized recreational access allowed in the Parks. Golden is really the closest place to go snowmobiling for visitors and tourists staying in Canmore, Banff or Lake Louise. We're happy to provide the full-service snowmobile tours including shuttles, lunches, and return transportation. That way, our guests just get up in the morning and only need to worry about one thing - and that's being on time for their shuttle pick-up!"
Both current and new customers interested in learning more about the available snowmobile trips, or wishing to make an online booking, can now do so directly on the website at http://www.rockymountainriders.com.
For more information, please visit http://www.rockymountainriders.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Luke Burley
Organization: Rocky Mountain Riders
Address: 1500 Kicking Horse Trail @ Parking Lot #2, Golden, V0A1H0 Canada
Release ID: 154537
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T-Shirt Company Startup Business Plan Donates $5.00 Per Sale to Salvation Army
Business Daily Insider will donate $5.00 per sale of their Modern Day T-Shirt Company Startup Business Plan, during the month of December, to help the homeless, the hungry, and those who need rehabilitation, via Salvation Army. Businessdailyinsider.com will contribute during the entire Christmas season.
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Business Daily Insider announced today they would donate $5.00 of all the sales of their Modern Day T-Shirt Company Startup Business Plan, during the month of December, to help the homeless, the hungry, and those who need rehabilitation, through the Salvation Army. The businessdailyinsider.com business platform is proud to be able to contribute to such a worthwhile cause during the Christmas season.
Business Daily Insider owner, Tony Sanderson, says they've always admired the The Salvation Army and the work they do helping The homeless, the hungry, and those who need rehabilitation. He said they're thrilled to be able to give to an organization that has given so much and done so much good over the years. Further, Sanderson chimes in with "There seems to be a lack of strategy easily available to help guide one, on how to tackle the task of launching a successful Tshirt Company that customizes the shirts...." Sanderson goes on to say "That's where we come in. We've honed down the steps to provide a clear and concise blueprint to achieve this."
He said anyone who purchases the Modern Day T-Shirt Company Startup Business Plan will now know, not only do they get the best Tshirt Business Plan, with the least amount of cost, to create a successful Tshirt Company, they'll also be helping the homeless, the hungry, and those who need rehabilitation, via the Salvation Army.
About Business Daily Insider
Business Daily Insider was founded in 2016 and serves the business community, including the T Shirt & Clothing industry, among others. It is known for the Exact Guide to helping people succeed in the Tshirt industry, both online and offline. The Educating of visitors is a key function to the success of the website. the T-Shirt Company Startup Business Plan, is a key component of the website, at present. A main philosophy of the business is, "An educated consumer, is a happy consumer, that will come back time and again!", according to founder, Tony Sanderson.
For more information, please visit http://businessdailyinsider.com
Contact Info:
Name: Tony Sanderson
Email: tony@businessdailyinsider.com
Organization: Business Daily Insider
Address: 25 Garside Crescent, Brampton, L6S1H5 Canada
Release ID: 154695
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The United Kingdom has a long history of innovation and creativity. The television, programmable computer, telephone, Mini, and even Calculus are all British inventions. The British government was the first to create a revolutionary missile called the civil servant it doesnt work, and its nearly impossible to fire. The U.K. also gave us David Beckham, Adele, The Beatles, Emily Blunt, and Christian Bale (heh). By the way, if you ignore the looks, wealth, charisma, and success, then theres no real difference between me and Christian Bale.
England is such a fascinating country and Ive always wanted to invest there. But Ive never found the right opportunity to do so, until now. With a cheapened currency and rising government bond yields, the U.K. is looking relatively attractive for foreign investors. So a few days ago I invested 11,000 in the U.K. stock market! I think the British would approve of my decision.
London, England is home to the worlds largest global financial center. Despite the rainy weather, its enduring popularity and rich history make London one of the most sought after cities to live in.
In todays post we will explore why Great Britain may be a good place to invest in, how to do it, and what we can expect in the years to come.
Top 3 Reasons to Invest in the United Kingdom
Keep in mind these are my personal reasons and may not apply to everyone elses situation.
Geographical diversification. Back in 2014, the United States stock market represented 36% of the worlds total stock market cap. But according to the Wall Street Journal, it has recently climbed past 40% after Trump won the U.S. election. But this trend cannot go on forever because the U.S. doesnt have special privileges regarding innovation, profit growth, or stock market returns. Nearly all of my financial assets are in North America. Investing in the U.K. gives my portfolio some international exposure. Cheap Pound Sterling. The British Pound (GBP) has recently become one of the most undervalued major currencies in the world. A couple of months ago the Pound fell to a 31 year low compared to the USD. So during my entire life so far, there has never been a better time to buy the Pound Sterling than this year. Decent historical returns. Heres a look at how the FTSE performed over the last 25 years, compared to the Russell 3000 in the U.S. Its nothing spectacular, but a 200% return in 2.5 decades isnt bad.
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How to Invest in U.K. Stocks?
The simplest way to invest in Great Britain is to buy an index fund that tracks the broad U.K. stock market. Here are some to consider.
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (NYSE:EWU). Currency = $USD. Fees = 0.48% Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (NYSE:VGK). Currency = $USD. Fees = 0.12% (Includes other European countries.) Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (LON:VUKE). Currency = GBP. Fees = 0.09% iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF DIS (LON:ISF). Currency = GBP. Fees = 0.07% SPDR FTSE UK All Share UCITS ETF (LON:FTAL). Currency = GBP. Fees = 0.20%
Of course there are more funds in this category, but those are the ones Ive found that have decent liquidity and low management fees. The fund I chose to buy is the SPDR FTSE UK All Share (FTAL) on the LSE. It has an annualised tracking error of 0.14% which isnt bad.
On Monday I converted some US and Canadian dollars into GBP, and purchased 250 units of FTAL at 43.99 each in my margin account with Interactive Brokers. The total cost came to 11,003.50.
Going directly to the source and buying U.K. equities on the London Stock Exchange gives me the potential to profit from both stock market appreciation, as well as currency gains if all goes well!
Most brokerages in Canada dont allow trading in GBP. But HSBC, Questrade, and IB offer access to international markets.
I decided to buy FTAL because I prefer to own all the stocks on the exchange rather than just the largest 100 names. AFAIK this ETF generates a 3.8% dividend yield that gets accumulated back into the fund instead of being paid out to investors.
11,000 is equivalent to roughly $18,200 Canadian dollars. I know thats quite a lot of money to spend on just one investment. I guess I really went to Pound town with this one. But since this ETF is made from over 400 individual stocks, its not as risky as it sounds. Here are the top holdings in the SPDR FTSE All Share index fund.
Economic and Market Outlook for Great Britain
We wont know what will happen next year as the Brexit transition unfolds. But the London Stock Exchange has been around for over 300 years, and the Pound Sterling has been used for more than 800 years. The U.K. continues to remain resilient in the face of a global economic slowdown. Over the last 5 years Britains GDP grew 0.5% annually on average. Meanwhile the neighboring Eurozone, which is made up of 19 European countries, only grew 0.2%.
Europe is still mired in slow growth, high unemployment, and socialistic government policies. The Eurozone has an average unemployment rate of 9.8%, and a labor force participation rate of just 57%. Even large economies like France and Italy have double digit unemployment rates.
But Britain is different. Its unemployment rate is a manageable 4.8%, with a labor force participation rate of 78%. Britain should continue to outgrow the rest of Europe for the next few years at least. This is why I decided to invest in just the U.K. for now, and not the entire European region.
The risks of investing in a foreign currency abroad is two fold. If U.K. stocks underperform Canadian or U.S. equities then I would lose out on the bigger gains I could have made back at home. The other issue is foreign exchange risk. Even though the British Pound is at multi-year lows against the $CAD, theres no telling if it will continue to drop even lower. But thats a risk Im willing to take because I believe the benefits of diversification is more important.
There will likely be some speed bumps in the near term, but I expect to make mid-single digit returns per year over the long run on my new investment from across the pond.
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Story Highlights Percentage of LGBT adults "thriving" dropped 10 points after election
Far fewer Democrats in general classified as thriving after election
Republican life evaluations improved post-election
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The election of Donald Trump as president had a significant negative effect on American adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). The percentage of LGBT adults rating their lives positively enough to be classified as "thriving" declined 10 percentage points after the election, from 51% to 41%. There was little change in life evaluations among non-LGBT Americans.
U.S. Life Evaluation: Americans Classified as "Thriving," by LGBT Status % Thriving LGBT Oct 1-Nov 8 51 Nov 9-Dec 6 41 Non-LGBT Oct 1-Nov 8 57 Nov 9-Dec 6 55 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index
Americans' life evaluations are tracked as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. Gallup and Healthways classify Americans as "thriving," "struggling" or "suffering" according to how they rate their current and future lives on a ladder scale with steps numbered from 0 to 10, based on the Cantril Self-Anchoring Striving Scale. Those who rate their present life a 7 or higher and their life in five years an 8 or higher are classified as thriving.
The LGBT community traditionally has been among the most reliable Democratic constituencies. Before the election, Gallup research showed that 12% of LGBT adults had a favorable opinion of Trump, contrasted with a 55% favorable opinion of Hillary Clinton. Additionally, exit polls showed that 77% of LGBT voters picked Clinton on Nov. 8, slightly higher than the 70% who voted for Barack Obama in 2008.
This drop in life evaluations among LGBT adults after the election is part of a more general pattern evident among all Democrats, whose outlook on life also dropped significantly. In the month before the election, Democrats were slightly more likely than Republicans to be classified as thriving (59% to 56%, respectively). That changed after the election, however -- 50% of Democrats are now considered thriving (a nine-point drop), compared with 60% of Republicans (a four-point increase).
U.S. Life Evaluation: Americans Classified as "Thriving," by Party ID % Thriving Democrats Oct 1-Nov 8 59 Nov 9-Dec 6 50 Independents Oct 1-Nov 8 50 Nov 9-Dec 6 49 Republicans Oct 1-Nov 8 56 Nov 9-Dec 6 60 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index
The large decline in life evaluations among LGBT adults does not appear to be simply a result of their Democratic leanings. Across a variety of demographic characteristics, including gender, race/ethnicity and education, Democrats tend to show large drops in "thriving" while most Republicans report modest increases. However, among LGBT individuals, the 10-point overall decline in "thriving" is seen in both Democrats and Republicans. This suggests that concerns about the prospects of a Trump administration cross party lines among LGBT people.
Bottom Line
Declining life evaluations among those in the losing party after a presidential election are not without precedent. After Obama's 2012 election, a win for Democrats, Gallup data showed that the percentage of Republicans classified as thriving had dropped from 47% in October to 40% in December. Democrats, on the other hand, increased from 54% to 57%. After Obama's first election in 2008, life evaluations among racial and ethnic minorities improved -- particularly among black Americans -- though this was not true after his 2012 win.
The LGBT community has had substantial political success during Obama's presidency. In his first term, Congress repealed the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy that barred open service among lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marriage. And this year, the Defense Department lifted the ban on transgender people serving openly in the military. The precipitous decline in life evaluations among LGBT Americans after Trump's election may indicate a particular vulnerability in a group concerned about holding on to these political gains.
Survey Methods
These results are based on telephone interviews with a random sample of 31,898 U.S. adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, conducted Oct. 1-Dec. 6, 2016, as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index survey. Before the election on Nov. 8, 18,736 individuals were surveyed; 13,162 were surveyed after the election. The margin of error varies by subgroup sample size. For political party affiliation, it is 2 to 3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. For LGBT status, it is 5 percentage points. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting.
Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods.
Learn more about how the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index works.
Story Highlights 2016 average consistent with average approval ratings in the 2010s
Seventh consecutive year approval has averaged below 20%
Republicans, Democrats nearly even in approval of Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- For the seventh year in a row, less than 20% of Americans approved of the job that Congress is doing. In 2016, approval averaged 17% for the year, only slightly better than the all-time low average of 14% in 2013.
The last time the yearly average exceeded the teens was in 2009 (30%).
It wasn't too long ago that a majority of Americans approved of Congress. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, affected approval, which averaged 56% in 2001 and 54% in 2002. Those measures, however, are historically atypical, because they reflect the only times yearly approval averages have reached the majority level since Gallup began asking this question in 1974. In 1992, for example, 18% of Americans approved of Congress, while in 1979, 19% said the same. Overall, approval of Congress has averaged 31% since Gallup first measured this in 1974.
Despite GOP Control of Congress, Republicans Don't Approve
The ongoing streak of low congressional approval is rooted in bipartisan displeasure with the legislative institution. Republicans may have controlled both branches of Congress for the past two years, but they aren't any more likely to approve of Congress now than when Congress was divided or when Democrats controlled both houses from 2007 to 2010.
Since 1992, those who identified with the party in control of Congress have tended to be more approving than those identifying with the party out of power. From 1995 through 2006, more Republicans than Democrats approved of Congress, and in the mid-2000s, Republicans' approval of Congress far exceeded Democrats'. In 2004, for example, 63% of Republicans approved of Congress, compared with 25% of Democrats.
When Democrats retook both houses in 2007, GOP support plummeted while Democratic support rose modestly, but enough so that Democratic approval generally exceeded Republican approval during the period of Democratic control that lasted through 2010. In only two years -- 2009 and 2010, when Democrats controlled Congress and Barack Obama was president -- did Democratic approval tower over Republican approval.
From 2011 through 2014, with Democrats controlling the Senate and Republicans controlling the House, neither party's supporters held Congress in high esteem. When Republicans took control of both houses in 2015, there was a brief period when GOP supporters were more likely than Democratic supporters to approve. However, that didn't last, perhaps because loyalists were frustrated with the lack of progress on issues of importance to the party.
Even with a new president-elect in place to lead a unified Republican Congress next year, partisan views about Congress haven't changed. In December 2016, 18% of Americans, including 16% of Democrats and 16% of Republicans, approve of Congress.
Bottom Line
Congressional approval in the U.S., while never high, saw the bottom fall out in the 2010s. Americans have given Congress low approval ratings throughout the decade, possibly owing to the hyperpartisanship and gridlock resulting from divided party control of government, plus perceptions that Congress is controlled by major donors and lobbyists.
While disapproval of Congress by party differed, often markedly, in the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, disapproval has been particularly acute during the Obama years, as both parties have given Congress abysmal ratings. This could be related to Americans' frustration with the seeming inability of Congress to get important things done, and their frequent selection of the government as the nation's most important problem. In the previous two presidential administrations, supporters of the party in power generally were favorable toward Congress, but that has not been the case in recent years. It remains to be seen whether a President Donald Trump, joined by a Republican Congress, will bolster the overall ratings of Congress somewhat by the end of 2017, especially among Republicans.
These data are available in Gallup Analytics.
Survey Methods
Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted throughout 2016, with a random sample of 12,258 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 1 percentage point at the 95% confidence level. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting.
Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods.
View survey methodology, complete question responses and trends.
Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.
Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom: Specs, Features, US Availability
Asus is up for a new Android device in the coming months and it has already been seen listed in certain certification commissions. Apparently, a new Asus smartphone has been spotted in China's TENAA last week and tech experts believe this device to be the Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom. Apart from the TENAA listing in China, this phone has also been sighted in the US FCC.
Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom FCC Approval
The recent sighting of the supposed Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom reveals that this phone will support LTE bands that are 100 percent compatible with AT&T and partly compatible with T-Mobile's. Phone Arena says that this may not exactly be a total giveaway that a US release for the Zenfone 3 Zoom will happen, but it does confirm that cellular pre-requisites for this to happen are being met. In short, getting a US release for the Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom is now possible.
Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom Specs And Features
For this phone's specs, GSM Arena's report says that it will be powered by a Snapdragon 625 processor and come with a full HD 5.5 inch display. Different RAM sizes and storage variants are also expected. When it comes to cameras, expect that this phone will come with a dual camera system and an impressive 13 MP front camera. For the Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom's Android version, it will run Marshmallow from the box. For its battery, you'll be impressed with its supposed 4850 mAh battery.
Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom Early Verdict
The Zenfone 3 Zoom sounds like a great smartphone as early as now. It may not have been released yet but it's almost sure that the market won't be dismayed by a camera-centric smartphone coming from the popular Asus series. If this phone does get released in the US, it's pretty interesting to see the device compete in a crowded market.
Ohio, New Jersey Abortion Bans News & Update: Trump Victory Encourage Two States To Restrict Abortion Access, Other States To Follow Suit?
President-elect Donald Trump's imminent ascent to the White House, alongside an overwhelming Republican victory in both houses of Congress, has encouraged right-wing calls to impose a pro-life approach to abortion. Ohio and New Jersey have so far been the first states to pass legislative proposals to restrict abortion access to women.
Abortion rights in Ohio faces a chilling setback as Gov. John Kasich signed a bill forbidding abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, The Columbus Dispatch has reported. Said bill is a milder version of the so-called Heartbeat Bill, which would have forbidden women to get abortions upon the detection of fetal heartbeat.
Nonetheless, the 20-week ban still doesn't include rape and incest as exceptions. State Rep. Greta Johnson (D-Akron) voted to include an amendment favoring those exceptions, but Rep. Ron Hood (R-Ashville) shot down such a proposal, saying that children conceived due to assaults shouldn't bear the blame.
A similar measure in New Jersey, dubbed the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, gained greater traction from its introduction back in April due to Trump's victory. The bill cites its premise on the highly-disputed argument that fetuses older than 20 weeks can feel pain, New Jersey On-Line has reported.
State Sen. Joseph Pennacchio (R-Morris), one of the bill's proponents, expressed his confidence over its passage. "Make no mistake, when a legislator gets up or Donald Trump gets up and starts talking about a child have a right to exist and not feel pain, that empowers all of us," the legislator said.
Other states - at least 17 of them, have their own 20-week ban proposals either lined up or approved by their respective state legislatures, the Memphis Daily News has reported. The likes of South Dakota and South Carolina have such bans signed into law in March and June, respectively. In states like Arizona and Idaho, however, federal courts have banned the enforcement of such proposals.
Dissenters have argued that the 20-week ban - the acceptance of which is currently divisive, would serve as a disadvantage to women who may not even have any idea that they're pregnant. Thus, victims of rape and incest are seen to suffer the most under such proposals.
Currently, the US generally recognizes abortion rights under the Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade ruling issued back in 1973. The ruling allows states to restrict abortion access, subject to findings of viability - when the fetus can survive fairly when taken out of the uterus. However, the ruling didn't legally define viability, only estimating that it can run between 24-28 weeks into a pregnancy.
Nokia News & Update: Nokia Comeback Bringing Nokia 150 & Nokia 150 Dual SIM; 31-Day Battery Life For Only $26
Nokia branded handsets are returning to the market with the first announced device being a $26 dumb phone complete with the classic "Snake" mobile game. On Tuesday, HMD Global -which has the exclusive rights to use the Nokia brand name on mobile devices; revealed the Nokia 150 and Nokia 150 Dual SIM much earlier than previously expected.
"HMD Global Company," which is formed of ex-Nokia executives, acquired the rights and intellectual property licenses from the Finnish firm. This gives HMD exclusive global brand licensing rights for the next 10 years. Earlier this month took over the Nokia basic phone business from Microsoft and has struck a licensing deal with Nokia to bring the brand back to the smartphone market next year.
The Nokia 150 and Nokia 150 Dual SIM are basic feature phones which do not offer Internet access; however, they have equipped features such as an MP3 player, FM radio, Bluetooth v3.0 with SLAM, and a VGA camera with an LED flash. Nokia 150 and Nokia 150 Dual SIM, which feature 2.4-inch QVGA (240x320 pixels) displays, run on Nokia Series 30+ operating system, and are priced at $26 before local taxes and subsidies. The Nokia 150 and Nokia 150 Dual SIM offer battery life of up to 22 hours, according to HMD Global; the battery standby time of Nokia 150 is 31 days, while the Nokia 150 Dual SIM is claimed to deliver 25 days of standby time.
Both handsets will be available in black or white for just $26, and will be rolling out in Asia-Pacific, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe in the first quarter of 2017. Nokia 150 and Nokia 150 Dual SIM come pre-loaded with Snake Xenzia, and the try-and-buy version of Nitro Racing by Gameloft2, says HMD.
Nokia was once the world's dominant cellphone maker but missed the shift to smartphones. It sold all the handset activities to Microsoft in 2014 and is now focused on telecom network equipment. Nokia has been focusing on its crucial Networks division and new areas of technology such as 5G internet, virtual reality and health care.
Nokia Android Phones 2017 Update: Google Pixel Threatened By Nokia's Return With D1C; Nokia Will Fall, Says Samsung & Huawei?
The mobile world is facing a new reality. Nokia is once more reclaiming the glory that belonged to them for many years. There are claims arising that Nokia's new flagship,the D1C would be a failure.
Rumors have also surfaced that Google Pixel is threatened by Nokia's forthcoming release. It is presumed that the new flagship device, D1C would dominate the mobile world upon its release but Samsung and Huawei Mate believes that Nokia will fall once more.
The new Nokia device, D1C is set for release next year at the MWC 2017 event. It is presumed that the new device would be launched in two variants. Even the pricing is manageable as well. Unlike the devices released by Samsung, Nokia has designed the new device to suit the financial needs of the buyer.
Mobile devices become the first screen, but not the only one. #2017countdown pic.twitter.com/WHxwfZq2wE Nokia (@nokia) December 14, 2016
In a different note, some are insinuating that there is more than meets the eye for Nokia. According to Gadgets 360, the Nokia D1C is expected to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor clocked at 1.4GHz coupled with Adreno 505 GPU, and would come in 2GB and 3GB RAM variants.
It is said to run on Android 7.0 Nougat and come in 5-inch and 5.5-inch full-HD display options and both the variants are likely to come with 16GB inbuilt storage, reports the same post.
Other specs and features of the Nokia device being relayed mentioned of the device coming in variants with 16GB inbuilt storage and as for the camera features, it boasts of a 13-megapixel and 16-megapixel rear camera modules.
As for the rumor that Nokia is fated to fall as stated by Samsung and Huawei, those statements were debunked since Samsung and Huawei has not released any statements regarding Nokia and its upcoming device. As for the claims that Google Pixel is threatened too, that rumor is also debunked.
T-Mobile Latest News & Update: Taking The Lead On Permanently Disabling Galaxy Note 7; US 100% Saved From Battery Explosion?
Following the previous news that Samsung will be pushing an update for the Galaxy Note 7 in US that will permanently disable the said device, T-Mobile has already confirmed that it plans to be releasing the update on the said device.
It can be remembered that, Galaxy Note 7 hit the market in the middle of August. At that time, Samsung was expecting to solidify its lead in the mobile market after an impressive showing with its Galaxy Note 7.
Then came the issue on battery problems. It was at this moment where units have been reported to overheat and catch a fire which then made Samsung to issue a global recall of Galaxy Note 7 in September. However, even some of the unit-replacements were having the same problem.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall: AT&T, T-Mobile And Sprint Announce Dates For Kill Switch Software Update - https://t.co/1XdAhj2ghS DC (@yonet2005_work) December 12, 2016
Because of this, Samsung again made a second recall in the middle of October and has decided to permanently stop the production of the device. After that, the company offered owners of Galaxy Note 7 a $100 as an exchange for such device for another Samsung phone.
This November, in a effort to get back the units purchased, Samsung started limiting Galaxy Note 7's charging abilities in US which prevents the devices from charging past 60%. In fact, GameNGuide have also reported that the said company even had a pop-up notification.
Now, T-Mobile will be one of the telecommunication companies to take the lead on releasing the update. In fact T-Mobile added in a statement provided by Cnet that "We always want to do the right thing and make sure our customers are safe, so on December 27 we will roll out Samsung's latest software update, which is designed to stop all remaining Note 7 devices from charging."
Clearly the statement of T-Mobile suggests that it would be supporting Samsung's campaign on permanently disabling Galaxy Note 7 in US. Now US will be a lot safer with this long-time problem
Until then, since Samsung already have issued the software update that permanently disables the device with affirmation of some telecommunication companies taking its lead, does this seem to suggest that US is finally saved from Galaxy Note 7's battery explosion?
Verizon Latest News & Update: Unwilling To Update Galaxy Note 7s Software; Not Concern For Customers Safety?
Shortly after the controversial software update of Galaxy Note 7 which is recently announced by Samsung as a campaign for the safety of its loyal customers, Verizon, the biggest US network carrier, has issued its own release declaring that it will not support Samsung's campaign. The released statement shocked the public.
However, responses from other major U.S carriers have been more supportive except Verizon. Sprint even issued a statement in support of Samsung's software update, urging Galaxy Note 7 users to immediately turn off the device and take proper steps on replacing such device through the carrier's exchange program. The software update is expected to roll out on January 8. So users may still wait until next year.
Samsung to disable Note 7 phones in U.S. via software update; Verizon says it won't take part | Reuters: https://t.co/Pfk1c2by45 Tanya M. Pogue (@tanyapogue) December 10, 2016
T-Mobile also confirmed to push through with Samsung's campaign saying that the software update will be expected to roll out on December 27 just after Christmas.The company even offered a full refund and a replacement device to customers bringing the device back to the company.
AT&T is also doing the same thing. It will launch on January 5 just before Sprint's schedule. The company confirmed that the battery of such device will no longer recharge.
Moreover, it is also worthy to note as reported by Mashable that, Canada is also supporting Samsung's campaign. Canadian holdouts will completely shut-off Galaxy Note 7's mobile network services. But such update would won't brick the phone entirely, it will still leave users to use it for its ability to dial 9-1-1.
Despite this, Verizon remains unmoved. In report by The Verge, the company said:"We will not push a software upgrade that will eliminate the ability for the Note 7 to work as a mobile device in the heart of the holiday travel season. We do not want to make it impossible to contact family, first responders or medical professionals in an emergency situation."
Indeed, amidst the effort of Samsung to collect Galaxy Note 7 from its purchasers, Verizon is clear that it will not be taking part of the campaign. Does this mean that Verizon is not concerned of the safety of its customers?
Project Scorpio Latest News & Updates: Microsoft Executive Says the Project Scorpio Is About Giving Players a Choice
Microsoft's director of programming Larry Hryb aka Major Nelson, spoke at PAX Australia 2016 and dropped hints on its forthcoming Project Scorpio., which is set to launch sometime in late 2017. Hryb has been serving Xbox for a long time and the one who's been appearing publicly in most interviews.
According to Game Rant, Hryb gave emphasis on Project Scorpio that the console is about providing fans a choice as to when and how to play games. Hryb said that the moment that the company discloses more information about the Project Scorpio, it would be about choice.
He went on to say that there are people who have the most time and resources to create their own PC with the newest graphics cards available. However, there are also other people who have other commitments and don't have much time with gaming stuff and these folks prefer to just sit down and play downloaded games into a console right away, where the Project Scorpio would be their best option.
In an interview with GameSpot, Hyrb further explained that those folks who prefer to play games without having to undergo the build and tweak process are the perfect target for their latest Project Scorpio. Moreover, it looks like Microsoft is starting to be equipped on taking quality PC gaming and great content although the PC market is hard to take on.
When Project Scorpio was first announced, it wasn't realized as PlayStation 4's direct competitor. Instead it's a more powerful console for high-end gamers, which offers 4K display as well as VR capability as it vows to outperform console competitors to date.
When asked whether the Project Scorpio is departing from Xbox, Hyrb reiterated that the newest console will not be the beginning of a new generation but rather a part of the Xbox family. Moreover, the Project Scorpio is reportedly to be sold at a console price-point.
Blackberry DTEK70 Updates: Is it Rome or Mercury?
While the whole smartphone world awaits the official release of the rumored BlackBerry DTEK70, confusions are growing whether it will be called as BlackBerry Rome or BlackBerry Mercury.
BlackBerry's production people were so busy this year that it sought a license for a model it propose to manufacture. This despite the fact that some of its officially announced upcoming devices are still in the pipeline.
Ultimately, rumors began circulating that the Canadian tech giant is set to release its last, so far, keyboard smartphone-the BlackBerry DTEK70. This unofficially announced model would culminate the trio model that BlackBerry is passionate about.
BlackBerry previously announced officially the two earlier models-the BlackBerry DTEK50 and DTEK60. This had many people speculate that the upcoming model would surpass or would be much better than the previous models.
But there's one thing that confuses the public: what is the device name? This is because of previous reports noting that the yet unreleased BlackBerry will be called BlackBerry Rome, as reported by the Pocketlint.
But ultimately, there has been a consensus among tech aficionado as to the name of the last keyboard smartphone from BlackBerry. For many, it will be internally known as the BlackBerry Mercury.
The BlackBerry Mercury was previously referred to as the BlackBerry Vienna then later rumors circulated that it would be code-named as the BlackBerry Rome. These speculative names come about because of BlackBerry DTEK70's predecessor-BlackBerry Venice or the Priv.
The BlackBerry Priv is a high-end keyboard smartphone with touch functionalities that was launched by BlackBerry last year.
As reported by the Forbes, the upcoming DTEK70 is described by tech writers as a superb phone featuring high-end functionalities combining BlackBerry's trademark physical keyboard and Android's seamless operating system. It also features a relatively newer aesthetics that are not ordinary among BlackBerry devices, including its top located speakers.
Samsung Latest News & Update: What 2G, 3G & 4G Actually Means; Does The Korean Tech Giant Really Have A 5G Tech Breakthrough?
Telecommunications technology is evolving over the years with terminologies like 2G, 2.5G, 3G and so on. In recent reports, Samsung claims to have hit a technology breakthrough with 5G and its networking unit is betting big on it. But what do these really mean?
G means "generation" and it all started in 1991 where 1G, or the first generation of wireless technology, allowed users to make wireless voice-only calls. In a nutshell, each Generation is defined as a set of telephone network standards, which detail the technological implementation of a particular mobile phone system.
Technology Advancement In Devices
In 1993, its digital brother 2G was introduced. This fancy new digital network is called GSM -- Global System for Mobile Communication. The digital network offers many other important features like digital encryption, packet data, SMS text messaging, caller ID and other similar network features. With this new technology came many of the services we now take some for granted like multimedia messaging and also introduced us to the SIM card. However, Packet data transmission rates on GSM are extremely slow, according to the BBC.
3G is the mobile broadband revolution. It came in at around the time the first wave of smartphones arrived in shops. This network combines aspects of the 2G network with some new technology and protocols to deliver a significantly faster data rate. It's not that fast but it gave wireless access to the internet, which was the first step -- and it made video calling possible.
Samsung Looks To The Future Of Mobile Communications Tech
4G is a very different technology compared to 3G and was made possible practically only because of the advancements in the technology in the last 10 years. In most laymen terminology, the technology is compared in terms of speed. It was also initially available in major cities, airports and selected regional ranges. The 4G network is based on LTE-Advanced- 3GPP Long Term Evolution.
5G and will let users download a one hour HD movie in six seconds. Samsung network equipment and devices offer an attractive pathway to meeting ever-growing consumer demand for data in an emerging 5G world. 5G technology is expected to drive the next wave of mobile application development and the Internet of Things (IoT). Samsung is a main contributor and holds a host of vital patents related to the new 5G standards, which are likely to be finalized in 2018, shares the Samsung Newsroom.
'Indiana Jones 5' Release Date, News & Update: Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg Team Up Has No Script Yet? Movie Facing Problems?
Disney previously announced that "Indiana Jones 5" is definitely happening and Harrison Ford will be back and reprise his role as the world's famous archaeologist. Adding more hype to the already exciting news is that Steven Spielberg will return to direct the film just like all four previous installments of the "Indiana Jones" franchise. However, a new report claims that there is no existing script for "Indiana Jones 5" yet.
'Indiana Jones 5' Release Date, Plot, News & Update: George Lucas Exits As Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg Development For Next Installment In Jeopardy?
Movie Web reports that although the existence of "Indiana Jones 5" is confirmed, there is no script for the Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg team up yet. This could spell trouble for the much-awaited fifth installment of the beloved adventure film.
With no script on their hands just yet, this would mean that the development for "Indiana Jones 5" will take more time to begin. Recent reports revealed that George Lucas is not going to be involved in the story of "Indiana Jones 5." According to Forbes, the disagreement of the direction of the movie resulted Steven Spielberg to move on without George Lucas.
The site noted that while Steven Spielberg wants to retain the authenticity of the "Indiana Jones" franchise, George Lucas wanted the fantasy/adventure movie to shift to sci-fi. Their different point of view for the fifth installment led to George Lucas' exit from "Indiana Jones 5."
'Indiana Jones 5' Release Date, Plot, News & Update: Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg Team Up Still Happening After George Lucas Departure
Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall are going to produce "Indiana Jones 5." Speculation about the "Indiana Jones 5" movie has been swirling ever since Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, but the studio's first priority was understandably resurrecting "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
Now that the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" movie had a successful comeback, it looks like Disney is finally ready to turn its attention to another beloved franchise. Even with the new update, "Indiana Jones 5" is set to release in the US on July 19, 2019.
Nokia Android Phones 2017 Release Date, Specs, Latest News & Updates: Powerful Processor, 20-Megapixel Cameras? Mobile World Congress 2017 Launch Confirmed?
Smartphone owners are curious and excited to see what Nokia Android phones 2017 has in-store for them. After many years of playing the underdog to Samsung and Apple, Nokia plans on going head to head with big tech brands with its new line of Nokia Android phones 2017.
According to reports, Nokia will initially unveil two Nokia Android phones 2017. One will serve as the flagship smartphone while the other will be a mid-range phone that will come with a more affordable price tag. Should Apple and Samsung be worried about the unveiling of Nokia Android phones 2017? Read on to find out.
Nokia Android Phones 2017 News
The first Nokia Android phone 2017 is reportedly named as Nokia D1C. The said Nokia Android phone 2017 will reportedly have a very powerful Snapdragon processor, 64 GB internal storage and 3 GB RAM. Camera-wise, the Nokia Android phones 2017 are expected to have 12 mega-pixel lens for the front cam and 20 mega-pixels for the rear cam.
There are also reports that Nokia Android phones 2017 is not only working with Android, but collaborating with Google as well. The details about Nokia Android phones 2017 collaboration with Google is still unclear so keep posted.
However, one thing is for sure - Nokia Android phones 2017 is really a force to be reckoned with. Tech experts believe that Nokia Android phones might have a shot at displacing Samsung and Apple from the top spot in terms of profits and popularity.
Nokia Android Phones 2017 Release Date
As of writing, Nokia Android phones 2017 release date remains to be announced. However, certain reports have revealed that Nokia Android phones 2017 might be launched during the 2017 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
If that's the case, excited smartphone enthusiasts can expect Nokia Android phones 2017 to be unveiled sometime between February 27 to March 2, 2017. Stay tuned to GamenGuide for more Nokia Android phones 2017 news and updates!
Canadian hot-shot Milos Raonic might be the readiest player among the current crop of young players to win a Grand Slam title. Peter Bodo of ESPN believes Raonic's time for his first Majors moment will arrive as early as January at the 2017 Australian Open.
The 25-year old Raonic is high on Bodo's list of Australian Open contenders. As a matter of fact, the ESPN analyst picked Raonic as the surprised winner in the tournament that will also feature world's no.1 Andy Murray, defending champion Novak Djokovic, returning Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and other up-and-coming players.
Bodo on Raonic's Aussie Open chance:
"Nobody is quite as ready for a Grand Slam breakthrough as this 25-year old Canadian. Now No. 3 in the rankings, Raonic won just one event in 2016 (Brisbane, an ATP 250 tuneup for the Australian Open). But he was a Wimbledon finalist and routinely lifts his game at the majors. Raonic gave Andy Murray all he could handle before bowing in five sets in the 2016 Australian Open semis."
"Unlike some of the other players on the "best to never win a Slam" list, Raonic isn't an older habitual also-ran, like a Tomas Berdych or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, nor subject to shrinking away from big opportunities, like a Kei Nishikori. Raonic has had bad luck with injuries and tough draws, and he's lost some very close key matches against the top players. After losing the Wimbledon final to Murray he said, "This one's going to sting." He is primed."
Over the last couple of years, Raonic transformed from a one-dimensional hard-hitter to a more polished netter. His epic five-set semi-final duel with Murray at Australian Open 2016 and semis victory over Federer at Wimbledon highlights an impressive year.
Bodo thinks Raonic has the make-up of a Grand Slam champion and he will not shy away when the opportunity arrives. Raonic will kick off his 2017 campaign at the Brisbane International, where he is the defending champion.
LG News & Update: LG Expanding One Of The First High Dynamic Monitors; HDR TV
The latest installment of the ongoing HDR gaming on TVs saga brings good news for owners of LG TVs in Europe. The hottest technology in Televisions right now is the high dynamic range displays, but so far HDR hasn't made its way into computer monitors. That's set to change in January when LG says it will introduce the company's first 4K HDR computer monitor at the "Consumer Electronics Show" in Las Vegas.
The display covers a 32-inch ultra-high definition 3840-by-2160 monitor capable of working with everything from spreadsheets to games. LG isn't releasing a ton of details about the monitor yet. All we do know is that the LG 32UD99 features a single USB Type-C port that the company says will be able to simultaneously deliver 4K images, charge a connected laptop, and transfer data over a single cable.
As with the US release, this new Game mode reduces the input lag, which is the time it takes for the TV to render image data received at its inputs. LG TVs suffer with while playing HDR content to between around 30ms and 60ms.
The LG 32UD99 is a standard and has a good quality HDR Television, it is probably won't be cheap. This first foray into HDR PC monitors is aimed squarely at creative professionals. It won't cost $18,000 like Sony's OLED HDR studio display, but it will likely still be on the pricey side compared to a similarly capable 4K display.
LG will also show off the 34UM79M, a 34-inch Ultra Wide display with Chrome cast functionality built-in. On top of that, LG is bringing 5K and 4K displays from its Ultrafine line-up to Vegas, along with a 34-inch 21:9 gaming monitor (LG 34UC99) packing AMD Free Sync and one millisecond motion blur reduction.
LG will also be using CES to show off some of its newer high-end monitors, like the Mac-focused UltraFine range and the UltraWide Mobile Monitor with built-in Chromecast support.
After Being Robbed And Slammed Kim Kardashian Is Back On Instagram
Yes, you heard it correctly. Kim Kardashian has returned to the Instagram. She had been away from Insta since she was robbed in Paris on the gunpoint. It has been 10 weeks since she was away. She shared a video of her on Insta in which her cleavage is shown as well as red lingerie too. this is going to be a new Kimoji! This Kimoji will be there for use from 16th December.
Kim is very famous for sharing stuff on the social media which shows off her body. Her husband Kanye West has been discharged from the hospital recently. He had a psychotic breakdown. Kim Kardashian was reportedly blaming herself for all that happened. She said that this would not have happened if she would have got him helped through this earlier. She noticed that something was wrong before the whole thing happened but she could not figure out exactly what it was. Some of the reasons that left Kanye in such a situation were "sleep deprivation and extreme exhaustion. "
The rumours of their divorce are also on the peak now a days. 'Kim still denies they are getting a divorce, but things are definitely not great between her and Kanye,' a source said. 'Kanye is supposed to rest and focus on his mental health. Instead, he has had a very busy week and is done resting,' the source continued. 'Kim acts annoyed. She also seems miserable and is spending a lot of time with her family.'
Kanye West was also active on social media after quite a long. He wrote "I wanted to meet with Trump today to discuss multicultural issues. These issues included bullying, supporting teachers, modernizing curriculums, and violence in Chicago. He also wrote "I feel it is important to have a direct line of communication with our future President if we truly want change."
Samsung Announces Death Of US Galaxy Note 7, To Issue An Update That Will Prevent The Handset From Charging
Recently, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 became a subject of recalls after it exploded. Samsung attributed the defect to the manufacturing of the battery. Despite these risks, smartphone users still held on to their handsets. Instrumental conducted an investigation and discovered that there was a fault in the phone design.
For current users of the Note 7, you only have a few days left as Samsung has announced the death of the Galaxy Note 7. Starting December 19, Samsung will be issuing an update that will stop the handset from charging which makes it virtually useless. The disabling of the handset takes effect next week for all users of the handset in the US. With 93 percent of all Note 7 already returned, the Korean firm is making this drastic decision to ensure that the remaining handsets are returned as well.
To confirm the sad news, Samsung has issued this statement:
"To further increase participation, a software update will be released starting on December 19 that will prevent US Galaxy Note 7 devices from charging thus eliminating their ability to work as mobile devices. If you have not yet returned your device, you should immediately power it down and contact your carrier to obtain a refund or exchange."
In Europe, the update issued on December 15 will prevent the battery from charging to more than 30 percent. In the US, the update will stop the battery from charging to more than 60 percent. In countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the Galaxy Note 7 has turned into expensive paperweights.
Earlier this year, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a formal recall order to the over one million US-based owners of the Note 7. The recall stemmed from the more than 90 reports of overheating, 26 incidents of burns, 55 reports of property damage, and fires in a car and garage.
To remedy the situation, Samsung issued new batteries for the Note 7 but even those were defective. As a result, Samsung finally halted sales of the Galaxy Note 7 in October.
The agreement comes about two months after Project Roomkey, which provided motel rooms for homless folks, ended.
A nasty winter mix of rain, sleet and ice slammed into the mid-valley on Wednesday, snarling traffic, causing multiple traffic crashes and triggering avalanches on Highway 20 near Santiam Pass.
In all, Benton County Sheriff Scott Jackson said his deputies had responded to more than 15 weather-related crashes as of 7 p.m. Wednesday. One of the wrecks left an Albany woman critically injured.
Since temperatures were expected to stay below freezing until noon today, chances were good that some roads in the area would remain treacherous.
"If you don't need to drive, don't go out," Jackson said Wednesday night.
That message was echoed by Lt. Dan Duncan of the Corvallis Police Department: "Given the fact that this storm came in pretty quick, its going to take time to get to everything and make the roads safe," Duncan said. "And if you have to go out, be very careful and take your time."
In fact, on Wednesday evening, the Oregon Department of Transportation imposed a chain requirement on Interstate 5 from Albany to Portland. Any vehicle towing must have chains on the appropriate tires in order to travel on I-5 in the affected area, ODOT said.
"Severe weather conditions have created poor travel conditions throughout Oregon not just in the expected mountain passes, but on many highways in the Willamette Valley as well," officials said in a press release. "Please chain up in safe areas out of travel lanes."
Area schools sent students home early on Wednesday as the storm moved north. Government offices closed up shop early and sent workers home. Oregon State University closed its campus at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
As of 9 p.m. Wednesday, school districts in Corvallis, Philomath, Albany, Lebanon and Sweet Home had announced they would be closed on Thursday. Linn-Benton Community College will also be closed Thursday. The Linn Benton Loop Express bus canceled its Thursday service. State offices said they would open at noon Thursday. (An updated list of Thursday closures is posted on gazettetimes.com.)
A 58-year-old Albany woman, Barbara Mulkey, suffered critical injuries Wednesday afternoon in a single-vehicle wreck that occurred about one mile north of Albany on Springhill Road.
The Benton County Sheriffs Office said Mulkey was driving northbound on Springhill Road, just north of Northwest Winn Drive in a 1995 Jeep Cherokee. At about 12:48 p.m., she lost control of her vehicle around a corner, went across the roadway, and collided with a steep ditch. Her vehicle rolled and came to rest on its roof facing north in the southbound lane on its roof.
Mulkey was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. Deputies continue to investigate the crash. Anyone with information can contact Sgt. David Iverson at 541-766-6858.
The roadway was closed for about two hours.
Duncan said that as of 6 p.m., there were no reports of major crashes inside Corvallis city limits, but police and fire officials responded to several minor wrecks throughout the day.
A two-vehicle wreck at about 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 99W and Southwest Herbert Avenue prompted authorities to close the highway for a time. Sheriff Jackson said officers at the scene reported that one of the drivers was pinned inside a vehicle and required extrication, but both drivers were expected to be OK.
At around 4 p.m., the Sheriff's Office responded to Highway 99W and Airport Road for a single-vehicle rollover. One person was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center with injuries.
In Corvallis, a man was transported to a local hospital after his car went off an icy and snow-covered road and into a creek at about 2 p.m. Wednesday on Southwest West Hills Road.
Authorities said an elderly man, whose name was not released, was driving a Toyota RAV4 west on the road when the vehicle lost traction, going off the road and landing upright in a small creek near Sunset Drive.
Officials with the Corvallis Fire Department said the man was transported from the scene but was able to get himself out of the vehicle. Representatives with the Corvallis Police Department said the injuries appeared to be minor and not life-threatening.
Richard Van Driesche, who lives at the intersection of West Hills Road and Sunset Drive, was in the backyard of his home on the snowy afternoon when he heard the car go off the road and into the creek.
"I was cleaning my chicken coop when I heard the loud crash and ran out there to check on the guy," he said. "He was banged up a bit but seemed OK otherwise. Another car came and stopped and called 911 while I checked on the guy and made sure he didn't move."
Van Driesche then went to directing traffic before emergency services arrived.
"It was the right thing to do," he said. "I've done it a few times before."
Van Driesche, who's lived at the intersection for more than five years, estimated that he sees an average of three crashes in front of his home every year.
"There are always accidents here; this is a very dangerous road," he said. "And people drive way too fast on the hill."
Crashes happen often enough, he said, that when there is heavy rain or freezing temperatures in the forecast, he expects there will be a crash near the intersection.
"I always listen for people going too fast with bad weather. With any ice or slush, they slide right off," he said. "When we had that big snowstorm a couple of years ago, there were semi-trucks that would get stuck on the hill. A lot of people get into accidents around here."
Also on Wednesday afternoon, Oregon State Police closed Highway 20, near Hoodoo Ski Area, after multiple avalanches blocked the road. The avalanches occurred about 30 minutes apart and closed Highway 20 about two miles west of the Santiam Pass, the State Police said.
The first avalanche was reported about 2:30 p.m., and a second event was reported in the same area about 30 minutes later. It was unknown if the event caused any damage to vehicles. No injuries have been reported.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
G 20 Foreign Ministers and Climate Summit in Bonn : Big stage for Bonn
BONN With two high-profile events, Bonn will return to the international stage of world politics after years of absence. In February, there is the G20 meeting and in November, the COP23 World Climate Conference.
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Coinciding with Germanys presidency of the G20, Bonn and the World Conference Center (WCCB) will play host to a meeting of foreign ministers on February 16 and 17. The group includes the largest industrialized and emerging economies. New foreign ministers from the U.S. and Germany will meet with their colleagues from China, Russia, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia and other countries for a preparatory meeting.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the stability of the world economy would be the focus of the German Presidency. The Federal Foreign Office in Berlin was not yet ready to provide information on what topics would be discussed at the meeting.
Participants from 190 countries expected
Participants from 190 countries will come to Bonn for the COP23 World Climate Conference which takes place November 6 to 17. This is likely to attract much more attention. Bonn was only awarded this event in November at a conference in Marrakech, when Fiji declared it would not be in a position to host the event as originally planned. Altogether, the WCCB expects around 20,000 participants.
Christina Esser, who is in charge of event management at the WCCB, estimates that the maximum is for around 12,000 conference participants on Bonn. Because the space is far from sufficient for this event, they are currently thinking about other venues and locations with meeting rooms. For us, this is a great honor and it will put Bonn back on the map as a United Nations location, remarked Esser.
Memories of other big conferences are awakened
Bonn is home to the UN Climate Secretariat. In preparation for the fall conference, there will be a pre-conference meeting for Subsidiary Bodies from May 8 to 15.
The news of these conferences being hosted in Bonn brings back memories of the first UN Climate Change Conferences in Bonn in 1999 and 2001. Add to that the internationally respected discussions on Afghanistan at the Petersberg in 2001 and 2002, and a renewable energy conference in 2004. The largest international event so far in the city was in 2008 when 6,000 participants came to the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
Transportation, hotels and security will face major challenges
When the foreign ministers and other high-ranking diplomats arrive in February and many heads of state and government come to Bonn in November, this will not only pose a major challenge to transportation and accommodation logistics but also for security forces. "The Bonn police have begun with the intensive preparations. They are supported by the permanent staff of the Cologne police, said police spokesperson Frank Piontek with regard to the G20 meeting in February. The safety of the high-ranking participants is the top priority. At the moment, there is no concrete information available on safety measures or traffic impairments. There have also been no applications received for protests or demonstrations.
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Protecting the worlds oceans an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy
The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
Samsung Galaxy S8 Might be the First Smartphone to Feature Bluetooth 5.0 Technology Features oi -Chakri Kudikala The Samsung Galaxy S8 will come with many firsts.
Rumors are already rife over the next generation Samsung flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S8. A new rumor, which has popped online suggests that the yet-to-be-announced flagship phone will be the first phone to feature the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
This report comes from Sammobile as they believe that the Galaxy S8 might be the first phone to come featured with the new technology. With Samsung being the leading member of Bluetooth Special Interest Group, we expect that they will inevitably embed this technology into the Galaxy S8 itself.
Also Read: FOLLOW These Steps to Get Your Money Back on Google Play Store Purchases
Bluetooth 5.0 was launched last week and promises to offer faster file transfer speeds, longer range, and has four times better range than the Bluetooth 4.0. At the same time, Bluetooth SIG promised that Bluetooth 5.0 would be out in two to four months. So, there is increased possibility that the Galaxy S8 will be the first phone to come out with the new technology.
The other day, it was reported that Samsung Galaxy S8 would be the first smartphone to come with optical fingerprint recognition technology and it will also get the edge-to-edge display. It is also said that the Galaxy S8 will be powered by the Snapdragon 835 chipset along with 6GB of RAM. According to various sources, the smartphone will be announced at MWC 2017.
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Ringing Bells, the Cheapest Android Phone Maker Reportedly Shutdown News oi -Prajith Ringing Bells founders establish a new company called MDM Electronics Private Limited.
Ringing Bells, the most controversial company of the year is in the news again. This time around, the company is not promising to launch any smartphone with dirt cheap price tag, but the company itself had been shutdown for good.
Reportedly, the founders of the company had shutdown Ringing Bells and established a new company called MDM Electronics Private Limited. As reported by TeleAnalysis, the new board of directors include Mohit Goel, the previous MD of Ringing Bells along with Shashank Goel and Ashok Chadha both of whom were associated with Ringing Bells.
Also Read: Xiaomi Mi Pad 3 Leaked in All Its Glory: Windows 10, 9.7-inch Display Onboard
According to the report, MDM Electronics was set up earlier this month, December 7 to be precise and is headquartered in New Delhi. The objective of the company still remains to be seen, though. Akin to the Ringing Bells, the company may sell electronic products like smartphones and TVs or it may do something else.
Moto M Will Get Android 7.0 Nougat Treatment Soon, Says the Company
As far as Ringing Bells is concerned, the companys website is currently inactive with its CEO, Dharma Goal and a bunch of other directors have resigned from the board.
To recall, the Noida-based company earlier promised to ship the Freedom 251 smartphone at just Rs. 251 by June leading to a huge controversy. But clearly, those were just words.
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Compass Call targets ISIL through electronic attack
By Capt. Casey Osborne, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs / Published December 14, 2016
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Military operations are complex. Attacking an adversary requires significant coordination and communication between a commander and their fighters. The fog and friction of war means that even the best laid plans are often adapted on the fly, and competent leaders need the ability to redirect their forces in real-time in order to react to enemy actions. If a commander can't issue orders, his capabilities are severely degraded and his likelihood of success plummets.
Attacking those lines of communication is an effective, innovative way to reduce an enemy's capability. The U.S. Air Force knows this, and they use that knowledge every day in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant through employment of the EC-130H Compass Call.
"When the Compass Call is up on station supporting our Iraqi allies, we are denying (ISIL's) ability to command and control their forces, to coordinate attacks," said Lt. Col. Josh Koslov, the 43rd Expeditionary Electronic Attack Squadron commander. "If you can't talk, you can't fight. It's very simple."
In order to target and jam those communications, the EC-130H employs roughly a dozen Airmen. This includes a standard C-130 flight crew on the flight deck, in addition to a contingent of electronic warfare officers and linguists in the rear of the aircraft. Each of these individuals is a piece in accomplishing the mission.
"(The linguist's) weapon is language," Koslov said. "They help us to efficiently find, prioritize and target (ISIL). They prioritize the signals we're targeting from the strategic (level) through the tactical level and they also help the electronic warfare officer make jamming decisions in order to provide the effects desired by the ground force commander."
When used effectively, the EC-130H disorients ISIL fighters, helping make them easy targets for troops on the ground to engage.
"We are inducing massive confusion and friction into their operations that make them ineffective as a fighting force," Koslov said.
The capabilities of the Compass Call can offer a distinct advantage for American, Iraqi and coalition forces. The aircraft is currently in demand with ground force commanders, but Koslov and his team face significant challenges executing their operations.
There are only 14 EC-130Hs across the entire Air Force. That relatively small number of aircraft, coupled with the sheer volume of mission requirements levied upon it, makes the Compass Call a low density, high demand asset. Additionally, the aircraft themselves are more than 50 years old and require a dedicated crew of maintainers to ensure that it's capable of carrying out its zero-fail mission.
First Lt. John Karim, the 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Compass Call Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge, oversees more than 30 Airmen dedicated to ensuring the aircraft are able to meet the needs of commanders on the ground.
"There are a lot of challenges with maintaining an old aircraft like this," Karim said. "We have a 1964 model out here on the ramp and you run the gamut of issues from old wiring to old structural issues (and) corrosion. You find that many of the items on the aircraft have been on there for well over 20 or 30 years, and parts fail all the time. So the aircraft more often than not come down and they need us to fix it before it can fly again safely."
Despite the demanding mission his maintainers are required to accomplish, Karim is confident his team will keep the aircraft flying.
"I'm proud to be here and proud to work with all these Airmen from (Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona)," he said. "At the end of the day, every day, we make the mission happen no matter what. There might be a few busted knuckles, we might break a sweat, but we make it happen."
Koslov, too, attributes his unit's success to the outstanding Airmen working under his command. He and his team know that what they do is important for the future of Iraq and for stability in the wider Middle East region.
"We're just a small part in the big Air Force team, a smaller part in the joint team, a part in the coalition team supporting the Iraqis who are going to defeat (ISIL)," he said. "They will destroy (ISIL), and we're looking forward to the day that those guys are done fighting and their country is peaceful again."
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US, Japanese forces enhance interoperability, decision-making at Yama Sakura
By C. Todd Lopez December 14, 2016
WASHINGTON (Army News Service) -- The bilateral command post exercise Yama Sakura 71 concluded Tuesday in Japan, where U.S. forces and Soldiers with the Japanese Western Army trained together to defeat a near-peer competitor.
This year's Yama Sakura -- a yearly exercise -- involved more than just Japan's Western Army and U.S. Army Soldiers with I Corps out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Also participating were the 5th Air Force, the 7th Fleet, and the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. Special Forces played a role as well.
Chief among the goals during Yama Sakura, according to I Corps commander, Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, was the enhancement of the bilateral decision-making process between Japanese and U.S. military partners.
"The Japanese have a different decision cycle than we do. They have a different way they make decisions than we do," Lanza said. "Overcoming those differences and finding common ground there was a top priority."
Increasing interoperability was also a priority, Lanza said, "so both U.S. and Japanese forces have the same picture of what's going on from an operational perspective and an intelligence perspective."
"What we've seen with the Japanese is that they have grown -- at least in the short time I've been in command," Lanza said. "[They've grown] in terms of not only their interoperability with U.S. forces, but their ability to apply joint resources to an Army operation."
The Japanese Army has enhanced their ability to call on air power, amphibious operations, and their navy, and Lanza attributed the vision of increasing joint interoperability to the Japanese leadership.
"It was really the vision of Gen. [Kiyohumi] Iwata, their chief of staff, who said we need to move in a different direction and break down the ability of services to work on their own and be able to do these joint operations," he explained.
"Any time you have the opportunity where you are actually training together as a headquarters, that forces that relationship and trust with the organization."
PACIFIC PATHWAYS
In addition to Yama Sakura, Lanza said that I Corps has undertaken a series of Pacific Pathways exercises over the course of three years. With Pathways, he said, I Corps has deployed on multi-month tours of multiple countries.
"The key for Pathways is that we want it to be additive to our home-station training readiness," Lanza said. "So as we train in other countries, as we go through the sustained readiness model, we're actually increasing more live-fire opportunities."
Right now, Lanza said, Pathways involves the U.S. Army and a few other U.S. military partners engaging with one country. In the future, he thinks, these Pacific Pathways could be enhanced through the inclusion of even more nations.
"Perhaps there are opportunities for multilateral pathways, where you have multiple countries working together," he said. "Right now it is just one country at a time."
Lanza suggested that including multiple domains of battle, including air, space and cyber, could also enhance Pacific Pathways. He nonetheless praised Pathways for increasing readiness for American Soldiers enhancing the partnerships between the United States and partner countries.
"The intrinsic value that we get, when you see the U.S. military operate in these different countries, is it enhances the professional militaries of these other countries as well, which then leads to better governance and better stability," he said.
"We see growth in their professionalism -- in their ability to be a professional military -- growth of their NCO corps, and growth of their leaders as well as ours."
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U.S. Department of Defense
Press Operations
News Transcript
Presenter: Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve December 14, 2016
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Lt. Gen. Townsend via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq
CAPT. DAVIS: Ladies and gentlemen, we're pleased to be joined today by Lieutenant General Townsend, coming to us live from Baghdad. He's the commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve.
Sir, we'll turn it over to you for your opening remarks, and then take questions from here.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL TOWNSEND: OK. Thanks, Jeff.
Good morning, everybody, from Baghdad, and happy holidays.
Since we're nearing the end of the year, I thought it was appropriate to review the progress the international counter-ISIL coalition has made in our military campaign in 2016. Our partners in Iraq and Syria have achieved a remarkable reversal of fortune since 2014 when ISIL seized large swathes of Syria and Iraq with masked terrorists and long columns of vehicles all flying the black banner of ISIL.
It's a different situation in Iraq and Syria today. 2014 was about helping our partners halt ISIL's relentless onslaught. 2015 was marked by helping the government of Iraq and our partners in Syria defend, while they organized and built or rebuilt their forces and began to counterattack.
In 2016, our campaign is all about the counter-offensive, liberating terrain and the population in Iraq and Syria from the clutches of ISIL's brutal control.
ISIL is a tyrannical terrorist group bent on destroying our way of life and imposing their own twisted ideology, plain and simple. They had an early mystique for some, which came from the false notion that they were establishing a state. But ISIL brutalized its own people. And what few services they did provide were financed through the seizure and taxation of peaceful cities and the illicit sale of stolen oil.
So, besides striking ISIL's military capacity, the coalition has targeted and dismantled their finances as well. We have destroyed every bank and cash reserve we have found. We have conducted hundreds of strikes to destroy ISIL oil infrastructure. We assess these efforts have cost ISIL between $4.5 million and $6.5 million a month. The liberation of key population centers and oil fields have further limited the enemy's access to taxes and oil revenue.
We have degraded ISIL's military capacity by killing or seriously wounding more than 2,500 of them since mid-October. And we have captured or killed 180 ISIL leadership figures and hundreds more lower-level commanders. Such strikes disrupt the enemy's ability to plan and conduct operations here, or conduct external attacks around the world.
ISIL's propaganda is becoming less effective. They named their magazine "Dabiq" after a town in northern Syria which they said would be the site of an apocalyptic body with the West. It used to feature articles about a utopian Islamic state. Now the name of their magazine is "Rumiyah," because thanks to Turkey and our Syrian partners, Dabiq is under new management, no longer in ISIL's control. Now, "Rumiyah" prints articles on how to best kill Westerners with knives and large trucks.
As the capability of ISIL as an organization is reduced, the capabilities and resources of our partners continue to grow. To date, the coalition has trained over 66,000 Iraqi security forces and over 3,000 Syrian partner forces. These forces have taken the fight to the enemy. They have encircled and are assaulting ISIL in Mosul and are marching to liberate Raqqa as we speak.
Regarding Mosul, the Iraqi security forces have seen a remarkable turnaround. Just two years ago, they were a defeated and broken army, barely able to stop ISIL at the gates of Baghdad. Today, they're conducting a multiple division combined arms assault on a major city 400 kilometers from their capital. This operation would challenge any army.
In Syria, Turkey and their partner forces have made tremendous progress in securing their border, liberating a large number of towns and villages, and they are now driving to eject ISIL from the city of Al-Bab.
In August, our Syrian partner force, the Syrian Democratic Forces, liberated tens of thousands of people from ISIL in the strategically important city of Manbij. Last month, they started operations to isolate Raqqa, ISIL's self-proclaimed capital. So far, they have liberated more than 800 square kilometers on their march toward the city. All told, almost three million people and more than 44,000 square kilometers of territory have been liberated from ISIL in 2016.
The coalition's main effort remains to liberate ISIL's twin capitals of Mosul and Raqqa. The liberation of these cities will largely dismantle ISIL's physical caliphate, which is a necessary step in the group's ultimate demise. We recognize the step, while vital, is not sufficient. There is still a lot of work to be done. It will be important to maintain the focus of our more than 60-nation coalition effort.
Our Iraqi and Syrian partners have made tremendous sacrifices to free their land from ISIL, their efforts to defeat ISIL and improve security in all of our nations. We look forward to continued progress in the coming year.
In closing, let me say that for more than two years now, the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and civilians of the counter-ISIL coalition have supported all of these efforts brilliantly. They have provided training, equipment, intelligence, fire support and advice from the ministry level in Baghdad all the way down to battalion formations at austere and dangerous forward locations on the dusty battlefields of Iraq and Syria.
All Americans, other members of our coalition and the entire world should be grateful and proud of what their sons and daughters are doing to make our nations and the world safer from this evil scourge. I know I'm grateful and proud to stand in their ranks, especially with the holidays approaching. Thanks.
With that, I'll take your questions.
CAPT. DAVIS: Lita -- Lita Baldor from the Associated Press.
Q: Hi, general. Thanks for doing this. Good to see you again. I have a couple questions on Syria.
First, can you say what, if anything, you all are seeing in terms of the evacuations out of Aleppo? Are you seeing any people moving out of Aleppo at all?
And does the fact that ISIS has re-taken Palmyra complicate anything for you as -- as you try to rally more -- the forces for Raqqa?
And can you say how many air forces have you been able to gather for the fight to go back into Raqqa?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK, thanks, Lita.
So, just for the technical folks there, the mic is kind of getting overpowered and it's really loud and hard to understand what the question is, but I think what I heard, she asked me about Aleppo and the withdrawal from there, the wrapping up of Aleppo, and the complications that causes for our campaign and then I think hold forces for Raqqa, is what I heard.
So I'm going to answer those, and if that's not the right thing, you can ask me again, Lita.
OK, so I watched Aleppo on TV. It's horrible. Like most of you, and I read intelligence so I get special access to intelligence about Aleppo, but Aleppo is not in our charter here. So I'm blessed although it's a curse.
The complicators -- we have a civil war right next to our war -- even overlapping our war here against ISIL or Daesh. But I'm not responsible for what's going on for the coalition in Aleppo. The coalition's not doing that, so I can't really comment on the withdrawal or the end is near, or any of that. You probably know about as much about it as I do.
Now, it does complicate our life here, imagine fighting one war with another war raging just beside, and sometimes overlapping our war against ISIL here in Northern Syria, so it's certainly a complicator.
Then I think you asked a question, I thought I heard something about hold forces for Raqqa. So the Syrian Democratic Forces are marching to isolate Raqqa. Now once they get isolation in position we'll probably have another pause for a planning event as to how to go about the seizure and liberation of Raqqa.
But one thing we're agreed on is that the hold forces will consist of folks from the local area and that's pretty much been the mode of operation for all of these liberations in Iraq and Syria is ultimately the security gets turned over to folks from the local area, and governance has return to them as well.
So we're looking for a force from the Raqqa environs and mostly Arabs because that is the ethnic composition of Raqqa. So that's what I would anticipate the force would look like, once we get down there. Several thousand fighters are marching towards Raqqa right now. Many of them from Raqqa or the villages and towns on the way to Raqqa.
CAPT. DAVIS: (OFF-MIC)
Q: General, one of the questions -- I'm sorry you couldn't hear -- was Palmyra and what complications that might be posing with the Islamic State taking control of Palmyra again. And I was wondering the number of Arab forces that you've been able to pull together so far and whether you expect that to grow as you get more U.S. forces in, based on what the secretary announced the other day, with the additional 200.
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK, Lita, that's much clearer by the way. Whatever you've done to change it, its better.
So Palmyra, yeah, so ISIL has launched a counter-attack there and taken Palmyra in the last couple of days. The Russians and the Syrian regime took it from ISIL some months ago. ISIL has retaken it from them. Personally, I think they were probably -- took their eye off the ball in Palmyra because they were so focused on Aleppo and they didn't properly secure their gains.
So ISIL's been looking around the battlefield trying to get some sort of victory to reverse the loss of his narrative across Iraq and Syria. They tried a few spoiling attacks in Iraq and Syria against the coalition forces and our partners. They've been unsuccessful. So the -- I think they saw a weak spot at Palmyra against the Russians and the regime and they've had a little bit of a victory there.
I expect that the Russians and the regime will address it here in short order. We're -- we're -- it's complicating our life a little bit because they -- ISIL's managed to get their hands on some equipment there. We're watching that, and as soon as we have an opportunity, if the Russians (inaudible), we will.
CAPT. DAVIS: And next, we're going to Phil Stewart from Reuters.
Q: Hi, general. Just to follow-up on (inaudible).
CAPT. DAVIS: Sorry, we missed that last bit you just -- if you wanna -- if you could repeat yourself.
Q: Sorry about that. So just to follow-up on -- on Lita's question, you know, you said -- you mentioned the equipment that was seized. Could you give us a sense, are there any MANPADS or there any equipment that was seized that could threaten U.S. aircraft or U.S. operations?
And then on the -- on the broader issue of Aleppo, you know, there is concern that -- that the defeat of this kind of opposition could wind up being good news for -- for Nusra, good news for -- for ISIL. What are your thoughts on that? I mean, is it gonna make -- is this gonna make your -- your Nusra and ISIL problem worse in Syria? Thanks.
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK. Your first question I think was about equipment seized at Palmyra by ISIL. So I'm not really exactly sure, they didn't send us an inventory of what they've seized there. We believe that includes some armored vehicles and various guns and other heavy weapons, possibly some air defense equipment.
Basically, anything they seize poses a threat to the coalition, but we can manage those threats and we will. I anticipate that we'll -- we'll have opportunities to strike those -- that equipment and kill the ISIL that's operating it soon.
Then, your question about Aleppo and will that, you know, will that free up forces that will further complicate their (inaudible). It's really hard to make what we're doing here in Syria any harder than it already is. Probably, the conclusion of Aleppo, whatever -- however it concludes, is I would anticipate would be a bit of a complicator for us, but I don't know exactly how. I think most of the actors there in Aleppo probably have other ideas what they're going to do next. But we're certainly looking out for that.
Thanks.
CAPT. DAVIS: OK. Next, we'll go to Tara Copp with Stars and Stripes.
Q: Hi, general. Thank you for doing this.
Another one on Palmyra. You just said that if the Russians don't strike it soon, we will. Is there any sort of coordination going particularly with the threat of any captured equipment that the U.S. would act on Palmyra?
And then I have one follow-up.
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK. Thanks.
So, we don't coordinate our activities as much as de-conflict them with the Russians. And so, Palmyra is their part of the battle space, but because ISIL may have come into the possession of some significant pieces of weaponry there, we're concerned about it. And I think Russia will probably take action. If they don't, we will do what we need to do to defend ourselves and we'll coordinate -- we'll de-conflict those actions with the Russians.
I think maybe -- probably, we will strike it if we see it moving away from Palmyra. I think if it stays -- as long as it stays in Palmyra, the Russians will have lead and the regime will have the lead to deal with that. I think that answers your question.
You said you had a follow-up?
Q: It does, thank you.
And then, in your introduction, you said that U.S. trainers and advisers had trained a force of 3,000 Syrians. And I just wanted to know if you could break that down for us? Who makes up that 3,000? And it seems to be a slightly different number than we'd heard in the past of forces of like 5,000. So, maybe if you could just clarify that a little for us.
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK. Well, I can't speak to what number you've heard in the past, but -- so that number breaks down -- and I'm not going to get into details -- but it breaks down into two groups; what we refer to as vetted Syrian opposition -- those fighters have largely operated over there south of the Turk border down through Dabiq and they have helped the coalition -- and to include Turkey -- in liberating large areas of northern Syria there that I referred to in my opening statement.
The other group that we've trained is the Syrian Arab Coalition, which is a Arab component of the Syrian Democratic Forces. And we've trained both of those. They're -- they're distinctly different forces. We've trained both of them.
CAPT. DAVIS: I'm sorry, you had a follow-up?
Q: Thank you so much. Just one last one. With the announcement that 200 additional trainers would be headed to Syria, could you give us a rough estimate of how many trainers are there now? And Lita had asked about this, but will their primary job be to add to that 3,000 number to grow that force?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK. So, I'm not going to give you specific troop numbers out there or coalition troop numbers on the battlefield because that's just information that the -- the enemy's probably watching this press conference and I don't want him to know. So, there are several hundred out there and we're going to add a couple hundred more.
And yes, they're not just trainers, but they're also supporters of trainers and they're also advise and assist teams. They run the whole gamut of what we're adding there. And yes, you can certainly bet that they will add to the number of Syrian partner forces that will we train. That's a primary task for those additional troops.
CAPT. DAVIS: And next we'll go to Joe Tabet with Al Hurra.
Q: Thank you, sir.
I want to go back to Aleppo. What do you expect after the fall of Aleppo? Is it fair to say that Assad is winning right now?
I also have a follow-up.
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK. So, for all of you in the room, again my charter is not the fight in Aleppo or the Assad regime. So, my opinions probably may be not that much better informed on it than you are. Clearly, I'm watching it. But again, I'm not -- I'm not one to cast judgments on it.
I would say this. When Aleppo wraps up one way or the other, those forces are going to go elsewhere and do something else, the opposition forces and the regime forces and their Russian supporters. Our estimate is they'll probably go somewhere else that is more important to them, and I won't care to comment on where we think that might be.
Q: I understand, sir, that. I do understand that Aleppo is not part of your mission in Syria, but you cannot ignore that the fall of Aleppo into the hands of the Syrian regime would have implications in regards to Turkey and also in regards to the rest of the country.
What -- what are the implications that this -- the fall of the city would have on Turkey? And you mentioned in your opening statement that Turkey is liberating many areas in northern Syria and is heading towards Al-Bab. Don't you see any implications of the -- from -- after the fall of Aleppo on Turkey?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: Yeah, I'm sure there are some implications on the regime -- for the regime. There's implications for the Russians. There's implications for the opposition. And there are implications for Turkey. I guess what I'm trying to communicate to you is that we don't see that those implications are going to significantly impact our campaign that we're doing.
Because I think the regime and the opposition forces that are fighting their war adjacent to ours will take their fight elsewhere. And again, we think that the impacts on our campaign will be relatively moderate.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next, we'll go to Barbara Starr with CNN.
Q: Thank you, General Townsend.
Can we go back to some of the comments you made about the progress you're making against ISIS. And can I ask you to unpack that a little bit? Specifically, yesterday the White House, Brett McGurk, said there were 12,000 to 15,000 ISIS-capable fighters left, the lowest level ever. So, can I ask you to kind of walk us through some of where you have come from, and the level of progress you made?
Q: If there's 12,000 to 15,000 left, that's against what peak ISIS warfighting force the U.S. coalition was facing? And what kind of capability do you actually think ISIS has right now on the battlefield?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK, Barb. Thanks.
Yeah, so I think Brett McGurk's estimate of 12,000 to 15,000 fighters is ballpark close enough. We don't track that in painstaking detail because it's kind of hard to define fighters. So, are you talking about committed fighters who will die in place or are we talking about people who are going to start waving a Syrian or a Iraqi flag as soon as the coalition starts approaching?
So, there's fighters all along that spectrum and supporters. But, I think 12 to -- we got to have -- we got to have a number so 12 to 15,000 is probably good enough. I don't actually know what the number was. I've heard the peak number, I'm not sure what it was. I've heard figures, 30,000, 50,000. I don't know what the peak number was and, again, kind of hard to define that because I'm not sure people who throw -- sure that people throw those numbers around are defining them in the same way.
I'm not really sure it's all that important what the number was at its peak for us to know that. Suffice it to say this. We've taken back over half of the land that Iraq, for example, lost to ISIL in 2014. So, I think that's a measure of the progress and I could sit here and list city after city. Ramadi, Fallujah, Rupa, Tikrit, Baiji, Shirqat, Qayyarah, and now we're at the gates -- banging down the gates of Mosul. So, that's an example of the progress that the -- our Iraqi partners have made.
What's ISIL still capable of doing? They're still capable of fiercely defending the ground they have taken. We're watching that unfold every day. They're not making anything easy. They're fighting hard to retain the vestiges of their physical caliphate and I don't think that's going to get any easier. They're also capable of launching dangerous attacks in Iraq and Syria and in this region as we have seen recently in Palmyra.
You were asking -- your colleagues there were asking me about Palmyra. We also know that they are plotting attacks on the West and we know that central to external operations plotting is the city of Raqqa. And that's why we need to get down there and isolate that city as fast as we can. Just in the last week, we conducted a strike -- our special operating forces conducted a strike in Raqqa that killed three plotters. Two of those plotters had direct links to the November 2015 attacks in Paris.
So, that kind of plotting is going on in Raqqa and they still have the ability to motivate, self-radicalize followers, and they still have the ability to plot and cast into motion attacks on the West and that's of great concern to us. And we are hammering away at them to prevent that and we're going to get down to Raqqa and get it isolated and then seize it so they can't plot from there in the future.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next we'll go to (inaudible) of the Anadolu News Agency.
Q: Hi, general. Thanks for doing this.
I will have a couple of questions.
It was widely reported in the region that several U.S. helicopters landed in YPG-held (inaudible) recently to deliver ammunition and equipment to the group. And social media accounts close to the group also confirm those claims. Could you comment on that?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK. I'm not familiar with the reports you're referring to.
I'll just tell you this, it's not U.S. policy to provide weapons, by helicopter or any other means, to the YPG. We do provide equipment, including weapons and training, to the Syrian Arab Corps or Syrian Arab Coalition, which is part of the Syrian Democratic Forces.
Q: About Palmyra, you said as the Assad regime and Russians were so focused on Aleppo they've left a vacuum behind, which led ISIS to take over Palmyra. Do you think that they are further focused on the opposition-held areas, which led to the regime to lose more territory to ISIS?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: I'm not sure I followed your question. I know it had to do with Palmyra and I'll just kind of restate what I said earlier. My own assessment is that, you know, the -- clearly, the regime and with Russian support were very successful in taking Palmyra back some months ago. Seems -- seems like I remember they brought in an orchestra from Moscow or somewhere in Russia to perform a concert there in the ruins of Palmyra to celebrate their victory.
I think they failed to consolidate their gains and they got distracted by the things they were doing, took their eye off the ball there, the enemy sensed weakness and struck and gained a victory that I think will probably be fleeting. But a -- a victory against the regime and the Russians none the less.
Q: My question was this, do you anticipate that as the regime and the Syrian -- Russians are focused on opposition in the north -- northwestern Syria, they are going to lose more territory to ISIS behind them?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: I suppose it's possible. I -- I -- but I don't -- I don't think it's likely. I think what they'll do is they'll devote -- I think this is probably an embarrassment to them and I think they'll devote adequate attention to holding the ground that they're on. And I don't think -- my guess is they probably won't lose much more terrain to ISIL. And that's my guess.
CAPT. DAVIS: OK. Next, we'll go with Tom Bowman from NPR.
Q: General, I want to return to Palmyra. You said that you're basically waiting for the Russians to take on ISIS there, which is unusual because you and your colleagues have said repeatedly that Russia is not going after ISIS, they're going after moderate rebels in the country. So if your job is to basically destroy ISIS, why wouldn't you go after them right now?
And also, you mentioned this is Russia's battle space. That's a term we've not heard here yet. Are you basically saying the country is divided, that the coalition has its own battle space and Russia and Syria has its own battle space?
And also, if I could quickly turn to Raqqa, you say you've trained 3,000 Syrian Arabs. Give us a ball park of how many you expect to be able to take Raqqa itself. Is it double that number, triple that number or even more?
And also, Turkey has said it wants to be involved in the final assault on Raqqa. Do you still expect that to happen? There was talk that the Turks wanted their...
(LAUGHTER)
I'm almost done -- that the Turks wanted their own trained rebels to take part in the final assault on Raqqa, if you could address that. That's all.
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK. Tom, I don't know if you have any follow-ups. I think there were about -- I lost track at four questions, I think, in rapid fire succession there. So I'll try to remember what -- I started writing them down and I'll try to remember what they all were. You were providing them pretty quick, there.
So Palmyra. Right, so there -- there's not necessarily a battle space, we don't have an agreement with a map, with a boundary, the Russians have this and the coalition has that. There's not such a thing. There are facts of life, there are places where the regime are and there are places where the Russians are with the regime, usually, and there are places where the coalition and our partners are.
These are facts of life, it's not an agreement, it's not a division of labor or the country or anything like that. It's just where people are. So at Palmyra, its not Russian battle space, I think I use that phrase kind of fairly loosely. But they were there, it was theirs, they were there with their Syrian proxies.
So yes, they lost it and it -- so I think it's up to them probably to take it back. And the reason we're not acting more aggressively is first of all, that's the first fact of life is that was theirs.
The second fact of life is we're not sure who is there on the ground, we can't tell one side from the other. So we can't tell if the truck and the armored vehicle is being operated by a regime trooper, a Russian trooper or ISIL fighter, we can't tell that. So we're just kind of staying out of it and watching it right now and protecting our own interest and letting the Russians sort that out, which I think is probably the common sense way to go about Palmyra.
Then, you asked me some other questions, I think. Yeah, preparing forces for Raqqa. I'm not gonna quote specific troop numbers but I'll just say yes, probably double or triple the number of forces that we've already trained will need to be trained for Raqqa, it's a big problem.
The Syrian Democratic forces have not faced a challenge this great before. They have pretty high morale. They have a lot of combat capability, but still, they're gonna need some help preparing for Raqqa.
Then -- yes, you mentioned Turkey. And Turkey has expressed a desire to participate in the Raqqa operation. We told them a couple months ago that we need to go to Raqqa now and they indicated they were not prepared to go right now because of all the other activities that they're doing. And they're some helpful activities, killing Daesh. So we told them that we're gonna march down and isolate Raqqa, and after we isolate Raqqa, we'll check back in with them and see if they -- if there's a way they can be incorporated into the operation before we proceed.
So right now, we're in the approach march phase to begin the isolation of Raqqa. I hope I got all your questions, there. If you have four or five follow-ups I'll write faster this time.
Q: One quick follow-up, what role do you expect Turkey to play? Would it be -- there's talk of sending their own trained rebels down to Raqqa. Or would it be some sort of Turkish aircraft? I mean, it -- would it be a Turkish government thing or their trained rebels? Do you have any sense of what they want to do?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: Now, you'll have to ask them. I don't really have a good sense for what they want to do. I think it's probably a combination of the above, sort of like we're doing. They have their preferred partner force with who I think they'll probably want to have involved, and they may want to participate with their own military like in a limit -- to a limited degree. None of those things have been worked out yet.
CAPT. DAVIS: Carlo Munoz from The Washington Times.
Q: Hey, sir. Thanks for doing this.
I wanted to go back to Mosul operation, specifically west of Mosul, where the PMUs are operating. I understand that some Iraqi troops have been embedded with those forces are they're moving toward Mosul. One, can you give me a ballpark idea of how many Iraqi troops are with the militias?
And two, how is the coalition sort of threading the needle in providing support, whether it be air support logistical support, any kind of support to the Iraqi troops with -- while still maintaining the fact that there is no support provided to the militias?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK. So your question's about the PMUs. You mentioned -- we call them PMF. So the PMF are operating west of Mosul. In fact, that -- they've been remarkably disciplined in their operations. There has been very little reporting of inappropriate behaviors or actions that characterized some of their operations last year and earlier this year in other campaigns.
They've been operating under the government -- the control of the government of Iraq and they've been supporting the -- Iraq's campaign plan for Mosul.
So they have done a good job of liberating a large swathe of desert west -- southwest and west of Mosul. They have severed ISIL's line of communication from Mosul to the Iraqi border and beyond to Syria. They have linked up with the Kurdish Peshmerga north of Tal Afar and they have seized Tal Afar Airport and are in the process of isolating Tal Afar City. All of these are really good contributions to the campaign.
There are at least two army brigades. There are some other formations with them, but there are two army brigades with them. We haven't provided them a lot of support. They haven't asked us for a lot of support. They've been handling things out there largely on their own.
We've conducted various strikes out there. I don't require a lot of justification for doing that. There is ISIL out there that needs killing, so we're killing them. And it assists the Iraqi security forces and the PMF out there in their work, fine, good, excellent. But we're not providing direct support to the PMF out there at present.
Q: A quick follow-up regarding Turkish-trained militias out near Bashiqa. I wanted to -- I understand that they're sort of operating around Mosul dam and in that -- that sort of part of the -- outside city. Have you been tracking their movements at all? Has there been any sort of indications that they plan to move closer to the city?
LT. GEN. . TOWNSEND: I heard you -- I heard the part about tracking movements and something about Bashiqa, but I didn't hear your first few words. So, who -- who were you referring to?
Q: Sir, I was referring to the militias that are being trained by Turkish troops up near Bashiqa. From what I understand, they're now operating new Mosul Dam and in that area. Have you been tracking that at all? And is that posing any concern to your plans?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: So, yes, OK. Thanks. Turkish-trained militias.
So, the Turks have trained some Sunni groups from the Mosul area. They've done a reasonably good job of training them at their camp at Bashiqa. We are tracking their movements. In fact, when they graduated, they left Turkish control and started working for the government of Iraq. And they're part of what we call "tribal hold forces" -- a variation of the PMF, if you will; local folks who have been trained to secure their local area.
So, some of these folks that have been trained by the Turks are operating around Mosul, not at the dam. They are operating north of -- on the north side of Mosul in between the dam and the city. But they're operating under government of Iraq control. I don't track their movements day by day minutely because they're under Iraqi control. And by all reports, they've done a pretty good job.
CAPT. DAVIS: OK. Next, we'll go -- I'm sorry -- Laurie...
Q: Mylroie.
CAPT. DAVIS: ... of Kurdistan Today.
Q: Kurdistan 24.
CAPT. DAVIS: 24. That's it.
Q: Thank you, general, for your briefing.
I wondered, could you explain to us about Mosul? It seems to be going -- you said it's challenging, but it also seems to be very slow, and comparison is made to Beiji or Kobani, suggest it would not be before the spring that Mosul would be retaken.
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK. You were a little bit garbled, and I didn't quite catch all of that. But I think you're asking about the speed of the Mosul operation. I think that's what I got the gist of. So I'll answer that. And if it's not right, you can ask me again.
So, we're not on a timetable for Mosul. We're -- the attack started on time. It's progressing. It's probably not progressing as fast as I, as a U.S. Army officer, would like, but it is progressing, and the Iraqis are advancing every day.
So, the Iraqis actually would like it to go faster and they're engaged in discussions and plans about how to inject new energy into their assault. But the facts are they're gaining ground every day at Mosul. And how long it will take, I don't know. It could be over -- it could be over in a month or two; it could be over next spring, like you said -- not really on a time schedule.
So we're just going to let it go at the pace -- it's on the Iraqis' pace. They're the ones doing the fighting and the dying. And so I think that's appropriate. We're here to support them, and it will go as fast or as long as they want it to.
Q: Secretary of Defense Carter was in Erbil over the weekend and met with President Barzani. Presumably, they talked about Mosul. And could you give us any other details on what those discussions involved?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: Nope. I was in the meeting and those discussions were between President Barzani and Secretary Carter and that's where it will stay.
Q: I have a question about Raqqa. You -- you've said that, you know, it's urgent for the United States, for the coalition to move quickly on Raqqa. You didn't have time for the Turks to get their act together, there's a threat from Raqqa. Europol issued a report earlier this month talking about ISIS and a chemical and biological threat. Is that one of your concerns in Raqqa?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK. I don't think I said that we didn't have time for the Turks to get their act together. I think that's your characterization of what I said.
But that said, we're concerned about external ops plotting in Raqqa. Actually, we believe that they scored a locus, their chem-bio program. Are we concerned about an ISIL chem-bio program? Yes, we are. They have demonstrated a capability, they've demonstrated a willingness to use it. They have used chemical agents against Iraqi and Kurdish and coalition forces on this battlefield here, fortunately not to great effect.
But -- so, they have -- they are working on it. They have an active program and they are working to make it better. So, are we concerned about it? Yes, we are. We think the locus of that program has been in Mosul. I anticipate that they're probably going to try to move it at some point because they know they're going to lose Mosul sooner or later.
I think -- could there be parts of that program in Raqqa? I think sure, there probably could be. But we think Iraq is more their hub for external operations planning. And I -- I'm not sure they're going to move their chemical program there, mainly because they know we're approaching Raqqa as well. So, if they're going to move it out of Mosul, they're going to move it somewhere else, probably not to Raqqa because they know they're going to lose both of those here in the coming months.
CAPT. DAVIS: Carla Babb with Voice of America.
Q: Hi, general. Thanks for doing this.
My question is on Mosul as well. When -- we learned yesterday that about 15 to 20 percent of Mosul has been kind of cleared by Iraqi forces. Do you see that as kind of the time table progressing? And is there a point or, you know, where the fulcrum will swing to the other side, where things will start going faster if you could just past the river or just get to 40 percent or 50 percent?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK. Yeah, I think probably you're -- you're -- and I think I've used that myself. Roughly about 20 percent of Mosul. I think they're a little beyond that now, probably more like 25 percent of Mosul. And probably half or more of the eastern side of Mosul. And then your -- has been liberated by Iraqi security forces.
It's still a hard, hard fight. And it's a dense urban environment with a 360 degree threat and 3D threat because there's basements and tunnels -- tunnels dug to join basements on city blocks. And of course, you've got several story buildings there of several stories and even multiple stories in some parts of the city so it's a very hard fight, a tough problem.
Is there a time when I think things could shift dramatically? Yes, I think there is. I think that the -- as the Iraqis close on the one remaining bridge over from -- that joins the east side of the city to the west across the Tigris River, I believe that the enemy is faced with a very stark choice.
If he wants to fight and die, then he's made that decision, he'll stay there. If he wants to get out to try to fight again another day, if he wants to get out to try to go back home and stop fighting, he's going to have to make that choice soon as the Iraqi security forces approach. So, actually I think you'll see the eastern side will break at some point and go in a rush and it'll go from really hard like it is today to a whole lot easier and we won't have to clear every structure block by block all the way to the river because I think a lot of them will get the heck out.
Now, that doesn't mean the whole Mosul campaign gets easier. I think actually the west side is going to be every bit as hard, potentially harder than the east side. I think he's invested the great majority of his defensive work on the west side and so I do anticipate a point -- there's a point where it'll get easier on the east and then we're going to have to reset the army, secured gains on the east side and shift the army's focus to the west side.
Q: Do you see that coming soon?
(LAUGHTER)
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: Y'all are always fascinated with the timetables. No, I don't see it coming soon. It's hard.
CAPT. DAVIS: To Lucas Tomlinson from Fox News.
Q: Hey, general can you -- can we go back and can you describe in more detail this air defense equipment that you say ISIS has their hands on from Palmyra? Can you describe how many missiles, how many launchers, and what type of system it is?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: No. I can't. And I didn't say he had air defense equipment, I said he may have air defense equipment -- his hands on air defense equipment around Palmyra. So, he may and I don't care to characterize the size or type or number or any of that.
Thanks.
Q: And can you describe al-Bab and why it's so important for Turkey to take al-Bab?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: Well, so al-Bab is held by ISIL, so right away that is a reason it's important for someone to take it. Al-Bab is also the largest sort of municipal area in that region sort of between Aleppo and Raqqa. So, there's another important reason to take it.
Also, the Turks expressed a desire to create a buffer zone to push ISIL out of a buffer zone away from their border. They've aspired to do that initially out to 20 kilometers.
They later said out to about 40 kilometers. Al-Bab is sort of in between that. I don't think they'll go much farther south because you actually start running into regime elements just a few kilometers south of al-Bab.
So, I think they believe that al-Bab is about as far south as they can extend their border buffer zone to keep ISIL away from their border.
Q: Thank you.
And lastly, are you concerned that Turkey's -- they want al-Bab because they also want you divide two separate Kurdish regions and could that be a concern with the campaign going forward?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: I do believe that's one of the Turks reasons for going as deep as al-Bab, as they desire to keep Kurdish groups separated. Those to the east of al-Bab in the Manbij area and then those to the west in the Afrin area I think they see it as in their interest to keep those groups apart.
I -- I don't see that as a great concern for us.
CAPT. DAVIS: To Luis Martinez with ABC News.
Q: Hi sir, thank you again for doing this briefing.
Quick question about the irrational for recommendation -- of recommending the additional 200 forces for Syria, what effect were you looking for, why did you think you needed to recommend the additional forces? And then, I have another question.
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: OK well, it's pretty simple, I kind of alluded to it in an earlier answer. So Raqqa is the biggest thing that we have undertaken in Syria to date and the biggest and most complex thing.
So we had a certain number of forces that allowed us to assist our Syrian partners in liberating Kobani and Hasaka and Shadadi and Manbij. As you look towards Raqqa, it's farther away. It's a lot larger. It's a lot more complex.
And its ISIL's capital, self-proclaimed capital so we think they're gonna defend it in a very strong way. So just looking at that, it sort of becomes apparent that whatever forces we had to do the things that we had done up to that point we'd probably need some more forces. The Syrian partners also need more forces. And so that's why I said one of the primary tasks of these additional forces will be to train additional Syrian partners. So their demand for increased forces for Raqqa is matched by our own requirement to provide additional coalitions forces to support them.
Q: And the other question I had was about U.S. advisers with the Turkish forces or the Turkish trained forces. I believe that was -- they were no longer paired up with them when they moved on al- Bab.
Is that still the case, at what point do you foresee them going back, if at all?
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: So you're right, we're currently not operating with the Turks and their partner forces and we're not operating around al- Bab with them. That's -- the -- their penetration into Syria exceeded the depth which our authorities went.
So we stopped supporting that directly. But I can envision a time, potentially, when we might team up with them again, we've done it before. So I can see a time where we might team up with them directly in support of them again in the future.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next, Phil Stewart of Reuters had a follow-up.
Q: Hi, general, so just to clarify, so in the clearing operations in Mosul, you said about half of the east side of the city has been taken. Does that mean that the U.S. forces now can go in, accompanying their Iraqi counterparts into that more secure part of east Mosul? Basically, is it safe to assume now that U.S. forces are coming in and out of east Mosul with some regularity?
Thanks.
LT. GEN. . TOWNSEND: OK. So, I've answered this question in these forums before. We're not limited on where we can go. So, we accompany our partners to a certain level where we have authorities to accompany them. We accompany wherever the partner goes.
So if at some point a partner -- we're typically paired up with partner commanders and their headquarters -- their forward headquarters, their battlefield headquarters. So if those battlefield headquarters are outside of Mosul, that's where coalition force advisers are. If their battlefield headquarters move into Mosul, which at some point it would be logical that they would as we continue to clear Mosul, then coalition force advisers will accompany them there.
We'll accompany our partners wherever our partners go to fight Daesh.
Q: Just to clarify: Has that happened? Are U.S. forces now accompanying in Mosul?
Thank you.
LT. GEN. TOWNSEND: I'm not going to go to that level of detail. That's too much information for the enemy. I want the enemy to guess.
CAPT. DAVIS: With that, sir, thank you very much. We've used up all of your time. Thank you for joining us today, and we hope to see you again soon.
Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.
http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1030405/
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The Philippines - AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe 3D Air Search Radars
Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov
Transmittal No: 16-71
WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines for AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe 3D Air Search Radars and related equipment, support, and training. The estimated cost is $25 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 12, 2016.
The Government of the Philippines has requested a possible sale of two (2) AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe 3D Air Search Radars, support services, including installation services, operator training, system operational testing, and documentation. The total estimated program cost is $25 million.
The Philippines seeks to increase its Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities in order to improve monitoring of its vast territorial seas and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). An effective Philippine MDA capability strengthens its self-defense capabilities and supports regional stability and U.S. national interests. This sale is consistent with U.S. regional objectives and will further enhance interoperability with the U.S. Navy, build upon a longstanding cooperative effort with the United States, and provide an enhanced capability with a valued partner in a geographic region of critical importance to the U.S. government.
The AN/SPS-77 Air Search Radars will be used to provide an enhanced ability to detect and track air contacts. The radars will be installed on two Hamilton-class cutters acquired through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be VSE and Saab. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any U.S. or contractor representatives to the Philippines. U.S. contractors, under U.S. government oversight, will be in the Philippines for installation and associated support of this new radar on these Philippine Navy ships.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.
-30-
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Going to 'C' for the First Time
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS161214-12
Release Date: 12/14/2016 8:26:00 AM
By By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jennifer O'Rourke USS George Washington Public Affairs
ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Keeping the squadron nickname, the Dragonslayers of HSC-11 went underway with the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to conduct carrier qualifications for the first time as an HSC squadron.
The sun went down on Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 on a spring day in 2016. Legacy squadron members discussed how far the community has come since its inception as the Sub Seekers in 1957 with the HSS-1 Seabat Helicopter. In a symbolic manner, the antiquated SH-60F and HH-60H Seahawks broke off and disappeared from a formation flyover, while the modern MH-60S Knighthawk followed close behind showing the progress of naval aviation. Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 left its limiting technology and obsolete battle plans behind and emerged from the ceremony with new capabilities and a new squadron title: Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11. The dissolution of the last 'HS' helicopter squadron is a subtle ripple in the new era of naval aviation organization.
Keeping the squadron nickname, the Dragonslayers of HSC-11 went underway with the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to conduct carrier qualifications for the first time as an HSC squadron.
"We are happy to be here," said Lt. David Moore, assistant training officer for the Dragonslayers of HSC-11. "New aircraft always smell a lot nicer. Our oldest aircraft had about 13,000 hours on them, which is massive, it's not supposed to last that long. It was very good to step into the new aircraft."
The squadron traded the now-retired SH-60F and HH-60H Seahawk helicopters for the multi-mission MH-60S Knighthawk. The new helicopter is based on the UH-60L Black Hawk and the SH-60B Seahawk and designed to adapt to evolving mission requirements.
"We aren't dealing with old technology that only allows you to do one type of mission," said Moore. "We are dealing with utility aircraft that are allowed to do multiple missions; we can pick someone up and bring them to a ship, and we can put rockets and mini guns on the front of our aircraft to take out threats that are coming at the carrier. I think the Navy is really starting to see the potential of merging the mission areas into one model aircraft."
While HSC squadrons use the Sierra iteration, the Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons are outfitted with the "Romeo" MH-60R Knighthawk helicopters. This version of the airframe includes sonar dipping capabilities enabling them to claim the anti-submarine responsibility.
"[The squadron] used to be anti-submarine and now it's Sea Combat," said Moore. "So we actually lost a little. We had four mission areas, Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Personnel Recovery (PR), Special Operations Forces Support (SOF), and the last one we had when we were HS was Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). We lost that because we don't have the equipment. It is not part of the aircraft anymore."
HS-11 began employing the SH-60F and HH-60H Sea Hawks in 1994.
"The upgrade in avionics is tremendous," said Master Chief Petty Officer Thomas Jackson, who has been a helicopter maintainer for the past 25 years. "The drastic changes in avionics from the old gauges to this are a benefit to the pilots. Now, instead of having half-a-dozen gauges on each side you have two TVs with buttons on the side so you can change the format. The customizable display is colored so you can read a hull name on a ship. There is no question as to what you are looking at."
According a feature article published on Lockheed Martin's website, their 'Common Cockpit' technology used in the H-60 air frames provides critical information to the crew, and serves as the nerve center for the broad range of operations faced by a helicopter sea combat squadron. It features GPS, mass data storage, and an integrated mission computer that allows pilots to have timely information to better complete their mission.
"SH-60Fs had some computers of course, but nothing to this degree," said Jackson. "Intermediate-level maintenance ashore and on the ship had more capability for repairs. Those guys could operate on a box and correct it and we would get it back right away."
Intermediate maintenance insinuates a repair of an aspect of the aircraft that Sailors are able to complete with the resources of an afloat Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) or an ashore hangar to sustain the combat readiness of the aircraft.
"I am sure Big Navy is happy to have one less aircraft," said Moore. "I think the Navy is always trying to consolidate. It's why strike fighter squadrons (VFA) are now flying the F/A-18. They used to have attack squadrons and fighter squadrons now it's a VFA community. They used to have HS squadrons, and they used to have HC squadrons. Now they are able to merge those. I think the Navy is moving in the right direction. They are happy now that everything is consolidated."
To unite the East Coast HSC squadrons, the Dragonslayers moved from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida to Naval Station Norfolk.
"The biggest change was the move to Norfolk," said Moore. "In Jacksonville we were all by ourselves. We didn't have too much support. We were all by ourselves on our own little island. We were away from the HSC wing. There wasn't anything bad or great about that, just the way it was. The biggest change was moving up to Norfolk; a whole new base, a different hangar, we have all of our sister squadrons up there now. We were back into a bigger base, back in Big Navy."
This seemingly minor consolidation of naval aviation is evident of a much larger cultural change. The military's historically symbiotic relationship with technology and engineering appears to be even more dependent. The versatile MH-60 Knighthawk airframe allows streamlined maintenance and has updatable computers and software.
As dusk fell on the Navy's last remaining HS squadron, the changes and technological upgrades were symbolic of the rising sun on the future of HSC-11 and the helicopter sea combat squadron community.
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SECDEF Visits USS Monterey
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS161214-17
Release Date: 12/14/2016 1:40:00 PM
By By Petty Officer 2nd Class William T. Jenkins, USS Monterey (CG 61) Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense Ash Carter visited the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) pier side in Bahrain Dec. 10, to thank Sailors for their service during their seven-and-a-half month deployment.
Carter announced liberty call for the crew, presented challenge coins to Sailors and had lunch with Sailors on duty.
The secretary was in Bahrain to speak at a security conference but he took time out of his schedule to visit the ship, along with his wife, Stephanie.
Speaking to the crew over the ship's public address system, Carter thanked them for their service and discussed the impact that Monterey and its crew have had on events around the world.
"You're doing the noblest thing you can do with your life; that's to protect our people and make a better world for our children," Carter said. "I am 1,000 percent behind you. I really appreciate what you are doing."
"I never expected the secretary of defense to show up here on deployment," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Logan Nuttall. "The fact that he really cares what we are doing out here is awesome and him coming out really affects a lot of people on here, not just me."
In meeting Sailors on the decks, Carter extended holiday greetings to the crew.
"We are part of one big DoD family," said Carter. "Happy holidays."
Monterey, deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
The Ike Carrier Strike Group is comprised of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).
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U.S. Military required to suspend Osprey flights in Japan's Okinawa following accident
People's Daily Online
(Xinhua) 10:55, December 14, 2016
Japan has asked the U.S. military to suspend its Osprey flights in Okinawa following a major accident Tuesday night, said the Japanese government.
Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada said on Wednesday that she has asked the U.S. military to suspend Osprey flights until the cause of the accident is known and safety is ensured.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abewas quoted by local media as saying that the Osprey accident was "very deplorable."
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft belonging to the Futenma base in the city of Ginowan made a water crash-landing off Okinawa Tuesday night.
The five crew members aboard were ejected out of the aircraft and were rescued and sent to a U.S. naval hospital.
The Japanese and U.S. governments have been seeking to move the Futenma base from Ginowan to the less-populated Henoko coastal area of Nago.
The people of Okinawa, however, have been demanding the Futenma base to be relocated outside the prefecture.
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Chinese fund invests 4 bln USD in Africa
People's Daily Online
(Xinhua) 19:04, December 14, 2016
GUANGZHOU, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- The China Africa Development Fund (CAD Fund), an equity investment fund managed by China Development Bank, had invested 4 billion U.S. dollars in Africa as of the end of November, authorities said Wednesday.
Since its establishment in 2007, the fund has invested in 88 projects in 37 African countries. The projects cover areas including infrastructure, processing and manufacturing, and energy and mineral resources, said Wang Yong, vice president of the fund, at a business partnership event attended by Chinese and African companies in Guangzhou.
In addition to investment directly from the CAD Fund, the projects have attracted a further 17 billion U.S. dollars in the form of enterprise investment and bank loans to Africa, according to Wang.
Every U.S. dollar the CAD Fund invests attracts some five U.S. dollars of investment from Chinese companies and banks, he said.
With an initial seed fund of 1 billion U.S. dollars, the CAD Fund was set up to diversify financial vehicles to facilitate Chinese investment in Africa.
The fund mainly focuses on long-term investment projects such as industrial development, agriculture, infrastructure, and resource development.
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Philippine minister: Duterte exaggerated on killing criminals
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 14, 2016 7:3PM
The Philippines' justice secretary says President Rodrigo Duterte has exaggerated by saying he used to kill criminals himself when he was a mayor to send a chilling warning to offenders.
Duterte said in a speech on December 12 that he used to patrol the southern city of Davao as mayor on a big motorcycle to look for lawbreakers to kill.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said on Wednesday that Duterte may have been resorting to hyperbole in his recent speech.
He added that the president sought to make policemen take him as a role model.
Duterte, a former crime-busting mayor of Davao, won the presidency in May after campaigning almost entirely on promises to wipe out drugs and crime.
Nearly 2,300 people have been killed in the campaign against drugs since it started on June 30, according to police, of which 1,566 were drug suspects killed in security operations.
Duterte said on September 19 that he needs six more months for his ongoing war on drugs, adding that there are too many people involved in the narcotic trade and that he "cannot kill them all."
Civil rights campaigners have criticized Philippine police operations amid concerns that some of the dead suspects may have been summarily executed by law enforcement officers.
Human Rights Watch has said the Philippines needs an "independent" investigation into whether President Duterte has had a role in extrajudicial killings.
Duterte has dismissed the criticism of his drug crackdown, threatening to pull the Philippines out of the United Nations.
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West African leaders fail to convince Gambia president to peacefully leave power
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 14, 2016 6:26AM
West African regional leaders have failed to convince Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh, who has lost and rejected the results of a recent presidential election, to allow power transition.
Political upheaval erupted in Gambia after the presidential election on December 1, when opposition leader Adama Barrow was declared the winner. Incumbent Jammeh, who has ruled Gambia for 22 years and was seeking re-election, first conceded defeat but then backtracked, calling for a re-vote.
Gambian military forces, professing loyalty to the president, seized the headquarters of the national elections commission on Tuesday and blocked staffers from entering the office.
Leaders from a regional bloc known as the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, traveled to Gambia in a failed attempt to strike a deal with the president to make him leave power.
"It is not time for a deal. It is not something that can happen in one day. It is something that we have to work on," said Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who led the ECOWAS delegation.
The regional leaders will meet again on Saturday, in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, to further seek a solution to the crisis.
The military option
ECOWAS president Marcel Alain de Souza warned on Tuesday that military intervention could be considered if the Gambian president avoided to step down.
Head of the president's party, the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction, has filed a petition with Gambia's Supreme Court demanding a fresh vote with a re-validated voter registry.
The document, which was filed against the election commission and Gambia's attorney general on Tuesday, said the recent election should be invalidated because, it said, the vote was not conducted fairly.
"The petition prays that it be determined that the said Adama Barrow was not duly elected or returned as president and that the said election was void," read the petition.
But it was not clear what the filing of the petition with the Supreme Court would entail, as some of the institution's judges have been dismissed by Jammeh himself in a previous row.
"The only recourse when you have any problems with the results of the elections... one has to appeal to the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court has been dormant since May 2015," said the election commission's chairman, Alieu Momar Njie, referring to the time when Jammeh dismissed the judges.
Barrow has denounced Jammeh's rejection of the vote results and said the president lacks the constitutional authority to call for a new vote or to invalidate the election.
The United States, the United Nations Security Council, and international organizations have also called for a peaceful transition of power.
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Mirziyaev Sworn In As Uzbekistan's President, Promises Shake-Up
RFE/RL's Uzbek Service December 14, 2016
TASHKENT -- Shavkat Mirziyaev has been sworn in as president of Uzbekistan, pledging continuity after the death of longtime autocrat Islam Karimov but also promising a major government reshuffle.
Inaugurated at a joint session of the parliament's two chambers on December 14, Mirziyaev became the second president the Central Asian country has had since it gained independence in the collapse of the Soviet Union 25 years ago.
Mirziyaev, 59, swore "to faithfully serve the people of Uzbekistan."
He held his right hand on the Koran and the constitution of Uzbekistan, a predominantly Muslim country with an officially secular government. Members of the Central Election Commission and the cabinet, judges of the Constitutional Court, and foreign diplomats attended the ceremony.
Prime minister since 2003, Mirziyaev was elected on December 4 after three months as interim president following the death of Karimov, who had ruled Uzbekistan with an iron fist since 1989.
"I will continue the work of my dear teacher, the great statesman Islam Karimov," Mirziyaev said after the inauguration ceremony.
"There will be many changes in the cabinet," he added. "Many ministers will also be replaced. I am...not a new person here. I know every minister's capacity and what he is doing."
Signs Of A Thaw?
Mirziyaev has raised expectations of reform, which some observers say is vital for the country of some 30 million, which has natural-gas resources and is a major cotton grower but is struggling economically.
On December 13, he promoted liberal politician Sodiq Safoev, who has called for civil, political, and economic reforms, to the post of deputy speaker of the Senate with oversight of foreign policy, international economic ties, investment, and tourism.
Safoev said last week that "Uzbekistan cannot achieve economic growth unless it pushes forward political reforms," and that defending private property, protecting human rights, and creating a favorable investment climate were also crucial.
Before the inauguration, Mirziyaev released some people widely seen as political prisoners, made steps to improve ties with neighboring Central Asian countries, and established channels aimed to improve communication between citizens and the authorities.
Last week, Mirziyaev proposed direct elections for regional governors and city mayors. He gave no details about the promised cabinet shake-up.
Parliament on December 14 also confirmed Abdulla Aripov, 55, as prime minister.
A longtime deputy prime minister who was dismissed by Karimov in 2012 amid a telecoms-industry corruption scandal but brought back by Mirziyaev in September, Aripov is seen as loyal to the new president.
Some observers had expected Rustam Azimov, a deputy prime minister who is considered more influential than Aripov, to become prime minister.
Azimov is in charge of finance and macroeconomics, and in September Mirziyaev added education and science to his responsibilities.
With reporting by Reuters
Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan- mirziyaev-sworn-in-president/28175368.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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Uzbekistan's Long-Distance Opposition Faces 'Crisis Of Legitimacy'
Pete Baumgartner December 14, 2016
Two years ago, at an arena in Tashkent, 16 corrupt Uzbek traffic cops were dismissed after being made to sit uncomfortably -- alongside thousands of colleagues -- through a screening of their misdeeds caught on video.
The clips on display at Interior Minister Adham Ahmedbaev's cautionary show for other police officers were mostly supplied by drivers whose dashboard cameras recorded bribery and extortion by police.
Rights activists celebrated the sackings as a rare victory against police abuses in a country where the rule of law frequently carries little weight.
The moment soon turned bittersweet, however, when police officials appeared to declare the use of "dashcams" illegal in Uzbekistan.
But emboldened by a conclusion from a U.S.-based organization of diaspora lawyers that dispenses legal advice pro bono to people in Uzbekistan, which argued that dashcams remained legal under Uzbek law, motorists continued to use them to expose police graft in that Central Asian police state.
That group, Tashabbus (Initiative), and the Qorqmaymiz (We Are Not Afraid) movement are two of a number of organizations that have cropped up online in recent years as a way for Uzbeks living abroad to show their opposition to the long reign of the late President Islam Karimov and frustration with the "old guard" of the Uzbek dissident movement.
"We started these things because we no longer believed in any...of what we call the 'dinosaur opposition,'" says Mirrakhmat Muminov, an early member of We Are Not Afraid and a frequent contributor to its Facebook page, which has more than 15,000 members.
Karimov was accused by Western governments and rights groups of routinely punishing his critics with detention and torture.
Despite hopes for reform under successor Shavkat Mirziyaev, who was sworn in as president on December 14, it is far too early to know whether Karimov's longtime prime minister might opt for even mild democratic reforms or greater commitment to rule of law for Uzbekistan's 30 million or so people.
"With the departure of Karimov and the arrival of Mirziyaev, social disappointment has changed to social expectations," Kamoliddin Rabbimov, a Paris-based, independent analyst of Uzbek affairs tells RFE/RL. "So there is now the start of a crisis of legitimacy for the Uzbek opposition."
We Are Not Afraid's Muminov -- who was granted political asylum in the United States in 2006 after being harassed by Uzbek officials once he returned from his university studies in Britain -- insists that since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan's dissident opposition leaders "haven't done anything."
"They've lost their legitimacy," he insists in an allusion to Uzbek dissidents abroad. "It's time for them to accept that."
We Are Not Afraid started in August 2014 as an online flash mob with about 50 participants who took pictures of themselves holding a sign saying, "I am not afraid."
"We did it to support freedom of expression in Uzbekistan and to show the government that we are not afraid of them," says Dilobar Erkinzoda, an Uzbek expat in Sweden and founding member of the We Are Not Afraid page on Facebook.
Thousands of Uzbeks -- most of them living abroad but many inside Uzbekistan -- subsequently posted similar photos and took part in debates and discussions about social and political issues on the Qorqmaymiz Facebook page, making statements and posting articles that would in many cases be prohibited in Uzbekistan.
While the Qorqmaymiz movement has a political bent to it, Tashabbus (tashabbus.com) and Uzbek-expat-run social-media sites such as the Anti-Corruption Foundation and Public Control focus on publicizing people's grievances, exposing corruption by government officials, and resolving local problems in Uzbekistan.
Those latter sites appear to skirt politics in favor of confronting problems within post-Soviet Uzbekistan -- whose strongman president ruled for more than two decades until his death three months ago -- from the bottom up.
"We have no [political] affiliation," says Dilorom Abdullaeva, a founder and current president of Tashabbus. "We just help people realize and gain access to justice and the rule of law -- our mission is to...empower citizens with a legal education so that they can know about their rights and basic freedoms and start demanding their rights."
Mirziyaev, who won November's carefully orchestrated presidential election to succeed Karimov after a disputed term as acting leader, has sought to supplant such grassroots sites -- setting up of a phone line and online complaint box for Uzbeks to alert the government to problems.
The official grievance sites have received tens of thousands of messages and prompted public discussions in some cases, and even led to the resolution of some specific problems. At least one lower-level official lost his job after a complaint.
While Qorqmaymiz has flashed hints that it would like to replace more established generations of Uzbek opposition leaders represented by people like longtime exiled Erk Democratic Party leader Muhammad Salih, it does not seem to be in any position to do so.
The group has avoided establishing a strict leadership structure despite what some members describe as internal calls for a hierarchy or an organizational meeting of its membership to establish a set of political goals.
"The Qorqmaymiz people are not afraid -- on Facebook," an Uzbek expatriate who wants to remain anonymous tells RFE/RL. "But they aren't standing in Uzbekistan saying they have no fear. It's not an active opposition group."
The social-media-borne Uzbek opposition abroad is largely made up of individuals who matured politically after Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991. It has provided forums for open dialogue, helpful legal advice, exposed corruption, and allowed Uzbeks to poke a finger in the eye of government, political analyst Rabbimov says, but it is not a threat to spark the kind of action that could transform Uzbekistan's autocratic system.
"The authoritarian regime in Uzbekistan has been and remains tough enough to stop by force any attempted coup," he adds.
Pointing to recent moves by Mirziyaev to open up Uzbek society, such as granting visa-free travel to visitors from 27 countries and suggesting that local and regional officials should be elected instead of appointed, Rabbimov says that Uzbekistan's external opposition may soon find itself marginalized by the new regime.
With reporting by Alisher Siddique and Noah Tucker of RFE/RL's Uzbek Service
Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-we -am-not-afraid-long-distance-opposition- crisis-legitimacy/28175882.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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Macedonian Opposition Challenges Conservative Win In Elections
December 14, 2016
Macedonia's opposition Social Democratic Union has challenged the results of the country's weekend parliamentary elections, in a bid to overturn a narrow win by the conservative ruling party.
The Social Democrats on December 13 filed complaints about voting irregularities that were echoed by a new ethnic Albanian party, the Besa, which reported alleged violations that could change the outcome of the vote.
The state elections commission said the two opposition parties lodged complaints on the electoral process at 16 polling stations, demanding a repeat vote in those places.
Zoran Zaev, leader of the leftist Social Democrats, said that, by his calculations, each of the main parties should have received 50 seats in parliament.
Zaev said official results announced on December 12 differed significantly from figures provided by his party's observers at polling stations in a northwestern region mostly populated by ethnic Albanians.
The official results gave the conservative VMRO-DPMNE party of former Prime Minister Nikola 51 of parliament's 120 seats and the Social Democrats 49.
The margin of difference between the two parties was razor-thin -- around 18,000 votes out of 1.7 million registered voters.
While short of a majority, the conservatives were expected to form a governing coalition with their previous junior partner, an ethnic Albanian party that won 10 seats.
A senior VMRO-DPMNE official responded to the opposition challenge by accusing Zaev of trying to cheat voters.
"[Zaev] and those around him should know that they are playing with the people's patience, and if someone tries to steal their victory, patience will turn into anger," Vlatko Gjorcev said.
The early election was called as part of a Western-brokered deal to defuse a two-year political crisis sparked by a massive wiretapping scandal.
The opposition blamed Gruevski for an illegal wiretapping operation targeting more than 20,000 people.
Gruevski -- who has governed Macedonia for most of the past decade -- denied any wrongdoing, blaming the wiretaps on "foreign spies."
President Gjorge Ivanov voiced hopes on December 13 that the election "will contribute to ending the political crisis and will be the beginning of national reconciliation in the country."
The newly elected parliament should convene by the end of this month, and the new government must be formed by the end of January.
With reporting by AP and dpa
Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/macedonian- opposition-social-democrats-challenge-conservative- vmro-election-win-gruevski-zaev/28175085.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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Montenegro Defense Ministry Expects Country to Become NATO Member by Spring 2017
Sputnik News
20:26 14.12.2016
Montenegro's bid for NATO membership will be put to vote at the country's parliament, where it is likely to be approved, making Montenegro a member of the alliance by spring of 2017, Montenegrin Defense Ministry said Wednesday in a statement.
BELGRADE (Sputnik) According to the document, the defense minister held a meeting with foreign military attaches and told them about Montenegro's plan to protect the country's skies by joining the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense System.
"He [Defense Minister Predrag Boskovic] said that the decision to join NATO will be taken by the parliament, where a substantial majority backs the NATO membership Boskovic expressed certainty that by the spring of the next year our country will enjoy the full rights of the membership of the alliance," the statement read.
On December 9, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that NATO could be trying to admit Montenegro before US President Barack Obama leaves the office in January next year.
Montenegro was invited to join the military alliance in 2015, with the accession protocol signed in May this year.
Sputnik
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United States Marine Corps
Press Release
III MEF Commander addressed MV-22 incident off the coast of Okinawa
December 14, 2016
The Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, held a press conference here following the landing of an MV-22 Osprey in the shallow waters off the coast of Okinawa.
Nicholson stated the aircraft was conducting aerial refueling operations over the sea when the rotor blades struck the refueling line, damaging the aircraft.
"After the aircraft was unhooking, it was shaking violently," said Nicholson. "The pilot made a decision to not fly over Okinawan homes and families. He made a conscious decision to try to reach Camp Schwab...and land in the shallow water to protect his crew and the people of Okinawa."
All five crewmembers were rescued and transported to the Camp Foster Naval Hospital. Three of the crewmembers were released from the facility and two still remain hospitalized under observation.
"I want to thank the Japan Coast Guard for their quick response as well as the Okinawan Police for their support in securing the site," said Nicholson.
Nicholson also thanked the U.S. Air Force 33rd Rescue Squadron for their assistance during the operation.
Nicholson addressed the concerns of the Okinawan community and focused on reiterating the safety and resourcefulness of the MV-22 aircraft to support the U.S.-Japan Alliance.
"I regret that this incident took place," Nicholson said. "We are thankful for all the thoughts and prayers the people of Okinawa gave to our injured crew."
Nicholson has made the decision to temporarily halt all MV-22 flight operations under Marine Forces Japan until he is "satisfied that we have reviewed our checklists and safety of flight procedures."
An initial salvage survey at the location is underway to determine the most viable platform and method of recovery for the aircraft, stressing the importance of safety and protection to the environment.
A formal investigation into the incident has been launched. There will be no further information on the cause of the incident until the investigation is complete.
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China Boosts Defenses on Artificial Islands
By Steve Herman December 14, 2016
The Chinese military is building anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems on the artificial islands it has constructed in the South China Sea, in what analysts believe is a prelude to deploying combat aircraft to the disputed territory, according to a U.S. research organization.
"This is further evidence that the commitment that President Xi Jinping made to President [Barack] Obama last year not to militarize these islands was, at best, premature," Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) Director Gregory Poling told VOA in an interview Wednesday. "This is clearly advanced preparation to arm these islands in case of an armed conflict."
While upgrades cannot be considered offensive weaponry "even these systems would violate the pledge Xi made at the White House," concurs Georgetown University Professor Dennis Wilder, a former senior director for East Asian affairs at the National Security Council.
The conclusion that new weapons systems have been placed on the reefs results from months of analysis of commercial satellite imagery, according to AMTI.
"We can see that these are emplacements for anti-aircraft guns. If the barrel of a gun is long enough that you can see it from space, then it's pretty big," said Poling.
Defense system
Also evident are close-in weapons systems, most likely for missile defense.
"If you imagine that you have surface-to-air missiles to protect against any incoming cruise missiles, then anything that gets through would face these guns. This is not something you build if you don't intend to defend these islands," Poling said.
At the State Department, spokesman John Kirby told VOA in response to a question about the fresh satellite imagery: "There should be no need for militarization of these manmade features. And we're going to continue to make that case at every possible turn."
AMTI had been tracking construction of hexagonal structures on Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi reefs in the Spratly Islands, where China has already built long airstrips, since June and July.
Images of Fiery Cross Reef also reveal towers that most likely contain targeting radar, according to the analysis.
"They're not even close to done. Most of these islands the big ones, Mischief Reef, Subi Reef and Fiery Cross Reef, the ones that are being turned into air bases there's still a lot of empty real estate there. They're going to continue to build," Poling predicted. "What we're seeing is the most important critical infrastructure going in for air and for defense. Pretty soon I expect that we'll see deployment of combat aircraft. We'll probably see deployment of mobile surface-to-air [SAM] missiles like the HQ-9s that were sent to Woody Island last year."
Fox News recently reported that components for SAM systems were spotted at the Chinese port of Jieyang, in Guangdong province, possibly destined for the South China Sea.
"I think it is proof against those in the U.S. and elsewhere who have shrugged off these facilities and said, 'Ah, they're no big deal. You could take care of these quickly.' That's clearly not the case," Poling said.
Analysts say what would be even more significant is if China would place fighter jets and long-range missiles on the small islands.
"I have doubt that they're actually going to take that next step," Wilder, a former CIA analyst of China's military, told VOA. "That would alarm China's neighbors and would be very offensive in nature."
Therefore, for now at least, the new weapons spotted on the reefs "are more of a political problem than a military problem," Wilder added.
U.S. government aware
The imagery released Wednesday by AMTI, which is affiliated with the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, is certainly no surprise to the U.S. government.
"By the time we've identified something on commercial imagery, the intelligence communities here and in the region have presumably been aware of it for quite some time," Poling said.
The incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has given signals it intends to take a tougher approach to Chinese assertiveness in the disputed waters.
America's commitment to the region will continue under Trump's presidency, the commander of U.S. military operations there pledged Wednesday.
The U.S. military also will not soften its opposition to Chinese expansion in the South China Sea, said Admiral Harry Harris Jr., head of the U.S. Pacific Command.
"You can count on America now and into the future," Harris said in a speech at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Australia. "Reports of America's abandonment of the Indo-Asia-Pacific have been greatly exaggerated."
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UN Chief Urges Gambian Forces to Vacate Electoral Commission
By VOA News December 14, 2016
United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon has condemned the takeover of Gambia's electoral commission by security forces and is calling on them to vacate the building immediately.
A statement Wednesday from the secretary-general's spokesman also asked the Gambian military to take no further actions that could jeopardize a peaceful transfer of power in the tiny West African country.
President Yayha Jammeh initially conceded defeat to challenger Adama Barrow in the December 1 presidential election but later retracted the concession. On Tuesday, members of Gambia's ruling party asked the country's supreme court to void the election results.
A delegation of four West African heads of state led by Liberia's Ellen Johnson Sirleaf met with Jammeh in Gambia on Tuesday.
Upon her return, Johnson Sirleaf said the parties concerned "committed themselves to peace and harmony," and said the matter would be discussed at a summit of the West African bloc ECOWAS later this week in Nigeria's capital, Abuja.
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President Tran Dai Quang and WB Country Director in Vietnam Ousmane Dione (Source: VNA)
The host hailed Dione in his new position and wished that the WB Country Director would build on his successors achievements to elevate bilateral ties.
He spoke highly of the WBs support to Vietnam over the past years, including the building of the Vietnam Report 2035 that suits orientations and goals set by the 12th National Party Congress.
The President spoke of Vietnams key priorities, including strengthening macro-economic stability; economic restructuring in the fields of public investment, banking, State-owned enterprises and fiscal reform; public debt management; infrastructure upgrade; and climate change response.
He also assured his guest that he has directed agencies concerned to accelerate negotiations, signing and approval of loan agreements with the WB, but project quality must be put first.
Vietnam has continually paid heed to the effective use of loans provided by the international community and the WB in particular, he affirmed, adding that the country always works hard to monitor the process.
Dione, for his part, said Vietnams success is significant to the WB as the country is recognised as a success story during the national development.
The guest pledged that the WB would liaison closely with Vietnamese agencies to align the CPS framework with Vietnams development orientations for 2017-2020.
According to him, the lender needs further consultancies in the four pillars, including the development of the private economic sector, human development, environment sustainability and State governance within the CPS framework./.
Vietnam: Chinese Postal Stamps Violate Sovereignty
By VOA News December 14, 2016
Vietnam's central postal service has slammed China's recent issuance of stamps that they say violate Vietnam's sovereignty over the Spratly Islands in the territorially contested waters of the South China Sea.
Hanoi's demand for immediate cancellation of China's new series of stamps came just a day after it condemned Beijing's ceremonies Monday marking the "70th anniversary of the recovery" of the Spratly and Paracel archipelagoes.
The China Post on October 28 issued postage stamps depicting five lighthouses that China constructed on five reefs on Vietnam's Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago which, Vietnam says, are still illegally occupied.
China, which claims most of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes each year, started operating a lighthouse on one of its artificial islands there in April.
China took part of the Spratly archipelago by force in 1988, killing 64 Vietnamese soldiers who fought to protect the islands. In 1974, China took advantage of the American troops' withdrawal from Vietnam to invade the Paracel Islands.
The Vietnam Postal Service said in a statement that the stamp collection runs counter to Article 8 of the Universal Postal Union Convention.
On Wednesday, Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communications issued a statement demanding that China respect "historical truths." Ministry spokesperson Le Hai Binh said the Chinese move could not change the fact that Vietnam has indisputable sovereignty over the islands.
This is the third time China's postal service has released stamps that Hanoi describes as a violation Vietnamese sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel islands. In the earlier issuance of stamp sets in 2004 and 2013, China Post distributed a series of stamps featuring the islands. This time, the Vietnam Post called on China to avoid similar acts.
In response to China's move, Vietnam Stamp Club last month asked information ministry officials to issue a set of its own stamps featuring images of the Spratly and Paracel islands to reaffirm Vietnam's sovereignty.
This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Vietnamese Service.
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Five FARC Commanders Expelled From Guerrilla Group For Undermining Peace
Sputnik News
04:13 15.12.2016(updated 04:14 15.12.2016)
Five commanders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army (FARC) were expelled from the group after refusing to adhere to the peace agreement with the Colombian government, the guerrilla group said in a statement.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to the statement quoted by The Guardian, the decision was motivated by commanders' recent conduct, "which contradicts our political-military line."
FARC leaders stressed that "a group of foolish people" cannot derail the FARC from its commitment to peace.
A final peace deal was signed between the Colombian government and the FARC in November.
The 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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Korea - 2017 - Presidential Election
Moon Jae-in was declared the winner 08 May 2017, with just over 40-percent of the vote. Hong Joon-pyo was 16-percentage points behind at 24-percent, while Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party finishing at around 21-percent. Meanwhile, the other main candidates Yoo Seung-min of the Bareun Party received 6.7 percent, and Sim Sang-jung of the Justice Party received 6.1 percent. Hong Joon-pyo comfortably won in the conservative strongholds of Gyeongsangbuk-do and the city of Deagu. He also did unexpectedly well in many other districts as well, earning over 20-percent in areas such as Seoul, Incheon and Daejeon. But Moon overall did well pretty much everywhere, including the Gyeongsangnam-do, where Hong used to be governer. Moon only lost there by about two-percentage points.Ahn Cheol-soo really seems to have failed to get his progressive message across to the nation, failing to win any districts. The conservative voters who he tried to win over seems to have stuck with the traditional conservative Hong.
In a February 2017 survey on potential presidential candidates, conducted among more than 15-hundred adults, former leader of the main opposition party Moon Jae-in had maintained the number one spot, for six straight weeks, since the beginning of 2017. According to the results, Moon's rating went up by two percentage points to 33.2 percent, and he was the only candidate who garnered over 30 percent of support from respondents.
The country's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn grabbed the number two spot for the first time, with nearly 16 percent in favor of him. Two-term Chungcheongnam-do Governor Ahn Hee-jung closely trails behind Hwang, with only 0.2 percentage points gap. Software tycoon and co-founder of the minor opposition party Ahn Cheol-soo, Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung, and former Saenuri floor leader Yoo Seong-min followed the list, with single digits of support.
Survey conductor Realmeter explained that the big rise in the support rate for Acting President Hwang mainly came from respondents in their 50s as well as those under 30-years-old, those who supported conservative parties, and those who do not affiliate themselves with any particular political party.
The Constitutional Court upheld the motion to impeach President Park Geun-hye in a unanimous decision by the court's eight justices. The National Election Commission mapped out a tentative calendar for the presidential election, which must be held within 60 days of the 10 March 2017 impeachment ruling. Candidate registration took place over two days from April 15th to 16th. There are expected to be six days for overseas voting from April 25th to 30th. Early voting could happen from May 4th to 5th. The election, which will be designated as a holiday, is likely to take place on May 9th, with the polls open from 6 am until 8 pm.
In general, it is notoriously hard to predict the outcome of Korean presidential elections.On 09 December 2016 the National Assembly voted 234 to 56 in favor of the impeachment motion. The Constitutional Court would have to review the impeachment motion, which could take up to 180 days. If the motion is approved, lawmakers would then have 60 days to schedule a new election.
South Korean political heavyweights on 15 November 2016 demanded President Park Geun-hye step down or be impeached over a scandal involving Park's longtime confidante. Moon Jae-in, former chairman of the main opposition Minjoo Party and one of major presidential hopefuls, told reporters that he will initiate a nationwide campaign to let President Park step down, saying the campaign will last until the president declares her unconditional resignation. Moon said people's frustration, shown in Saturday's mass rally, cannot be cured only by Park's resignation, noting it is high time to replace the current era and overhaul the root of the country. Over a million South Koreans took to the streets in Seoul alone in the third weekend rally to demand Park step down.
Moon Jae-in said it would be his great honor to run as a candidate in the next presidential election. The 63-year-old progressive leader was chief of staff for President Roh Moo-hyun, who reportedly clashed with the Bush administration in the 2000s over his pro-engagement policies toward North Korea.
Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon and Mayor Lee Jae-myung of Seongnam city in Gyeonggi province, who are two major presidential hopefuls of the main opposition party, welcomed Moon's proposal and expressed willingness to join the campaign. Ahn Cheol-soo, former chairman of the minor opposition People's Party, said that President Park's resignation is a way to save the country, urging the scandal-hit president to declare a political resignation before being investigated by prosecutors.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was very popular at home, where he did consistently well in polls of possible presidential contenders. He used to joke with U.N. reporters that he was the most famous South Korean until his compatriot, Psy, became a global YouTube sensation in 2012 with his Gangnam Style dance video.
Ban could face some stiff competition if he made a run for the Blue House, the Korean presidential residence. There were some strong potential candidates on the opposition side, including longtime candidate Moon Jae-in and former Seoul mayor Park Won-soon - who had not yet declared his intention to run - who might give Ban a tough fight were he to run on the conservative ticket. Third-party candidate Ahn Cheol-soo could also be a strong contender, and potentially a spoiler in the presidential race.
Korea's political circles began to prepare for election mode, zeroing in on the two most popular potential candidates for president, Moon Jae-in and Ban Ki-moon. Although the former UN Secretary-General hadn't explicitly said he's going to make a bid for the presidency or decided under which political party's banner he'd run, the parties are already adopting confrontational postures.
During a regular meeting of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, party chair Choo Mi-ae urged Ban to make the right choice, saying he should not allow himself to be used by the ruling bloc to evade responsibility for the current crisis through him.
The poll results on 16 January 2017 showed Moon Jae-in maintaining his slight lead over Ban at 26.1 percent. The poll was conducted by Realmeter on more than 25-hundred people over five days. Ban was closely trailing behind Moon, with some 22 percent. Following those two in terms of public support were the mayor of Seongnam, Lee Jae-myung, software tycoon and former minor opposition party leader Ahn Cheol-soo, and the governor of Chungcheongnam-do, Ahn Hee-jung.
President Park Geun-hye was expelled from office 10 March 2017. Leading American media outlets presented their outlooks on South Koreas presidential election and possible changes after former President Park Geun-hyes impeachment.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said that polls showed former chief of the Democratic Party Moon Jae-in is likely to win the presidential election, adding Moon is more skeptical of the United States foreign policy objectives in Northeast Asia and has doubts about the deployment of the U.S. THAAD antimissile system.
The New York Times (NYT) said that Moon wanted to seek dialogue with North Korea and is deeply skeptical of the hawkish stance by the conservatives and the United States. NYT said that Moon and his liberal partners are especially worried about the THAAD deployment, citing Chinas fury over it and warning of a standoff reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The report hinted that if Moon is elected president, it wouldnt be easy for him to seek the so-called Sunshine Policy that was pursued by the governments of Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun, citing that the Norths nuclear stockpile has grown significantly and the North is under the rule of unpredictable Kim Jong-un, who is obsessed with nuclear weapons.
The Washington Post article titled After impeachment, South Korea may reset relations with China and North Korea, saying Moon is a leading presidential contender citing polls. The paper said that even if Moon is elected president, he will face difficulties in backtracking on the THAAD deployment situation or returning to the sunshine policy.
Democratic Party candidate Moon Jae-in was the leading contender for president with a March 2017 Gallup poll approval rating of 31 percent. Ahn Cheol-soo, the leading candidate for the more centrist Peoples Party, was second in the Gallup poll at 19 percent.
The presidential race began in earnest 05 April 2017 as all five key political parties had now selected their candidates. Former cochairman of the Peoples Party Ahn Cheol-soo was chosen as the partys presidential nominee. Former chief of the Democratic Party Kim Chong-in also declared his candidacy. Democratic Partys presidential candidate Moon Jae-in promised fellow lawmakers of his party to create a unified election committee embracing all factions, asking DP Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae to head his camp.
Liberty Korea candidate Hong Joon-pyo said that the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye wasn't democracy, but a public trial. He said that if he is elected, the first thing he will do is to breathe life into corporations.
Hong Joon-pyo is a former prosecutor. He currently stands at nine percent in the Realmeter poll. In his party nomination acceptance speech he promised to be a resolute strongman who can stand up to pressure from the United States, China, Japan, North Korea and Russia. A strong supporter of THAAD Hong said if elected he would, immediately start discussions with the U.S. on the re-deployment of nuclear weapons in South Korea.
In the early 1990s, the U.S. removed tactical nuclear weapons from South Korea and critics say reintroducing them would weaken international support for sanctions against the Norths nuclear program. Under the U.S. nuclear umbrella security arrangement, Washington promised to use its offshore nuclear arsenal to defend the South from an attack from the North.
Bareun Party candidate Yoo Sung-min said that he was the only candidate who possessed the philosophy and capability to overcome the nation's difficulties by engaging in politics fairly and righteously. Yoo also announced his security pledges. He vowed to deploy additional THAADs to upgrade the nation's antimissile defense system against North Korea.
The Bareun Partys presidential candidate Yoo Seong-min was only at three percent in the public approval poll. Once an aide to ex-President Park, Yoo successfully ran as an independent for the National Assembly where he voted for impeachment and then went on to establish his rival conservative party. Yoo also supports the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea to deter the Norths nuclear advancements. And on THAAD, Yoo said one anti-missile battery is not enough.
By early April 2017, now that the parties had settled on their presidential candidates, opinion polls were fluctuating. Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party of Korea, was still in the lead in a five-way race but Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party was fast catching up, almost within the margin of error. And Ahn's group had some new momentum. In a battle between just the two of them, Ahn actually beats Moon 47 to 40 percent -- almost a majority. That's mainly because Ahn absorbed the support of most primary voters whose candidates did not make it through, including his own competitors within the People's Party, as well as those of Ahn Hee-jung of the Democratic Party and even Nam Kyung-pil of the Bareun Party. But when asked who is most likely to win the presidency six out of ten Koreans still believed Moon has the best shot. That's nearly triple Ahn's figure of just 24 percent.
Presidential front-runner Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party had double the support of his closest rival. A survey by Realmeter released 30 april 2017 in the run-up to the May 9 election shows Moon with a little over 42 percent while Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party has fallen to 20.9 percent. The only conservative candidate in the double digits is Hong Joon-pyo of the Liberty Korea Party, who's climbed almost 4 percentage points to 16.7 percent. Hong's recent boost in support has shrunk the gap between Hong and Ahn to within the margin of error.
According to Realmeter, Ahn's ratings peaked at around 38 percent back on April 10th but his numbers have since gone downhill, widening Moon's lead and ceding ground to Hong. The survey also shows Hong is the most popular candidate among voters in their 60s. And as the leading candidate among voters who identify as right-leaning or conservative, Hong is in second place after Moon in regions like Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, the nation's conservative strongholds. Yoo Seong-min of the Bareun Party showed the lowest numbers among the five major-party candidates, at 5.2 percent, while the Justice Party's Sim Sang-jung, stays where she's been -- in fourth with 7.6 percent.
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Lower house of French parliament votes to extend state of emergency
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 14, 2016 6:43AM
The lower house of the French parliament has voted to extend a nation-wide state of emergency for another six months.
The National Assembly passed a motion early on Wednesday to extend the emergency state until July 15, 2017, after the presidential election in the European country.
The legislative measure will also need to be approved by French lawmakers in the parliament's upper house, the Senate, where an easy pass is expected on Thursday.
It would be the fifth renewal of the national emergency state, which first came into force in November 2015 after the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group carried out a string of attacks in and around the French capital of Paris, killing 130 people.
Extraordinary police powers, however, failed to prevent another major terror attack, in the coastal city of Nice, that killed 86 participants in a national holiday event during street celebrations in July.
During the Paris attacks in 2015, Daesh-affiliated terrorists used guns and explosive vests to strike almost simultaneously a concert hall, a major stadium, and restaurants and bars, injuring hundreds in addition to those killed.
French President Francois Hollande described the terror attacks as an "act of war." Police forces conducted hundreds of raids across the country in search of suspects. Raids were also conducted in the Belgian city of Brussels, where a main suspect was arrested.
In the Nice attack, another Daesh-affiliated terrorist, identified as a 31-year-old Tunisian, drove a truck into crowds of people celebrating the Bastille Day holiday on a major street, killing the 86, including a number of children, and wounding over 300 people.
Police officers protest
Meanwhile, French police officers have taken to the streets of the capital to protest violence against law enforcement officers.
The police officers demonstrated on Tuesday to also call for more resources under the difficult working conditions that the state of emergency has created.
The organizers of the rally expressed dissatisfaction with promises of new cars and bullet-proof vests. They demanded action on the part of the judiciary and against offenders as well.
"Effectively, right now, the police have become targets and now it is with impunity that one can hit an officer, can throw stones at him, throw a Molotov cocktail at their car. Now there is a perception that offenders are acting with impunity, protected by justice," said Isabelle Biland-Perennes, the president of the Collective of Angry Police officers (CLIP).
Police officers in France have recently held several rallies over a number of attacks targeting them. Unions believe that a surge in gang violence and militant attacks has put pressure on police forces.
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Hacked Again: 'More Than A Billion' Yahoo Accounts May Have Been Compromised
Sputnik News
01:47 15.12.2016(updated 06:13 15.12.2016)
Internet company Yahoo! Inc. announced Wednesday that they are working closely with law enforcement to secure more than a billion user accounts that may have been affected by a 2013 hack. Law enforcement presented Yahoo with data from a third party claiming that it was Yahoo-user data.
The company employed investigators to confirm that the information belonged to their users, and said the hack is "likely distinct" from a similar incident in September 2016. Telephone numbers, birth dates, email addresses as well as security questions and answers, may have been compromised. There is no indication currently that debit, credit card or bank account information was stolen, as that data is not stored in the area of their network that was affected.
Yahoo's chief information security officer, Bob Lord, wrote in a statement, "We are notifying potentially affected users and have taken steps to secure their accounts, including requiring users to change their passwords. We have also invalidated unencrypted security questions and answers so that they cannot be used to access an account. With respect to the cookie forging activity, we invalidated the forged cookies and hardened our systems to secure them against similar attacks. We continuously enhance our safeguards and systems that detect and prevent unauthorized access to user accounts."
The company has a separate ongoing investigation into the use of forged cookies, whereby hackers could access accounts without a password. Based on company findings it is believed that an unauthorized third party was able to obtain the site's proprietary code as means to fabricate the cookies. Yahoo believes this is related to the September 2016 data theft.
In the September incident, Yahoo said a "state-sponsored actor" was responsible for the theft of data from 500 million user accounts.
Lord said, in a statement at the time, "An increasingly connected world has come with increasingly sophisticated threats. Industry, government and users are constantly in the crosshairs of adversaries. Through strategic proactive detection initiatives and active response to unauthorized access of accounts, Yahoo will continue to strive to stay ahead of these ever-evolving online threats and to keep our users and our platforms secure."
Sputnik
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One-China principle cornerstone of peace, stability across Taiwan Strait: spokesperson
People's Daily Online
(Xinhua) 13:51, December 14, 2016
Adhering to the one-China principle is the political foundation to develop China-U.S. ties and a cornerstone for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, a Chinese government spokesperson said Wednesday.
An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a press conference, responding to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's recent remarks on the one-China principle.
"Healthy and steady development of China-U.S. ties will be out of the question if the basis of sticking to the one-China principle is disturbed or damaged," An said.
According to An, the Taiwan issue is about China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as China's core interests; breach of the principle will have a serious impact on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
The spokesperson stressed that there is only one China, and the Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to one China, which is based irrefutably in law and facts, as well as recognized by the international community.
"Facts will tell these people that Taiwan independence is a dead end," An said.
Reiterating the Chinese mainland's stance against Taiwan independence, An said that "our position against Taiwan independence is steadfast and we are determined, confident and capable of containing Taiwan independence."
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Analysts See Trump Comments on One China as Part of Bigger Game
By William Ide, Joyce Huang December 14, 2016
President-elect Donald Trump's suggestion that the United States doesn't necessarily need to be bound by a "One China" policy, which was key to the establishment of diplomatic ties between Washington and Beijing, has the Chinese leadership on edge and some wondering whether a rethink is on the horizon regarding relations with Taiwan.
Analysts say a Trump presidency could see ties with democratically ruled Taiwan enhanced, but doubt there will be a serious departure from the policy, noting the wide range of areas where the world's two biggest economies cooperate and how much they need each other. What it does suggest, they say, is that a bigger game is afoot.
Trump told Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday: "I don't know why we have to be bound by a One China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade."
One China rethink
When the United States established ties with China in 1979, it cut diplomatic relations with Taiwan, recognizing the communist-led People's Republic of China as the sole government of China, or "one China."
From Beijing's perspective, "One China" means Taiwan is part of its own territory.
The United States acknowledges that position, but also maintains close cultural and commercial ties with Taipei. It also supplies Taiwan with military hardware and some have long felt that ties should be enhanced.
Trump's recent phone call with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, a first by any president or president-elect since Washington switched ties to Beijing, and now remarks about the "One China" policy which has been a centerpiece of relations for decades - has some feeling that just might happen.
"I don't think that he will overturn the 'One China' policy completely, and only recognize Taiwan and not the People's Republic of China, but it is possible that he will elevate relations with Taiwan," said Zhang Lifan, a Chinese historian and commentator in Beijing.
Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a political scientist at Hong Kong Baptist University, said there are those in the United States who would like to make relations with Taiwan more transparent and more like "state to state relations."
"Of course the Chinese will not be happy, but I think it is a way of telling the Chinese, the 'One China' policy that the Chinese adhere shouldn't be taken for granted," he said. "There are a number of things that were decided for convenience in the 1970s and in the 80s, which may be revisited today because the reality on the ground is very different."
The United States and China established ties at a time when both Taipei and Beijing were under authoritarian rule. Since then, however, Taiwan has become one of Asia's most vibrant democracies. And the political paths of both are diverging, not converging.
Still, just how many politicians in the United States might support a complete overhaul is unclear, Cabestan adds, as the policy has long enjoyed bipartisan support.
Tseng Chien-yuan, an associate professor at Chung Hua University in Taiwan, said it seems that Trump is treating the "One China" policy more like a political bargaining chip.
"I think he [Trump] will have to adjust his policies in accordance with China's reactions and look after the U.S.'s best interest," Tseng said.
No good option
Zhang said that when Trump spoke with Taiwan's president it was like he was starting to take bets, but now with his remarks about "one China" and trade, he has clearly put his cards on the table.
Trump's comments have sparked a strong backlash from Beijing, with the foreign ministry voicing its "serious concern" and state media suggesting that if he did dump the policy as president, China could sell weapons to "forces hostile to the U.S." The remarks have also whipped up concern from foreign affairs experts in the United States and abroad because Beijing sees the policy as the "political bedrock of Sino-U.S." relations.
Zhang calls the move very strategic.
"He is not president yet and speaking as president-elect he can say what he wants," Zhang said. Making the comments now gives China some time to be angry and to contemplate its options as well as the costs associated with its choices.
China has never renounced the use of force to take Taiwan and fulfill its claim that the self-ruled island is part of its territory, but Zhang said there are few good options for China's communist leaders.
"If war should break out in the Taiwan Strait, there will be two consequences. One consequence is that the Chinese Communist Party wins a unified country," but isolates itself from the world because of the conflict. "And two is that it is defeated and a new China is born," one that is no longer ruled by the communist party.
Analysts note that while there may be a tendency from military and party hardliners in China to call for a tough response, Chinese officials and state media have so far focused more on the economic measures China could use in response and a refusal to cooperate on a wide-range of issues from Iran to North Korea.
Regardless of whether it is Washington or Beijing, in a globalized world and economy, there are few options that don't cut both ways.
Taiwan is also watching all of this closely to make sure its interests are looked after. There are concerns in Taiwan that Trump's approach could do more harm than good. But that really depends on how it all plays out, said Chung Hua University's Tseng.
"If closer economic cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan can be forged, a Trump presidency will help Taiwan break away from China's military and economic containment," Tseng said.
Nixon in reverse
U.S. President Richard Nixon's visit to China in 1972 spearheaded the beginning of what led to the switch in ties from Taiwan to China. At the time, one key reason for establishing relations with Beijing, analysts note, was to counter Russia. Now that may be happening again, but in reverse.
"The Trump administration is trying to start with China as a way of maybe putting more pressure on China, isolate China from more countries, from key partners like Russia, bringing back Russia," said Hong Kong Baptist University's Cabestan.
He added that while there are many uncertainties, what is clear is that Trump is prepared to play hardball with China on both trade and strategic issues.
"There is a whole game at play here, which is unfolding," he said.
On the campaign trail, president-elect Trump sent clear signals that he wants to improve ties with Russia. On Tuesday, he appointed ExxonMobil Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rex Tillerson as his Secretary of State. Tillerson is friendly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Iran's nuclear-powered vessels not against JCPOA: White House
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New York, Dec 14, IRNA -- The White House says Iran's decision to develop nuclear propellers for its marine vessels is not going to establish a contradiction to the nuclear deal reached between Tehran and major world powers.
The White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told a recent news briefing that Washington is certain any such nuclear development is going to take place within the framework of Iran's commitments to the nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
'The announcement from the Iranians today does not run counter to the international agreement to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,' Earnest said.
President Hassan Rouhani in a letter on Tuesday ordered Iranian scientists, 'in line with the development of a peaceful nuclear program' of the country, to plan production of fuel for nuclear-powered marine vessels.
In his order, President Rouhani, preserved the Islamic Republic the right to use all the mechanisms provided by the JCPOA to react against any violation of the nuclear deal by other parties.
In what Iran sees as a blatant violation of the JCPOA, the US Senate has renewed Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) to extend for an another ten-year period the US sanctions against the country.
Outgoing US president Barack Obama is expected to sign the measure into law, despite his previous efforts to persuade the Congress not to extend the act.
'With regard to recent (US Congressional) legislation to extend the Iran Sanctions Act, I order the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to, in reaction to renewal of the Iran Sanctions Act that amounts to the violation of the nuclear deal, plan the design and construction of a nuclear propeller to be used in marine transportation, President Rouhani said.
Experts argue, on the other hand, that Iran requires increasing the level of its uranium enrichment to develop the nuclear fuel it needs for its nuclear-powered vessels.
Under the JCPOA, Iran is not allowed to enrich uranium above a 3.67 percent purity for 15 years, a level unlikely to be enough to run such vessels.
'On the basis of international experience, were Iran to go ahead with such a (nuclear propulsion) project, it would have to increase its enrichment level,' said Mark Hibbs, nuclear expert and senior fellow at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
But a Russian Foreign Ministry source told RIA news agency that a closer look at Rouhani's order reveals that he is calling the Iranian scientists to only develop power-supply units for nuclear-powered marine vessels, and there is no suggestion in the letter about enriching uranium to higher levels.
So 'strictly speaking' this is not going to contravene the nuclear deal, the source said.
2044**1771
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Daesh manufacturing arms on industrial scale with Turkish products
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 14, 2016 10:52AM
Recent findings have revealed that the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group in Iraq is manufacturing weapons on an industrial scale, with products largely purchased in bulk from Turkey.
The London-based Conflict Armaments Research reported on Wednesday that Daesh has maintained a "robust and reliable" supply chain between Turkey and Iraq, enabling its members to produce tens of thousands of weapons in and around the northern city of Mosul.
The arms research group's executive director James Bevan warned that the highly-trained terrorists could take their expertise with them as they are retreating in the wave of an Iraqi battle to liberate Mosul.
Bevan further said he believes Daesh has already moved its experienced bomb-makers out of Mosul and into northern Syria as well as southern Turkey.
"They place a very high value on technical capacity and they will do everything they can to preserve it," he said.
Bevan went on to say that Daesh Takfiris highly rely on Turkey concerning the acquisition of bomb-making materials, noting that their demand exceeds the available level in Iraq.
Daesh on the defensive in Mosul
On Tuesday, fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units, commonly known as Hashd al-Sha'abi, destroyed four vehicles rigged with explosives as they were heading towards government troops in al-Sharayeh village west of the city of Tal Afar.
The vehicles reportedly had the national Iraqi flags on to mislead army soldiers.
Additionally, Iraqi volunteer fighters thwarted a Daesh offensive against Tal Aziz village west of Tal Afar, killing 10 militants. A pickup truck equipped with a 14.5mm heavy machine gun was destroyed in the process as well.
Iraq's Joint Operations Command, citing commander of Nineveh Liberation Operation Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Yarallah, announced on Tuesday that security forces had wrested control over Hanoudah al-Kurd, Aziz Agha, Tal Aksa', Northern Tal Sanam and Southern Tal Sanam villages west of Tal Afar, and hoisted the Iraqi flag over them.
Scores of Daesh militants were killed and large amounts of their munitions destroyed during the fierce clashes.
Iraqi counter-terrorism forces also retook al-Fallah al-Oula and Fallah al-Thaniyah neighborhoods on the eastern outskirts of Mosul from Daesh extremists.
Separately, Hashd al-Sha'abi fighters recaptured al-Khuwaitlah village plus the towns of Ashwah and Hossein Jom'ah west of Mosul.
On October 17, Iraqi army soldiers and allied forces launched a joint operation to retake Mosul from Daesh terrorists.
The Iraqi forces' advance has, however, been slowed down due to the presence of hundreds of thousands of civilians, many of whom are prevented from leaving Mosul by Daesh.
Daesh has also increased its terror activities elsewhere across Iraqi in revenge for its losses in Mosul.
A senior Iraqi police official said Wednesday that Daesh terrorists have executed 28 people in the northern province of Kirkuk on charges of charges of cooperation with army forces and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters.
Brigadier General Sarhad Qadir, Kirkuk's provincial police chief, told al-Sumaria television network on Wednesday that the victims were killed in an area of Hawija district using heavy machine guns.
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Monitoring Group: Jihadists Manufactured Weapons Ahead of Mosul Offensive
By Jamie Dettmer December 14, 2016
In the months leading up to the assault on the Iraqi city of Mosul, Islamic State militants manufactured tens of thousands of mortar rounds, rockets, bombs and ammunition part of an industrial-scale enterprise across the self-styled caliphate that's been producing weaponry to a standard matching that of national armies, according to an arms monitoring group.
The militants' production system is characterized by firm quality control and high levels of technical precision. Managed centrally, IS arms manufacturing could not be described as "improvised," says Conflict Armament Research, (CAR), a London-based organization funded by the European Union that monitors the movement and use of conventional weaponry.
A team of CAR researchers was embedded with Iraqi forces as they advanced into eastern Mosul in October and November, gaining access to half-a-dozen production facilities abandoned by the militants in the Gogjali and Qaraqosh districts.
"Within a six-day period, CAR investigators documented more than 5,000 rockets and mortar rounds in various stages of production," according to the monitoring group's report released Wednesday.
"CAR also documented more than 500 finished mortar rounds, which Iraqi forces had recovered on the battlefield.
"These findings suggest that overall production by IS forces in the months leading up to the Mosul offensive runs into the tens of thousands," the report continued. Labels affixed to IS-manufactured weapons indicated they had been churned out a month before the Iraqi offensive commenced on Mosul, IS's last major urban stronghold in the country.
Standard manufacturing practices
The CAR researchers noted that "IS forces adopt similar practices to national military forces, which distinguish the group from other [armed] groups that manufacture improvised weapons on an ad hoc basis."
James Bevan, CAR's executive director, said the monitoring group's findings demonstrated IS "capacity to produce weapons on a massive scale."
"This is a centrally managed industrial program, which produces munitions running into the tens of thousands, and taps into Turkey's domestic markets for raw materials," he added. "Its impact is clearly observable on the battlefield, where Iraqi forces face near-continuous mortar and rocket fire in the battle to retake Mosul."
The terror group set up several key agencies to oversee the manufacturing enterprise, including a Committee for Military Development and Production and the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control, which issued a stream of directives detailing guidelines on weapon production, the report said.
While IS uses a range of non-standard materials and chemical explosive precursors in its weapons production, "multiple manufacturing facilities work to produce weapons according to precise technical guidelinesThe production of any one weapon system involves the coordinated input of numerous facilities at different stages of the production cycle: from the processing of raw materials, to the mixing of chemical explosive precursors, to machining, assembly, and final sign-off by dedicated quality control personnel," according to CAR's findings.
"The group [Islamic State] is highly bureaucratic, adheres to strict reporting lines, and operates a series of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms," say CAR researchers.
Detailed packaging
They noted the terror group also adopts uniform packaging and labeling of the weaponry produced, including indicating the caliber and date of production.
Those measures help with weapon management and inventory oversight but they also have another spin off, according to CAR - namely by mirroring the functions of a national military force, the group has been seeking to legitimize itself in the eyes of its own fighters and to a wider Muslim world, part of its nation-building ambitions.
All manufactured weapons produced by IS facilities conform to standard specifications observing centrally-issued directives that "minimize the variation among weapons and ammunition manufactured by a multitude of often-distant factories and workshops. This enables weapon interoperability, which means that mortar rounds manufactured in one part of IS forces' territory are calibrated to fit mortar tubes produced in facilities located elsewhere, CAR researchers say.
The jihadist group had a "robust supply chain" of raw materials from Turkey and has made in the past one-off, bulk-procurements of chemical precursors from single suppliers.
"IS made repeated acquisitions of identical products from the same sources almost exclusively from the Turkish domestic market," the report found.
IEDs, guided weapons
Along with standardized production, IS leaders also have provided their fighters with highly structured courses on the use of the weapons on improvised explosive device (IED) construction, where and how IEDs should be planted, as well as on the operation of more complex arms such as anti-tank guided weapons.
"These are not short courses, but structured lessons evidenced by the numerous examination papers submitted by IS students," the CAR researchers found.
The CAR findings on IEDs fit into what a peshmerga general told VOA last month. Gen. Mahmood Kakaye, who oversees the peshmerga's bomb-disposal teams, noted the massive scale of IS production, telling VOA that since July 2014, his men had defused 14,000 IS bombs.
"They have refined their designs creating new types of IED's ranging from suicide and car bombs to landmines, booby traps and improvised mortars, and they experiment where to plant their IEDs. There are the obvious places where IEDs can be found; opening a front door or a fridge door can trigger a blast; but there are twists and they are ingenious in what they do," he said.
Kakaye said IS is quick to adapt and speedily share information with its fighters on refined designs, along with guidelines on the planting of bombs.
U.S.-led coalition warplanes have made a major effort to target IS arms-production sites and facilities used to store weapons. Last week, Iraqi F-16 jets targeted three production plants making car bombs in Mosul and three weapons stores, according to Gen. Abdul Ameer Rasheed Yarallah of the Counter Terrorism Service forces, which are spearheading the seven-week operation to retake Mosul.
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At the reception (Source: VNA)
The scientists attended the fifth international symposium on Vietnamese studies the same day. Themed Sustainable development in the context of global change, the event focused on knowledge transfer, science-technology, climate change, environment and sustainable development.
The organising board chose more than 800 reports out of nearly 1,000, including over 150 ones by foreign scholars from 30 countries and territories.
Participants put forward suggestions involving Vietnams development strategy, the fourth industrial revolution, climate change response, which, the Party leader said, will be collected and submitted to relevant agencies for consideration.
He wished that scientists would continue popularising their knowledge about Vietnam worldwide and sharing development experience with the country.
He asked Overseas Vietnamese scientists to serve as a bridge connecting Vietnam and international friends, contributing to developing Vietnamese studies.
He also hailed several proposals to facilitate Vietnamese studies, including establishing a Vietnamese studies research centre./.
Pakistani military test-fires medium-range cruise missile
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 14, 2016 6:22PM
Pakistan has successfully test-fired a revised version of a locally developed medium-range cruise missile.
Pakistan's military said in a statement on Wednesday that the newer version of Babur cruise missile was launched from an undisclosed location.
The missile has a range of 700 kilometers and it can strike targets both on land and at sea.
According to the statement, the low-flying, terrain-hugging missile is also capable of carrying various types of warheads.
Pakistan's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat congratulated the missile project's scientists and engineers on "achieving yet another milestone of great value and significance."
The test-fire is the latest in a series of tests conducted by Pakistan and its arch-rival India since both demonstrated their nuclear weapons capability in 1998.
Pakistan has also been engaged in an arms race with its neighbor, India, since the partition of the two countries in 1947.
Both neighbors have refused to sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and other international regulatory pacts that restrict developing or testing nuclear weapons.
India considers the NPT as discriminatory, while Pakistan has indicated that it will not join the international treaty until its neighbor does.
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S Korean Court Demands Gov't Release Results of US Base Water Pollution Probe
Sputnik News
16:08 14.12.2016(updated 16:40 14.12.2016)
A South Korea appeals court has ordered the government to disclose the results of the water pollution monitoring probes, which have been conducted near the US Forces Korea (USFK) army base, local media reported Wednesday.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) A South Korea appeals court has ordered the government to disclose the results of the water pollution monitoring probes, which have been conducted near the US Forces Korea (USFK) army base, local media reported Wednesday.
"The Seoul city government has been conducting a water purification process since 2003, but pollutants continue to be detected Relevant information should be revealed considering the people's right to know," the court said, as quoted by Yonhap news agency.
The Seoul government believes that the oil pollutants hindering the progression of the water purification project originate from the USFK. Since 2013, several joint pollution probes have been conducted, but no results have been made public.
The Seoul High Court has agreed with the lower court's reasoning that transparency of such information is necessary, and that full disclosure could potentially ease any tensions between the United States and South Korea.
Sputnik
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Trump's secretary of state pick shows intent to pursue warmer U.S.-Russian relations: White House
People's Daily Online
(Xinhua) 08:57, December 14, 2016
The White Housesaid on Tuesday U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of state showed he wanted to pursue "warmer relations" with Russia.
"I think what I would say generally is that throughout his campaign, the president-elect indicated his intent, if elected president, to pursue warmer relations with Russia," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a daily briefing.
"So what better way to do that than to choose someone who's been awarded the Order of Friendship by (Russian President) Vladimir Putinto be your secretary of state?" said Earnest.
Calling Exxon Mobil Chief Executive Rex Tillerson "one of the truly great business leaders of the world," Trump announced Tuesday morning his pick for U.S. secretary of state, moving past 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, a choice favored by the party establishment.
"The thing I like best about Rex Tillerson is that he has vast experience at dealing successfully with all types of foreign governments," Trump wrote on Twitter.
Tillerson, 64, is the Texas-based oil company's CEO since 2006. Like Trump, he has no government experience and so far little is known of Tillerson's views about foreign affairs.
However, as Exxon's CEO, Tillerson oversees business operations in over 50 countries and has known Russian President Vladimir Putin since 1990s when they first met.
Tillerson was awarded Russia's Order of Friendship in 2013, a state decoration to reward foreign nationals whose work is aimed at the betterment of relations with Russia.
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Kremlin expects no quick change in ties with new U.S. secretary of state
People's Daily Online
(Xinhua) 21:00, December 14, 2016
MOSCOW, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia's relations with the United States would not be changed overnight even if Rex Tillerson is confirmed as new U.S. secretary of state, the Kremlin said Wednesday.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned not to "indulge in some kind of dream" that the battered ties would change overnight.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday picked Tillerson, chief executive of ExxonMobil, as his secretary of state. Tillerson's appointment needs confirmation of the Senate.
Tillerson, who is set to retire from the company in 2017, has known Russian President Vladimir Putin since the 1990s.
Tillerson was awarded Russia's Order of Friendship in 2013, a state decoration to reward foreign nationals for their contributions to promote relations with Russia.
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Russia To Draw On Sole Aircraft Carrier's Syria Experience To Build New Vessel
December 14, 2016
A senior lawmaker says Russia will draw on the checkered recent experience of its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, when it builds a new carrier.
The Admiral Kuznetsov has lost two jets since its deployment off Syria's coast in October as part of Russia's campaign in support of Syrian government forces in the war there.
On its long journey from northern Russia to the Eastern Mediterranean, it drew attention by belching black smoke into the sky.
"Any experience that we've gained will certainly come in handy in building a new aircraft carrier," Vladimir Shamanov, the chairman of the defense committee in the lower parliament house, told state news agency TASS.
"Creating such a ship has long been an urgent need because our country is washed by seas and oceans all around," Shamanov was quoted as saying.
An Su-33 fighter jet was returning from a mission when it rolled off the deck after the rope of the aircraft's arresting gear broke, the Defense Ministry said on December 5.
In November, a MiG-29 jet crashed in the sea due to an "equipment fault."
In both cases the pilots ejected and survived, the ministry said.
Based on reporting by TASS
Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russia-admiral kuznetsov-new-ship/28175673.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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Can Navalny Trump Putin?
Brian Whitmore December 14, 2016
In his state-of-the-nation speech this year, Vladimir Putin boasted that Russia is immune to the antiestablishment fever sweeping the West.
Aleksei Navalny is betting that he is wrong.
When he announced that he intends to run for president in 2018, the anticorruption blogger and opposition figure pledged to be "the voice of those tens of millions of people who work honestly, raise children, pay taxes, love their country, but whose voice the authorities do not hear."
He also vowed to make Russia "rich, free, strong, and modern."
Sound familiar? All that was missing was a promise to make Russia great again.
Navalny has clearly learned something from the populist wave that led to the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom, the election of Donald Trump in the United States, and the rise of Marine Le Pen in France.
Hours after Trump's victory was confirmed on November 9, Navalny released a video in which he argued that regardless of how Russians view the U.S. president-elect or his program, the lesson they should draw is that "a candidate who none of the pollsters, politicians, and experts believed in managed to win."
We should "try to achieve the simple goal of having such unpredictable elections in our country," he added.
Just as populists like Trump, Le Pen, and Nigel Farage caught Western establishments flat-footed and capitalized on their complacency, Navalny appears to be banking on doing the same in Russia.
And he's off to a good start.
Political analyst and former Kremlin insider Gleb Pavlovsky told The Moscow Times that Navalny's announcement that he would seek the presidency caught the Putin regime off guard.
"They don't like surprises over there, and it was most certainly a surprise," Pavlovsky said.
Like his Western counterparts, Navalny also taps into a populist cocktail that includes ethnic nationalism, anger about corruption, and fatigue about an entrenched elite.
But unlike his Western counterparts, Navalny comes across as urbane and cosmopolitan -- and therefore manages to appeal to liberals as well.
It's a potentially potent combination.
"Espousing a firm stance against illegal immigration and federal subsidies to the Caucasus republics, Navalny seemed to stand for a kind of modern, Western European nationalism: Rabid xenophobia was out, rule of law and democracy for one's own culture coupled with exclusion of others, was in," Mark Galeotti, a senior policy fellow at the Institute of International Relations in Prague, and Anna Arutunyan, author of the book The Putin Mystique, wrote recently.
"It is not a great reach to see these ideas, especially when infused with hostility to corruption and a comfortable elite regarded as having sold out the country to get those comforts, having some wider appeal."
But, of course, unlike his counterparts in the West, Navalny will not be competing in free and fair elections.
He still faces a retrial in a corruption case widely believed to be politically motivated -- and a conviction would disqualify him.
And even if he is acquitted, the Kremlin will use all of its resources to either keep him off the ballot or to marginalize him completely if he is allowed to run.
In 2013, when the Kremlin was trying to create the pretext that elections were plausibly fair, Navalny was able to run an unorthodox, lively, and surprisingly strong campaign in Moscow's mayoral elections, nearly forcing incumbent Sergei Sobyanin into a runoff.
In 2018, with much more at stake and the Putin regime much more confident, "the Kremlin will not create such a good script for Navalny," political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya wrote in Republic.ru.
"The choice," she added, "is between a tough script, a very tough script, and a cruel script."
So Putin is correct, Russia has some immunity to the antiestablishment wave -- but only to the extent that politics as usual Putin-style is able to endure.
The populist revolt sweeping the West, the one that is upending politics as usual there, is essentially an uprising of those disenfranchised and economically left behind by globalization -- and there are many such people in Russia as well.
But while in the West the losers of globalization can vent their anger through the safety valve of the democratic process, in Russia, when the anger reaches critical mass, they will have no place to go but the streets.
And Navalny has a proven ability to put people on the streets.
The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.
Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/can-navalny-trump -putin/28176463.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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Russia Starts Development of Unmanned Tailsitter Aircraft
Sputnik News
17:22 14.12.2016(updated 17:26 14.12.2016)
Russia has begun the development of the unmanned Fazan tailsitter aircraft.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) The development of the unmanned Fazan tailsitter aircraft has begun in Russia, a source in the Russian military-industrial complex said told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
"It is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, which is able to sit on [a plane's] tail. Its development has already started in Russia," the source said.
Russia's leading expert in the field of unmanned systems, Denis Fedutinov, commented on the information and noted that this is the first instance of Russia developing such unmanned vehicles.
"Meanwhile, this type of aerial vehicle can be used to fulfill a number of urgent tasks, both of military and civilian nature, including reconnaissance and surveillance, in particular, during the operations from ship's deck, as well as the delivery of small cargoes to remote areas," Fedutinov said.
The take-off mass of the device will be up to 500 kilograms (1100 pounds), including the weight of payload equipment amounting to 60 kilograms (132 pounds). The Cruising speed will stand at about 350 kilometers (217 miles) per hour. The estimated duration of the flight will be at 6 hours, which would cover the distance of over 2,000 kilometers.
Sputnik
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Saudi economic measures painful: King Salman
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 14, 2016 4:49PM
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has acknowledged that some of the economic measures adopted by the government in response to low oil prices are "painful," stressing, however, that the policies are needed to avert more complicated financial woes.
King Salman made the remarks in an address to the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia, also known as the Shura Council, on Wednesday.
"The state has sought to deal with these changes... through a variety of measures to restructure the economy, some of which may be painful in the short run but ultimately aim to protect the economy of your country from worse problems," he said.
The Saudi king further noted that Riyadh had also cut its expenses in the case of similar circumstances in the past three decades.
The finances of Saudi Arabia, the world's second largest crude producer and largest oil exporter, are in tatters due to a downturn in oil prices and rising military expenditure, a large amount of which is being funneled into a military campaign against Yemen, where thousands of people have been killed and many more injured.
The kingdom had a record budget deficit of almost $100 billion last year, prompting it to rein in public spending in a bid to save money.
Back in September, the Riyadh regime cancelled financial perks for public sector employees and cut salaries of ministers and Shura Council members by 20 and 15 percent, respectively.
Touching on the deadly Saudi aggression on neighboring Yemen, King Salman claimed that his country was against "any interference" in the domestic affairs of the impoverished state.
The claim came as Salman's son, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud, has an overall responsibility for the war on Yemen, which was launched in March 2015 with the purpose of reinstalling the former Yemeni government.
The Yemen intervention has cost Riyadh billions of dollars at a time that the kingdom is grappling with falling oil revenues.
At least 11,400 civilians have been killed in the Saudi offensive, according to a latest tally by a Yemeni monitoring group.
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Saudi King Acknowledges Tough Times Under Weak Economy
Sputnik News
03:21 15.12.2016(updated 08:55 15.12.2016)
On Wednesday, the Saudi monarch Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, or simply King Salman, told the upper house of the country's parliament that restructuring the economy in the wake of falling oil prices will be difficult but necessary to ensure the nation's future stability.
He told the Shura Council in Riyadh that, "The state has sought to deal with these changes through a variety of measures to restructure the economy, some of which may be painful in the short run but ultimately aim to protect the economy of your country from worse problems," adding that "Similar circumstances have happened before over the past three decades, forcing the state to cut its expenses, but it emerged from them, thanks be to God, with a strong economy and continuous and increasing growth."
In September the king imposed unprecedented money-saving measures including a scaling back of financial perks for public sector workers and cutting parliament-member and minister salaries 15 to 20 percent.
The world's largest oil producer and second-largest crude producer has been compelled to become increasingly financially conservative since oil prices began to dwindle midway through 2014, and has had to find ways to raise funds after last year's estimated $100 billion budget deficit.
King Salman also gave a tacit warning to regional rival Iran by telling the council that Riyadh sees the security of Yemen as a part of its own national security. Saudi-led coalition forces have been bombing an Iran-backed Houthi political-opposition faction since March 2015, in increasingly frustrating attempts to restore exiled Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power.
A Yemeni monitoring group has reported at least 11,400 civilian deaths since the Saudis began their attacks.
The King asserted, "We will not accept any interference in [Yemen's] internal affairs or anything that affects its legitimacy (government), or will make it a hub or a passage for any state or party to target the security of the kingdom and the region as a whole."
Riyadh has also accused the Lebanese militia group Hezbollah of providing arms to the Houthis.
Sputnik
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Air defense equipment, other arms in Daesh hands in Syria, US warns
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 14, 2016 8:32PM
The United States is warning that the Daesh Takfiri group may use new arms it has seized in the Syrian city of Palmyra.
The head of US the military forces, officially tasked with tackling ISIL (Daesh) in Ira q and Syria, made the warning via a Pentagon video briefing on Wednesday.
According to US Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, the terrorists recently seized armored vehicles and air defense equipment in the city, located in the central Homs province.
"I'm not really exactly sure ... what they've seized there. We believe it includes some armored vehicles and various guns and other heavy weapons, possibly some air defense equipment," said Townsend (pictured above), warning that the new gain could end up dangerous for the US-led coalition, which is engaged in airstrikes purportedly against Daesh.
"Basically anything they seized poses a threat to the coalition but we can manage those threats and we will."
Palmyra was re-occupied by the Takfiri forces over the weekend.
Townsend suggested that the US would strike the weapons when the time is ripe, also indicating that the Syrian Army's victory in Aleppo would not complicate efforts by the US and its allied forces to liberate Daesh's de facto capital, Raqqah.
The US says it is fighting Daesh Takfiris at the head of a coalition, launching airstrikes against their hideouts in Syria and Iraq.
The US-led coalition has been accused of targeting Syrian forces at times while its airstrikes have done little to stop Daesh.
Daesh terrorists, who were among the militants initially trained by the CIA in Jordan in 2012 to destabilize the Syrian government, now control parts of Iraq and Syria.
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Standing Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh city Peoples Committee Le Thanh Liem
meets with the Consulate General of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland and the British Business Group in Ho Chi Minh city. (Photo: VNA)
During the meeting, Mr. Liem stressed that the relationship between Ho Chi Minh city and the UK had undergone stable progress, creating diverse opportunities for cooperation, especially in the building of urban areas, adding that the city hoped to continue cooperation with British investors during its development.
He confirmed that the city is determined to further improve the investment environment, creating favourable conditions for foreign businesses, including British businesses. The success of British investors is also the success of the city, he said.
Mr. Ian Gibbons, General Consul of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, appreciated the citys care for foreign investors, including policies to improve the investment environment which attracts British investors.
He added that the meeting is a good opportunity for British businesses to raise their difficulties during investment in the city, so that the city can work out solutions for the obstacles.
Representatives from the city departments and the British Business Group shared information about issues relating to tax policies, orientations for the development of infrastructure, and the training of high quality human resources.
The UK now ranks 12th among 70 countries and territories investing in Ho Chi Minh city, with an investment capital of over USD500 million in 126 projects. The two-way trade turnover between the city and the UK reached some USD755 million in the first 11 months this year./.
Over 360 militants lay down arms in Aleppo: Russia
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 14, 2016 6:31AM
Hundreds of foreign-backed militants have laid down arms in Aleppo in the past 24 hours during which almost 6,000 civilians left terrorist-held districts of the Syrian city, the Russian Defense Ministry says.
The ministry also said Wednesday that over the same period 366 terrorists had laid down their arms and moved out of militant-controlled parts of the city.
The evacuations follow a ceasefire deal, brokered by Russia and Turkey, under which the militants were to start leaving from Aleppo along with civilians in the early hours of Wednesday.
Russia, however, said the terrorists resumed fighting at dawn, but that Syrian government forces repelled their attacks, the Interfax news agency reported.
Syrian state television said militant rocket fire on government-held parts of Aleppo killed seven people and wounded others after fighting resumed and the evacuation deal was suspended.
Six people were killed and others wounded in the Bustan al-Qasr neighborhood, with a seventh person killed and more wounded in other government-held parts of the city, the television said.
The Russian Defense Ministry said the Syrian army was continuing its operation to quash last pockets of resistance in the districts of Aleppo where foreign-backed were still in control.
"The attack by the terrorists was warded off. The Syrian army continued its operation to liberate the eastern districts of Aleppo controlled by the rebels," the ministry said in a statement.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that Russia expects terrorist resistance in Aleppo to end in the next two to three days.
"I expect that the rebels will stop their resistance in the next two to three days," he said. "I hope that the situation in eastern Aleppo will be resolved in two to three days."
The evacuation was the culmination of two weeks of rapid advances by the Syrian army and its allies that drove terrorists back into an ever-smaller pocket of the city.
By taking full control of Aleppo, President Bashar al-Assad has proved the power of the Syrian army. Militant groups have been supported by the United States, Turkey and Persian Gulf monarchies.
The government and its allies have focused the bulk of their firepower on fighting ministers in western Syria rather than Daesh, which this week managed to take back the ancient city of Palmyra.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday the unwillingness of the US to work with Moscow in Syria helped the fall of Palmyra.
The US and its allies look to have sought to take the shine off Syria's game-changing victories in Aleppo.
Russian officials say the US had stopped attacking Daesh in Raqqah, allowing the Takfiri group to mobilize for the sudden Palmyra attack while thousands of the terrorists had traveled from the Iraqi city of Mosul to participate in the offensive.
Elsewhere in Syria, as many as 1,500 militants laid down arms in a southern suburb of the Syrian capital Damascus under an amnesty law issued by President Assad, the official SANA news agency said.
The gunmen surrendered their weapons in the village of Kanaker in the Rif Dimashq Province and checked at rehabilitation centers.
'Militants dumping secret documents'
With the fight in Aleppo drawing to a close, sources on the ground said the militants had set fire to their operation bases to get rid of secret documents revealing their links to Western and regional sponsors, the Fars News Agency reported.
Terrorists with the US-backed Nour al-Din al-Zenki militant group had torched schools and residential buildings in the southeastern neighborhoods of Aleppo before leaving the city, the sources told the news agency.
According to the report, the burnt documents included information on terror groups' ties with Turkey and Saudi Arabia, among other foreign parties.
'Aleppo returned to nation'
Syria's UN envoy Bashar al-Ja'afari strongly denied reports of "summary killings" by the army in the areas formerly-held by the terrorists.
He made the comments after an Associated Press reported cited sources linked to militants in Aleppo as saying that government forces had carried out "summary killings" and "mass executions" in neighborhoods recaptured on Monday.
The agency, however, added "none of the residents witnessed the alleged killings, and the reports came amid deepening chaos" in the remaining militant-held areas.
Ja'afari further said "Aleppo has been liberated from terrorists and those who toyed with terrorism," adding, "Aleppo has returned to the nation."
The Syrian military also denied the claims, saying such allegations were "a desperate attempt" to gain international sympathy.
Militant revenge attacks
Since the start of the Aleppo battle, the militants have stepped up indiscriminate attacks against government-held parts of the city and elsewhere in the country.
On Wednesday, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Takfiri militants had launched deadly mortar attacks against Aleppo's Jam'iat Zahra and Masjid al-Rahman districts.
The attacks killed four civilians, including two girls, and injured several others.
Separately, the monitor said the Takfiri terror group of Daesh had killed a woman and her child in an attack in the eastern Syria city of Dayr al-Zawr.
'Aleppo deal must have Russia, Iran consent'
Later on Wednesday, the Lebanese Hezbollah movement said any agreement over the Aleppo conflict must have the consent of all sides such as Russia and Iran.
The all came as negotiations were ongoing over a deal to evacuate militants from the battered city with Hezbollah warning that the agreement would be off if the Syrian government demands were not met.
Militants shell Idlib villages
Separately on Wednesday, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said terrorists had fired shells at the besieged Shia-majority villages of al-Foua and Kefraya in Idlib Province. There attacks were reported to have caused casualties.
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UN Says Syrian Forces, Allies 'Likely' Committing War Crimes In Aleppo
RFE/RL December 14, 2016
The United Nations high commissioner for human rights says Syria and its allies, Russia and Iran, have almost certainly violated international law and probably committed war crimes by bombing civilians hoping to be evacuated from eastern Aleppo.
UN human rights chief Zeid bin Ra'ad Zeid al-Hussein made the accusations in a December 14 statement issued after a purported Aleppo evacuation plan announced by Russia a day earlier failed to materialize.
Zeid said he was "appalled that the deal enabling the evacuation of many thousands of civilians, including the wounded and the sick, from the remaining opposition-held area of eastern Aleppo appears to have collapsed."
Zeid acknowledged that the reasons for the breakdown of the cease-fire were disputed, but said that "the resumption of extremely heavy bombardment by the Syrian government forces and their allies on an area packed with civilians is almost certainly a violation of international law and most likely constitutes war crimes."
He also said the Syrian government "has a clear responsibility to ensure its people are safe, and is palpably failing to take this opportunity to do so."
Late on December 13, Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said an agreement had been struck for rebel fighters and civilians to be safely evacuated from eastern Aleppo.
Churkin told an emergency session of the UN Security Council that military activities in eastern Aleppo had stopped and that the Syrian government had "established control" over the area.
But fierce fighting, air strikes, and artillery barrages shattered the purported cease-fire deal less than 12 hours later before any evacuation materialized.
The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed there was shelling, air strikes, and "very intense clashes on every front line" between Syrian government forces and rebels in Aleppo.
The Russian Defense Ministry said that government forces resumed their assault after rebels, in the ministry's words, broke the truce brokered by Turkey and Russia.
'Fragile And Complicated'
But in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Syrian government forces of breaking the deal.
Erdogan's comments came after Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government and its allies of trying to intentionally scuttle the agreement.
"We see now that the regime and other groups are trying to obstruct this [deal]," he said. "This includes Russia, Iran -- forces supported by Iran -- and the [Syrian] regime."
Later on December 14, officials in Turkey's presidential office said Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in a telephone conversation to make a joint effort to start the evacuation of civilians and opposition forces from eastern Aleppo as soon as possible.
Reuters quoted the Turkish presidential sources as saying that both Erdogan and Putin agreed on the need to prevent further cease-fire violations
German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said Russia was partly responsible for the destruction of eastern Aleppo.
"We know that this ruthless destruction of eastern Aleppo would not have been possible without massive military support from Russia," Seibert said. "Russia has not prevented the crimes of the last few days although it was within its power to do so."
Assad has been backed by Russian air strikes and an array of Shi'ite militias from Iran and Lebanon in his campaign to seize full control of Aleppo, which was the most populous city in Syria before the more than 5-year-old civil war.
In excerpts from an interview aired on December 14 by state-funded Russian channel RT, Assad accused Western countries of seeking a cease-fire in Aleppo to "save" what he called "the terrorists" -- a reference to rebels fighting against his government.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he expected rebel resistance in eastern Aleppo to end "in the next two to three days."
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on December 14 that nearly 6,000 civilians had left Aleppo's rebel-held districts during the previous 24 hours.
It also said that 366 rebels had laid down their arms over the same period and moved out of rebel-controlled parts of the city.
Execution-Style Killings
But the UN human rights office said it was receiving reports of pro-government forces in Syria entering homes in eastern Aleppo and shooting civilians dead "on the spot."
The UN human rights office said on December 13 that it had reliable evidence from four Aleppo neighborhoods that 82 civilians, including 11 women and 13 children, had been summarily executed.
Spokesman Rupert Colville said the atrocities were committed in recent days, adding that there could have been "many more" execution-style killings.
UN humanitarian spokesman Jens Laerke said it looked like "a complete meltdown of humanity in Aleppo."
Syria's UN ambassador, Bashar al-Ja'afari, denied allegations of any mass killings or revenge attacks and insisted that it was Syria's "constitutional right" to go after what he called terrorists.
"Aleppo has been liberated from terrorists and those who toyed with terrorism," Ja'afari said. "Aleppo has returned to the nation."
U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power said the Syrian government, Russia, and Iran bore responsibility for "the conquest of and carnage in Aleppo."
"Aleppo will join the ranks of those events in world history that define modern evil, that stain our conscience decades later," Power said, citing the 1988 Halabja chemical attack in northern Iraq, the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and the 1995 Srebrenica massacre during the Bosnian war.
With reporting by Reuters, AFP, AP, and dpa
Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/syria-aleppo-evacuation -delayed/28175639.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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Cease-Fire Holding In Aleppo But Planned Evacuation Of Rebel Areas Delayed
December 14, 2016
A cease-fire negotiated overnight between Russia, Syria, Turkey and Syrian rebel forces appeared to holding on December 14 but a planned evacuation of rebel fighters and civilians from Aleppo was delayed.
Rebel officials said Iranian militias or other pro-Damascus Shi'ite forces were obstructing the departure of people from opposition-held districts of eastern Aleppo under a deal that will hand control of the area to the government.
Officials in the military alliance fighting in support of President Bashar al-Assad could not immediately be reached for comment. Assad has been backed by an array of Shi'ite militias from Iran and Lebanon in his campaign for Aleppo.
Diiffering times had been given for the start of the evacuation. Opposition officials said they had expected a first group of wounded people to leave late on December 13.
A military official in the pro-Assad alliance had said the evacuation would start at 5 a.m. local time on December 14.
But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said no fighter or civilian had left as that deadline passed.
A couple dozen buses were seen parked with their engines running on a main road out of the city, awaiting the evacuees. Another dozen were counted nearby.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa
Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/cease-fire- holding-in-aleppo-but-planned-evacuation- rebel-areas-delayed/28175184.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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UN Human Rights Chief 'Appalled' by Faltering Aleppo Evacuation Deal
By VOA News December 14, 2016
U.N. Human Rights Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein says he is "appalled" by the apparent collapse of a cease-fire deal in Aleppo that would have allowed civilians to evacuate the war-torn Syrian city, where heavy fighting resumed on Wednesday.
"While the reasons for the breakdown in the ceasefire are disputed, the resumption of extremely heavy bombardment by the Syrian government forces and their allies on an area packed with civilians is almost certainly a violation of international law and most likely constitutes war crimes," Zeid said in a statement Wednesday.
Zeid called on the Syrian government to provide medical aid to those wounded during the recent bombardment, which he said was required by international law, and called the government's apparent blocking of a convoy of buses sent to evacuate civilians "inexcusable."
"The way this deal was dangled in front of this battered and beleaguered population causing them to hope they might indeed live to see another day and then snatched away just half a day later is also outrageously cruel," he said.
Zeid's comments came after heavy fighting resumed Wednesday in Aleppo and various parties and their backers traded blame for shattering a cease-fire, effectively scuttling a plan to evacuate civilians and rebels.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the violence included airstrikes on the remaining parts of opposition-held Aleppo, which the rebels seized four years ago. Rebel areas were also hit by shelling, while Syrian state television reported that shelling by the rebels killed six people in a district that was recently recaptured by the government.
Trading blame
Russia blamed the rebels for breaking the truce agreed to on Tuesday, saying they attacked Syrian government positions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said it was government forces who attacked first. Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin were due to discuss the situation in Aleppo sometime Wednesday.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, spoke by phone Wednesday afternoon and Lavrov told Kerry the Syrian government was willing to provide a safe exit for civilians and rebel fighters, but the rebels refused to adhere to the ceasefire, according to a statement from the Russian foreign ministry.
Russia, which backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and Turkey, which supports rebels who want to oust him, brokered the deal, which also set up the evacuations that were expected to begin early Wednesday morning.
Aleppo has been the subject of numerous efforts to bring a halt in fighting and to get aid to thousands of people in need of food and medicine. But repeatedly those initiatives, including brokered cease-fires by countries such as Russia, the United States and Turkey, have fallen apart.
The plan, according to Russia's U.N. ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, was for most of the fleeing opposition fighters to move to Idlib, a city of 165,000 residents 60 kilometers southwest of Aleppo.
Churkin described the deal as the end of a "very difficult chapter" for Aleppo, and said his government hoped it would lead to the "relaunching [of] political negotiations."
Turkey's deputy prime minister, Mehmet Simsek, said on Twitter his country would set up a tent city to accommodate as many as 80,000 refugees fleeing Aleppo.
Failed diplomacy
At an emergency council session Tuesday, Western envoys fiercely criticized Russia for its ongoing military support of the government of President Bashar al-Assad and the months of atrocities inflicted on residents of the once-vibrant city.
"Are you truly incapable of shame? Is there literally nothing that can shame you?" U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power asked. "Is there no act of barbarism against civilians, no execution of a child that gets under your skin, that just creeps you out a little bit? Is there nothing you will not lie about or justify?"
Britain's envoy, Matthew Rycroft, echoed the words of Secretary-General Ban, saying the Security Council had failed.
"It's failed because Russia has used and abused its veto time and again, even to prevent a seven-day cease-fire," Rycroft said.
Russian envoy Churkin dismissed Western accusations of widespread atrocities, calling them part of a "propaganda, disinformation and psychological" war.
He went on to equate the reports to the "spread of fake news," saying people fabricating such reports stoop to covering war zone children "with dust to be presented as victims of bombings."
Atrocities
Earlier, in Geneva, U.N. human rights spokesman Rupert Colville called on Syria to allow U.N. monitors or another organization such as the International Committee of the Red Cross immediate access to Aleppo.
"Civilians have paid a brutal price during this conflict, and we're filled with the deepest foreboding for those who remain in this last hellish corner of opposition-held eastern Aleppo," he said.
Separately, the ICRC warned Tuesday that thousands of civilians in eastern Aleppo "have literally nowhere safe to run" and urged those involved in fighting there to protect them.
Once complete, the recapture of eastern Aleppo would end four years of fighting between a loose alliance of rebel factions and the Syrian army, which is backed by Shi'ite Hezbollah fighters, Russian forces and Shi'ite militia supported by Iran.
A year-long government offensive intensified in September, when Assad's forces were bolstered by Russian air power. Monitors described the Russian air war on Aleppo's eastern sector as methodical and said entire neighborhoods were flattened street-by-street under the onslaught.
Rebel commanders and opposition politicians insist the loss of Aleppo will not mark the end of the uprising.
However, few doubt battlefield fortunes have swung heavily against them and with the regime possibly hours away from seizing what is left of insurgent controlled eastern Aleppo, the dynamic of resistance will have to change to guerrilla warfare to keep the revolution alive.
Margaret Besheer and Jamie Dettmer contributed to this report.
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US General: IS Captures Heavy Weapons in Palmyra
By Carla Babb December 14, 2016
Islamic State militants captured heavy military weapons, possibly including air defense equipment, when they retook the Syrian town of Palmyra from Syrian and Russian forces, according to the U.S. general leading the fight against the terror group.
"I think they (Russia and Syria) probably took their eye off the ball in Palmyra because they were so focused on Aleppo, and they didn't properly secure their gains," Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend told Pentagon reporters via teleconference Wednesday.
Townsend said the terror group took armored vehicles, various guns and other heavy weapons during the assault. He said they also might have taken air defense weapons, which could be used to target coalition aircraft carrying out air strikes against the group.
Syrian and Russian forces likely will push to retake Palmyra soon, but if those forces fail to act, the U.S. will strike Islamic State there, according to Townsend.
"We will do what we need to do to defend ourselves," the general said.
There are two factors complicating any coalition involvement in pushing IS out of Palmyra, according to Townsend. The first is that the area was originally taken by the Russians and Syrians, not the coalition. A movement on Palmyra would need to be deconflicted with the Russians to prevent any potential mishaps in the air.
The second factor, according to Townsend, is that the coalition is "not sure" who is where on the ground.
"We can't tell one side from the other, so we can't tell if the truck and the armored vehicle is being operated by a regime trooper, a Russian trooper or ISIL fighter," he said, using a common acronym for Islamic State.
Until that can be sorted out, he said, the U.S. is using "common sense" to stay out of Palmyra while protecting coalition interests.
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Cabinet approves projects under 'New Southbound Policy'
ROC Central News Agency
2016/12/14 23:07:42
Taipei, Dec. 14 (CNA) The Cabinet on Wednesday gave approval for the implementation of a series of projects under the government's "New Southbound Policy," starting Jan. 1 next year.
The projects have been grouped into four main areas -- trade and economic cooperation, talent exchange, resource sharing, and regional connection, according to a Cabinet press release.
In the area of trade and economic cooperation, the projects will be geared toward strengthening cooperation in the manufacturing industry, in infrastructure construction, systematic integration service exports and financial support, the Cabinet said.
In the area of talent exchange, the projects will be focused on the nurturing talent to build complementary human resources between Taiwan and the targeted countries, the Cabinet said.
In the sharing of resources, Taiwan will use its strengths in medical services, culture, tourism, technology and agriculture to establish partnerships with the targeted countries and to seek more opportunities for bilateral and multilateral cooperation, according to the Cabinet statement.
In the area of regional connection, the projects will seek to institutionalize bilateral and multilateral cooperation and elevate the level of dialogue, the Cabinet said.
The implementation of the projects will be coordinated and monitored by the Cabinet's Office of Trade Negotiations.
Proposed by President Tsai Ing-wen (), the new southbound policy seeks to promote Taiwan's relations with countries in Southeast Asia and South Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
(By Tang Pei-chun and Romulo Huang)
enditem/pc
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French FM says Trump's remarks over one-China policy "not clever"
People's Daily Online
(Xinhua) 20:20, December 14, 2016
PARIS, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's remarks questioning the one-China policy principle "is not clever," French Foreign Minister Jean Marc Ayrault said Wednesday, calling the upcoming Trump Administration "to avoid things spiralling out of control."
"When China feels questioned on its unity, that's not exactly very clever," Ayrault told France 2 public television.
"China is a big country. We can have our differences with China, but you don't talk to a partner like that," he said. "I hope that the new team will have learnt enough so that we manage an uncertain world with more sang-froid and responsibility," the French top diplomat added.
On "Fox News Sunday," Trump said he does not feel "bound by a one-China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade."
The inappropriate rhetoric came just days after Trump held a phone call with Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen, breaking decades of U.S. diplomatic policy.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang noted on Monday at a daily press briefing that China is "gravely concerned" about Trump's latest remarks. He cautioned that the Taiwan issue, concerning China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, involves China's core interest.
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Turkish President Announces National Mobilization Following Istanbul Attack
Sputnik News
17:06 14.12.2016
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called for a national mobilization in the face of the terrorist threat following the recent terror attack in Istanbul.
ANKARA (Sputnik) On Saturday, two bombs exploded near the Vodafone Arena Stadium in the Turkish largest city, killing at least 44 people, mostly police officers, and injuring about 150. The country's authorities claimed that the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was tied with the twin blast.
"I announce a national mobilization. Henceforth, neither terrorists nor their supporters will have a minute of peace. I appeal to our security forces: the whole country, all the citizens are with you against terrorists," Erdogan said at a meeting with the heads of rural administrative authorities in Ankara.
Erdogan noted that Turkey is currently fighting with PKK, the Daesh jihadist group, outlawed in many countries including the United States and Russia, and the so-called Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organization (FETO) accused of organizing a failed coup in July.
Erdogan noted that "certain groups" wanted to force Turkey not to intervene in the situation in the region and concentrate on domestic affairs.
On July 15, a military coup attempt took place in Turkey. Ankara accused Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, who has been living in the US state of Pennsylvania since 1999, and his followers of playing a key role in the coup. Since July, Turkey has arrested hundreds of military personnel, activists and journalists on suspicion of links with Gulen.
Sputnik
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Labour MP claims Russian president interfered in Brexit referendum
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 14, 2016 4:59AM
A British lawmaker has claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin might have had a hand in the Brexit referendum.
Labour MP Ben Bradshaw, a prominent Remain supporter, said it was "highly probable" that Putin interfered in the June 23 referendum when nearly 52 percent of British voters opted to leave the European Union.
Bradshaw's claim comes after the CIA accused Russia of hacking into the US 2016 presidential election in order to help Republican Donald Trump defeat his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.
"What President Putin cannot achieve militarily he is already achieving using cyber and propaganda warfare," the MP told the House of Commons on Tuesday.
"I don't think we have even begun to wake up to what Russia is doing when it comes to cyber warfare," he said.
"Not only their interference, now proven, in the American presidential campaign, [but] probably in our referendum. We don't have the evidence for that yet. But I think it's highly probable."
He also claimed that Russia encouraged the huge flow of migrants into Europe in order to destabilize the EU.
The remarks, however, were mocked by other MPs, with one senior Tory lawmaker deeming them worthy of Pravda, a Russian broadsheet newspaper, formerly the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
Britain was a "long way from the Cold War if it's now Labour MPs who invent Russian subversion," another MP said.
Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen said, "I would ask him to bring forward what evidence he has that Russia hacked the referendum."
Bradshaw was one of the 83 rebels who voted against a Commons motion last week, saying British Prime Minister Theresa May should trigger Article 50 next March.
May has promised to begin the process in March and complete it by 2019. However, those plans were delayed when the UK High Court required a parliamentary vote for that purpose.
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Alan Burkitt-Gray speaks to Don MacNeil, chief operating officer of GTT, about its company restructuring after coming out of Chapter 11 and its strategic roadmap for the next 12 months.
Firemen were mobilized at the scene (Photo: ABC News)
The information was reported by the correspondent of the Vietnam News Agency in Australia.
The fire occurred in early morning when kiosks hadnt been opened, so it didnt cause casualties, but property damage was estimated at AUD12 million.
The fire is believed to begin in a cold room in a mechanical area in this two-story building, however so far the police have yet to confirm the exact reason of the fire. 75 firemen were mobilized and after 12pm the fire was completely controlled.
In this market, there are about 25 small businesses of overseas Vietnamese, including restaurants, bakery, meat, seafood and vegetables. This is one of the primary places for 100,000 overseas Vietnamese in Melbourne to purchase supplies.
Many small traders felt very confused, upset and shocked to witness their property in flames.
Tran Ba Phuc, Chairman of the Vietnam-Australia Entrepreneur Association in Melbourne, said that the operators of the Trade Centre are two Vietnamese people, who will be compensated by insurance for the cost of repairs and reconstruction, because they had insurance for the entire building.
However, many small traders had insurance for only part of their stocked goods. In addition, to meet the huge demand on the occasion of Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year Festival of the community, they had collected and stored up a large quantity of goods in the market but had not bought additional insurance. Therefore the amount of insurance they receive would be negligible compared to the amount of capital they lost .
In addition, they are concerned about their future. What they will do to live, business transformation or how to start up a business as all their capital is left in ashes, while the time required to repair or rebuild the market may be several years.
Among traders damaged in the market fire in Footscray, some are members of Vietnam-Australia Entrepreneur Association in Melbourne. Facing the loss, the association will support and help with legal consultation and procedures so that business owners can get compensation money or benefits from insurance companies as soon as possible, and support them when they want to transform their business or start up a business again.
The fire also destroyed the entire office of Les Twentyman Foundation, a charitable organization, in this market place. This charitable organization helps teenagers and young people in difficult circumstances.
A representative from Les Twentyman Foundation said that all of over 6,000 books, clothes and gifts, which are prepared to present to homeless children on Christmas, were burnt./.
Pittsylvania County Schools is continuing work to fix salary scales and other problems with staff pay, according to school leaders.
We have a lot of people working extremely hard, and their salaries need to reflect that hard work, said Superintendent Mark Jones.
The countys salary task force held its second meeting earlier in December, where members discussed the top priorities for staff salaries for the upcoming budget development period.
The salary task force members are optimistic about the forthcoming recommendations from the compensation study completed by Evergreen Solutions Inc. and hopeful that the soon-to-be-released governors budget will allow for implementation, Assistant Superintendent for Administration Lillian Holland said in a memo to school board members.
The payroll study was approved by the board earlier this year, after multiple teacher complaints about the salary scale, low starting salaries and inequity with surrounding school districts.
Holland said the task force made four recommendations: avoid layoffs, maintain current benefits, review and implement the salary recommendations and address special education assistant pay rates and benefits.
With a nationwide teacher shortage threatening new hires in all school subjects, Jones said it was more important than ever for county schools to fix salary issues.
Board members also finalized the 2016-17 school calendar. The only significant changes to the calendar include moving employee orientation days to July 31 and Aug. 1, as well as changing hours in the open house teacher workday, according to Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Teresa Petty.
Board members also approved several new courses for the Pittsylvania County Career and Technical Center, including cyber security, cyber forensics and computer networks. The criminal justice program also will be restructured from a two-year to a one-year program.
Jones said the criminal justice program would be restructured so students could focus on a single area of study, in addition to having more time to complete programs.
Students will focus exactly on what their interests are, Jones said.
Board members also approved a one-week program from English Construction Co. to train student on OSHA safety and even operate some heavy machinery.
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES/
CZN-TSX
CZICF-OTCQB
VANCOUVER, Dec. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadian Zinc Corp. (TSX: CZN; OTCQB: CZICF) ("the Company" or "Canadian Zinc") is pleased to announce that it has closed the previous announced non-brokered private placement of flow-through shares.
The Company issued 6,666,664 common shares, which qualify as flow-through shares (the "FT Shares") of the Company for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) at a price of C$0.30 per FT Share, raising aggregate gross proceeds of C$2,000,000 (the "Placement").
The net proceeds of the Placement will be used to incur eligible Canadian Exploration Expenses and flow-through mining expenditures, as defined under the Income Tax Act (Canada), that will be renounced in favour of the purchasers with an effective date of no later than December 31, 2016.
The funds are intended to be used to explore the Company's properties, which include the Prairie Creek project in the Northwest Territories as well as the Long Lake, Tulks South and South Tally Pond projects in central Newfoundland.
The Company has agreed to pay a finder's fee equal to 6% of the gross proceeds raised in the Placement from purchasers of the FT Shares introduced to the Company by Secutor Capital Management Corp., Canaccord Genuity Corp., and Paradigm Capital Inc.
The FT Shares will be subject to resale restrictions for a period of four months and one day from the closing date of the Placement under applicable securities legislation. Following completion of the Placement, Canadian Zinc has 266,111,543 common shares issued and outstanding.
About Canadian Zinc
Canadian Zinc is a TSX-listed exploration and development company trading under the symbol "CZN". The Company's key project is the 100%-owned Prairie Creek Project, a fully permitted, advanced-staged zinc-lead-silver property, located in the Northwest Territories. Canadian Zinc also owns an extensive land package in central Newfoundland that it is exploring for copper-lead-zinc-silver-gold deposits.
Cautionary Statement Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains certain forward-looking information, including, among other things, the expected completion of acquisitions and the advancement of mineral properties. This forward looking information includes, or may be based upon, estimates, forecasts, and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, the completion of transactions, the issue of permits, the size and quality of mineral resources, future trends for the company, progress in development of mineral properties, future production and sales volumes, capital costs, mine production costs, demand and market outlook for metals, future metal prices and treatment and refining charges, the outcome of legal proceedings, the timing of exploration, development and mining activities, acquisition of shares in other companies and the financial results of the company. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that mineral resources will be converted into mineral reserves.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. We use certain terms in this press release, such as "measured," "indicated," and "inferred" "resources," which the SEC guidelines prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC.
SOURCE Canadian Zinc Corp.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 14, 2016) - Aberdeen International Inc. ("Aberdeen", or the "Company") (TSX:AAB) is pleased to announce that it has released its financial results for the third quarter ended October 31, 2016.
Highlights:
Net income for the nine months ended October 31, 2016 was $9.9 million or $0.11 per basic share;
Aberdeen's largest public shareholding by value, Lithium X Energy Corp., continues to trade well and closed at $2.02 per share on the TSX Venture on December 13, 2016;
In the quarter, the Company made new investments in QMX Gold Corp., Pitchblack Resources Ltd., Valencia Ventures Inc. and a private Ontario company, 2523701 Ontario Inc., which holds lithium claims in Namibia.
Completed NCIB by repurchasing and cancelling 6.6 million Aberdeen shares.
As at October 31, 2016, Aberdeen's shareholders' equity and net asset value ("NAV") was $34.6 million, or $0.39 per share. Given the nature of Aberdeen's operations, there is currently no difference between "shareholder equity" and "net asset value" for Aberdeen. On a year-over-year basis, Aberdeen's shareholders' equity has increased by $8.1 million.
October 31, 2016 January 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 Shares outstanding 88,912,282 95,546,628 96,206,784 $ $/Shares $ $/Shares $ $/Shares Cash on hand 1,513,635 0.017 604,613 0.006 2,793,769 0.029 Investments Publicly traded 13,041,522 0.147 2,754,448 0.029 2,634,604 0.027 Private 19,044,924 0.214 19,322,417 0.202 12,156,907 0.126 Non-trading warrants Intrinsic value - - - 0.000 116,000 0.001 Option value 45,520 0.001 423,920 0.004 426,280 0.004 45,520 0.001 423,920 0.004 542,280 0.005 Portfolio Investments 32,131,966 0.361 22,500,785 0.235 15,333,792 0.159 Loans 1,709,903 0.019 - - - - Total 35,355,504 0.398 23,105,398 0.241 18,127,561 0.188
For the three months ended October 31, 2016, Aberdeen reported a net loss of $2.5 million or $0.03 per basic share on total revenue of $(2.0) million. For the three months ending October 31, 2015, Aberdeen reported a net loss of $1.1 million or $0.01 per basic share on total revenue of $0.3 million ($0.2 million from net investment gains and $0.1 million from interest and dividend income and advisory fees).
For the nine months ended October 31, 2016, Aberdeen reported net earnings of $9.9 million or $0.11 per basic share on total revenue of $12.4 million. Revenue was comprised of $12.2 million from net investment gains and $0.2 million from interest income and advisory fees. For the nine months ending October 31, 2015, Aberdeen reported a net loss of $9.2 million or $0.10 per basic share on total revenue of $(6.0) million ($(6.5) million from net investment losses and $0.5 million from dividend income and advisory fees).
Aberdeen's management is encouraged by the Company's solid performance during the first three quarters of 2016 and is looking forward to continuing to build on that performance through the balance of the fiscal year. During the quarter, the Company completed its deferred consideration agreement with Routemaster transferring 1,439,000 LIX common shares to Routemaster as final payment for the acquisition of PLASA. The Company also monetized another 1,250,000 LIX common shares for proceeds of approximately $2.8 million and invested in equity interests in a few companies, such as QMX Gold Corp., that management believes are positioned for significant and transformative growth. In addition, the value of the Company's holdings of LIX common shares have made a rebound since the end of the quarter appreciating approximately $1.6 million since October 31, 2016. The Company continues to review opportunistic investments through which it feels it can achieve an exceptional capital appreciation.
Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB")
During the nine months ended October 31, 2016, the Company purchased and cancelled 6,634,346 shares at an average price of $0.18. The Company has now completed its NCIB for the year.
ABOUT ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL
Aberdeen International is a global resource investment company and merchant bank focused on small capitalization companies in the mining and metals sector. African Thunder Platinum, Aberdeen's premiere investment, is a platinum group metals project in South Africa's well-known Bushveld Complex. Aberdeen has further enhanced its investment holdings with its holding of 50% of Potasio y Litio de Argentina SA, which holds the Sal de los Angeles lithium project in Argentina.
For additional information, please visit our website at www.aberdeeninternational.ca and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.
Cautionary Notes
Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements regarding the financial results of Aberdeen; past success as an indicator of future success; net asset value of the Company; the potential of investee companies and the appreciation of their share price; the future intentions of the Company with regard to its investments; the Company's plan of business operations; and anticipated returns. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, financing risks, acquisition risks, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Melior Resources Inc. ("Melior" or the "Company") (TSXV:MLR) is pleased to announce that the Company proposes to raise, in a non-brokered private placement, gross proceeds of up to C$1.8 million (the "Private Placement"). This funding addresses the potential issues highlighted in the Company's previous announcement made on the 13th of December 2016.
Key Highlights:
Non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of C$1.8 million
Subscription by Melior's four largest shareholders
Subscription price of C$0.03 per Common Share
Subject to completion of definitive documentation and approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), Pala Investments Limited ("Pala"), Belmont Park Investments Pty Ltd. ("Belmont"), Panorama Ridge Pty Ltd. ("Panorama") and Takota Asset Management Inc. ("Takota"), each existing shareholders of the Company, have agreed to subscribe for C$1.1 million, C$250,000, C$250,000 and C$200,000 of common shares ("Common Shares") of the Company under the Private Placement respectively. Under the terms of the Private Placement, the Corporation will issue up to 60,000,000 Common Shares at a price of C$0.03 per Common Share. In connection with the Private Placement, the TSXV has granted a discretionary waiver from the TSXV's $0.05 minimum pricing requirement pursuant to Section 3 (Discretionary Waivers) of the TSXV bulletin dated April 7, 2014.
Mark McCauley, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company said today "I would like to thank this group of shareholders for showing great support and confidence in the Company. This funding, along with the recently announced Preliminary Economic Assessment, should allow Melior to progress its strategy of assessing prospective strategic partners and take advantage of the recent improvement in the titanium feedstock market."
Based on a C$1.8 million Private Placement, the proceeds of the Private Placement are anticipated to be used by the Company as follows:
Goondicum mine maintenance and development costs: $1,362,000 Instalment payments to Rothschild in connection with previously disclosed litigation: $286,000 Melior general and administrative expenses: $152,000
The subscriptions by Pala and Takota constitute "related party transactions" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protections of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Board of Directors of Melior (the "Board"), acting in good faith, and the independent members of the Board, acting in good faith, have determined that the Company is in serious financial difficulty, that the Private Placement is designed to improve the Company's financial position and that the terms of the Private Placement and Pala and Takota's subscription for Common Shares thereunder are reasonable in the Company's circumstances. As such, Melior intends to rely on the exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in Section 5.5(g) and Section 5.7(1)(e) of MI 61-101 on the basis of financial hardship.
The Common Shares will be offered and sold only to accredited investors in Canada or persons in other jurisdictions to whom Common Shares may be offered and sold pursuant to the Private Placement without breach of applicable securities laws. The Private Placement will be completed in one or more tranches and the securities issued under the Private Placement will have a hold period of four months and one day from the applicable closing date of each tranche. The Private Placement remains subject to TSXV approval.
Pursuant to the Private Placement, Pala, Belmont, Panorama and Takota will receive 36,666,667, 8,333,333, 8,333,333 and 6,666,667 Common Shares respectively. Following the Private Placement, Pala, Belmont, Panorama and Takota will hold 131,194,865, 26,877,149, 26,877,149 and 35,426,134 Common Shares respectively, representing approximately 48%, 9.9%, 9.9% and 13% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares respectively.
Forward Looking Statements Disclaimer
Statements made in this news release may be forward-looking and therefore subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such statements can typically be identified by terminology such as ''may'', ''will'', ''could'', ''should'', ''expect'', ''plan'', ''anticipate'', ''believe'', ''intend'', ''possible'', ''continue'', "objective" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Melior does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements; such statements speak only as at the date made.
Going Concern Risk
As described in Melior's MD&A, the continuing operations of the Company are dependent upon its ability to continue to raise adequate financing, to commence profitable operations in the future, and repay its liabilities arising from normal business operations as they become due. There remains a significant risk that the Company is unable to find alternative sources of financing for on-going working capital requirements. There is a risk that the Company may not complete the Private Placement on the terms or for the proceeds currently anticipated. These material uncertainties cast significant doubt upon the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Failure to obtain sufficient financing, including as a result of a failure to complete the Private Placement on the terms and for the proceeds currently anticipated, could result in a delay or abandonment of the Goondicum Mine and could force the Company into reorganization, bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings. Additional financing may not be available when needed or, if available, the terms of such financing might not be favourable to the Company and might involve substantial dilution to existing shareholders. Failure to raise capital when needed would have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to pursue its business strategy, and accordingly could negatively impact the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE Melior Resources Inc.
TSX-V: CLZ
www.canasil.com
VANCOUVER, Dec. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - Canasil Resources Inc. (TSX-V: CLZ, DB Frankfurt: 3CC, "Canasil" or the "Company") announces that Orex Minerals Inc. (TSX-V: REX, "Orex") has provided preliminary metallurgical test results for the Main Zone of the Boleras Silver Deposit at the Sandra-Escobar Project in Durango, Mexico. The project is being advanced by Orex under an option agreement with Canasil announced on September 15, 2015.
Results are now available for five composite samples, with increasing head grades, taken from across the Main Zone of the Boleras Silver Deposit. These results illustrate that recovery is grade dependent. A portion of the silver-bearing mineralogy is recoverable with leaching techniques, including hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sulphur dioxide (SO2) pre-treatment before cyanidation, and a portion is refractory, requiring more investigation. An extra high-grade sixth sample was also prepared for mineralogical work and was tested by the same methods at the Kemetco Research Inc. ("KR") laboratory.
Initial interpretation of the results suggests that there are three different hosts of silver: 1) a small amount of direct cyanide leachable silver (native silver and silver halides, cerargyrite and bromargyrite); 2) a varying amount of silver-bearing minerals leachable under pre-treatment conditions (argentiferous manganese and iron oxides, pyrolusite and aurorite); and 3) a portion within silicate minerals.
Table 1. Boleras Deposit Main Zone Metallurgy HCl Pre-treatment
Preliminary HCl Leach Results Sample Head Grade - Ag (g/t) Recovery Ag (%) KR 1 #SE 54 6.1 2 #SE 98 14.5 3 #SE 143 26.8 4 #SE 192 29.4 5 #SE 361 63.3 6 #SE 1812 93.0
Table 2. Boleras Main Zone Metallurgy SO2 Reduction Pre-treatment
Preliminary SO2 Leach Results Sample Head Grade - Ag (g/t) Recovery Ag (%) KR 1 #SE 54 4.6 2 #SE 98 8.1 3 #SE 143 22.7 4 #SE 192 24.5 5 #SE 361 58.7 6 #SE 1812 83.0
Geological comparisons have been drawn between the mineralization styles at Sandra-Escobar and the La Pitarrilla project of Silver Standard Resources Inc., located 75 km to the east. At La Pitarrilla, the Cordon Deposit is also an iron and manganese oxide hosted silver resource, within a rhyolite host rock unit, and is part of a much larger volcaniclastic complex. Structural and stratigraphic controls to mineralization are present in both locations. The Cordon Deposit has been shown to be a peripheral deposit to a much larger sulphide silver and base metals resource at depth.
The Boleras Deposit appears geologically similar to the Cordon deposit at la Pitarrilla. It is also a small part of the many mineralized zones and structures observed at Sandra-Escobar over a large area. The comparisons between the Sandra-Escobar geology and the neighbouring La Pitarrilla project will be used by Orex to guide further exploration to investigate potential for a larger mineralized system at Sandra-Escobar.
Guidance for the metallurgical test work has benefited by the consulting services of Blue Coast Metallurgy of Parksville, BC, Canada.
Sandra Escobar Silver-Gold Project, Durango, Mexico
Sandra-Escobar is located 200 km northwest of the city of Durango, Mexico, in the heart of the "Mexican Silver Trend", with excellent access and infrastructure. This prolific trend hosts some of the world's largest silver camps and deposits, with many past and present producing mines and significant silver-gold deposits. The project area covers over 6,333 hectares of mineral concessions and multiple mineralized epithermal quartz veins and breccia structures. These veins and structures form high level silver-gold-base metal systems, hosted in andesitic and rhyolitic rocks, and are centered on a large rhyolite dome complex in the north and silver-dominant systems around smaller rhyolite dome complexes to the southeast.
Under the terms of the agreement dated September 15, 2015, Orex has an option to earn up to 65% interest in the project through total cash and share payments of $1,000,000 and exploration expenditures of US$4,000,000 over five years.
Orex has drilled 8,372 metres in 62 diamond drill holes in the southeastern region of the project. The first 59 diamond drill holes formed the basis for an initial Resource Estimate on the "Boleras Silver Deposit." At a "Base Case" of 45 g/t Ag cut-off, the Inferred Resource Estimate yielded 9.8 million tonnes grading 106 g/t Ag for a total of 33.3 million ounces of silver (See Orex and Canasil news releases of 31 October 2016). This Inferred Resource Estimate can be sub-divided into a high-grade domain of 0.7 million tonnes grading 288.4 g/t Ag, representing approximately 20% of the contained silver, plus an average-grade domain of 9.1 million tonnes grading 91.7 g/t Ag, representing approximately 80% of the contained silver.
Note: Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the estimated Mineral Resources will be converted into Mineral Reserves. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues.
The technical information contained in this news release is based upon the technical information provided by Orex and has been reviewed and approved by J. Blackwell (P. Geo.), a technical advisor to Canasil and a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
About Canasil:
Canasil is a Canadian mineral exploration company with a strong portfolio of 100% owned silver-gold-copper-lead-zinc projects in Durango and Zacatecas States, Mexico, and in British Columbia, Canada. The Company's directors and management include industry professionals with a track record of identifying and advancing successful mineral exploration projects through to discovery and further development. The Company is actively engaged in the exploration of its mineral properties, and maintains an operating subsidiary in Durango, Mexico, with full time geological and support staff for its operations in Mexico.
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 news release.
This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts are forward looking statements, including statements that address future mineral production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in commodities prices, exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. The reader is referred to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators for disclosure regarding these and other risk factors. There is no certainty that any forward looking statement will come to pass and investors should not place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.
SOURCE Canasil Resources Inc.
TSX Venture Exchange: NEV
VANCOUVER, Dec. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - Nevada Sunrise Gold Corp. ("Nevada Sunrise" or the "Company") (TSXV: NEV) is pleased to announce that a helicopter-borne VTEM and magnetic survey has been completed over the Kinsley Mountain Gold Project ("Kinsley Mountain", or the "Project") in eastern Nevada. Kinsley Mountain is a joint venture between Pilot Gold Inc. ("Pilot Gold") (TSX: PLG) and Nevada Sunrise, with Pilot Gold holding a 79.1 percent interest, and Nevada Sunrise, through a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, holding a 20.9 percent interest.
2016 VTEM Airborne Survey
The VTEM survey consisted of 854 line kilometres, flown at 200 metre spacing over the northern area of the Project, and at 100 metre line spacing over the southern half, which includes the area where the Western Flank gold discovery was made in 2014. VTEM is known for its ability to detect sulphides at depths exceeding 300 metres, and can assist in defining mineralized trends. Interpretation of the survey will utilize the geophysical signature of the Western Flank Zone to assist in identifying further drill targets. Proposed drilling is primarily focused on the Secret Canyon Shale horizon, a newly-identified host horizon for high grade, Carlin-style gold mineralization lying approximately 200 metres below the historic Kinsley Mountain open pit mine.
2016 Drilling Program
Drill targets were developed by Pilot Gold for the 2016 program completed earlier this year using 3-D modeling software, including the integration of new and historical geological, geochemical and geophysical data as detailed below. One drill target southwest of the Kinsley Main historic pit was tested with four reverse circulation holes in 2016. The target contained similar attributes to the Western Flank deposit, including:
The intersection of the NW-striking Kinsley fault zone with a swarm of NE-striking steep faults
A broad, deep historical induced polarization chargeability anomaly
Anomalous pathfinder element geochemistry in surface soil and rock samples
All four of the 2016 drill holes intersected the target Secret Canyon Shale host horizon at the expected depth in the anticipated structural environment. All holes contained areas of moderate to strong jasperoid alteration, clay alteration and strong iron oxide and/or disseminated pyrite alteration, consistent with what is observed in the Western Flank zone. However, only anomalous gold content was encountered.
New Targets
Twelve new target areas have been developed for Kinsley Mountain, some of which have been confirmed to be gold-bearing based on compilation by Pilot Gold of historical drill results. The new targets have been developed within the following exploration model:
The Secret Canyon Shale is interpreted to underlie the entire Project, encompassing over a 20 square kilometre target area.
Gold is concentrated along NW-striking and NE-striking steep faults, and fault intersections.
The Secret Canyon Shale has potential to host several zones of high-grade gold mineralization, similar in nature to the Western Flank Zone, and has been tested in 10 locations by widely-spaced holes over an initial 10 square kilometre area, with anomalous gold detected in all holes. Exploration is now focused primarily on this specific stratigraphic interval.
In addition to the Western Flank deposit area, Kinsley Mountain has yielded 4 additional target areas with significant intercepts of greater than 1.0 g/t gold, including:
Western Flank East Extension: 3.46 g/t gold over 18.3 metres in PK208 (see Nevada Sunrise news release dated June 23, 2015).
Secret Spot: 1.34 g/t gold over 25.9 metres, 1.09 g/t gold over 13.7 m and 3.02 g/t gold over 6.1 metres in PK153 (see Nevada Sunrise news release dated September 10, 2014).
Racetrack: 1.25 g/t Au over 10.7 metres in PK180 (see Nevada Sunrise news release dated September 10, 2014).
Central Kinsley Trend: 1.58 g/t Au over 4.6 metres in historical hole K-425 (Pilot Gold exploration files).
For maps showing the 2016 target area and the newly-developed drill targets, please access Nevada Sunrise's website at: http://www.nevadasunrise.ca/projects/kinsley-mountain/
John R. Kerr, P. Eng., is the Company's designated Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.
Further information on Kinsley Mountain is available in the NI 43-101 compliant technical report entitled "Updated Technical Report and Estimated Mineral Resources for the Kinsley Project, Elko and White Pine Counties, Nevada, U.S.A.", effective October 15, 2015, dated December 16, 2015 and prepared by Michael M. Gustin, CPG, Moira Smith, Ph.D., P.Geo., and Gary Simmons, B.Sc. MMSA (the "Kinsley Technical Report"), available at www.nevadasunrise.ca/investors or under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
About Kinsley Mountain
Kinsley Mountain is located in eastern Nevada, approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Wendover. The Project consists of 513 unpatented lode claims on U.S. Bureau of Land Management land plus 6 leased patents totaling 4,213 hectares (10,410 acres). Kinsley Mountain hosts near-surface mineralization similar to other Carlin-style, sediment-hosted gold systems, and hosts a past-producing mine with an extensive exploration database and numerous untested gold targets.
In 2014, Pilot Gold, as operator, discovered the Western Flank gold deposit in the Secret Canyon Shale and outlined a sulphide resource estimate, using multiple cut-offs1, of 284,000 Indicated ounces of gold grading 6.04 grams per tonne (g/t) and 39,000 Inferred ounces grading 2.41 g/t gold. Mineralization is open for extension to the north and east. Metallurgical testing of sulphide material from the Western Flank deposit returned excellent recoveries and concentrate grades, suggesting that the gold may be amenable to extraction using low capital cost, conventional flotation methods.
1 Cut-off grades assume an open-pit mining scenario, using a pit floor elevation generated using Whittle software, reasonable assumptions for mining and milling costs, and a US$1,300/oz gold price.
About Nevada Sunrise
Nevada Sunrise is a junior mineral exploration company with a strong technical team based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, that holds interests in nine gold and lithium mineral exploration projects in the State of Nevada, USA.
The Company's three key gold assets include a 21% interest in a joint venture with Pilot Gold at Kinsley Mountain near Wendover, a 100% interest in the Golden Arrow project near Tonopah, and an option to earn a 100% interest in the Roulette gold property in the southeastern Carlin trend near Ely, with each of the properties subject to certain production royalties.
Nevada Sunrise began acquisitions of Nevada lithium properties in September 2015, which include options to earn 100% interests in the Neptune and Clayton Northeast projects, and a 100% interest in the Aquarius Project, all located in the Clayton Valley area. The Company also holds options to earn 100% interests in the Jackson Wash and Atlantis projects, and has a 50% participating interest in the Gemini project, each located in playas proximal to the Clayton Valley. The Company has optioned five of its Nevada lithium projects to Advantage Lithium Corp., and a sixth, the Atlantis project, is currently under option to American Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LI).
Forward Looking Statements
All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Nevada Sunrise Gold Corp. ("Nevada Sunrise") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements that address future mineral production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, the future price of gold, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential size of a mineralized zone, potential expansion of mineralization, the timing and results of current or future mineral resource estimates, or other study, proposed exploration and development of our exploration properties and the estimation of mineral resources. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intends", "believe", "potential", and similar expressions, or describes a "goal", or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "should", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievement of Nevada Sunrise to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information.
Such factors include, among others, risks related to the interpretation and actual results of historical production at Kinsley Mountain, reliance on technical information provided by third parties on any of our exploration properties, including access to historical information on the Kinsley Mountain property as well as specific historic data associated with and drill results from the property, information from Pilot Gold Inc., current exploration and development activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; current economic conditions; future prices of commodities; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; failure of Pilot Gold Inc. to complete anticipated work programs; labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals, financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the Nine Months ended June 30, 2016, which is available under Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
Although Nevada Sunrise has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Nevada Sunrise disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and accordingly are subject to change after such date. Except as otherwise indicated by Nevada Sunrise, these statements do not reflect the potential impact of any non-recurring or other special items or of any dispositions, monetizations, mergers, acquisitions, other business combinations or other transactions that may be announced or that may occur after the date hereof. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of our operating environment. Nevada Sunrise does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are included in this document, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release. The Securities of Nevada Sunrise Gold Corp. have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to the account or benefit of any U.S. person.
SOURCE Nevada Sunrise Gold Corp.
Donald Trump won the presidency due to a surge of voters suffering from economic insecurity or harboring doubts about Hillary Clinton's character. But the majority of America's voters didn't choose Trump as their next president at all. According to the latest returns, they selected Clinton by a nationwide plurality of more than 2.8 million votes. Trump only "wins" because of the antique Electoral College system written into our Constitution two centuries ago.There have been four previous occasions when the Electoral College "elected" a presidential candidate who had lost the popular vote -- 1824, 1876, 1888 and 2000. That was the year that George W. Bush trailed Al Gore by 543,895 popular votes nationally but won a slim Electoral College victory, thanks to the chad-infected Florida vote and a U.S. Supreme Court decision that abruptly terminated recounting of the disputed vote there.Why do we have this error-prone system at all? And what can we do about it? As a curious young reporter in the 1960s, I decided to write a book on the Electoral College. My research quickly showed that our Founding Fathers, at the Constitutional Convention, were hard-put to design a method for choosing the president. At the time, states' rights were given priority, partly as a price of convincing 13 independent colonies spread up and down the eastern seaboard to agree to a binding form of national government.So for choosing a chief executive, a system of presidential electors was chosen. The electors would be selected as state legislatures pleased, with each state's electoral vote reflecting its total congressional representation. There was some talk, even by Alexander Hamilton, of wise and informed electors. But the Electoral College, I discovered, was basically born out of short-term political expediency. It was assumed that future generations would correct its shortcomings.With that in mind, for the title of my book I chose -- perhaps too hopefully -- "The People's President," with the subtitle "The Electoral College in American History and the Direct Vote Alternative."Re-reading the Electoral College debates of the 1960s and '70s, it's stunning to see how big chunks of the nation's public policy world spoke out in those years to endorse direct popular election of the president. Among the endorsing groups were the American Bar Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the AFL-CIO, the League of Women Voters and the NAACP. The American public was overwhelmingly in support: A 1968 Gallup survey found 81 percent supporting a direct vote system. And in 1969, the House of Representatives voted 338-70 for a constitutional amendment to substitute direct vote of the people.But on the Senate floor the direct vote proposal was filibustered extensively -- and in the end effectively. Another effort was made in the late 1970s, but by then the politics had changed. Two organizations that calculated they'd lose their existing big-state influence in the Electoral College, the National Urban League and the American Jewish Congress, testified against reform. Before the final Senate vote in 1979, several progressive senators, among them New York Democrat Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Illinois Republican Charles Percy and Maine Democrat Edmund Muskie, switched to opposition.A hopeless cause -- that's the way direct vote proponents have seen the prospects of Congress passing a constitutional amendment ever since.But therehope. In 2006, a group was formed to support a "National Popular Vote plan" based on a strategy devised by John Koza, a Stanford University computer scientist. The concept's simple: an agreement among states to award all of their respective electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote nationwide.So far the proposal has been adopted by 10 states and the District of Columbia, which among them control 165 electoral votes, or 61 percent of those needed to give the compact legal force. But with vote-rich California, Illinois and New York already on board, the proposal will have to pick up a large group of medium- and smaller-sized states. That may be a tough challenge, despite the fact that Americans seem to like the idea: Polls have shown such margins as 62 percent in favor in Arizona, 80 percent in Arkansas, 70 percent in California, 68 percent Colorado, 73 percent in Connecticut, 75 percent in Delaware and 77 percent in Ohio.One thing's certain: Should the National Popular Vote plan be adopted by enough states, we'd see a stunning reversal of the Electoral College missteps of the last two centuries.And we'd democratize the process geographically. Preoccupied with key states, the presidential campaigns treat lots of America as irrelevant fly-over territory. Two thirds of the leading presidential candidates' appearances in this year's general election season occurred in just 12 states, from 71 visits in Florida and 55 in North Carolina to 21 in New Hampshire and 10 in Arizona. Meanwhile, there were 16 states without a single visit, including Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts and New Jersey. Massive California received just one visit.Amazingly, reform has an unexpected potential ally: Donald Trump, who in 2012 described the Electoral College as a "a disaster for a democracy ... a total sham and a travesty." He says now that he'd have campaigned quite differently this year if it hadn't been for the Electoral College system. And on CBS' "60 Minutes" the week after his election, Trump said: "I would rather see it, where you went with simple votes because it brings all the states into play."Right on, Mr. Trump -- finally, after 227 years, a system that lets every citizen's vote for president have an equal weight.
Gov. John Bel Edwards overstepped his authority in an order requiring state agencies and private companies contracting for state work to not discriminate against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people in the workplace, a district judge in Baton Rouge ruled Wednesday morning.19th Judicial District Court Judge Todd Hernandez affirmed the constitutional independence of the Attorney General's office and noted that a Governor cannot act outside the scope of his authority by creating law with executive orders."I applaud Judge Hernandez for basing his ruling on the law, not politics," Attorney General Jeff Landry said in a prepared statement. "My challenge has always been about upholding the checks and balances on executive authority as established in our State Constitution.""We are disappointed in the court's ruling today," Edwards said in a prepared statement. "However, we fully intend to appeal this issue, which is how the parties knew that this matter would ultimately be resolved."Edwards said the Hernandez ruling recognizes the governor as the constitutionally superior officer to the attorney general, but found the executive order was not in a governor's authority to implement.Landry had refused to approve contracts with the wording from governor's executive order included.Landry's lawyers had argued that the Louisiana Legislature had repeatedly considered -- and rejected -- measures that would have extended protections to the gay and transgender community."With great respect for the role of the Louisiana legislature," Edwards said, "we continue to believe that discrimination is not a Louisiana value and that we are best served as a state when employment decisions are based solely on an individual's qualifications and job performance.""After efforts to advance his extreme agenda failed by large bipartisan majorities in the Legislature, John Bel Edwards took it upon himself to replace the people's will with his own. Fortunately for the families and businesses in our State, the court ruled today that the Governor's executive fiat will not fly in Louisiana," Landry replied. "We do not live under a King in Louisiana; we have a Governor, an independent Attorney General, an elected Legislature, and a Court system who are all involved in governance along with others. Gov. Edwards must live within the Constitution."Edwards' attorneys argued that the executive order was not creating new law, merely directing policy for state employment and contracts.Hernandez issued a permanent injunction forbidding the state from enforcing Edwards' order finding that regardless of what the governor intended, the order "creates new and/or expands upon existing Louisiana law as opposed to directing the faithful execution of the existing laws of this state." He found that the order violated the separation of powers provisions in the state constitution.
On Wednesday, in the afternoon, at Government House, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey received His Excellency Mr Nadjib Riphat Kesoema, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Australia, and Mrs Nino Nadjib Riphat.
In the evening, at the State Library of Queensland, the Governor and Mrs de Jersey attended the Queensland Library Foundation Major Donors Reception where His Excellency addressed guests.
Description
GIS - 15 December, 2016: The Attorney General, Mr Ravi Yerrigadoo recently attended the Octopus Conference on Cybercrime and the Special Session on the 15th Anniversary of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime held in France. Mauritius that had been chosen to be one of the priority countries for the Glacy (Global action on Cybercrime) project, has successfully implemented the project. The Attorney General, Mr Ravi Yerrigadoo recently attended the Octopus Conference on Cybercrime and the Special Session on the 15th Anniversary of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime held in France. Mauritius that had been chosen to be one of the priority countries for the Glacy (Global action on Cybercrime) project, has successfully implemented the project.
The Octopus Conference is part of the Cybercrime@Octopus project, which is a Council of Europe project, which is currently funded by voluntary contributions from Estonia, Japan, Monaco, United Kingdom, United States and Microsoft as well as the budget of the Council of Europe. Octopus is open to cybercrime experts from public and private sectors and from international and non-governmental organizations.
Cybercrime@Octopus is based on voluntary contributions aimed at assisting countries worldwide to implement the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and strengthen data protection and rule of law safeguards. The main concern of Octopus is cooperation against cybercrime.
There is currently a single point of reporting of cybercrime offences and all statistical information on cybercrime offences are collected, integrated and analysed by Statistics Mauritius.
Moreover, standard operating procedures are in place for the investigation of cybercrimes and the collection, and handling of electronic evidence. Mauritius has been chosen by the Council of Europe to be the African hub for regional training in cybercrime.
Description
GIS 15 December 2016 : With a view to reduce traffic congestion across the country, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Land Transport plans to transform dead ends on roundabouts into short links, where possible. The new measure will enable more direct link between destinations, increase route options and reduce travel distance, thereby enhancing road network connectivity.
In this context, the Minister of Public Infrastructure and Land Transport, Mr Nandcoomar Bodha, made a site visit on 13 December 2016 at Terre Rouge Roundabout on M3 Road (Terre Rouge Verdun Link Road) where it is proposed to construct a new link road, over 450 metres, to connect M3 Road to Arsenal Branch Road. The link road will cost around Rs 25 million and will be undertaken under the Framework Agreement. Works, which will start in January 2017, are expected to be completed within four months.
The Minister said that traffic congestion will be eased by maximising the use of traffic roundabouts and thus reducing to a minimum the number of dead ends thereon. This initiative will provide road users with not only a number of different routes but also allow residents in these areas to reach their destination through a direct route.
The new link road is only the beginning; works will be carried out to widen Arsenal Branch Road so as to provide a new route option towards Triolet as well as the northern coastal region, stated Mr Bodha. According to the Minister, other link roads will be constructed on the roundabouts of Quay D towards Cocoterie Street, and Grand Baie towards Mon Choisy Coastal Road.
Construction of a new bridge in Notre Dame
The Minister also visited Pont Ducray in Notre Dame where a bridge is under construction. The new structure, to the tune of Rs 3.5 million, is replacing the old bridge which dates back to 40 years. Works comprise the realignment of the road, doubling the hydraulic capacity and strengthening the bridge structure so that it can sustain weight of lorries crossing the village.
Description
GIS - 15 December, 2016: The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector is expected to see a new boost next year after the various measures and incentives taken to favour the growth of SMEs announced the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives, Mr S. Bholah, in Port Louis on 13 December 2016. The Minister was meeting the press to review the achievements of the current year.
He mentioned that after problems during their starting-up, MyBiz and other organisations dedicated to SMEs are now moving up a gear, aiming to better accompany this sector with more proximity. The MauBank, through MyBiz the one-stop shop for SMEs , has given the green light to some thirty loans to local entrepreneurs for their projects, estimated to amount to Rs 108 million, said Mr Bholah, of which Rs 22 million have already been granted. The majority of these projects are for the manufacturing sector.
As at date, the one-stop shop for SMEs has welcomed about 15,000 visitors and through the SME Development Scheme, some 262 applications have been received, stressed the Minister, of which 147 have been approved and 70 are still under review. The approved projects required investments of the order of Rs 554 million, of which Rs 428 million in the form of loans.
Minister Bholah also underlined that four Business Development and Facilitation Centers are at the publics disposal in Mahebourg, Coromandel, Bel-Air and Goodlands, aiming at helping companies facing difficulties. The grievances of entrepreneurs are recorded and studied. Subsequently, independent consultants are approached to visit these entrepreneurs to analyse their problems and make recommendations, he stressed.
Up to now, around 1,100 visits have already been carried out and 916 of them concern start-ups. Additionally, 164 visits have been carried out by officers of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) in other companies. This initiative illustrates the proximity policy of the SMEDA and the Ministry of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives.
Since July, executives from SMEDA have been conducting information sessions for half a day in Citizens Advice Offices across the country. They are more present in the field to help entrepreneurs, the Minister added.
International fairs
Also, SMEs have participated in 83 international fairs organised in collaboration with Enterprise Mauritius, SMEDA, Bank of Investment and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority. The Minister mentioned that grants of a maximum of Rs 200,000 per year have been given to each participating SME, through the International Fairs SME Refund Scheme, so that costs to attend the international fairs can be covered. He stressed that 522 entrepreneurs benefited from this grant and a total of Rs 38,7 million have been disbursed for this purpose.
Cooperatives
Concerning cooperatives, Minister Bholah argues that despite some problems, this sector is experiencing a revival with the creation of 203 new cooperatives during the last two years. The Ministry of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives also awarded fair trade certification to 31 cooperative societies in the sugar industry. They have benefited from a cumulative sum of Rs 250 million for development projects, he pointed out.
Moreover, the Saint-Antoine Planters Co-operative Trust was also reactivated this year. Launched in 1994 following the closure of the Saint-Antoine plant, a fund of Rs 25 million had been set up by the Trust for former employees and small planters. However, only Rs 4 million have been drawn from this fund so far, Mr Bholah stated.
(TNS) -- Google parent Alphabet plans to launch a ride-sharing service with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' new Chrysler Pacifica minivans as part of a reorganization of the tech company's automotive unit, according to a report from Bloomberg News.The possible deal could lead to an expansion of an earlier agreement between the Auburn Hills automaker and the tech giant launched last spring and would give FCA a direct link to the fast-emerging ride-sharing industry.Google's self-driving car project held an event today in San Francisco to announce that it renamed itself Waymo as it continues to work toward developing autonomous vehicles for the public.But John Krafcik, formerly CEO of Google Cars and now leader of Waymo, declined to comment for the Bloomberg report about a ride-sharing service with Fiat Chrysler.Google inked a deal with FCA last spring to outfit 100 Pacifica minivans with Google's radar, lasers and cameras. Google had said the deal was made to quickly add to its fleet in order to further test its systems and ready them for commercial use.According to Bloomberg, Google will deploy a semi-autonomous version of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan for the new service as early as the end of 2017. To make the service work, it would need far more than the fleet of 100 that was previously announced."We do not have anything additional to add to this," FCA spokeswoman Dianna Gutierrez said in an e-mail.Several other automakers are also forging ahead with ride-sharing partnerships and their own ride-sharing companies.General Motors created a new brand in January called Maven for a car-sharing service that will launch next month in Ann Arbor. GM also invested $500 million in Lyft in January to help the company continue the rapid growth of its ride-sharing service. In September, Ford acquired Chariot, a crowd-sourced shuttle service. Ford also announced a partnership with bike-sharing provider Motivate.FCA Chairman John Elkann said in April that automakers should avoid the temptation to shoulder the cost of ride-sharing services on their own."Boring old car makers need to figure out how to make this profitable and guard against falling into the ... trap of ignoring that business while chasing profits in other parts of the value chain," Elkann told Reuters.Under the initial deal with Google, FCA said it would design and engineer around 100 vehicles uniquely built for Google's self-driving technology. Google will integrate the suite of sensors and computers that the vehicles will rely on to navigate roads autonomously.FCA could be keeping quiet today so it can make the announcement in January. FCA surprised many in the industry last week when it said it does not plan to reveal a new car or truck at the North American International Auto Show in January, instead deciding to unveil a new vehicle in Las Vegas on Jan. 3 as part of CES, or the Consumer Electronics Show.Bloomberg has reported that FCA plans to reveal an electric version of the Pacifica at CES. While FCA has declined to comment, that move would make sense for two reasons: First, the automaker revealed the standard gasoline version of the Pacifica at the last Detroit auto show in January. Second, CES has emerged as a show of choice for automakers to reveal electric cars and self-driving technology.
Secretary of State Alex Padilla announced this week the launch of the California Business Search tool. The tool will provide access via the Secretary of States website to more than 5.3 million records related to corporations, companies and partnerships along with millions of downloadable PDF images of Statements of Information.[California Business Search] dramatically improves customer service and makes more business information easily accessible to the public online, Padilla said in the announcement . In the past, customers had to submit requests in-person or via mail to retrieve Statements of Information for corporations and limited liability companies.The tool features expanded search criteria and improved search functionality, a new mobile-friendly design, daily updates of data and the addition of data relating to Statements of Information of Records. The system will also provide users principal office address and mailing addresses of record, and information on the management structure of California limited liability companies.Padilla, who dubbed the California Business Search a major step forward for transparency, noted that the application has been moved to Microsoft Azure to streamline performance and enhance resiliency.It has been a privilege to work with the California Secretary of State to deliver cost-effective technologies they can trust to meet the needs of citizens they serve, said Michael Donlan, vice president of U.S. State and Local Government at Microsoft, in the announcement.
Flying blind
(TNS) -- The political equivalent of 9/11 is what former CIA Director Michael Morell called the spy agencys conclusion that Russias cyberhackers deliberately meddled in the election to help Donald Trump.Now another parallel is emerging: As with 9/11, warning signs were there , according to a New York Times investigation. But lackadaisical responses and mistakes left the Democratic National Committee and the Hillary Clinton campaign vulnerable.When an FBI agent warned the DNC in September 2015 that one of its systems was compromised, his call was routed to a help desk. The technician took little action, in part because he suspected the caller might be an impostor. The agents subsequent calls werent returned. He never visited in person.When Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta got a message, supposedly from Google, warning that he needed to change his Gmail password, a campaign tech aide advised via email that it was legitimate, so Podesta did so unwittingly giving the hackers access to his account.The aide told the Times he had meant to type illegitimate.Oops.President Barack Obama has tried to keep it positive when talking about his successor. But in an interview aired on Comedy Centrals The Daily Show, he defended the work of intelligence agencies, which Trump has derided, and gently coaxed the president-elect to stop blowing off their daily briefings.The agencies are not perfect, Obama said, but they are full of extraordinarily hardworking, patriotic and knowledgeable experts. And if youre not getting their perspective, their detailed perspective, then you are flying blind.To protect the nations security, Obama said, You have to have the best information possible to make the best decisions possible. ( Video here .) Late Tuesday, Trump aide Sean Spicer said Trump was now sitting in on briefings three days a week . It was previously reported he was listening only once a week.
(TNS) -- GOSHEN Officials in Goshen, Ind., are developing a policy governing the citys social media accounts, including Facebook.The efforts come in the wake of moves by Elkhart officials to settle a lawsuit related to one of the city's Facebook pages, but a Goshen rep says that didn't spur their moves.Goshen officials were aware of Elkhart's settlement with the American Civil Liberties Union in a lawsuit stemming from the city's decision to ban a critic from commenting on one of its Facebook pages, said Sharon Hernandez, city spokeswoman. But Goshen officials decided several months ago to craft a social media policy. No timeline has been set for completion of the effort.Its not about what we can tell the public to say or not to say, Hernandez said. Its more about how we need to, one, put out our message as the city of Goshen, and two, what happens if somebody posts something that is a threat or is obscene language or something like that.Elkhart has 15 separate Facebook pages for various city departments. Goshen, by contrast, has just three -- for the city government, the police department and the parks department.As a government agencys site, there is little the city can do to restrict the publics free speech rights, Hernandez said. But the city can set rules for how city employees manage the citys social media sites. Both Mayor Jeremy Stutsman and Hernandez emphasized there will be no censoring of postings to the citys Facebook pages, unless language involves illegal activity or potential criminality.Since he took office Jan. 1, Stutsman said he has already reached out to one Facebook commenter who made what the mayor considered a post with racial undertones to the citys page.I said, You dont have to remove it. Im not asking you to remove it, but its nice if we can keep these things respectful,'" Stutsman said. The poster said "they made it in haste," Stutsman said, and eventually deleted the comment.In the Elkhart case, the city's Board of Public Works voted last week to approve a settlement with the ACLU, which filed a federal lawsuit against the city in October. The ACLU represented Richard Wolf, a local advocate for the disabled who charged that the city violated his First Amendment rights by blocking him from commenting on the citys Facebook page.As part of the settlement, the city has agreed to pay $2,350 for Wolfs legal fees and not delete Wolfs comments or block him from commenting on the citys Facebook site, according to court filings.
At this time of the year, the historic and beautiful track of Brno, one of the favourites of riders and team members alike, is practically an ice rink. Moravia, a wonderful region of the Czech Republic, boasts one of the most technical, spectacular and selective tracks on the calendar, one that has also hosted the Superbikes on several occasions. Some call the track the Mugello of the east, due to its similar configuration with long series of turns connected with different changes in gradient.
And it is on this very track that Ondrej Jezek, the new rider with team Grillini Kawasaki, began his race career: I was never interested in using road bikes, I always wanted to race on track. As I lived very close to Brno, it was easy. I started at 8 years old with mini bikes, that was in 1996, and the following year I took part in my first races.
The motorcycle movement in the Czech Republic involves various academies and schools that introduce young rider to racing and all of this revolves around the Brno track that, over the years, has developed international riders of the calibre of Lukas Pesek, Jakub Smrz, Karel Hanika and, the most well-known, Karel Abraham in MotoGP, who knew how to make the most of the opportunities provided by the track owner, his very own, influential father.
Ondrej made his international debut with Kawasaki ZX6R Superstock in 2005, a season in which the production-derived bikes were back at the Czech track after an "enforced break". A very young Jezek was able to admire the wins by Troy Corser on the Suzuki and by Noriyuki Haga with the Yamaha, finishing his own race in eighth place at his home track.
From then on, the tall thin Czech rider put down roots in the SBK paddock: from 2005 until the end of this year my career has alternated between Supersport and Superstock, so the Kawasaki SBK will be a really motivating new experience and a dream come true for me".
You tested the ZX10R Ninja at Jerez, how does it differ from a Stock?
Unfortunately that test was totally wet and, with only a day and a half available, I can't give you a full comparison. I saw that the electronics are more advanced that felt comfortable with the power delivery. I need more tests and know what I need to be fast.
You're very tall, how do you ride?
It's true, I'm fairly tall and this physical characteristics limited me on the Supersport, on the long corner at Phillip Island the wind and my height prevented me from 'going forward' and keeping pace with the others. In general, I prefer the big bikes, the powerful ones that brake hard, I've scored my results with 1000cc bikes.
You'll be alongside Ayrton Badovini, a fast, expert rider
Yes, Ayrton is very experienced and this is further motivation for me. In the first test we carried out together there was a great atmosphere in the Grillini garage and I think we'll help each other to solve problems on the bike, looking for the best solutions. It's also clear that Ayrton and I are physically very different and so it won't be easy to find the same solutions.
Although Christmas is almost upon us, Ondrej will continue to train every day during the winter break, despite the cold he must face in Moravia: just think, after this interview I'll go running (he laughs).
But that's not all: it's cold until April here, I'll train with endure bikes, bicycles and I'll do different sports. I live for sport, this is my job and my hobbies are all linked to sporting activity, like climbing.
What are your expectations for the coming season?
There'll be many strong riders next year in SBK and it won't be easy to fight in their midst. Let's say that, if I can work well with the team, which has over 20 years of racing experience, we'll be able to fight for the points zone and the top ten will be a more than realistic goal for us and the best we can hope for.
Could you do better in the rain?
I don't care about the weather, wet or dry, nothing changes.
Considering how much he loves sport and competition, Ondrej is a quiet, education man, always relaxed while enjoying very tough competition: I don't have any heroes on two wheels, let's say that I like Valentino Rossi in MotoGP, but my favourite athlete is a biathlete, he's from Norway and called Ole Elnar Biorndalen. Another sportsman who's not afraid of the cold.
Pat Symonds has refused to deny reports that Paddy Lowe will replace him as Williams' technical boss.
It is strongly rumoured that, with Lowe's Mercedes contract ending, the Briton is linked with a return to Williams to replace the soon-to-retire 63-year-old Symonds.
"Our team policy forbids us to talk about contracts," Symonds told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"But it is clear that I will step back from the front line at some point in time. That doesn't mean it will happen at the end of the coming season.
"But it is important to me that I leave the team in good hands.
"All I can say about Paddy Lowe is this: the results that Mercedes has achieved speak for themselves," Symonds added.
(GMM)
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GREENWICH Volcano eruptions, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and all manner or natural and man-made destruction are the stock in trade for author Lauren Tarshis.
To which the young readers at Cos Cob School said: bring it on.
The elementary-school students got a presentation from Tarshis, a Westport resident, on her latest entry in the I Survived series, works of historical non-fiction about young people caught in disastrous situations. The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 and a desperate escape by an 11-year-old girl and another youngster brought out the the story-teller in Tarshis in front of a roomful of students.
Guess how long they marched? 13 hours, she told the audience. They were so thirsty but they couldnt drink, because the creek was full of soot and ashes. And bolts of lightning were crashing all around them.
Tarshis, who introduces history as well as natural science in her work, said the disaster element was only one part of the story, and she had no intention to talk down to young readers.
Theyre not about boys or girls, theyre about human beings, she told the gathering. And theyre not about disasters, theyre about people, how people can go through terrible things, survive and heal.
A long line of kids waited their turn to get their copies of Tarshis books inscribed by the author.
I like to learn about what happened back then, I really like to learn about history, said Bancker Appleman, 8, a third-grader.
They tell you about the disasters that happened and what people had to do to survive, said George Lindsay, another third-grader.
Tarshis, taking a break from signing books, said she always enjoyed connecting with her readers.
Its the best, its my favorite part of the whole experience, very inspiring. It makes it much more meaningful, she said.
Heather Jordan, a PTA mom who organized the event, said she was pleased to see the level of enthusiasm in the room.
From the moment they found out Lauren was coming, there was so much excitement from parents and teachers and kids. All the kids are familiar with her book, Jordan said. A great way to end the year.
Tarshis gave two presentations Thursday for students in grades 3 through 5.
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HARTFORD There will be plenty of pomp on Monday, but the circumstance may not be agreeable for the seven state electors who will cast their ballots for Hillary Clinton, the losing presidential candidate.
The quadrennial event, complete with group photo, official documents to sign and even the designation of a new elector to take the place of someone unable to attend, will be the formal ratification of the states vote. Seven equals the number of U.S. senators and members of Congress, who represent the votes for the Electoral College.
The authorized official of Ukraine's Antimonopoly Committee Ahiya Zahrebelska sees signs of violation of economic competition protection legislation in actions of four largest tobacco companies with foreign capital in the form of setting the conditions for sale of cigarettes that resulted in removal of competition on the market.
"Today I submitted all the required documents to include one more issue in the agenda of the committee meeting scheduled for December 16: making a protocol decision that there are signs of violation of economic competition protection legislation in actions of private joint-stock company Philip Morris Ukraine, public joint-stock company JT International Ukraine, private joint-stock company Imperial Tobacco Production Ukraine and private joint-stock company B.A.T.-Pryluky," she said on her Facebook page.
Zahrebelska said that the committee on December 13 announced a break until December 16 in a meeting to discuss violation of legislation by Tedis Ukraine LLC, the largest tobacco distributor in Ukraine.
Statements from Russian representatives calling for cancellation of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine's decision to sanction Gazprom are baseless since the commitee's position is absolutely legal, Ukrainian Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko told journalists on Thursday.
"There is not one body in Ukraine - not the government or the parliament - that has the right to order the cancellation of such decisions by the Antimonopoly Committee. For that reason, I believe these statements from the Russian Federation are groundless and the Antimonopoly Committee's position is absolutely legal. If Russia eliminates those violations that were the grounds for imposing the sanctions, and pays the fine, than they won't have any problems with our antimonopoly bodies," Petrenko said.
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Anna Gershenson and Sanok Kim. Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
We brought two longtime dumpling-makers together Anna Gershenson, a Latvian immigrant and kreplach fanatic, and Sanok Kim, a mandu expert from Korea to talk craft and compare each others creations.
Who taught you to make dumplings?
Anna Gershenson: I learned myself. My mom used to make them, and I helped her when I was growing up. But then I found a recipe here in the United States, somewhere, a long time ago. I didnt have the recipe from home, so I looked it up I cant remember exactly where I found it, but I wrote it down, and its on this old, old card. I think I make better dumplings than my mom. I have this very special gift that I know how to flavor food. Everybody calls me the queen of flavor.
Sanok Kim: I learned through my mom too. We ate a lot of dumplings in my family growing up. Ive been making them for my family, my kids and grandkids, for a long time. Most of our family is still in South Korea Im originally from North Korea and I came over here to take care of my daughters children. She and her husband were really busy, so my grandchildren would spend weekends with me, and we would cook and make dumplings. It was a way of connecting my grandchildren with our home. I have whats called in Korea grandmas touch your hands can just feel it. And its important to taste as you go along.
Anna: I would say the same thing. It comes from within. You just know what to do.
Sanok: At this point, I can close my eyes and make them: I can scoop the exactly right amount of the filling with a spoon, press it into the middle of the wrapper, and pinch it closed around the filling. No problem. Itd come out just as well.
Whats the key to your dumpling technique?
Anna: I think that its important to make the dough thin enough but not too thin.
Sanok: Its important the meat isnt dry, which is why I mix beef with pork. If you have dry meat, that ruins the whole thing.
Anna: I agree that matters, but I achieve juiciness by different means by adding fat. When I make the chicken broth, I skim some of the fat off the top to add to the mixture.
Anna: Jibang [the Korean word for fat or grease] is important for me too. But I get enough from the pork.
What do you think of each others dumplings?
Anna: With my dumplings, I tend to use just meat and not much else. The filling in these, I think, is on the simpler side. I do think the tofu and vermicelli help, because they make the stuffing more moist because the ground beef itself isnt the juiciest meat.
Sanok: The soup, that looks like anchovy broth. What is it made out of? Oh, chicken. The broth is not what Im used to having in a dumpling soup. In Korea, we would make it with beef bones that we simmer for a while and add some pieces of beef to. Its a little mild for me, for what Im used to. But the dumplings are savory, tasty, and soft. Theyre good. Me, though, I prefer a thinner wrapper its a little on the thick side. But for a chicken dumpling, its surprisingly tasty! I would never make dumplings with chicken I never have. Its just not the Korean way.
*This article appears in the December 12, 2016, issue of New York Magazine.
Weve found the 50 best dumplings in New York and talked to some grandmas who are experts at making them. But theres even more to know about the citys dumpling universe. Here, an everything guide, including architects tips for building a better one, how to make 20 mandu in five minutes, what to dunk them in, and more.
A Taxonomy of Dumpling Shapes
By Hugh Merwin
Photo: Joe McKendry
Pea Pod
In the simplest terms, its a half-moon with pleats.
Specimens: Basic jiaozi or guo tie, dim sum staples har gow and gow choi gau, Ukrainian varenyky, pierogi.
Photo: Joe McKendry
Pleated Ball
These can look like a deflating balloon or a crimped Smurf hat. Some are elongated at the pleats and terminate in a pinched topknot.
Specimens: Tibetan momo, Mongolian buuz, baozi, xiao long bao, khinkali.
Photo: Joe McKendry
Orblike
Bouncy, egglike domes, often given structural support through the magic of starches like rice and cassava.
Specimens: Ivorian foutou, knedle ze sliwkami (Polish plum dumplings), Swedish kroppkakor, cepelinai.
Photo: Joe McKendry
Three-cornered Hat
Or nurses hat, or nuns cap, or flower bud. Tortellini are a variation of the shape.
Specimens: Cantonese wonton.
Photo: Joe McKendry
Open Pouch
Bucket-shaped, with the filling exposed on top.Specimens: Japanese shumai, Cantonese siu mai.
The Soup Dumpling Star of Instagram
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
The XL XLB, which debuted at Drunken Dumpling (137 First Ave.) in September and took off on Instagram, is a riff on the guan tang bao (think supersize xiao long bao) thats popular in Jiangsu province. While these substantial specimens are filled only with soup, Drunkens owner Yuan Li adds a giant meatball to his version. He started off making 25 XL XLB a day; to keep up with demand, he hired additional dumpling-makers and now sells 75 (theyre generally out of dumplings by 8:30 p.m.). Here are its stats.
The broth: Made from pork, chicken, and vegetables. Amount in one dumpling: 8 oz.
The meatball: Made of crab meat, shrimp, and pork. The size of an entire regular soup dumpling, Li says.
The vitals: Width: 6 in. Height: 2.5 in. Weight: 14 oz.
Price: $11.75.
How to eat it: Each dumpling is served in a bamboo bowl with a straw. Twist the straw into the top and slurp the soup first.
Note: Do not attempt to pick it up with chopsticks (four dumplings exploded during the making of this photo).
Robin Raisfeld and Rob Patronite
How to Eat a Regular-Size Soup Dumpling
Richard Lam co-owner of Kung Fu Xiao Long Bao in Flushing and its East Village outpost, the Bao, where the dumplings are made to order and Anita Lo the chef behind Annisa, where her foie gras soup dumplings are on the menu lay out their preferred techniques.
Richard Lam: Make sure you pick the dumpling up from the top, where the tip is, and dont use a chopstick to poke it underneath, because the skin is very delicate. If you try to pick it up from the bottom, most likely youll break it. Place the dumpling in the soup spoon, so that in case it breaks, you save the soup. Let it cool and then bite off the top and slurp all the soup inside. You can either put the dipping sauce on top of the dumpling before you bite the tip off, or bite off the tip and pour the vinegar into the dumpling. I like to do it on top. Then you can eat the rest of the dumpling in one bite or in a few pieces.
Anita Lo: If the dumpling is small enough, I like letting it cool down a little bit and then eating it whole. I like that bursting sensation. If the dumplings bigger, Ill just bite off a little end of it not the top, somewhere along the side drink the soup, and then eat the rest. When you bite off the top, you risk opening the whole thing and losing the soup. I take a little piece of the ginger that you get in the dipping sauce and put that on top, just one strand on top of the dumpling. A little bit of the dipping sauce usually clings to the ginger, and the acid and the ginger cuts through all the fat. Hannah Goldfield
A Dumpling Through the Digestive Tract
The traditional Chinese dumpling, a boiled or steamed wheat wrapper stuffed with ground pork and cabbage, fits a lot of nutrition into a small, succulent package hence its origin as a low-cost peasant food meant to keep bellies full for long periods of time. Here, Harvard nutrition professor and Americas Test Kitchen editor Dr. Guy Crosby describes its digestion path. By Amanda Macmillan
Photo: Joe McKendry
1. The Sauce Factor
Dumplings made with (or dipped in) soy sauce contain glutamate an amino acid that triggers savory umami taste receptors and may help you feel full faster. Potent flavors like ginger, garlic, and vinegar can also contribute to their satiating nature.
2. The First Bite
Carbohydrates make up about 25 percent of dumplings weight, thanks to their doughy outer layer. And thats where digestion starts: With your first bite, amylase enzymes in your saliva begin to break down starch from the wheat flour. Thats converted to glucose, providing a quick energy boost.
3. The Mouthfeel
The outside is soft, smooth, and slippery, with a lot of moisture and a little fat which makes it really satisfying. Then comes the meat-and-vegetable filling, which adds contrasting texture along with sweet and savory background notes.
4. The Stomach Stretch
Protease enzymes start to break down the protein (about 7 percent of the dumpling by weight), vitamins and minerals, and essential amino acids in the filling. As the stomach stretches to accommodate the dense meat-and-dough combo, nerve receptors signal the brain to slow down and stop eating.
5. Satiety Hormones
Digestion kicks into high gear in the small intestine. Satiety hormones are released, while sugar receptors trigger the secretion of insulin a hormone that helps the body process all that glucose.
6. Insulin Secretion
Dumplings protein-to-carb ratio, along with their gram or two of fiber, gives them a relatively low glycemic index preventing the sudden, sharp blood-sugar spike, and subsequent crash, that might otherwise occur with such a starchy food. Insulin secretion peaks about two hours after your first bite and then slowly declines; a full serving (five to six small pieces) should keep hunger at bay for around four hours.
7. Emulsification
Bile acids go to work emulsifying fat molecules (about 5 percent of the dumpling by weight) so theyre more easily absorbed by the small intestine. This slows down the process slightly, adding to the dumplings heartiness and staying power.
8. Continuing the Journey
Over the next 24 hours, the remaining dumpling moves through the large intestine. Here, trillions of bacteria work to ferment the soluble fiber from the shredded cabbage into short-chain fatty acids, used for energy.
What to Dunk Them In
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
Along the Jackson Heights momo trail:
The best examples of the ground-chile condiment called sepen feature peppers dried and/or fresh that have been selected for their fruity, almost floral qualities. Nepalese versions tend to give equal billing to tomatoes and chiles, while momos at Indian places might get paired with tangy tomato achaar deepened in flavor with a masala made of toasted fenugreek, coriander, and cumin.
In Flushing and Chinatown:
Its not unusual to see the food courts thronged with dumpling eaters who reach only for the tabletop squeeze bottles of black vinegar, but DIY concoctions of soy sauce, vinegar, and off-brand Sriracha are ever-popular. The four-ingredient, all-purpose sauce at Dumpling Galaxy in Flushing is about as complex as any purist might want out of a dipping sauce, but banquet chefs have been known to mellow dipping sauces with caramelized dark soy and aromatic chicken stock, along with ginger and sesame oil, to pair with more nuanced (and delicately flavored) har gow. (Also seen there: fresh minced-garlic-and-lemon sauce; crocks of the rustic chile paste known as sambal.)
At the manti mainstays of southern Brooklyn:
Lamb manti from Uzbekistan are served with a bowl of sikhdorov madzoon, or yogurt mixed with crushed garlic and plenty of mint.
With Greenpoint pierogi:
Raw chives, fried bacon, browned onion, chopped parsley, and even crisp mushroom slices might make their way onto a plate of the savory, crescent-moon-shaped dumplings, but theres almost always a healthy dollop of sour cream on hand.
Hugh Merwin
Building a Better Dumpling
Could the blueprint of the soup dumpling be improved upon? Nora Yoo and Drew Powers, two dumpling-obsessed architects at the downtown firm Architecture Research Office, would draw the line at a complete overhaulSoup dumplings are such a traditional dish, in a culture that isnt mine, says Powers, so speculating on how to improve it is, like, ehh but they do have a few innovative yet respectful ideas, plus some thoughts on the architectural brilliance of the traditional design.
Photo: Jason Lee
1. Keep the shape as is.
The sphere is kind of the most perfect shape, says Powers. The more spherical it is, the less area youre exposing and the less cold air will touch it so maybe it could be even more spherical.
2. Add more filling.
For perfect proportion: If you double the dumpling skin, you may have to up the filling a little to keep the ratio pleasing. The double skin gives you a little more carrying capacity.
3. Keep the broth as is.
The crux of the traditional designs genius: It takes into account time, heat, and temperature differences so that theres a sequencing that happens, and you could argue that architecture is all about sequencing, says Yoo. You cant install a finished tile floor before you install all the walls. Its the same with soup dumplings: the brilliant notion that you make the broth and chill it, then once its chilled you can get it into the dough and then you reheat everything.
4. Add an inner wrapper.
For longer heat retention: A window that has two panes of glass with some airspace in between is much better than a single pane, because of the insulation factor, says Yoo. Same with a double-walled water bottle. A lot of buildings are now moving toward energy efficiency, and well-insulated walls are so key to that. Sustainable dumplings!
5. Add an outer wrapper.
For optimal sauce application: The dumpling is its own capsule, and yet you often use the spoon to start to let the liquid out and add the sauce, says Yoo. If you can bite the outer layer to release some of the steam and expose that theres a dumpling inside the dumpling, then the outer layer kind of serves as a spoon, and you can pour the dipping sauce inside it.
H.G.
Xiao Long Bao Calculus
In 2013 and 2014, Christopher St. Cavish, a chef turned xiao long bao statistician, brought calipers and a digital scale to dumpling shops around Shanghai in hopes of finding the ideal ratio of filling to skin. The project was a supreme feat of food geekery from the start St. Cavish deems the experience pointless yet it resulted in the first-ever Shanghai Soup Dumpling Index ($15 at Kitchen Arts & Letters, 1435 Lexington Ave., nr. 93rd St.), a slick piece of design that scores the engineering of xiao long bao based on an equation: (filling + soup / thickness of skin) x 100. The idea for the ratio was the premise that the best soup dumplings are pushing the limits of how much hot liquid you can hold in a very thin wrapper, he says. The quest hints at a golden truth: Even mediocre soup dumplings served piping hot can trump those made with better ingredients that are served past their prime. Next up, St. Cavish has turned his sights to sheng jian bao. It will be equally excessive, he says. H.M.
Twenty Mandu in Five Minutes
How the cooks in the window at Mandoo Bar (a Korean dumpling spot at 2 West 32nd Street) do it.
Photo: Joe McKendry
0:00 to 0:10 | The plastic bag encasing a big slab of premade dough is peeled back so that a log can be carefully sliced from its end with a cleaver.
0:10 to 0:20 | The dumpling-maker rolls the log out vigorously with her hands on a floured surface until its longer, thinner, and ropier.
0:20 to 0:35 | Using the cleaver, she slices half of it into ten equal segments, rolls them to the side with a quick flick of her hand, then slices up the other half.
0:35 to 1:32 | She sprinkles the pile of segments with flour, then flattens each firmly into a disk with the heels of her hand two at a time, one under each hand dusting or tossing with additional flour.
1:32 to 3:12 | Working again with two at a time, she flattens each disk a bit further with the heels of her hand, then stacks them together and begins to roll out the pair with a small wooden rolling pin, holding the pin steady against the table with one hand as she rocks it back and forth, and rotating the two disks quickly beneath it with her other hand, tossing each pair into a pile as its finished.
3:12 to 5:12 | She dusts a wooden tray with flour, then picks up one flattened disk at a time, stretching it out a bit further with her fingers before cupping it in the crook of one hand. With her other hand, she uses a small wooden paddle to scoop up bits of minced-pork filling and scrape them into the dough, pressing down after each application to pack it in tightly. Once the wrapper is filled, she folds it in half to seal it shut, then crimps the edge and gently squeezes the dumpling into a slightly rounder shape, before lining it up in the wooden tray, to be boiled or fried to order.
H.G.
The History of the Dumpling
From healing remedies to supermarket parking lots. By Hugh Merwin
200s AD: A Chinese folktale has it that a medicine man served the first dumpling, filled with boiled meat and herbs, to villagers as a remedy for illness.
420589: People eat dumplings in the area now known as Xinjiang, which supported heavy Silk Road traffic wontons with wheat and millet skins are later found intact during an archaeological excavation of the Turpan Basin.
1300: Gnocchi made from bread crumbs or flour start circulating as written recipes in Italy.
1600: The word dumpling starts appearing in the English language, with the Oxford dictionary later ascribing the more or less globular doughs etymology to Low German.
1839: Lettice Bryans cookbook The Kentucky Housewife includes a number of sweet, savory, and suet-heavy dumpling recipes of possible Indo-European influence, including one for stewed squirrel with dumplings.
1875: The soup dumpling takes Nanxiang by storm.
1911: Apple dumplings are banned from the Mount Holyoke campus after professors claim they cause the students to come to afternoon classes in a languid condition.
1958: Chinese restaurants have existed in America by now for 110 years, but immigrants are reluctant to cook authentic food, so when Joyce Chen, a northern-style Chinese chef, opens shop in Boston, she dubs her pot stickers Peking ravioli.
1996: Da Niang Dumplings is founded in Jiangsu in response to chains like McDonalds. It grows to nearly 500 locations.
2009: Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong, which slings dim sum for $5 per plate, gets a Michelin star and lands the worlds cheapest moniker.
2016: WeChat creates a market for clandestine dumplings in cities like L.A., where pickups of regional flavors like pork-and-cucumber take place in supermarket parking lots.
*This article appears in the December 12, 2016, issue of New York Magazine.
Dumpling Galaxys lamb soup dumplings. Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
New York has always been a great dumpling town. But recent developments have thrust the dough balls further into the spotlight: In September, a giant Shanghai soup dumpling made its debut in the East Village, historically a dumpling hot zone thats gradually transitioned from pierogi and varenyky to gyoza and xiao long bao, while DIY-ers await the January publication of The Dumpling Galaxy Cookbook, Flushing jiaozi master Helen Yous guide to what many consider the best shuijiao (or boiled Chinese dumplings) in town. Theres also been an influx of particularly good Italian restaurants in recent months, and with good Italian restaurants come good filled pastas.
In light of all this activity, we decided the time was right to survey New Yorks dumpling landscape. But first, we needed to define our terms: What, exactly, is a dumpling? The origin story is a morass of migratory patterns and etymology in which all roads (especially the Silk Road) lead back to China, with Marco Polo and Genghis Khan playing supporting roles. The word dumpling itself is deficient, a clunky catchall used to describe diverse foodstuffs invented long before its coinage. General truths emerge: Dumplings are usually roundish (but not always), usually stuffed (but not always), and usually cooked with wet heat (but not always). So many foods can be categorized as dumplings samosas, tamales, empanadas, Cornish pasties, sticky toffee pudding! that its almost easier to say what isnt a dumpling than what is. In pursuit of the absolute best dumplings in New York, we excluded anything that struck us spiritually as a pastry or pie, or required unwrapping, or was tossed into the deep fryer (except for Sarges kreplach, for which we made a sentimental exception). The hardest part was stopping at 50 an infinitesimal drop in the dumpling bucket. At the end of our odyssey, we werent much closer to unraveling the mystery of the dumpling, other than to say we know it when we eat it. (And for more on New Yorks excellent dumpling landscape, click here.)
The Absolute Best 1. Dumpling Galaxys Lamb Soup Dumplings
42-35 Main St., Flushing; $8.95 Before Ferran Adrias olive sphere, before Wylie Dufresnes deep-fried mayo cube, before Willy Wonkas three-course meal in a stick of gum, there was the xiao long bao, a.k.a. the Shanghai soup dumpling gelatinized broth that goes in solid and emerges as savory, steamy liquid contained, along with a meatball, inside a delicate dough wrapper. Its as tasty as it is technically advanced, and it makes other dumplings seem dull and lazy by comparisonthough you could certainly argue that its a pain in the ass and potentially dangerous to eat. Some say the thinnest skins containing the greatest amount of soup make the best xiao long bao. We dispute this. We want thin, but not too thin. Wheaty flavor and a little oomph is what we expect in our dough wrappers, not invisibility. After all, a soup dumpling is still a dumpling and not just soup. Balance is paramount, and the semi-secret off-the-menu lamb XLBs that Helen You serves at Dumpling Galaxy are as intricately balanced as a yogi in the wounded peacock pose. Plus, while most XLBs have fillings made from pork, these, as mentioned, are atypically filled with lamb, and delicious lamb at that. Their skins may be slightly thicker than others around town, and they may contain less soup. But theyre also perfectly proportioned with a brash, in-your-face depth of flavor and juicy richness transforming what some might consider flaws into canny architectural choices. And doesnt the thrill that comes from finding something surprising or unexpected, like well-seasoned lamb in an XLB, fairly describe the universal appeal of the dumpling itself?
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
2. Hao Noodle and Teas Sticky-Rice Bacon Siu Mai
401 Sixth Ave.; $6
Starch on starch: glutinous rice, shiitake, and bacon, cinched in a round of dough and steamed until filling and wrapper become one, effecting an almost mochilike texture. If your experience with siu mai is limited to Cantonese dim sum, the Zen perfection of this Jiangnan version will be a revelation.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
3. Gradiscas Tortellini
126 W. 13th St.; $27
Owner Massimo Galeano flies in his septuagenarian mother, Caterina Schenardi, from Bologna make tortellini. She commandeers a table near the entrance, dons a white bonnet, rolls up her sleeves, and puts on a show. Its no gimmick: Her tortellini stuffed with veal and pork thats larded with prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano are rich, firm, and authentically tiny. As with Turkish manti-makers, the sign of a great tortellini shaper is how small they can go, and those Japanese dumpling miniaturists you see online have nothing on Caterina Schenardi.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
4. The Baos Xiao Long Bao
13 St. Marks Pl.; $7.95
This East Village soup-dumpling kitchen is as much traditionalist as innovator: Its standard XLB consistently exhibit masterful technique, with thin but sturdy skins, clean-tasting soup, and tender meat, while more-daring menu options conceal flavor bombs like hot chile, or a bracing blast of wasabi that penetrates the porkiness.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
5. Lilias Agnolotti
567 Union Ave., Williamsburg; $23
Missy Robbinss elegant dough packets are loosely inspired by Sardinia, land of sheep and saffron pasta. She fills them with ricotta and feta and coats them in a saffron-infused sauce finished with honey and chiles, yielding a perfumed sweetness thats both cut and amplified by snippets of sun-dried tomato.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
6. Del Postos Cappellacci
85 Tenth Ave.; $39
Mark Ladner stuffs his cappellacci in the traditional Emilia-Romagnan manner, with nutmeg-laced winter squash, but goes off script, adding sweet potato, mascarpone, ginger, and his beloved Parmigiano-Reggiano to the mix. Then these jaunty little hats are bathed in brown butter and showered with amaretti crumbs. Have them as part of a $149 five-course prix fixe menu, or order the dish a la carte. Pastavores could even make an argument for eating these cappellacci as dessert.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
7. Super Tastes Beef Dumplings
26 Eldridge St.; $3.95
Super Tastes raison detre is Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodles, but it also offers the best dumpling deal in town ten hot and hefty zheng jiao (steamed dumplings) as wrinkled as prunes and served on a Styrofoam plate that emits a cartoon trail of steam as theyre portaged from kitchen to table.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
8. The Spotted Pigs Gnudi
314 W. 11th St.; $20
Gnudi are called naked ravioli because theyre just fillings shaped into balls, rolled in flour, but uncloaked by any dough. April Bloomfields gnudi little lumps of sheeps-milk ricotta barely but adequately contained by a dusting of semolina are boiled, sauteed in butter, finished with a fiendish drizzle of brown-butter cream, and almost as impressive from a how-can-that-possibly-work? perspective as a Shanghai soup dumpling.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
9. Ukrainian East Village Restaurants German Dumplings
140 Second Ave.; $9
Heres how Central and Eastern European dumpling obsessives do dessert: with thick orbs of boiled potato dough the size of billiard balls filled with plums or soft farmers cheese, rolled in melted butter, and sprinkled with fried bread crumbs. This great old Ukrainian restaurant calls them German dumplings, but Czechs know them as svestkove knedliky. They come six to an order and are unequivocally worth saving room for.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
10. Tianjin Dumpling Houses Bespoke Dumplings
41-28 Main St., Flushing; $6
Calling yourself a house when youre merely a stall not to mention a stall located in the tumbledown basement of the Golden Shopping Mall may be overstating the facts. But Tianjins juicy, substantial dumplings would make an impression no matter where they were served. Everyone loves the lamb-and-squash variety, and so do we, but its more fun to customize your order (up to three fillings from a choice of 24). Choose garlicky pork sausage, soft scrambled egg, and cilantro, and call it breakfast.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
548 Third Ave.; $8.95
In an alternate universe, cold and flu sufferers would favor kreplach soup over matzo ball, and pasta lovers would define ravioli as Italian kreplach instead of the other way around. But modern times havent been kind to these so-called Jewish ravioli, vestigial pockets of finely minced beef riddled with sweet caramelized onions, a defining flavor of the Ashkenazi kitchen. Get em while you can either boiled in chicken broth or, better yet, fried to a somewhat puffy-skinned crisp and showered with more fried onions.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
12. Escas Gnocchi
402 W. 43rd St.; $27
Gnocchi are usually made from potato and flour and properly called gnocchi di patate. But New Yorks best are made from sheeps-milk ricotta lumps of dough neatly shaped like corks, simply sauced with tomato, mingled with cubes of buffalo mozzarella, and possessing a texture that walks the tricky line between fluffy and firm. That its typically the only frutti-di-mare-free pasta dish on the menu at seafood shrine Esca (and presumably a sop for people who dont like seafood) must be why its not as celebrated as it should be.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
13. Nargis Cafes Chuchvara
2818 Coney Island Ave., Sheepshead Bay; $9.50
A nice bowl of clear soup is the natural habitat of chuchvara, the small ring-shaped Central Asian lamb dumplings often compared to Russian pelmeni or Italian tortellini. But youd be wise to follow the advice of this Uzbeki hot spots Russian bartender and order them pan-fried until chewy-crisp, then showered with dill and caramelized onions.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
14. Xian Famous Foodss Lamb Dumplings
Locations citywide; $7.50
These chunky shuijiao (boiled dumplings) are made with the same tender-chewy dough (and expert technique) that this Shanxi-street-food specialist uses in its signature hand-ripped noodles. Theyre bigger than most, about the size of small lemons, stuffed with spicy lamb meatballs, and served in a chile-oil-forward secret sauce thats as invigorating as a post-sauna roll in the snow.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
15. Aquavits Kroppkakor
65 E. 55th St.; $26
In their most rudimentary form, kroppkakor are Swedish boiled potato dumplings stuffed with pork and onions. Chef Emma Bengtsson channeled school-lunch memories into a refined lunch-only vegetarian version filled with mushroom duxelles, pan-fried, and anointed with chanterelles, lingonberries, and brownbutter foam.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
16. Hao Noodle and Teas Clay-Pot Dumplings
401 Sixth Ave.; $12
The skins of these dumplings called dan jiao are made not with but from egg, cooked like miniature omelets in a pan, filled with a mixture of minced pork and water chestnut, then steamed. In China, theyre special-occasion dumplings, but you can get them at Hao Noodle anytime, fanned out in a clay pot above a cache of noodles submerged in a rich chicken broth.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
17. Blaue Ganss Spaetzle
139 Duane St.; $7
Chubby squiggles of egg dough shoved through a colander straight into the boiling pot, spaetzle is Austria and Germanys loose interpretation of Italys gnocchi. New Yorks No. 1 spaetzle-maker, Kurt Gutenbrunner, enhances his with quark (think tangy, curdless cottage cheese) and serves it throughout his Austrian-restaurant empire in various meat-and-vegetable mingled permutations. We like it best, though, as a simple side dish, sauteed in butter, sprinkled with chives, and tasting like some ethereal form of mac n cheese.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
18. Osteria Morinis Spallina
218 Lafayette St.; $24
This is ravioli for indecisive people: two distinct packets of egg pasta fused together so that one side houses a gamy mince of rabbit meat, the other the soft white cheese from Emilia-Romagna called squacquerone. In keeping with the waggish Italian practice of naming pasta shapes by seemingly blurting out the first thing that springs to mind, theyre called spallina (epaulette), but remind us more of miniature Cadbury Caramello bars than military shoulder straps.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
19. Yaso Tangbaos Pan-Fried Pork Baos
148 Lawrence St., Downtown Brooklyn; $5.65
Known in Shanghai as sheng jian, these baos, made from yeasted dough, are filled with pork and a little jellied stock. Theyre fried until their bottoms turn golden brown, then steamed until the jelly liquefies like a soup dumpling, pot sticker, and steamed bun all rolled into one.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
20. Babbos Mint Love Letters
110 Waverly Pl.; $21
Mario Batalis masterwork: delicate parcels of dough wrapped around a paste of mint and peas thickened with cream and Parmesan, judiciously sauced with crumbled merguez and tomato. The beef-cheek ravioli receives more accolades, but its the mint love letters we crave whenever our thoughts turn to Babbo pasta packets.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
21. PSC Cafeterias Pyzy z Miesem
177 Kent St., Greenpoint; $9
Pyzy is Polish for dumpling, miesem is meat, but that doesnt prepare you for whats to come when you place your order at Greenpoints Polish & Slavic Center cafeteria: two dense and spongy potato torpedoes about the size of small salamis. They come filled with minced pork drizzled with oil, and topped with bacon and fried onion. One PSC pyzy e miesem could incapacitate a Polish lumberjack; two is the dumpling version of a large-format feast.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
22. Joy Luck Palaces Har Gow
98 Mott St.; $3.25
If the litmus test of a dim sum house is its har gow, then Joy Luck Palace establishes its bona fides with pearly, translucent wheat-and-tapioca-starch skin as elegantly pleated as an Issey Miyake scarf, through which one can glimpse the rosy glow of the bouncy shrimp filling. This is a dumpling that defines al dente.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
23. Al Di Las Casunziei
248 Fifth Ave., Park Slope; $12
A specialty of the Veneto dating back to the 14th century, these fat half-moons are stuffed with roasted beets and ricotta, sauteed in brown butter, and sprinkled like pastry with poppy seeds. Al di La introduced the dish to New Yorkers in 1989 what took so long? and for fear of customer revolt hasnt taken it off the menu since.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
24. Grunauer Bistros Viennese Dumplings
1578 First Ave.; $8
Cubes of housemade pretzels get soaked in milk with egg yolk, sour cream, and a little flour. Later the mixture is shaped into a log, wrapped in cloth (why theyre also called napkin dumplings), and simmered before its cut into thick slices that get sauteed in butter. Essentially, its stuffing by way of French toast disguised as dumplings.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
25. The Good Forks Pork-and-Chive Dumplings
391 Van Brunt St., Red Hook; $10
Sohui Kims pan-fried dumplings borrow wrappers from Japanese gyoza, tofu in the filling from Korean mandu, and hoisin and dark soy sauce from China. Theyre like her Brooklyn restaurant: homespun, inspired by multiple cuisines, irresistible.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
26. Le Coucous Pike Quenelle
138 Lafayette St.; $33
If there were ever a dish ripe for revival, its quenelles de brochet, relic of yesteryears bastions of French fine dining. The poached dumpling of pureed fish hails from Lyon but eats like gefilte souffle (in a good way) and might be even more buoyant than its frothy lobster sauce lamericaine.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
27. Tekoas Gnocchi al Tuco
264 Clinton St., Cobble Hill; $18
From their tomato-sauced, Parm-dusted surface, chef Alex Raijs gnocchi dont look like the sort of thing that might piss off a cuisine-proud Italian. But rather than use the sanctioned bases of potato, ricotta, or even semolina, Raij fashions her yielding nubbins from corn masa, a Mexican incursion that makes for a delectable tamalelike effect.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
28. Mimi Chengs Monthly Special
179 Second Ave.; $9.25
How do you stay relevant and Instagrammable in this street-food-saturated age? Debut a new special dumpling each month, using dough wrapper as blank canvas for celebritychef collaborations, seasonal themes, and comfort-food crowd-pleasers like Decembers beef-chili dumpling with beans and shredded cheese.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
29. Woodside Cafes Momo
64-23 Broadway, Woodside; $8.95
Three words: Momo alla vodka. This Queens Nepalese restaurant doesnt call it that, but maybe it should. The Kathmandu-born chef did time at the Italian restaurant Sotto Cinque on the Upper East Side, which is why you can get your beef or chicken momos drenched in a creamy orange tomato sauce. Inter-borough fusion cuisine at its finest.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
30. Nom Wah Tea Parlors Shrimp-and-Snow-Pea-Leaf Dumplings
13 Doyers St.; $4.75
In four years, Nom Wah will turn 100, and its mere longevity merits gratitude. So does its signature steamed dumpling, a chubby canoe filled with greens-speckled shrimp so fresh it crunches. It can be found at the parlors proliferating outposts, but nostalgists prefer to go to the source.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
31. East Wind Snack Shops Pot Stickers
471 16th St., Windsor Terrace; $7
If anything can improve a freshly made, piping-hot pot sticker, its the 28-day-dry-aged beef this cheerful Chinese canteen stuffs into its plump little pouches. The meat is tender with a perceptible funk, and the housemade wrappers burnished to a golden crisp on both sides.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
32. Annisas Foie Gras Soup Dumplings
13 Barrow St.; $9
Anita Los fine-dining riff on the xiao long bao: half-moon dumplings with jicama, foie gras mousse, and a broth aficionados might associate with the simmering of gelatin-rich delicacies like calfs knuckles and pigs feet. Theyre steamed, topped with more foie (this time seared), then served over a squirt-bottle swirl of black-vinegarbalsamic reduction. Order them at the bar and by the piece like sushi.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
33. Dumpling Galaxys Pumpkin With Black Sesame Tang Yuan
42-35 Main St., Flushing; $6.95
Chinese tang yuan might make the worlds best case for soup as dessert: soft and chewy orbs formed from glutinous rice flour, the dough enriched here with milk and flavored with pumpkin, then stuffed with nutty black-sesame paste and set adrift in a sort of sweet egg-drop soup.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
34. Delaware and Hudson Taverns Schnitz und Gnepp
135 N. 5th St., Williamsburg; $14
It might sound more exotic than chicken and dumplings, but this old Pennsylvania Dutch specialty is just as comforting as its southern sibling. Schnitz means slices (dried apples, in this case); Gnepp is a pinch, which refers to pinching small pieces off a ball of dough to make plain flour dumplings. Theres country ham, too, for a dose of salt and smoke.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
35. Sip Saks Manti
928 Second Ave.; $18
To prove their readiness for marriage, young Turkish women would fold manti so small that 40 would fit in a single soup spoon. Sip Saks Orhan Yegen doesnt take it that far, but his everyday micro-meatball-stuffed manti are impressive enough, delicate and tender, dressed with garlicky yogurt sauce, embellished with dried mint sauteed in butter, and speckled with sumac and paprika.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
36. Antons Russian Dumplings Potato Dumplings With Smoked Gouda
Sixth Ave. nr. 3rd St.; $6
Heres why Antons cart does brisk business with the after-hours bar crowd: a dozen potato pelmeni, boiled, then seared, covered by a Velveeta-thick blanket of melted smoked Gouda, and served in a paper boat. Get them with the works (sour cream, chives, dill, Sriracha, soy sauce, pickle on top), and a plate of loaded nachos, by comparison, will seem like spa food.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
37. 2nd Avenue Delis Matzo Balls
162 E. 33rd St.; $8.95 a pint of soup
Some swear by seltzer; others, whipped egg whites. 2nd Ave, whose chicken soup is as vital to public health as the flu shot, relies on the controversial but time-tested inclusion of baking powder to leaven its matzo balls. A liberal dose of schmaltz ensures they dont float away.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
38. Joy Luck Palaces Salted-Duck-Yolk-Custard Steamed Bun
98 Mott St.; $3.25
Can a cupcake be a dumpling? If its actually a steamed bun served at one of Chinatowns most thronged dim sum parlors and stuffed with an uni-colored custard of salted duck-egg yolk, butter, and sugar that spurts out upon contact, why not? Consider it the soup dumpling of the pudding world.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
39. Taldes Pretzel, Pork, and Chive Dumplings
369 Seventh Ave., Park Slope; $10
Dale Taldes love letter to New York: pot stickers pretzel-ized. Theyre boiled in alkalized water, given an egg-yolk massage, pan-fried to a blistery brown, and sprinkled with salt. The clincher: hot Chinese mustard cut with tahini for dipping because dumplings are Asian and New Yorks pretzel vendors are almost always Middle Eastern, according to Talde.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
40. Apanis Khinkali
1520 Sheepshead Bay Rd., Sheepshead Bay; $1 each
The Republic of Georgias answer to Shanghai soup dumplings is a pleated, outsize, somewhat droopy sack filled with a sturdy meatball and just enough juice that you really ought to mind your shoes if you gobble one down in this standing-room-only Georgian bakery and takeout shop. Ask for a blast of cracked pepper and grab em by the topknots.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
41. La Savanes Foutou
239 W. 116th St.; $13 with stew
Part food, part utensil, the national dish of the Cote dIvoire is made from plantain or other starch thats boiled, pounded, then shaped into a smooth, supple orb. The texture resembles raw-dough and the flavor is soothingly bland traits that seem negative in isolation but make perfect sense in the context of a traditional meal, in which you rip off small chunks to swab up morsels of the daily stew, which might be tangy eggplant with bone-in lamb or gelatinous okra and cows foot.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
42. White Bears Wontons With Hot Sauce
135-02 Roosevelt Ave., Flushing; $5.50
Its not that everyones favorite Flushing wonton, White Bears No. 6, isnt everything you could ask for in a dumpling silky and tender with a springy nugget of pork inside. Its just that the signature condiment treatment, a barrage of chile oil, ground chile, chives, and pickled mustard greens, is so good you begin to wonder whether sluicing this exceptional stuff over anything, even an old shoe, would make it taste great.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
92-07 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Seaside; $10
Lamb is not the only Central Asian dumpling filling. Theres also pumpkin or, as at the Rockaways premier post-surf Uzbeki destination, butternut squash. The effect is much more savory than sweet, thanks to onion sauce, herbs, and potent dill-garlic yogurt.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
44. Cafe Katjas Quark Dumplings
79 Orchard St.; $14
Only three dumplings appear on this Austrian cafes plate of Emmentaler sausage and Savoy cabbage, but threes plenty: Quark, the Central European fresh cheese thats comparable to farmers, makes the mini-torpedoes quite substantial soft, rich, and slightly tangy, dotted with snipped chives and anchored in cream sauce.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
45. Cafe Glechiks Siberian Pelmeni
1655 Sheepshead Bay Rd., Sheepshead Bay; $6
Some say pelmeni originated in China, then spread through Siberia by Mongol invaders. Others say theyre probably Persian. Our Ukrainian server at this Russian-Ukrainian restaurant could shed no light on the debate. Just eat, she said. Wherever theyre from, these tortelloni-shaped dumplings are smooth and supple, more tender than chewy. The filling is beef and pork, unstintingly seasoned with garlic and onion.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
342 Lexington Ave.; $10
Where there is ramen, there are usually the pan-fried and steamed Japanese pot stickers called gyoza. Masaharu Morimoto crams his with juicy pork and fragrant chives and serves them in the iron pan theyre cooked in, tetsunabe style, under a cloak of untraditional but tonic gingerscallion sauce.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
47. Domos Mitarashi Dango
359 Manhattan Ave., Williamsburg; $3
Ice-cream-stuffed mochi might be the gateway Japanese rice-based dessert, but dango is making inroads in Brooklyn, where the traditional skewer of rice-flour balls painted with a sweet-and-salty soy-sauce glaze is the featured attraction of this new Japanese deli and tea shop. A sheet of nori adds extra salinity, but the snack is defined as much by its chewy texture as by its unusual flavor.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
48. Ukrainian East Village Restaurants Varenyky
140 Second Ave.; $8
With the East Village and Greenpoint, those twin centers of unadulterated Eastern European soul food, New York does not lack for good pierogi. The best, though, are the lumpy handmade Ukrainian version called varenyky at this restaurant inside the Ukrainian National Home (located approximately 20 feet away from pierogi mecca Veselka should you care to conduct a taste test of your own). Get them boiled and stuffed like Christmas geese with seasoned potato, or with a mix of sauerkraut and mushroom.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
49. Lhasa Fast Foods Momo
37-50 74th St., Jackson Heights; $5
Finding this vaguely illicit momo shack is half the fun. Look for a makeshift arcade of sorts, home to the You and Me mobile-phone shop, and follow a twisty route that would make for a good Martin Scorsese tracking shot. The satchel-shaped momos (get the beef-and-chive) fall somewhere in size between xiao long bao and Georgian khinkali and are delicious doused in the high-octane Tibetan chile sauce called sepen.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine
50. Moldovas Mamaliga Trapeza
1827 Coney Island Ave., Midwood; $13
The South has its grits, Italy its polenta, and Moldova the dense cornmeal porridge called mamaliga. At this quaintly decorated ode to the old country, its formed into fluffy, flatbottomed, dill-dusted balls with a slightly grainy texture and a fleeting blandness that vanishes once theyre mixed with the accompanying sour cream, scrambled egg, Romanian feta, and chewy nuggets of roast pork.
*A version of this article appears in the December 12, 2016, issue of New York Magazine.
Xiaomi's Mi Pad 2 is over one year old at this point, so you'd expect a successor to show up pretty soon, right? Right. Meet the Mi Pad 3, which has been leaked today in all its glory in China thanks to some newly uncovered promotional materials.
The Mi Pad 3 will be bigger than both of its predecessors, opting to sport a 9.7-inch 2,048x1,536 touchscreen, matching Apple's iPad Pro 9.7 in both size and resolution. Speaking of which, the Mi Pad 3 is barely thinner than Apple's tablet, coming in at 6.08mm compared to 6.1mm. Xiaomi's device weighs only 380g, 57g less than the iPad, and it manages to be shorter and narrower too, at 239.5x164.5mm.
The Mi Pad 3 is powered by Intel's 7th Gen Core m3-7Y30 processor, aided by 8GB of RAM and a choice between 128 or 256GB of storage. It runs Windows 10, and boasts an 8,290 mAh battery as well as a USB Type-C port for charging. On the rear will be a 16 MP camera with dual-tone LED flash, while selfies will be taken care of by an 8 MP sensor.
The device is reportedly going to launch on December 30, priced at CNY 1,999 ($289 or 273) with 128GB of storage, and CNY 2,299 ($332 or 314) with 256GB. The keyboard dock you can see below will be sold separately for CNY 99 ($14 or 13). The Mi Pad 3 has a full metal build with dual speaker grilles on the bottom, flanking the USB Type-C port.
It's unclear if there will ever be an Android version of this tablet, since the leak doesn't mention such a possibility. That said, last year's Mi Pad 2 did have two OS versions, so it's not entirely unreasonable to expect an Android-powered Mi Pad 3 to show up at some point next year.
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Back in September BlackBerry first announced that it would stop designing and building phones itself. The Canadian company said it would rely on "hardware partners" going forward, and these companies would be the ones making and selling BlackBerry branded phones in the future.
Today BlackBerry is basically making that partner official. The company in question is TCL, the Chinese multinational electronics corporation that also sells mobile devices under the Alcatel brand. This move is anything but surprising, since TCL and BlackBerry have already cooperated on two smartphones, namely the DTEK50 and DTEK60.
BlackBerry DTEK50 by TCL
Both of those have been rebranded Alcatel designs, so perhaps we should expect more of this strategy in the future. Regardless, TCL will "design, manufacture, sell and provide customer support for BlackBerry-branded mobile devices", according to the official press release. BlackBerry on the other hand "will license its security software and service suite, as well as related brand assets to TCL Communication".
The document goes on to state that "BlackBerry will continue to control and develop its security and software solutions, serve its customers and maintain trusted BlackBerry security software, while TCL Communication will manage all sales and distribution and serve as a global distributor of new BlackBerry-branded mobile devices along with dedicated sales teams".
TCL will be the exclusive global manufacturer and distributor for all upcoming BlackBerry-branded smartphones, with the exception of a few markets, namely India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. It's unclear what BlackBerry has planned for those countries, but perhaps a different hardware partner will take care of building and selling phones over there.
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Already quite the looker, the Xperia XA may be in for a successor to bring its design up to date with the latest Xperia XZ flagship. This alleged new model, with a name yet to be determined, has gotten some unofficial renders, complete with precise dimensions.
If the source turns out to be on the money, the future 5-incher will keep this year's model's tight side bezels - measuring 145 x 66.8 x 7.99mm, it's precisely as wide as the current XA. It may have gotten a millimeter and a half taller, and 0.1mm thicker but who's going to notice.
Renders of the alleged Sony Xperia XA successor
Another sign Sony is keeping up with the times even in the midrange is the UST Type-C port - that would make it the third phone by the company to employ the symmetrical port after the Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact. It's good to see a 3.5mm jack in the renders as well, but there's no fingerprint sensor to be found.
As for looks, this potential next XA gets the flat top and bottom plates of the XZ, and the gentle curves on the sides of the back. Whether this will be its final form remains to be seen.
Source 1 Source 2
Milk Alliance Group has reported that a first batch of butter with 82.5% fat content in the amount of 140 tonnes has been shipped to the Netherlands.
"Public joint-stock company Zolotonosha Butter Factory made the butter. Examinations confirmed high quality of our butter," the company said on its Facebook page.
In January 2017 the company will supply 200,000 tonnes more of butter to the Netherlands.
In April 2016 Milk Alliance first among Ukrainian companies shipped hard cheese, milk and butter to Bulgaria after receiving a permit to ship dairy products to the EU.
Haiti - Diplomacy : The French Chancellor Jean-Marc Ayrault, soon in Haiti
Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, will visit Colombia and Haiti from December 16 to 19.
Sunday, Jean-Marc Ayrault will be in Haiti to express Frances solidarity in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Following a working meeting with Jocelerme Privert and his government, he will visit the town of Jeremie, where the French securite civile [emergency services] teams provided emergency relief. He will meet with the local authorities there, as well as the voluntary community actors working on the ground to restore health infrastructure, rebuild schools and restore agricultural production capacity.
Sunday 18 December Agenda :
9:15 a.m. : Arrival at Jeremie airport: greetings to MINUSTAH forces; Opening of the Caribbean Forum of Francophone Mayors; Visits to the French alliance and the hospital; Meeting with the field actors of ACTED (MDM, ACTED, WHO, UNICEF, Director of the hospital responsible for civil security)
2:30 p.m. : Meeting / exchanges with Haitian actors of change, involved in the partnership with France: social entrepreneurs, laureates of the contest "la France sengage au Sud" (France is committed to the South) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19461-haiti-economy-france-rewards-the-haitian-company-sisalco-sa.html , haitiano-French porters of innovative projects - Port-au-Prince
4:46 p.m. : Joint press conference with Chancellor Pierrot Delienne at Port-au-Prince International Airport.
HL/ HaitiLibre
A few months ago, worship leader Israel Houghton allegedly was faulted for failing to pay child support for two of his children that he fathered outside of his own marriage. However, according to Bossip, the case has been dropped.
The Texas Attorney General's Office has closed the case. The Harris County Superior Court reportedly told Bossip that a judge signed off to end the child support hearing in the Harris County Family Court in Texas on Dec. 6. The website also reached out to the mother of Houghton's sons, DeVawn Moreno, who explained why the case is now listed as "nonsuited" and is no longer being pursued in court. Although she didn't get deep into detail, Moreno revealed that her children she shares with Houghton are well taken care of.
"The suit was dropped because of misleading information," Moreno told Bossip via email. "Our children are well taken care of as it always has been."
While Houghton was still married to his now ex-wife Meleasa Houghton, he fathered his two youngest children, Kingston, 4, and Khristian, 2. Some have alleged that it was because of Houghton's extra-marital affairs that have led to the demise of his first marriage. Houghton hinted at his own failings when he said: "It is with a collective heavy heart that we announce that after over 20 years of marriage and a long separation, Meleasa and I are officially divorced. Several years ago I failed and sinned in my marriage."
"Though this is new to many, it is not new to us as we have been working through this for over five years. Although we tried, the challenges in our relationship have proven too much to overcome."
Israel Houghton is an internationally recognized worship leader, recording artist, songwriter, and producer. He has been in full time worship ministry since 1989. Known specifically for their diverse sound effectively captured on the 2001 Hosanna! Integrity release of New Season as well as 2002's Lakewood Live 'We Speak to Nations', their heart is to deliberately diminish the lines that separate the Church, and bring all people together through worship.
Once a member of Fred Hammond and RFC, he has also worked with the Young Messiah Tour, TBN, Crystal Lewis, Anointed, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, and is currently finishing an Israel and New Breed- Integrity Gospel / Sony release produced by Tommy Sims due in October. With a heart for the Nations, true worship, and a passion for the Presence of God, Israel and New Breed add purpose to any event.
Tags : Israel Houghton israel houghton divorce israel houghton news israel houghton child support israel houghton adultery israel houghton lst
The transfer of PJSC Odesa port-side chemical plant to the management of National Joint-Stock Company Naftogaz Ukrainy or PJSC Ukrgazvydobuvannia is economically inexpedient, Naftogaz Chairman Andriy Kobolev considers.
"With regard to the transfer of the plant we see no economic sense in this. If the goal is a further free use of the group's gas resources, the answer is "no"," he said at a press conference in Kyiv.
Earlier Head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine Ihor Bilous said that Odesa port-side chemical plant after the failure of a privatization tender could be stopped or handed over to the company with gas resources.
Published on 2016/12/14
Sageuks, or Korean historical dramas, are a staple of Korean television. They reimagine the history of the Korean people, bringing kings and generals to life and allowing viewers immerse themselves in the rich backdrop of Korea's past. From December 14 to December 21 you can vote for your favorite Joseon-era drama.
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Here are the spectacular nominees:
"Six Flying Dragons" boasts of one of the longer airing periods of this year's sageuks and that time is wisely filled with an epic tale that is well-directed, well-paced, and riveting from start to finish.
"The Royal Gambler" spans genres as Jang Keun-suk grows from bumbling buffoon to suave soldier, gambling his way to success and changing the fate of Joseon as he does.
"Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" is one of the most emotionally charged dramas of the year with a beautiful cast of men, a heart-wrenching story, and beautiful filmography.
"Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" is a love story that spans social class and gender, has a taste of intrigue, violence, and friendship, and leaves one feeling warm inside.
"Mirror of the Witch" is a rich, mystical re-imagining of how Heo Jun, one of Korea's most famous physicians, came to be through love, adventure, and many battles with a power-hungry shamaness.
UPDATE: All voting categories have an extension. You get one more week for voting because you guys are so awesome and active!
Cast your vote now!
Dont forget to vote for your favorites in each category:
Best Actor in a Film
Best Actress in a Film
Best Actor in a Drama
Best Actress in a Drama
Best Up-and-Coming Actor in a Drama
Best Foreign Actor
Scene Stealers
Best Webtoon Adaptation
Best Villain in a Drama
Best Sageuk Drama
Best Couple in a Drama
Best Ahjumma/Ahjussi Actor in a Drama
Best Film
Best Drama
Best Kiss in a Drama
Written by: Lisa Espinosa AKA Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'
By Vasia Orion | Published on 2016/12/14
The battle between the two hospitals rages on and Dong-joo finds himself in another dilemma over his latest patient. Things only become worse when a past mistake makes a haunting return and bares Dong-joo's shame for everyone to see. Different people give the young doctor their opinion and try to push him toward the right decision while Teacher Kim chooses to once again observe and respect his pupils' personal decisions.
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It is time for Dong-joo (Yoo Yeon-seok) to face his demons, but this is sadly handled as hastily and in as forced a manner as Seo-jeong's (Seo Hyun-jin) trauma. Dong-joo gets his own magic solution with an added "romantic cover-up" to distract viewers from how easily his morality and past mistakes are sorted. The writing even employs Teacher Kim (Han Suk-kyu) to blame it all on Yoon-wan (Choi Jin-ho), like a spouse blaming the lover of their cheating mate instead of the cheater themselves.
This doting extends to everyone around Dong-joo. They treat him like a teenager who needs guidance. Except Dong-joo is an adult and one sworn as a professional who holds lives in his hands. "Reflecting" for one night over causing a death and almost falsifying another is a bit too little to ask sympathy from viewers with. The series wants us to show understanding for Dong-joo while having time and time again condemned his type of behavior in doctors and having spent little time developing his awareness and morality.
Once again, the series chooses convenience over dedication to its messages. As I have said before, when a work sets out to say something, it needs to be consistent with its concepts. They main characters are the agents we are exploring ethics in medicine through in this series. Rather than showing shame in and uncertainty for their work, trying to mask their characters' complex, interesting and human issues, the creators could have asked the toughest questions through them.
At this point someone might say that Korean dramas rarely handle things with complexity, but treating an entire industry as something which cannot be better is unfair. "Dr. Romantic" dives into human pain and morality with pride. When one takes such a dive, they need to be prepared to swim. It is a shame to see yet another show tossed into the pile of works which do not dare.
I may be harsh on this episode, as I feel it deserves it, but I am not condemning the show for it. I have a lot of compliments for "Dr. Romantic" and I hope to have more of those than grievances by the end. I do not think the writer will give up on the viewer-seducing power games, but perhaps they can make those good or rise above them.
"Dr. Romantic" is directed by Yoo In-sik, written by Kang Eun-kyeong and features Han Suk-kyu, Yoo Yeon-seok, Seo Hyun-jin and Kim Hong-pa.
Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'
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Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had a telephone conversation with European Council President Donald Tusk on Wednesday evening to coordinate positions in the run-up to a European Council meeting slated for December 15 in Brussels, the Ukrainian presidential press service reported.
Tusk assured Poroshenko that he would do his best for ratifying the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement and completing the procedure of granting visa-free travel to Ukrainians as soon as possible.
Poroshenko said he expected the EU to extend the sanctions against Russia for its failure to implement the Minsk Agreements. He also expressed concerns about the humanitarian situation in Syria's Aleppo and insisted that Russia deserved special sanctions for this, the press service said.
The state has received back over UAH 22 million transferred to a foreign insurance company in December 2012 under the contract to insure the creation of the Cyclone 4 launch vehicle complex at the Alcantara Launch Center in Brazil.
The public and media relations department of Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) reported that the Main Military Prosecutor's Office is investigating a criminal case over embezzlement of budget funds and abuse of office by officials of Pivdenne Design Bureau during the implementation of the international program on the creation of the Cyclone 4 launch vehicle complex under Part 5 of Article 191 (embezzlement of property by abuse of official post on an especially large scale) and Part 2 of Article 367 (neglect of official duty).
"In December 2012 over UAH 22 million of government secured funds were sent to a foreign insurance company under the launch vehicle insurance contract [before it has been created]," PGO said.
The insurance contract became invalid with regard to the unilateral refusal of Brazil to implement the international agreement, the Main Military Prosecutor's Office proposed to Pivdenne Design Bureau to take urgent measures not to cause damage to the interests of Ukraine.
"The insurance company returned the funds in full amount," PGO said.
The pretrial investigation is underway.
In 2003, Ukraine and Brazil signed a long-term cooperation agreement to build the Cyclone-4 launch vehicle to deliver spacecraft to geostationary transfer and low and medium Earth orbit from the Alcantara Launch Center.
In summer 2015, the agreement was denounced by Brazil. The decision took effect in summer 2016.
HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCE STATEWIDE PESTICIDE INITIATIVES TO ADDRESS KAUAI COMMUNITY CONCERNS
News Release from Office of the Governor, Dec 14, 2016
HONOLULU Several projects initiated by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and the Hawaii Department of Health to address ongoing concerns raised by residents about restricted-use pesticide exposure in Hawaii are now underway and many are expected to be completed in the coming year.
Some of the projects were based on recommendations in the Kauai Joint Fact-Finding Report, which was commissioned by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Kauai County. Peter Adler facilitated the discussions for the report, completed in May 2016, to assess existing environmental data and identify gaps in information required to make informed policy decisions.
The State has three key areas of focus which include environmental sampling, interagency emergency response exercises for pesticide incidents, and public health education and outreach, said Scott Enright, chairperson of the Board of Agriculture. We have been working closely with the Department of Health and other state, county and federal agencies to get these initiatives underway.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture has contracted the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a comprehensive pesticide surface water quality monitoring project over two years. The $500,000 study is now underway, and the Department of Health is providing technical and scientific assistance. Surface water on Oahu and Kauai will be sampled for pesticides before and during storm events to evaluate if pesticides are moving offsite at unacceptable levels. Different land uses including urban, rural, and agricultural will be evaluated. Interim results will be released after the first year of the project.
The Department of Health and Department of Agriculture have sought guidance from federal, state and research partners to evaluate actions that would offer the greatest value for Hawaii communities. These partners include: U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. EPA and the Migrant Clinicians Network, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, Hawaii Poison Control Center, Hawaii Birth Defects Registry, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii School of Nursing, Hawaii Emergency Physicians Association, and Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital.
We are very fortunate to have a robust team of national agencies and local expertise as we move forward on these initiatives, said Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler. A strong interagency approach will ensure greater success in resolving community concerns with effective and science-based measures.
One of the states top priorities is a coordinated interagency rapid-response team for pesticide incidents. The state is planning interagency pesticide tabletop exercises in each county through the Hawaii State Emergency Response Commission with other organizations including Fire Departments, HAZMAT, Emergency Medical Services, Department of Education, Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health (HIOSH) and other county representatives. A proposed scenario involves a pesticide exposure at a school which will include environmental, community, and medical response planning.
Public health education and outreach is the third key area that has been identified by the state agencies. A team from the Department of Health team met with Kauai physicians in August to resolve birth defects registry discrepancies, which the Joint Fact Finding Report noted.
Also on the agenda are outreach and education activities for physicians and other healthcare professionals to recognize and manage pesticide incidents. A childrens environmental health symposium on Oahu is planned for March 2017.
The Department of Health is also working with the Hawaii Poison Center to offer Hawaii-specific information on how to report and respond to pesticide exposure for consumers through a free hotline service, operated by medical professionals 24/7.
Since the majority of pesticide exposures reported to Poison Centers nationwide and the Hawaii Poison Center occur in the home and not from large-scale agricultural incidents, the Department of Agriculture will re-start their Pesticide Poisoning Prevention Services for Households outreach program to educate families and communities about how to better protect their children and how to reach out for help in the event of potential exposure.
DOH conducted an Emergency Medical Services/physician training on hazardous chemicals in partnership with Kapiolani Community College and the Louisiana Poison Center with participants attending from all islands. Additional pesticide-specific trainings for each of the counties are currently being developed.
For a complete list of activities, projects, and partnerships underway to address statewide pesticide concerns go to www.eha-web.doh.hawaii.gov/eha-cma/Org/HEER/
# # #
The Problem: Environmentalism is a religion
Big Q: Whats your reaction to the states increased monitoring/actions on restricted-use pesticides?
SA: Pesticide testing a welcome effort
CB: Hawaii Says Its New Plan Should Allay Concerns About Pesticides
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OSHA probes Kansas oilfield explosion
Federal workplace safety officials are investigating a western Kansas oil field explosion that
The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it was investigating the December 12 explosion at a rig southwest of Sharon Springs, Kansas. Five employees were taken to a local hospital in Tribune, but two of them were flown by air ambulance to Denver in a critical state.
Sharon Springs fire chief Jay Sharp said crews were working when gas made its way onto the deck floor of a warming hut, which included running heaters.
OSHAs preliminary investigation indicates the explosion occurred while workers were performing a drill stem test, according to a press release. Drill stem testing is a procedure done during the drilling of a well to help determine whether the site has a commercially viable reservoir of hydrocarbon.
The rig was operated by Murfin Drilling, based in Wichita. It has been cited by OSHA seven times since 2006, including a fatality on March 26, 2008, when a worker was killed on a job site near Great Bend.
rong>SAPs S.V.P. HR for the Asia Pacific Region talks to HC about how their Back-to-Work initiative works.Diversity and inclusion is critical for SAPs long-term success to drive a culture of innovation, sustained growth and profitability. The rapid change of demographic trends, the markets we serve and the changes in our business model means that we innovate in much faster cycles than in the past. As a result, we must have the right mix of diverse talent and capabilities to support our customers and deliver on our business strategy.Back-to-Work is an SAP Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) initiative. Our Regional President Adaire Fox-Martin launched Back-to-Work this year, initially in Japan and South Korea. Now we are very excited to bring it to Australia.The programme supports professional women who are looking to re-enter the workforce after a career break by offering project-based assignments. It intentionally offers a high degree of flexibility part-time or full-time, working onsite or virtually.The types of roles vary depending on the business needs in each country but we are looking to attract women from a range of professional backgrounds and successful candidates will be assigned to projects that complement their skills and experience.The current opportunities available in Australia are on a full-time or part-time basis within corporate affairs and operations.A project mentor will be on hand to guide participants and provide the support they need to integrate into the workplace.Although there is no guarantee of full time employment after the completion of a project, participants may receive an offer of employment with SAP, subject to their performance and decision of the hiring managers.Professional women who have left the workforce to focus on personal commitments represent an untapped pool of talent. SAP sees its Back-to-Work initiative as an opportunity to help them back into the workforce and draw on their experience.There is a massive brain drain in many industries and Back-to-Work is looking to stop the flow of talent leaving the workforce for good.Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) data shows there is progress towards gender equality in Australian workplaces, but it is too slow.Last week SAP Australia was very proud to announce that we have again been awarded the WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation.We see the citation as crucial in ensuring SAP Australia as a diverse and inclusive employer. Programmes such as Back-to-Work help us achieve this.We encourage all employers to strive for a diverse and inclusive workforce and experience the many benefits we have seen at SAP as a result.
By Jesse Wood
The Boone Town Council will meet on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on Blowing Rock Road. See entire agenda and meeting packet here.
Public Hearing on Howard Street Concept Plan
The Boone Town Council is holding a public hearing on a Howard Street improvement conceptual plan produced by Davenport, an engineering firm based in Winston-Salem.
The project begins at the Water Street intersection, passes through the Depot Street intersection and ends at the Appalachian Street intersection. The plan calls for making Howard Street one-way, heading westbound, from Appalachian Street to Water Street.
When a study was conducted last year recommending that route, community members said the plan would have a dramatic impact on traffic flow, especially as ASU traffic exits Peacock Hall/Raley Parking Lot onto Howard Street during rush hour.
According to the concept plan published in Thursdays meeting packet, the parking lot entrance/exit will be relocated closer to Appalachian Street. See diagrams below.
Town Manager John Ward has said previously, staff would be working with stakeholders along Howard Street, including Appalachian State and the developers of the Marketplace property beside Murphys Restaurant and Pub.
Under this proposal, Howard Street will also have a sidewalk and bike lanes. A proposed parking deck by others is also listed in the plans in a portion of the lot between Town Hall and ECRS.
The plans are conceptual, subject to change, and are not for construction.
See screen grabs of the concept plan below and previous articles about the improvement plan. To view the entire plans, click here.
April 2015:
https://www.hcpress.com/news/boone-town-council-to-discuss-one-way-howard-appalachian-streets-in-downtown.html
April 2015:
https://www.hcpress.com/letters-to-the-editor/letters-the-heart-attack-of-boone.html
June 2015:
https://www.hcpress.com/news/input-session-held-on-howard-street-improvements-mixed-opinion-on-preliminary-plans.html
November 2015:
https://www.hcpress.com/news/town-of-boone-to-begin-work-on-howard-street-project.html
Public Hearing on Town Property Annexation
The Boone Town Council intends to annex the 54-acre, former Bolick property, which the Town of Boone agreed to purchase for $4.6 million in March for a municipal complex and greenspace.
A public hearing on this proposed annexation is scheduled for Dec. 15, 2016.
License Agreements at Daniel Boone Park
The Boone Town Council will consider the approval of license agreements for Southern Appalachian Historical Association, Watauga County Farmers Market and the We Can So You Can, Inc. for the 2017 Winter Rail Jam.
For more information about these potential lease agreements, click here.
Scheduling of Meeting for Watauga County Land Trust Project in Junaluska
Lynn Patterson from the Junaluska Community suggested the night of Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, at the Boone Mennonite Brethren Church for the discussion of proposed Watauga County Land Trust project and for dialogue with Council on other issues.
In August, Scott Eggers, on behalf of Watauga Community Housing Trust, LLC, requested the Boone Town Council draft a commitment letter for the conveyance of property adjacent to the towns Junaluska water tower for the development of a small workforce housing project.
See map of proposed project area here.
Consideration of the Following Cases, Including New Farm Bureau Building
Case 20160735 Beverly Heights/VFW NCD General Use Map Amendment Case 20160734 Green Street R2 to R1A/NCD General Use Zoning Map Amendment Case 20160566 Farm Bureau Conditional District Zoning Map Amendment Case 20160742 Neighborhood Conservation District UDO Text Amendment
For more info about these cases, click here.
Consideration of Water Intake Bond-Related Docs
The council will consider approving the following documents, which can be viewed here.
Bond Resolution for the General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes
Bond Order for the Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds -General Obligation and Revenue Bonds
Note Resolution for the Water and Sewer Revenue Bond Anticipation Notes
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The following information is provided by local law enforcement agencies.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Compiled by Jessica Isaacs
The following were provided by the Watauga County Sheriffs Office.
Nov. 30
ARREST: A male suspect, 29, of 309 Laurel Fork Road in Vilas, was charged with assault by pointing a gun, communicating threats and injury to personal property. Trial date: Dec. 15.
Dec. 1
ARREST: A female suspect, 20, of 1491 Joe Shoemaker Road in Vilas, was charged with simple assault. Trial date: Dec. 15.
Dec. 2
ARREST: A female suspect, 23, of 169 Village Square Lane Apt. 44 in Mountain City, Tennessee, was charged with felony trafficking in methamphetamine and conspire to traffick in methamphetamine. Secured bond: $45,000. Trial date: Dec. 15.
Dec. 6
INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 184 Hodges Gap Road.
INCIDENT: Communicating threats, assault with a deadly weapon and trespassing were reported at 234 Holly Hills in Deep Gap.
ARREST: A male suspect, 40, of 1841 Bairds Creek Road in Vilas, was charged with failure to work after paid. Trial date: Dec. 14.
ARREST: A male suspect, 21, of 455 Willowdale Church Road in Vilas, was charged with felony OFA FTA possess stolen motor, OFA FTA PWISD marijuana and misdemeanor probation violation. Secured bond: $60,000. Trial date: Jan. 10.
ARREST: A female suspect, 24, of 161 Hidden Pines in Boone, was charged with FTA PWISMD schedule VI/maintain a dwelling. Secured bond: $7,000. Trial date: Dec. 20.
Dec. 7
INCIDENT: Fraud credit card/ATM was reported at 145 Woodhaven Lane in Boone.
ARREST: A male suspect, 63, of 6252 Old U.S. Highway 421 S in Zionville, was charged with sexual battery. Trial date: Jan. 17.
Dec. 8
INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 444 Roby Greene Road in Boone.
INCIDENT: Larceny from buildings was reported at 614 Tom Shook Road in Banner Elk.
ARREST: A male suspect, 44, of 543 Phillips Branch Road in Vilas, was charged with fraud worthless checks. Trial date: Dec. 28.
ARREST: A male suspect, 24, of 1233 Andy Hicks Road in Sugar Grove, was charged with reckless driving to endanger and failure to report accident. Trial date: Jan. 19.
ARREST: A female suspect, 22, of 1392 Laurel Fork Road in Vilas, was charged with nonsupport/nonpayment of alimony. Bond: $1,100. Trial date: Dec. 16.
ARREST: A male suspect, 27, of 236 Tom Perry Road in Vilas, was charged with simple worthless check. Trial date: Dec. 14.
Dec. 9
INCIDENT: Fraud obtaining property by false pretense was reported at BB&T Boone.
INCIDENT: Possession of a schedule VI CS and of drug paraphernalia were reported at Bamboo and Milton Brown Heirs roads.
INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 356 Upper Reach Drive in Vilas.
Dec. 10
INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 259 The Settlement in Boone.
INCIDENT: Larceny and criminal damage to property were reported at 194 Fairway Knoll Unit F3 in Boone.
ARREST: A female suspect, 24, of 655 Parker Eller Road in Lansing, was charged with FTA/speeding. Secured bond: $500. Trial date: Jan. 20.
Dec. 11
INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 229 Talon Drive in Boone.
INCIDENT: Vandalism was reported at 132 Positive Way Unit B in Boone.
INCIDENT: Larceny from buildings was reported at 1062 Pottertown Road in Todd.
INCIDENT: Drug violations were reported at 11036 N.C. Highway 105 S in Banner Elk.
Dec. 12
INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 562 Charlie Thompson Road in Vilas.
INCIDENT: Fraud was reported at 186 Triple T Drive in Boone.
INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported on the 1200 block of Old Watauga River Road in Sugar Grove.
INCIDENT: Lost or stolen firearm was reported at 100 Penley Road in Lenoir.
ARREST: A male suspect, 27, of 310 Martin Lane in Boone, was charged with nonsupport/nonpayment of alimony. Bond: $11,258. Trial date: Jan. 11.
ARREST: A male suspect, 27, of 137 Valley High Lane in Blowing Rock, was charged with FTA possess marijuana up to oz. Trial date: Feb. 10.
Head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine (SPF) Ihor Bilous believes a propaganda campaign has been launched against the fund and him.
"I recently hear many new things about me in media reports. That storytelling suggests making a conclusion that a stove piping attack has started against the fund and me personally," he wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday.
Bilous also said that now his team is preparing for reporting at a next week government meeting. He intends to present achievements, name problems to be widely discussed and options to solve them.
Earlier Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman criticized the SPF over a failure to hold the repeated tender to sell Odesa Port-Side Plant. He said that the recent tender to privatize Odesa Port-Side Plant showed that the fund is not able to effectively conduct privatization and manage state-owned property.
He said at a government meeting on December 14 that the government postpones making decisions regarding the issue raised by the SPF until the operations of the fund are audited.
(HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Enforcement Director Andrew J. Ceresney will leave the agency by the end of the year.
During his nearly four years as head of the agencys largest division, Mr. Ceresney implemented approaches that strengthened the Divisions investigative and litigation practices and enhanced its effectiveness and impact. Under his leadership, the Enforcement Division brought significant cases across the entire spectrum of the securities industry, achieving record numbers of enforcement actions and monetary remedies.
Under Andrews strong leadership, the Enforcement Division took its already robust enforcement program to an even higher level, achieving unprecedented results, including a record number of enforcement actions, first-of-their-kind cases and a first ever admissions policy for a civil law enforcement agency, said SEC Chair Mary Jo White. Andrews tremendous work ethic, commitment to do what is right, and deep dedication to his entire team have made him an incredibly effective leader. Americas investors and our markets have been extremely fortunate to have him fighting in their corner for the last four years. And I am very grateful for his wise counsel, impeccable judgment and expertise.
Mr. Ceresney said, My time as Enforcement Director has been the highlight of my career, allowing me to work closely with the extremely talented and dedicated group of professionals in the SECs Enforcement Division. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together our innovative and wide-ranging actions have protected investors, deterred misconduct, and sent the message that the SEC is and always must be the tough cop on the financial beat. I am particularly grateful to Chair White for the opportunity to work under her leadership and her deep commitment to strong enforcement to protect investors and our markets.
During Mr. Ceresneys tenure, the Commission filed more than 2,850 enforcement actions and obtained judgments and orders totaling more than $13.8 billion in monetary sanctions. The SEC also charged over 3,300 companies and over 2,700 individuals, including many CEOs, CFOs, and other senior corporate officers.
Harakka revealed in an interview with Talouselama on Thursday that he decided to take on the challenge due to the amount of encouragement and support he has received from both the grass-roots level and the leaders of several district organisations.
Timo Harakka (SDP), a first-term Member of the Finnish Parliament, has confirmed his intention to challenge Antti Rinne (SDP) for the leadership of the Social Democratic Party.
I accept this gesture of confidence, he said to the commerce-oriented newspaper.
The Social Democrats, he added, must strive to become a future-oriented party that is able to convince the public before the next parliamentary elections that under its guidance Finland can safely enter the 2020s.
Harakka also expressed his hope that the public will recognise the enormous challenges that are shaking up the foundations of the economy, the working life, the industries and well-being amidst a digitising world economy.
The Social Democratic Party has according to him recently failed to appeal especially to young voters. This is not the fault of any single party leader but rather the result of decades of erosion, he analysed to Talouselama.
The opposition party will select its next chairperson in a party conference in early February.
Aleksi Teivainen HT
Photo: Jussi Nukari Lehtikuva
Source: Uusi Suomi
Halla-aho has announced that he is interested in running for a seat in the Helsinki City Council in 2017 and for a seat in the Finnish Parliament in 2019. This is great news, says Markku Saarikangas, the chairperson of Finns Party Helsinki.
Jussi Halla-aho (PS), a Member of the European Parliament, is looking for a way back to national policy-making, according to a press release from Finns Party Helsinki .
Saarikangas is confident that Halla-aho will electrify the entire political landscape in Helsinki. Halla-aho, he reminds in the press release, received the third most votes in both Helsinki and all of Finland in the municipal elections of 2012.
Halla-aho, along with other candidates of the Finns Party, want to offer what is direly lacking in the decision-making in Helsinki: a nationalist, immigration-critical voice, a responsible approach to public spending, less efforts to save the world at the cost of the safety and well-being of ordinary Helsinkians, promises Saarikangas.
The next municipal elections will be held on 9 April, 2017.
Aleksi Teivainen HT
Photo: Jussi Nukari Lehtikuva
Source: Uusi Suomi
The Donbas militants breached the truce 18 times "in every sector" over the past day, the Ukrainian Anti-Terrorist operation (ATO) staff said.
The hostiles fired mortars of various calibers on Ukrainian positions near Krasnohorivka, Lybidynske and Shyrokyne in the Mariupol sector, it said, adding that various types of grenade launchers and heavy machineguns were used against Novotroyitske and Vodiane, and sniper activity was observed in Krasnohorivka and Novotroyitske.
In the Luhansk sector, mortars shelled Krymske and Troyitske and various types of grenade launchers bombarded Popasna, Lopaskyne and Stanytsia Luhanska, the staff said.
In the Donetsk sector, the militants used mortars, grenade launchers and heavy machineguns against Avdiyivka, and a sniper fired for effect in Luhanske, in addition to the attacks involving heavy machineguns.
The hostiles twice fired small arms on Mayorsk, and used mortars, anti-aircraft guns and heavy machineguns against Krymske.
Principal Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Ukraine Alexander Hug has not ruled out the possibility of new video cameras being installed in order to record ceasefire violations in Donbas.
The OSCE SMM is not ruling out the possibility of installing more video cameras, but the cameras are only helping patrols, and the number of violations declines in places where video cameras are present, or a 'hot spot' moves to the side, Hug told reporters on Wednesday.
It was reported that along the contact like, the OSCE SMM has video cameras that have a vision angle of 360 degrees and offer the possibility of 24/7 monitoring. In particular, such video cameras are located in Avdiyivka, not far from the Oktiabrska mine (near the destroyed Donetsk airport), as well as near Shyrokyne, located east of the city of Mariupol.
The OSCE SMM complained at the beginning of September that observation cameras near the Oktiabrska mine in the territory of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic had been stolen and/or destroyed.
The mission said in October 2016 that it was conducting round-the-clock monitoring and observation all over Donbas using different technical equipment, including stationary video cameras, drones and other aerial monitoring devices.
We've all heard the Christmas classic A Spaceman Came Travelling but one Government minister has warned that, this year, it actually might happen.
John Halligan's festive cards are known to be on the quirky side and this year he has adopted the theme of "we are not alone".
The Independent TD, who has responsibility for Ireland's role in Europe's space mission, believes in extraterrestrial life.
His self-funded card features the silhouette of a man standing alone on a shoreline staring into the horizon. He said it is intended to send a "double message" to recipients. "The line inside reads 'Remember, you are not alone, we are not alone' and it's a reminder nobody is alone in this world but also that we may not be alone in the universe," he said.
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As a committed atheist, the Minister for State for Training, Skills and Innovation sends out non-religious Christmas cards each year.
Exist
"A huge number of scientists would agree with me on this: in the billions of solar systems out there, there is a very distinct possibility that other life forms exist somewhere," he said.
"My Christmas cards are, I suppose, a slightly tongue-in-cheek reminder of this."
Mr Halligan added that he has "a life-long interest in space exploration and science".
"Last month I travelled to Lucerne in Switzerland to represent Ireland at the Ministerial meeting of the European Space Agency (ESA), which is the intergovernmental Space Agency for all of Europe," he said.
Gardai search the scene of the attack in Maynooth for clues
Gardai have again appealed for witnesses or any information regarding the horrific attack on a student in Maynooth.
Officers investigating the assault on Kym Owens (18) said last night they are still urging the public to come forward.
Gardai are keeping an open mind on suspects for the attack, which left the third-level student, from Monaghan, in hospital with serious injuries.
Kym was walking to her accommodation when she was attacked and savagely beaten.
Officers from Leixlip Garda Station are investigating the incident.
Kym remains in Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown after suffering severe facial injuries in the assault.
She was attacked at the entrance to the Moyglare Abbey estate after travelling from her home town, near Castleblayney, on a private bus on November 20.
A team of detectives have taken 200 statements and trawled though hours of CCTV footage in an attempt to progress the case.
Funds
In an information appeal, which took place a week after the attack, gardai encouraged people to provide any information they might have, regardless of how unimportant it might seem.
As part of their inquiries, gardai have also interviewed 52 people who travelled on the same bus as Kym from her home town.
A number of fundraising events were held by local businesses in the area for the young student.
One establishment, The Roost Maynooth, which is a popular venue for local students, managed to raise more than 11,000 after holding a fundraiser.
Gardai have asked anybody with information to contact the investigation headquarters at Leixlip Garda Station on 01 6667800.
Arts Minister Heather Humphreys with Loreto College students Aine Baldrey (left) and Aine Kennedy at the National Library of Ireland
Student Aine Baldrey believes murdered Sunday Independent crime journalist Veronica Guerin embodied the spirit of the women of 1916 after the reporter was featured in an arts project focusing on the Rising's impact.
"I believe she was incredibly brave in her pursuit of justice in the Dublin crime scene. Women have had such amazing moments in Irish history and we should recognise that," said Aine.
Impact
The 16-year-old was among Transition Year stud-ents who took part in a forum at the National Library in Dublin yesterday, showcasing their arts projects which shine a light on the heroines of the Rising and their impact on women today.
Aine's project consisted of a hand-drawn portrait of the murdered mother-of-one superimposed over a collage of newspaper cuttings by and about the journalist who was killed by drug lords 20 years ago.
The Loreto College student said that, much like Countess Markievicz and other 1916 heroines who fought for justice and freedom, Ms Guerin embodied that same fighting spirit a century later.
Arts Minister Heather Humphreys officiated at the event as part of the Centenary of the Easter Rising programme and said she was impressed by the students' skills.
She said she also admired their understanding of the female presence in the Rising and what that meant for future generations of Irish women.
"They're looking at the role of women in 1916 and that's very important to see the huge contribution they made," she said.
Officers of Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office, National Police and Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have raided nine places investigating into a criminal case over embezzlement of UAH 140 million by former officials of Ukrgasbank.
The press service of the PGO reported on Wednesday that the case was opened under Part 2 of Article 364 and Part 5 of Article 191 (abuse of office, embezzlement on an especially large scale) investigating the period of 2008-2010.
"Former officials of Ukrgasbank abusing their office deliberately provided a loan of UAH 100 million to an affiliated entity. The credit was not returned and the cost of property used as collateral a nonresidential building was artificially set 10 times more than the market price with the help of an independent appraiser authorized by Ukrgasbank. At the moment of the privatization the house was assessed at UAH 14.2 million and in the period when the credit was issued at UAH 149.8 million. Using this fraud scheme, almost UAH 3.2 billion was withdrawn from Ukrgasbank," PGO said.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov during a working visit to the Netherlands has signed an agreement on strategic and operational cooperation with Europol.
"The conclusion of the agreement will enable the Ukrainian law enforcement agencies to participate in joint police actions together with their European counterparts, exchange and analyze operational data, obtain information on the whereabouts of wanted criminals. In addition, it provides for establishing international joint investigation teams," Ukrainian Interior Ministry's Liaison Department published on Wednesday evening.
"The Ukrainian side is ready to provide access to its databases that will be of interest to Europol. This, above all, will allow for developing large-scale joint operations to combat organized crime," the statement says.
According to the report, the National Police was determined as the national contact point for cooperation between Europol and the Ukrainian side. The necessary equipment and software will soon be installed for the rapid exchange of information, which will be provided by European partners. At the same time, this high-tech communication line will be highly protected. In order to do this, Western partners have already invited a group of Ukrainian experts, who will establish the technical side.
"We can start to structure our work now, especially in the direction of cybercrime and terrorism. Your experience is both important and unique, Interior Ministry's Liaison Department quoted head of Europol Rob Wainwright.
Wainwright also thanked Avakov for the success of the Avalanche joint operation, in which a key role was assigned to Ukrainian law enforcement officers.
The Ukrainian Interior Ministry said that Europol has a number of differences from the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO) - Interpol, which is an international organization with global databases and support of primarily joint police operations.
"On the other hand, the Europol is a law enforcement agency, which provides analytical, technical and financial support to partners in preventing and combating serious international crimes and terrorism," the Ukrainian Ministry said.
At present, Europol has signed cooperation agreements with the law enforcement authorities in Australia, Canada, the U.S., Iceland, Norway, Monaco, Switzerland, Albania, Macedonia, Moldova, and two international organizations: Eurojust and Interpol.
Russia is not satisfied with the spoken commentary of Ukraine about the fact that the decision of antimonopoly authorities to fine Gazprom $6.6 billion is not creating risks for transit - legal actions are needed, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told journalists.
"All issues concerning disputed points in the contract should be resolved in the Stockholm Arbitration Court, and the decision of the Economic Court of Kyiv, understandably, is biased, and all decisions, in our view, are unlawful," Novak said.
He said that Gazprom was accused of holding monopoly positions and the fact that the company is not fully using the services of the gas transportation system.
"In our view, this is an unprecedented situation, when a company, which is not providing services, is accused of violating antimonopoly legislation. Of course, this was all created only in order to make a point of tension, to create conditions so that it is possible to use these court decisions at any moment," Novak said.
Answering a question about whether or not Ukraine guaranteed that it will not take gas as part as the fine set for Gazprom, the minister said: "There have been no guarantees, because the document was legal, and only the cancellation of the court decision and the decision of Ukraine's Antimonopoly Committee may be a guarantee that this will not be used as an instrument for taking gas."
Candidates with no legislative history not uncommon
Maryland's candidates for governor do not have long legislative records. Wes Moore has none at all. Analysis shows that is not uncommon.
Ukrainian representative to the Trilateral Contact Group for Donbas Leonid Kuchma does not deem an expansion of the negotiating format, for instance, with the U.S., to be expedient.
"Certain critics of the Minsk negotiating process from amongst former and acting politicians have said lately that the format of these negotiations should change. For instance, they suggest that the U.S. and other signatories to the Budapest Memorandum, the Eight, the G20 and international conferences be involved. To my mind, these proposals are not just naive from the angle of their implementation but are also harmful for the Minsk process," Kuchma told the weekly Focus in an interview.
"First of all, the new format cannot appear only if Ukraine wishes so. That will also require at least the wish of the countries we would like to involve in the negotiations. Speaking of the U.S., it has no plans to become a direct participant in the Donbas settlement negotiations. There seems to be no such prospect after January 20, 2017, either. Obviously, the same is true about some other countries, including signatories to the Budapest Memorandum," he said.
"Second of all, the experience of settling other conflicts on the post-Soviet space demonstrates that even expanded formats do not bring tangible results," the second Ukrainian president said, referencing the resolution of military conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh and Transdniester.
"As for the Donbas situation, the attempts at expanding the negotiating format may set back or even nullify everything that has been achieved in the Minsk-2 format. Let me remind you that the Minsk agreements have become a part of international legal documents. They have been approved by a resolution of the UN Security Council. They are used for guidance and referred to by the whole world," he said.
The Trilateral Contact Group has an auxiliary role in the negotiating process, while the Normandy format of the leaders of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine plays the principal role, Kuchma said.
"Everything should be done to implement the Minsk agreements; they should not be called into question. They should absolutely not be discarded either. Or otherwise the fragile truce may be ruined and Ukraine may face the threat of losing international support," the Ukrainian envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group said.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has said he does not intend to resign in connection with the tragedy in the village of Kniazhychi in Kyiv region, as a result of which five law enforcement officers were killed.
"They have been talking about my resignation for a long time [...] I'm going to draw conclusions and perform my duties. If there are grounds for my resignation - it will certainly ever happen - I'll do it. Now I intend to draw conclusions and move forward," the minister said, answering the journalists' question in Kyiv on Thursday whether he intended to resign.
As reported, on December 4, 2016 at 4:00 am in the village of Kniazhychi, Brovary district, Kyiv region employees of Special Weapons and Tactics police (KORD) of Ukrainian National Police, while performing their duties, used automatic weapons against the staff of Brovary Police Department of the Main Guard Police Department, which, together with two officers of the Main Department of operational service of the National Police in Kyiv, who were also performing their duties, used automatic weapons in response. Five law-enforcement officers were killed. An official investigation into the shooting in the village of Kniazhychi was started.
Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko said on December 6 that the Prosecutor General's Office investigators see in the actions of those who coordinated the operation with law enforcement agencies in Kniazhychi of Kyiv region the signs of criminal negligence, which led to very serious consequences. According to Lutsenko, the order to forward employees of Special Weapons and Tactics police (KORD) of Ukrainian National Police was wrong.
Leaders of the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) have discussed ceasefire issues and stabilization of the disengagement line with OSCE Special Monitoring Mission Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug.
The meeting was held at the JCCC headquarters in the town of Soledar in the Donetsk region, the press center of Anti-Terrorist operation (ATO) headquarters said on the official Facebook page.
"During the briefing, a number of important issues were discussed, in particular on security and ceasefire regime, improvement of communication with representatives of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) and solution of humanitarian and social programs," the report says.
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Grand Prize Winner: Donna Rickey Blog Winners: A Song for her Enemies by Sherri Stewart: Mary Ann Hake Spies & Sweethearts by Linda Shenton Matchett: Connie Ruggles Sword of Trust by DebbieLynn Costello: Brenda Walters Justice for Julia by Donna Schlachter: Natalya Lakhno Party Prize winners: Sherri Stewarts Winners A Song for her Enemies: Angie Pool Bottle of Dutch Syrup: Carol Koch Alscheff Corrie ten Boom book: Deb Gramie Burgess Linda Shenton Matchetts winners: $5.00 gift card to online retailer or choice (Kobo, B&N, AppleBooks, Amazon): Karen Hadley A Bride for Seamus: Carol Osterhouse Wotring DebbieLynn Costellos winners: Sword of the Matchmaker: Melissa Planas Sword of Forgiveness: Paty Hinojosa Gomez Shattered Memories: Charlene Zall Capodice Sword of the Perfect Bride: Licha Haney Donna Schlachters winner: Leather Journal: Lisa Turley
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Ukraine is handing over 15 persons from the list to be released, provided by the representatives of separate areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (ORDLO) in a goodwill gesture. They will be pardoned by the presidential decree, First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian representative in the humanitarian subgroup Iryna Gerashchenko has said.
"Ukraine is handing over 15 people from the list of 228 people," Gerashchenko said at a briefing in Kyiv on Thursday. Among these, 15 people are seriously ill people and old people and six of them are women, she said.
"These people will be pardoned by a presidential decree or there are other procedural possibilities to hand them over to ensure that the hostage release process is unblocked," Gerashchenko said.
She also said Ukraine is ready to release 228 people from the list provided by some areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which contains some 1,000 people.
"Some 200 of some 1,000 people on this list are impossible to determine. Some names are repeated, there are over 100 people who committed grave crimes, specifically, killings and mass killings, and they are not eligible for amnesty. There are dozens of people there who are unrelated to the Minsk process: thieves and pickpockets, militants' friends. There are also dozens of people who walked free under the 'Savchenko law'... We said we are ready to hand over 228 people," Gerashchenko said.
Gerashchenko said, citing the most recent information obtained by the OSCE as of August 2016, that 58 Ukrainians are still held hostage on the territory of some areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including 52 people in the Donetsk region and six in the Luhansk region.
Yuriy Kochanov, the head of the SBU center on prisoners' release, said Ukraine is ready to hand over a list of 228 people, with the exception of 15, to the relevant pardons commission and to later hand these people over to some areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
"The list is formed not only on the basis of indications of procedural status, but with regard for the person invited by that side: whether or not this person wants to be handed over to the uncontrolled territory. Many people from this list refuse such actions," he said.
CLAREMONT Claremont Elementary School students returned to class Thursday morning after an evacuation which was triggered when a Claremont Police officer found a suspicious package at the school, Claremont Police Chief Gary Bost said.
The nature of the item is unknown. It also not known how the item got to the school.
Bost said he was not sure what the item actually is, but suggests it may be some kind of industrial paper roll.
Its not something that belongs at the school, Bost said. Safety is our number one thing in mind.
A bomb squad from Gaston County was brought in to examine the item. They x-rayed and opened the item to determine the item was not a threat.
As soon as we started looking closer, with the staples and stuffyou never know with this kind of thing, thats why the bomb squad was called, Bost said. They know what they are doing, they rendered it safe and this is what weve got left.
The tube was empty when the bomb squad opened it, Bost said.
Until we know something is safe, we are not going to have our kids here, Bost said.
Catawba County Superintendent Matt Stover said around 450 students attend the school.
Thankfully we got a call out to most parents before they got on to campus, Stover said. I am very pleased with our execution of our safety plan this morning. We are very thankful for the police of Claremont.
Stover said local police routinely perform walkthroughs of the school.
School restarted at 10:15 a.m.
It is just a little delay, kind of like we had snow. But no bad weather today, just a suspicious package, Stover said.
NEWTON The new superintendent for the Catawba County Schools (CCS) system is ready to share his vision for the future. Matthew Stover spent his first month on the job visiting all 29 schools in the district, meeting as many students, teachers, parents and staff as he could.
One of his first goals is to grow the leadership hes already seen in CCS.
Its about identifying no matter what youre title is in this district or how many hours you work, youre a leader, Stover said. It might be a teacher who has exceeded growth or a custodian who already has a beautiful looking school or a bus driver who has great control over their bus; we still need to find ways of growing those people.
Hes already started to create a model to accomplish this, starting with staff development for the systems directors and principals during CCS principal meetings.
Its conversations, group discussions, articles weve been looking at so they can use those ideas and formulate what fits their school and help grow the folks there, Stover said. Thats the plan, grow people.
There are amazing people out there. We just need to utilize them and help them grow everybody else.
The second part of his vision is to do more to market Catawba County Schools in what is becoming a more crowded field every year with private schools, charter schools and home schools.
Were in a competitive environment, and Id say the same for Hickory City and Newton-Conover, public schools in general, Stover said. Im a firm believer parents should send their kids where theyre most comfortable.
What I want is for parents to feel most comfortable with our school system because I feel like we have the best product.
The superintendent wants to make sure all the different things CCS has to offer is marketed more to the public, from Challenger High, an early college school to the different Career Technical Education programs throughout the system.
His third vision for the district is to create a customer focused environment.
How do people feel when they visit us? Do they feel comfortable? Do they feel welcomed, Stover said. Are parents welcomed into the school and embraced, utilized as volunteers? Do students feel welcomed? Are they comfortable in their environment?
During his tour of the school system, the superintendent said he saw a lot of smiling faces and a friendly and inviting atmosphere at every school.
Hopefully everyone else who visits the schools sees this as well, Stover said. Thatll be the barometer moving forward.
When it comes to improving test scores, he wants to see a systems approach to the math and reading curriculums to help provide teachers the resources they need to grow.
One of our goals coming in is to get a good look at what were doing all over the place and narrowing the focus, the superintendent said. We have to have a systematic approach to those things.
He wants to use teamwork to help grow improvements. Stover points to a teaching program called Math Foundations as one tool the system could adopt.
Stover also is looking at different approaches to help push test scores up and embraces the idea of teachers being innovative and finding new ways of keeping students engaged, particularly in math.
I saw a great thing at River Bend Middle School. They were learning about the coordinate plane and were using Battleship (to do that), and it was awesome, Stover said. Weve got to find the right program as far as Math Foundations and then finding these ways of taking teachers who are already using these highly engaging activities and spread them out in the system.
I don't intend to flee Ukraine and will prove my innocence - CEC Head Okhendovsky before NABU interrogation
The head of Ukraine's Central Election Commission (CED) Mykhailo Okhenovsky has called criminal proceedings involving him a rehearsed "spectacle" orchestrated by the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). He said he will cooperate with the investigation, however.
"Everything is clear. There is no evidence of my committing any criminal acts and there can be one. I am convinced that if the investigation will be objective and unprejudiced that Ukrainian courts will demonstrate the fake nature and ungrounded charges against me," Okhendovsky told to journalists in Kyiv on Thursday before being questioned by NABU agents.
In addition, Okhendovsky said he could not name the "organizer" of the case against him.
"I think the organizer should be named by the investigators and, I hope, the investigation will take up this question," the CEC head said.
Okhendovsky said he is ready to answer all questions, but noted his lawyers have still not seen case materials.
"All I have in my hands is the text of suspicion against me. I don't have anything else," he said.
As earlier reported, during the evening of December 13 Okhendovsky was served notice of suspicion of being involved in the so-called "black accounting books" used by Party of Regions [when disgraced former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was in power]. He is suspected of violating Parts 3 and 4 of Article 368 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (receiving large-scale bribes).
The total sum of the alleged bribes equals $162,000 or about UAH 1.29 million.
Okhendovsky failed to appear for scheduled questioning by NABU agents on December 14 for personal reasons.
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Buddha may not be around us anymore in body, but he continues to live on through several Buddhist masters, who impart his teachings and spread his message of love, peace and harmony. Based on the works of a few such great Indian Buddhist masters, is a beautifully produced set of books: Padmasambhava, The Great Indian Pandit written by Neten Chokling Rinpoche and Nagarjuna, the Second Buddha by Mohini Kent. These were presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the Capital on December 11.
Nagarjuna is someone for whom I have immense admiration. As soon as I wake up in the morning, I recite a verse he wrote in praise of the Buddha and his explanation of emptiness, says His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
This is the inaugural volume of a series of six books that include four other masters Atisha, Kumarajiva, Boddhidharma and Naropa, to be published by Wisdom Tree. The book Nagarjuna consists of rare artworks and revolves around the masters timeless wisdom while capturing the various legends associated with his life. Padmasambhava, adorned with beautiful illustrations, talks of Indias timeless Buddhist heritage and of the great master whose teaching influenced Tibet to give up its imperialistic ways.
Talking about the Buddhist masters, Shobhit Arya, founder, Wisdom Tree, says, This series of books reminds us that it wasnt just Buddha, but the Second Buddha, Boddhidharma and several great Indian Buddhist masters that have passed on the message of loving kindness to the world. It is only befitting that another great master and one of the most loved and revered sons of India, HH the Dalai Lama has blessed these books.
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Aanganwadi workers in Madhya Pradesh will train and encourage women to go for cashless transactions as part of the governments ambitious e-Laxmi scheme from January, Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday.
Chouhan said this while talking to mediapersons after attending the inaugural function of the BJP Mahila Morchas working committee meeting, in which he was felicitated on completing 11 years as chief minister.
The chief minister said the e-Laxmi scheme would go a long way in encouraging the transition to a cashless society which is now a major thrust area for the BJP post demonetisation.
Archana Chitins, minister for women and child development told HT that women could be the best ambassadors for promoting cashless economy. She also backed the CMs statement that aanganwadi workers would be used in training and encouraging women to go for cashless transactions. Special camps will be held at the block level for training women in cashless transactions.
e-Laxmi cells will be constituted in each district which will coordinate for the implementation of this mega scheme, she said.
But before that we are approaching banks and IT experts to be provide us resource persons for training and holding orientation programmes our women public representatives and officials of women and child development department from across the state on cashless transactions. After that our trained people will act as resource persons for training officials and aanganwadi workers who will then reach out to women in villages, she said.
Chitnis said that the women would be trained in getting debit cards, using them and how to operate Jan Dhan accounts in a cashless way and so on. She said women running small business like beauty parlours and boutiques would be provided help for using swipe machines at sale points.
She said women representatives and senior officials of women and child department will hold a convention in January regarding the implementation of the scheme.
The department will try to reach out to women at the block and village level for the implementation of the scheme till March 31, 2017.
Then we will review the whole process and accordingly fine tune the scheme for better implementation in the new financial year, she said.
The BJP in Madhya Pradesh is encouraging people to go cashless transactions in the state. On Tuesday, a workshop on Cashless India Campaign was organised by BJP Yuva Morcha and the IT Cell of the party, in which the parts leaders and workers were apprised about various aspects of the cashless transactions and how to encourage people for the same.
Taking cognisance of problems faced by people staying in remote districts, the health department will launch a new programme for these residents to avail of health checkups so that they can be screened for heart, lungs, liver and kidney-related diseases.
As part of the programme to be launched in 2017 the state will set up camps in all districts to identify patients suffering from serious ailments. Those diagnosed and identified will be brought to one centre and treated by renowned doctors.
The state will bear all the expenses of the treatment under this programme. We have approached top-notch doctors to be a part of this. Famous cardiologist Dr Trehan would also take part in these camps, said health minister Rustam Singh.
In bigger districts, critical cases are reported but in rural districts and remote areas, they are not even identified. We were in for a long-term plan to take some action, hence these camps would be introduced very soon, Singh told HT.
Katju hospital incident not forgivable
Singh told HT that the death of a woman at Bhopals Dr Kailash Nath Katju Hospital, 20 minutes after she gave birth, was unforgivable.
After reviewing the investigation report, a doctor has been suspended and the service of two nurses has been terminated. We wont spare those who are responsible in such cases of negligence, he said.
Health dept to resolve doctor crisis
At a workshop organised by the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) to mark World Human Rights Day, Rustam Singh said only preventive measures can help Madhya Pradesh improve its health services, adding that his departments new resolution will be to fix the crisis due to a paucity of doctors and reducing infant and maternal mortality.
Our aim is to institutionalise deliveries as much as possible, which will reduce the death rate of murder and infants. I consider it as a success that in the past year, 87% deliveries took place hospitals and 65% deliveries were in government hospitals, said Singh.
Speaking on the lack of doctors in the state, Singh said medical students who study in premium colleges do not want to serve in rural areas and offer public service. I had discussed this grave problem with chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as well and we didnt want so many primary health care centres (PHCs) in the state to remain without doctors. Thus a decision to train and post AYUSH doctors in PHCs was taken, he said.
MPHRC chairman Dr Virendra Mohan Kanwar pointed out that the health services in the state are poor. In remote districts, doctors do not even bother to visit the hospital. What duties a doctor should ideally carry out are left in the hands of nurses and compounders, who are not formally trained to treat patients for crucial problems, he said.
In reply to Kanwars comment, Singh said that the behaviour of a few doctors cannot blotch the image of entire health services in MP. Conditions have improved majorly in MP. Mortality rates have gone down, and the 108 ambulance service too is providing better services. Nobody is acknowledging the positive outcomes and efforts taken by health department in the recent years, he said.
Ukrainian political prisoner Oleh Sentsov, who has been convicted by the Russian authorities to 20 years in prison and is serving his sentence in a high-security colony in the Republic of Sakha (Russia), is actively writing while he is waiting to be exchanged and return to Ukraine, according to his lawyer Dmitry Dinze who visited his defendant in prison.
"Oleh has asked to say hello to everyone, he has already written five scripts and a short novel... In general, the conditions in colony are okay, the jail governor is adequate. There have been no problems so far. The only thing is that the letters do not arrive regularly, there are many delays and there are really not so many of them," Dinze wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday.
He said Sentsov is imprisoned in a penal colony in the town of Yakutsk, the capital of Sakha Republic.
"Weather for the past five months has varied from minus 20 to minus 50 degrees Centigrade. At the moment it is minus 35, which is considered to be warm. A week ago it was minus 47, and that's when it was really cold, as a waitress in a cafe told me. The colony is located within the city limit, it can be reached by a taxi or a bus," the lawyer said.
According to him, Sentsov refused to answer journalists' questions: "He said there is nothing to say or write about." "Of course, he is waiting to be exchanged, and hopes for Ukraine. He wishes everyone Happy New Year and sends hugs," Dinze wrote.
President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday in Chhindwara said India may face a major problem in the next two years if the half of the total population, which is below 25 years, is not provided with jobs.
Mukherjee was in tribal-dominated Chindwara of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday afternoon to attend the 8th Annual Day Function of Confederation of Indian Industrys (CII) skills training centre. It was his first visit of any president to Chhindwara district.
The CII-run skill development centre was established in the 2008 and at present is running 11 courses. Nearly 5,000 candidates have successfully completed skill courses and confirmed jobs in some of the top companies.
India is the second most populous country in the world with about 1.3 billion population. And half of the population is below 25 years, the president said.
Mukherjee said if the large population is not provided with jobs and employment, there would be unrest, difficulties and disturbances in the country like other parts of the world. But, he said only a degree or a certificate is not enough to get a job now.
Half of population is unemployable because they lack required skills
Every year large number of graduates come out from about 750 universities in the country, but unfortunately half of the population is unemployable because they lack the required skills, the president said, adding that India still faces shortage of skilled manpower in various sectors.
The president said skill development is very important for India as the youth after being skilled, can qualify to get jobs anywhere in the world and contribute in increasing the countrys GDP. The present government has focused on skill development and aims to impart training to about 500 million people, he said.
Highlighting the tumultuous conditions of the world economy, Mukherjee said, Today the economies of North America, Europe and Japan are almost stagnant, and the average age of the people in those countries is also increasing. Youth of India should grab the opportunity by developing their skills and finding white-collar jobs across the globe.
If we are late in grabbing the opportunities, other countries like China, Brazil and South Africa will march ahead of us, the president said. The programme was attended by Governor of Madhya Pradesh, OP Kohli, MP from Chhindwara, Kamal Nath and state minister of agriculture, Gourishankar Bisen.
Kamal Nath said during the last 10 years, 55,000 students have benefitted from the four skill development centres in Chindwara, and three call centres have employed about 1,000 people. Governor of Madhya Pradesh, OP Kohli emphasized on a stronger co-ordination between the government and private sector to ensure development.
Mukherjee apologizes for not speaking in Hindi
President Pranab Mukherjee apologized for not speaking in Hindi. I am sorry I could not speak in Hindi and had to deliver my speech in English, he said.
The Katni police on Tuesday night arrested two liquor contractors accused of not surrendering their stock with the excise department after their licences were cancelled.
Katni superintendent of police Gaurav Tiwari told HT that Ballan Tiwari and Pushpendra Singh were arrested from Jabalpurs Panchalsheel colony. He said the excise department cancelled the licences after their demand drafts along with their bids for sale of liquor in financial year 2016-17 were not encashed by the bank.
In July, the police conducted raids at various places in the district to track the illegal storage of liquor, and seized a stock of country-made liquor stored in bulk, which amounted to over 17 lakh. During their investigation, the police learnt the liquor belonged to Ballan Tiwari and Singh, who instead of surrendering their stock to the excise department, had dumped it at various places, the SP said.
Five cases were registered against the accused liquor contractors at the Sleemanabad police station of the district. They were booked under Sections 109, 420 of IPC and Section 34(2), 41 and 42 of Excise Act.
The liquor contractors had been at large and the police was in search of them for last five months.
The police will now seek their remand from the lower court for interrogation.
The Lokayukta and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are also conducting probes into the demand drafts which were not encashed.
Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Raees is facing one hurdle after another. Just days after the actor reportedly met and assured Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray that Pakistani actor Mahira Khan, who plays the lead role in Raees, wiill not visit India to promote the film, some members of Shia community have been offended by a scene in the trailer of Raees.
Members of Shia community in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, have found a scene from Shah Rukh Khans Raees offending and have decided to boycott the movie. The representatives of the community have written a letter to the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanding the exclusion of the scene in which the actor is seen jumping over a religious structure.
Spokesperson of United Shia Front, Samar Abbas Jaidi said, The actor is shown crossing over an Alam (a Shia religious structure) in a chase sequence. It is strictly prohibited for anyone to cross over the holy structure. We will boycott the movie in the district if the movie is released without removing the scene.
The community members watched the promotional trailer of the movie on WhatsApp which was released recently. We will request the district administration to issue a ban on the video to prevent its circulation.,informed Jaidi.
Dailymail quoted Shia cleric from Lucknow, Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad Naqvi as saying. Mr Khan should know that such religious rituals are followed by Shias to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. We have organised a huge protest in this regard. I hope appropriate action would be taken.
Reports also said petitions have been filed in Mayur Vihar Police station (New Delhi) and Jaunpur district court (Uttar Pradesh), asking the actor and filmmakers to remove the scene as it hurts religious sentiments.
Raees, scheduled to be released on January 26 has already faced controversy over its release date. Son of gangster Abdul Latif (on whom the movie is allegedly based) has also demanded Rs 101 crore from the producers of the movie for misrepresenting facts about his father.
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Sunny Leone features in the remake version of the track Laila O Laila in SRKs upcoming flick Raees and her short glimpse in the trailer has definitely made the audiences longing for more.
For the very same reason and considering the festive season would be taking over the month soon with Christmas and New Years coming in, a suburban hotel has offered about 3.5 to 4 cr just for Sunny to perform on this particular track live for the audiences.
While Sunny has always made a point to allure the audiences with her flawless performances, the audiences are eagerly waiting for the particular track to release because of the buzz that the trailer has created amongst the fans.
The trailer has created big noise among the audiences by serving a complete package on the plate of the fans, making it the most magnificent trailers of 2016.
The trailer of the period crime drama had crossed 27 million views in just 24 hours on YouTube, bagging in the tag of the best trailers of the years breaking all previous records.
Moreover, Shah Rukh Khans intense look from the trailer has captivated the audiences, creating immense anticipation for the movie to hit the theatres much in advance.
On a related note, Raees is all set to clash with Kaabil on January 25, 2017.
Sushant Singh Rajput, who lost his mother at a young age, has found a unique way to immortalise her presence in his life. The actor, who has been toying with the idea of getting a tattoo in her memory for a while now, finally got inked on October 13.
Though, the initial plan was to get the tattoo on his neck, he realised the design was better suited for his upper back. Sushant wanted a tattoo that was symbolic to the relationship he shared with his mother. After a lot of thought, he put together a design with the help of his sister, Priyanka.
Sushant Singh Rajputs tattoo is a symbolic representation of five elements. (Photo: Instagram/Sushantsinghrajput)
Tattoo artist Sameer Patange who has tattooed actors such as Sanjay Dutt, Sushmita Sen, Kangana Ranaut and many others, is the man behind the design.
Sushant says, The tatoo is a symbolic representation of five elements. My mother and I are in the centre, implying it is a bond that not even time can defy. The five elements are widely accepted symbols. However, the idea of using my mother and me as elements was thought of by my sister and me.
The PK (2014) actor is not the first one to get a tattoo in memory of their parents. Arjun Kapoor got the word Ma inked on his wrist in memory of his mother, Mona Kapoor. Priyanka Chopra tattooed Daddys Lil Girl on her wrist after the death of her father, Ashok Chopra.
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Finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday that the government and the Reserve Bank are taking measures to bring down the digital transaction cost with an aim to move towards a less-cash economy.
Chairing the 5th Meeting of the Consultative Committee attached to his ministry, Jaitley said digital transactions are a parallel mechanism, not a substitute, for cash transactions and cashless economy is actually a less cash economy as no economy can be fully cashless.
He told the participating Members of Parliament (MPs) that the government is trying to encourage digitisation as much as possible because an excessive cash economy has its own social and economic costs and consequences.
Less cash, he said, can be gradually substituted to the possible extent through digital transactions.
According to an official release, Jaitley said the Centre has announced various incentives to attract people to shift to digital mode of payment and the response is quite positive so far in this regard.
Jaitley further said the government and the RBI have taken various steps to bring down the cost of digital transactions and specifically mentioned about MDR charges.
The finance minister added that 55% petrol pumps in the country are accepting payment through digital means and with the government providing incentives, more people are switching to this mode.
Jaitley further said the government is conscious of the need of cyber security of high level to secure digital payments.
He told the MPs that the government and RBI are fully aware of cyber security challenges and ensuring strong firewalls around the systems.
As part of efforts to promote e-payments, the finance minister said the government is providing various incentives for digital transactions including on debit card use.
Regarding the availability of POS machines, he said POS machines are manufactured by two companies in China and the government has waived duties on them so that these machines become cheaper and reach the shopkeepers easily.
Tightening the noose around people who misusing banking channels to park unaccounted money, the Reserve Bank on Thursday imposed certain restrictions on withdrawals --- if more than Rs 2 lakh has been deposited after November 9 in an account that has a balance of over Rs 5 lakh.
An RBI notification said withdrawal or transfer of funds will not be permitted in accounts without quoting of PAN or submission of Form 60 (persons who do not have PAN).
The Reserve Bank also said monthly withdrawal limit of Rs 10,000 will be maintained even if a small account has witnessed increase in annual permissible deposit of Rs 1 lakh.
The notification follows after it was brought to the notice of the RBI that strict compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) provisions is not being ensured in some cases.
In respect of KYC compliant accounts where the required Customer Due Diligence (CDD) procedure has been complied with, RBI said banks and NBFCs should ensure compliance regarding quoting of PAN/obtaining of Form 60 for all transactions.
No debit transaction, transfer or otherwise shall be allowed in accounts which do not comply with the above mentioned requirements.
To begin with, this rule shall be strictly applied in accounts where both the thresholds listed -- (i) balance of rupees five lakh or more; and (ii) the total deposits (including credits by electronic or other means) made after November 9, 2016, exceed rupees two lakh, the RBI said.
It said if any account is rendered ineligible for being classified as a small account due to credits/balance in the account exceeding the permissible limits, withdrawals may be allowed within the limit prescribed for small accounts.
The monthly limit for withdrawal and transfer from a small account is Rs 10,000. Also, aggregate of all credits in a financial year cannot exceed Rs 1 lakh.
Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts (Jan Dhan accounts are akin to BSBDAs), which are not KYC compliant accounts are to be treated as small accounts, the RBI added.
The government demonetised old Rs 500/1000 from November 9.
Earlier, RBI had asked banks to strictly follow norms while allowing deposits in dormant accounts. There have been reports some people misused Jan Dhan and dormant accounts to deposit unaccounted money following demonetisation.
Uber co-founder and CEO Travis Kalanick on Thursday ruled out a merger with rival domestic on-demand technology-enabled taxi services company, Ola, and said his company was in India for the ride.
Although we are losing to Ola here in India, I do not forsee a merger with the company. We are in India for the long haul and will continue to invest and innovate to work towards a profitable future, Kalanick told Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, when asked about Ubers merger with Didi in China.
Kant and Kalanick were in conversation at the US India Business council-facilitated dialogue on the future of mobility in urban India.
Uber was losing $200 million in China every month and hence it was tactful to go for a merger with Didi, Kalanick said. He quipped that he was ready to become an Indian citizen if that would give the company a local image.
Uber sold off its China business to Didi in August this year. While Uber was last valued at $68 billion, after the deal Didi had a valuation of $35 billion.
If we are to succeed in India, then we have to work towards being a firm for local people. It was one of the most important lessons we learnt from China, Kalanick said.
In an aside, he said it will take five to ten years to see traffic conditions in Delhi improve.
When asked about ease of doing business, Kalanick said India was much better than some nations.
Kalanick also said he was betting on India to lead innovation and research and said Bengaluru would be one of the key areas in the world for Uber to innovate, apart from Beijing and the Bay Area in the US.
A lot of work on automation in cars is actually happening in Bengaluru and Hyderabad and we will continue to invest to see breakthroughs in the country, Kalanick said. However, he said that he didnt see automation come to India soon. Drivers in India are very rash and hence till the time there is a giant leap in artificial intelligence technology, India will be one of the last countries to get automated cars, he told Kant.
When asked about Ubers reluctance to come under regulation in India, Kalanick said that Uber was ready to come under regulation only if they were meant for people and progress. We dont want laws that protects the old way of doing things, Kalanick said, adding that laws in countries such as Germany and South Korea were pretty unnecessary and regressive.
Uber is legal in S Korea or Seoul till the time the passenger is not a Korean, Kalanick said while giving an example of such laws. He also said he was not against old black and yellow cabs but was against their motive of not letting fares go down. There are ways to integrate them into the system as well but they have to be in favour of flexible pricing. Most taxi cartels around the world wants tariff fixed, he claimed.
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Centuries of pain and guilt were distilled in an extraordinary encounter that took place on December 5, in the improbable venue of the auditorium of a casino in the Midwestern state of North Dakota. With a blizzard raging outside, a group of US army veterans assembled before the elders of the Lakota Sioux, an indigenous Native American people. Dressed in 19th century military garb, veteran Wesley Clark Jr (the son of a retired general and former supreme commander of Nato) delivered an apology on behalf of American soldiers.
Many of us are from the units that have hurt you over many years, he said. We came. We fought you. We took your land. We signed treaties that we broke. We stole minerals from your sacred hills We didnt respect you, we polluted your Earth, weve hurt you in so many ways, but weve come to say we are sorry. He knelt before the Sioux spiritual leader, chief Leonard Crow Dog. We are at your service and we beg you for forgiveness.
Its impossible to expect absolute forgiveness from Native Americans for what remains the original sin of the American nation, the killing, dispossession and immiseration of its indigenous people. But even as a symbolic act, I found Clarks clear and forthright statement quite moving.
Indigenous people live with the constant reminder of their conquest and subjugation, but most Americans dont have to reckon with the history of that loss. Surviving Native American populations are small, their reservations (parcels of land allocated to indigenous peoples by the US government) often out of sight and out of mind. The myth of Americas creation out of an empty wilderness remains ingrained in the national DNA, obscuring the long histories of the indigenous peoples who were displaced and eradicated in the making of the country. Clarks apology was bold not only for its honesty, but for the way it confronted a difficult truth that many Americans can safely ignore.
Veterans join activists in a march to Backwater Bridge just outside the Oceti Sakowin camp to demonstrate against plans to pass the Dakota Access pipeline adjacent to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, North Dakota, December 5, 2016 (REUTERS)
The veterans who supplicated themselves before the Sioux elders had come to frigid North Dakota in defence of an ongoing protest against an oil pipeline. For months, people have camped on the now frozen plains of Standing Rock reservation to block the completion of the nearly $4 billion Dakota Access Pipeline. The remaining section of pipeline is supposed to pass under the Missouri River, close to the Standing Rock reservation. Indigenous activists claim it will endanger the local environment and violate the sanctity of their sacred lands.
Read | Donald Trumps stock in oil pipeline company raises concern
This month, an existing pipeline further up the river leaked 100 barrels of oil into the water. Several friends journalists and activists have spent time at the encampments, sending reports of remarkable resolve and apocalyptic snowstorms. Authorities deployed significant force in trying to quash the protests, including using attack dogs, tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons that, in the below freezing temperatures, have the surreal effect of turning human beings into icicles.
Unbowed and aided by a wide array of sympathisers, including Clark and the army veterans, the activists won a temporary victory on December 4. The Army Corps of Engineers (who have jurisdiction over the contested area) put a stay on the construction of the pipeline pending further review. Supporters of the Standing Rock protesters celebrated the decision, but it is only a reprieve, not a final verdict.
The incoming administration of Donald Trump will likely try to encourage the completion of the pipeline. A common refrain of Trumps campaign was his fatigue with environmental regulations and his desire to expand the domestic extraction of fossil fuels. His prospective appointments to numerous government agencies all promise to roll back Barack Obamas modest environmentalism and the halting attempts to wean the American economy away from carbon-intensive fuels.
Read | Trump supports Dakota pipeline, will review situation: Spokesperson
The protest at Standing Rock is continuing through the desolate North Dakota winter. It draws together various strains of disquiet in American politics. People have come to Standing Rock to defend indigenous rights, to protect the environment, to urge action on climate change by curbing the use of fossil fuels, and to check the influence of energy corporations in local and national politics.
There are ready parallels for Standing Rock in the mineral-rich regions of central India, where tribal groups wrestle with the promise and peril of resource extraction in their lands, the prospect of mines and mills pockmarking once sacred geographies. It can be very easy for those of us who live in urban centres (as I suspect many HT readers do) to be oblivious or, worse, indifferent to the way our lives and our habits of consumption affect other places and other peoples.
Clarks apology reached across a chasm of both power and visibility. It was a sign of something more fundamental that has been achieved at Standing Rock: A triumph of moral imagination.
Kanishk Tharoor is the author of Swimmer Among the Stars: Stories. The views expressed are personal
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Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwaris call to distribute laddoos in every household as a mark of thanks for cooperating with the ongoing demonetisation drive announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has elicited a meek response from the party leadership and workers.
A day after Tiwaris announcement, laddoos were distributed to families only at a few places in Mehrauli, Kamla Nagar and Rajinder Nagar areas on Wednesday.
Party sources said the RSS and senior party functionaries were not in favour of the idea mooted by Tiwari as it was never discussed at the party level before an announcement was made. There is a difference of opinion among party leaders on the issue. The topic of laddoo distribution was not discussed at an appropriate forum and the general feeling is that the move may backfire because people are still standing in queues for withdrawing money, said a source.
The RSS too, sources said, had asked the BJP to wait till December 31 and assess the situation before undertaking any such move.
On Tuesday, Tiwari had urged his partymen to greet people of Delhi, who patiently queued up outside banks or ATMs to withdraw money or exchange old notes in support of demonetisation, with laddoos.
Tiwari had also announced that party workers will take public feedback on demonetisation when they go to give laddoos to city residents. People have extended their support and cooperation for demonetisation. They deserve appreciation from us. We will visit their houses to express our gratitude and to seek feedback on banning of old currency notes, he said.
Sources added that several state party leaders were clueless about Tiwaris move till Wednesday evening. No formal communication was sent to party functionaries in this regard. The announcement was made before the media only. Several of us did not have any information on this, said a party leader.
He added that the party leadership should wait till the situation in banks and ATMs normalised. Any decision to celebrate demonetisation should be taken after December 31. Till then, we should continue with awareness campaigns to make people aware of online banking and to ramp up support for Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision of note banning. If required, the celebration should be held after the deadline for exchanging old notes, he said.
Meanwhile, Tiwari also released a video message in which he thanked the people of Delhi for bearing inconvenience during exchange of demonetised currency notes.
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On Friday, December 16, at 11.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference "How do the Ukrainian Officials Destroy Private Business and Investment Attractiveness of the Country? What does the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine Think about It?" The participants will include owners of the companies which suffer raider attacks on the part of the Prosecutor General's Office and the State Fiscal Service. Participants: owner of the Zhytomyr confectionery factory CJSC Zhytomyrski Lasoschi Ihor Boiko, Founder of State Oil company (managing company for BRSM-Nafta filling stations) Ihor Revko, and Lex Group law firm director Liudmyla Mashkina (8/5a Reitarska Street). Admission requires press accreditation. Additional information by phone: (067) 520 3346.
A 13-year-old girl has alleged that she was drugged and gangraped by two suspects, including a minor, at a birthday party in west Delhis Uttam Nagar on Tuesday.
The girl told police that her classmates invited her for the gathering where she was given a drink allegedly laced with sedatives.
She said she bunked school to go for the birthday party. When she reached her friends flat, the minor boy and four of his other friends, including two girls, were present there.
Read | Not the women, we have to change: A cab drivers open letter about rape
After a while her friend left, but the two boys stayed. She said that she was offered a soft drink, which was laced with sedatives and she started feeling dizzy after consuming it, a senior official said.
The girl alleged she fell unconscious before being assaulted. She said boys took her out of the house and dumped her near Janta flats, the official said.
Residents helped her call police. Police have apprehended the two accused, including a 17-year-old boy, and registered a case of rape.
Read | Silence wont bring change, must talk about rape: mother of Dec 16 victim
The incident has come to light a day before the fourth anniversary of the December 16 gangrape case in Delhi.
India brought in more stringent laws three years ago against sexual offenders after the fatal gangrape of a student on a moving bus in Delhi in December 2012, but they have failed to stem the tide of violence against women across the country.
In a separate incident, a 50-year old woman working at the Puducherry House in New Delhi district alleged that she was raped by a staffer, who had promised to marry her.
She alleged that the she was living in with the man, who did not tell her that he was married.
She said that the man promised to marry her but whenever she brought the topic up, he used to dodge the question. She said that she found out that he was married and had been cheating on her, a senior police officer said.
Read more |Grow up a proud feminist: A mothers open letter to her son about rape
The Delhi high court directed the police on Wednesday to scan JNU campus, including hostels, classrooms and rooftops, using sniffer dogs to get clues into the disappearance of Najeeb Ahmed
Ahmed, 27, a first year MSc student, went missing from his hostel on the night of October 14-15, allegedly after a row with members of RSS student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
A bench of Justice GS Sistani and Justice Vinod Goel asked Delhi Police to take all necessary steps without further loss of time to trace Ahmed. The bench said there has been delay in recording statements of some students suspected of thrashing him a day before his disappearance.
The court directed the varsity and its student union, JNUSU, to file affidavits in two days stating they have no objection to the thorough search and that all assistance would be provided to the police.
Read More: Missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmeds mother moves Delhi High Court
The court also said the police was free to search Jamia Millia University also, if required. The police had said that an autorickshaw dropped Najeeb at Jamia before he went missing.
The bench also noted that the police can approach it in case of any resistance or objection to it from the varsity or its students. We are only concerned with where he has vanished, the HC bench said.
The courts directions to the police came on a habeus corpus plea by Ahmeds mother, Fatima Nafees, who had approached the court.
The court has listed the matter for further hearing on December 22.
Fatimas counsel said the police was bypassing the abduction angle and it appeared that the investigating agency was following the theory that Ahmed was not well metally as he just walked out of the campus.
Read More: How can he vanish suddenly: Delhi HC slams cops over missing JNU student
Delhi Police, represented by senior standing counsel for Delhi government Rahul Mehra, refuted the allegations and told the court that it was exploring all angles, including abduction, and was not hiding any details from the Ahmeds mother.
Mehra also said that four students, who are suspected of beating up Najeeb, would be put to lie-detector tests to get leads or clues about his disappearance and whereabouts. The police are expected to get results in the next 10 days, he said.
Eight residents of Delhi write open letters discussing sexual abuse and rape. In Part 3, an educator addresses other teachers.
Dear teachers,
Students are the rainbow in our clouds. Yet, somewhere, the skies have darkened, threatening their sense of security and safety, especially with increasing episodes of child abuse and rape across the country.
Age seems to be no bar for these crimes.
School, home and community are a melting pot of emotions, desires, attitudes and aspirations. One may think that the energies that reside in these places are positive as they are supposed to nurture our young.
However, theres a great deal that lies at a subconscious level within the collective humanity that inhabits these places.
Feelings of intolerance, stress disorder, neglect, and sexual abuse often create attitudes that generate violent and deviant sexual behaviour among adolescents and adults. This leads to destructive tendencies, lack of respect for self and the other, which may culminate in rape.
Ameeta Mulla Wattal, principal, Springdales School, Pusa Road addresses teachers on the importance of engaging with children on issues of gender violence. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)
The challenge is to engage with children through activities, dialogues, workshops, self-help situations and inculcate in them sensitivity, a sense of healthy intimacy that helps in building confidence and developing an understanding of the others personal space physical, mental and emotional.
Self-esteem, right to privacy and gender sensitivity are issues that have to be integrated within the psyche of the children as they grow. The root of the problem lies in peer pressure, alcohol and drug abuse, media and the role models they create, and the attitudes that are endorsed during a childs growth of objectifying girls and women, of accepting the male gaze, and of glorifying instant gratification.
The solution to the problem lies in first valuing the girl child. Schools and communities should plan awareness and advocacy campaigns on improving the child sex ratio, since female infanticide and foeticide continue to rise. As long as societies are imbalanced, and more aggressively male, rapes will continue to be a growing reality.
Movies, advertisements, comics and cartoons read and watched by children often perpetuate stereotyping of gender images and offer stimulation for sexual violence. Rape is also about a show of power. Many images in cinema, animation and video games often show women as weak and disempowered through a patriarchal lens.
Rape is also about a show of power. Many images in cinema, animation and video games often show women as weak and disempowered .
This creates confusion in a young mind, leading to passivity of action and acceptance of an unequal relationship. Men and boys are often equal victims to the way power operates in our society. From childhood, boys are made to believe that they are strong and need to protect girls.
That is why we have to develop attitudes at home where we sensitise our boys to have mutually respectful relationships with girls.
Patriarchy makes women and girls agents of its own construct. They often get sucked into believing and behaving in a manner expected by society. They are required to be quiet, not protest, fast, eat last and sacrifice, all reflections of submission.
We, as educators, must ensure that girls become activists of thought and are able to articulate their feelings of anger, protest and anguish. We have to instil in them the belief that they have the right to make their own cultural and social choices, whether it is the dress they wear, food they eat or customs they follow. They have the ownership of their bodies and the right to choose the person they would want to live with or not, and to take up a profession of their choice.
(Girls must) have the ownership of their bodies and the right to choose the person they would want to live with or not.
Schools have become centres of salvation not only in the minds of parents and children but also of the community at large. Hence, we have the responsibility to ensure that schools go beyond being factories of academia and skill development and become laboratories of gender sensitisation, empathetic listening and understanding diversity by not demonizing or objectifying the other.
As an educator, I believe that we must continue to create linkages between the macro and the micro, bridging the external consciousness with the internal world of our young, creating a common language and vocabulary, which is human. No one has a monopoly over suffering and submission. This is what we have to believe. We must act TOGETHER, we must act URGENTLY and we must act NOW.
Let us commit ourselves to making our students more humane towards each other.
Best,
Ameeta Mulla Wattal
Ameeta Mulla Wattal is the principal of Springdales School, Pusa Road and the former chairperson of National Progressive Schools Conference, an umbrella body of around 150 private unaided recognised schools.
Lets Talk About Rape features illustrations by Liza Donnelly, a celebrated New York-based cartoonist and writer best known for her work in The New Yorker Magazine. Next in the series: A survivor narrates her account.
What is rape?What is porn? What is oral sex?
These were just some of the questions a counsellor at a leading Delhi private school faced during sex education workshops for sixth to eighth graders. Many students said they didnt feel comfortable asking these questions at home and hence relied on counsellors to provide this information, crucial for adolescent years.
But such instances are few and far between. With sex education not figuring in the syllabi of most schools, students are left to their own resources which are often biased or inaccurate -- to try and find answers to questions that profoundly influence their behavior and often shape the kind of adults they grow up to be.
A 2006-07 study in India found that just 0-2% of young men and 1- 6% of young women had discussed romantic relationships and reproductive processes with either parent.
At least 47% of women and 16% men never received any information on sexual matters from anybody despite 78% young women and 83% young men being in favour of imparting sex education or family-life education to the youth.
This is a disturbing trend, experts say, and points to the general apathy about sex education at a time rapes and crimes against women make national headlines almost every day.
They say the absence of education and information on sex, sexuality and gender can lead to distorted attitudes towards women that may feed a culture that normalises rape and sexual violence. Sex education on its own cannot help reduce rapes and other violent crimes. It has to be an integration of sex education, adolescent life education and sexuality education for it to be effective, said Dr Samir Parikh, a psychiatrist at Fortis Hospitals in the city.
SEX EDUCATION IN THE AGE OF INFORMATION
Sex education faces stiff resistance from conservative sections of society who take offence at the term sex. Many fear sex education may encourage young impressionable students to engage in frivolous sexual experimentation. However, many others -- including the Justice Verma committee that advised states to provide clear, well informed and scientifically grounded sexuality education -- have dispelled these fears as unfounded.
Research does not indicate early sexual initiation on account of sex educationon the contrary, there is better and more responsible sexual behaviour as the information is made available in a scientifically accurate, non-judgmental, age appropriate and carefully phased process, said the report of the committee set up to relook at Indias rape laws after the December 2012 gang rape case.
The second problem is that in the age of internet, ready-made information and data about sex is available to children just a click away but experts fear that most of this is unreliable or grossly distorted.
Are children getting the right information? Is this in a child-friendly format? If not given the right information and education at the right age, they will grow up with distorted ideas about sex, sexuality and gender, said Rupal Ahuja, the counsellor at Springdales School, Pusa Road.
To plug the gap, experts say, educators and counselors need to furnish students with informed answers for even the most uncomfortable questions, especially in a society where parents still find these conversations too embarrassing.
But it is often easier said than done. A counsellor at a private school in Delhi recalled how a class 6 student once asked what porn was. Instead of dismissing the child, or asking the student to not ask unnecessary questions, the counsellor patiently explained the term and its ramifications.
The next day, I had parents and yell at me for teaching obscenity to kids. I had to sit them down and tell them how the kid could have searched for the term on the internet if I had not answered his question, where he would be faced with a lot of inappropriate content, said the counsellor.
The lack of a state-level policy on sex education also means that most schools do not offer any support to adolescents faced with myriad newfound questions about their changing bodies, attractions, intimacies, sexual urges and relationships, among others. Government schools run the Yuva Life Skills classes that screens movies about good touch, bad touch and conduct activities to break gender stereotypes.
Fact Sheet: How Schools Fare Justice Verma Committee favoured introduction of sex education as an integral part of curriculum But sex-education is non-existent in most schools Students are usually only taught the biology of puberty and reproduction, primarily during science classes State Council for Education and Research Training developed Yuva Life Skills programme, which does not have any direct reference to sex education. It teaches value education, life skills and gender- sensitisation SCERT officials say the programme is optional and it is up to schools to conduct the classes Under the programme, students are assigned tasks. For instance, they are told to draw a farming community and then asked how many of them drew male farmers and how many drew female farmers.
However, some principals contend that even if they find the time and resources needed to conduct these classes, there is no guarantee how the message is relayed as the onus of teaching the subject falls on the teacher.
Some teachers are reluctant to talk about these issues. Others like to scare students into decency. They sometimes even skip the entire session, or admonish students if they come forward with doubts. Now for a child who comes from a conservative family, where such questions may never be entertained, the school has to be a safe space where they can discuss these issues, said H Akhtar, vice-principal of Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Jor Bagh.
Such methods are also taken up by some of the more conservative institutions.
The nuns at our schools are completely against us even talking to boys. They discourage any sort of interaction, and keep scaring us about their intentions. Why cant I be just friends with a boy? Even if I do feel attracted to a boy, is that unnatural? If I dont do anything, but just think a boy is nice, am I still wrong? asked a student of a leading convent school in Delhi.
Such a discourse of fear around topics such as sex and sexuality confuses already vulnerable young children further, said a psychiatrist in Delhi.
Lets be clear, we need to encourage abstinence for school children as the healthier choice. But we should not say that it is because sex is something dirty, or sinful. It should be discouraged because young teenagers are not emotionally ready for the emotional, social and cognitive repercussions of sexual experimentation, he said.
The importance of gender sensitisation at school is probably articulated best by Rajeshwari Kapri, principal of Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Sonia Vihar, who said, We are building nations inside the classrooms. At this age, if we can teach them to treat all genders as equals then it will stay with them forever.
The gang rape of a 23-year-old girl in Delhi on December 16, 2012, brought the question of womens safety in India, and Delhi in particular, to the forefront. Many embraced the victim as one of their own.
She has since been dubbed as the brave, the fearless and even hailed as the nations daughter. But to this mother, she was just her child. Thirteen days after the incident, the young girl passed away, and the nation mourned the loss of a national hero. But this mother lost her flesh and blood.
Hindustan Times talks to her to find out how she is coping, four years later. Excerpts:
You have shown great courage in the face of a devastating incident. Where does your courage come from?
When I go out, I meet a lot of people, who claim that I am a very brave person. I am not brave. I am just a mother who has to fight so that her daughter gets justice.
Many people go silent because of social stigma. I kept thinking, why should I hide my face? The criminals who did this to my daughter should be the ones to hide their faces.
My daughter kept fighting till her last breath, and so will I. It was reported that one of the aggressors said: If she hadnt fought so hard, then we wouldnt have killed her. I am proud that my daughter fought to keep herself safe.
Has time mitigated your pain?
No. I dont think its true that pain reduces with time. We feel the pain just as acutely now, as we did in 2012.
My daughter passed away four years ago. I die every day, only to come back to life. Every day is an uphill battle, where I need to think how will I fight this, where will I start.
I dont think this will ever get better. Some days I feel like I might die with grief. I dont think I will ever be able to forget what happened.
What is the one memory of her that keeps coming back to you?
It still hurts like it was yesterday when I think about my daughter. Unfortunately, today when I think of her, I see her in the hospital bed and hear her screams of pain.
I also try to remember her good nature. I remember this one day in the hospital; she was not able to move her arms or legs, but she was concerned about me. She asked me why I had not set my hair, or why I had not showered.
There was a lot of demand for change post December 16, 2012, and some changes were made with the Justice Verma Committee reports and the subsequent amendments to rape laws in the country. Do you think these changes have been effective, and enough?
When I first saw the entire nation raising its voice against the injustices, I was confident that a lot would change. Some things did change. But despite this, the question of justice still looms large.
It has been four years since, and in this time if my daughter has not been served justice, what can others hope for. People may be given death sentence, but if we keep them in prison for 10-15 years, where his meals, drinks and security is taken care of, before meting out their sentences, how is this justice? In this time, the culprits may even be left out after a while saying that he has served enough.
The death penalty is definitely the justice we need, and want. Anything less, is never going to be enough. In fact for people who have completely let go of their humanity, any punishment would be too lenient. But death penalty is the most they can be given, so it will have to do.
Every day rape cases are being reported. What is your reaction when you read about these?
I feel pain and troubled, because I can relate to what the victims go through.
Crimes against women are the fault of an inactive society. If something like this happens in somebodys house, even if it happens to their own child, people stay silent out of fear and shame. Other people think that this does not concern them.
I would like to remind people, that what is happening in somebody elses house today, could happen in yours tomorrow. We never even fathomed that this would happen to our daughter, until it did.
Culprits are also not scared of the law anymore. There are laws, laws that have been amended since my daughters death, but I feel we still have issues with its implementation. Some think that they can get away with anything.
We need to encourage a conversation around real issues. Why are women still unsafe in our country? Why do we question her innocence more than the culprits guilt? This conversation needs to persist. We usually wait for a big incident to act like a catalyst for our outrage.
Read | Not the women, we have to change: A cab drivers open letter about rape
Do you think that talking about these issues will make a difference?
By talking about it, these issues will no longer be unheard of; they will come out in the open. By talking about it, this will become an issue. By making it an issue, we can work to find solutions.
If we keep quiet, and stay silently at home, then we cannot expect any change. Who will come to your home to help you out?
Only by talking about it can you make the government aware of your problems, and make the society aware as well.
Only by speaking about it can people know about what has happened, and they can help you get justice.
To read more from our Lets Talk About Rape series, click here.
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The proposal of the Election Commission before the Central Board of Direct Taxes that de-recognised political parties should not be given tax exemption is justified. Under the Income Tax Act, no registered party has to pay tax though all are supposed to file income-tax returns. There are now close to 2,000 political parties in India and there is no reason why a de-recognised party should get this benefit, at a time when there is concern at the proliferation of parties and votes getting split because of non-serious contenders being in the contest. Also if such parties keep getting such a facility, there will be a time when independent candidates will ask for the same or similar privileges. Poll funding has been a source of funnelling black money and cleaning up the poll process is necessary. Looking at the number of parties in India, it is easy to suspect that some of them have been floated by national or state parties to park their income from dubious sources, because such parties are not subject to the Election Commissions scrutiny.
Read: Punjab polls: EC to go tough on paid news, to monitor newspaper on day-to-day basis
This is one aspect of the matter. Another important issue that should cause consternation is the undeclared income of many parties, including the BJP and the Congress. According to the data provided by the Association of Democratic Reforms, the Congress has unaccounted income of 3,323 crore, or about 83% of its total. For the BJP, the corresponding figures are 2,125 crore and 65%. The CPI(M) comes third, followed by other parties. Though this is not in violation of the rules because the legislation stipulates that parties are supposed to declare the sources that have contributed 20,000 or more, it is very easy for them to split their sources into many and receive amounts less than 20,000 so that they can avoid naming the sources. Here the Election Commission can propose that the source of contributions of 1,000 and more must be declared. And to add a layer of protection to this stipulation, it should be made mandatory for all parties not to have more than 15% of undeclared income.
Read: EC forms committees to check use of illicit drugs in Punjab polls
The strange paradox of democracy is that while it is a tool to create an equitable society, its props, of which political parties are the main, sometimes give rise to opposite forces. This is what is happening in South Korea, which transited to democracy a little more than two decades ago. So it is strong institutions such as the Election Commission that can provide a cushion against the forces than can subvert democracy.
The only thing I want is that Parliament should run. This sends out a poor message. A complete washout is something we should not allow, BJP patriarch LK Advani told a few senior party MPs after Parliament was disrupted once again on Thursday. So agitated was Mr Advani that he kept sitting in the Lok Sabha for nearly 15 minutes even after it had been adjourned for the day and said that he felt like resigning from the House. Mr Advani has every reason to be agitated: This winter session of Parliament, which ends today, was the worst among all sessions since the NDA government came to power with a thumping majority in 2014. No matter what happens today, this session will be termed as a washout. Last week, President Pranab Mukherjee was equally critical of the MPs, saying: For Gods sake, do your job. You are meant to transact business in Parliament. Disruption of Parliament is not acceptable at all.
Read: PM Modis presence in Parliament will compel the Opposition to debate note ban
The reasons for such a poor show by parliamentarians are not difficult to ascertain: First, there is a severe trust deficit between the BJP and the Opposition, which has been exacerbated after the decision to demonetise high-value currency; second, there is no channel of communication open between the two groups; and third, apparently, the Speaker has not been able to bridge the gap that now exists between the ruling party and Opposition. Unfortunately, the 16th Parliament also lacks an elder other than Mr Advani who commands the kind of respect that a Chandra Shekhar, Madhu Limaye, Indrajit Gupta or AB Vajpayee had in the House.
Read: Feel like resigning, says Advani after another day of Parliament disruption
In their heyday, these leaders could bring warring factions to the table by dint of their stature, prestige and non-partisan approach to tackling difficult issues. This House also suffered because the assembly elections in five states are round the corner, including the critical Uttar Pradesh polls. This meant that all political parties used this platform, unfortunately, to further their agendas. Unsurprisingly, there were no debates, only shrill and aggressive rhetoric.
The damage has been huge: The winter session, which began on November 16, had 22 sittings and the government had listed 10 pieces of legislation to be discussed and passed, including crucial Bills related to the Goods and Services Tax or GST. But only four Bills have been passed, most of them rushed through amid sloganeering and adjournments. The Lok Sabha has been operational only about 15% in this session so far, while the Rajya Sabha has seen 17% productivity.
Read: Are opposition parties headed for a self-goal in Parliament?
The Opposition has blamed the ruling party and vice versa for this situation. While it always takes two to tango, its never a 50-50. Traditionally, a greater responsibility devolves on the Treasury and the Chair to make the House function. And that did not happen despite the BJP enjoying a comfortable majority. In India, political parties have been losing their appeal thanks to corruption scandals and loss of credibility of their leaders and now such successive adjournments will only erode the Houses prestige further.
The Haryana government has hinted that it might set up a dedicated or exclusive body under Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) for Gurgaon as it accounts for more than 90 per cent of real estate deals in Haryana.
The move comes in the wake of growing clamour among apartment buyers, who are demanding strict action against recalcitrant developers.
Sources said a majority of complaints against builders are from Gurgaon. Therefore, some sections of the government believe that having a dedicated body for the city under RERA, which can function independently or under the aegis of Gurugram Development Authority (GDA) could be an ideal solution.
During a recent grievance committee meeting, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar had suggested that a dedicated body or agency under the Real Estate Act could be established as majority of these issues came from Gurgaon.
Without giving any timelines, Khattar had also said that Haryana government would soon implement the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.
Sources said that the reason for the latest push for RERA was because chief minister Khattar was keen to ensure that work done by allottees grievances redressal forum and district grievances redressal forum to solve the problems between buyers and developers is not lost amid the clamour to have a larger state wide regulatory body.
In the last one year, the allottees grievances redressal forum led by deputy commissioner, Gurgaon, has played a key role in understanding the issues being faced by apartment buyers. The forum has also sent a strong message to the developer community to play by rules. The apartment buyers in fact have been pressing for a stronger regulatory body in Haryana, as they want action to be taken against violators.
In fact on the day, Khattar visited Gurgaon, a large number of apartment buyers carried out a twitter campaign calling for implementation of the RERA act.
One such buyer, Pradeep Dwivedi wrote on Twitter: @mlkhattar @Moud_India I heard today that even UP has notified RERA, seems Haryana is a bit behind in implementing it.
Contacted, the builders sounded more careful and said they wanted a balanced real estate body that catered to the problems of both the sides.
The authority is welcome but it should take into account the fact that rules in Haryana under Director General Town & Country Planning Department are completely different. Developers are facing problems and their concerns should also be addressed, said Kamaljeet Singh, vice president, Bestech.
Industry body Naredco said it would be preferable to have a regulatory authority for the entire state rather than focusing just on Gurgaon. If the authority is based in Gurgaon than the licences and permissions should also be given from here. A single window system also needs to be established, said Parveen Jain, president, Naredco.
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The union government on Thursday informed Parliament that state-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued directions to respective car parking licensees across all AAI-controlled airports to evolve a mechanism for e-payment transactions.
According to Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha, car parking licensees at AAI controlled airports have been asked to evolve a mechanism of e-payment transactions in the form of debit or credit cards, digital wallets.
The minister informed the Lok Sabha, that car parking licensees have also been asked to keep sufficient change of currency in small denomination of Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50 and Rs 100 to smoothen the process of parking at all airports.
AAI is evolving a mechanism so that digital payment alternatives through various modes is available at all concessions providing passenger facilitation services at airports (such as food and beverage outlets, general retails, car rentals, pre-paid taxi services, Sinha was quoted as saying in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took a dig at his Ministers and bureaucrats on Thursday for failing to switch over to cashless transactions even as he sarcastically hailed tipplers for quickly adapting the digital economy.
Not even 25% of you are making cashless transactions. How will the country reform if you are like this? It will not, Naidu remarked after he asked Ministers and bureaucrats who switched to digital economy to raise their hands at a meeting here.
Not many hands went up in the meeting attended by Ministers and over 200 bureaucrats at the Secretariat this afternoon.
That is the biggest challenge. Mind set. Your mindset has to change, he quipped.
See how liquor shops are using point of sale (PoS) machines. A drunkards mind will not work if he doesnt drink by evening. That (drinking) gives him the kick, so he has learnt to make cashless transactions. He learnt it because of the need, the Chief Minister observed.
You all, too, should switch to digital economy.
The Chief Minister, heading a 13-member Central committee on digital transactions, said they had committed a mistake by transferring welfare pensions to the beneficiaries bank accounts.
From next month, pensions will be delivered in cash in two instalments of Rs 500 each, he said, in view of the troubles being faced by pensioners in getting money post- demonetisation.
Several senior BJP leaders were arrested on Thursday while they brought out a rally protesting a fatwa issued by a Muslim cleric against state party chief Dilip Gosh for his derogatory remarks against state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan Mosque Maulana Noor-ur Rahman Barkati gave the fatwa on Monday against Ghosh who had termed Banerje as semi-mad and said she could have been held by her hair and thrown out by the BJP government if it so desired when the Chief Minister held a demonstration at Delhis Jantar Mantar against demonetisation last month.
The rally, organised to condemn Barakti, started close to the BJP state office in central Kolkata, with the BJP earlier declaring it would end outside the Tipu Sultan Mosque.
To prevent any untoward incidents, police put up barricades on Central Avenue and asked the BJP leaders including Ghosh not to proceed, but as they refused to listen, police arrested them.
The BJP leaders, however, alleged that police had used brute force to stop the peaceful rally and called it yet another instance of the Banerjee governments politics of appeasement.
A BJP leader claimed that Ghosh was injured when police tried to forcibly stop the rallyists. BJP state lawmaker Swadhin Sarkar and its state general secretary Deboshree Chowdhury, besides actor-turned politician Locket Chatterjee were arrested.
Ahead of the UP Assembly elections, the BJP has picked three candidates from the state to head its SC, OBC and Kishan Morcha.
Late on Thursday night, party president Amit Shah announced Vijay Sonkar as the head of its SC Morcha, while Dara Singh Chauhan a former MP who joined the BJP from the BSP was picked as the head of the OBC Morcha.
Member of Parliament Virendra Singh Mast will head the Kisan Morcha , while MP from Maharashtra Poonam Mahajan has been appointed the head of the Yuva Morcha.
Ramvichar Netam, Rajya Sabha MP has been given the charge of the ST Morcha.
Ruling BJP lawmakers stalled a debate on demonetisation in Parliament on Thursday, setting up what could be the least productive legislative session in six years.
With one more day to go before it closes, the month-long winter session has been a virtual washout as opposition parties and the government clashed primarily over the recall of 500- and 1,000-rupee banknotes.
The BJP and its allies blocked the Oppositions offer in the Lok Sabha for an unconditional debate on the demonetisation drive. Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar opted, instead, to rake up the AgustaWestland helicopter scam that was discussed threadbare in Parliament two sessions ago and not heard of since.
Never in the history of the Lok Sabha, the parliamentary affairs ministers has led his party to create ruckus, CPI(M) leader Mohammed Salim said.
Highlights The month-long winter session has been a virtual washout The Opposition and the government clashed primarily over demonetisation The Lok Sabha, where the NDA enjoys a majority, has managed to pass two bills this session The Rajya Sabha, where the NDA is in a minority, has passed a single legislation
Minister Kumar demanded a discussion on the controversial helicopter deal, saying the UPA governments first family was mentioned by a middleman in the scandal.
Former defence minister AK Antony later said Congress president Sonia Gandhi had no role in it as VVIP helicopters were meant for the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister.
In the Rajya Sabha, that assembled after a four-day gap, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad stood up to speak about farmers facing difficulties because of the cash crunch. But NDA parliamentarians, led by junior parliamentary affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, shouted him down.
This is the first time in the history of India after Independence that it is the ruling party that does not allow the House to work, Azad said.
Ruling lawmakers disrupted the Lok Sabha last Thursday and Friday when Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi wanted to speak on the governments decision to scrap the two high-value notes.
The repeated disruptions have frustrated even BJP veteran LK Advani, who said he felt like resigning.
Gandhi thanked the BJP veteran in a tweet, for fighting for democratic values within your party.
The Congress leader has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of corruption and alleged that the government was not allowing him to speak in Parliament because he is terrified.
I want to reveal in Lok Sabha PM is afraid that if he lets me speak then his balloon will burst, Gandhi said.
The belligerent Opposition wants Modi to speak in the House on demonetisation, a surprise move that has left millions of people lining up at banks and ATM kiosks for more than a month.
Read: Who is to blame? Cong, BJP spar over Advanis outburst on Parliament deadlock
For his part, the Prime Minister has accused the Opposition of not allowing him to speak in the House.
Opposition parties have decided to meet President Pranab Mukherjee the second time this session to share their views on demonetisation. Gandhi will be part of the delegation.
The confrontation overshadowed Parliaments legislative business, including key social and financial reforms bills.
The Lok Sabha, where the NDA enjoys a brute majority with more than 330 parliamentarians, has managed to pass two bills this session, which ends Friday. The Rajya Sabha, where the NDA is in a minority, passed a single legislation.
The Lower House has been able to use 15% of the allotted time, against the Rajya Sabhas 19%. This is a sharp fall from the previous session in which the two Houses spent 101% and 96% of their time.
This could go down in history as the worst session since 2010. There is little possibility of Parliament conducting any legislative business on Friday, the last day of the session.
In the 2010 session, the BJP-led Opposition stalled proceedings to demand a joint parliamentary panel on the 2G spectrum allocation scam.
Three years later, the BJP again led repeated disruptions over alleged scams in coal block allocation.
The Supreme Court on Thursday accepted Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khans unconditional apology for calling the Bulandshaher gang rape incident a political conspiracy, saying he has expressed sincere and heartfelt remorse.
A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra accepted Khans expression of remorse after senior advocate Fali Nariman said its stronger than apology. Nariman was assisting the court on the issue of whether political leaders should be allowed to comment on gruesome crimes.
The bench had last week rejected Khans three-page written apology, saying it was not unconditional as promised by the Samajwadi Party leader.
The SP leader had termed the July 29 incident by a group of highway robbers as an attempt to malign the Akhilesh Yadav government. The girls father moved the top court for an action against Khan and in the wake of his statement sought the transfer of the case to the CBI.
if any word or deed of the answering respondent has caused any pain to the victims or their family, who have already suffered so much, then the answering respondent unconditionally and without reserve expresses his sincere and heartfelt remorse at anything said by him which may have unintentionally added to their suffering, read Khans affidavit rejected last week.
There should be no ifs and buts, the bench had said, terming it unacceptable.
But on Thursday, Khan in his affidavit said if the aggrieved family was insulted or humiliated by any of his statement, he expresses sincere and heartfelt remorse in this regard.
The Central Bureau of Investigation may have a new director before the New Year.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has proposed four dates before December 28 for a meeting of the Prime Minister-headed selection committee to appoint a CBI director.
If the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) holds the meeting on one of the four dates, the CBI could get a full-time chief by the month-end.
The government had earlier this month appointed Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as an interim director of the premier investigating agency, triggering protests from Kharge, who accused the Centre of trying to manipulate the selection process.
The PMO denied the charge and promised to hold the selection committee meeting on any day convenient to the members after the winter session of Parliament.
Sources said Kharge had lobbed the ball back into the governments court and suggested four dates December 16, 17, 26 and 28 when the meeting could be convened.
Kharge is a member of the selection panel headed by the Prime Minister as he is the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
Chief Justice of India TS Thakur is the third member.
But the Congress leader hasnt been the only one raising questions about the government working around the law that requires the CBI boss to be appointed by bipartisan support.
This was done by giving Asthana additional charge of the CBI directors post, which does not require the selection panels approval.
Read | Supreme Court asks govt to explain Asthanas appointment as interim CBI chief
Also, the government sidestepped the rule that the senior-most officer be given additional charge by shifting RK Dutta out of the CBI.
Dutta was sent packing to the home ministry to a non-existent post to edge him out of the way.
Hearing a petition, the Supreme Court asked the government to report back with all facts about Duttas transfer, particularly since he was supervising SC-monitored probes.
The court had earlier this year frowned at the government keeping the Enforcement Directorate without a full-time chief for more than a year.
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With the winter session of Parliament coming to an end, Aam Aadmi Party lawmaker Bhagwant Mann who was virtually kept away for two consecutive sessions after he uploaded a security detail video online has lashed out at the committee that recommended his suspension for the rest of the session.
Speaking exclusively to Hindustan Times over the phone from Amritsar, Mann said the committee headed by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kirit Somaiya succeeded in furthering the BJPs conspiracy to keep AAPs voice out of Parliament for two sessions ahead of the Punjab assembly polls. Punjab will go to elections in February next year.
Describing the committee as BJP-dominated, Mann alleged it was biased from the beginning. The man who was most vocal against me on July 22 in the Lok Sabha on the video recording was made the chairman of the committee. He spoke against me on the record in the Lok Sabha proceedings when the incident was discussed, yet madam Speaker appointed him. He was not neutral, Mann said. Three of the eight members on the committee were from the BJP.
Rejecting Manns charges, Somaiya said the committees decision was unanimous. It is a closed chapter now. The House adopted the resolution, he said.
The committee was formed after the July 18 filming became controversial amid allegations that making it public amounted to compromising Parliaments security. Mann had traced his journey from his MPs residence in South Avenue to inside the Parliament complex, recording it on his phone video camera and uploaded it on Facebook. After the incident blew up, he had tendered an apology to the Speaker but a committee was formed to look in to it.
In his response to the committee, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was guilty of inviting Pakistans ISI officials to the Pathankot air base but no action had been taken against him. The committee found the apology and the aggressive stance against Modi inconsistent.
The matter should have ended with the apology but when I had to defend myself, I had to remind the committee that bringing Pakistan officials to Pathankot was a bigger security breach. There is no inconsistency, he said.
A committee member from the BJP tried to prove that Mann had links with those backing the Khalistan movement and had met them on a trip to Germany. I am supposed to check everyones identity and past record before they get a picture clicked with them? he reasoned. Mann is a successful Punjabi comedian who turned politician and fought the Lok Sabha election for the first time in 2014.
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BJP patriarch LK Advanis fresh outburst in the Lok Sabha on Thursday over prolonged parliamentary gridlock sparked a blame game between the BJP and Congress, even as Rahul Gandhi said the senior leader was fighting for democratic values within his party.
Shortly after an exasperated 89-year-old Advani said on the penultimate day of the winter session the he felt like resigning, rival sides sparred over who should take the blame for the virtual washout of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Blaming the Opposition for disruptions in Parliament, information and broadcasting minister and senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu said the Congress was adopting spit and run tactics to divert attention from the real issues.
Everybody is sad. The way Parliament is not being allowed to function, every countrymen is sad. We are also sad. But what to do if some people deliberately and continuously not allowing Parliament to function. It is a known fact who is rushing to the Well of the House, Naidu told reporters outside Parliament.
He was asked to comment on Advanis remark.
Being a senior party man, Advaniji is also feeling like that, Naidu said.
But Congress vice -president Gandhi took to Twitter to latch on to Advanis remark to target the ruling BJP.
Thank you Advani ji for fighting for democratic values within your party, tweeted Gandhi, who had earlier accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being autocratic.
Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said Advani is clearly berating his own party, and not Congress, as being twisted by BJP.
Advani is an extremely senior parliamentarian and BJP is deliberately, consciously twisting these things to suggest that his angst and anguish is against Congress. It is ridiculous. Advani is clearly berating his own party. The positive proof is that you have seen today, yesterday and Monday and some other days, he said.
How can any party in the world with 323 majority (out of 543) in the Lok Sabha stand up with placards and ask a question, whether it is Agusta (chopper scam) or anything else, before the opposition which is asking for a debate? The vice-president of the Opposition party (Congress) says we are desperate of a debate...and you are clearly avoiding it, he said.
Advani expressed his anguish soon after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House for the day amid trading of charges between the government and the Opposition on smooth functioning of proceedings.
The veteran BJP parliamentarian, who remained seated in his front seat, first narrated his feelings to Union minister Smriti Irani, who in turn drew the attention of Home Minister Rajnath Singh standing nearby.
Advani was heard telling the home minister to convey to the Speaker that she should ensure the House runs tomorrow to have a discussion on note ban.
The veteran parliamentarian has been seen in a pensive mood in Parliament during this session, unhappy over the frequent disruptions
With noisy protests continuing to stall Parliament, Advani had on December 7 expressed deep distress over the way the Lok Sabha proceedings were being conducted, saying neither the Speaker nor the parliamentary affairs minister was running the House.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patel met with protests in Kolkata on Thursday, with go back slogans chasing him during his trip to the city.
Ruling Trinamool Congress supporters staged a demonstration in front of the RBI building when Patel was conducting a board meeting there. The Left, too, organised a protest in front of the office at BBD Bagh, the central business district of the city.
The drama reached its peak when a group of Congress supporters showed black flag to Patel at the airport when he was on his way back to Mumbai in the evening.
Highlights RBI governor Urjit Patel met with protests during his trip to Kolkata on Thursday At the airport in the evening, Congress supporters showed black flag to Patel They tried to heckle him, as securitymen pushed away the agitators
As soon as Patel stepped out of the car, over a dozen protesters tried to block his way. They came too close for his comfort, as the RBI boss started walking towards the entrance of the airport terminal. Securitymen accompanying him were seen pushing away the agitators.
This was Patels first visit to Kolkata as the RBI governor, and also the first meeting with any chief minister after the governments decision to scrap high-value banknotes, a move that has triggered cash crunch across the country.
#WATCH: Congress workers protest against RBI Governor Urjit Patel at Kolkata Airport,show black flags pic.twitter.com/mxEwUdTbmG ANI (@ANI_news) December 15, 2016
In the morning, Patel sneaked into the RBI building through the rear gate to avoid mediapersons. Left supporters were staging their demonstration at that time. Though the board meeting was scheduled to start at 10am, Patel arrived at the regional office much ahead of the schedule.
According to RBI officials, even senior officers in the eastern regional office in Kolkata were informed at the last moment about Patels plans.
RBI officials told reporters that Patel will not hold the traditional media briefing session after the board meeting, as was done by his predecessors.
Activists and supporters of Trinamool Congress party show black flags and shout slogans against demonetisation as Urjit Patel, the governor of Reserve Bank of India, visits a branch in Kolkata. (AP)
When Patel reached the state secretariat at 3:30pm to meet West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who has turned out to be fiercest critic of the governments demonetisation move, he did not speak a word to the media.
He came out at 4:30 after the meeting. The meeting was good, Patel said before leaving.
Banerjee, for her part, urged Patel to oppose the demonetisation exercise and shot off a letter.
He listened to what I had to say with patience. But he remained silent and did not offer any comment of his. Probably, his silence is the admission of the validity of my arguments, Banerjee said after the meeting.
Terming the decision to devalue high-denomination notes a pseudo war against black money, anti-corruption activist Yogendra Yadav criticised the government for seeking to dilute the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), saying this would weaken the actual battle against corruption and help the corrupt.
The point we are trying to make is that it is pseudo war against black money. Not an actual war. It is a very small step in the larger picture of corruption issues in the country. The (amendment) bill will help the corrupt. We are going to pose 10 questions to the government, Yadav told IANS ahead of a demonstration by his political outfit Swaraj India Party on Sunday.
The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, was first brought in 2013 and the Cabinet has approved the changes proposed by a select committee of the Rajya Sabha. The changes will dilute and defeat the whole purpose of the law, said Yadav, once a close aide of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal till he transformed into a full-time politician.
Various non-profit organisations and think-tanks are learnt to have made recommendations and suggestions to the government opposing the dilution of the act.
The Bill has a new section that bars investigating agencies from initiating an inquiry or investigation against a public servant without the prior approval of the competent authority, which means the political bosses, Yadav said, terming this the babu-neta nexus to protect the corrupt.
The existing law requires approval from a higher authority before prosecuting any public servant to protect honest officers from harassment, persecution and frivolous litigation.
The new Bill requires a court order to sanction prosecution against a corrupt public servant, which, Yadav said, would discourage victims of corruption and activists from prosecuting such individuals.
Priyanka Rao, a senior researcher with PRS Legislative Research, a not-for-profit outfit, termed the sanction before prosecution as standard but expressed concern over the proposed approval before inquiry or investigation.
Is not the process of investigation (meant to establish) a prima facie case against someone? However, if at the start of an investigation, you need approval, on what basis will you get this approval? It is a big challenge. How will we strike a balance between allowing honest officers to work smoothly and (ensuring) investigation and trial do not take a long time, she questioned.
The amendment has done away with the protection cover to the bribe-giver against prosecution and makes both the bribe-giver and the bribe-taker equally punishable, which would deter the former -- the victim -- from speaking out in cases against public servants, Yadav contended.
Demonetisation has resulted in serpentine queues outside banks, ATMs and at other places dispensing cash. While the rich and affluent have somehow managed to dodge the long queues, it is the poor who are at the receiving end of this colossal transition process.
A photograph of an elderly man breaking down after missing his spot at a Gurgaon bank has gone viral on social media. The photograph, clicked by Hindustan Times photojournalist Parveen Kumar is emblematic of the hardships being faced by people across the country.
Old man cries in Gurgaon after missing his spot in a long queue... and they said only the rich will cry.
Photo by @parveenkumar_ht pic.twitter.com/Cn4Hkp3BD7 Anupam Thapa (@anupamthapa) December 14, 2016
@anupamthapa Another reason to hang out head in shame! This is what the nation is doing with its old people? Very shameful! The Driller (@skchettry) December 14, 2016
@anupamthapa "Nero fiddled while Rome burned." It has devastated the poor, farmers and daily wage workers.@MisaBharti @parveenkumar_ht Laraib Ahmad Neyazi (@LaraibNeyazi) December 14, 2016
@anupamthapa @parveenkumar_ht @HTGurgaon nobody should in situations like this at this age. For god sake he is crying for his own money. NMFAO (@SiachenSe) December 14, 2016
@anupamthapa @LambaAlka @parveenkumar_ht @HTGurgaon Its really sad. I was almost cried after seeing this photo. Really sad. Pls wake up govt Ejaj (@ejajshkh) December 15, 2016
While the Prime Minister has urged citizens to withstand the hassle for 50 days, images like these will remain indelibly etched in our hearts.
DMK leader M Karunanidhi was readmitted to Kauvery hospital in Chennai on Thursday night after he complained of difficulties in breathing.
A medical bulletin issued by the hospital said the 92-year-old leader was suffering from a throat and lung infection. The hospital said his condition is stable and the treatment has begun.
The 92-year-old was rushed to the facility from his Gopalapuram residence at around 11:10 pm, about a week after being discharged from the same hospital.
Karunanidhis son, MK Stalin, daughter Kanimozhi and senior DMK leader TR Balu were among those who visited the hospital.
A drug-induced allergy has kept Karunanidhi out of public activities for over one month.
The former Tamil Nadu chief minister first underwent treatment at home and later at Kauvery hospital, where he got nutritional and hydration support. He was also treated for boils from his allergy.
His illness comes at a time when Tamil Nadu politics has suffered a leadership vacuum following the death of chief minister J Jayalalithaa at the age of 68.
The movie-star-turned AIADMK leader, who enjoyed a huge following, died at Chennais Apollo Hospital on December 6 after a 75-day battle for life.
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Chennais green warriors have hit the ground running, so to speak, to replant the green cover blown away by Cyclone Vardah.
Within hours of the destruction left behind by the gale force winds that felled hundreds of trees across the city, there was an outpouring of concern, as images of the devastation went viral on social media.
Concerned individuals, entrepreneurs, NGOs and the youth got together, first on social media, sounding each other out and exchanging ideas on how best to replenish the green cover that will take ages to regenerate.
They all know that the task is gigantic. The city corporation is still counting the felled trees, some as old as 70 years. Environmentalists are trying to put a value on the loss to ecology and assessing the environmental damage the cyclone has caused.
Officially, the Tamil Nadu government says 13,600 trees have been lost, and the numbers are climbing as reports keep coming in. First off the block are NGOs like Environmental Heroes, Nizhal that works with trees, and Arappor Iyakam among others helping out clearing the uprooted trees, assessing damage and planning the way forward.
Moshi Rajkumar, a third-year engineering student had floated Environmental Heroes just 11 months ago and is out in the field with some 60 volunteers who include people from all walks of life. We are at present restoring the trees that can still be saved, he said, adding planting new saplings will begin soon.
Shobha Menon of Nizhal, said the corporation should come up with a Tree Health Management System as she began rescuing trees that could be replanted at Kotturpuram.
Watch | Cyclone Vardah pics and videos: Rainfall, gusty winds in TN, AP
Chandra Mohan of Arappor Iyakkam said that for each tree that had fallen, at least 100 saplings need to be planted. But that is impossible, so we are aiming for 10 saplings, and even that is a huge target of over a lakh saplings.
This is the challenge that would require the support of entire Chennai, so to speak.
Through social media individuals, professionals, entrepreneurs, business chambers, have begun tapping into each other to make a difference.
Like several others, Srinivasan M, an industrialist from Chennai now living in Bengaluru, is sad that the city he grew up in was in such distress. Chennais green cover was very useful in managing the microclimate and should not be lost due to our negligence, he told HT as he tries to link up his contacts to come together to re-green Chennai.
I am in the process of arranging native samplings, which will be distributed to local residents and volunteers, Srinivasan said about his plans to raise a battalion of young students for this purpose.
Also read | No electricity, no network, no money: Battered Tamil Nadu struggles post cyclone Vardah
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Politicians have reacted sharply to Congress leader Rahul Gandhis statement that he had personal information about corruption by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the demonetisation policy he announced on November 8.
That information is personal information about Narendra Modi which I want to place in Lok Sabha. It is personal corruption of the Prime Minister... the PM is not allowing us to speak, Gandhi said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Political allies and rivals are now asking him to give evidence for his statement. Here are top reactions.
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan: I feel really sorry that nobody in this country takes Rahul Gandhi seriously. His talks are not serious and nobody trusts his words. So, how do you expect me to comment on his remarks?
Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: Rahul Gandhi tells lies. Come to Parliament, discuss and also listen to our reply. He is the same person who kept quiet during the 10 years when the country, under the Manmohan Singh government, was being looted.
Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar: If Rahul Gandhi had something so earth-shaking to disclose, he could have done it on November 16. If it is something that can be said only in the House, all you need is the Speakers permission.
HRD minister Prakash Javadekar: There cannot be a bigger lie than this. The more Rahul Gandhi speaks, the more Congress will be exposed.
BJP leader Shrikant Sharma: I think he (Rahul Gandhi) has lost his mental stability. We want to challenge Rahul Gandhi. Why are you running away from Parliament?
Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal: If Rahul Gandhi actually has papers on Modi jis personal involvement in corruption, then why doesnt he expose it outside Parliament?
Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay: The entire parliamentary system is facing a threat as the government is not allowing the House to function smoothly and the Opposition to speak. Bandyopadhyay was with Gandhi at the press conference where the Congress leader made allegations against Modi .
The Supreme Court wondered on Thursday whether bank officials pocketed the new currency worth `5 lakh crore infused into the system and why no steps were taken to secure the money pumped in post demonetisation.
So your five lakh crore has gone this way. You are not able to secure it? remarked a bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur when attorney general Mukul Rohatgi admitted bank officials had indulged in fraud to divert the money.
The bench also questioned the NDA governments decision to abruptly withdraw from December 15 midnight the exemptions granted to hospitals, pharmacies and railway bookings from accepting the scrapped currency notes.
The Supreme Court bench told Rohatgi the ground reality was that people were unable to get `24,000 as per a government promise. How are some people getting crores in new currency? How is somebody able to get so much money? it asked him, anxious to know the pattern of disbursement.
The court said that it will give some interim relief before referring the matter to a larger bench that will test the constitutional validity of the demonetisation notification of November 8. The court is likely to fix a minimum withdrawal limit for cash, which the bank cannot deny, though the government failed to specify the ceiling.
On diversion of money, Rohatgi argued that bank managers had done the fraud. He referred to media reports on Axis Bank and said the Centre could not sit in every bank and monitor. We are having raids every day. We discovered `10 crore in Axis Bank hidden somewhere to be given elsewhere, he said.
Senior counsel Kapil Sibal, appearing for some petitioners who have challenged demonetisation as being illegal complained that banks were turning away people with just Rs 3,000 or Rs 5,000 cash. He said the government had decided to end the exemptions.
Read | Supreme Court questions Centre about demonetisation, asks about secrecy
Ahead of expiry of the Chinese hold against designating Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist by the UN, India on Thursday said the ball is in the court of sanctions committee and expressed hope that it will eventually see the logic.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that Indias application seeking sanctions against Azhar was submitted in March and was before the UNs sanctions committee which has 15 members, who are also in security council.
Ball is in their (Committees) court. We remain hopeful that eventually logic of Masood Azhar (not) remaining outside the ambit of the committee when the organisation which he represents has been proscribed for many years would be seen, he said.
Read | China to continue opposing UN ban on Masood Azhar, says position unchanged
China had in October extended its technical hold on Indias move to get Azhar banned by the UN. The current extension will expire on December 31 and if China does not raise further objection, the resolution designating Azhar a terrorist could stand passed automatically.
Swarup also said the recent visit of foreign secretary Jaishankar to the US was only in the context of raising UN-related issues with the secretary general-designate Antonio Guterres and he did not interact with any member of the Trump administration. In the past, he has had some interactions with a few senior members of the Administration, he added.
On increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Russia, Swarup said, We do not comment on relationship between third countries. Our own relationship with Russia is a special and privileged partnership which has been reinforced by the recent visit of President Putin to Goa in October 2016. We do not see any downward trend in our bilateral relationship...
However, in so far as the Taliban is concerned, they have to respect the internationally agreed red lines, give up terrorism and violence, sever all ties with al Qaeda, agree to follow democratic norms and not do anything which will erode the gains of the last 15 years. Ultimately it is for the government of Afghanistan to decide whom to talk to and how.
On the situation in Syria, the spokesperson said India will welcome any reduction in violence and cessation of hostilities. He also stressed on an inclusive Syrian-led political dialogue, saying there can be no military solution to the conflict.
Protection of civilians should be priority number one. We have always stood for Syrias territorial integrity. At the same time, selective approaches to dealing with terrorist groups have had negative effect as has been proved around the world, Swarup said.
When asked about the appointment of Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson as the new US secretary of state, Swarup said,We have seen the reports about his appointment by US President- elect Donald Trump. We will continue to closely follow the developments leading towards firming up of his team.
Also read | Making of a terrorist: Babri demolition triggered Masood Azhars jihad
Kyrgyz President Almazbek Sharshenovich Atambayev will arrive in New Delhi on Sunday on a four-day visit during which he will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on ways to deepen ties in areas of defence, security, trade and connectivity.
Atambayev will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior ministers, top officials and business leaders.
It will be first presidential visit from the key central Asian nation to India in 13 years and Atambayevs first trip here as President.
Joint Secretary (Eurasia) in the Ministry of External Affairs G V Srinivas said bolstering existing defence cooperation, enhancing trade ties and exploring surface connectivity projects will be high on the agenda of talks between the Prime Minister and the Kyrgyz leader.
In July last year, Modi had visited Kyrgyzstan during which the two countries had signed four agreements including one on boosting defence cooperation and hold annual joint military exercises.
Besides joint military exercises, the two countries have been cooperating on high-mountain biomedical research to know impact on soldiers when they carry out operations at high altitude.
Relations between India and Kyrgyzstan have been on an upswing and the country has supported Indias bid for membership of the UN Security Council as well as its entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Talking about Kyrgyzstans strategic location, Srinivas said its distance from India is just 1,600 km and both the countries were keen to have surface connectivity to boost trade relations.
President Pranab Mukherjee will receive his Kyrgyz counterpart Atambayev and host a banquet in his honour. Modi will also host a lunch for him.
During the visit, Atambayev is expected to attend a Joint Business Forum being organised by industry chambers FICCI, CII and Assocham.
India and Kyrgyz Republic share excellent relations marked by strong ties in all areas including political and defence, economy and commerce, education and human resource development, culture and tourism, MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.
He said the visit will further cement the traditionally cordial and close ties between the two countries.
A sizeable number of Indian students study in that country. Telemedicine and medical tourism are two areas which have seen significant growth in the past few years.
Niti Aayog on Thursday announced awards for people making payments through digital means. Niti Aayogs CEO Amitabh Kant made the key announcement in a press conference.
15,000 winners will get Rs 1000 each for 100 days starting Christmas. The scheme runs from December 25, 2016, to April 14, 2017.
7,000 weekly draws with maximum prize of Rs 1 lakh each for consumers and maximum award of Rs 50,000 each for merchants
On April 14, a mega award of Rs 1 crore will be announced for consumers. The second prize will be of Rs 50 lakh and third of Rs 25 lakh.
The scheme will not cover transactions above Rs 5000 and below Rs 50.
The scheme will not cover B2B transactions.
Transactions using RuPay, USSD,UPI and AEPS will only be covered under this scheme; payments made through credit cards and e-wallets wont be covered.
Niti Aayogs announcement comes days after the finance ministry declared multiple incentives -- ranging from discounts on fuel, highway toll and railway tickets to cheaper insurance cover for those using digital payment modes.
The government has come under opposition attack for its November 8 move to recall Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes but it has repeatedly defended itself, saying the decision was necessary to stamp out black money and counterfeit currency.
In recent weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extolled the virtues of a cashless society, giving examples of beggars using ATM machines, and said any pain from a shortage of cash was temporary and that the move will benefit the country in the long run.
Read| Demonetisation to benefit economy in long run: Niti Aayog vice-chairman
Union home ministry on Thursday cancelled foreign funding registration of the NGO run by social activist Shabnam Hashmi as part of its audit of renewal of around 14,000 such licenses in the past few months.
The ministry in its revision order said the NGO had come under the scanner due to its undesirable activities against public interest. It added that renewal of the NGOs foreign funding license should have been turned down but it was renewed inadvertently.
Therefore, the ministry is now reversing its order of renewal issued in March this year.
Besides Hashmi-run NGO ANHAD (Act Now for Harmony and Democracy) the ministry has also reversed renewal of funding licence of two more Ahmedabad-based Navsarjan Trust and Rural Development Research Centre, taking the total number of such reversals to eight.
After the Narendra Modi government came to power in May, 2014, we have faced inquiry twice. The government just want to squeeze voices of dissent working on the ground.
For the last two years, Teesta (Setalvad, another social activist) was being attacked, they required a new name, so now its turn of Shabnam and ANHAD. But we will not shut-up, said Hashmi after the reversal.
Hashmi added that Navsarjan, which also lost its license in the audit, was also working among marginalised Dalits in Gujarat.
Among the eight reversals so far, two NGOs belong to Setalvad Sabrang Trust and Citizen for Justice and Peace (CJP).
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Three Manipur police personnel were killed and eight others injured in two separate ambushes by suspected militants in Chandel district bordering Myanmar on Thursday, reports said.
No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The first assault took place at Lokchao around 6:30am when militants launched attacked a vehicle carrying security personnel. A policeman died on the spot while one succumbed to his injuries later. In the second attack, the assailants ambushed a police team a couple of hours later at Bongyang, killing a policeman, sources said. According to reports, the condition of one of the injured security personnel was critical.
State chief minister Okram Singh condemned the attack, stating, Violence will not bring any solution unless there is a dialogue.
He announced ex gratia of `5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased policemen and suitable government jobs, official sources said.
Read| 5 soldiers injured in militant ambush near Manipur-Myanmar border
(Xinhua) 20:59, December 14, 2016
PARIS, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- French Foreign Minister Jean--Marc Ayrault Wednesday urged the United Nations to send observers in eastern Aleppo to ensure evacuation of civilians and rebel insurgents.
France called for UN observers' presence on the ground so as to guarantee the evacuation of the civilian population, Ayrault said in an interview with state-run France 2 TV.
Following a ceasefire brokered by Moscow and Ankara, rebel fighters on Dec. 13, agreed to quit Aleppo eastern area, with the evacuation due to begin earlier on Wednesday.
The situation in Aleppo has worsened rapidly after a truce accord collapsed in September, triggering an international outcry to stop hostilities in the strategically-located Syrian city which has been contested by the government forces and the rebels since 2012.
Terming it impractical to wait for a full consensus on social reforms for gender-just laws, former Supreme Court judge Ruma Pal on Wednesday said courts should actively review discriminatory and unjust personal laws on the touchstone of constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination.
Justice Pal said unlike the government, apolitical nature of courts gave them greater credibility in effecting reforms in personal laws. If its activism, so be it, she said.
Delivering the inaugural Vidhi Public Lecture on the Uniform Civil Code, Justice Pal said ideally reformative measures must be taken within each system of personal laws, instead for enforcing a common law for all religious communities as minorities viewed it with suspicion.
However, she said the gender bias in Muslim personal law must go. Either the discriminatory practices of triple talaq and polygamy be done away with or Muslim women also be given the same rights, she said.
While bring in uniform civil code multi-culturalism should not be disturbed and the law should ensure norms of equality and non-discrimination under Articles 14 and 15, and right to live with dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the constitution, she added.
Read: India vs India: Can our laws save our nation from disaster?
India has separate sets of personal laws for each religion governing marriage, divorce, succession, adoption and maintenance. While Hindu law has been overhauled to a great extent, activists have long argued that Muslim personal law, which has remained mostly unchanged, is tilted against women. To end the confusion over personal laws, the Supreme Court has been advocating a uniform civil code, a political hot potato.
But Article 44 says the state shall work towards securing a uniform civil code across the country replacing personal laws of various religious communities. The provision is a part of the Directive Principles of State Policy that are not enforceable by any court.
Law Commission of India recently took the initiative to invite public opinion on the issue. But many Muslim groups, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) have opposed it.
Several Muslim women have moved the Supreme Court seeking to declare the practice of triple talaq, polygamy and nikah halaha unconstitutional. Under nikah halala, a woman can remarry a divorced partner only after she consummates a marriage with someone else.
Read: Muslim women dont want change in laws on triple talaq: Scholar
Justice Pal highlighted how overlooking the cause of gender justice was not in tune with Indias obligations under the UN Charter and other international contentions and covenants.
Clarifying the meaning of the term uniform, she said it should be construed as meaning equality or sameness which need not be achieved by a single code.
The government has launched two schemes for consumers and merchants in order to incentivise digital payments, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said in New Delhi on Thursday, about a month after the shock culling of high-value bank bills triggered a severe cash crunch in the country.
Announcing Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana, Kant said both the schemes will cover small transactions between Rs 50 and Rs 3,000 to encourage every section of the society to move to digital payments.
Terming it a Christmas Gift to the country, he said the first draw will happen on December 25 and the mega draw on April 14, the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar.
National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) will announce 15,000 winners of Rs 1,000 each for next 100 days, starting December 25. There will be 7,000 weekly awards each for consumers and merchants.
Lucky Grahak Yojana: win daily and weekly prizes. pic.twitter.com/lrgLQCt4xs PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 15, 2016
Focus of Lucky Grahak and Digi-Dhan Yojana is on poor, middle-class and small businesses so as to bring them into digital payments revolution, said the Niti Aayog CEO.
For consumers, there will mega awards of Rs 1 crore, Rs 50 lakh and Rs 25 lakh. In case of merchants, it has been fixed at Rs 50 lakh, Rs 25 lakh and Rs 5 lakh.
All forms of transactions through UPI, USSD, Aadhar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) and RuPay cards will be eligible for lucky draws.
Niti Aayog also said the scheme is not applicable for transactions done through private credit cards and e-wallets of private companies.
As per estimates, only 5% Indians use digital payment modes. Estimated expenditure of the scheme to incentivise digital payments is Rs 340 crore, Kant said.
Giving details on digital transactions post demonetisation of old Rs 500/1000 notes, he said PoS transactions witnessed a jump of 95% since November 8 (till December 7).
RuPay Card transactions were up 316% and e-wallet 271%, while both UPI about and USSD witnessed increase of about 1,200% each.
Thursdays announcement came less than a week after the government announced a raft of measures to promote cashless transactions as part of a campaign to encourage people to go digital.
Signalling that using cash is going to be costlier, finance minister Arun Jaitley then came up with multiple incentives -- ranging from discounts on fuel, highway toll and railway tickets to cheaper insurance cover for those using digital payment modes.
The government has come under opposition attack for its November 8 move to recall Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes but it has repeatedly defended itself, saying the decision was necessary to stamp out black money and counterfeit currency.
In recent weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extolled the virtues of a cashless society, giving examples of beggars using ATM machines, and said any pain from a shortage of cash was temporary and that the move will benefit the country in the long run.
The External Affairs Ministry was consulting on the suggestions made by Dean of Diplomatic Corps on easing of difficulties faced by some foreign missions due to demonetisation, ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Thursday.
Referring to the meeting between Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and Dean Frank Hans Dannenberg Castellanos last week, Swarup said Jaishankar subsequently wrote to the Dean in which he conveyed that the Dean had given some practical suggestions on how temporary difficulties faced by some missions could be eased.
The Foreign Secretary said we are consulting on this matter and we will revert in due course, the spokesperson told reporters.
Read | New Delhi assures foreign embassies it will look into cash crunch woes
Dominican Ambassador to India Castellanos, who as Dean represents the voice of 157 foreign missions, had asked for raising the limit of weekly cash withdrawal from the existing Rs 50,000 for embassies among other suggestions.
The Dean had also hoped solutions would be jointly found not only to the problems being encountered in the day-to-day operations of the diplomatic missions but also the difficulties being faced by foreign nationals visiting India as tourists or for medical treatment.
Apart from the Dean, the Russian embassy here and several other missions had voiced their serious concern to the government over the restrictions on cash withdrawal and threatened to take retaliatory action against Indian diplomats posted in their countries. Russian Ambassador Alexander Kadakin had gone public with protest.
Asked about Nepal and Bhutan, two major recipients of developmental aid from India, raising the demonetisation issue and its impact on financial aid assistance to them, Swarup said they are in touch with Indian government through proper mechanism and no problem can be foreseen in resolving the issue.
Read more | Pak mission officials face trouble over salary withdrawal, India steers clear
Amid reports big cash deposits being made in some bank branches post demonetisation, the Finance Ministry has asked the lenders to activate their internal surveillance systems and immediately report suspicious transactions.
Refusing to be drawn into individual cases pertaining mostly to a private sector bank, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das said tax authorities are constantly getting information on large deposits through Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs).
Also, banks report such transactions through Suspicious Transaction Report (STRs) and based on that tax authorities scrutinise the source of funds, he told reporters here.
Read | Misuse of bank account for black money deposit to invite govt action
Lets not take the name of any bank... let us not paint all the banks with same brush. Investigations (into large deposits being made) are conducted based on their report, he said when asked about I-T raids on Axis Bank branches.
Das said information on huge amounts being deposited in banks post demonetisation are being processed based on inputs that CBDT gets from FIU and data analysis.
When you see in a particular branch there is deposit of more than Rs 1 crore (and there are) too many cases, so naturally Income Tax department narrows down to that branch and tries to find the credentials of the depositor, he said.
Authorities will be able to trace the source as to where these notes were generated, he said, adding that Income Tax, Enforcement Directorate and, if required, CBI verify if the accounts are KYC compliant.
All banks have been sufficiently sensitised to activate their internal surveillance, vigilance mechanism and report any suspicious transactions, he said.
Since demonetisation of 500 and 1000 rupee notes, there have been reports of some people misusing Jan Dhan and dormant accounts for depositing unaccounted money.
Industrialist Nusli Wadia filed a defamation suit against Tata Sons in the Bombay high court on Thursday.
The suit has been filed in the wake of the Tata groups special notice seeking the removal of Wadia as independent director of three group entities.
Last month, Wadia had hit out at the Tatas through a letter in which, among other things, he had said that the special notice was defamatory to him.
He had said at that time that Tata Sons conduct was compelling him to initiate legal proceedings to protect his interests.
He had gone on to serve three legal notices on November 21, 22 and 23, threatening to initiate civil and criminal proceedings against Tata Sons and its directors.
On Thursday, Wadia was also allowed by HC to be joined as a party, to a suit filed earlier this week by four retail shareholders of the Tata group, seeking restrictions on the removal of independent directors from the board of various companies of the group.
Read more | Nusli Wadia hits back on Tatas proposal to remove him as director
Opposition parties on Thursday sought a meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee to convey the problems caused due to demonetisation to the common man and over not being allowed to speak in Parliament.
At a meeting held in the leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azads chamber, representatives of various parties decided to raise the issues with the President.
Party leaders said the Opposition has decided to approach the President to complain against the BJP-led Centre 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 on Friday and all opposition parties were ready to raise the issue unitedly before him.
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.
All parties decided that while Azad will raise the issue in Rajya Sabha, Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge would raise the issue in the Lower House.
Azad also gave an adjournment notice under Rule 267 for allowing a discussion on hardships faced by farmers due to demonetisation.
Opposition leaders have been meeting regularly to decide on a united strategy in Parliament for the winter session.
Representatives of Congress, Trinamool Congress, BSP, SP, JD(U), CPI, CPI-M, NCP, DMK and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) were present in Thursdays meeting.
Parliament on Thursday erupted in protests after the treasury benches pushed for a debate on the AgustaWestland scam in the Lok Sabha to counter the Opposition that seemed to have agreed to a debate on demonetisation without voting.
But parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar indicated it was too late for the Opposition to change its stance. Kumar said the government had been ready to debate demonetisation, but they stalled Parliament for 20 days.
Now, he said, the government wanted to discuss the chopper scandal which could reach the Congress first family. There should be a discussion on this, he said.
Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House till Friday as Opposition members trooped into the Well, and some ruling party members tried to shout them down.
Rajya Sabha witnessed similar disruptions. This is the first time in the history of India after Independence that the ruling party is disturbing the proceedings of the House, leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said.
This is an anti-farmer government, he said, a reference to the refusal of the ruling party MPs blocking his discussion on the impact of demonetisation on farmers. Rajya Sabha was adjourned twice and will meet at 2 pm.
Kumars push for a debate on the chopper deal and not demonetisation suggests the winter session that has already lost over 80% of the time to pandemonium over the Centres move to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes is headed towards a washout.
The government which had been insisting on a debate on demonetisation without a vote at the end of the discussion scaled its attack on the government a day after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi claimed he had information about personal corruption by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP leaders reacted sharply, asking Gandhi to prove his accusations.
The Congress and the Trinamool Congress that had been the loudest critics of the demonetisation decision of the government over the past three weeks said they had backed down from their debate for voting at the end of the debate.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the discussion could start immediately. Trinamools Sudip Bandyopadhyay agreed, calling it an opportune moment. He asked the Speaker to persuade the government to agree to spend the next two days discussing demonetisation.
The Parliament erupted in protests on Thursday as it increasingly looked like the winter session may be headed towards a washout due to the government-Opposition deadlock over demonetisation.
The winter session, which ends on Friday, has lost more than 80% of its time in both Houses following the standoff between the Opposition and government over the Centres move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes.
While Opposition parties demanded loan waivers to provide relief to distressed farmers hit by weather vagaries and demonetisation, the ruling benches shouted slogans and displayed copies of news reports claiming that members of the erstwhile UPA regime allegedly received money in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal
Demonetisation -- which the government says is aimed at curbing black money -- has created currency crunch across the country as millions queued up outside banks and ATMs for cash.
Here are the updates:
2:05pm: Saying he is helpless, PJ Kurien adjourns RS till 11am Friday as opposition leaders continue chanting against the government.
2pm: RS deputy chairman introduces the debate on demonetisation in the Upper House. Janata Dals Sharad Yadav reiterates the Opposition demand to waive farmers loans.
1:30pm: Upset over parliamentary disruptions, veteran BJP leader LK Advani reportedly told MPs after the Lower House was adjourned that discussion should be held and no one side should claim it as a victory or defeat, suggesting that it is a defeat of Parliament if it is adjourned sine die without a debate.
I feel like resigning, Trinamool Congress Idris Ali quoted Advani as saying.
12:32pm: RS commences with the Question Hour. Both the government and Opposition shout slogans against the other before Hamid Ansari adjourns the House till 2pm.
12:21pm: Lok Sabha is adjourned till Friday as the BJP fires fresh salvo against Congress over discussing their alleged corruption in the VVIP chopper deal.
Answers on #Agusta have been given in Parliament before, rest inquiry is on.Govt doesn't want to discuss #Demonitization: Mallikarjun Kharge pic.twitter.com/8AQfJ9oA7e ANI (@ANI_news) December 15, 2016
12:20pm: Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar shifts the blame on Opposition for stalling the debate before saying: The Congress is running away from a debate on corruption over AgustaWestland scam.
12:10pm: Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge says Opposition is ready for a discussion but PM Modi is running away from the debate.
Opposition erupts against TRS leader AP Jithender Reddy after he says all parties had agreed that the move to demonetise currency was right, but its implementation was poor. We never agreed, leaders claim.
12:02pm: Rajya Sabha is adjourned till 12:32pm.
Lok Sabha members list the papers laid on table.
12pm: Rajya Sabha commences after adjournment. Chairperson Hamid Ansari requests members to stop waving posters in the House as Opposition leaders raise slogans against the government.
11:40am: Bahujan Samajwadi Party chief Mayawati attacks the government over its note ban implementation and says that even after 37 days of demonetisation, the people who are suffering the most are poor, labourers and farmers.
11:35am: I advise BJP not to take Rahul ji lightly. When Rahul used to speak, Modi ji had to sell his suit-boot Congress Raj Babbar tells ANI outside Parliament.
11:22am: Rajya Sabha is adjourned till noon.
11:20am: This is the first time in the history of India after Independence that the ruling party is disturbing the proceedings of the House, says Ghulam Nabi Azad after the subject of his notice is read out in Parliament.
This is an anti-farmer government... I introduced the notice so the government will waive off the farmers loans.
11:15am: Rajya Sabha deputy chairman PJ Kurien asks members to settle down as BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu questions the need to cause an uproar in Parliament.
11:07am: Lok Sabha Speaker adjourns proceedings till noon.
Read | He lies, where is the evidence: Who said what about Rahuls allegation against Modi
11:05am: The Opposition -- including members from the Congress, TMC and Left parties -- raise slogans, demanding discussion on the demonetisation issue. To counter them, members from the Treasury benches waved copies of newspaper reports that some people in the erstwhile UPA government allegedly received money in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.
11am: The Lok Sabha erupts in protests soon after commencing. Speaker Sumitra Mahajans requests to settle down go unheeded.
Ahead of parliamentary proceedings, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says: Let me speak.. I will speak.
10:20am: The Opposition sought a meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday to complain against not being allowed to speak in Parliament.
10:15am: Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad gives a notice in Rajya Sabha on hardships faced by farmers due to demonetisation, ANI reported on Thursday.
(With input from agencies)
Read | Rahul Gandhi to hit the streets against note ban
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed on Wednesday his decision to demonetise Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes with the Cabinet, and discussed ways to fast track digitisation to enable cashless transactions.
The Prime Minister initiated the discussion on the move, which was announced last month, with the ministers after the meeting of the Union Cabinet ended in New Delhi this evening.
As it was not on the agenda, the issue was taken up after the Cabinet meeting was over.
The meeting assumes importance as the deadline of December 30, wherein people can deposit the old notes, nears. The government has pushed for improving digitisation to enable larger number of cashless transactions through multiple means.
The focus of the meeting remained digitisation, sources said, adding that issues like digital wallet services also came up for discussion.
The government wants to expand the scope of this digital payment mode so that they can be accepted at more places such as metro stations and petrol pumps.
A three-member committee of secretaries is already in place to study ways of transitioning India into a cashless economy.
The banks have temporarily waived off the merchant discount rate to encourage card payments through swipe machines at business establishments.
In a major haul, police on Thursday seized Rs 10.10 crore after intercepting a vehicle in suburban Chembur in eastern Mumbai and detained three persons.
The seizure included Rs 10 crore in scrapped denomination of Rs 500, and Rs 10 lakh in 2,000 rupee banknotes, a senior official said.
Officers of Tilaknagar police station found the notes stuffed in two gunny bags after they flagged down the car this evening.
The detainees claimed to have been employed with a cooperative bank in Pune district.
One of them is the manager in Pimpri Chinchwad branch of the Vaidyanath Urban Cooperative Bank and told the police the cash belonged to the bank, while other two claimed they are also employees of the bank, Shahaji Umap, DCP (Zone VI) said, adding the police are verifying the record.
They claimed the vehicle was transporting notes from Ghatkopar branch of the bank to Pune, police said.
We are verifying their claim and will seek help from the Income Tax Department, Mumbai police spokesperson and DCP Ashok Dudhe said.
(Xinhua) 20:59, December 14, 2016
SHIJIAZHUANG, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- The family of a man who was executed after being wrongly convicted of murder and rape, submitted an application for more than 2 million U.S. dollars in state compensation to a Hebei court on Wednesday.
Nie Shubin was 21 when he was executed after being found guilty in 1995 of the rape and murder of a woman on the outskirts of Hebei provincial capital, Shijiazhuang. The application was handed in to the Higher People's Court of Hebei Province in north China.
Earlier this month, the Supreme People's Court, China's top court, acquitted Nie, ruling that the previous conviction was based on insufficient evidence and unclear facts.
The family is asking for compensation of 13.91 million yuan (more than 2 million U.S. dollars) including 12 million yuan for "mental anguish," over 1.26 million yuan for Nie's death and funeral expenses, as well as 600,000 yuan that the family spent on their efforts to overturn the verdict.
The family also requested that those who made the initial wrong conviction send an apology letter to them and apologize in the media.
Nie's case reemerged in 2005 when another man, Wang Shujin, confessed to the crimes Nie was convicted of. Wang, 49, was given a death sentence in unconnected rape and murder cases.
In December 2014, the Supreme People's Court assigned the higher court of Shandong Province to review the case, which found there were too many questions about the previous trial to uphold the conviction.
The Supreme People's Court decided to retry the case in June 2016.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, under pressure from the BJP to substantiate his dramatic corruption charges against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is exploring a choice of forums to make his revelation, including holding a high-profile press conference.
Gandhi has said he was being prevented by the government from revealing in Parliament details of Modis alleged wrongdoings. But the BJP has rubbished that claim, saying he has the option to speak outside the House.
Congress sources said Gandhi has a choice of platforms to make his announcement such as holding a public rally or issuing a detailed statement, although there was no indication yet from the Congress vice president on what he would prefer. The question is which one would be the most effective, they said.
On Wednesday, when party MP Shashi Tharoor asked Gandhi if he could share the information about personal corruption of the PM, the latter replied he would do so at the appropriate forum, which is Parliament.
If that does not happen then we will explore alternative options, the Congress vice president told Tharoor.
The Congress is also ginning up plans to leverage public anger over the governments surprise recall of high-value banknotes, which has unleashed a severe cash crunch for millions of Indians, especially the poor who live in the cash economy.
Gandhi will embark on a nationwide tour against the demonetisation move after the Winter session of Parliament ends on Friday. Fatorda in Goa will be Gandhis first pit-stop on Friday. The next day he will travel to Belagavi in Karnataka and address two public meetings in Jaunpur and Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh on December 19 and 22.
The Congress leader takes his battle to Modis backyard when he addresses a rally at Mehsana, Gujarat on December 21.
He will be highlighting as to why people are not permitted to withdraw their own hard earned money, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said.
Are all those standing in bank and ATM queues black money hoarders as projected by the PM, his ministers and BJP chief ministers? he asked.
Modi has sought 50 days (till December 30) to ride out the cash crisis. The Congress plans to assess the situation in the first week of January.
Read| Rahul wants to speak of Modis corruption in Lok Sabha: Why it wont be easy
A day after Rahul Gandhis remark that he has information on personal corruption by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday said the Congress leader is bound by law to report such explosive information to either police or court.
Having knowledge of any offence and not reporting it to the authorities carries a punishment of three years, Swamy said.
He (Rahul Gandhi) is bound by the law, criminal procedure code, to report it to police station or to a court of law and not to doing so carries a punishment of three years, he told reporters outside Parliament.
Read | Read my lips Ive information on PM Modis corruption: Rahul Gandhi
Gandhi had yesterday alleged he has detailed information on personal corruption by the Prime Minister which he wants to present in Lok Sabha but he was not being allowed to speak in the House.
The Prime Minister is personally terrified of me being allowed to open my mouth inside Lok Sabha because I have information about the Prime Minister that is going to explode his balloon. And I am not being allowed to speak in the House, the Congress leader had said.
On a query on disruption of Houses since the Winter Session began on November 16, Swamy said, The government is too soft...They should ask the Speaker to bring the marshal in and throw out everybody who disrupts the house after a day or two.
With only one day left, the Winter Session of Parliament is on the verge of a washout as it failed to transact any business again today due to the standoff between the government and Opposition over demonetisation, AgustaWestland scam and some other issues.
Read | Rahul Gandhi exploring choice of forum to reveal corruption charges against Modi
Pakistan on Thursday termed as absurd and irresponsible home minister Rajnath Singhs remarks that the country would be splintered into 10 if it failed to quell terrorism, saying the comments were in complete violation of all diplomatic norms.
Foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria, during his weekly briefing, said the international community should take notice of the remarks.
Pakistan strongly condemned the absurd remarks of the Indian home minister which were also in complete violation of all diplomatic norms, UN Charter and other international instruments guaranteeing sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, Zakaria said.
He claimed the remarks confirm Indian designs against Pakistan.
These remarks vindicate Pakistans long-standing position that Indian government and its intelligence agencies are involved in subversive and terrorist activities and terror financing in Pakistan to fuel tension and destabilise the country. The international community must take notice of such irresponsible statements and India-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan, he said.
Addressing a Martyrs Day function in Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir, Singh on Sunday said, Pakistan came into existence after India got divided on religious lines but it could not keep itself united. In 1971, it got split into two and, if it does not mend its ways, it will get splintered into 10 pieces and India will have no role in it.
Read | All Indians are brothers, Pakistan cant divide us: Rajnath
Zakaria also criticised India for its alleged mistreatment of minorities.
Zakaria, while talking about the unrest in Kashmir, claimed that genocide and crimes against humanity committed by India in Kashmir were going on unabated.
He said the UNMOGIP was constituted under a UN Security Council resolution to observe the developments pertaining to the strict observance of the ceasefire line and to report thereon to the UN Secretary-General.
Pakistan therefore regularly facilitates the UNMOGIP in the performance of its responsibilities. On various occasions of ceasefire violations, Pakistan has taken UNMOGIP to the affected area. Unfortunately India doesnt allow the same on their side, Zakaria alleged.
To a question, he said that Pakistan welcomed all offers by various members of international community as well as the UN Secretary General to help mediate in the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India.
We welcomed all these offers because Pakistan believes that it is only through dialogue and negotiations, and following the peaceful way that the outstanding issues can be resolved. Therefore, we have always been creating enabling atmosphere expecting India to reciprocate, he said.
Police have seized Rs 17.30 lakh in Rs 2,000 denomination, allegedly meant to be exchanged for a commission, from a person in Andhra Pradeshs Krishna district.
The man, along with an accomplice, allegedly brokered a deal with some persons for exchanging the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes for a six per cent commission, a senior police official said.
He used a police constable, his close relative working in Gudivada rural police station, as a shield for the operation. However, the persons who wanted to exchange the old currency did not turn up and Rahman started on his return journey.
During a routine check, police intercepted his vehicle at Pedaparupudi late Wednesday night and found the bundles of new Rs 2,000 notes.
We have detained the man while a hunt is on for his accomplice. The constable in question seems ignorant of the operation as this man only wanted to use him as a shield, Gudivada Deputy Superintendent of Police Ankineedu Prasad said.
We are now investigating from where he got such huge cash, the DSP added.
Read| Over Rs 8 cr seized in new and old notes in Delhi, Bengaluru, Goa and Chandigarh
Two businessmen were caught allegedly with Rs 35 lakh in new currency notes while they were exchanging old notes.
Following a tip off, a team of Rajasthan polices special operation group (SOG) nabbed Sunil Gupta and Priyanshu Gupta in Vidhyadhar nagar area and recovered around Rs 36 lakh last night.
Rs 35 lakh is in new currency notes of 2000 and remaining cash is in demonetised notes of Rs 500 rpt 500, SP, SOG, Vikas Kumar said on Thursday.
They were allegedly getting the old notes exchanged on 25% commission, officials said.
Income tax department has been informed and further probe is being carried out, Kumar said.
Earlier, Deedwana police in Nagaur district of the state seized Rs 6.72 lakh of unaccounted cash from a person, including Rs 5.68 lakh in new Rs 2000 notes.
Rest of the amount is in Rs 100 and Rs 50 denomination, police had said, adding they have detained Ajit Malik after he failed to give a satisfactory answer.
On Tuesday, police had detained five persons with Rs 14 lakh new notes from the city outskirts in Bhankrota.
Another Rs 4 lakh, including one lakh in new Rs 2000 denomination, was recovered from three persons near Taranagar of Churu district.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and several BJP lawmakers from Uttar Pradesh have warned the party leadership of growing public discontent over the acute cash crunch which they said could harm the partys prospects in next years assembly polls.
The concerns were raised in separate meetings in Lucknow and Delhi on Wednesday amid a raging political battle over the governments shock decision to recall 1000 and 500-rupee banknotes, a move Prime Minister Narendra Modi says is a war on black money and counterfeit currency.
More than two dozen MPs told BJP chief Amit Shah the demonetisation move could reverse the surge in partys prospects that was visible after the armys surgical on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 29.
Shah met 36 MPs from Uttar Pradesh in Delhi on Wednesday evening over a dinner hosted by Union home minister Rajnath Singh, also an MP from Lucknow.
Shah sought our views about the ground situation following the surgical strike, demonetisation and the ongoing Parivartan Yatra of the party, an MP present in the meeting told HT.
The MPs were concerned about restricted flow of cash, resulting in long queues at ATMs and banks.
Similar concerns were raised at a separate meeting of about 60 industrialists at a seminar organised by Laghu Udyog Bharti, an RSS-affiliated organisation.
Participants said they cannot go cashless overnight and the current situation has given indiscriminate power to authorities, resulting in tax terrorism. This, they argued, was contrary to Modis promise of minimum government, maximum governance.
They told RSS leaders and junior finance minister Arjun Ram Meghwal the current situation will force them to lay off a large number of employees, leading to a rise in unemployment.
In Lucknow, a meeting of RSS and BJPs coordination committee went on the same lines.
The people, particularly villagers, are facing a currency crunch. If the flow of currency does not improve soon, the anger may reflect in the coming assembly election, a senior RSS leader said.
The feedback by RSS the ideological fountainhead of the BJP was based on inputs from swayamsewaks. The RSS volunteers had played a played a crucial role in the BJP storming to power at the Centre in the 2014 general elections.
The villagers are not very enthusiastic about cashless economy and digitalisation. The common people are anxious about the security of cashless transaction. Spurt in cybercrime has added to their worry. The central government should complete its preparation and gain confidence of the people before going digital, an RSS leader said.
The RSS leaders also made it clear to the BJP that winning the UP assembly election was crucial if the party wished to return to power at the centre in 2019.
Those who attended the meeting included senior RSS leaders Krishna Gopal and Dattatreya Hosabale and and state BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya.
Sasikala Natarajan is set to take charge of Tamil Nadus ruling party AIADMK, replacing the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa who died after a cardiac arrest on December 5.
Sasikala has been Jayalalithaas closest aide since the 1980s. She has been taking care of party affairs, although she never held any formal position in the AIADMK.
It is the desire of the entire party that Chinnamma should become our new general secretary, party spokesman C Ponnaiyan said in Chennai on Thursday.
Sasikala is called Chinnamma, meaning aunt, after Jayalalithaa who was known to her legions of devotees as Amma, or mother.
She will be elected automatically and unanimously. There is no doubt or fear in that, the spokesman said.
O Panneerselvam, who succeeded Jayalalithaa as the chief minister, will retain his post.
If Jayalalithaa was the conscience-keeper of AIADMK founder and mentor MG Ramachandran, Sasikala functioned as the conscience of Amma, Ponnaiyan said.
She played a part in her glory and had been with Amma through her good and bad times for 33 years and has played a vital role in keeping the party intact for long.
Ponnaiyan recalled that whenever party functionaries wanted to discuss an issue with Jayalalithaa, she would affectionately refer them to Sasikala.
However, in 1996 and 2011, Jayalalithaa had ousted Sasikala and her family from her Poes Garden home, but took them back soon thereafter.
Sasikala, PRO-husband V Natarajan, and their extended family have been called by rivals as the Mannargudi Mafia, allegedly for their stranglehold over Jayalalithaa and the party.
Ponnaiyan expressed confidence that the partys decision-making bodies, general and executive councils, have powers to elect Sasikala to lead the party and that the aspirations will be met.
Despite opposition and distrust among party cadre, AIADMK leaders have stood behind her and pledged their support.
He said an online campaign by opposition parties to defame Sasikala and finish off the AIADMK will not succeed.
Scores of senior party functionaries have thronged Poes Garden and requested Sasikala to take over the reins of the AIADMK.
Senior leaders, including chief minister Panneerselvam and Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai, had voiced their support for Sasikalas elevation.
Read| Sasikala, caste and cadre: After Jayalalithaa, which way will the party go?
Not Amma to all: The other side of Jayalalithaas legacy
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Markandeya Katju suffered a setback on Thursday after the top court refused to quash the March 2015 resolution passed by the two houses of Parliament against him for calling Mahatma Gandhi a British agent and Subhash Chandra Bose a Japanese agent in his blog.
A bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur dismissed Justice Katjus petition challenging the resolution on the ground there was violation of principles of natural justice because he was not heard before it was passed.
The court, however, agreed with Justice Katju on his submission that the petition filed him was maintainable. This means judiciary can review a resolution passed by the Parliament if someone is aggrieved and challenges it.
We reject the preliminary objection regarding the maintainability of the petition. Petition is maintainable. But we dismiss the petition on merits, said the bench, rejecting Centres challenge to the Justice Katjus petition on technical ground. The government had said parliamentary proceedings can never be subject to judicial scrutiny.
The order comes close to the heels of another SC direction initiating contempt proceedings against Justice KAtju for criticizing top courts order acquitting a man of murder in a rape-cum-murder case from Kerala.
The former chairman of the Press Council of India has, however filed an application tendering an unconditional apology which the court said would be considered.
We are not for a moment suggesting that he could not or ought not to have made those statements. He is entitled to his views and put those views in public domain for consumption of public in general. The response by both Houses of Parliament was also natural in that the Resolutions in question dealt with his statements in public domain. All that the resolutions did was to condemn his remarks and did not refer to the conduct or character of the petitioner, the SC said.
In the wake of bribery charges in VVIP chopper deal, former defence minister A K Antony came out strongly in defence of Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday, saying she had no role in the procurement and the BJP will become a laughing stock if it drags her name into the matter.
He also said that the way BJP leaders were claiming that the CBI will nail the culprits in two months was not good for the agency investigating the AgustaWestland chopper deal.
CBI is working under the directions of BJP, is that what they (BJP members) are attributing. I feel sorry. Dont tarnish the image of CBI like that, the Congress leader said.
Soniaji has no role. There is no connection with Soniaji. Helicopters are meant for the use of President, Vice President and the Prime Minister. Soniaji has nothing to do with that. In the Italian court itself it was mentioned, he told reporters.
Ultimately, they will become a laughing stock by unnecessarily bringing in the name of Soniaji. BJP will become a laughing stock, he said replying to queries.
Antony said Gandhi has no connection with the decision because the driving force behind this procurement was the Indian Air Force.
They were telling that because the old Russian-made helicopter is not safe for VVIP travel. They wanted to change it. So 1999 onwards this procurement was there, he said.
He claimed that the utterances of BJP members showed that CBI is under their thumb.
What CBI is going to do within two months if BJP is saying. It is too much. That is, they are attributing that CBI is under their thumb, that is not good, he said.
Fresh revelations indicate that diaries of main middleman Christian Michel in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal point out to bribes to the tune of millions paid to clinch the Rs 3,600-crore deal.
Mafia don-turned-politician and SP candidate for the 2017 Uttar Pradesh polls, Atiq Ahmed, has been booked for allegedly assaulting the staff of an educational institute on the outskirts of the city, police said on Thursday.
As per the complaint, Ahmed along with scores of his supporters, barged inside the premises of Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHIATS) on Wednesday and assaulted its staff members who had opposed the unlawful entry, they said.
A case has been registered against Ahmed and four of his supporters under IPC sections pertaining to rioting, unlawful assembly, dacoity and criminal intimidation, at Naini police station in the districts trans-Yamuna region on the basis of the complaint by Public Relations Officer of the institute, senior superintendent of police, Allahabad, Shalabh Mathur said.
50 other unnamed persons have also been mentioned in the FIR, the SSP said.
According to SHIATS PRO Ramakant Dubey, Ahmed and his supporters barged into the premises of the institute saying they wanted to meet Vice Chancellor R B Lal.
The security official on duty told them that Lal was not in his chamber and requested them to come later after getting an appointment, Dubey alleged.
This enraged Ahmed and he and his supporters began beating up the security official. They also thrashed other staff members who tried to intervene, the PRO said.
Ahmed, who was named as the ruling Samajwadi Partys candidate from Kanpur Cantt seat last week, denied the allegation.
The SP leader claimed that he had gone to the institute to meet the Vice-chancellor with a request to reconsider the expulsion of students--Mohd Saif and Shaqip, who were recently rusticated for allegedly misbehaving with a faculty member.
Meanwhile, CCTV footage of the alleged assault by the SP leader and his supporters was shared with the police and media.
Named in dozens of criminal cases, Ahmed hogged limelight when his name cropped up in the murder of young BSP MLA Raju Pal, who was gunned down in broad daylight in one of the citys most crowded localities on January 25, 2005.
The murder case was handed over to CBI following a Supreme Court order passed in January this year.
(Xinhua) 08:45, December 15, 2016
Chinese researchers said Wednesday they have identified two Zika antibodies from an infected patient that could provide mice with complete protection against the mosquito-borne virus, a finding that could lead to the development of much needed anti-Zika therapies and vaccines.
The study, published online in the U.S. journal Science Translational Medicine, was conducted by the research groups of Professors Jinghua Yan and George Fu Gao from the Chinese Academy of Sciences's Institute of Microbiology.
Unlike other human antibodies under investigation that recognized both Zika and the closely related dengue virus, the antibodies used in this study exclusively targeted Zika, demonstrating a high specificity that could be important in avoiding potential side effects, such as enhanced dengue infection in regions where both viruses are endemic.
The researchers isolated immune B cells from the blood of a Zika-infected patient returning from Venezuela to China who later recovered and generated a total of 13 of antibodies that were confirmed to bind the virus.
Two of these antibodies, known as Z23 and Z3L1, potently eliminated Zika virus in vitro, without cross-reacting with dengue virus strains, and shielded mice completely from Zika virus infection.
Structural analysis suggested that the two antibodies block infection by targeting sites on the virus' envelope protein, which is known to facilitate virus entry into cells.
"Our results highlight the promise of antibody-based therapeutics and provide a structure-based rationale for the design of future Zika-specific antivirals and vaccines," Yan told Xinhua.
"Meanwhile, we have developed a platform that can isolate strongly neutralizing, specific monoclonal antibodies against any pathogen from the sera of convalescent patients in a short time, providing a powerful tool to control and limit the number of infections from future outbreaks," she said.
Zika has caused global concern due to accumulating evidence suggesting that infection is associated with a birth defect known as microcephaly in newborns and neurological complications, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, in adults. Currently, there are no treatments or vaccines for the virus.
The Supreme Court banned on Thursday all liquor shops within 500 metres of national and state highways across the country, a move aimed at reducing drink driving and road accidents that claim thousands of lives every year.
Licences of existing shops will not be renewed after March 31 next year, it said.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur ordered removal of all signboards of alcohol vends along highways.
Highlights The top court has banned all liquor shops within 500 metres of national and state highways across the country Licences of existing shops will not be renewed after March 31 next year The move is aimed at reducing drink driving and road accidents that claim thousands of lives every year The order came on petitions challenging HC verdicts that disallowed sale of liquor on highways
We would not like any vend on national highways, state highways, advertisements, or signage about availability of liquor shops. All signboards should be removed. Roads should be absolutely free from any distraction or attractions. Visibility is the first temptation, Justice Thakur said.
Last week, the bench made it clear that such an order was necessary for the safety and security of highway commuters who get tempted to down a few drinks after seeing liquor shops. It also expressed serious concern over 150,000 fatalities every year in road accidents, a majority of them attributed to drink driving.
The order came on petitions challenging high court verdicts that disallowed sale of liquor on highways.
The courts had said liquor shops should be located away from highways so that they were neither visible nor accessible to travelers.
The top court came down heavily on states for not paying heed to the Centres advice not to give licence to shops selling alcohol along highways.
You can start a door delivery of liquor, the bench told the counsel for Jammu and Kashmir, who argued that people will face difficulties because of the states terrain in accessing the shops if they are put away from the highway.
The Punjab governments counsel had faced the court ire.
You are acting like a mouthpiece for the liquor lobby by defending the policy. You want the excise minister to be happy, make the government happy let 1.5 lakh people die but you must serve liquor.
The court was shocked to learn that there were 62 liquor shops along a 1km stretch on the national highway in Mahe district, Puducherry. The place is a haven for tipplers from Kerala where drinking and sale of alcohol is prohibited.
Roads should be absolutely free from any distraction or attractions. Visibility is the first temptation.
The Chief Justice pointed out that the Centre had asked for the removal of these vends in 2007. But the Union Territory, which is under the Centres control, didnt take any action.
Road safety activists, and even a Punjab politician and liquor baron, welcomed the move.
This is a right decision. So many accidents happen because of drink driving across the state. There should also be a check on vends hidden behind regular shops, said Deep Malhotra, a Shiromani Akali Dal legislator who is in the liquor business.
According to Prince Singhal, the founder of Community against Drunken Driving Movement in India, his group asked the transport ministry in 2009 to remove shops selling liquor along highways.
I am glad the Supreme Court took action. Alcohol impairs the ability to drive and causes accidents and deaths.
The Haryana government had removed liquor vends from highways, including shops along NH 8 that runs through Gurgaon, following a Punjab and Haryana high court order in 2014.
Now that the Supreme Court has mentioned 500 metres from highways, we will check and take action accordingly, said Aruna Singh, deputy excise commissioner, Gurgaon.
Ghaziabad has 502 liquor shops, mostly close to NH24, NH91, NH58 and state highway 57.
We have received directions from senior officials to identify shops along highways. We will start a survey from Friday, said Karunendra Singh, the district excise officer.
(With inputs from HTC Ghaziabad and Gurgaon)
The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the Delhi high court order, which had directed realty firm Unitech to hold meetings with home buyers and opening escrow accounts for completion of delayed projects.
A bench of justices, Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy, said the execution proceedings in the cases filed by the home buyers before the NCDRC, which were stayed after the Delhi HC order, will now continue.
The high court had on September 2 granted an opportunity to beleaguered real estate firm to complete its delayed housing projects and hand over possession of flats to the buyers by opening escrow accounts and using the money deposited in it solely for these projects.
The apex court, on November 18, had stayed all the meetings of homebuyers of Unitech Ltd for giving their approval or disapproval to a proposed compromise scheme forwarded by the company to enable it to complete pending projects.
The bench had also issued notice to the company, saying there is suspicion that it is trying to subvert the order of this court.
It said that people who were successful at the level of the national consumer commission and are before the apex court, should get their money back from the developer.
The Delhi HC had directed the home buyers across the country to hold meetings for approval or disapproval of proposed scheme of compromise so the company can complete pending projects and hand over the flats.
Justice Sudershan Kumar Misra, who retired on September 6, in his order, said four meetings of home buyers should be held on November 20 in Mohali, Punjab, on November 27 in Chennai, on December 4 in Gurgaon and on December 11 in Noida.
The company had told the high court that it would open escrow accounts in which the amounts received from the buyers and sale of lands would be deposited, and the money would be used solely for completing the delayed housing projects.
The court had put in abeyance all the proceedings pending before different forums against Unitech Ltd to enable it to fulfil its commitment towards homebuyers by handing over possession of flats. It also appointed a court commissioner to monitor the functioning of the escrow account.
It had clarified that cases in which directions had been issued or might be issued in future by the apex court to the company in this regard should stand exempted from the scope of the order.
Amid reports of a possible alliance with Congress for UP Assembly polls, Samajwadi Party state president Shivpal Yadav on Thursday said he did not have any information about talks going on for such a tie-up.
I dont have any information about any initiative of talks with Congress for alliance, he said.
Shivpal was answering queries from media persons on reports suggesting that SP and Congress might forge an alliance ahead of UP Assembly polls.
We have declared names of 176 candidates. SP central board will declare remaining names soon, he said.
Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has been saying that a tie-up between SP and Congress would fetch over 300 of the 403 Assembly seats in the upcoming elections while a section of Congress said it is not averse to a respectable seat-sharing formula.
Though samajwadis are going to form majority government in the state, if an alliance takes place, it will win over 300 seats. The final decision in this regard will be taken by SP National president (Mulayam Singh Yadav), Akhilesh had told reporters in Lucknow on Tuesday.
On being asked about reports of hooliganism by partys Kanpur Cant candidate Atiq Ahmad at a university in Allahabad, Shivpal said he had come to know about it through the media and action will be taken against him after probe.
Ahmad, mafia don, and gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansaris brother has been given ticket to contest the Assembly elections.
On being asked about party national general secretary Amar Singh supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on note ban, Shivpal dodged a direct reply saying, Amar is friend of the media. You should ask him about his stand.
CBI has received partial responses to the Letters Rogatory it sent to six countries for establishing the money trail in the Rs 3767-crore AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal case.
CBI sources said the agency has received partial responses from Mauritius, Tunisia, Italy, British Virgin Island, the UK and Switzerland.
However, responses on its request from Singapore and the UAE were still awaited and both the countries have been approached through diplomatic channels for expediting the Letters Rogatory sent in the case, the sources said.
Read | Sonia Gandhi has no role in AgustaWestland case: Antony
As part of its investigations, the agency is focussing on the money trail of suspected kickbacks of over 50 million Euros (about Rs 369 crore at present exchange rates) believed to have been moved across eight countries.
The case is being probed by specially constituted a SIT headed by Additional Director Rakesh Asthana, who is at present in-charge of the CBI.
Last week, the CBI arrested former IAF chief S P Tyagi, his cousin Sajeev Tyagi and lawyer-businessman Gautam Khaitan regarding a case registered against 14 people including European middlemen in connection with alleged bribery in the 2010 deal of 12 AgustaWestland helicopters for VVIPs.
The allegation against the former Air Chief was that he reduced flying ceiling of the helicopter from 6,000m to 4,500m (15,000ft) which put AgustaWestland helicopters in the race for the deal without which its choppers were not even qualified for submission of bids.
Tyagi has denied allegations against him claiming innocence and that the change of specifications, which brought AgustaWestland into contention, was a collective decision in which senior officers of Indian Air Force, SPG, NSA and other departments were involved.
Parliaments winter session appeared headed for a near washout, as ruling benches appeared not inclined to allowing Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi to speak on the hardships faced due to demonetization of currency.
Gandhi levelled serious allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, claiming he had detailed information about personal corruption by the PM. We dont see a chance of the deadlock being resolved, a senior minister told HT.
Both houses have lost more than 80% of its time following a standoff between the Opposition and the government over the rule under which they should discuss the hardships faced by people following demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes.
Winter session started on a stormy note on November 16, with Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leading opposition protest in both Houses. Things were no different in Parliament when it resumed business on Wednesday after a four day break.
Read | Rahul wants to speak of Modis corruption in Lok Sabha: Why it wont be easy
The Lok Sabha did not transact much business on Wednesday and the Congress was agitated at not being allowed to speak. It saw a heated exchange between opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Speaker Sumitra Mahajan when she allowed BJD member B Mahtab to speak, ignoring the Congress leader. Most of the treasury bench was on its feet when Kharge tried to speak, revelling the governments intent to not allow him speak. We are ready to debate, Kharge said. Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar made similar remarks, blaming the Opposition of blocking the discussion.
They have become note-jugaad (managing currency) parties. It is a conspiracy to finish off what Modi has brought for the poor, Kumar said, quoting a sting carried out by a TV channel that showed Congress, SP and BSP leaders offering to convert illicit money into white.
The Rajya Sabha saw a rare bonhomie between the two sides to pass the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014. This was the first legislative business in the winter session cleared by Parliament. The peace was, however, short lived and limited to facilitating passage of the bill, which stipulates up to two-year jail term and a maximum fine of Rs 5 lakh for discriminating against differently-abled persons.
The governments floor managers claim that with the Congress opposition, it was unlikely that the House will run properly. Rahul Gandhi indulges in spit and run tactic. If he speaks, he will have to listen to us as well. He is not ready, law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi with party leaders at the Parliament House. (Arun Sharma/HT Photo)
The Opposition entered the winter session with the demand for an adjournment motion, then climbed down to a debate under a rule that entails voting to finally agree for an immediate debate. The government rejected the first two demands and initiated a debate under 193 that is not followed by a vote.
The general unease about restricted flow of cash in ATMs and banks has emboldened the Opposition and forced a rethink in the treasury bench, which feared that their political rivals would try to milk the situation to its advantage.
Read | Oppn on offensive, BJP hits back: Who said what after Rahuls salvo at PM Modi
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The launch of the Narmada yatra, and a grand welcome in Indore to newly appointed state Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) president Abhilash Pandey show the BJP has kicked off campaigns in different ways though assembly elections are still one and a half years away -- to be held between October and December 2018.
Though part of the 2016 Simhastha Declaration, the Narmada Seva Yatra was planned in a manner that it will draw peoples attention, specially in rural areas, towards the BJP and state government. It will prepare a base in 2017, which will benefit the party in assembly polls, a BJP leader said wishing anonymity.
Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched on December 11 the 144-day-long Narmada yatra from Amarkantak, which will pass through 1,104 villages spread across 51 blocks of 16 districts before concluding on May 11, 2017. He will join the yatra once in a week to address rallies at villages, open grounds and public places.
The campaign to involve people in conservation of the Narmada, considered a holy river, is part of a resolution which the state government made during Ujjains Simhastha fair in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May this year.
The Congress sees the yatra as a political move. How come the CM remembers Narmada after 11 years of his rule, specially when people close to him have been involved in illegal sand mining along the river? His announcement to ban mining along Narmada a day back cannot justify the past, state Congress chief spokesperson KK Mishra said on Wednesday.
State BJP spokesperson Umesh Sharma denied that the Narmada yatra aimed at political gains. Yatra will draw people towards Narmadas conservation keeping in view its economic, social, cultural, religious value, he said, adding that BJP workers would participate in the campaign as citizens.
In Indore, newly appointed state BJYM president Abhilash Pandeys welcome rally on December 12 was a show of the BJPs strength. Local party MLAs and office-bearers were present in the rally that passed through main areas before concluding at Rajwada. National BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya was present there to welcome Pandey.
Umesh Sharma admitted that Pandeys welcome rally was aimed at achieving political and electoral objectives. The objective was to enthuse workers to achieve goals that BJP sets, he told HT.
Another event on the anvil is RSS-affiliate Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishads national convention to be held in the city from December 22 to 27, in which over 5,000 students are expected to take part.
The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) is planning to handover the banks of Kahn river to the state forest department for plantation.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had earlier issued directions to the municipal body to clear encroachments from the banks of Kahn and Saraswati rivers, and to cover 30 metres on either side of the river with plantation.
Following the tribunals directions, IMC had cleared several encroachments from many sections of the rivers and launched a plantation drive.
IMC to handover plantation task to forest dept for 3 years
Municipal commissioner Manish Singh said, We had planted 6,000 saplings alongside the Kahn river so far. But for the plants to survive they have to be nurtured and their growth has to be continuously monitored. Hence, we plan to handover the task to the forest department for three years. The forest department is more capable of planting trees and nurturing their growth, Singh added.
He said although initially the forest department was reluctant to take the responsibility, after several meetings they agreed to shoulder it.
The municipal body is simultaneously cleaning the river and clearing off encroachments alongside the 18.1 kilometre-long river. The corporation has also plugged several sewerage outfalls into the river.
Whatever space is possible alongside the Kahn and Saraswati rivers will be cordoned off using barbed wire to stop people from encroaching the river banks, Singh said.
IMC to collect waste from every household
With introduction of door-to-door garbage collection in 18 municipal wards on Wednesday, the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) claims to have attained 100 percent success in introducing the programme.
Mayor Malini Gauds ambitious door-to-door garbage collection and segregation started in August last year, with just ten municipal wards. Gradually the scheme was introduced in other municipal wards.
The IMC has procured 255 garbage tipper vehicles and allotted three to each municipal ward. With each vehicle costing around Rs 5.7 lakh, the IMC has spent about Rs 15 crore on procurement of these vehicles.
The responsibility of monitoring the whole process lies with the ward corporator. On Wednesday, the mayor issued instructions to corporators to keep a tab on every day workfor effective implementation of the scheme. The garbage collection tippers are fitted with global positioning system (GPS) and we can track the movement of the vehicles, she added.
Gaud said, We secured 25th position in Swachhta Survekshan report, conducted across 73 cities in the country, last year. With effective implementation of door-to-door garbage collection and solid waste management in our city, we should aim to secure top position next year.
Asad Warsi, the waste management consultant for IMC told HT that on an average, the corporation is incurring 1.25 lakh in each ward every month for door-to-door waste collection. And if 100% user charges are appropriated, each ward can generate about 1.5 lakh revenue for the corporation. The project is financially viable, he added.
The municipal body is charging Rs 60 per month from every household and Rs 90 per month from commercial establishments for the service.
After being quizzed by a team of FBI sleuths, Muhammed Masiuddin alias Musa has become one of the most high security prisoners in Bengal.
The 25-year-old ISIS terrorist, who is presently lodged in Alipore central jail, has his movement restricted and is under 24 hours surveillance.
On December 9, a seven-member team of FBI agents from US came down to Kolkata and for the next two days grilled Musa.
Thereafter, Bengal jail authorities did not want to take chances and beefed up security around Musa.
We cannot take any risk. He was recently transferred from Presidency central jail to Alipore central jail, which was due to security reasons. In Alipore jail, he is kept in cell block meant for high security prisoners. His movement is restricted and is not being allowed to speak with fellow inmates. We are ensuring that he has minimum contact with other inmates, said a senior officer of the state jail department.
Interestingly, Alipore central jail houses dreaded inmates like Aftab Ansari, mastermind of American Center attack, Maoists, Khagragore blast accused and gangsters.
Kept in a cell meant for high security inmates, Musa is under 24 hours surveillance both through CCTV cameras and sepoys put on guard round the clock.
He is allowed to move out of his cell for a little time on request but our guards accompany him. Whatever is done is according to rules, said a jail department officer.
Twenty-year-old Musa was arrested from Burdwan railway station by the CID on July 4 on charges of persuading youths to join ISIS.
Later, the probe was taken over by the NIA and the agency is currently probing his links with Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and also the Dhaka attacks.
NIA revealed that Musa had agreed to take on an assignment to target foreigners and US nationals in India and behead them. According to NIA, Musa was also to take video clips of the beheading ISIS style.
Earlier, in the month of August, a three-member team of Bangladeshs security intelligence department had also come to Kolkata to interrogate Musa.
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With 2017 knocking the door, its time to brighten up the way you live. Take a cue from Ranbir Kapoor, whose new house has just been done by Gauri Khan. The New Year decor trends will have a mix of creative materials and unusual textures, that can give your home a timeless charm youre sure to love, says an expert.
Natasha Jain, co-founder of Bent Chair shares some tips on how we can liven up our homes to welcome the new year.
* Revival of the artisans
When it comes to decorating history, there is nothing to limit you. Its artful, quirky and bursting with ideas. 2017 will see a revival of the artisans. It speaks to your unique style with a rustic touch. Home decor by the contemporary artisans is a yes this year, so go for it.
* Bring in metallics
Believe it or not, metallics can act as neutrals to balance out the look in your room. Just a touch of glimmering metal can add a distinctive charm to your space instantly.When incorporating a lot of metallic pieces keep the colour scheme fairly subdued. The metallic piece in the room should be enough to act the right amount of oomph and do the trick.
* Shape up with geometric decor
We bet youll be falling in love with triangles, hexagons and squares in 2017 when you see them as patterns for pillows, blankets and as form shapes in home decor. This decor fits for people who prefer mid-century, modern or quirky designs. It adds texture and visual interest to your design. Great option to go for the people who mix it up and add a bit of fun to their homes.
* Decorate with bold colours
Colour! Colour! Colour! Those boring greys are on their way out in 2017 and bold colours are in. They create a great visual impact and make a very bold statement. Make your home more stylish, vibrant and gorgeous with bold colours in the coming year.
* Crazy prints
Home is where the heart is and its where you show off your unique style and individuality. Dont settle for ordinary; include crazy prints as it is the style statement for 2017. Quirk up your home as the smallest details can make a lot of difference.
* Functional over decorative
2017 has functional products over decorative in store for you. There are times when you end up selecting a beautiful product over a practical one. But we suggest you to choose functional products for the next year. The main idea behind putting functionality above all is placing the product quality firmly.
Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.
Barry
Director - Vikram Gandhi
Cast - Devon Terrell, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jason Mitchell, Ashley Judd, Ellar Coltrane
Rating - 4/5
Things certainly werent meant to play out this way. 2016 was supposed to end differently. And for Barry to come out now, mere weeks before Donald Trump is sworn in as the successor to the man it so lovingly honours, is almost poetically tragic.
But heres the thing about great movies: Unlike a lot of other art and art forms the chances of a great film being forgotten, or harmed in any way by the world it exists in, are very small. And Barry is a great movie. It will always be a great movie regardless of who the president is. No one can ever take that away from it.
I watched Barry almost immediately after watching Southside with You, another film that plucks out a very specific moment from Barack Obamas life (in this case, his first date with his future wife Michelle).
Both films, it turns out, are quite terrific very slight, but with a quiet power that sneaks up on you. Southside is a Before Sunrise/Before Sunset/Before Midnight-style romantic dramedy, which, if youre fans of those films, youll recognise immediately in its warm, lazily-paced scenes featuring a young Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson walking and talking and falling in love.
But Barry - which is set a few years before the events of Southside, just as Obama is beginning his first year at Columbia University, when he first gets his hands on a dog-eared copy of James Baldwin, when he sees firsthand the lives his brothers live in the ghettos of Harlem, and when he gets his first taste of police brutality - is even better. In fact, had it received a proper theatrical release instead of the digital one Netflix is providing it, I would be willing to wager my subscription that come January, it would have been showered with Oscar nominations.
But somehow, its better this way. The nook that it will forever occupy, buried 8 scrolls down on Netflix, can never be taken away. And at the very least, itll keep away all the controversies that would almost certainly have sprung up had Barry been a part of an awards campaign. The Alt-Right wouldve used it as a political tool in their lunatic war against the libtards. They wouldve accused it of being biased and reverential which is exactly what it is. Theyre just going to have to learn to deal with it.
But despite striking what would normally have been a very problematic tone, after a while, the story, and the nuance with which it is told, completely overwhelms all the Obama worship there may be (and honestly, there isnt much). Director Vikram Gandhi, whom I know best as a reporter for VICE, has made a film that will be remembered not just as a presidential biopic, because its hardly that, but as a unique, standalone work of art.
What sets Barry apart from other films based on the lives of presidents is that it is not about the politics, but about people in a very specific time, and of a very specific place. It is more Frost/Nixon than Nixon.
It is a college movie, a coming of age film populated with all those familiar characters the bohemian girlfriend, the stoner roommate, parties, alcohol, bad mistakes and daddy issues. It just happens to be about a future president. In fact, it is not until its final scene that he is even called by his proper name, Barack. Because this is not a film about Barack. It is about Barry, the innocent, wide-eyed, thoughtful young man (played wonderfully by an understated Devon Terrell) looking for a place in this world, the half-black, half-white boy from everywhere, but nowhere, trying to find his identity.
Barry is for all the lost souls getting punched by strangers in strange hallways, it is for all the wanderers with nowhere to be. It captures the beautifully conflicted dumpster-fire that the world is right now like lightning in a bottle.
Watch the Barry trailer here
Follow @htshowbiz for more
The author tweets @NaaharRohan
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The China Institute of High-Energy Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced the official launch of Project Ngari on Dec. 13. The project team plans to build the Ngari 1 telescope and begin scientific observation within five years. Once constructed, it will be the first observatory for primordial gravitational wave detection in the northern hemisphere.
In fact, since the existence of gravitational waves was first predicted by Albert Einstein, no trace was captured in scientific research until Feb. 11, 2016, when the LIGO experimental group and U.S. National Science Foundation jointly declared that they had detected a gravitational wave produced by the merging of two black holes 1.3 billion years ago.
After humans first detected a trace of gravitational waves, exploration of primordial gravitational waves, produced as early as the universe came into being, became the next scientific target. Against this backdrop, the project for detection of primordial gravitational waves was finally implemented in China.
Zhang Xinmin, chief scientist for the project, disclosed that its aim is to establish an unprecedentedly sensitive experiment on primordial gravitational waves, and that the experiment may also make breakthroughs in other large scientific questions such as the evolution of the universe, dark matter and dark energy.
Sitting 5,000 meters above sea level in Tibet, the Ngari observatory will possess distinctive geographical, observational and infrastructural advantages, according to Guo Zhaolin, the senior consultant of the project.
With the construction of the Ngari observatory, China will obtain the most accurate observation data in the study of primordial gravitational waves. However, due to China's limited experience and technical capabilities in detecting the waves, Chinese scientists will cooperate closely with top American research universities and scientific institutes.
A 28-year-old man from Airoli died while another man suffered severe injuries while trying to stop a moving truck that was escaping after hitting a two-wheeler on Thane-Belapur road on Wednesday evening.
According to the police, the truck hit a two-wheeler while taking a reverse on the busy road around 9.30 pm. The truck driver then had a fight with the owner of the two-wheeler. The deceased Amit Kadam, his friend Dnyaneshwar Deodhar, 28, and some other people accosted the driver and started interrogating him.
The driver got scared and tried to run away in the truck. As the truck started moving, Kadam, Deodhar and the other people jumped into it from either sides of the cabin and tried to stop the heavy vehicle, said C Katkar, senior police inspector of Rabale MIDC police station.
The truck, however, did not stop. The driver was speeding away and hit a stationary bus at a distance. Kadam and Deodhar, who were hanging from the windows, then lost their balances and fell down. Both of them suffered severe injuries in the accident, he said.
A few local residents rushed them to NMMC hospital in Vashi, but Kadam died there after sometime. Deodhar is still recuperating in the hospital. He is now reportedly out of danger.
The truck driver fled the spot just after the accident. We nabbed him on Thursday afternoon, but have not arrested him so far. He will be arrested once we are done with the enquiries, Katkar said.
The police delivered the deceaseds body to his family after post-mortem was conducted in NMMC hospital. The postmortem reports are yet to come.
Read
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Airport boost for Thane-Navi Mumbai-Raigad belt
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The Navi Mumbai crime branch has arrested a teacher from a Nerul school on Wednesday night for allegedly raping and impregnating a 13-year-old student in September.
The accused Raj Shulka, 45, had gone into hiding after the case was registered against him in September. The crime branch officers finally arrested him from Delhi and took him to Navi Mumbai. He has been booked under sections 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the relevant sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Confirming the news, Hemant Nagrale, the police commissioner of Navi Mumbai, said, Shukla has been arrested. We will produce him before the judicial court and take him into our custody for interrogation.
Nagrale on Monday suspended assistant police inspector of Nerul police station, Vasudev More for allegedly not paying due attention to this case over the past three months. The case was then transferred to the city crime branch.
The victims parents claim the accused had sexually assaulted many other students of the school earlier too.
Read
Mumbai: 13-yr-old girl raped by school teacher; principal arrested
Navi Mumbai rape case: School principal detained
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With the Mumbai civic polls round the corner and uncertainty over the saffron alliance, the Shiv Sena on Thursday inducted several Gujarati leaders from the city to create a support base within the community, traditionally considered as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vote bank.
Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday inducted prominent faces from the Gujarati community such as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supporters Hemraj Shah, a leader from the Bruhad Mumbai Gujarati Samaj from South Mumbai, and Jayanti Modi from Malad.
Rajesh Doshi, the deputy head of BJPs Gujarati wing from Kandivli, also joined the Sena. Other Gujarati leaders who entered the Shiv Sena include Kumar Jain from Zaveri Bazaar, Kamlesh Chitroda from Dharavi, Jignesh Bhuta from Borivli west, Dhaval Shah from Matunga and producer Tejas Gohil.
Thackeray said, On several occasions, some people have tried to create and spread misunderstandings about the Shiv Sena. Balasaheb always used to feel that the Gujarati community should walk along with Shiv Sena. The Gujarati community has been consistently misused with a use and throw attitude.
In a barb at the Narendra Modi-led governments demonetisation move, Thackeray added, These days standing in queues has become a national agenda. But in Shiv Sena, I will not make you wait in long queues.
The Sena and BJP have traditionally contested the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in an alliance, with the Sena drawing support from the citys predominantly Maharashtrian quarters and the BJP cashing in on votes from Gujarati traders and businessmen across Mumbai. However, with relations between the allies having soured and the BJPs local leadership restless to flex its muscles in Mumbai, there is a strong likelihood that the two parties may contest independently. Both parties are preparing for the polls by poaching leaders, who can fill the gaps within. Sena is also keen on taking advantage of the unrest felt by the trading community over the recent demonetisation decision.
The BJP had recently dealt the Sena a blow by inducting Suresh Gambhir, former Sena legislator from its home turf of Dadar, and serving Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking committee member Sunil Ganacharya. Similarly, Maharashtra Navnirman Senas corporators Prakash Darekar and Sukhada Pawar, and Congress former legislator Ramesh Thakur, serving corporators Sagar Thakur and Kesarben Murji Patek also joined the BJP recently.
Read
BMC polls ahead: Fadnavis, Uddhav put up united front
After poll wins, BJP says ready to go with Shiv Sena for BMC, Thane
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A senior inspector from Thane registered a complaint against a doctor and his family at Kopri police station on Tuesday for demanding dowry. The complainant alleged that the accused demanded cash and a 1BHK flat in Mumbai to marry his daughter.
The woman, an IT engineer, got engaged to accused Niraj Suryawanshi on October 21 and the wedding was scheduled for January 11, 2017. However, it was later revealed that Niraj is already married and has a 11-year- old son. What flummoxed the complainant most was Nirajs wifes involvement in hatching the conspiracy.
One of our relatives suggested that Niraj would be a perfect match for our daughter. So after a few meetings, we got them engaged. However, for the past few weeks, Niraj and his family had been demanding cash and a 1BHK in Mumbai. They even threatened to put the engagement pictures on social media, to defame us, if we refused to give in to their demands, the complainant said.
To ensure that he had evidence to nail the accused, the complainant recoded his conversations with Niraj and his family and handed over the footage to the police.
An officer from Kopri police station said, We have not arrested anyone, as the accused are from Varan village in Bhusawal. The complainant, a police officer, also said that he spent Rs1.50 lakh on the engagement.
A case has been filed against Niraj, his wife, parents, sister, brother-in-law and two others under sections 420, 406, 409, 467, 468, 120, 386, and 427 of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
Read
Dowry death: man held for abetting wifes murder
Nawazuddins sister-in-law alleges actor tortured her for dowry, kicked her
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Mumbai
Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) believes that the suicide bomber who blew himself up at Madina in July 2016 and killed four local policemen was none other than terror mastermind Fayaz Kagzi, a resident of Beed in Maharashtra.
The ATS on Tuesday obtained a letter rogatory (letter of request) (LR) from the special MCOCA court in Mumbai. The LR will be to be forwarded to the court concerned in Saudi Arabia for evidence collected by the local investigation agencies to ascertain the identity of the suicide bomber. It has also sought information and documents that were collected during the course of investigation in connection of the suicide blast.
The agency believes that the bomber was Fayaz Kagzi, a resident of Beed, a district headquarter in Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Kagzi is believed to be the mastermind behind many blasts in the state and also the one who recruited the handler for the 26/11 terror attack Abu Jundal to the Lashkar-e-Taiba camp.
On July 4, four members of the Saudi security force were killed in a suicide bombing near Prophet Mohammads mosque Al-Haram Al-Nabawi in Madina. The bomber was identified as a 34-year-old Pakistani national, Abdulla Khan.
The Saudi police later released Khans photograph, that the ATS believes bears close resemblance with Kagzi. Now, the ATS had sought permission from the Mumbai MCOCA court to issue a letter rogatory to the Saudi court seeking information to confirm the identity of the suspect .
The agency has sought the DNA profile of the suicide bomber, post-mortem report of Khan, the articles and documents recovered from Khan, photographs and other information collected by the Saudi Arabia authority.
The agency had first approached the court in September and the special MCOCA court judge Shrikant Anekar had issued an LR to the court in Saudi Arabia on September 30 . However, when the LR was forwarded to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)by the ATS, some technical errors were found in it. The ministry, in October, returned it to the ATS, seeking a fresh LR.
The ATS then, through special public prosecutor Vaibhav Baghade and Abhijit Mantri, on December 5 approached the special court for a fresh LR with a correction. Allowing the plea, special MCOCA judge V V Patil on Tuesday ordered a fresh LR to the court of Saudi Arabia with all the details required by the agency.
About Kagzi
Resident of Beed from Maharashtra Fayyaz Kagzi, was an Lashkar-e-Taiba operative and had a key role in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case, 2010 German Bakery blasts and J M Road serial blasts.
Kagzi was accused of recruiting terrorists from India along with 26/11 handler Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal.
Kagzis involvement as an LeT operative surfaced in 2006 Aurangabad Arms haul case, when the accused confessed that he was the one who indoctrinated them to LeT. It was alleged that he had created group with Jundal for terror attack in the state.
One of the convict of Aurangabad Arms Haul case, Mohammed Amir Shakil Ahmed Shaikh has in his confession stated that Kagzi used to radicalized youths by showing CDs and videos of 2002 03 Gujarat Riots and videos related to atrocities on Muslims. The confession revealed that Amir, Jundal and Kagzi all had gone to LeT camps in Kashmir for arms training. It was in 2006 only Kagzi had left from India to join LeT in Pakistan through Iran, the confession statement reveals.
Read
ISIS kill list: SIMI men still target youth in Marathwada
Aurangabad arms haul: The soft-spoken electrician who became Abu Jundal
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Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who has been booked for money laundering, was shifted back to the Arthur Road jail from JJ Hospital where he was undergoing treatment on Wednesday night.
Arthur Road jail Superintendent Harshad Aherao while confirming that Bhujbhal was brought back to Arthur Road jail, said, Bhujbal was brought to the jail yesterday (Wednesday) night and if any medication is needed, we will provide him.
Bhujbal, an accused in the multi-crore money laundering case registered against him by the Enforcement Directorate, was discharged from the Bombay Hospital in first week of December and sent to the state-run facility after his admission at the hospital from November 2 prompted criticism that he was receiving preferential treatment. Bhujbal was at Bombay Hospital since November 2 but was discharged from the private hospital on December 8 and sent to JJ Hospital.
On October 27, Special Judge PR Bhavake had allowed Bhujbal to be taken to a private hospital after he was told that a thallium scan, one of the three tests recommended to him, was not available at the government hospital. On October 28, prison authorities took Bhujbal to JJ Hospital for other two tests. He was then transferred to Bombay Hospital.
Bhujbal had recently refused to undergo angiography until he consulted his family members. The jail authorities had filed a reply in court to the plea of former AAP activist Anjani Damania, who challenged Bhujbals long stay at a private hospital while in judicial custody. In their reply, the superintendent of Mumbai central jail said that doctors had recommended an angiography for Bhujbal but he had refused to undergo the test.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the Bombay high court had dismissed the bail plea and a habeas corpus petition filed by former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal challenging his detention over charges of money laundering.
Read
JJ Hospital dean denies role in referring Chhagan Bhujbal to Bombay Hospital
Chhagan Bhujbals bail, habeas corpus pleas dismissed by Bombay HC
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Fishermen are set to stage protests against the proposed construction of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, from Friday till December 24 the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the project.
Members of the Akhil Maharashtra Machimar Kriti Samiti (AMMKS), an association of fishermen from Cuffe Parade Machimar Nagar, Geeta Nagar (near Navy Nagar), near Raj Bhawan and Backbay Parade will fly black flags on their boats and homes as a sign of protest.
We have support from fishermen all across Maharashtra. On December 24, three main wholesale fish markets Sassoon dock, Bhaucha Dhakka, and Crawford will be shut. A 100 other domestic markets too will be shut, said Damodar Tandel, president, AMMKS. More than 5,000 boats will fly black flags on the day of bhoomipoojan, to bring the issue to PM Modis notice.
He said fishermen from Uran, Bhandup, Panvel and Raigad will join the agitation in south Mumbai. Fisherwomen will form a human chain from Nariman Point to Girgaum Chowpatty, holding black flags, when PM Modi arrives for the inauguration, said Tandel.
The 192-metre-tall statue of the Maratha king has been planned on a rocky outcrop roughly 1.5km from the Raj Bhavan shore.
According to the Akhil Maharashtra Machimar Kriti Samiti, the livelihood of 1.5 lakh fishermen residing across five villages in south Mumbai, who have 1,500 large boats and 450 small boats currently along the stretch, will be affected by the construction.
State government officials said the fishing communitys agitation is meant to gain publicity.
Arrangements for adequate security have been made for the bhoomipoojan. No protests can mar the auspicious occasion, said Vinayak Mete, head of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smarak Samiti, the group appointed by the state government to implement the project.
Lawyer representing fishermen writes to PM Modi
The lawyer representing the fishing community Akhil Maharashtra Machimar Kriti Samiti has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him not to come to Mumbai for the foundation stone laying ceremony
The proposed project is against the environment and will destroy aquatic life in the Arabian Sea. The Prime Minister would not like to become the reason for irreparable damage to the environment, said Asim Sarode, legal counsel.
The next hearing at NGT, Pune is scheduled for December 22 when the Union environment ministry and other environment research institutes have been asked to submit their findings regarding ecological damage of the project.
Read
Mumbais Shivaji memorial gets all clearances; stone laying ceremony soon
Construction of Shivaji Memorial will destroy livelihood of 1.5 lakh fishermen
Fishermen hold sea rally in Mumbai against Shivaji memorial site
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Three dead, 11 injured in a house collapse in Mumbais Mankhurd area
Three people died and 11 others were injured in a house collapse in Mankhurd on Thursday morning. The incident occurred at around 6 am when the ground plus one structure collapsed on two adjacent houses owing to a cylinder blast. It occurred at the Saibaba Rahivashi Sangh area in the Maharashtra Nagar slums of Mankhurd. Read
More than 1.3K dead on Mumbai-Pune Expressway in 6 years, but Maharashtra sits on trauma centre
Built with an aim to ensure that accident victims get medical aid during the golden hour after an accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Trauma Care Centre has not been functional for almost two years now. Read
Two Indians arrested after being deported from Germany for fake tourist visa
The Sahar police recently arrested two men, who were deported to India from Germany, for allegedly travelling on a fake tourist visa. The plan was to sneak into the USA from Germany for doing small time jobs. Read
Chhagan Bhujbal back in Arthur Road jail after receiving treatment in hospitals from Nov 2
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who has been booked for money laundering, was shifted back to the Arthur Road jail from JJ Hospital where he was undergoing treatment on Wednesday night. Read
Dilip Kumar discharged from hospital in Mumbai
Bollywood superstar Dilip Kumar was discharged from Lilavati hospital on Thursday afternoon. The 93-year-old actor, recuperating from his deep vein thrombosis (DVT), was shifted out of the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital to a general ward three days ago. Read
The Bombay high court on Thursday refused to protect the owner of the Navi Mumbai day care centre, where a 10-month-old girl was brutally assaulted by a staff member in November, from being arrested.
Rejecting her anticipatory bail plea, the court said the owner who pleaded she had no idea the maid could have behaved in such a ghastly manner could not claim ignorance and shirk responsibility.
She does not deserve any relief, the court said while taking note of how CCTV footage submitted by the prosecution clearly showed the incident was not an isolated one.
Footage recorded between November 10 and November 24 showed the same maid assaulting other babies.
Justice Sadhna Jadhav said this showed the owner was callous, failed to keep track of her employees actions, and above all, lied to the mother of the child by telling her the girl had sustained injuries while playing.
It was also revealed during arguments the playschool was running for more than a year without a license. This came to light when the owners counsel told the court the playschool secured a license only in January this year, but had been running for more than a year before that . The counsel justified this saying the same set of staff members worked at the school for months and her client had never encountered a problem.
The counsel went on to say the owner was running the playschool on a provisional basis, before applying for a license as she wanted to check if she was capable of running it or not. This enraged the court.
This wasnt a grocery shop they were talking about, but a facility promising care and safety of children of a tender age.
Justice Jadhav also came down heavily on the state for not having a mandatory uniform licencing policy for playschools and creches. Currently, most of these centres in the state are allowed to operate with a registration certificate granted by the state under the Bombay Public Trust Act.
Justice Jadhav said the Juvenile Justice Act mandated, besides observation and special homes, that all facilities committed to providing care for children requires a license. Unsuspecting parents feel the safety of their children is ensured at such facilities, that it is fit especially for working women. It is unfortunate the state has failed to consider this aspect of the Act and has let untrained staff handle young children, justice Jadhav said.
On November 24 this year, the child was brutally assaulted by a maid at the playschool. The accused maid, and the owner were booked for causing hurt and under provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act. They were later also charged with attempt to murder under the Indian Penal Code.
While the maid is currently in judicial custody, the owner had got bail the day she was arrested. After the police booked her for attempt to murder, the court asked her to present herself. When the owner did not do so within the time-frame given to her, the Alibaug session court cancelled her bail on December 9. We have been searching for since bail was cancelled by the Alibaug court. Now with the Bombay HC also rejecting her anticipatory bail plea, we have declared her a wanted criminal and will arrest her soon, said Dilip Kale, senior police inspector of Kharghar police station.
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Court cancels Kharghar daycare centre owners bail in Mumbai
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For the first time since the Maratha community began protesting three months ago, exposing social and economic fault-lines in the state, the Maharashtra government has achieved a breakthrough.
On Wednesday, it asked the protesters to discuss their demands with the government, and the protestors agreed.
After a protest march in Nagpur, a delegation of the organisers, Sakal Maratha Samaj, met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and discussed their demands.
Education minister Vinod Tawde, who heads a government committee on reservations for Marathas, suggested to Fadnavis the organisers form a group of prominent people from the community, such as retired judges and professors, as the issues were legal, not emotional. The organisers said they will submit a response to the state, but before that, will meet on December 18 in Pune to discuss Fadnavis offer.
The most important thing is, we have started a dialogue. Proper discussions are expected soon, revenue minister Chandrakant Patil said in the Assembly.
We will meet in Pune on December 18 and decide our next course of action, said Bhaiyya Patil, one of the organisers of the protests. Another organiser, Amol Jadhav, said, We had already formed a group to prepare a detailed report on our demands. We will submit the same to the government when it is ready.
The silent protests by Marathas were triggered after the brutal rape and murder of a minor girl from the community in Kopardi of western Maharashtras Ahmednagar district in July this year. The girl, a Class 8 student, was gang raped, tortured and murdered by three Dalit labourers when she was on her way home from her grandfathers house. Sources said a few days after the incident, there were protests in Kopardi, but brewing angst among the Maratha community erupted and the initial apathy from politicians resulted in it spreading to neighbouring villages, and later, to the adjoining Marathwada region, seen as a cauldron of caste politics in Maharashtra.
The major demands of the community have been capital punishment for the accused in the rape and murder case, reservation for Marathas in government jobs and education, and review of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Wednesdays protest march ended in an impromptu rally near the assembly hall in, Nagpur where the state legislatures winter session is in progress. The organisers wanted the CM to meet them and accept their memorandum of demands.
Fadnavis asked two of his ministers, Tawde and Patil both from the Maratha communityto meet protesters. Tawde convinced them to put forth their demands by meeting Fadnavis, which the latter agreed.
A delegation of the Sakal Maratha Samaj, led by six teenage girls then met Fadnavis at the assembly hall and submitted a memorandum of the demands. Fadnavis told them of the steps taken by his government, such as freeships for poor students from the community and a decision to build a hostel for Maratha students in every district.
He also apprised them about the steps taken by the government to ensure strict punishment for the accused in the brutal rape and murder case in Kopardi in Ahmednagar district.
During the discussions, the girls asked Fadnavis why the government was taking time to decide on their demands of reservation, when the Centre could announce its demonetisation decision in a day.
Tawde then suggested that the organisers should form a group of prominent persons such as retired judges from the Maratha community to discuss the demands with the government. Fadnavis told the delegation that they should form such a group and he was willing to discuss their demands in detail. Further discussions are expected to be held in Mumbai.
But Jadhav said, We dont want any leaders to lead our protests. As such, we sent a delegation of girls as our representatives to present our side. We will not depute any leaders to hold discussions with the government but would surely send them a report of experts, which would form basis for the talks.
The development is significant for the BJP government as it has managed to open dialogue with the Maratha community groups that have been protesting.
Read: 20,000 Maratha bikers hit Mumbai streets
To counter Maratha agitation, Dalits gird up to fight for hard-earned perks
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Gu Yungui, who has turned a sharp slope into a forest more than 10,000 trees strong, nevertheless has bittersweet sentiments about his project. That's because the trees, which are largely rare and endangered, have yet to generate big profits, instead making Gu poorer than he was when he started the project.
The Yunnan man started planting rare trees in 2008. Gu spent his family's savings to plant the trees, and encouraged two of his sons to guard the forest after the trees grow big. In 2011, Gu moved closer to the growing forest to tend his seedlings. As the mountain gradually became green, the 10,000-plus seedlings thrived. Gu was confident that after two to three years, people would rush to buy his trees.
Once the trees were ready for sale, Zeng Qingwen, a botany research fellow, died after falling off one of the mature trees during a research tour. Zeng had previously encouraged Gu to plant more trees, and promised to buy all his trees when they grew big.
No one wanted to buy the trees after Zeng's death, and several small retailers who had been interested before stopped contacting Gu. Ultimately, Gu's income from the trees was around 70,000 RMB ($10,146), less than one-third of what he invested. Gu is still waiting for more buyers.
Ouyang Zhiqin, a senior engineer at the Environmental Science Research Institute of Yunnan province, who herself failed to keep alive the endangered manglietia hebecarpa tree, spoke highly of Gu's efforts. Ouyang said Gu did a better job than her research team. She has conducted five research projects in Gu's forest. She is now working to help expand Gu's business.
Gu is currently paid to find rare and endangered trees for Ouyang, who believes local people should protect biodiversity by establishing a mechanism for ecological compensation.
Doctors from the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) launched a new television network to broadcast information regarding maternal and child healthcare and nutrition on Wednesday.
The network will be installed in the waiting rooms of 25,000 private clinics across the country and will air programmes and cartoons on good nutrition practices and the importance of immunisation, said doctors.
We want to tap into the time mothers spend in waiting rooms, and educate them on the importance of good nutrition, the correct ways of breastfeeding and the importance of immunisation, said Dr Pramod Jog, national president, IAP.
The programmes will initially be in Hindi and English. An additional seven languages will be made available later, he added.
A survey of 100 hospitals by IAP found that mothers and children, on an average, spend nearly one hour in the waiting rooms of clinics daily. The survey results also suggested that 40% of pregnant women have low body mass index (BMI) - a measure of body fat based on weight and height.
Mothers with low BMI are likely to give birth to underweight children whose growth may be stunted, said doctors.
Dr Anupam Sachdeva, consultant paediatrician, Sri Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, said the need for such a programme stemmed from the fact that doctors do not get enough time with each patient. Doctors are over- burdened with patients who can be treated at the primary and secondary care levels. It is not possible to spend time with each patient and educate them about proper nutritional habits, he said.
While the pilot project will start in Mumbai, doctors said they want to introduce this programme in government-run hospitals, especially in rural areas, where maternal deaths are high.
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A day after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) passed an interim order banning the nationwide use of manja (sharp kite thread), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said while Maharashtra government levied a similar ban in April 2015, apart from the Chinese thread manja, all others were used through the year and especially during Makar Sankranti this year.
In April 2015, the state government had banned the sale and use of these sharp kite strings through a circular under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, signed by the state environment department, which was submitted to the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court on April 20 in response to a petition filed by a local resident seeking a ban on sharp kite strings. The state only allowed the use of plain cotton thread to fly kites.
PETA members said there was an immediate need for the state government to reach out to citizens to inform them about the decision and tell them to only fly kites with plain cotton threads this year. The use of nylon, synthetic, cotton thread coated with glass manjas were all used through the year across Maharashtra, especially during Makar Sankranti, 2016, said Nikunj Sharma, PETA Government Affairs Liaison. Through this landmark interim order, NGT has made it safer for birds in the country.
On Wednesday, a bench headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar, chair of the NGT Delhi, passed the interim order banning procurement, stocking and sale of manja made of nylon thread, which is also called Chinese dor or other sharp, synthetic materials such as cotton thread coated with glass until the next hearing, scheduled on February 1, 2017. The move was aimed at providing safety to birds and humans a month before Makar Sankranti (January 14, 2017), a festival during which there are many bird and human deaths caused by manja.
Sharma added that the state government needs to form a committee that will collate data on the number of bird deaths due to this thread. The information needs to be made public as there are only a handful of NGOs that rescue and release injured birds and people dont realise the damage caused to the avian species, he said.
Some environmentalists said that it was peoples responsibility to use these threads for enjoyment during festivals rather than making it a competitive sport. There are numerous instances when stray threads end up choking bikers and pedestrians because of how sharp they are, said Stalin Dayanand, project director, Vanashakti. Simple cotton threads are easily available and are not that sharp.
Others said that the failure of such orders have been from its implementation. While the order is still interim and we need to wait for the final one, it is the governments responsibility to share such a notification widely through newspapers, television ads etc. so that even the remotest parts of the state are aware, said Anand Pendharkar, environmentalist.
Authoritiesspeak
We had taken all steps last year to ban the use of manja across the state. However we need to examine the NGT order and compare the same with ours, and if there is any shortfall, we will make sure that the message reaches the public, said Satish Gavai, principal secretary, state environment department.
Read
Green tribunal bans manja for kites across the country till February
Child killed by manjha couldnt even shout, died in fathers lap
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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued its winning streak even in the second phase of polls to municipal councils in Maharashtra, getting the maximum number of council presidents elected, and coming second in terms of total seats, making inroads in the areas, traditionally seen as Congress-NCP bastions. The BJPs win came largely at the cost of Congress.
In terms of the number of council member seats, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) emerged as the party with the highest number, managing to not just hold on to its bastions, but also improve its strength. Across the 14 municipal councils in the Pune and Latur districts that went to polls on Wednesday, the NCP won 93 seats of the total 324, up from the 86 that it currently holds. The party won the highest number of seats in the councils of Baramati, Junnar, Daund, Indapur in Pune district and Ausa and Ahmedpur in Latur district.
The party, however, managed to get just two council presidents elected, one in Ausa and the other in NCP Chief Sharad Pawars home turf of Baramati. Like in the first phase, this is the first municipal council election where the president was elected directly by voters. And, the BJPs startegic decision to amend the law to amke way for direct elections paid dividends this time too.
The BJP managed to get five council presidents elected to the municipal councils of Talegaon-Dabhade, Alandi, Lonavala (from Pune) and Ugdir, Nilanga (from Latur).
In terms of the total number of seats too, the party improved its numbers by more than five times to 81 seats across the 14 municipal councils from the 17 it currently holds. The party especially posted a strong performance in Talegaon-Dabhade, Lonavala, Alandi, Udgir, and Nilanga, where it clutched a majority of the seats.
BJPs Keshav Upadhyay said, This is a validation that people believe in Prime Minister Narendra Modis work and his move to demonetise and target black money, as well as chief minister Devendra Fadnavis clean image and work in Maharashtra for the past two years. The victory is especially resounding as it is directly in the bastions of the Congress and NCP. Even winning four seats in Baramati, the NCPs stronghold, means a lot.
The BJPs strong performance, however, cost the Congress, as it snatched the latters majority in the councils of Nilanga, Udgir and Lonavala. The Congress saw its member count in the 14 municipal councils dropping by more than a third to 45 from its existing count of 72. The party, however, managed to get two council presidents elected in the Indapur and Jejuri municipal councils. Congress leaders, however, maintained, the actual strength of the party is higher than the official number put out by the State Election Commission as there are a number of local candidates and alliances backed by the Congress, who have won.
Maharashtra Congress President Ashok Chavan said, The BJP has made tremendous use of money power during this whole election, and has also misused official machinery in pulling votes. There are two more phases of local body polls and we hope to do better there. Meanwhile, we will inspect what went wrong with our local leadership in these districts.
NCPs Nawab Malik attributed the BJPs victory to the presence of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). The AIMIM is the main factor responsible for the BJPs victory. It has split votes of other parties by drawing a substantial portion of the Muslim vote share to itself.
The BJPs ally Shiv Sena won 23 seats across the 14 councils, and got one council president elected in Junnar. The party currency has 19 members in the 14 councils.
A total of 1,326 candidates are in the fray for 324 council seats across 14 municipal councils, while 106 candidates were vying for the 14 council president posts.
Overall, 212 municipal councils,nagar panchayats besides 10 big civic corporations and 26 district councils across the state are to go to polls from October this year to March next year, in what is being seen as a mini-assembly election.
Read more: BJP gets a boost in Maharashtra, wins first civic polls post-demonetisation
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About 400 students who appeared for their final-year post-graduate course (part time) from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) in May are still waiting for their marksheets. While the results for these courses including Masters in marketing management, Masters in human resource development and management and Masters in financial management were announced in August, not a single student has received the final statement of marks.
Some of the students, who received a marksheet few weeks ago, were asked to resubmit the document to the institute for necessary changes, only to be left with no document since then. After resubmitting my marksheets, the institute gave me a letter saying I need to collect the final statement of marks from the University of Mumbai, but there has been no progress till date, said a student. He added that the applications of a few students who wished to apply for further studies abroad were stuck, owing to this missing document.
When HT contacted officials from MUs examination department, they said the institute was responsible for submitting the marks, whereas the university only prints the marksheets. Since JBIMS is now an autonomous institute, our responsibility starts and ends with only printing the marksheet. We havent received all the students marks from the institute yet, therefore the delay in printing marksheets, said Deepak Wasave, controller of examination, MU. JBIMS management, however, refuted these claims, and maintained that all the marks were submitted on time. All the information was submitted to the university. Students will receive their marksheets within a week, said Chandarahauns Chavan, director of the institute.
Read
Average JBIMS stipend rises by 11% from 2015
Sharp decline in top salary offer for MMS students at JBIMS
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Three people died and 11 others were injured in a house collapse in Mankhurd on Thursday morning. The incident occurred at around 6 am when the ground plus one structure collapsed on two adjacent houses owing to a cylinder blast. It occurred at the Saibaba Rahivashi Sangh area in the Maharashtra Nagar slums of Mankhurd.
The deceased have been identified as Kasturba Wankhede, 60, Rekha Sanjay Wankhede, 30, and Sanjay Wankhede, 35. The fire brigade rushed three fire engines and one ambulance to the spot.
After a preliminary inquiry, fire officials suspect that a gas leakage on the ground floor of the house led to the blast. A fire official said, The blast could have occurred when one of the members of the Wankhede family would have lit the gas stove. The impact of the explosion led to the houses wall to collapse on two other houses injuring many.
Three families Wankhedes, Pawars and Gavdes were affected in the incident. The injured also include four children, officials said. While eight of the injured have been admitted to the civic-run Sion hospital, two are in Shatabdi hospital and one person was discharged in the afternoon.
By afternoon a truckload of debris was being cleared from the spot. Fire officials said there will be complete inquiry in the incident.
A resident of the slum said, We heard the explosion in the morning, but it took us some time to understand what had happened. There was smoke all around the area. We could start rescuing people only after the smoke had reduced.
Located in the narrow lanes, the Maharashtra Nagar is one of the many slums in the eastern Deonar-Govandi-Mankhurd belt. The slums are located just a kilometre away from the Mankhurd fire command and control centre, which is just partly operational.
Recent incidents of building collapse
In December 2016, the JK Somani building in Fort was engulfed in flames owing to cylinder blasts. The central part of the building had also partially collapsed and cracks developed on the facade. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident
In October 2016, six children died and five other were injured after a four-storey illegal structure collapsed in Bandras Behrampada slums
In September 2016, one person lost his life and 15 others were injured after a wall collapse in the hilly areas of T ward (Mulund)
In July 2016, nine members of a family were killed after a fire broke out in a shop beneath their house in Andheri and the escape route was blocked.
Read
Man killed after dangerous building collapses in Thane
4 dead, 5 rescued after 5-storey structure collapses in Mumbai
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The Bazarpeth police arrested two people in possession of a tiger skin worth Rs10 lakh in Kalyan on Wednesday.
The two, Kiran Savle, 43, and Ramzan Siddhiqui, 19, are residents of Mumbai. Ramzan works as a mobile repairer in Ghatkopar and Kiran is unemployed, said the police.
The two came to Kalyan with the tiger skin in a schoolbag. The local police, having received a tip-off, arrived at Aadharwadi Road around 7pm and arrested them.
The international market value of the tiger skin goes up to Rs50 lakh. The accused initially planned to sell the skin for that amount but later reduced the cost after they were told that Kalyan locals would not spend that much on a single tiger skin, said Nilesh Dasale, additional police inspector, Bazarpeth police station.
The forest department told us that the seized skin belongs to a tiger. We have sent it to a forensic lab. The reports are awaited. The accused had come to Kalyan to sell the skin as they were scared of committing such an act in Mumbai. Savle told us he got the skin from a friend who stays at Satara. The investigation is ongoing, he added.
A police team was sent to Satara to trace the man who gave Savle the skin.
We are investigating to ascertain whether Savles friend is involved in smuggling tiger skins. We suspect that there are more people involved in this illegal racket in Satara, he said.
We were alerted by the police. We helped them register the case and are on the lookout for suspicious activities under our jurisdiction, said S Khedekar, Range, forest officer, Kalyan division.
Both the accused were arrested under sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Read
Picture perfect: Doctor captures three generations of tigers on film
Despite growth in numbers, all is not well for tigers: Report
Tigers vulnerable to poaching: 30% of illegal trade export from India
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The Sahar police recently arrested two men, who were deported to India from Germany, for allegedly travelling on a fake tourist visa. The plan was to sneak into the USA from Germany for doing small time jobs.
According to the Sahar police the accused Devendra Singh, 30, and Jagjit Singh, 28, are from Ambala in Haryana and intended to work as drivers or get any other small job in the US.
They were lured into this by an agent identified as only Ramesh who took Rs 1 lakh from them promising to send them to US via Munich, Germany. The accused know that they will not be given work visas and so enter other countries on a tourist visa.
Incidentally, the duo managed to reach Munich from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai but were detained after the immigration authority at the Munich airport found that their visas were fake.
They were immediately sent back and the Sahar police, on being alerted, arrested them after their flight landed in Mumbai.
During investigation, they told the cops that they wanted to reach the US to find a job there. Their police custody ended on Wednesday. The police are on the lookout for Ramesh.
Read
Mumbai police bust immigration racket to Germany with arrest of four
There is a spurt in the number of complaints of fraudulent withdrawals from ATMs and unauthorised online transactions received by Ghaziabads cyber security cell since the demonetisation of higher value notes was announced.
Officials said that they received nearly 25 cyber security complaints since November 8, besides eight complaints related to fraudulent withdrawals from ATMs. This is in contrast to a total of 85 complaints filed in 2015 and 60 complaints filed between January 1 and November 8.
In comparison to the earlier average, there has been an increase in complaints of online fraud received by the cyber security cell after November 8. We have roped in our expert officers to deal with the issue, an officer with the cyber security cell said.
Officials said that instances of strangers calling up citizens and seeking their debit card details are on a rise. Officials said that leakage of ATM card PINs is also on the rise due to multiple persons standing inside a kiosk while withdrawing money.
On Wednesday, a 70-year-old retired air force officer Anirudh Lal, of Vasundhara, was allegedly duped of Rs30,000 from his bank account after an unidentified caller had procured his debit card details.When the caller told me that my card may be blocked if I didnt do as they said, I immediately thought that this might be due to increased scrutiny of bank accounts by the government, Lal said. He said that the police need to stop such incidents. Though the police assured me that the accused will be nabbed, all they have done is to put the contact number on surveillance. There should be more ways to nab such people, he said.
A few days ago, two Indirapuram residents were duped of Rs85,300 and Rs70,000 in different incidents through online frauds, involving online wallet systems.
The cyber security cell of Ghaziabad is not fully equipped to track fraudsters.
We are now stressing more on special training for our officers on issues related to cyber crimes. Efforts are on to equip our cyber cell with more advanced equipment. Our investigating officers will have to undergo a five to seven day training on cyber security, Deepak Kumar, senior superintendent of police for Ghaziabad, said.
The cyber security cell of Ghaziabad is operating from a small unit and is not fully equipped to track fraudsters, unlike their Noida counterparts.
We are now stressing more on special training for our officers on issues related to cyber crimes. Efforts are on to equip our cyber cell with more advanced equipment. Our investigating officers will have to undergo a five-seven day training on cyber security, Deepak Kumar, senior superintendent of police, Ghaziabad, said.
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They met on Facebook, fell in love and then ran into family opposition. But they kept a promise of living and dying together.
A 22-year-old man committed suicide by allegedly jumping off a Vaishali mall, three months after his girlfriend killed herself in a similar manner, police said on Thursday
I had promised the girl that we will live together and die together...Now that she is gone I have to end my life as well..., Rinku Meena wrote in what police said was a two-page suicide note found in his pocket.
Meena, an engineering graduate from Karauli in Rajasthan, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital early Thursday, hours after he had jumped off the third floor of the mall.
His girlfriend, a 17-year-old minor based in Ghaziabad, had also allegedly jumped off a mall in east Delhi on September 21, leaving behind a suicide note in which she had hinted at the affair.
The 17-year-old girl, in her suicide note, had hinted at the affair. (HT Photo)
Meena, a farmers son, was arrested earlier after the girls parents lodged a complaint against him and was released from Ghaziabad jail on November 14.
Police said Meena chose a mall close to the girls home in Vaishali. Before jumping off the building, he had deleted all contact numbers from his mobile after sending a text message to a number believed to be of a family-member.
Anil Kumar Yadav, circle officer of Indirapuram, said Meena was identified by his parents after his photo was sent to Karauli police.
The incident is tragic...His family was (earlier) not ready to get out of jail. He had only recently come out on bail, Yadav added.
A brief affair
Rinku had told HT after his arrest he met the girl over Facebook after he anonymously sent her a friend request. After online communication for 7-8 months, they had met at a mall in Kaushambi twice and had posed for a photograph.
Ghaziabad Police arrested Rinku Meena on September 25 after his girlfriend allegedly jumped off a mall in east Delhi on September 21. (Sakib Ali/HT File Photo)
He said they had exchanged their mobile phones on her request but he later sold hers as it was an old model.
In his suicide note, he also absolves the girls family of any wrongdoing.
...those people...uncle, aunty and their two sons (family members of the girl) are good people and they have not done anything wrong. Had I not promised the girl of being with her in life and death, I would have not left you...
Read more: We met only twice, says man held for Ghaziabad girls suicide
Heaps of garbage are accumulating across the city as contracted sanitation workers continued their strike for the ninth consecutive day. Residents said they have complained to the Noida authority about the problem and will seek help from higher authorities if the authority doesnt clean it up soon.
We have written to the Noida authority about the problem but no action has been taken so far. The garbage heaps are getting bigger and emanating a foul smell in all sectors of the city, NP Singh, president of the federation of Noidas resident welfare association (Fonrwa), said.
The worst affected areas are sectors 27, 28, 37 and 49.
The logjam continued on Thursday as talks between the authority officials and the contractual workers association failed. The workers are demanding direct transfer of their salaries to their accounts. Presently, the contractors, who arrange for the workers, control and distribute their salaries.
Mahipal Singh, president of the Noida authority employees union, said they want the authority to pay them directly.
We do not want any more harassment by middlemen, who are hand in glove with authority officials and are trying to divide employees with false assurances, he said.
Forty percent of the contractual workers who work for the Noida authority are employed with the sanitation department. Residents said that it is the job of the authority to keep the satellite city clean.
Whether they negotiate or find some other alternative, residents of the city should not suffer. If the authority fails to act, we will seek help from higher authorities in Lucknow, Singh said.
Noida generates nearly 500 tonnes of municipal waste every day and the authority spends 40 crore a year on sanitation. The situation has worsened as the heaps of garbage also pose a health hazard to the residents.
The authority officials are currently in a meeting to resolve the situation.
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[File photo]
China will replicate its success in seven new free trade zones (FTZ), which are expected to be opened in January 2017.
The third batch of FTZs is now waiting for final approval from the government. Though some provinces still need to further develop their plans, some FTZs are expected to be opened as early as January next year, an anonymous insider told Economic Information Daily on Dec. 15.
The remark came after Chinese authorities approved the construction of seven new FTZs, in Liaoning, Zhejiang, Henan, Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces, as well as in Chongqing municipality. The approvals came in August, as an effort to boost the development of inland areas.
Unlike the former four FTZs, the third batch are located in inland areas of China, with the primary aim of better implementing national strategies, including the Belt and Road Initiative. The new zones also look to copy Chinas existing FTZs.
Once the third batch of FTZs is opened, there will be 11 FTZs across the nation. They will serve as platforms to try out new [economic] plans, and will widen the range of FTZ experiences, Bai Ming, deputy director of the Ministry of Commerce of the International Market Research Institute, told Economic Information Daily.
According to Bai, China will also focus on tasks including innovation in service trade and an integrated clearance system, in an effort to take advantage of the countrys open policies.
It has been 37 years since China launched it's reform and opening policy. The benefits created by former policies have already been enjoyed, while new benefits are waiting to be released for Chinas future economy, Bai said.
Religion has always been an indispensable part of our lives. Man is incurably religious, Indians more so.
The order of the Supreme Court upholding the sacking of a Muslim air force officer in 2008 doesnt come as a surprise. The 2003 policy of the Indian Air Force clearly specifies that only those Muslim personnel who had kept a beard along with moustache at the time of commissioning prior to January 1, 2002, would be permitted to keep a beard. Thus if one wasnt religious in 2002, he cannot now start following practices of his religion. This is a strange logic.
On expected lines, the bench led by Chief justice TS Thakur held that the regulation in question doesnt interfere with the essential Islamic practices and merely ensures discipline. The apex court, thus has invoked the doctrine of essentiality under freedom of religion.
Read: Will not examine Hindutva or religion at this stage: Supreme Court
The court has taken upon itself the responsibility of determining what the essential/ non-essential practices of a religion are. This obscure exercise draws the court into an area which is arguably beyond its competence. It gives power to judges to decide on matters of religion. In a way, the court takes over the role of clergy. The court said that essentiality would be decided as per scriptures and religious texts of the religion concerned. In fact, over the years, the judiciary has been consistently inconsistent on this issue. In some cases, it has relied on religious texts, in other cases on the empirical behaviour of followers and in some other cases, examined whether the practice existed when the religion originated.
In a similar case in Kerala High Court, a Muslim officer had challenged a police regulation that didnt permit him to grow a beard. The court, instead of looking at sources of Islamic law such as the Sunna of the Prophet on the essentiality of beard in Islam, based its opinion in rejecting the petition by relying on the irrelevant fact that certain Muslim dignitaries dont sport a beard and that the petitioner himself had not sported a beard in previous years.
Read: Elections are a secular exercise, separate them from religion: Supreme Court
The essentiality test reached absurd levels in the case involving Ismail Faruqui where the apex court opined that a mosque wasnt essential to Islam.
The freedom of religion, as enshrined in our Constitution, was meant to guarantee freedom to practice ones own beliefs based on the concept of inward association of man with God. In the Rati Lal Panachand Gandhi case, the Supreme Court has itself acknowledged as much by noting that every person has a fundamental right to entertain such religious beliefs as may be approved by his judgment or conscience. The framers of the constitution wanted to give this autonomy to each individual. The essentiality test does impinge on this autonomy. If religious reform is the purpose, regulatory powers of the state under Article 25(2) should be used instead.
Faizan Mustafa is vice chancellor, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa has left a legacy of public policy that encourages welfare measures like the distribution of many subsidised commodities such as rice in PDS shops, laptops, bicycles, books, notebooks, mid-day meals to schoolchildren and highly-subsidised electricity tariffs, to name a few. She also promised to give mopeds to working women, a mobile to members of self-help groups, etc. Sustaining such largesse from the State would be a challenge for the new dispensation in the government.
The post-Jayalalithaa scenario in Tamil Nadu politics is quite charged. If Sasikala Natarajan is accepted as the general secretary of the AIADMK , it would be the first time that the chief of the ruling party is not the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. With O Panneerselvam as chief minister and Sasikala as AIADMK general secretary, there will be two power centres and they have to be interdependent in running the government and the party. The AIADMKs governance for the next four years will be a litmus test for both Panneerselvam and Sasikala in their respective roles.
Read | Tamil Nadu CM backs Sasikala to lead AIADMK after Jayalalithaas death
With the BJP in New Delhi, the political relationship with the Centre is tricky and managing it will call for astute political skills . This is specifically required in the sphere of economic policy-making and administration where the AIADMK, of late, has been invoking fiscal federalism and independence of states in revenue mobilisation and expenditure responsibilities.
With regard to recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission and the declining plan grant after the scrapping of Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu has criticised the Centre for declining financial transfers to it. The AIADMK was the only party that stayed away from voting for the constitutional amendment to replace existing commodity taxes with the Goods and Services Tax (GST), arguing that GST takes away the tax powers of the states and would reduce the revenue capacity of exporting states such as Tamil Nadu.
Read | J Jayalalithaa: A political icon like none
In the next few years, the state government will face many economic challenges. Some of the freebies, which involve substantial public expenditure, were promised in its election manifesto during the assembly polls in May. Finding additional revenue to finance these expenditures would be testing the financial acumen of the chief minster who also holds the portfolio of the finance minister.
The fiscal deficit of Tamil Nadu has been rising in recent times and has been closer to the limits set by the Centre. The fiscal deficit for 2016-2017 is estimated as Rs 40,533.84 crore, which is 2.96% of the gross state domestic product (GSDP). Therefore, raising additional revenue through borrowing is impossible. Further, in the context of implementing the GST and stricter prohibition through a reduction in the number of liquor shops every year (which was an election promise), mobilising additional tax revenue is difficult.
Another way to finance the new expenditures is to reduce the existing expenditures. But that door has also been closed.
Read | Tamil Nadu after Jaya an opportunity, but cashing in will be tough for BJP, Cong
Jayalalithaa, in her submission to the Centre on June 14, wanted: (a) substantial changes in the UDAY (Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana) scheme for reforming the power sector so that the debt burden is distributed between the Centre and state, as well as favourable conditions for floating bonds by the state; and, (b) the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to accommodate changes to facilitate Tamil Nadu to continue its distribution of free rice to all households.
Tamil Nadu has accepted the UDAY scheme with a caveat that periodic revision of power tariff will not be done. This has already increased the interest payment of the state government, because as per the UDAY scheme, it has taken over Rs 20,000 crore as loans against the states power distribution company.
Read | Sasikala Natarajan: Jayalalithaas close aide, the power behind the throne
The acceptance to implement the NFSA drastically reduces the quantum of the subsidised rice and paddy from the Centre to the state. The State has decided to continue with its distribution of free rice to all households and this is expected to increase the public expenditure on food subsidy by Rs 2,730.95 crore, in addition to existing PDS subsidy of 2,393.30 crore.
The states finances will be further strained by the Seventh Pay Commission. With the general elections due in the next two years, the state government is expected to constitute the 7th pay commission in the state and implement its recommendation. This will also increase the state expenditure. The UGC has already constituted the pay commission, and if its recommendations come into force, Tamil Nadu ,with a large number of State-owned higher educational institutions, would increase the salary grant to colleges and universities from the state government in perpetuity.
Read | Can Panneerselvam carry AIADMK into the future?
The state government now should convince the people about the need to rationalise the existing public expenditure, increase public revenue through higher taxes and user charges. This is a task that requires not only charismatic leadership but also functional efficiency in conducting public policy. This is further riddled with the divided power between the chief minister and party chief.
R Srinivasan is associate professor in econometrics, University of Madras, Chennai
The views expressed are personal
: Two men were arrested after recovery of suspected beef that fell out of their tempo after it tripped on a road at Dugri village near Sangrur districts Malerkotla town on Thursday morning. The case was registered against five people in all under the Punjab Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act, and a four-member committee comprising doctors has been constituted to check whether the meat is indeed beef, or if it is buffalo meat.
Dr Vikas Jain, a member of the committee, said, The samples have been sent to Jalandhar and the report would be submitted in 10 to 15 days. But, he added, It is very difficult to identify whether it is cow or buffalo meat, because in the meat there were no skin or viscera elements.
The tempo was, on the surface, carrying vegetables when it tripped due to high speed and pieces of the meat fell on ground. It appeared to be from two large animals. Police arrested from the spot two men, identified as Anwar Saggu, 35, and Saif Ali alias Sipu , 34, residents of Hathoa village of the district.
A doctors team is examining the matter. The case has been registered and investigation is on. The remaining accused will be arrested soon said Gurpreet Singh, superintendent of police (SP), Malerkotla. He speculated that the meat was being carried towards Delhi. He claimed that weapons from the accused. Meanwhile, the meat, after taking samples for testing, was cremated according to religious rituals.
Four people, including the main accused, wanted for assaulting and parading naked a police head constable were arrested on Thursday evening.
Lakhwinder Singh alias Lakha (27), son of Akali sarpanch of Virk Kalan village Jagdev Singh, was evading arrest since the incident on December 12.
Senior superintendent of police Swapan Sharma said Lakha and three others were arrested from near Sangat Mandi in Bathinda district. Other accused have been identified as Sukhwinder Singh alias Sukha (19), Jagjit Singh (24) and Satnam Singh (26).
Head constable Malkit Singh of Butter Bakhua village in Muktsar district was on duty at the village, when the accused, who allegedly were drunk, blocked the road at the village. When the cop confronted them, the accused overpowered him and took him to Lakhas house, where he was beaten up, his uniform was torn and was allegedly paraded naked. The cop was rescued by a police team.
The SSP said after committing the crime, the accused took shelter at their relatives places in Hanumangarh in Rajasthan and Saidewala village in Haryana. He said at least nine criminal cases were registered against Lakhwinder at several police stations. During his posting at Balluana police station, head constable Malkit Singh had arrested Lakha three years ago in an attempt to murder case. Since then Lakha wanted to settle scores with Malkit, the SSP said.
Sarpanch Jagdev and his servant Bogar Singh had already been arrested.
Security agencies in Pathankot district are on high alert after a black colour Alto car was found under mysterious circumstances in Pathankots Bamiyal sector late on Wednesday night.
SSP Pathankot Rakesh Kaushal told HT that some villagers spotted the car with a Jammu and Kashmir numberplate.
The people travelling in the vehicle fled the spot when locals tried to stop them. The same car was later found in Farwal village which is near India-Pakistan International Border.
We have cordoned off the area and will open the car after thorough checking, the SSP said.
While Bani Judge is in no mood to reconcile with Gaurav Chopra, the TV actor is doing his best to get back with her.
The two have not been talking to each other. Things got worse after the nominations task this week and Gaurav has been trying all possible ways to apologise to Bani. He decides to say it in the sweetest way possible by writing on a paper, B Star, I am sorry on it with whatever material was available at his disposal. He then sticks it on his leather jacket and walks into the kitchen area hoping that Bani will take a note of it.
The note on Gauravs jacket. (Colors)
The housemates get all excited and start teasing Gaurav for the sweet gesture. Bani looks at the note and gives a faint smile but acts indifferent. She says that Gaurav is probably doing it just for the cameras.
Later in the day, Bigg Boss sends the Captaincy Ring which the contenders have to hold on to. The one who holds on to it till the end becomes the next captain of the house. Lopamudra Raut, Bani and Manveer Gujjar are the contenders in the captaincy task.
Bani, Lopa and Manveer during the captaincy task. (Colors)
The contenders are allowed to do anything to make the others leave the ring. At the same time, their supporters can also help them win. During the task the atmosphere gets rather heated up as the contenders and their supporters get aggressive. Bani hurts her hand in the chaos and Lopa emerges as the winner.
Meanwhile, the housemates get zero luxury budget points, courtesy Swami Om. After two days of the luxury budget task Democracy, Bigg Boss informs them that they are getting zero luxury budget points in their account because of Om Swami and Rahul breaking the rules.
Swamiji and Rahul broke rules during the democracy task. (Colors)
The housemates are extremely disappointed in Om Swami and request Bigg Boss to eliminate him from the luxury budget process. They say that they cant afford to lose luxury budget every time because of him. Swami Om, on the other hand, remains unaffected by everyones comments.
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Alibabas Jack Ma and four other Chinese entrepreneurs were named among the Worlds Most Powerful People, alongside successful politicians and business leaders, according to Forbes annual ranking.
Jack Ma, ranking No. 28 on the list, has set a goal of creating 10 million profitable businesses and 100 million jobs in the next 20 years. Ding Xuedong, chairman of China Investment Corporation, the country's largest sovereign wealth fund, is also listed. Ding is responsible for steering an asset pool reportedly worth more than $800 billion. Ma Huateng (No. 45), founder of Chinese internet giant Tencent, provides innovative services including mobile texting juggernaut WeChat. Real estate tycoon Wang Jianlin and Baidu CEO Robin Li are also included on the list.
The top 10 most powerful CEOs are all from American-run firms with a combined market cap of $3 trillion, according to Forbes. Larry Page, CEO of Google's parent company Alphabet, topped the rankings.
Actor Mishal Raheja planned a trip to London for work, but decided to stay a little longer since he really liked that place.
The actor was on his way back to India when he changed his mind and decided to stay back for a few more days. I really needed a break for a long time now and was looking forward to the London trip because I had a meeting to attend. But unfortunately, I fell sick and couldnt get out of my hotel room, shares the actor.
As I rolled down my window approaching the airport, I knew I just had to stay back. It was breezy and very pleasant, so I asked my chauffeur to turn around the car, Mishal adds.
The actor, whose passion also includes photography, loves travelling. I love to capture anything that catches my fancy. London has this charm and vibe. I got some amazing shots, he says.
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While many TV stars do away with their screen names as soon as the show gets over, actor Ridhima Pandit (left) who is playing the female lead in a comedy show, feels otherwise. Ridhima says, The character I play is extremely close to my heart and I wont mind being known by that for the rest of my life.
On daily soaps that refuse to go off air, the actor asserts that there has to be a shelf life. As an actor, I feel that just doing one thing forever might not be satisfying. I understand, there are loyal audience, who dont give up on their favourite stars and shows. But as a viewer, I wont watch something forever, she says.
Its the habit of people watching you so much that they dont want to let you go, which is a boon but can be a bane sometimes.
Ridhima is disappointed that the Indian audience is not accustomed to the idea of season based shows. Its the habit of people watching you so much that they dont want to let you go, which is a boon but can be a bane sometimes, she adds.
Whether, shed be interested to be a part of such never-ending saas bahu sagas, she says, Im not a fan of regressive content, but luckily times have changed, most of the shows eventually move towards a progressive message. I wont mind doing something of that sort.
She has turned down many shows as their concepts didnt excite her. I cant do something every day that will look like run-of-the-mill stuff. I wont be able to give my best to it. Your aim should be at least to get the viewers to watch your show and see the concept, whether they continue to watch it or not is a secondary thing, she concludes.
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It was really a grand adieu to the eight-day Dubai International Film Festival on Wednesday when Gareth Edwards Rogue One: A Star Wars Story brought the curtains down. The Red Carpet was abuzz with men and women dressed in the Star Wars costumes that seemed like a takeover by the characters from the maddeningly popular series. Even some of the audiences were dressed as the men and women from Rogue One -- heralding a theme night quite unlike anything that this writer has ever seen.
Perhaps, the most darkest in the franchise, Rogue One is not just an adventure in outer space, but also a deeply moving emotional story of foot soldiers who make sacrifices for the cause they believe in.
With a cast of Felicity Jones and Mads Mikkelsen, the movie talks about a little girl, Jyn (who grows up to be Jones), whose scientist father, Galen (Mads Mikkelsen), is kidnapped and imprisoned by the Evil Empire. Years later, she is rescued by the friendly Rebel Alliance, which believes that she can take it to her father - who is believed to have information about Death Stars plot to cause mayhem.
Earlier in the evening, the Festivals awards were presented by the Dubai ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid. A film about a Yazidi couple, The Dark Wind, about to get married and how the two face evil times won the Festivals top prize for the best feature in the Muhr category.
Mukti Bhavan stars Adil Hussain, Lalit Behl, Geetanjali Kulkarni and Palomi Ghosh.
Only Men Go To The Grave about -- narrating the difficult relationship between a blind mother and her daughters -- won the best feature honour in the Muhr Emirati section.
None of the five titles from India were part of any competition since only those works from this region qualify to run in the race.
But this is not to diminish the popularity of Indian cinema in Dubai and in other parts of the United Arab Emirates. The hype and hoopla generated by Ranveer Singh-Vaani Kapoor-starrer Befikre was unbelievable. And when Singh came on stage just before the movie began on December 8th evening and sang a number from it, the audience just went on a high. Mind you, the crowds also included a huge number of Arabs.
The other Indian film that created quite a buzz was Shubhashish Bhutianis Mukti Bhavan or Hotel Salvation that had a couple of screenings here at the Festival.
When an Indian movie stops itself from going overboard with emotional dramatics, it seems such a refreshing relief from the kind of over-the-top kind of cinema we are battered with day in and day out. And Mukti Bhavan fits perfectly well with the cinema of the subdued. The young Bhutiani, barely 25, presents a poignant plot of 77-year-old Dayanand Kumar (and what a marvellous piece of acting here by Lalit Behl), who wants to spend his last days at the holy city of Varanasi after he has a dream that is recurrent and ominous. He feels his end is round the corner, and he would want to die on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. A death there is believed to stop the cycle of birth.
But his son, Rajiv (another superb performance by Adil Hussain) is in a quandary. With a wife and a daughter. who is all set to get married, and a boss at office who just cannot exist without Rajiv, he somehow agrees to take the old man to Varanasi. It is this journey that the father and son make which changes how they feel about each other. Their relationship turns from one that has been cold, even hostile, to one that is warm, caring and understanding.
Really a wonderful piece of cinema that to this writer came as a wind of reassurance, Mukti Bhavan has been admirably helmed and mounted. Bhutiani does not shy away from showing us the ugly side of Varanasi, images that are disturbing and which seem to erase a bit of the citys holiness. But then it is here that some men and women believe that they can find salvation, yes in all this mess. And Kumar is one among them who is determined to spend his last days in the city, and despite his sons and grand-daughters pleas, he sets on his journey to lifes end.
In a chat with Bhutiani here the other morning, he says that his relationship with his father is somewhat similar to that we see in his movie. He is my producer. Sometimes, we are friends. Sometimes, we are not. Sometimes he is my hero. Sometimes, not. One reason why the father-son relationship tends to be difficult is that as a son grows up, he begins to resent the authority over him, an authority exerted by his father. The son wants to be free of this. Hence, the conflict.
But this is not a bad thing at all. As you grow up, you begin to see you are different from your father in some ways. Children use their parents as a reflection of themselves, But later, they start seeing the dissimilarities as well, and this may be a cause of unease in their relationship.
Talking about the provocation for Mukti Bhavan, Bhutiani avers that he was always curious about the so-called salvation hotels in Varanasi, and I have also known a case of how a son was in a moral dilemma when he could not take his father to the city. Also, I have seen how difficult it was for my parents to take care of their parents. I have seen this struggle.
In India, where family ties are still strong and important, it becomes imperative that one is a good son, one is good father, one is a good husband... And the idea of Mukti Bhavan grew out of all these thoughts and beliefs The urge must have been very strong, for it could not have been easy for Bhutiani to shoot a movie whose budget was modest (We no longer call it low budget, but love budget, because everybody works for a low fee and for the love of cinema) and where Varanasi could have thrown up its own challenges. But we got a good hotel to shoot and we had a fantastic team. There was always this thing about filming a movie with an elderly cast. Sometimes, they would forget their lines. But, then, they are so insightful. They have so much to share about life.
Bhutianis take on life sounds as fascinating as his film, and he hopes to theatrical release it in June -- a month that sees Fathers Day.
(Gautaman Bhaskaran covered the Dubai International Film Festival.)
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China has positioned anti-aircraft guns and advanced weapons systems on a group of disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea, a US think-tank has said after releasing new satellite pictures, adding that Beijing has further fortified its ongoing constructions in the region.
The new images taken in November show significant point-defence capabilities, in the form of large anti-aircraft guns and probable close-in weapons systems, at each of its outposts in the Spratly Islands , the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), part of the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said.
The photographs put a question mark on Chinas claim it was against militarising the islands.
They revealed new constructions on Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief reefs on the Spratly islands, known as Nansha in China.
The islands and reefs are also claimed by Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan.
AMTI began tracking the construction of identical, hexagon-shaped structures at Fiery Cross, Mischief, and Subi Reefs in June and July. It now seems that these structures are an evolution of point-defense fortifications already constructed at Chinas smaller facilities on Gaven, Hughes, Johnson, and Cuarteron Reefs, the statement said.
It added: China has built nearly identical headquarters buildings at each of its four smaller artificial islands. The two smallest of the islets, Hughes and Gaven Reefs, feature four arms built off of these central structures.
In August, CSIS had released the first set of satellite imagery of the disputed area, showing the extent of Chinese construction.
Satellite photographs taken two weeks ago show China building concrete aircraft hangars on disputed reefs and features in the SCS, the CSIS had said then.
The photographs in August had emerged less than a month after an international tribunal said China doesnt have historical rights over the region, handing petitioner and Beijings much smaller maritime neighbour, Philippines a minor dose of boost in the ongoing sea tussle in the region.
But clearly in the months since, China has stepped up the pace of construction in tense maritime region.
These guns and probable CIWS emplacements show that Beijing is serious about defense of its artificial islands in case of an armed contingency in the SCS. Among other things, they would be the last line of defence against cruise missiles launched by the United States or others against these soon-to-be-operational air bases, the AMTI said in Wednesdays statement.
It added: They would back up the defensive umbrella provided by a future deployment to the Spratlys of mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) platforms, such as the HQ-9 deployed to Woody Island in the Paracel Islands.
A bomb blast killed four people and wounded others near a Red Crescent centre in government-held Homs city in central Syria on Thursday, state television said.
A bomb exploded near a Red Cross centre in the Zahraa neighbourhood, a breaking news alert said.
Four civilians were killed and others wounded, some of them seriously, it added.
The Zahraa neighbourhood is majority Alawite, the religious sect to which President Bashar al-Assad belongs, and has been regularly targeted in blasts during Syrias conflict.
In September, four people were killed in an explosion at the entrance to the neighbourhood that was claimed by the Islamic State group.
The jihadist group also claimed a double bomb attack in the neighbourhood in February that killed 57 people.
Syrias government controls all but one neighbourhood in Homs city, as well as much of the surrounding province.
More than 310,000 people have been killed in Syria since the countrys conflict began with anti-government demonstrations in March 2011.
Also read | Syria president Bashar Al Assad says victory in Aleppo wont end the war
Britain has yet to leave the European Union, but the term for its departure Brexit has earned a place in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Oxford University Press said on Thursday that the Brexit is among new entries in the authoritative reference works latest update. Its defined as the (proposed) withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, and the political process associated with it.
The word has rapidly entered common usage since Britain voted in June to leave the 28-nation EU. The formal exit process is expected to start next year.
The related word Grexit a potential Greek exit from the EUs single currency is also a new addition to the dictionary.
Other new entries include glam-ma, a glamorous grandmother; YouTuber, a producer of material for the video-sharing website; verklempt, an adjective meaning overwhelmed by emotion; and get your freak on, a term for exuberant sex or dancing.
The OED traces the history, meaning and pronunciation of more than 829,000 words and aspires to be the most complete record of the English language ever assembled.
Britain is set to become the first country in the world to legally offer three-parent baby fertility treatments after regulators gave the green light.
The technique, which uses DNA from two women and a man, would allow mothers who carry disease-causing mutations in their mitochondrial genes to give birth to children free of the illness.
British lawmakers had voted in February to allow the treatment, which uses in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), but clinics needed to obtain licences from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
HFEA chair Sally Cheshire hailed the historic and important decision to license the treatment, calling it a world first.
Im sure patients who might be in line for this treatment will be really pleased by what weve decided today, she said, but added: We will proceed with caution.
HFEA member Andrew Greenfield said the board took the decision because the evidence suggests we should move forward.
An independent panel of experts last month said the practice should be cautiously adopted to prevent certain genetic diseases from being passed on to future generations.
Mitochondria are structures in cells which generate vital energy and contain their own set of genes called mDNA which is passed through the mother.
Mitochondrial diseases cause symptoms ranging from poor vision to diabetes and muscle wasting, and health officials estimate around 125 babies are born with the mutations in Britain every year.
The first baby conceived using mitochondrial donation was born earlier this year in Mexico, where there are no rules on its use, but Britain is the first to officially authorise it.
Greenfield said the Mexico birth was encouraging but only a single case, so lets not get carried away.
Opponents have warned that the move paves the way for designer babies.
Cheshire told AFP that the ruling did not put the ethics of genetics on a slippery slope.
We relied on an expert panel of international scientists, she said. This is five years...with an extensive pubic dialogue, and a very heavy debate in parliament.
The treatment involves the embryo receiving the usual nuclear DNA from the mother and father, as well as a small amount of healthy mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) from a female donor.
The British review panel recommended its clinical use in specific circumstances... where inheritance of the disease is likely to cause death or serious disease and where there are no acceptable alternatives.
The first women could receive the treatment as early as March or April, with a pioneering research centre in Newcastle, northeast England, expected to kickstart the programme.
We are delighted by todays decision, said Doug Turnbull, director of the Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research at Newcastle University.
In Newcastle, we will be aiming to treat up to 25 carefully selected patients a year with the mitochondrial donation technique.
Robert Meadowcroft, CEO of charity Muscular Dystrophy, said the decision gave affected parents new hope and choice for the first time, but urged caution.
We recognise this approach is not without some uncertainty, and, in any trial, success cannot be guaranteed, he said.
Around 3,000 British families could benefit from the therapy, but Cheshire said she expected that many wont come forward.
The treatment remains controversial in Britain and elsewhere, with religious leaders among its detractors.
The Roman Catholic Church opposes the move, pointing out that it would involve the destruction of human embryos as part of the process, while the Church of England has said ethical concerns have not been sufficiently explored.
The Kremlin has denied a report that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally directed how hacked data from US Democrats was used during the US presidential election.
NBC News on Wednesday quoted US intelligence officials as saying that Putin became personally involved in the covert Russian campaign.
Asked about the report, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday dismissed it as laughable nonsense.
Russia, blamed by the CIA for helping President-elect Donald Trump in last months U.S. presidential election, has vehemently denied accusations that it orchestrated hackers to work against Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
Residents in eastern Aleppo started to board buses and ambulances as the long-awaited pull-out from the last rebel enclave in the embattled Syrian city got underway on Thursday.
The evacuation is part of a cease-fire deal reached this week to have the opposition surrender their last foothold in Aleppo to Syrian government control in the face of a devastating ground and air offensive by government forces in the past weeks that chipped away at the rebel enclave. The rebel pull-out will mark the end of the rebels four-year control of eastern Aleppo.
Hundreds of civilians have been killed and tens of thousands displaced in the governments campaign to retake Aleppo.
Plans to evacuate on Wednesday were scuttled when the area erupted in violence, raising the haunting possibility that all-out war could consume the city again. Much of eastern Aleppo has been reduced to a scene of devastation and rubble.
Earlier Thursday, the International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed its staff arrived together with the Syrian Arab Red Cross to evacuate 200 wounded people from the enclave, some in critical condition.
Children inside a bus during an evacuation operation. (AFP)
Read: #SaveAleppo: Celebrities across the world condemn violence in Syria
Syrian state TV has broadcast footage showing a convoy of green-colored municipal buses rumbling toward the agreed-on evacuation point inside the opposition-held area. The Russian military, a staunch Assad ally, said 20 buses and 10 ambulances would take the rebels to the rebel-held areas in the province of Idlib later Thursday.
The Russian military said the government in Damascus had given security guarantees to all rebels willing to leave Aleppo and that the Russians were monitoring the situation using drones.
Separately but in a key addendum to the deal Syria state TV said 29 buses and ambulances were heading to two Shiite villages besieged by rebels to evacuate those critically ill and other humanitarian cases. The TV quoted Hama provincial governor, Mohammed al-Hazouri, as saying that the medical teams were heading to Foua and Kfraya for those evacuations.
People walk with their belongings as they gather to be evacuated. (REUTERS)
The Turkey-Russia brokered truce-and-evacuations deal for Aleppo was held up Wednesday over demands by Syrian government allies to evacuate the sick and other humanitarian cases from the two villages.
A rebel spokesman involved in the negotiation over Aleppo evacuations said that Iran had made the demands about the Shiite villages besieged by rebels at the last minute, holding up the deal. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of ongoing negotiations.
Read: In pics: Eiffel Tower plunged into darkness in support for war-ravaged Aleppo
Lebanons militant Hezbollah group said overnight negotiations had reinforced a cease-fire deal to allow the rebels and civilians to leave eastern Aleppo. Shiite Hezbollah militiamen are fighting in the Syrian civil war on the side of President Bashar Assads forces.
People get on buses to be evacuated from al-Sukkari rebel-held sector of eastern Aleppo. (REUTERS)
The handover of Aleppos remaining opposition-run neighborhoods to government control would be a turning point in Syrias civil war, allowing Assad control of most of the countrys urban centers.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the fighting stopped in the city around 4 a.m. Thursday.
Initially, the evacuation from Aleppo was to have begun at dawn Wednesday, but quickly derailed, descending into terrifying violence. Residents said government buses arrived in the pre-dawn hours at agreed upon meeting points, where the wounded were first in line to be evacuated after surviving weeks of intense fighting amid destroyed medical facilities and depleted supplies.
But they were turned away by Shiite pro-government militias manning the checkpoints. Then violence erupted: shelling and then airstrikes. The rebels retaliated, at one point shelling the pro-government villages of Foua and Kfraya in Idlib and detonating a car bomb in a frontline area.
People walk as they gather to be evacuated from a rebel-held sector of eastern Aleppo. (REUTERS)
Residents, activists and medical staff described mayhem as volleys of shells rained down on the area where tens of thousands of civilians were trapped alongside rebels in gutted apartment buildings and other shelters.
On Thursday, a Syrian army official, speaking by telephone to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters, said all preparations are ready for the evacuations.
The evacuations will begin at any moment, he said.
Traces of explosives have been detected on remains of victims of an EgyptAir plane crash last May that killed all 66 people on board, the aviation ministry announced on Thursday.
An official investigative committee which made the discovery has referred the case to Egypts state prosecution, it added in a statement.
Under Egyptian law, the prosecution takes over if it becomes clear to the investigative committee that there is criminal suspicion behind the accident, the ministry said.
EgyptAir MS804 was en route from Paris to Cairo when it disappeared from radar over the Mediterranean.
Read | Human remains suggest blast on board EgyptAir flight: Forensics official
Investigators determined that a fire broke out in or near the cockpit of the Airbus A320 before it crashed between Crete and the coast of northern Egypt.
Among the 66 people on board were 40 Egyptians, including the 10-member crew, and 15 French nationals.
Egypts aviation minister had said a terrorist attack was the most likely cause of the crash.
Watch | Debris from missing EgyptAir flight found in the Mediterranean
Now is certainly the right time for China to implement its universal two-child policy, given the country's aging population and decreasing fertility rate, according to the executive vice chairman of the Family Planning Association. On Dec. 14, Vice Chairman Wang Pei'an noted that the working-age population (between 15 and 64 years of age) would slump to 958 million by 2030 and just 827 million in 2050.
Wang pointed out that the total working-age population in Europe and the U.S. amounted to 826 million in 2015, while the number in China reached over 1 billion that year. As China's productivity is only one-eighth that of developed countries, there is still room to improve productivity through industrial upgrades and technological innovation, he argued.
The two-child policy has come at a good time, and China should prioritize the implementation of the policy during its 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), Wang said, adding that the universal two-child policy has been welcomed by the public.
In 2017, Wang said the association will emphasize the universal two-child policy by focusing on the following tasks: public education, reproduction health, family planning support, the safeguarding of rights and interests, and migrant population services. The association will also assist schools, families and communities, including migrant populations, "left-behind" women in rural areas, children and the elderly.
Social media giant Facebook has joined Twitter to say no to President-elect Donald Trump in his reported plan to reinstate a database of immigrants from Muslim- majority countries.
Mark Zuckerberg-led Facebook confirmed it will not help the government build a Muslim registry. The news comes as more tech workers speak out against policies floated by the Trump administration.
No one has asked us to build a Muslim registry, and of course we would not do so, a Facebook spokesperson was quoted as saying by CNNMoney.
Read | Team Trump talks of creating registry for Muslim immigrants
Of the nine major tech giants, including Facebook, Apple and Google, only Twitter had earlier declined to help if Trump sought to create a national Muslim registry.
Social media companies may not intend to create databases, but data brokers have long compiled information about how users browse the internet.
A 2014 Federal Trade Commission report found that these companies can profile users by race, ethnicity and religious affiliation, among other characteristics.
During his campaign, President-elect Trump proposed building a database of Muslims in the US. He later emphasised plans to look into deporting millions of illegal immigrants.
Read | Democratic lawmakers slam suggestion of database for Muslims in the US
Meanwhile, hundreds of tech workers have signed another pledge, NeverAgain.tech, to never build a database of people based on race or religion. It also promises to advocate for ethical data collection within their companies, the report said.
Earlier this week, 22 advocacy groups -- led by social change network CREDO -- sent letters to eight technology companies asking them to speak out against building a Muslim registry.
Last month, top Democratic lawmakers and rights bodies have slammed Trumps reported plan to reinstate a database of immigrants from Muslim-majority countries.
National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) is a post-9/11 programme which required travellers to the US from specified Muslim-majority countries to immediately register with the federal government or face deportation.
A convoy carrying the first evacuees from rebel-held parts of Syrias Aleppo arrived in opposition territory west of the city on Thursday, a doctor there and a monitor said.
Red Crescent vehicles carrying the wounded have arrived, and the wounded will be transferred to... nearby hospitals for treatment, said Ahmad al-Dbis, who heads the unit of doctors and other volunteers coordinating the evacuation of wounded people.
He spoke to AFP from the transit point near opposition-controlled Khan al-Aassal, about five kilometres west of Aleppo city.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor confirmed the first batch of evacuees had arrived.
Dbis said he saw Red Crescent aid workers rushing to open the doors of the ambulances, whose sirens were blaring.
Ambulances and buses carrying the first evacuees from Aleppo left remaining rebel-held territory in the city on Thursday under a fragile exit deal.
Map locating districts of the Syrian city of Aleppo retaken from rebels by the regime and the route taken by a convoy evacuating civilians and rebels. (AFP)
The slow-moving convoy of around two dozen vehicles snaked out of Al-Amiriyah district and crossed into government-held Ramussa before reaching rebel-held territory in the west of Aleppo province.
The head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, Jan Egeland, told reporters in Geneva that most of those evacuated from Aleppo would be headed to opposition stronghold Idlib, in Syrias northwest.
Once the convoy arrives safely it will return and collect more people for a second journey and continue like that, said Ingy Sedky, spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Read | Syrians tweet last message to the world in final moments of Aleppo battle
A group of former Disney IT employees in the US state of Florida have filed a fresh lawsuit, claiming the company discriminated against them by firing them and giving their jobs to Indian workers brought to the country on H-1B visas.
The class action suit accuses Disney of laying off information technology workers based solely on their national origin and race and replacing them with Indian nationals who received special treatment.
The workers felt even more insulted by being forced to train their replacements, the suit says.
According to a complaint, Disney informed 250 Orlando IT workers in October 2014 they would be laid off within 90 days.
The company quickly brought in replacements -- some of whom would work remotely, while others would enter the United States on H-1B visas, New York Daily News reported.
All were of Indian national origin, court papers say.
The complaint says Disney created a hostile work environment for its out-the-door workers, in part by telling them they had to train foreigners who would be filling their roles.
The suit says Disney made its axed workers experience pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of earnings and other employment benefits and job opportunities.
It asks for a jury trial and unspecified damages.
Court papers do not specify the race and nationality of the dozens of plaintiffs who have joined the suit.
One of the former worker who filed the suit, Leonardo Perrero, is white. He testified before Congress in February about the loss of his job, and at one point teared up while recalling when he learned about the end of his 20-year career at Disney.
I clearly remember going to the local church pumpkin sale and having to tell the kids we couldnt buy any that year because my job was being turned over to a foreign worker, he told Congress.
Perrero also said Disney threatened to not give its employees severance if they didnt train the new workforce.
The new suit comes two months after a federal judge in Florida dismissed two lawsuits from former IT workers over the layoffs. The judge ruled that Disney and its two outsourcing contractors did not violate any rules in its job switches.
Disney said in a statement, Like the two other dismissed cases brought by this lawyer, this latest lawsuit is nonsense and we will defend it vigorously.
President-elect Donald Trump targeted the H-1B visa as part of his campaign promise to end the outsourcing of American jobs. He said he was totally committed to eliminating abuse of the visa, which affords temporary employment for foreign workers.
US president-elect Donald Trump has struck a conciliatory tone in his meeting with Silicon Valley leaders, offering them all the help they needed to succeed, and even more, in sharp contrast to his broadside especially against Indian-born CEOs.
Im here to help you folks do well, he told them and asked them to let him know, personally, if anything we can do to help this go along, well be there for you and youll call my people, youll call me, it doesnt make any difference.
Those who attended included Amazons Jeff Bezos, Alphabets Larry Page and Eric Schmitt, Apples Tim Cook, Teslas Elon Musk, Facebooks Sheryl Sandberg, Microsofts Satya Nadella, Oracles Safra Catz and IBMs Ginni Rommety.
The most glaring absence was Jack Dorsey of Twitter, Trumps go-to social media platform for every occasion. Also missing was Marissa Meyer, the embattled CEO of Yahoo!, which admitted Wednesday to suffering a massive hacking.
Trump and the tech leaders discussed creating jobs for Americans, market access to China, digital infrastructure, repatriating American profits parked abroad, and cybersecurity among other things, according to a transition team readout.
(Left-right) Larry Page, CEO and co-founder of Alphabet, Sheryl Sandberg, COOrof Facebook, and US vice president-elect Mike Pence at the Trump Tower in New York. (Reuters Photo)
The issue of H-1B, top of the list of Indian interest in the meeting billed as Tech Summit, didnt come up directly. If it did in the discussion on creating jobs for American workers, it failed to make it to the readout. No one else mentioned it either.
Trump, who concedes H-1B has advantages that made him use it himself for his businesses, has hinted at restrictions, without mentioning specifics, so as to protect Americans from being replaced by foreigners -- it has to be Americans first, he has said.
Foreign workers, a lot of them on H-1B visa that permits US companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers temporarily, are critical to the making of Silicon Valley, a collection of success stories that started as, no prizes for guessing, start-ups.
Neither Trump nor the tech leaders were expected to bring up differences and there are plenty this being their first meeting after a bruising electoral battle that saw most of the Silicon Valley standing with Hillary Clinton.
Just days before election in November, Musk, the Tesla founder and boss, said in a TV interview, I feel a bit stronger that he is probably not the right guy. He doesnt seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States.
Apples Tim Cook held a fundraiser for Clinton and Schmitt, of Alphabet, was ready to to fund, advise, recruit talent for the Clinton campaign according a hacked email from John Podesta, the campaign chair, released by WikiLeaks.
Peter Theil, the PayPal co-founder and investor who was among the few Silicon Valley figures who backed Trump, was instrumental in organising the Wednesday summit, with a lot of push back from unwilling fellow tech bosses.
He sat on the president-elects left. Others from Trumps team included vice-president-elect Mike Pence, chief strategist Steve Bannon and the children Donald Trump Jr, Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The lights of the Eiffel Tower in Paris were switched off to show support for the people of the shattered Syrian city of Aleppo.
The monument was plunged into darkness from 8:00pm (1900 GMT) on Wednesday in what Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said was a protest at the unbearable situation for civilians in the city where fighting raged during the day.
Rebel forces announced a new deal late on Wednesday to allow residents to be evacuated from the city.
Hidalgo said in a statement before the lights on the tower were switched off that the final roads of Aleppo held by the opposition are being taken by the regime, creating hundreds of victims.
A man takes a picture of the Eiffel Tower. (AFP Photo)
People look at the lights of the Eiffel Tower, which were switched off, in Paris. (AFP Photo)
Several hundred people demonstrated in Paris on Wednesday in support of Aleppos residents, an AFP journalist reported.
Some of the protesters wore a piece of red clothing to symbolise the blood spilled in the fierce battle for Syrias second city.
A man kneels at candles reading Aleppo during a gathering in a show of support for Syrians. (AP Photo)
A woman holds a poster reading "I'm Aleppo" during a gathering in a show of support for Aleppo citizens, in Paris. (AP Photo)
China should invade Taiwan, seen by Beijing as a breakaway province, and reunite it by force, the state media said on Thursday, days after US president-elect Donald Trump questioned the efficacy of the One-China policy.
Weeks before assuming office, Trump angered China by directly speaking to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen - the first such conversation between Washington and Taipei in decades - and talking about breaking the longstanding US policy of looking at Taiwan as part of mainland China.
China reacted to Trump through government officials and the state media. On Thursday, the nationalistic Global Times tabloid, affiliated to the Communist Party of Chinas mouthpiece Peoples Daily, came out with the strongest riposte yet.
An editorial in the newspaper called for reshaping Chinas Taiwan policy, saying it should not be dictated by the US or Tsais party, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
If the Chinese mainland won't pile on more pressure over realising reunification by using force, the chance of peaceful unification will only slip away, it said.
The future of Taiwan must not be shaped by the DPP and Washington, but by the Chinese mainland. It is hoped that peace in the Taiwan Straits won't be disrupted. But the Chinese mainland should display its resolution to recover Taiwan by force. Peace does not belong to cowards, the editorial added.
Beijing should nurture forces in Taiwan, that want unification, it said.
The military status quo across the Taiwan Straits needs to be reshaped as a response and punishment to the current administration of the Democratic Progressive Party's destruction of the political status quo in cross-Straits ties. And we should also foster forces which support reunification through a variety of ways on the island, it said.
It is possible for Washington to activate the Taiwan card in a crude manner at any moment. The tacit understanding and hidden rules made between China and the US over the Taiwan Straits can hardly be respected for long. Even the one-China policy can be attacked unexpectedly. That mirrors the fact that we are far from able to control the destructiveness of the Taiwan question, the editorial said.
On Wednesday, An Fengshan, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that healthy and steady development of China-US ties will be out of the question if the basis of sticking to the one-China principle is disturbed or damaged.
The Taiwan issue is about China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and any breach of the principle will have a serious impact on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, An said.
A majority of countries, including India, officially consider Taiwan - a functioning democracy with a free press - as part of China while maintaining diplomatic, trade and cultural ties by proxy.
In a recent interview, Trump said: I fully understand the one-China policy, but I dont know why we have to be bound by the one-China policy unless we make a deal with China.
In an unexpected reversal, President Barack Obama declined to sign a renewal of sanctions against Iran but let it become law anyway, in an apparent bid to alleviate Tehrans concerns that the US is backsliding on the nuclear deal.
Although the White House had said that Obama was expected to sign the 10-year-renewal, the midnight deadline came and went Thursday with no approval from the president. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Obama had decided to let it become law without his signature.
The administration has, and continues to use, all of the necessary authorities to waive the relevant sanctions lifted as part of the nuclear deal, Earnest said in a statement.
Under the Constitution, the president has 10 days after Congress passes a bill to sign it, veto it or do nothing. If Congress has adjourned, failing to sign it is a pocket veto that prevents the bill from becoming law. But if Congress is still in session, the bill becomes law with no signature. Although lawmakers have returned home for the holidays, Congress technically is still in session and holding pro-forma sessions this week.
Though Obamas move doesnt prevent the sanctions renewal from entering force, it marked a symbolic attempt by the president to demonstrate disapproval for lawmakers actions. The White House has argued that the renewal is unnecessary because the administration retains other authorities to punish Iran, if necessary, and has expressed concern that the renewal may undermine the nuclear deal.
Iran had vowed to respond if the sanctions were renewed, arguing they violate the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, which eased sanctions in exchange for curbs on Irans nuclear program. Irans government has complained to the United Nations about the renewal, and on Tuesday, Irans president ordered up plans to build nuclear-powered ships and to formally accuse the U.S. of violating the terms of the deal.
Yet U.S. lawmakers argued that renewing the law, first passed in 1996 and renewed several times since, was critical to maintaining pressure on Iran to abide by the deal and to pushing back on Tehrans other troubling behaviour in the region. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and the House by an overwhelming margin.
The Obama administration stressed that Iran would be unaffected by the renewal, as long as it continues honouring the nuclear deal. Secretary of State John Kerry said hed told his Iranian counterpart that to ensure maximum clarity, hed issued new, redundant waivers exempting Iran from sanctions lifted under the deal.
Extension of the Iran Sanctions Act does not affect in any way the scope of the sanctions relief Iran is receiving under the deal or the ability of companies to do business in Iran consistent with the JCPOA, Kerry said, using an acronym for the nuclear deal.
President-elect Donald Trump has been sharply critical of the nuclear deal and has threatened to try to renegotiate it, and Israels prime minister has said he plans to lobby Trump to undo the deal. Republican supporters of the sanctions had argued that renewing them would ensure that Trump would have the authority to reinstate penalties that Obama eased.
Under the nuclear deal, the US and world powers suspended sweeping oil, trade and other financial sanctions that had devastated Irans economy. In exchange, Tehran agreed to roll back its nuclear program, though the deals critics say the agreement is flawed because it didnt halt all Iranian activity and because key restrictions eventually expire.
Residents of a wildcat Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank on Thursday rejected a proposal to leave voluntarily, raising fears of violence as an evacuation deadline nears.
The Amona outpost, home to some 40 families, is under a High Court order to be evacuated by December 25 since it was found to have been built on private Palestinian land in a case that has taken on international importance.
The residents rejection led to concerns the army would move in imminently to clear them out, leading dozens of youths to stream into the hilltop outpost in windy and bitterly cold weather in the middle of the night.
Many of them, alerted to the decision by social media, crowded into a small synagogue and dozed in sleeping bags on the floor, while others stayed in their cars or simply walked the streets.
After sunrise, some of the more extreme youths, wearing knitted Jewish skullcaps with sidelocks dangling, spread nails on roads along with stones and wooden poles.
Read | Israel set for vote to advance bill legalising settler homes in West Bank
Several took up position on top of a water tower while waving an Israeli flag. They also hauled an empty dumpster with them for unclear reasons.
A spokesman for Amona residents who has lived in the outpost for 14 years said they had not been given any notice of when an evacuation could happen.
Asked whether he was concerned that the youths presence in the outpost would lead to violence, he said: Im worried about the government inflicting pain on people -- needless pain.
There is no difference between Amona and Tel Aviv, said Eli Greenberg, a 43-year-old father of eight, referring to Israels economic capital located within its internationally recognised borders.
Theres no reason to take us out of here, he said as he sat on the front deck of his mobile home near a hillside planted with rows of olive trees.
- It was nothing -
The dispute over whether to demolish the outpost northeast of Ramallah has taken on international importance because of concern over settlement expansion in the West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967.
Israeli nationalist politicians, settlement advocates and Amona residents have resisted the move, and the international community is watching closely over whether the court order will be obeyed.
All Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem, are seen as illegal under international law, but Israel differentiates between those it has approved and those it has not.
Settlements such as Amona are called outposts -- those that Israel has not approved.
After recent efforts to pass a bill to legalise it failed, the state presented residents with what it described as a way to relocate them to nearby plots.
But following an 11-hour debate, residents rejected the offer, which they said was in fact to relocate only 12 of the families to nearby plots considered available.
Read | US accuses Israel of betraying trust over West Bank settlement homes
The other 28 families would move to temporary housing in the nearby Ofra settlement as the state sought a long-term solution, a spokeswoman for the regional Binyamin council, Eliana Passentin, told AFP.
The Amona residents said in a statement that the states offer, while initially sounding good, turned out to be full of holes like a Swiss cheese.
It was nothing, Greenberg told AFP. It was a proposal that held nothing in it.
Israeli officials have told local media that there will be no other offer.
- Grab on to something -
There are concerns over how any evacuation will play out.
In 2006, the demolition of nine permanent houses in the outpost led to clashes between settlers and Israeli security forces.
Settlements are seen as major stumbling blocks to peace efforts as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.
But the settlement movement wields significant power in Israeli politics.
Key members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition, seen as the most right-wing in the countrys history, openly oppose a Palestinian state and advocate annexing most of the West Bank.
Such religious nationalists point to the Jewish connection to the land from biblical times.
After the Amona residents vote, a group of seven extremist rabbis issued a statement suggesting security forces not participate in an evacuation.
Kalmen Barkin, a 20-year-old from Jerusalem with a long red beard, was among those gathered in the Amona synagogue before dawn.
He said he did not advocate violence and would passively resist.
When they come to take you, grab on to something, he said.
Were going to probably be mostly in public buildings -- barricade ourselves in the public buildings.
Read more | Israeli parliament gives preliminary OK to West Bank settlement bill
Russias federal security service said on Thursday it had thwarted a series of attacks by Islamic State militants in Moscow, detaining four people.
Four members of the terrorist group were detained during raids, the FSB security service said in a statement.
The militants were preparing the terrorist attacks on direct orders of a Turkey-based emissary of the Islamic State international terrorist organisation, who has been put on an international wanted list by Tajikistan, the statement said.
The FSB did not identify the suspect in question but said the four people detained were citizens of Tajikistan and Moldova.
The group was planning to carry out a series of high-profile terrorist attacks in Moscow using powerful homemade explosive devices.
An AFP employee at the scene of the FSB operation in southern Moscow saw a block of apartments cordoned off for several hours as special forces stood by.
During the raid, police seized firearms and ammunition as well as homemade explosive devices and a large amount of explosive blend material for making a high-energy explosive device.
Moscow launched a bombing campaign in Syria last year in what it claimed was an attempt to prevent terror attacks in Russia.
The Russian defence ministry told local media Thursday that more than 2,000 jihadists from Russia and other former Soviet republics were killed in Syria last year.
Years of life under jihadist rule and war have left thousands of Iraqi children old beyond their years and in desperate need of playtime to overcome their trauma.
Malak, 11, says she has come back from hell.
She huddles in a long black coat at the Hasansham displacement camp where thousands of people have lived since fleeing their homes in Mosul where Iraqi forces are fighting to oust the Islamic State group from its stronghold.
Now that we are here, my dad is doing better, Malak says.
In this camp, between classes and play sessions, these young Iraqis are becoming children again, says Maulid Warfa of the UNs children agency UNICEF.
Read | I just lost my mind: Under Islamic State, Mosuls people faced darkness, dread
They have seen destruction, they have seen death, theyve lived in the middle of fierce fighting, theyve seen enormous explosions. All that has an impact on childrens psychological and social wellbeing.
Children make up half the Iraqi population and a similar proportion of those displaced from Mosul.
Many have seen their childhood cut short as they take on the responsibility of supporting impoverished, bereaved and displaced families.
They need to leave their tents and speak to people who will listen to them, rather than hearing their parents talking about war, said Suzdar Saleh, a psychologist from the NGO Terre des Hommes.
- Back to school -
In the camps alleyways, girls help their mothers wash laundry while boys wrapped in sodden woollen clothes help their fathers carry food packages distributed by aid groups.
Faysal, also 11 and the oldest of five children, says life here is tough.
We want to go home, my father cant find work, were cold here and we eat badly, he says as heavy rain pounds on the UN tent that has become his new school.
Children gather next to an Iraqi forces vehicle patrolling a street in the village of Jarif, some 45 kilometres south of Mosul, on November 12, 2016, after retaking it from Islamic State (IS) group jihadists. (AFP File Photo)
Many of the children have not been to regular school since IS jihadists took over their region in 2014.
Malak attends classes at the UNICEF centre every day. She says she wants to be a journalist or a doctor, despite having spent two years out of school.
IS fighters ran schools in her village near Mosul, but it was expensive, and girls had to wear a long black veil.
They didnt teach us anything so we could become engineers or doctors, but only one machine gun plus one machine gun equals two machine guns, says Malak, 11.
Iraq once led the region in terms of childrens access to healthcare and education.
Today, at least one in three Iraqi children is in need of humanitarian aid and more than 3.5 million are out of school, UNICEF says.
Since it took over much of northern Iraq and declared Mosul the capital of its caliphate, IS has forcefully recruited young men and forced girls into sexual slavery.
Malak, who lived with her five siblings and her parents, was constantly afraid under the jihadists rule.
My dad was a policeman before, and IS came and threatened to cut his throat, she says.
- Never-ending noise -
Despite the cold and hardship of life under canvas, she says the family is happier now, especially her father.
Dad and mum play with us, they make us laugh so we will forget, because we got our lives back after leaving hell, she says.
Faysal says he cant forget the explosions, the planes, the bombs that forced his family to flee their house and seek refuge with relatives on the edge of Mosul.
The noise was never-ending, we couldnt sleep, he says, his eyes constantly moving.
Saleh says noise is a constant theme in her therapy sessions with the children.
Sometimes, they hear a plane fly over and they think the things theyve been through are starting again, she says.
The children need to express themselves in order to get over their traumas, she says.
On top of their own fear, they have inherited the fear transmitted by their parents, she says. When they speak, they push out some of the suffering inside them.
It will be a long time before Faysal overcomes his trauma, but he has already passed through a crucial step.
Im happy, he says. Now I can sleep.
Read more | Lioness of the Tigris: The Iraqi militiawoman fighting Islamic State for revenge
Experts believe that Vietnam's statement demanding the immediate recall of a special series of Chinese postage stamps from circulation has revealed Vietnam's double standard on territorial issues.
On Oct. 28, China Post issued stamps depicting five lighthouses constructed on five reefs of the Nansha Islands. On Dec. 14, Vietnams Ministry of Information and Communications said the stamps violated the country's sovereignty, urging China Post to respect Vietnam's history and decommission the stamps.
China started building the multi-functional lighthouses in 2015. The five structures provide services including route guidance, navigation and safety bulletins, improving navigational aid and emergency rescue in their adjacent waters.
Zhuang Guotu, former head of the Center of Southeast Asian Studies at Xiamen University, noted that the provocative move by Vietnam is in line with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's recent tough attitude toward China.
Zhuang said Vietnam's double standards are obvious, as the country previously issued a set of stamps showing images of disputed islands to reaffirm its own sovereignty. In July, Vietnam also refused to stamp new Chinese passports featuring the nine-dash line, a typical symbol of Chinese sovereignty, according to the BBC. In 2013, Vietnam lodged a protest against the "Beautiful China" stamp series, claiming that one of the scenic images on the stamps was actually in Vietnamese territory.
Zhuang said Vietnam's reactions will hinder Sino-Vietnamese relations. Vietnam recognized China's claim of the nine-dash line and South China Sea Islands before 1974.
A group of Rohingya Muslims that attacked Myanmar border guards in October is headed by people with links to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the International Crisis Group (ICG) said on Thursday, citing members of the group.
The coordinated attacks on October 9 killed nine policemen, and sparked a crackdown by security forces in the Muslim-majority north of Rakhine State in the countrys northwest.
At least 86 people have been killed, according to state media, and the United Nations has estimated 27,000 members of the largely stateless Rohingya minority have fled across the border to Bangladesh.
Predominantly Buddhist Myanmars government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, blamed Rohingyas supported by foreign militants for the October 9 attacks, but has issued scant further information about the assailants it called terrorists.
A group calling itself Harakah al-Yakin claimed responsibility for the attacks in video statements and the Brussels-based ICG said it had interviewed four members of the group in Rakhine State and two outside Myanmar, as well as individuals in contact with members via messaging apps.
The Harakah al-Yakin, or Faith Movement, was formed after communal violence in 2012 in which more than 100 people were killed and about 140,000 displaced in Rakhine State, most of them Rohingya, the group said.
Rohingya who have fought in other conflicts, as well as Pakistanis or Afghans, gave clandestine training to villagers in northern Rakhine over two years ahead of the attacks, it said.
It included weapons use, guerrilla tactics and, HaY members and trainees report, a particular focus on explosives and IEDs, the group said, referring to improvised explosive devices.
It identified Harakah al-Yakins leader, who has appeared prominently in a series of nine videos posted online, as Ata Ullah, born in Karachi, Pakistan, to a Rohingya migrant father before moving as a child to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Though not confirmed, there are indications he went to Pakistan and possibly elsewhere, and that he received practical training in modern guerrilla warfare, the group said, noting that Ata Ullah was one of 20 Rohingya from Saudi Arabia leading the groups operations in Rakhine State.
Separately, a committee of 20 senior Rohingya emigres oversees the group, which has its headquarters in Mecca, the ICG said.
Groups like Islamic State and al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent have referred to the plight of the Rohingya in their material, and the battlefield experience of at least some of the Rohingya fighters implied links to international militants, the ICG said.
However, ICG said the group has notably not engaged in attacks on the civilian Buddhist population in Rakhine. And Harakah al-Yakins statements to date indicate its main goals are to end the persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar and secure the minoritys citizenship status.
It is possible, however, that its objectives could evolve, given its appeals to religious legitimacy and links to international jihadist groups, so it is essential that government efforts do not focus only or primarily on military approaches, but also address underlying community grievances and suffering, the ICG said.
A 13-year-old New York boy died when he was buried under tonnes of snow while building a fort with his friend, authorities said.
Joshua Demarest, 13, died but his friend Tyler Day was found alive after being submerged for hours under the snow.
The boy was playing in a snow mound on a dead end street in Greenwich as a public works truck plowed the area around 5 pm, according to police.
Police received a 911 call for two missing boys shortly after the truck cleared out of the area and when a search dog found a sled near the mound, crews began digging.
I bet they moved seven tonnes of snow easily out of that pile by hand, shovels and snow rakes, Greenwich Police chief George Bell said at a news conference.
One of the boys was rushed to Saratoga Hospital after first responders pulled him from the snow, and failed to resuscitate him at the scene. He was pronounced dead soon.
His friend was found about an hour later, miraculously conscious and alert in a pocket of air, media reports said.
You can actually see the little pocket in that huge bank that he survived in and it is nothing short of a miracle, said Bell.
It was a true accident, he added. Thats all I can tell you. A tragedy all the way around. There was no way that anybody could have seen the kids burrowed in back there.
Department of Public Works superintendent Leo Flynn says it would have been impossible for his workers to have seen the teens beneath the snow.
It was not immediately clear if the plow truck buried the boys or if their snow fort collapsed on them. The child who survived told investigators he heard what sounded like machinery before everything went dark, according to NEWS10.
Thomas Schelling, an economist who won a Nobel Prize for using game theory to explain nuclear strategy, has died, a colleague said Wednesday. He was 95.
Schelling, a long-time Harvard University professor who finished his career at the University of Maryland, died Tuesday morning at his home in Bethesda, Maryland, said Richard Zeckhauser, a Harvard colleague who knew Schelling for 58 years. The cause of death was not immediately confirmed and no autopsy was conducted, Zeckhauser said.
Schelling was awarded the Nobel Prize in economics in 2005, along with Robert Aumann, for having enhanced our understanding of conflict and cooperation through game theory analysis, the Nobel committee said
Schellings best-known book was The Strategy of Conflict (1960), in which he used game theory, the mathematical analysis of strategies used in competitive situations, to analyse negotiations between nuclear powers. He argued that a negotiating party can sometimes strengthen its position in a counter-intuitive way, by eliminating some of its own options. His work made him a leading intellectual on the subject of nuclear war and peace.
An article he wrote about the prospect of an accidental nuclear exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union attracted the attention of director Stanley Kubrick, The New York Times reported. Kubrick ended up adapting a novel on the subject into Dr. Strangelove, his satirical masterpiece about nuclear war, and Schelling was a consultant on the movie.
Schelling also used game theory to study what led white homeowners to flee mixed-race cities for the suburbs. His ideas were later popularised by Malcolm Gladwell in his best-selling book The Tipping Point.
Schelling continued his studies into his 90s and was planning to give two talks on global climate change, Zeckhauser told The Associated Press.
He had as clear and incisive a mind as anybody you would ever meet, Zeckhauser said, and did not have a modicum of pretence about him.
North Korea on Thursday wrapped up a 200-day mass mobilisation campaign aimed at boosting an economy struggling with upgraded UN sanctions imposed after its two nuclear tests this year.
Coming hard on the heels of a similar 70-day campaign that ended in May, the 200-day version kicked off in early June, pushing extra hours and working weekends.
On the final day Thursday, as on every day for the entirety of the campaign, dozens of female propaganda troupes armed with drums and flags put on early morning performances at strategic locations across the city, encouraging commuters on their way to work.
A large placard erected in front of each troupe - and replicated in work units across the country - asked the question: Comrade, have you carried out your battle plan today?
On Thursday the section on the placard counting down to the end of the campaign read: Days remaining - 1
A propaganda troupe perform before the Arch of Triumph on the last day of the 200-day campaign in Pyongyang on December 15. (AFP Photo)
Outside experts say the economic benefits of such campaigns are dubious at best, with some suggesting they have a negative net impact on productivity as exhaustion fuels inefficiency.
New York-based Human Rights Watch has condemned them as mass exercises in forced labour that use political coercion to extract economic gain.
North Koreans are used to mandatory mass mobilisation campaigns, with participation rigorously monitored and used as a measurement of loyalty to the regime.
But Andrei Lankov, a veteran North Korea watcher and professor at Kookmin University in Seoul, said the modern-day campaigns were more show than substance -- a strategy from a bygone socialist era that was long past its sell-by date.
The primary focus is on industrial output, with top priority given to reducing a yawning energy deficit that acts as a constantly tripping circuit breaker on economic growth.
Power outages remain commonplace in Pyongyang which, as the countrys showcase capital, receives privileged utilities supplies.
Heavy batteries and power-saving LED lights are popular items in markets for those who can afford them, while the balconies of Pyongyangs apartment blocks bristle with solar panels to keep basic household appliances running.
The current 200-day campaign was launched to kick-start a new five-year economic plan unveiled by supreme leader Kim Jong-Un at a ruling party congress in May.
The plan was long on ambition but short on detail, offering no clear hint of reform despite Kims call to expand our method of economic management.
According to South Koreas central bank, the North Korean economy contracted by 1.1 percent last year -- the first downturn since 2010.
Given the paucity of economic data released by the North, estimating its GDP is a hazardous exercise, but experts say upgraded sanctions are clearly posing a challenge that old-school, mass mobilisation campaigns are simply no match for.
North Korea carried out two nuclear tests this year, in January and September, drawing two separate rounds of UN sanctions aimed at blocking Pyongyangs access to hard currency revenues.
The latest measures included a cap on North Koreas coal exports -- a key foreign exchange earner.
A Syrian official source said on Thursday that an operation to organise the departure of fighters from eastern Aleppo had started.
The operation to organise the departure of gunmen from eastern Aleppo has now started, the Syrian official source said.
The recent comments come after the cease-fire deal, mediated by Ankara and Moscow, unraveled amid fighting on Wednesday.
An opposition monitoring group says the operation has already begun but that could not immediately be independently confirmed. Bassem Mroue in Beirut
Read: Rebel officials say Aleppo evacuation plan back on track
An 18th-century Chinese imperial seal sold for a record 21 million euros in Paris on Wednesday -- more than 20 times its estimate, the Drouot auction house told AFP.
Decorated with stylised dragons, the symbol of imperial authority, the extremely rare stamp in red and beige nephrite jade comes from the Qianlong period (1736-1795).
It was snapped up by an unnamed Chinese collector after a furious bidding battle between would-be telephone buyers and those in the salesroom.
The previous record for a seal had been set in 2011 when one was bought for 161 million yuan, around 14 million euros ($15 million).
The Chinese imperial seal, remarkable for being very red, almost blood red according to Asian art expert Alice Jossaume, had been expected to sell for between 800,000 and one million euros.
It belonged to the Emperor Qianlong, who is regarded as the longest serving emperor in Chinese history, holding ultimate power long after he officially retired.
The Qianlong period is highly prized, its flourishing, its the absolute pinnacle, added Jossaume.
All pieces from this period are highly sought after.
Under this hugely capable and cultured emperor, the Qing dynasty reached its apogee of wealth and power, almost doubling in size during his six decade reign.
The nine dragons that decorate the seals sides symbolise both his masculine power and imperial authority, the auction house said.
On the reverse the seal included an inscription written in an ancient script saying: Treasure of the imperial brush of Qianlong.
The emperor was known to be a talented calligrapher and poet and this seal was one he used to sign his works.
Protector of the arts
Qianlongs reputation was one of a protector of the arts and literature, as well as a compulsive collector.
He is said to have acquired one of the biggest world art collections and founded the library of four treasures, the largest collection of books in Chinese history.
The empires population rose to some 400 million people as he expanded its borders, but by the end of Qianlongs long reign China was slipping into slow decline.
Still, the Qing dynasty, which came from the Manchu minority from Manchuria in northern China, staggered on until 1912.
The seal was acquired by a young French naval doctor in China in the late 19th century and has remained in the same family since.
According to Drouot, the young officer visited China many times and built an impressive collection through his taste, culture and the friendships he was able to build up over the years.
Two paintings by the Japanese master Katsushika Hokusai -- 36 Views of Mount Fuji and Great Wave at Kanagawa -- from the same collection were also going under the hammer with estimates of 30,000 euros ($32,000).
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bunkered down for talks Thursday to try and resolve a territorial dispute that has prevented their countries from formally ending World War II hostilities.
Abe is hosting Putin at a hot spring summit in his ancestral city of Nagato in the hopes of achieving a breakthrough over the territory off Japans northern coast seized by Soviet troops in 1945.
The four islands are known as the Southern Kurils in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan, and the dispute has been a thorn in relations for more than seven decades.
Abe would like to seal a deal as soon as possible because the islands ageing Japanese former residents are dwindling in number.
Despite months of preparation, however, the outlook is not good, with both sides recently damping down expectations of major progress.
The two leaders shook hands before sitting down for their first meeting during the two days of talks, with Abe welcoming Putin to his hometown.
I think the summit today and tomorrow will bring a big contribution to the development of ties, Putin said.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that Putin and Abe had dismissed aides and went into one-on_one discussions to try and make progress on the issue of negotiating a peace treaty.
Japanese media said that the two leaders were meeting with only interpreters present.
Lavrov also said that Putin suggested the two countries re-establish meetings between their defence ministers.
The prime minister responded positively to the suggestion, Lavrov said.
Disproportionate
Putin, a judoist who is making his first visit to Japan as president in 11 years, has said he wants to end the anachronism of the two countries not having a World War II peace treaty.
But how to do this is a difficult question, he told Japanese media before his arrival.
Underscoring the intense interest in the meeting in Japan, Putins arrival at the airport in the city of Ube, about three hours later than originally anticipated, was shown live on television.
The summit is the latest attempt to draw a line under World War II since Japan and the Soviet Union began discussions in 1956.
Abes late father Shintaro took the lead in negotiations with Moscow as a foreign minister but died in 1991 after pushing for talks while suffering from cancer.
In Nagato, Abe and Putin are expected to focus on territorial and peace treaty issues, a Japanese foreign ministry official said.
Lavrov also said that Abe and Putin also discussed Asia-Pacific security issues and Russian concerns over the US military presence, which he said Moscow saw as disproportionate to North Koreas missile threat.
The two leaders will leave the hot spring resort and travel to Tokyo on Friday for more talks and a joint press appearance before attending an economic forum.
Abe has looked to eke out concessions by dangling the prospect of major Japanese investment in front of Moscow, which is mired in economic crisis.
But few believe Putin is likely to cave to Japanese demands to hand back at least some control over the islands, especially after Donald Trumps election as president of the United States last month.
The New York real-estate baron has vowed to improve ties with Russia, where the economy has reeled under US sanctions against Moscow over Ukraine and the impact of falling oil prices.
US intelligence officials now believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin was personally involved in hacking during the American election campaign as part of a vendetta against Hillary Clinton, NBC News reported late Wednesday.
Putin personally instructed how material hacked from US Democrats was leaked and otherwise used, the US television network said, quoting two senior officials with access to this information.
The officials said they have a high level of confidence in this new assessment, NBC reported.
Last weekend The Washington Post reported a CIA evaluation that Russia had hacked the emails of US persons and institutions as a way to sway the election in favour of Republican Donald Trump, who eventually did beat Clinton on November 8.
Read| White House backs probe into CIA reports of Russia meddling in US election
Putin is said never to have forgiven Clinton -- then secretary of state -- for publicly questioning the integrity of parliamentary elections in 2011 in Russia, and accused her of encouraging street protests.
The intelligence officials told NBC that Putins goals in the alleged hacking began as revenge against Clinton.
But they transformed into a broader effort to show that the world of US politics was corrupt and to, in the words of one official, split off key American allies by creating the image that (other countries) couldnt depend on the US to be a credible global leader anymore.
In preparation for possible retaliation, US intelligence agencies have intensified probing of Putins personal wealth, NBC said, citing US officials.
Trump, who has spoken warmly of Putin, has dismissed as ridiculous the allegation that Russia was behind the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and people close to Clinton.
Leading US lawmakers have called for a formal congressional investigation into the hacking.
Read| Trump pushes back against call to probe Russian role in US polls
A group of anti-smoking volunteers in blue vests marched through an office building on a recent morning in Chinas capital, trailed by two police officers and the buildings management.
As people peered out of the doorways, the volunteers turned several corners and stopped in front of a stairwell door. One of them pushed it open.
There stood an office worker, pressing a cellphone to one ear and holding a lit cigarette in his other hand. Someone had turned him in.
A stern lecture followed from the groups leader, a stocky, 32-year-old fine arts teacher named Liu Li.
Today, we wont punish you, but we will criticize and educate you, Liu said in a carrying voice, as the worker bowed and apologized repeatedly. Dont throw cigarette butts around. You must not act like this next time.
As China considers a nationwide ban on smoking in public places, the fight is well underway in Beijing, which banned smoking in restaurants and other indoor areas 18 months ago.
Zealous volunteers and anti-smoking advocates have made some headway against millions of occasionally intransigent smokers and the state-run cigarette monopoly, a large and powerful force in Chinas government and economy.
Cigarettes are a cultural symbol in China, where national leaders dating back to Mao Zedong were well-known smokers, and where cigarettes are still handed out commonly at weddings, banquets and holiday celebrations.
The tobacco industry employs more than 300,000 people and remains a key source of revenue in the national budget. The State Tobacco Monopoly Administration generated more than $150 billion in tax revenues just last year alone.
But tobacco extracts a huge cost as well. About 1 million deaths a year in China can be attributed to cigarettes, a figure that could triple by 2050 without greater action to curb the habit.
China has more than 300 million smokers and nearly half of Chinas adult males smoke regularly, according to the World Bank.
For all of the attention given to Chinas notorious air pollution, its smoking thats often far more damaging and far easier to correct, said Dr. Bernhard Schwartlander, who has worked for several years in China as the World Health Organisations local representative.
President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday congratulated Syrians on the liberation of Aleppo, as civilians and fighters evacuated the last rebel pocket of the city.
The citys liberation was history in the making and worthy of more than the word congratulations, he said in a video posted on the presidencys official social media accounts.
He described the armys imminent capture of Aleppo as a turning point.
I think that after the liberation of Aleppo well talk about the situation as... before the liberation of Aleppo and after the liberation of Aleppo, he said.
The video, apparently shot on a phone, was a far cry from the usual format in which Assads pronouncements appear, ordinarily in formal media encounters like interviews.
Read | First evacuees reach rebel territory west of Aleppo: Reports
It came as a first group of evacuees left battered east Aleppo, which the army is on the verge of recapturing completely.
Rebels had held the east of the city since 2012, and the army last month launched a major assault to recapture all of Aleppo.
Also read | After Aleppo recapture, a chapter closes on Turkeys ambitions in Syria
December 13 marks the 3rd national commemoration of the Nanjing Massacre. Through the commemoration, also known as Nanjing Ji, Chinese people hope to, together with the rest of the world, remember the estimated 300,000 Chinese massacred during a six-week period 79 years ago by the imperial Japanese Army.
The annual event aims to engrave the dark days in the memory of Asia and the rest of the world for sustained peace.
The world has had a deeper recognition of the Nanjing Massacre over the past few years, thanks to a series of events. Besides the National Memorial Day, the historical documents of the Nanjing Massacre have been listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, and a series of exhibitions were also held around the world.
All those measures helped more people learn the truth about theNanjing Massacre, one of the biggest massacres during World War II.
"World War II,indeed, started in China. The Chinese people, like all peoples in the war, including the Japanese people, suffered terribly from this inhumanity," StephaneGrimaldi, general director of the Caen Memorial, said at an exhibition on the Nanjing Massacreabout a month ago.
The growing number of voices like Grimaldisshows that after people learn more about the Nanjing Massacre and the Chinese battleground, the world sees World War II with a new perspective.
The Nanjing Massacrewas a horrendous crime against humanity and a very dark page in the history of mankind.Though 79 years have passed, history should not be altered with the passing of time, and facts not erased by crafty denials.
Todays people commemorate the Nanjing Massacre for the purpose of upholding international justice.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reportedly announced days earlier that he will visit Pearl Harbor to mourn the victims of the Japanese surprise attack 75 years ago. Japanese media then suggested he also visit the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall in Nanjing, China.
Medias response can be better understood after taking Japan's acts over historic issues into consideration. In recent years, Japan's right-wing politicians, represented by the Abe government, have been attempting to revise history and turn back the clock.
They, for instance, paid multiple visitsto the notorious war-linkedYasukuni Shrine, and even distorted history books, triggering doubts from its neighbors and the international community.
A few months ago, Japans education ministry revised some junior high school history textbook passages on Japan's war atrocities, in which it whitewashed its war crimes by deleting its maleficence in the 1937 Nanjing Massacre.
It is difficult to comprehend Abe's visit to Pearl Harbor as atrue "historical trip." Some saidthe Japanese government is using this friendly measure to relieve its historical burden from its alliance with the US, and serve its own strategic agenda.
Whether the strategic move succeeds or not, Abe's opportunistic attitude to history is indeed risky. Historical facts cannot be distorted or forgotten since history isalwaysthere, even though some nations do not dare to touch it.
Americans will not forget the Pearl Harbor attack and the Pacific War, Southeast Asian nations will remember the ruin caused by Japanese invaders, and Chinese people will engrave the suffering brought about by Japanese militarists in their minds as well.
Japan has to be honest about its wartime aggression, which is a complete period of history, not a few sections for it to choose from. Recognizing history can neither be Japan's strategic card nor diplomatic move.
History sheds light on the future. Remembering the Nanjing Massacre is about morality and historical justice. Will Japan shoulder its historic responsibility as war instigator and criminal? The world will be the judge.
President-elect Donald Trump left Twitter off the invitation list for a meeting of technology company executives on Wednesday because it is too small, a spokesman for his transition team told Reuters.
The omission of Twitter from the meeting surprised some in the industry given Trumps prolific use of the social media platform during his election campaign and the companys high profile in discussions over policy issues such as cyber security and the spread of violent online propaganda.
They werent invited because they arent big enough, the transition official said.
With a market capitalization of $13.85 billion, Twitter is smaller than Facebook and Amazon, companies that were included in the meeting in New York.
The smallest company in attendance was electric car maker Tesla, with a market capitalisation of $31.92 billion.
Twitters platform played a big role in Trumps ability to speak directly to millions of voters. Trump leveraged his sizable following on Twitter to circumvent traditional media to speak directly to the public and to bash his opponents.
During the Obama administration, Twitter was a regular participant in meetings meant to address technology concerns, especially given its use by groups such as Islamic State and the ease with which the site is used for online bullying.
One source familiar with Trumps relationship with Twitter said the decision to exclude Twitter Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey was motivated by the president-elects ire at the company, which rejected an advertising deal with his campaign in October.
Trumps election campaign had offered to pay to have an emoji, or small picture, that would show up on tweets during the second presidential debate anytime Twitter users tweeted the phrase #Crooked Hillary, Republican Trumps nickname for his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.
Twitter rejected the deal, saying it might mislead users who would not be able to tell that the campaign had paid for the emoji.
The Trump transition spokesman said the emoji had nothing to do with the invitation omission. The official said Trump has had public spats with other tech leaders who were invited, including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, and Apple CEO Tim Cook, who hosted a fundraiser for Clinton.
Trump, speaking to the group of technology officials at the meeting, acknowledged others had been left off the list, but he did not mention Twitter specifically.
I wont tell you the hundreds of calls weve had asking to come to this meeting, he said to laughter in the room, and I will say Peter (Thiel) was sort of saying no that companys too small, and these are monster companies.
As outrage mounts, with calls for retaliation, over allegations that Russia meddled in the US presidential election by hacking computer networks of the two leading parties, the American intelligence is accusing Vladimir Putin of personally directing it.
Intelligence officials told NBCnews.com that based on new evidence, there was a high level of confidence that the Russian president personally directed how the stolen material from the Democratic National Committee was leaked and used.
US intelligence had until now blamed Russia for the hacking saying it was intended to undermine Hillary Clinton and help Donald Trump win, as, among other things, hackers had also accessed the Republican Party, but held on to the stolen data.
But now, they are alleging Putins personal involvement.
According to the NBC News report Putin was impelled initially by a desire for vendetta against Clinton, who as secretary of state had raised serious concerns about his partys victory in the Russian parliamentary elections in 2011.
He moved then, according to the report, to show corruption in American politics and to split off key American allies by creating the image that [other countries] couldn't depend on the US to be a credible global leader anymore.
Putin has dismissed allegations of Moscow meddling the elections as hysteria and Trump, the intended or unintended beneficiary, has dismissed them as ridiculous and his aides have called it an attempt to delegitimise his election.
If Russia, or some other entity, was hacking, why did the White House wait so long to act? Why did they only complain after Hillary lost? the president-elect wrote in a tweet on Thursday morning, reprising a stated position.
Trump has appeared to be siding with the Russian on this, going against his own countrys intelligence agencies, specially the CIA, which was the source for reports that alleged the hacking was intended to help Trump win the presidency.
His own very public and effusive praise of Putin has reinforced that impression and so has his decision to name ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson, who has close ties with Moscow and the Russian president, the next secretary of state.
Many Republicans have expressed concern over the president-elects obvious affinity for Russia. Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain have joined Democrats Charles Schumer and Jack Reed to call for a congressional probe into the hackings.
US President Barack Obama, who has ordered a full review of the allegations and sought a report before his term ends in January, is said to be considering a proportional response, according to his spokesman Josh Earnest.
But that was in October, when Russia was first blamed for it. Demand for retaliation has gained ground since, with experts and former spymasters suggesting moves that range from the spectacular, to whet public desire for revenge, to subtle, but sufficient.
Former CIA boss James Woolsey, for instance, has suggested driving down the worldwide prices of oil to slow down the Russian economy, which depends heavily on oil and gas exports, as of other countries not friendly with the US, such as Iran.
Former deputy CIA director Mike Morell has said US could retaliate by supplying arms to Russias enemies, such as Ukraine and others have suggested the US could target Putin himself by disclosing his finances and financial ties.
A US professor received death threats and has fled her home state of California after she told her students that Donald Trumps election was an act of terrorism, evoking a strong response for and against her statement.
Olga Perez Stable Cox, a psychology professor at the Orange Coast College (OCC) in Costa Mesa, in a week after the US presidential election was recorded on video telling students in her human sexuality class that were really back to being (in) a civil war.
The two-minute video also shows Cox saying, And so we are in for a difficult time. But again, I do believe that we can get past that. Our nation is divided; we have been assaulted, its an act of terrorism.
News of threats against Cox came to light on Monday, as hundreds of people turned out at the college to demonstrate in support of her and against her. Following the threats, Cox has temporarily left the state, the Orange County Register reported.
Someone emailed her a picture of her house, with her address, said Rob Schneiderman, president of the Coast Federation of Educators/American Federation of Teachers Local 1911.
The email called Cox a libtard, Marxist, hatemonger, nutcase and said her home address is now going to be sent everywhere, Schneiderman was quoted as saying.
Others threatened her livelihood, some her life.
You want communism, go to Cuba ... try to bring it to America and well put a (expletive) bullet in your face, read an email to her.
Schneiderman described Cox as a lesbian, Latina woman living in Orange County. Shes pretty strong.
But threatening emails and phone calls to her private number were too much, and a substitute will cover her classes this final week of the semester, he said.
Hundreds of students and faculty members who support Cox gathered for a rally on campus on Monday. Carrying homemade signs calling for free speech, they defended the teacher they described as someone dedicated to protecting all students, including those who are LGBT and students of colour.
A smaller group -- with students from the College Republicans, which made the video public -- set up a computer to continuously play Coxs recording, in which she referred to white supremacy and called the vice president-elect one of the most anti-gay humans in this country.
Those students countered that the issue is not about academic freedom but points to an instance of a college instructor pushing her own political agenda, something they say is prevalent on college campuses nationwide.
The whistleblower who exposed a trove of secret documents on the Scorpene-class submarines ordered by the Indian Navy had alerted an Australian Navy officer about the leak three years ago but no action was taken, according to a media report.
The Australian newspaper, which broke the story of the leak of the documents detailing the secret combat capabilities of the Scorpene in August, has identified the whistleblower as Rex Patrick, a senior adviser to senator Nick Xenophon.
The daily reported that Patrick showed a part of the confidential leaked data to Australias most senior submariner, Rear Admiral Greg Sammut, in 2013 but nothing had come of it. Sammut said he passed the information on to Defence Intelligence, which never followed it up with him.
Xenophon also met defence minister Marise Payne on August 29 and handed her a data stick containing the secret information on the submarines designed for India by French shipbuilder DCNS. He also informed Payne that the person behind the story about the leak of 22,400 pages of information was Patrick, a former submariner.
The leak caused a controversy in France and India, where the navy decided against giving DCNS an order for three more submarines in addition to the six it is already building. Separate investigations were also launched in India, France and Australia.
Xenophon has said that Patrick acted as a whistleblower who wanted to help to protect the integrity of Australias $50-billion future submarine project that has been awarded to DCNS.
Patrick said he received the data stick with the leaked files by accident in April 2013 after the information was stolen from DCNS by a former subcontractor in 2011 and made its way from France to Southeast Asia and then to Sydney.
He said he sat on the leaked documents for more than three years but decided to make them public because DCNS would design Australias new submarine fleet after suffering a catastrophic criminal leak of confidential data on its Indian submarine project.
After The Australian reported the leak, Sammut, as head of Australias Future Submarine Project, told defence secretary Dennis Richardson and Payne of his discussion with Patrick in 2013.
Patrick and Sammut gave different versions of their meeting three years ago. Patrick said he approached Sammut in the waiting room of a defence estimates hearing in May 2013 with the leaked data.
I put a USB stick into my computer and presented the front screen of the Scorpene datafile to Greg, said Patrick. I then told him how the data came into my possession and took him through a couple of pages of the disk.
Patrick said he made the significance of the data clear to Sammut. I offered to surrender the disk to him but required an undertaking that my name, as the source of the disk, not be provided to anyone, he told the daily. He told me he was not sure he could do that and would have to seek advice.
Sammut disputed Patricks version of events and said he was not made aware of the significance of the data. I did not view the information regarding a Scorpene submarine Mr Patrick claimed to hold in any detail, Sammut said in a statement. I did see one page of indeterminate material on his computer screen. He did not indicate that this information concerned Indias Scorpenes.
Sammut said he reported the matter to the then deputy director of intelligence and security and it was agreed the Defence Intelligence Organisation would take up the matter. Patrick said the DIO did not make contact with him and nothing further happened.
Defence minister Payne said she did not access the data and the drive had been handed over to the French.
I conveyed the drive to the secretary of my department. The drive was provided to a senior official at the French embassy, given its purported contents were the property of French company DCNS, she said.
France is believed to have provided a copy to the Indian government, the daily reported.
French security agencies are also hunting for the former DCNS subcontractor who is believed to have stolen the data and taken it to Malaysia for use in a naval training course. The subcontractor was also a former French naval officer.
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Yahoo has discovered a 3-year-old security breach that enabled a hacker to compromise more than 1 billion user accounts, breaking the companys own humiliating record for the biggest security breach in history.
The digital heist disclosed Wednesday occurred in August 2013, more than a year before a separate hack that Yahoo announced nearly three months ago . That breach affected at least 500 million users, which had been the most far-reaching hack until the latest revelation.
Its shocking, security expert Avivah Litan of Gartner Inc.
Both lapses occurred during the reign of Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, a once-lauded leader who found herself unable to turn around the company in the four years since her arrival. Earlier this year, Yahoo agreed to sell its digital operations to Verizon Communications for $4.8 billion a deal that may now be imperiled by the hacking revelations.
Two hacks, more than a billion accounts
Yahoo didnt say if it believes the same hacker might have pulled off two separate attacks. The Sunnyvale, California, company blamed the late 2014 attack on a hacker affiliated with an unidentified foreign government, but said it hasnt been able to identify the source behind the 2013 intrusion.
Yahoo has more than a billion monthly active users, although some have multiple accounts and others have none at all. An unknown number of accounts were affected by both hacks.
Read| Legion: Meet the hackers who broke into Rahul, Barkha Dutts Twitter accounts
In both attacks, the stolen information included names, email addresses, phone numbers, birthdates and security questions and answers. The company says it believes bank-account information and payment-card data were not affected.
But hackers also apparently stole passwords in both attacks. Technically, those passwords should be secure; Yahoo said they were scrambled twice once by encryption and once by another technique called hashing. But hackers have become adept at cracking secured passwords by assembling huge dictionaries of similarly scrambled phrases and matching them against stolen password databases.
That could mean trouble for any users who reused their Yahoo password for other online accounts. Yahoo is requiring users to change their passwords and invalidating security questions so they cant be used to hack into accounts. (You may get a reprieve if youve changed your password and questions since September.)
Security experts said the 2013 attack was likely the work of a foreign government fishing for information about specific people. One big tell: It doesnt appear that much personal data from Yahoo accounts has been posted for sale online, meaning the hack probably wasnt the work of ordinary criminals.
That means most Yahoo users probably dont have anything to worry about, said J.J. Thompson, CEO of Rook Security.
Read| Hackers target ATMs across Europe as cyber threat grows
Questions for Verizon
News of the additional hack further jeopardizes Yahoos plans to fall into Verizons arms. If the hacks cause a user backlash against Yahoo, the companys services wouldnt be as valuable to Verizon, raising the possibility that the sale price might be re-negotiated or the deal may be called off. The telecom giant wants Yahoo and its many users to help it build a digital ad business.
After the news of the first hack broke, Verizon said it would re-evaluate its Yahoo deal and in a Wednesday statement said it will review the new development before reaching any final conclusions. Spokesman Bob Varettoni declined to answer further questions.
At the very least, the security lapses definitely will help Verizon in its negotiations to lower the price, Litan predicted. Yahoo has argued that news of the 2014 hack didnt negatively affect traffic to its services, strengthening its contention that the Verizon deal should be completed under the original terms.
This just adds to fuel to the fire and it wont help Yahoos cause, said Eric Jackson, a longtime critic of the companys management. Although he has in the past, Jackson doesnt currently own Yahoo stock.
Investors appeared worried about the Verizon deal. Yahoos shares fell 96 cents, or 2 percent, to $39.95 after the disclosure of the latest hack.
Read| If we release data, it will create chaos in India: Legion
Al Qaeda in Yemen has labelled the rival jihadist Islamic State (IS) group deviant and distanced itself from an IS-claimed suicide attack in Aden last week that killed dozens of soldiers.
We explicitly declare that we were not involved in any way in this operation, Ansar al-Sharia, al Qaedas branch in Yemen, said in a statement received by AFP on Thursday.
The December 10 attack in Aden targeted a crowd of soldiers gathered to collect their monthly pay at a barracks in Al-Sawlaban near the southern citys international airport.
The attack left 48 soldiers dead and 29 wounded, a health department chief said.
Read | Suicide bomber kills at least 50 Yemeni troops in Aden
At the request of the Ba Kazem tribe, which lost many of its sons in the attack, we are issuing this statement to prevent anyone trying to... sow discord between the tribes and their sons, the warriors of Ansar al-Sharia, the group said.
We see IS as a deviant group... that has shown its enmity towards Ansar al-Sharia and other Islamic groups, it said.
The statement stressed that al Qaeda has repeatedly said it is determined to fight Americans and their allies while avoiding the shedding of any Muslim blood.
Al Qaeda and IS have exploited a conflict between the Yemeni government -- backed by a Saudi-led coalition -- and Shiite Huthi rebels who control the capital Sanaa, to bolster their presence across much of the south.
The rival jihadists have carried out a spate of attacks in Aden, Yemens second city and headquarters of the internationally recognised government whose forces retook the southern port from the Huthis last year.
The Boy Illinois Drops "Yer Yer"
For The Ladies, An Ode to Cuffing Season
The Boy Illinois is bringing more dynamics to his repertoire with the release of his brand new single Yer Yer. This soul stirring new joint brings a slow grind vibe that is perfect for serenading a crush; ready to make that move, Illi spits game wanting to connect with the ladies on a more intimate level with lines like "still keep it wetter than a poolside". Yer yer is the short version of spitting game and showcasing the Chicago slang we all have grown to love, the gift of gab. Produced by DJ Wes, The Boy Illinois mixes sing-song rap flow with edgy bars outlining the ways to get to the yer yer, slide in the DMs, and make that love connection! Slide this in your playlist when females are in the midst.Social Media@TheBoyIllinois@WhoisDJWes
The World Grieves for Lincoln
After President Lincoln died on April 15, 1865, condolences poured in from across the nationand beyond. Within the voluminous collection of the Illinois-based Papers of Abraham Lincoln Project are letters from abroad lamenting the loss. They came from heads of state as well as obscure groups like the French-speaking Federal Society of Gymnasts, the Mauritian Gentlemen of Free Color in London and the London Committee of Deputies of British Jews. Whatever the death of the president meant for the United States, his commitment to human rights and freedom resonated worldwide.
In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincolns death, Daniel Stowell, director of the Lincoln papers project, solicited comments from representatives of governments and groups related to the letter-writers of 1865. A contributor from the Republic of China (Taiwan) notes that the Gettysburg Address is a must-read there for students learning English. Japans note likens the tumultuous years of Lincolns presidency to the transformative years of the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912). Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos notes that he drew upon Lincolns tactic of assembling a team of rivals to promote national unity. The response from Oman focuses on Lincolns honesty and integrity, while the contributor from Greece recognizes his mastery of Euclids Elements. The ambassador from Iceland shares a Viking saying: Every man is mortal: But the good name never dies of one who has done well.
To read the letters from 1865 and 2014, visit www.citizenlincoln.org.
Crafting Colonial Beer in Virginia
A twosentence, 300-year-old recipe by 11-year-old Jane Randolph found in the files of the Virginia Historical Society prompted brewers at Ardent Craft Brewery in Richmond to concoct an unusual historical artifact: persimmon beer. According to Richmond.com, the result was thin and fruity, more like wine than beer. The brewers said the most difficult part was getting enough persimmons17 pounds of fruit yielded only three gallons of beer. Participants at a December 9 event at the brewery were able to sample the beverage, which contained about 3 percent alcohol.
Tiny Island Living?
The revolution in navigating technology has left the General Services Administration, the property management arm of the federal government, with aging lighthouses to dispose of. Over the past decade some 100 have been sold or given to preservation groups, according to an Associated Press article, and 70 more are headed that way. As of mid-December two New England lighthouses were listed. Bids start at $10,000, and nonprofits have first dibs. Some lighthouses have sold for more than $280,000; renovation costs are extra. For more information, see propertydisposal.gsa.gov/ LighthouseProgram.
Providence Church to Highlight Slavery
A stately 200-year-old Episcopal church, the now-closed Cathedral of St. John, in Providence, R.I., may become the first U.S. museum dedicated to the history of slavery and slave-trading in the North, according to Providencejournal.com. Dwindling attendance shuttered St. John in 2012, but church leaders are considering how to use the historic stone structure, which dates from 1810, to illuminate Rhode Islands role in the slave trade. The state was home to three major slave-trading ports, and a 2006 report by Brown University found that 1,000 slave-trading voyages60 percent of all those originating in the Northdeparted from Rhode Island. The prospective museum would also highlight how church members supported and opposed slavery.
Helping the church develop the project is the Boston-based Tracing Center (www.tracingcenter.org), a group formed by descendants of the nations most prominent slave-trading family, the DeWolfs of Rhode Island. James DeWolf, who represented the state in the U.S. Senate, was also a renowned slave trader who had a distillery in West Africa, a plantation in Cuba and a company that insured slave-trading voyages. He was reputed to be the second-richest man in the United States at the time of his death in 1837.
Honoring Six Brothers Killed in the Civil War
Six brothers from Louisa County, Iowa, served in the Civil War and not one of them survived. The story of this enormous loss was discovered in 2011 through a scrapbook of the Littleton family donated to the Louisa County Historical Society in Wapello. Now an effort is underway to raise money for a granite obelisk commemorating the 1862-63 service of brothers Tomas, Noah, Kendall, William, George and John Littleton.
The Littleton family had emigrated in the 1840s from Ohio to Toolesboro, Iowa, with the help of abolitionists and the Underground Railroad, but the mixed-race brothersdescribed as mulatto in the 1860 census evidently passed for white and served in white Civil War units. Both parents died before the war ended. One brother died in Andersonville Prison in Georgia. Another drowned while serving in Missouri. The others died in combat or from combat-related illnesses. Contributions for the monument can be sent to LCHS Littleton Fund, P.O. Box 302, Wapello, IA, 52653.
50 Brides for Seven Brothers
Polygamy among early Mormons is no secret, but the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints itself has now brought the surprising origins of the practice to light in a lengthy essay posted on its website in 2014. The essay details how Mormon founder Joseph Smith introduced the practice in the 1830s after what he described as three divine revelations, but he did not document it until 1843, a year before his death. The early church never formalized plural marriages, which were not legal, but Smith conducted ceremonies in private. A footnote in the essay estimates that Smith may have had 30 to 40 wives. Ten were teens, and some of the others were already married.
Church leaders were apparently motivated to publish the essay in an effort to grapple with questions raised by information widely available on the Internet. According to a November 10, 2014, New York Times article, many Mormons had believed that the practice of polygamy originated with Brigham Young, Smiths successor. But the church essay claims that in addition to Smith and his wives, 29 men and 50 women had entered into plural marriage by the time of the founders death in 1844.
Interestingly, the essay addresses the attitudesranging from reluctance to abhorrenceboth female and male members faced in entering plural marriages. In fact, Emma Smith, Josephs first wife, denied in 1860 that her husband engaged in polygamy.
The LDS Church has also digitized Joseph Smiths letters, diaries and revelations. They are available online at josephsmithpapers.org/the-papers.
Emmett Till Commemorated
On November 17, 2014, a small group gathered on Capitol Hill around a newly planted American sycamore to commemorate Emmett Till, the 14-yearold African-American boy who was killed in Mississippi in 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) sponsored the event, which was attended by Attorney General Eric Holder, both senators from Mississippi and Janet Cohen, author of Anne and Emmett, a play about an imagined conversation between Holocaust victim Anne Frank and Till. Cohen, the wife of William Cohen, former Maine senator and secretary of defense under President Bill Clinton, came up with the idea for the memorial.
New Walt Whitman Poem Found
While researching in the Library of Congress, art history professor Wendy Katz noticed a poem by an author with the initials W.W. in the June 23, 1842, issue of the newspaper New Era. Katz, whose husband happens to be a Walt Whitman scholar, immediately wondered if the author was Whitman, who would have been 23 at the time. Trough subsequent research published in the Walt Whitman Quarterly Review, Katz has convinced her peers that the poem was indeed penned by the Brooklyn writer. The rhymes celebrate poet and New York Post editor William Cullen Bryant, who was a friend of Whitmans and who had written favorably about Whitman a few days before. Whitman was making his way in the newspaper world of New York City and had not yet begun publishing the unconventional free verse that would make him famous.
Women Studied
The New-York Historical Society announced plans for a new Center for the Study of Womens History, which will be part of the Henry Luce III Center for the Study of American Culture. Slated to open in December 2016, the center will have both permanent and rotating exhibitions. Among its features will be a theater, conference room and exhibit showcasing the achievements of New York women at the turn of the 20th century and their contribution to women getting the vote.
Canal House on Mall to Be Restored
The oldest structure on the National Mall, a small, dilapidated stone house at the busy corner of 17th Street and Constitution Avenue, will be restored, thanks to a million-dollar grant from American Express. The house was constructed in 1836 for the toll-taker who managed the lock gates for the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal that ran along what is now the Mall. Railroads put the canal out of business in 1873, and the house was used as a shed. The grant will also support moving the house 32 feet back from the roadway.
Saving Federal Electronic Records
On November 26 President Obama signed into law an act strengthening the preservation of federal government records. The act expanded the definition of federal records to include electronic records; establishes that electronic records will be transferred to the National Archives in electronic form; and clarifies the responsibilities of federal government officials when using non-governmental e-mail systems. It also establishes the procedure by which former and incumbent presidents review presidential records for executive privilege. The revision is the first change to the law regarding archiving procedures since the Federal Records Act of 1950.
Originally published in the April 2015 issue of American History. To subscribe, click here.
If youre not looking for it, you might drive right past it. Some people riding through Wharton State Forest near Tabernacle, N.J., look for it and south of Red Lion Circle, bear of Route 206 onto Carranza Road. Keep an eye to the still miss it. About a mile right, and in a lonely clearing, youll find the 12-foot monument, erected in 1931 and paid for by contributions of pesos from Mexican children and pennies from local school kids. The giant stone pylon is surrounded by yucca plantsnot native to New Jersey but doing well in the sandy soil.
On the face is a carving of an Aztec eagle plummeting to earth, and on the back, an arrow rising to the heavens. On the sides are inscriptions. The Spanish one tells you that the memorial is dedicated to Capitan aviator Emilio Carranza, muerto tragicamente el 12 de Julio 1928; the English one notes that The Lone Eagle of Mexico, or Mexicos Lindbergh, died while flying from New York to Mexico City.
For a brief, shining moment in 1928, Carranza was an international hero, possibly the most famous man in Mexico. His face appeared in newspapers, magazines and newsreels all over North America, Latin America and Europe. Eighty-seven years later, his fame outside his native country is confined to the residents of a few tiny towns in a New Jersey pine forest.
The Carranza family was almost royalty. Emilio was born December 9, 1905, in the town of Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, the fourth child of Sebastian Carranza Cepeda and Maria Dolores Rodriguez Gomez. He was the nephew of General Alberto Salinas Carranza, one of Mexicos aviation pioneers and the first director of the School of Military Aviation of Mexico. He was also the grandnephew of Don Venustiano Carranza, a military commander during the Mexican Revolution and the first constitutional president of the grand republic of Mexico, who was assassinated in a 1920 rebellion.
People in the family always talked about how, as a young boy, Emilio loved airplanes, said one of Carranzas descendants. When he was only 11 his favorite pastime was visiting the flying school. At 18, Emilio became a student at the academy; three years later he was declared a Pilot of Aviation after test flying a Mexican-built Avro biplane. In 1924 he became a national hero flying for the government against rebels in the north.
Not surprisingly, the young aviators idol was Charles Lindbergh. Like Lindbergh, he flew a Ryan Brougham B-1 monoplane. Named the Mexico-Excelsior, it was built in San Diego by the B.F. Mahoney Aircraft Corporation and was a virtual twin of Lindberghs Spirit of St. Louis. In September 1927 Carranza made the 965-mile nonstop flight from Mexico City to Ciudad Juarez, landing on the same day that Lindbergh arrived in El Paso, Texas, just across the Rio Grande. The two became friendly, and they renewed their acquaintance three months later when Lindbergh made a goodwill fight from Washington, D.C., to Mexico City. The trip was promoted by Dwight Morrow, newly appointed American ambassador to Mexico, former consultant on U.S. aviation policy and Lindberghs future father-in-law, who recognized the potential benefits of air travel to diplomacy.
Such a gesture had been sorely needed for years. Pancho Villas raid on Columbus, N.M., in 1916, in the midst of the Mexican Revolution, and General John Pershings subsequent pursuit of Villa across the border angered many Americans and bewildered many more who were unsure which factions in the Mexican war held the moral high ground. (Just a few years earlier, the propaganda film The Life of General Villa had many in American movie theaters cheering the rebels.) In 1917 the infamous Zimmerman telegram, in which the German empire attempted to lure Mexico into a World War I military alliance against the United States, enraged Americans and left many questioning Mexicos loyalty to its northern neighbor.
Business relations between Mexico and the United States also took a turn for the worse in 1917 when, according to historian David W. Dent in the Encyclopedia of Modern Mexico, Article 27 of the newly signed Mexican constitution overturned the liberal exploration and ownership laws which had encouraged foreign investment in mining and oil, and the tradition of state ownership of mineral rights became the law of the land. This revolutionary change did not go over well with the foreign oil companies, and they soon found themselves in constant conflict with the Mexican government.
As border tensions simmered, Carranza decided to return Lindberghs gesture. An April 22, 1928, Associated Press story from Mexico City reported that public subscriptions for funds to enable Captain Emilio Carranza to return Lindberghs compliment to Mexico by making a non-stop Good-will fight from this city to Washington closed today with $25,000 in hand. After a successful nonstop 1,440-mile fight from San Diego to Mexico City on May 24-25, Carranza started planning his fight to the U.S. capital.
On June 5 the New York Times reported that the Mexican Embassy was advised today that Captain Emilio Carranza of the Mexican Aviation Service will undertake his non-stop fightthe latter part of this week, the date depending on weather conditions. Captain Carranza took off on June 11, with the press, officials from the Mexican government and his bride of six months, Maria Luisa Corbala, there to see him of.
The fight went as planned until the Mexico-Excelsior reached North Carolina. Unusually thick fog forced an emergency landing. The next day Carranza completed the journey to Washington, where he was received by President Calvin Coolidge, flanked by scores of journalists. From there it was on to Roosevelt Field on Long Island, where his father, Sebastian, who was working at the Mexican consulate in New York, was the first to greet him. Never one to miss a photo opportunity, New Yorks glad-handing mayor, Jimmy Walker, presented Carranza with a key to the city. A banquet in Carranzas honor included an impressive guest list: Coolidge; Walker; Charlie Chaplin, the worlds most popular movie star; and former heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey. After the dinner, Carranza announced that he was planning to undertake the longest solo fight ever attempted in the Americas: New York to Mexico City. But the early summer weather wasnt cooperating; every day a new series of thunderstorms cropped up, and the frustrated captain had to postpone his fight.
During his stay in New York, Carranza was a busy man. On June 28 he was the guest of honor at a banquet hosted by the American Syrian Federation in Brooklyn. Significant numbers of Syrians had immigrated to the Americas since the turn of the century, and Carranza told his hosts that Syrians in Mexico had contributed a third of the money to pay for his fight to the United States. The federation presented him with a wristwatch and a scroll written in Arabic. On another day, he flew the short distance to West Point to present the academy with a photo of the Mexican Aviation Society.
The turbulent weather continued. Friends, Lindbergh among them, urged Carranza to put of his trip until the summer storm season was over. But on July 12, while at dinner at the Waldorf Astoria, Carranza ordered his plane readied. The pilot rushed to Roosevelt Field, where officials handed him a telegram from the U.S. Weather Bureau in Washington: Partly cloudy to cloudy sky New York to New Orleans with local thunderstorms. He was cautioned against leaving but would not be dissuaded. During a break in a fierce electrical storm, he took off to the cheers of several hundred well-wishers. The time was 7:18 p.m.
Carranzas fight plan took him over New Jersey. In the dark of night, the Mexico-Excelsior, laden with extra fuel, disappeared. When no sightings were reported in the first few hours of July 13, Americans and Mexicans alike became frantic. In the early afternoon, John Henry Carr, to be identified later in the New York Times as a woodsman and berry picker, was out in the Pines with his wife and mother gathering wild blueberries. They came upon the wreckage. Carr went into the brush and found a wing of the plane and, finally, Carranzas body. Carr drove eight miles to Chatsworth to get help, telephoning a Burlington County detective, who drove 20 miles to the site with the county coroner. (The Mexican government later presented Carr with $500 as a token of gratitude.)
The wreckage was scattered over about a quarter of a mile; both wings had been shorn off the plane. Carranzas watch was found 35 feet from his body; it had stopped at 4:45. His leather helmet, shredded, was a short distance away.
Stories sprang up quickly. One involved the parachute Carranza was known to have had brought aboard; no trace of it was ever found. The county detective speculated that Carranza had jumped from the plane after it struck the treetops. Others thought that the body wasnt far enough from the fuselage to support that conclusion. A few residents of the Sandy Ridge area of the Pine Barrens recalled hearing what sounded like an airplane engine sputtering overhead on the night of the crash. There were reports that a small plane had tried to land near Trenton as the storm approached, its pilot dropping a yellow fare before turning back toward the Pine Barrens. The reports were never verified.
Yet another storyentirely without documentationwas that hoof prints were found around the crash site, indicating that the mythical monster of the Pine Barrens, the Jersey Devil, was actually the first to discover the wreckage.
There has never been a consensus about the cause of the crash. The first of two leading theories was that lightning had struck the planeone of the wings and Carranzas leather fight jacket were charred. The other was that Carranza had been flying low, looking for a spot to land, when the plane hit trees and flipped over into the soft bog. The flashlight found in the aviators handin fact, jammed through his palm by the force of the crashwas thought to support that theory. What neither theory could explain was a purse in his jacket pocket containing $70 in U.S. currency torn to pieces.
People also questioned why Carranza insisted on taking of in the foul weather. A story circulated that before he left the Waldorf Astoria, Carranza had received a telegram from General Joaquin Amaro, head of the Mexican War Ministry, ordering the pilot to return to Mexico City: Leave immediately without excuse or pretext, or the quality of your manhood will be in doubt. The existence of the telegram has never been proven; some thought that the story was fabricated to blame Amaro for the accident. (Amaro sided with the rebels in the 1920 coup that had overthrown the president, Carranzas grand uncle Venustiano, and was unpopular with the old guard of the Mexican military, who resented his reforms.)
The pilots body was recovered by members of Mount Holly American Legion Post 11 and carried to a local garage. Legion members and Army officers from Camp (now Fort) Dix, in Trenton, draped his coffin with an American fag. (Today the fag hangs in the lobby of Mexicos School of Aviation.) At the request of the Mexican government, Carranza was transported to New York. His body lay in state at a local funeral home, and the public was admitted for several hours to view the hero, dressed in a captains uniform of the Mexican air corps. Funeral services were held in New York on July 18.
From the summer White House in Wisconsin, President Coolidge sent a personal message of condolence to Mexican president Plutarco Elias Calles and offered the USS Florida to carry Carranzas body home. President Calles declined the U.S. Navys services and asked that the body be sent by rail to Laredo, Texas. From there, family members and a contingent of dignitaries escorted it back to Mexico City for burial. A headline in the Chicago Tribune told Americans- Mexico sorrows over death of its flying ace. All over the United States, Carranzas virtues were extolled. Mayor Jimmy Walker, vacationing in San Diego, told reporters that Carranzas death was a severe shock to me and to the people of New York, who developed an intense admiration for his charming personality and courageous daring.
Emilio Carranza was posthumously promoted to general. To mark the first anniversary of his death, Mexico issued a set of six airmail stamps in his memory.
In 1929 Legion Post 11 organized the first memorial service at the Carranza crash site, making a solemn pledge to conduct a pilgrimage each year and pay honor to the memory of Emilio Carranza and to keep his mission of good will and peace alive. For 86 years that promise has remained unbroken. More than 150 people, including members of the extended Carranza family, attended the ceremony on July 12, 2014. Emilios only child, a son born after his death, had died of appendicitis before his 6th birthday, but scores of nieces, nephews and cousins have kept the family name alive. Missing from the ceremony, however, was a distant cousin, Sergio Emilio Carranza, who was killed in January 2014 when a private plane he was copiloting crashed in Vail, Colo. Representatives from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Girl and Boy Scouts of America, New Jersey State Police and Burlington County sheriff s office regularly participate in the annual ceremonies. In 2014 Maj. Gen. Victor Hugo Aguirre Serna of the Mexican Embassy in Washington represented the Mexican government. The Legionnaires reenacted the carrying of Carranzas body from the crash site, accompanied by the spiritual-like Goin Home, adapted from Antonin Dvoraks New World Symphony. More than a few wept openly. Floral tributes and wreaths were presented and heaped around a photo of the handsome young captain. A single plane from the Civil Air Patrol few overhead in his honor.
After the service, the Ballet Folklorico of New York performed. Stephen Lee, deputy mayor of Tabernacle, presented Ismael (Mel) Carranza, a distant cousin of Captain Carranza, and his nephew Sergio Rodriguez Carranza with an altimeter Lees grandfather recovered from the wreckage in 1928. My familys house was in Speedwell, Lee says. The Excelsiors fight path went right over it. I remember my aunt saying that she could hear the planes engine. My grandfather was searching the woods at first light and found it.
Mel Carranza, a Korean War veteran and retired commercial pilot who lives in Grapevine, Texas, expressed his gratitude for the gif. Family members planned to accompany the altimeter on a flight from New York to Mexico, fulfilling the aviators mission.
But his real mission, said Sergio, was creating good will between Mexico and the United States. Weve closed the fight log, but that mission goes on.
Allen Barra is a former editor at American Heritage and writes regularly for the Wall Street Journal, Daily Beast and TheAtlantic.com.
Originally published in the April 2015 issue of American History. To subscribe, click here.
On April 9, 1865, Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox. Lt. Col. Ely Parker, Grants military secretary and a Seneca Indian, recalled that Lee shook his hand and said, I am glad to see one real American here.
Parker replied, We are all Americans.
Its a storybook ending to four nightmarish years, emphasizing Lees grace in defeat and Grants compassion in victory as the nation turned toward the task of rebuilding. For many Americans, Appomattox marks the end of the Civil War, and Parker represents the involvement of Native Americans in it. But the wars real end came months later, an unheralded event outside any state borders, in Indian Territory.
The man who surrendered there, on June 23, had never been an American citizen. He was Brig. Gen. Stand Watie, commander of the 1st Indian Brigade of the Confederate Army of the Trans-Mississippi and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation in what is now Oklahoma. Watie had been fighting two civil wars one against the United States and another against fellow Cherokees.
CHEROKEE WARS
The latter began more than three decades earlier. Watie, who was born in Georgia, was part of a small, unauthorized group of Cherokees who negotiated the 1835 Treaty of New Echota that ceded the Cherokee homeland in Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee to the United States for a promised payment of $5 million. In return, the Cherokees would be moved west of the Mississippi River and settled with the other tribes displaced from the Southeast the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole.
Cherokee principal chief John Ross, duly elected by the National Council under the tribes constitution of 1827, represented the vast majority of Cherokees, who opposed removal. Watie, by contrast, regarded most Cherokees as poorly informed on the issue and felt justified in acting in what he interpreted as the peoples best interest, even if it was contrary to popular will. Many Cherokees, especially those who lost friends and relatives on the thousand-mile Trail of Tears during the brutally cold winter of 1838-39, never forgave Watie and his cohorts, three of whom were murdered by Ross supporters.
One of those killed was Waties brother Elias Boudinot (who had adopted the name of a New Jersey statesman and Indian rights advocate). As Watie sought vengeance, personal disputes took on political meaning and common criminals took advantage of the situation. Te resultant turmoil in the Cherokee Nation lasted eight years. Finally, in August 1846, the warring parties signed a treaty that brought an uneasy peace. Ross and Watie shook hands, but their animosity continued to simmer.
Despite their opposing positions, Ross and Watie had much in common. Both spoke English and had some formal education Ross with tutors and Watie in mission schools. Both owned plantations and slaves before and after removal. Both were engaged in commerce: Ross and his brother won the contract to provision Cherokees on their trek west; Watie ran his own store. But the tragedy of removal set the two men on separate paths that further diverged as the Civil War began.
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THE CIVIL WAR LOOMS
The Cherokee Nation could not ignore the impending storm because its law recognized and protected slavery. It was longstanding Cherokee practice to hold war captives in a kind of bondage. But in the 1790s, the United States began promoting commercial agriculture in an effort to civilize the Indians, and Cherokees with capital invested in African American slave labor, just like their white Southern neighbors. By the time of removal, Cherokees held 1,592 African-American slaves; in 1860 the number stood at 2,511, or 15 percent of the total Cherokee population.
Fewer than 3 percent of Cherokees actually held slaves, but the rest did not actively oppose slavery until war threatened. Encouraged by antislavery missionaries, some non-slaveholding Cherokees joined the Keetoowahs, or Pins (for the crossed pins they wore under their jacket lapels), a group of cultural traditionalists. As pro-secession Cherokees became more active, the Pins became more overtly pro-Union and antislavery.
John Ross addressed the division in a speech to the National Council on Oct. 7, 1860, in Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation. With slave-holding states to the east and south of the Cherokee Nation and slaveholders among the Cherokees, he acknowledged, Our locality and situation ally us to the South. But from the North came the defense of our rights in the past and that enlarged benevolence to which we owe our progress in civilization, that is, the Union had once protected Cherokee lands and supported missions. Therefore, Ross proclaimed, the only feasible solution was for the Cherokee Nation to honor its treaties with the United States and remain neutral.
Watie disagreed. He fanned anti-Union sentiment by spreading unfounded rumors such as the imminent replacement of Southern, pro-slavery Indian agents with abolitionist supporters of the new Republican Party and organized the pro-Confederate Knights of the Golden Circle. Most of his followers were slaveholders, but many non-slaveholders sided with the Confederacy because of their memories of the removal conflict and resentment of Ross power as principal chief. One Watie supporter wrote that the secession crisis provided his allies with an opportunity to defeat this old Dominant Party that for years has had its foot upon our necks.
CONFEDERATE CHEROKEES
In the winter and spring of 1861, Indian nations neighboring the Cherokee signed treaties with the Confederacy, Arkansas and Texas seceded from the Union and Federal troops withdrew from Indian Territory to Kansas, leaving the Cherokee Nation vulnerable to invasion. In July, Watie began enlisting recruits in the 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles, a Southern cavalry battalion. By August Ross had concluded that a Confederate alliance was unavoidable, and in October the Cherokee Nation signed a treaty with generous terms. The Confederate government agreed to let the Cherokees sell parcels of land in Indian Territory, something the United States had refused to do. The treaty also guaranteed Cherokee investments and annuities. Finally, the Confederates offered the Cherokees a representative in the Confederate Congress, something the United States never even contemplated. (Waties nephew Elias Cornelius Boudinot was elected to the Confederate House of Representatives and served until the end of the war.)
Ross commissioned another prominent Cherokee, John Drew, to raise a regiment separate from Waties battalion but also named the 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles to defend the Cherokee Nation and serve the Confederacy. When the Confederates formed the Trans-Mississippi Department in 1862, both Watie and Drew received the rank of colonel and Waties unit became the 2nd Cherokee Mounted Rifles. All were in the Confederate Army, but Waties and Drews soldiers differed dramatically. Waties men were pro-slavery and ardent Confederates. Some members of Drews regiment were abolitionists, and others, including Drew, were slaveholders, but most were ambivalent about slavery and their military service. One antislavery Baptist missionary to the Cherokees described these nominal Confederates as decidedly loyal Union men. Their first military engagements validated his view.
Neighboring Creeks and Seminoles, like the Cherokees, were divided over the issue of a Confederate alliance and the Union sympathizers came to be known as Loyal Creeks. In fall 1861, some 2,500 of these Indians along with several African Americans assembled at the plantation of the Creek headman (and slaveholder) Opothle Yoholo and headed north for the Union state of Kansas.
FRATERNAL FIGHTING
On Nov. 19, Choctaw and Chickasaw soldiers under Confederate colonel Douglas Cooper found the Creek camp at Round Mountain in the Creek Nation, but the Loyal Creeks drove the Confederates back and covered their retreat with a grass fire. More than 100 Creeks died, but all of the survivors escaped.
Although they had few supplies, the Loyal Creeks struggled north in deteriorating weather. On Dec. 9, a bloody skirmish at Chusto-Talasah with Col. Drews 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles cost the Loyal Creeks as many as 500 men. But the cost for the Confederates was also high: Many of Drews soldiers deserted. Some joined Opothle Yoholos fight to Kansas while others simply went back to the Cherokee Nation.
A third attack, at Chustenahlah on Dec. 26, killed approximately 250 Loyal Creeks, and nearly 200 women and children were captured. Colonel Watie arrived at the end of the battle and pursued the Creeks, killing approximately 100 more. When Opothle Yoholo and his followers finally made it to Kansas in early 1862, they were half-frozen and starving. The U.S. Army did little to help them, and conditions in their camps were deplorable.
I was prepared to see a set of poor, needy, and dependent creatures, but, sir, history will never correctly chronicle the extreme suffering of these Indians, a special agent to the refugee Indians reported to the commissioner of Indian Affairs in February.
Nevertheless, every day more Indians loyal to the Union arrived. Another Indian Affairs agent noted that more than 2,000 men, women and children, entirely barefooted [with] not rags enough to hide their nakedness, had relocated to Kansas, and the carcasses of as many as 1,500 dead ponies threatened the refugees already precarious health.
Scalping DESERTERS
Back in Tahlequah, Ross permitted Drews defecting officers to resign their commissions and granted amnesty to other deserters. The Confederacy made no effort to court-martial any of them, but Watie was not as forgiving. Among other incidents, Waties nephew killed and scalped a deserter from Drews regiment who, Watie claimed, had been hostile to southern people and their institutions. Tis act was merely a harbinger of the brutality to come. Waties wife, Sarah, wrote that the reports of atrocities almost runs me crazy, despite her belief that Unionists all deserve death.
Waties men and what was left of Drews regiment saw action again in March 1862, when Brig. Gen. Albert Pike, who had negotiated the Cherokee treaty with the Confederacy, led the Cherokees into Arkansas to counter a Union invasion. Although the Confederates lost that engagement, the Battle of Pea Ridge, the Cherokees initially distinguished themselves by routing two companies of the 3rd Iowa Cavalry and capturing three cannons. In the aftermath, however, the Cherokees scalped at least eight Iowans. Pike resigned his commission and faced a court-martial. The individuals responsible for the act were never identified, but the incident unleashed a torrent of negative press in the North protesting the Confederacys use of Aboriginal Corps of Tomahawks and Scalpers against the United States.
NORTHERN NATIVE AMERICAN FORCES
The Union Army, however, soon came to rely on Indian forces of its own. In May 1862 the Indian Home Guard organized in Kansas to drive out Confederates, and in June, the Home Guard joined a Union foray into Indian Territory. At Cowskin Prairie, Cherokee Nation, on June 6-7, they forced the retreat of Waties troops. A more substantial victory came on July 3, when U.S. forces, including 1,600 Indians, captured more than 100 Confederates as well as mules, wagons, ammunition, clothing and other supplies at Locust Grove. At Bayou Menard, on July 27, they defeated Watie again. Encouraged by these victories, 1,500 new recruits joined the Home Guard and formed two additional regiments, one of which comprised 600 former Confederates who had served under Drew.
The desertion of so many Cherokees from Drews command, Ross leniency and Cherokee enlistments in the Home Guard gave credence to the view that most Cherokees were pro-Union and that Chief Ross had been forced into a Confederate alliance. But when Union troops arrived in Tahlequah on July 15, Ross initially refused to meet with them out of respect for the Nations existing treaty with the Confederacy. They took the chief captive and retreated to Kansas with Ross, his family and the records and treasury of the Cherokee Nation. Ross was soon paroled and spent the rest of the war in Philadelphia and Washington pleading for the compassionate treatment of the Cherokees when the war ended.
RIPPING UP THE CONFEDERATE TREATY
Tomas Pegg, president of the Cherokee National Council, became acting principal chief. Previously a major in Drews regiment and probably a Keetoowah, Pegg also had served as a captain in the 3rd Indian Home Guard. Under his leadership, in February 1863 the Cherokee National Council revoked the Confederate treaty, deposed members who still supported the Confederacy and emancipated all slaves within the Cherokee Nation.
Col. Watie could not countenance such a move. After Ross capture and parole, he declared the office of principal chief vacant, appointed himself to the position and banned pro-Union public servants. The Cherokees now had two governments one constitutionally elected and pro-Union, the other self-proclaimed and pro-Southern. The latter promptly drafted all men between 16 and 35 into the Confederate Army and sent its soldiers to round up or kill men who avoided the draft. As a result, thousands of pro-Union Cherokees went into hiding or fed to Missouri or Kansas.
Abandoned
Many of those who left followed the Union troops from Tahlequah because, as some observers wrote to Ross, they had been robbed of all their means of subsistence, & their lives threatened. These Cherokees ended up first in a camp in Kansas, which they described as literally a grave yard. The Army then relocated them 120 miles to Missouri where they had adequate food and shelter but no clothing. When the Army sought in 1864 to move them yet again, they refused, whereupon the U.S. Superintendent of Indian Affairs, they charged, abandoned the care of the Indians entirely.
Those who remained behind in the Cherokee Nation suffered as well. Confederate guerrillas such as William Clarke Quantrill sporadically preyed upon them. One Cherokee recalled that they drove his mother out of the house and set fire to it, and burned the furniture, clothes, and everything.
Fellow Cherokees, however, presented a more constant danger. Hannah Hicks, a widow with five small children, wrote in her journal: We hear today that the Pins are committing outrages on Hungry mountain and Flint, robbing, destroying property & killing. It is so dreadful that they will do so. Last week, some of Waties men went and robbed the Rosses place up at the mill; completely ruined them. Alas, alas, for this miserable people, destroying each other as fast as they can.
Cherokee slaves also were victims of this internecine violence, sometimes perpetrated by Cherokees who regarded slaves as a major cause of the war. In the 1930s, former slave Chaney Richardson recalled that Cherokee masters worried about getting their horses and cattle killed and their slaves harmed. Because her master owned three or four families, them other Cherokees keep on pestering his stuff all the time. Ultimately, Richardsons mother was a victim. While she was collecting bark to set dyes, somebody done hit her in the head and shot her through with a bullet too. As Confederate fortunes shifted, some masters sold their slaves rather than risk total loss of their investment, and at least one slaveholder killed his elderly slaves rather than continue to feed them.
UNfriendly home
It was becoming increasingly difficult for Watie to operate within the Cherokee Nation. In April 1863, Federal troops occupied Fort Gibson and routed Waties men at Webbers Falls. On July 1-2 at Cabin Creek, Union troops fended of the Confederates as they attempted to capture a Union supply train bound for the fort. Confederate forces mobilized to retake the fort on July 17, but the Federals met them at Honey Springs in the Creek Nation and dealt the Confederates a resounding defeat.
To protect themselves and their slave property, some Confederate families, including that of Colonel Watie, moved south to the Choctaw Nation or to Texas. Life was hard. In December 1863, Waties wife, Sarah, wrote to him from Rusk, Texas, that she had not a scrap of meat or grease fit to use and that all but two of her children were bare of clothing.
For slaves, conditions were far worse. Sarah Wilson recalled that her Cherokee master, Ben Johnson, hired the slaves out to Texas people because he didnt make any crops down there and we all lived in kind of camps. Some families, including the Waties, took only the slaves they thought would be useful in Texas. In the process, they broke up families and left the most vulnerable in Indian Territory. The majority of Confederate refugees and their slaves spent at least two years in camps.
Chaos Reigns
Although the Union nominally controlled Indian Territory north of the Arkansas River after the summer of 1863, Confederate attacks continued, as did general lawlessness. Many Cherokees and African Americans took refuge at Fort Gibson, which had become a tent city where disease, including cholera, flourished. Supplying the fort and its civilian population was difficult. Since feeding the military was first priority, Chief Ross son wrote his father, women refugees had to pick up the scattered corn from where the horses and mules had been fed. The conditions at Fort Gibson and at the refugee camps in Kansas and Missouri led the chief to devote much of his time to raising funds for their relief.
In 1864, the Confederates enjoyed some success in Indian Territory. On June 15, as the vessel J.R. Williams, loaded with supplies, steamed up the Arkansas River toward Fort Gibson, Waties troops opened fire, destroying the smokestack and boiler. Watie reported that his men captured 150 barrels of four, 16,000 pounds of bacon, and [a] considerable quantity of store goods, which was very acceptable to the boys.
But the haul created another problem: Greater portions of the Creeks and Seminoles immediately broke off to carry their booty home. In September at Cabin Creek, Confederates took a Union supply train headed for Fort Gibson, relieving their own privation while intensifying that at the fort. I thought I would send you some clothes, Sarah Watie wrote to her husband, but I hear that you have done better than to wait on me for them.
That same month, Waties command surprised a group of soldiers that included troops from the 79th U.S. Colored Infantry who were cutting hay for livestock at the fort. Instead of accepting the surrender of the African Americans, the Confederates killed 40 of them. Such exploits earned Watie promotion to brigadier general, but his successes in the final year of the war did nothing to change the outcome.
THe End, AND AFTER
On April 9, Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia.; over the next two months, as rumors swirled that Waties troops were preparing for an attack on Kansas, the western Confederate armies also laid down their arms. Finally, on June 23, the war came to an official, and quiet, end. Brig. Gen. Stand Watie signed a treaty agreeing to cease hostilities and to have his troops return to their respective homes, and there remain at peace with the United States.
Nevertheless, in the Cherokee Nation, as in the United States, acrimony long endured. Perhaps as many as 8,000 men from Indian Territory fought for one side or the other during the war, but most of the 10,000 people who died were refugees. A substantial proportion were Cherokees, and those who survived returned to find their homes and farms in ruins. It is estimated that one in four Cherokee children was an orphan and one in three Cherokee women a widow. By some accounts, the Cherokees were in worse straits after the Civil War than they had been after removal from their homeland 30 years earlier.
Immediately after the war, the United States declared that the Cherokee Nation had forfeited all rights under previous treaties, and it refused to recognize Ross as principal chief. Furthermore, U.S. peace commissioners seemed much friendlier toward the Confederate Cherokees than they were toward the Unionists, largely because that wing favored land grants for railroad construction through Indian Territory.
Former Union and Confederate supporters, including Stand Watie, traveled to Washington, D.C., for negotiations. Although the United States had fought to preserve its Union, the postwar federal government sought to permanently divide the Cherokee Nation. President Andrew Johnson supported a treaty that created a separate Southern Cherokee Nation, but Ross, who was in failing health, argued persuasively against it. On July 19, 1866, after Watie had returned west, Ross prevailed with a treaty that kept the Nation intact while it restored property to Southern Cherokees and permitted former Confederates to move into a district between the Canadian and Arkansas rivers. Former Union and Confederate supporters, including Stand Watie, traveled to Washington, D.C., for negotiations. Although the United States had fought to preserve its Union, the postwar federal government sought to permanently divide the Cherokee Nation. President Andrew Johnson supported a treaty that created a separate Southern Cherokee Nation, but Ross, who was in failing health, argued persuasively against it. On July 19, 1866, after Watie had returned west, Ross prevailed with a treaty that kept the Nation intact while it restored property to Southern Cherokees and permitted former Confederates to move into a district between the Canadian and Arkansas rivers. Upon Ross death, the National Council voted for his nephew, W.P. Ross, to succeed him as principal chief. Waties followers feared reprisals, and old enmities soon came to the fore, Arkansas rivers. The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty on July 27; five days later, on August 1, Ross died.
OLD GRUDGES
Upon Ross death, the National Council voted for his nephew, W.P. Ross, to succeed him as principal chief. Waties followers feared reprisals, and old enmities soon came to the fore, but most Cherokees had had enough conflict. In 1867, Lewis Downing, a Pin who chose to speak only Cherokee and who had served in the 3rd Indian Home Guard, was elected principal chief on a platform of national reconciliation. Stand Watie and his family, who had been living in the Choctaw Nation, returned to the Cherokee Nation and rebuilt their home at Honey Creek, where they had settled after the removal. He died there in 1871.
The Cherokee Nation continues to debate issues rooted in the Civil War and its aftermath. The 1866 treaty that technically put the Nation back together also emancipated its slaves and granted those freedmen all the rights of native Cherokees. An amendment to the tribal constitution made all former Cherokee slaves resident in the nation by Jan. 19, 1867, citizens of the Cherokee Nation. But the role of descendants of former slaves in the Nation remains a contentious issue.
In March 2007, the Cherokees approved a constitutional amendment to exclude from citizenship descendants of freedmen who were not listed as Cherokees by blood on the official tribal roll. The question is, does their exclusion violate the treaty of 1866? A legal case arising from this vote made its way before the U.S. District Court in Oklahoma . Slavery, the Civil War and Reconstruction laid the groundwork for this controversy, just as removal contributed to Cherokee engagement in the Civil War.
Theda Perdue is Atlanta Distinguished Professor Emerita of Southern Culture, History and American Studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is the author or editor of 15 books, primarily on American Indians.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
Trend:
Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 33 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry Dec. 15.
Armenian army was using large-caliber machine guns.
The Azerbaijani army positions located in the Gaymagli village and on nameless heights of Azerbaijans Gazakh district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located in the Paravakar village of the Ijevan district and Barekamavan village of the Noyemberyan district of Armenia.
Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani army positions located in the Alibayli village of Azerbaijans Tovuz district were shelled from the Armenian army positions located in the Mosesgekh village of Armenias Berd district.
Moreover, the Azerbaijani army positions also underwent fire from the Armenian positions located near the Armenian-occupied Goyarkh and Chilaburt villages of the Tartar district, Shikhlar and Javahirli villages of the Aghdam district, Kuropatkino village of the Khojavand district, Garakhanbayli village of the Fuzuli district, as well as from the positions located on nameless heights of the Goranboy, Tartar, Khojavand and Fuzuli districts.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
When Will Rogers met Benito Mussolini in 1926, the cowboy comic knew what he hoped to discuss with the Fascist dictatorIl Duces creative use of castor oil to humiliate political enemies.
Rogers, 46, was a star of stage, screen, and radio. He had a syndicated newspaper column in which he poked gentle fun at politicians and other newsmakers in the droll voice of the Oklahoma cowboy hed once been. He was beloved as a folksy American everyman.
In 1926, Rogers traveled Europe for The Saturday Evening Post, writing humorous commentary. After London, Paris, and Geneva, he arrived in Rome and arranged to meet Mussolini. Rogers first toured Rome. He dismissed the city, whose main attractions, he found, were old churches and old paintings. I dont want to see a lot of old Pictures, he wrote. If I wanted to see old Pictures I would get D.W. Griffith to revive the Birth of a Nation. Thats the best old Picture.
But Mussolini did impress Rogers. The Fascist, who had ruled Italy since 1922, received much praise in the international press for bringing order to his chaotic country. But hed also imposed dictatorial rule. In 1924, BlackshirtsMussolinis pet thugskidnapped and murdered the leader of the Socialist party. As Rogers studied Mussolini, he learned about the dictators favorite disciplinary toolcastor oil. Blackshirts would seize a foe, rough him up, strap him to a chair, and pour the laxative down his throat. Once the fellow soiled himself, the Blackshirts would send him home sick, hurting, and humiliated.
Rogers found this stratagem hilarious. I know of nothing that would lessen a mans political aspirations more than this, he wrote. Just think of the possibilities not only in Italy but in our country.
Rogers meant to bring up castor oil because it showed that the man must have humor. Entering Mussolinis office with a translator, Rogers grinned. He wanted to see if the famously dour dictator would grin back. Mussolini did, with a stiff-armed Fascist salute.
Interview? Mussolini asked in English.
No interview, Rogers replied.
Hurray. Bravo, Mussolini replied. No interview.
Rogers said hed come to see if his host was a regular guy. You hold a lot of different jobs here, he said. Mussolini, who tended to dismiss ministers and name himself to replace them, counted his current assignments on his fingers. One, two, three, four, five, six. Mesix ministers.
How much do you get for being all these? Rogers asked.
Oh, not so much, Mussolini replied. About $1,000 a year.
Rogers said hed make more in America. Both laughed, so Rogers pressed: Had Mussolini invented the castor oil treatment?
Mussolini winked. Very good, eh?
He seemed rather proud of the idea, Rogers wrote later, and I dont blame him.
Delighted that an American appreciated his torturous innovation, Mussolini elaborated. One fellow, he not so bad, we give him half-liter, he said, laughing. Next fellow, he bad boy, we give him one liter.
Rogers asked Mussolini to sell him the recipe so he could dose U.S. senators engaging in filibusters. Congressmen were not so bad, Rogers added, so hed give them only half a liter. The two men laughed.
Rogers said he was going to Russia. Oh, Russia, Mussolini said. You take recipe to Russia. Very good for Russiacastor oil. I give you free. And they laughed again.
Rogers had covered an international disarmament conference in Geneva. What did Il Duce think about disarmament?
No disarmament, Mussolini said, laughing. We disarm when England disarm at sea, when France disarm in air and land. So you see we never have to disarm. He riffed on international conferences: They appoint committee. Committee appoint committee. This committee appoint committee to appoint another committee, round and round, like a dog biting its own tail.
After a half-hour, Mussolini called an aide, who scurried off, returning with a photo of Il Duce on horseback the dictator autographed for Rogers.
Taking his cue, Rogers said he had one final question: Did Mussolini have a message for Italian-Americans?
Tell them Mussolini is a regular guy. Is that the right Anglais? It was, so the dictator continued. Mussolini laugh, gay, like good time, same as everybody else. You tell that about Mussolini.
Rogers obeyed. Il Duce keeps getting better all the time, he wrote. He is the only idealist that ever could make it workDictator form of government is the greatest form of government there is, if you have the right Dictator. Well, these folks have certainly got him.
Rogers had a man-crush on Mussolini for years. He has done more things for his country since the war than any hundred men in any other country, he wrote in 1929. Four years later, Rogers was at it again: Mussolini could run this country with his eyes shut. In fact, thats the way our Congress has been running it. Mussolini, with no money, no natural resourcesno nothinghas kept his country going, while us, with a surplus of everything under the sun, are mangy with representatives and liberty. But we cant digest either one of em.
Rogers abhorred colonialism and war, so Il Duces October 1935 invasion of Ethiopia might have soured him on the Italian leader. Well never know; two months earlier, Rogers had died in a plane crash in Alaska.
This story was originally published in the July/August 2016 issue of American History magazine. Subscribe here.
According to recent study conducted by University College London (UCL), scientists examined the evolution of baculum, also known as penis bone. Their study findings revealed that unlike other mammals, humans do not have a penis bone and now they know why.
The study revealed that first bacula was found in mammals between 145 and 95 million years ago. Since then, the baculum size varied in animals, being large in some and smaller in others, The Washington Post reported.
Scientists discovered that the penis bone is longer in makes who engage in longer sex. When the act of penetration is longer than three minutes, known as prolonged intromission, it helped males to not only impregnate the female but also kept other male contenders at bay.
However, 1.9 million years ago, the concept of monogamy emerged amongst homo erectus and the need for prolonged sex was greatly reduced. As a result, the need for baculum became redundant, causing evolution to eliminate its need altogether, The Guardian noted.
The researchers also added that the average time between penetration and ejaculation for a regular male is less than two minutes.
The study was conducted by Kit Opie and Matilda Brindle of UCL who believed that men lost their penis bone due to evolution after monogamy surfaced as the primary reproductiove strategy.
The duo also explains that the change in mating systems would have been the final straw that led to complete disappearance of an already diminishing baculum in ancestral human men.
Another interesting theory is a religious reference that explains why men today do not have penis bone. According to Biblical professor Ziony Zevit, God made Eve using Adam's penis bone and not the rib. He argues that the word "tsela" in Hebrew means "limbs sticking out sideways from an upright human body" and not ribs that it is commonly believed to be.
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Hell broke loose in the U.S. this year over reports that accused Russia of interfering in the presidential election and helping Donald Trump win it against Hillary Clinton, who is known to be a strong critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Though President-elect Trump and his team blasted the intelligence agencies saying the reports were "ridiculous" and made up more excuses, intelligence officials are now highly confident that even Putin was personally in touch with the covert campaign by Russia to interfere in the election, an NBC News said.
According to two senior officials who had direct access to the information, new intelligence reports showed how Putin directed the use of material hacked from the Democrats, the news report added. Diplomatic sources and spies working for allies of the U.S. sent the sensational report, it was learnt from the officials.
What was the goal of this? According to a highly placed intelligence source, the Russian president had a number of objectives to meet through this, the report said. From a crusade against Clinton to an effort to expose American politics and also to hurt the U.S.'s allies' reliance on Washington as a global leader - the reasons were many, the source said.
Putin was particularly upset with Clinton over her role in criticizing the Russian parliamentary election in 2011. Clinton, who was the secretary of state then, was among many Western critics who had accused Putin of rigging that election through fraud.
The latest revelation will certainly hit an already strained relation between the U.S. and Russia. On the top of it, the choice of ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson, a man who is known to have close ties with Russia, as the next secretary of state by Trump, will heighten the prevailing tension in the U.S. over the Russia connection.
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Kate Middleton and Prince William are not yet done with all the troubles they are facing at this moment and controversies just keep on chasing them with Queen Elizabeth on the scene.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are in the center of a crucial drama and controversy as rumors of their impending divorce is making rounds online. It has been speculated that Kate was in tears after hearing and learning what William and Queen Elizabeth have said.
What could have come out from the two royals that made Kate devastated and crushed? As per InTouch Weekly magazine, the Queen and William don't want another baby and the Duchess was shattered upon learning this. She felt she was betrayed and thought that it was not just fair for her.
Besides, if Kate Middleton is really pregnant with her third baby with Prince William, people would see no reason for the Queen to feel disgusted about it. If that report is true after all, then it would be the opposite since the third royal baby should keep William and Kate's marriage not apart.
Because of this, Kate feels the need to quit from the royal family as she thinks that it is more important to protect her family rather than please Queen Elizabeth. Worse, it looks like William is with the Queen because what the Queen does and wants, he should follow them. Simply, the Duke of Cambridge is caught between his wife and Queen Elizabeth.
Speculations are rife that Kate Middleton will be the one to initiate the divorce since she can no longer handle the pressures and betrayals that the member of the royal family are throwing at her. Supposedly, Prince William should be the first to assuage her and protect his family, but what happened is the contrary. He cannot go against his beloved grandmother.
Well, Kate is definitely feeling hopeless at these days more so that William seems to have betrayed her. It would be a guarantee that a lot of people will feel disgusted once Kate Middleton will already file for divorce from Prince William with Queen Elizabeth's consent.
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Prince William is said to be ready to divorce Kate Middleton with the consent of Queen Elizabeth. The Duke of Cambridge can no longer handle the pressures brought about by his responsibilities as the second heir to the throne and the betrayal issues with the Duchess.
Kate and William's divorce is spreading like a wildfire as rumors about it is filling most of the news and the media. However, the Palace did not yet issue any remark to neither confirm nor deny the speculations though there are reports that could be good hints and indications that might lead to the royal split.
It can be recalled that Kate and Queen Elizabeth have a rift over certain matters like rearing Prince George and Princess Charlotte and the way she handles her royal duties and commitments. Kate has been considered as work-shy when it comes to attending royal events and obligations.
The report also added that Queen Elizabeth already gave her consent to Prince William for his plan to split from Kate Middleton. So the Queen also wants the royal couple to divorce? If this is the case then it looks like Prince Charles and Princess Diana's case will be re-enacted.
Well, many are hoping that Prince William and Kate Middleton's marriage will last amidst the challenges and troubles they face like the third baby miscarriage rumors as per InTouch Weekly magazine. It has been speculated that William was saddened with the news that Kate's third pregnancy was unsuccessful because of miscarriage. This also gave Prince William the reason to lose hope then resorted to divorcing Kate Middleton.
Prince William also disclosed his difficulties when it comes to rearing their two children but she was thankful for Kate Middleton for the support she is giving him and that he admired her for being a wonderful mother and wife. But why is this royal divorce issue keeps on escalating?
People started to speculate that Prince William is already showing sign and indications for a possible divorce with Kate Middleton more so that Queen Elizabeth has been rumored to have already given her consent.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship has taken the media and their followers by storm as everyone is curious to know when they would tie the knot? Well, the chances of the wedding are fairly bright as both are only getting closer inspite of Kate Middleton's insecurity over their relationship.
Both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were recently spotted together enjoying a romantic date in London when they ventured out on the streets of the city, reports The Sun. They were headed to a theater to watch the comedy "Peter Pan Goes Wrong." However, it was not a hush-hush celebrity date, wherein the couple tries to avoid the eyes of other people. They were quite at ease and walked hand-in-hand along Piccadilly, enjoying the Christmas lights around.
What is more, insiders say that the young royal booked last-minute tickets for the show. A friend disclosed that Harry is concerned about the privacy of his love life but he is not afraid to be seen with Markle in public. As for Markle, she is used to the cameras and the couple is crazy about each other. They have told their friends that they love each other.
Notably, Markle flew down to London from Toronto on Monday and has been staying with Harry in his Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace. Harry also took Meghan on a secret date two months back and she has visited him four times in the last three months. He also visited her in Toronto last week and stopped by her home, reports E!News.
However, it was a very brief meeting and this is why they have come together to enjoy the Christmas holiday season to the fullest. It is clear that they are in a serious relationship and it is only a matter of time before they announce their decision to walk down the aisle.
Though Queen Elizabeth is known to be wary of celebrities entering the royal family fold, she seems to have taken note of the humanitarian work of Meghan Markle, an area where the elder grand daughter-in-law Kate Middleton lacks. Prince William also supported his brother when Prince Harry issued a public statement in defense of his girlfriend.
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Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? After several collapses, a ceasefire finally appears to be working in Aleppo, the devastated city in war-ravaged Syria. That could the chance the ill-fated people there have been looking for to save themselves.
Sources in the opposition have said that the bombing has stopped, according to an NPR report. However, a lot of people still appear to be stuck in the small area of Aleppo which is still controlled by the anti-regime groups.
The battle for Aleppo, which is continuing for four years now, took a decisive turn in November end when the forces of the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad drove back the rebels. It captured a majority part of the territory which was being held by them since 2012.
Analysts had said then that the rebels were facing a defeat and they could be just a few weeks away from complete rout. Their prediction seems to be true now. Hundreds have been killed since the Russian-backed Syrian forces launched an offensive and rushed into the territory held by the opposition.
The reluctance of the Barack Obama Administration to directly get involved in the Syrian crisis and the regional divide over backing Assad has led to an endless blood-spilling in the country with no solution in sight.
The latest cease-fire has come a day after an earlier effort failed to deliver. On Tuesday (December 13), Russia and Turkey reached an agreement which essentially meant the rebels' surrender. As per the deal, the stranded civilians were supposed to be rescued to safety but the deal collapsed the next day.
As a result, nobody could be evacuated. When the first convoy tried to leave, Iran-backed Shiite militias who are aiding Assad reportedly stopped it. It was suspected that Iran and Syria were not really happy with Russia and Turkey making an agreement between them.
The US Ambassdor to the U.N., Samantha Power, on Tuesday slammed Russia, Iran and the Syrian government accusing them of putting a "noose" around hundreds of thousands of civilians in Aleppo.
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NASA's attempt to search for alien life could be over already. Even if the American space agency does not agree with it at all, conspiracy theorists believe that the agency knows a lot about alien life already.
According to Science World Report, the conspiracy theorists base their claim on a set of pictures clicked by NASA's Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Odyssey missions. The alien enthusiasts claim to have discovered an evidence of alien civilization on the surface of planet Mars, in one of those photographs clicked during the mission organized by NASA.
Conspiracy theorists claim that the photograph clearly shows three tall structures - about a mile high - on the surface of the red planet. These three structures are equally spaced and are located in the Terra Meridiani region of Mars, according to a YouTube user named Mundodesconocido.
The YouTube user was browsing through NASA's image database when this image was recovered. The user claims that these structures are not rocks that resulted out of some natural phenomenon such as weathering or erosion. Mundodesconocido further claims that these are remnants of an ancient civilization of Mars.
Even popular UFO enthusiast, Scott C Waring of UFO Sightings Daily believes that Mundodesconocido is correct. He believes that what the Spanish alien hunter has figured out is correct and that those spots in the images are nothing but structures formed by an alien civilization on Mars.
Waring further claims that there are several other buildings, structures and artifacts from the alien civilization that can be discovered on the surface of the red planet. The UFO enthusiast, in fact, argues that the three tall buildings could act like a perfect base camp for NASA's Mars exploration team, only if no one lives there already.
The emergence of this photograph has raised several questions among conspiracy theorists. While some believe that alien life used to exist on Mars, other argue that it still exists and that NASA is covering up the evidence.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend:
The European Union (EU) will continue to support the OSCE Minsk Group (MG) on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Malena Mard, head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan, told reporters Dec. 15 in Baku.
Mard noted that Herbert Salber, the EU special representative for the South Caucasus, met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov on the sidelines of the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Hamburg.
During the year, Salber visited Azerbaijan five times, said Mard and expressed hope that these visits will also continue in 2017.
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. 15
By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend:
The year of 2016 became significant for the development of cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, Malena Mard, head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan, told reporters Dec. 15 in Baku.
The decision on continuation of cooperation in a new legal basis was just made in 2016, said Mard adding that bases of this cooperation was laid in 1996 and it was necessary to create a new legal framework for the development of relations.
The sides will start negotiations in this direction from 2017, she added.
Mard also noted that the EU attaches great importance to the development of cooperation with Azerbaijan in the spheres of management effectiveness, economy, energy and others.
Currently, bilateral relations between the EU and Azerbaijan are regulated on the basis of an agreement on partnership and cooperation that was signed in 1996 and entered into force in 1999.
The real reward for the faculty-student Perception and Psychoacoustics Lab Group in psychology at Hope College was having two research projects selected for presentation during a prestigious international conference. That the event took place in Hawaii, and that Hope was among the leading institutions for the number of undergraduate students who made presentations, were bonuses.
Faculty member Dr. Sonja Trent-Brown and four Hope students with whom she has conducted the work attended the Fifth Joint Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) and Acoustical Society of Japan (ASJ), which was held in Honolulu on Monday-Friday, Nov. 28-Dec. 2. They were invited to share their research focused on the difference that the age, gender and ethnicity of African American and European American children make in their voice quality when they speak, and how accurately adults are able to determine such qualities when they can hear but not see the child who is speaking.
Implications of this work can be extended for individuals who work with children and in speech-related professions to reduce biases that occur as a result of personal language experience, said Trent-Brown, who is the John H. and Jeanne M. Jacobson Associate Professor of Psychology and the special assistant to the president for culture and inclusion at Hope. Results will have implications for audiologists, speech language pathologists, developmental scientists, and others in the field of communication sciences and disorders.
The student researchers who attended the conference, all of whom are seniors and psychology majors, are Julia Licata of Livonia, Nicole Marsh of Traverse City, Dalila Salas of Holland and Emily Simmons of Mount Clemens. And while four participating students may seem a modest number, Trent-Brown noted that its important to consider the context.
Most of the presentations were by Ph.D.-level faculty and graduate students, many from major research universities not only in Japan and the United States but other nations as well, Trent-Brown said. Its a tremendous affirmation of the quality and significance of the work that Dalila, Emily, Nicole and Julia have done, along with Brooke Ledsworth of Norton Shores, who is new to the Perception and Psychoacoustics Group this fall.
Licata, Salas and Simmons also received travel awards in support of their participation, with Salas receiving the 2016 ASA Student Council Travel Award for the Speech Communication Technical Committee. The ASA has 13 Technical Committees, with only one Student Council Travel Award for each.
All five researchersTrent-Brown and the four studentswere contributors to both studies. Simmons was the lead presenter for Perceptual differentiation of African American and European American children: Accuracy, confidence and reaction time, and Salas was the lead presenter for Acoustic variation among African American and European American children: Age, gender and ethnicity.
The Acoustical Society of America was organized in 1929 and has approximately 7,500 members from a variety of fields related to sound, including physics, electrical, mechanical, and aeronautical engineering, oceanography, biology, physiology, psychology, architecture, speech, noise and noise control, and music. The Acoustic Society of Japan was founded in 1936 and has more than 4,400 members, and is organized in nine Technical Committees including Architectural Acoustics, Electroacoustics, Musical Acoustics, Noise and Vibration, Psychological and Physiological Acoustics, Speech, Ultrasonic and Underwater Acoustics, Sono-Physics and Acoustic Imaging.
Years ago, and well before my hotelier days, I traveled to Bentonville, Arkansas selling ergonomic furniture, mouse pads and the like. The Walmart offices were huge then and I can only imagine how much they have grown since. Today, Walmart is the world's largest company by revenue ($288 billion) and employees (2.2 million), rivaling the GDP of many nations, including some that are traditionally defined as first-world.
What's most interesting to me is that hoteliers, by and large, have never really looked to this retail titan to see what they can glean. Perhaps it's a stigma whereby Walmart is perceived as 'beneath us' or that a discount retailer is totally unrelated to our heads-in-beds raison d'etre. In any event, here are a few initiatives that Walmart does exceptionally well that should be on our radar.
1. They advertise. Walmart did not grow on its own. They are among the world's heaviest TV ad buyers. Their recognition had been bought through countless GRPs (gross rating points) of continual media buying. Many hoteliers these days, I'm afraid, do not consider advertising broadcast or digital as a major component of their brand support program.
2. They have not diluted the brand. Just two names Walmart and Sam's Club seem to work for 11,500+ outlets. They do not create 'lifestyle' property categories or other sub-brands on a marketing whim. A chain with 18-20 brands is going to have a challenge with any sort of clear recognition or differentiation.
3. A strong environmental commitment. Walmart has universally adapted LED lighting as just one of the green conscious approaches they have taken. Apart from the lucrative financial ROIs, they are leading the way for other companies.
4. One, unswerving consumer strategy. "The lowest price is the law." Remember this statement? It is hammered in through their advertising and followed up in-store. By having a single-minded focus, both the company and the consumer are on the same wavelength. Most hotel plans that I've read have trouble distilling the strategy down to a half-dozen unique or semi-unique approaches.
5. The masters of data. Walmart knows their POS data in real-time. They manage inventory down to the store level and can refill stores to meet on-shelf requirements effectively. Do you know who exactly is staying with you tonight? Last night? Tomorrow night? How about 365 days from now?
6. They have greeters. Comedians like to make fun of the Walmart greeter program. But, they serve a valuable purpose in reassuring the customer and helping out at the store entry. It's part of the brand guarantee to service the consumer as best possible. Ever consider having a greeter standing out in the open in the hotel lobby instead of sequestered behind the physical barrier that is the front desk?
7. They test and they plan. New items just don't appear across all stores; they are tested in store panels to ensure their success. Shelves are planned with perfect store-to-store consistency. With hotels, there is much more variation across each chain, and while the parallel might be considered a bit of a stretch, standards must nevertheless be adhered to, or at least suitably adapted to meet regional quirks and demands.
These are just a few that I have come up with. Can you add any more relevant practices that have hospitality applicability?
Larry Mogelonsky
Hotel Mogel Consulting Limited
Hotel companies like Marriott International and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) are increasingly shifting their focus to Chinese travelers due to a surge in China's travel market, according to a recent article by Business Vancouver. This shift in focus has resulted in major expansions in China, with some international hotel chains even launching brands tailored to Chinese guests. Our research shows China overtook the United States as the number one business travel market in the world in 2016, with spend forecasted to grow 10.1 percent to $320.7 billion USD.
Earlier this year at our Broadcast Studio, IHG's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales Derek DeCross spoke to GBTA's Caitlin Gomez about the current state of the industry, as well as major similarities and differences between the airline and hotel industries, based on his experience in both. Derek noted, "We're very fortunate to work in an industry where we shrink the globe, we enable commerce, we bridge cultural divides, we bring families together."
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Upcoming Horecava we look forward to things ahead: what developments, services, ambiances and tastes can
prepare the hospitality industry for the future? Exhibitors and events are organised in four main pillars: food, experience, innovation and sustainability. Within these fields, visitors are presented with a wide range of products, services, events and presentations. All contributing to future-proof their business. Horecavas exhibition manager Luuk Scholte: ''Todays consumer is quite demanding; food has become a lifestyle for many of them. How do you respond to their needs? How can you create an experience that guests will remember? These are questions we like to answer. In addition, our visitors can learn about the opportunities offered by new technologies, and how to combine profits and planet.'
This event is organized by Amsterdam RAI
For more information please contact HORECAVA
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Seba Aghayeva Trend:
The authority of GUAM increases year by year, more and more countries and international organizations are interested in cooperation with the organization, said Valeh Alasgarov, vice-speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament.
Alasgarov made the remarks during an opening of the ninth session of the Parliamentary Assembly of GUAM, the organization for democracy and economic development.
GUAM plays an important role in ensuring regional security, he said.
The vice-speaker noted that GUAM also contributes greatly to the development and strengthening of dialogue between the countries of the region.
Transnational projects, which are being implemented by GUAM countries, ensure energy security of Europe, added Alasgarov.
He also touched upon the conflicts existing in the GUAM area.
Alasgarov said that member countries have a common position on this, and oppose conflicts.
We are confident that these efforts will give results and all conflicts will be resolved in line with international norms and principles, added Alasgarov.
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.
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) yesterday announced the signing of The Darcy, Curio Collection by Hilton. The Darcy, Curio Collection by Hilton, is slated to open in mid-2017.
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) yesterday announced the signing of The Darcy, Curio Collection by Hilton. The Darcy, Curio Collection by Hilton, is slated to open in mid-2017.
The 226-room hotel is in the heart of Washington, D.C., just off Scott Circle. Only three blocks from Dupont Circle and Logan Circle, and six blocks from the White House, The Darcys central location will allow guests to easily visit the citys many monuments, attractions and museums, including the Verizon Center and Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery.
Were excited to sign with KHP Capital Partners for our first Curio Collection hotel in our Nations Capital, said Matt Wehling, senior vice president, development North America, Hilton. The Darcys ideal location, within walking distance to Washington, D.C.s major attractions, will be a huge draw for guests desiring an authentic, high-energy and high-quality experience that reflects and enhances Scott Circle, making it a perfect fit for the collection.
The Darcy will feature a timeless yet edgy design, focusing on clean and classic architecture with accents of distressed metals and bright colors. Subtle cherry blossom patterns and abstract artwork of magnolias will connect the hotel to D.C. As with all Curio properties, The Darcy will reflect the local spirit of its community, embodying the sophistication and energy of Washington.
The Darcy will offer unparalleled, personalized service in the most convenient of locations in Washington, D.C., said Tobias Arff, general manager of The Darcy. Our location is ideal no matter your reason for visiting whether visiting the White House and the National Mall, heading to meetings on K Street or looking for inspiration from one of the new hot spots on 14th Street Corridor.
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Chefs Robert Wiedmaier and Brian McBride created the hotels restaurant, Siren, which will feature locally sourced ingredients paired with the worlds freshest seafood. Lil B, an intimate coffee shop and eatery, will be led by celebrity Chef David Guas, who brings his New Orleans style to the cafe. Additional amenities will include a fitness center, business services, room service, valet parking, concierge services and programming with business and leisure travelers in mind.
The approximately 5,500 square feet of meeting space, which will allow for flexible room sizes and include contemporary, state-of-the-art audio visual options, will make The Darcy a well-situated choice for meetings and events in the center of Washington, D.C. The hotel is a ten-minute walk from Metro stations at Dupont Circle and McPherson Square and three miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
As home to so many important cultural institutions and a blossoming restaurant and nightlife scene, Washington, D.C. is a natural choice for expansion of the Curio Collection, said Mark Nogal, global head of Curio A Collection by Hilton. The Darcy will provide a stylish alternative to the local area in addition to providing guests with a memorable hotel experience all with the reassurance of the Hilton name.
As part of the Hilton portfolio, The Darcy, Curio Collection by Hilton participates in Hilton HHonors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hiltons 13 distinct hotel brands. Hilton HHonors Members always get the lowest price with the Best Price Guarantee, along with HHonors Points, free standard Wi-Fi, digital check-in and no booking fees only when they book directly through Hilton.
With 226 stylish guest rooms and suites, The Darcy situated on Scott Circle, opens Spring 2017 and will offer a polished, contemporary design in an ideal location for guests visiting Washington DC. Business travelers enjoy the convenience to downtown and K Street while being close to the trendy 14th Street Corridor. Leisure travelers are six blocks from the White House and minutes from the Smithsonian, popular monuments and Dupont Circle. The hotel features approximately 5,500 square feet of flexible meeting and event space and two to-be-announced food and beverage outlets featuring acclaimed DC chefs. This new hotel is managed by Sage Hospitality and has been selected to be part of the Curio Collection by Hilton.
Eight Wellness Trends for 2017
Experts identify future directions for the $3.7 trillion wellness industry: from a new focus on 'silence' - to the bold reinvention of sauna-going - to wellness rewriting both architecture and beauty
When 500+ wellness experts from 46 nations gather to debate the future of wellness, a uniquely authoritative and global view of trends unfolds. Thats what happened at the recent Global Wellness Summit (GWS) in Kitzbuhel, Austria, which brought together leaders from the travel, spa, beauty, fitness, nutrition, technology, medical and architecture worlds to identify what the top wellness trends in 2017 (and beyond) will be and why.
This wellness forecast has a distinct get real quality: from architects finally designing buildings for human health to so many new directions ahead in mental wellness to a wellness industry that will become more democratized, reaching beyond its narrowing association with wealthy elites. And much innovation lies ahead: from a new focus on both silent and creativity/arts programming (at hotels, spas and fitness studios) to the 2,000-year-old sauna tradition getting a 21st-century reimagining.
No other trends report is based on the perspectives of so many wellness experts, whether leading economists or futurists or the heads of hospitality, spa and beauty brands, said Susie Ellis, GWS chairman & CEO. And it makes for a powerfully collective, global and informed set of predictions.
After the trends were identified, GWS researchers expanded on global examples to illustrate the ways theyre already taking shape in our world.
Sauna Reinvented
Something both hot and very cool: the reinvention of sauna thats underway. From Sauna Aufguss events where sauna-meisters conduct theatrical performances of infusions, song and dance. To hip, social amphitheater or hangout saunas (whether Helsinkis new high-design Loyly sauna complex or Scotlands new loch-side Hot Box with DJ and bar). To quirky pop-up saunas floating on lakes or hanging from bridges. To trendy urban sweat lodges serving up infrared sauna treatments, like NYCs Higher Dose. No longer a solitary, meh experience, the new, spectacular, social saunas are some outside of the box thinkingliterally.
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Architecture has long been preoccupied with surface aesthetics: starchitects designing to wow or shock, but with little attention paid to creating buildings that improve the health of the humans living within. Change is finally here: living buildings that grow their own energy; responsive architecture that tailors indoor health experiences for every inhabitant; phone apps alerting you when youre entering a sick building; dawn-simulating lighting easing you into your day. Everything built is getting reengineered: from indoor air quality (a killer) to sleep and acoustics.
Silence
In a world of 24/7 connectedness, wellness destinations are embracing a dramatic approach to turning off the noise: true silence. For example, the first completely Silent Spa (with stunning church-inspired architecture) just opened at Austrias Therme Laa Hotel. And new wellness monasteries are on the rise: retreats opening in, and infused with the silent, contemplative values of, ancient sacred spaces - like Italys soulful Eremito, with no WiFi/phone signal and silent, candlelit dinners. Properties like Germanys Brenners Park have even installed digital kill switches for totally silent rooms. And silent restaurants, salons, gyms, stores and airports are all being unveiled
Art & Creativity Take Center Stage
Born of a storied history, but forgotten of late, the creativity-wellness-spa connection is making a comeback: with more art, music, literature and dance (both as experienced and to do) at the center of more wellness experiences. Look for more performance, like at Germanys famed spa resort, Schloss Elmau, where musicians and writers play-to-stay (making possible 200+ concerts a year) or live classical violin while taking the waters at the UKs new Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel. Well see more sophisticated, beyond the adult coloring book programming launch, like painting classes under the stars as well as a profusion of multi-sensory experiences, from sound baths to yoga concerts. The creative arts have a future starring role in wellness.
Wellness Remakes Beauty
Beauty, the goliath industry ($1 trillion) of the $3.7 trillion wellness economy, is remaking itself to meet the needs of a wellness-oriented population obsessed with authenticity and inner beauty. From an avalanche of eatable/drinkable beauty-boosters and clean, organic cosmetics - to medical evidence for a new neuroaesthetics (the brain is wired to respond to beauty) - the beauty comes from within concept will keep gaining on superficial (topical) models. And preventative approaches will keep gaining on the old cosmetic repair. We will continue to learn (and snap up solutions that tackle) how beauty is far more than skin deep.
The Future Is Mental Wellness
When it comes to mental wellness, our world has a problem: depression and anxiety is skyrocketing, and by 2030, the former will be the #1 health issue, outranking obesity (WHO). So look for dramatically more healthy mind approaches in coming years. Wellness retreats and spas are adding neuroscientists and psychotherapists (like Londons ESPA Life at Corinthia Hotel). Meditation is not only radically mainstreaming (even on-demand in hotel rooms), but spawning creative new breeds (from dream to floating meditation). Well see everything from new part-mind/part-body workout brands to apps that track your mental state (think MindBit, not FitBit). Because mind will finally get equal billing with body.
Embracing the C-Word
The wellness world is waking up to the needs of a surprisingly underserved population: cancer patients. For instance, Julie Bachs pioneering Wellness for Cancer program means wellness companies/spas are finally trained to deliver comfort (and dignity) to cancer sufferers. From ESPAs Nurture and Support program to Natura Bisses oncological aesthetics to Two Bunch Palms Mindful Touch Massage, wellness practitioners are finally opening their hearts and healing practices to cancer patients.
Beyond the Ghettos of Wellness
In a world where rising income and wellbeing inequalities are fueling a populist backlash, a wellness industry thats become narrowly associated with rich elites (those $300 yoga pants and Reiki sessions) will change. More wellness businesses will give back to the other 99%, like Yoga Gives Back helping poor women in India or Newfoundlands Fogo Island Inn, where every dollar of profit goes back to its economically-challenged island community. A Wellness Tourism 2.0 will rise: a development model thinking beyond the (often elite, gated) property to creating whole towns, regions and even nations, where a comprehensive wellness vision (from protected nature to a sustainable, healthy food supply) benefits BOTH locals and tourists. The new wave of low-cost wellness is part of this democratization: like more affordable healthy supermarkets and spa chains. But with some future mindfulness about rock-bottom vs. fair pricing, given the human labor that delivers so many of these healthy experiences.
To read the full, 50-page report (with photos), click here
For more information, or photos, contact research director, Beth McGroarty: beth.mcgroarty[at]globalwellnesssummit[dot]com, (+1) 213-300-0107
This was a forceful entry, even by Kris Kringles standards. In footage shared by Reuters on Tuesday, one can see a man in a Santa Claus suit ram a sledgehammer through the door of a drug house in Lima, Peru. That man was one of many anti-narcotics officers who dressed up in white and red robes and even full-on Santa masks while conducting a recent drug raid in the Comas district, during which they confiscated 4,564 individual wrappings of cocaine.
The Santas had their guns drawn before entering the drug house, which is allegedly used to distribute cocaine to gangs and to serve addicts. One can see the jolly white-bearded figures leading a number of suspected gang members out of the premises with their hands cuffed behind their backs. Four arrests were reported at the scene, with each of the suspects alleged to be part of the same Pinto clan.
According to Colonel Jorge Luis Angulo, the Santa disguises apparently allow the officers to act more quickly and effectively due to the element of surprise. They also provide a means for the drug force to partake in the holiday spirit. The dealers, on the other hand, arent feeling so festive. Nothing worse than spending Christmas in jail after getting cuffed by Santa himself.
Santa
The Gloaming returns to Dublins National Concert Hall continuing to sell out their shows on their astonishing run.
The seven night run at the distinguished Dublin venue on March 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 2017 is now entirely sold out.
The Irish band, consisting of musicians Martin Hayes, Iarla O Lionaird, Caoimhin O Raghallaigh, New York pianist Thomas Bartlett and Chicago born guitarist Dennis Cahill, enriches traditional Irish music with a modern influence of jazz, contemporary classic and experimental music.
For The Gloaming the National Concert hall has a rather symbolic character. It is the place where every of their previous performances happened to be sold out, including their debut show in August 2011.
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"We've thoroughly enjoyed every night we've played at the National Concert Hall. Playing there for an extended run of seven nights is a privilege and an honour. We're excited to be returning to our Dublin home." Martin Hayes stated on the incredible run of sold out shows.
The Gloamings second studio album 2 was released in February 2016 and with their way of transforming Irish traditions, the group is re-defining what Irish music can be.
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NEW YORK - A dozen or so technology executives filed into a conference room on the 25th floor of Trump Tower Wednesday wearing suits not usually seen in Silicon Valley.
Their combined net worth - at least $136 billion - was gilded even for the likes of Trump Tower. After months of acrimony that at times felt personal, they had come to make nice with the president-elect.
And make nice they did.
As they went around the room introducing themselves one-by-one, Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos, once the target of President-elect Donald Trump's attacks, said he was "super-excited to talk about innovation in this administration." (Bezos is the owner of the Washington Post). Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg was also "excited to talk about jobs."
Donald Trump also was on his best behavior during the roughly two-hour meeting.
"This is a truly amazing group of people," he said. "There's nobody like you in the world. In the world. There's nobody like the people in this room. And anything we can do to help this go along, and we're going to be there for you."
But behind the cordiality was a sense of trepidation. Trump, both as candidate and president-elect, has used his perch to shame companies, and the consequences haven't been trivial.
When Trump tweeted earlier this month that he wanted to cancel Boeing's $4 billion contract to build Air Force One, Boeing's stock price took a hit.
Trump has targeted Apple and other companies for manufacturing their products in China, and has called to raise tariffs on Chinese goods, a crucial issue for Silicon Valley companies that import widgets and other hardware components from China.
At the meeting, which included the leaders of Google, Microsoft, Intel, Oracle, IBM, Cisco, and Tesla, Trump seemed willing to back down from a signature campaign promise to end free trade deals.
"We're going to make fair trade deals," he told the executives. "We're going to make it a lot easier for you to trade across borders."
Private chats with several
Last month, Trump negotiated with equipment maker Carrier, a division of United Technologies, to avoid losing 800 jobs to Mexico in exchange for $7 million in government subsidies. In the days leading up to the meeting, staff for the companies tried to parse whether the image-conscious Trump would try to use his leverage with them to do something similar.
After the CEO roundtable, Trump met privately with Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook. Tesla manufactures its vehicles in California but purchases components from China. Apple hardware largely comes from China.
Attendees had a wide-ranging and generally positive conversation, discussing issues from visas for high-skilled immigrants to trade issues to the cloud, according to people familiar with the discussion.
Trump made cracking down on illegal immigration a central campaign promise, and called for an end to the high-skilled visa program during a presidential debate, though he later backtracked. Technology companies are some of the heaviest users of such visas.
At the meeting, Trump seemed open to keeping the high-skilled visa program, a person familiar with the discussion said.
Special praise for Thiel
The president-elect also heaped praise on Facebook board and transition team member Peter Thiel, shaking his hand and calling him a "special guy."
Trump made a point of saying that Thiel, who convened the meeting, nixed companies that were too small from attending. But one relatively small company with ties to Thiel made the cut: Palantir.
Unlike the other companies in attendance, the data-mining start-up, which Thiel founded in 2004, is private and had revenue last year of less than $300 million, according to a person familiar with the matter.
A large portion of Palantir's business involves contracts with federal agencies, and the company is currently engaged in a lawsuit with the Department of Defense over the right to compete for more contracts.
The executives left as they arrived - wordlessly and quickly, striding through the lobby and ignoring press questions.
The CEOs who filled the table in Trump's 25th floor conference room included Apple's Tim Cook, Alphabet's Larry Page, Google's Eric Schmidt, Microsoft's Satya Nadella, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Tesla's Elon Musk, IBM's Ginni Rometty, Oracle's Safra Catz and Cisco Systems' Chuck Robbins. Facebook's chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, attended instead of its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, who is one of many tech executives who have expressed misgivings about Trump's pledge to deport millions of immigrants who are in the country illegally.
Trump was joined by several members of his senior staff and his three eldest children, who are expected to help run his business once he takes office, again blurring the line between the president-elect's personal and professional lives.
Reporters were allowed to witness only the first moments of the meeting and most of the attendees departed without comment. A spokesman for Cisco said the meeting was "very informative and productive."
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend:
Visa regime between Azerbaijan and Switzerland is being simplified.
An issue of approval of the agreement on simplification of visa registration between the Azerbaijani government and Swiss Federal Council has been included in the agenda of the Azerbaijani parliaments plenary session, to be held on Dec. 16.
Moreover, the sessions agenda also includes the issue on approval of agreement on readmission of persons residing without permission between the Azerbaijani government and Swiss Federal Council.
The two agreements were signed during the meeting of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov with Head of Switzerlands Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Didier Burkhalter as part of the ministers official visit to Switzerland on Oct. 10, 2016.
After the ratification of the agreements, a visa-free entry and exit for persons, who have diplomatic and service passports, will be ensured between the two countries and visa obtaining process will be facilitated for the persons from other categories.
The millions of Americans who gained insurance under the Affordable Care Act must not be left stranded as Republican lawmakers and the incoming president make good on their promise to do away with the law and replace it with a new one, the president and CEO of Cigna said Wednesday.
David Cordani, in Houston for a pair of morning events, cautioned that "continuity" should be part of any future health care law no matter if it comes quickly or lags.
"If change took place in January there are commitments made to 10 million Americans throughout fiscal year 2017 that need to be fulfilled because those individuals made decisions based on a set of rules," Cordani said in an interview with the Chronicle. "And society has a responsibility to fulfilling those."
Enrollment for 2017 through the ACA-mandated exchange is already underway. Each year roughly 11 million people get their insurance through the exchanges. Thursday is the deadline to sign up to guarantee coverage on Jan. 1.
By the end of last week, nearly 450,000 Texans had enrolled, including 141,624 in Houston, according to U.S. Health and Human Services figures released Wednesday. Nationally 4 million have signed up for next year.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said recently that repealing the ACA will be the first order of business when Congress convenes in January. The 2017 signup period ends Jan. 31.
While some elected officials have argued that dismantlement should not come without a swift replacement plan, others have said it would be acceptable to repeal quickly and then wait as long as three years to study how best to move forward.
Such uncertainty has rattled some in health-care industries, including insurers.
Last week the Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C., policy think tank, said repeal without a swift replacement could lead to coverages losses for as many as 30 million people, including not just those on the exchange and in Medicaid expansion but also in the fallout from a loss of subsidies to bring down premium costs, the end of the individual mandate and the ripple effect caused by market upheaval.
In Texas, already leading the nation in the number of uninsured, the number without coverage could climb to 6.9 million by 2019, the analysis found.
Republicans have dismissed the Urban Institute findings as overly alarmist. House Ways and Means Committee chairman Kevin Brady, R-Woodlands, has bristled at the suggestion that his party would "rip health care out of the hands of Americans."
Cordani, whose insurance company is one of the largest in the nation, acknowledged Wednesday "there's a lot of activity underway" within his industry in what could be the waning days of the current health care law. He declined to specify who in Washington his company was talking to or what pieces of the law he would like to see preserved or changed.
He deemed the success of the law mixed: "The ACA expanded access but didn't effectively address improvements in affordability and quality."
Still, the uncertainty is causing health industry groups to speak out.
The American Academy of Actuaries, the group that advises how to craft benefit packages, recently wrote to congressional leaders warning that even delaying the repeal part of the two-step process could lead insurers to bolt because of the instability.
Two national hospital groups recently released predictions of devastating financial shortfalls if millions of newly insured patients are once again without coverage and potentially unable to pay their bills.
While not commenting directly on the election results, Cordani said his company had a contingency plan no matter who won the White House. He added that "modifications" to the law were inevitable, regardless. Issues such as making insurance more affordable and increasing access and quality of care are not political but rather "societal."
Cordani made two Houston appearances in under two hours Wednesday morning.
At a City Hall ceremony he presented a total of $125,000 in grants from the Cigna Foundation to two Houston health initiatives. A $50,000 grant will go to Recipe for Success to support nutrition education programs, and a $75,000 grant will go to Houston Health Foundation to expand diabetes awareness and education.
The insurance executive also met in private with community leaders to talk about strategies to combat the nation's opiate crisis.
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Many people don't know this, but publicly-traded corporations are required to disclose any known risks to the future of their business. They must tell you why you might not want to invest in them.
This Securities and Exchange Commission rule is intended to help investors make informed decisions. That's why the second section in the annual Form 10-K filing, right near the top, is dedicated to "Risk Factors."
For instance, did you know that Signet Jewellers Ltd, the owner of Jareds, buys a lot of gold and diamond from Zimbabwe? Any tightening of the international sanctions against the regime of President Robert Mugabe could hurt Jared's bottom line.
What about climate change? Should a corporation that owns billions of dollars of coastal real estate list rising sea-levels as a major threat to the company's balance sheet? Should energy companies break down how climate change could impact their revenues?
Exxon Mobil is in a bit of a tiff at the moment with several attorneys general about its disclosures on climate change.
Some experts estimate that the changing climate could wipe out $2.5 trillion in global assets if the temperature rises more than 2 degrees Centigrade over early 20th century averages.
Corporations by law can't deny the truth. But how exactly should companies report climate risk?
A special task force of the Financial Stability Board, which promotes international financial stability by coordinating national financial authorities and international standard-setting bodies, issued recommendations Wednesday for "consistent, comparable, reliable, clear and efficient climate-related disclosures by companies."
The task force was led by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
"Warming of the planet caused by greenhouse gas emissions poses serious risks to the global
economy and will have an impact across many economic sectors," Bloomberg wrote. "But until now, it has been difficult for investors to know which companies are most vulnerable to climate change, which are best prepared, and which are taking action."
This is pretty technical stuff, but seven basic principles apply. The task force says all disclosures should:
present relevant information
be specific and complete
be clear, balanced, and understandable
be consistent over time
be comparable among organizations within a sector,
industry, or portfolio
be reliable, verifiable, and objective
should be provided on a timely basis
Experts from Standard & Poor's Global Ratings said they expect corporations to adopt the standards quickly.
"The recommendations look at both the risks and the opportunities associated with climate change and are likely to drive the consideration of these factors to the fore of corporate decision making," said Michael Wilkins, head of Environmental & Climate Risk Research, Infrastructure Ratings, who is a member of the FCB task force.
These disclosures are increasingly important as investors, particularly major funds, look to invest in companies that can either withstand climate change, or profit from attempts to mitigate and adapt to it.
In every crisis, there is an opportunity to make money.
Residents who live near the White Oak Music Hall filed suit Wednesday to halt outdoor concerts and events at the recently opened music venue.
Nine residents of the Near Northside and Woodland Heights sued the White Oak Music Hall and WOIH Partners, the developers, owners and operators of the property. The lawsuit suggests conflict over the new multi-stage venue at 2915 North Main continues.
The homeowners say noise from the concerts and attendant crowds interferes with their property rights. A hearing on their request for a temporary restraining order to halt activity at the venue pending trial will be Thursday.
Attorneys for the residents held a news conference in front of the venue to announce the case. Several neighbors spoke about the disruptions.
"Thunderous bass and amplified noise has ricocheted through the historic Near Northside, jumping nine lanes of Interstate 45 into the Woodland Heights," attorney for the residents Cris Feldman said during the event, which was videotaped and shared on Facebook.
" This is not isolated to just a couple folks who don't want something in their backyards. It's a whole community, consisting of people with children who can't sleep at night, who can't have conversations in their living room, whose houses shake."
In a statement, the music hall operators said they have not violated the city's sound ordinance and have tried to meet with the neighborhood to discuss their concerns over a permit being issued for their outdoor stage and were ignored.
Theresa Cavin, who lives behind the outdoor stage, said later that one of her sons has autism and has struggled to sleep. He panics at the noise from outdoor shows, she said, and she grew tired of calling police.
"The noise has never ceased," Cavin said. "I didn't feel like they have respected the neighborhood in any way, shape or form."
The lawsuit argues that property values have been negatively affected because of the "loud and disruptive events with large crowds" and that residents no longer have "uninterrupted sleep, partake in indoor activities without the invasion of inordinately loud and disruptive noise, or enjoy their home environment without the windows and walls shaking."
A nuisance argument is raised in cases where property owners believe the "use and enjoyment of their property" and their rights as property owners is being interfered with by a nearby development. Residents in the Ashby high-rise case, regarding a controversial high-rise proposed near Rice University, made a similar claim.
The lawsuit against the White Oak Music Hall also seeks a permanent injunction and damages.
The hall opened earlier this year and has hosted outdoor concerts, corporate events and exercise classes on various stages. Houston police have issued several citations after complaints of excessive noise. Neighbors have gone to City Council and held community meetings.
"It was evident that they weren't ever going to be reasonable, chill neighbors," said Jeff Trevino, who lives behind Raven Tower, a bar and one of the site's venues. " It became evident that the city was on these guys' side."
In its response to the lawsuit, the White Oak Music Hall owners stressed that they have attempted to work with the neighborhood to mitigate the impact, hiring police to manage traffic during shows, conducting sound studies and investing in infrastructure that expands sidewalks and parking-lot lighting.
The response also noted that owners worked with the neighborhood since 2013 when the project was unveiled and held job fairs, allowed local schools to play on its stage and showcased local artists. The city of Houston gave the developers $1.1 million in economic incentives in exchange for some of the community events to be held at the venue.
"We look forward to continuing to work with our numerous neighborhood supporters, as well as those concerned, to continue to improve the White Oak Music experience for not only our patrons, but those who live around us," the statement said.
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Conveyor belts crowded with packages slowed for no one as FedEx workers scrambled in the predawn hours of the holiday rush.
Temporary staff in neon vests threw open the hatches on giant shipping containers to release jumbles of branded boxes in need of scanning and sorting. Others moved the goods down the line and onto delivery trucks on Wednesday, less than two weeks before Christmas.
In this season of surging e-commerce sales, the FedEx facility near Houston's NRG Stadium has become a frenzied conduit of the online marketplace. Its 250 employees rotate through two high-pressure shifts in the morning and evening to process what's expected to be a record number of holiday packages.
"This is going to be the biggest peak season ever in the history of our company," said Robert Watts, the facility's operations manager.
The growing appeal of online shopping, now a well-documented trend, means more business for shipping companies like FedEx and the United Parcel Service. Consumers have already spent more than $62.84 billion online so far this season, according to recent data from Adobe Digital Insights, up 8 percent from this time last year.
To prepare for this year's onslaught, FedEx added 30 new aircraft and four distribution hubs across its sprawling delivery network. UPS, which also expects a record-breaking holiday season, opened or expanded 15 facilities throughout the country.
Both companies added thousands of seasonal workers to meet the spike in demand, aligning with a broader trend. Retailers hired 14 percent fewer holiday workers this October and November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while employment in the transportation and warehouse sector grew by more than a third compared to last year.
"It's definitely surprising, but not unexpected," said John Challenger, CEO of Chicago-based outplacement consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. "We've known that online shopping has become more mainstream and more utilized, and it's going to impact retail hiring."
The FedEx hub near NRG is one of seven within the Houston metro area, and Watts said the company works throughout the year to upgrade its facilities and make its systems more efficient.
"It's constant," he said. "We know we'll see an increase in volume every year."
On Wednesday, the NRG-area hub was slated to receive about 55 of the rectangular containers flown in from Memphis and driven down from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Each holds as many as 450 packages, boxes of all sizes stamped with the familiar logos of some of the nation's largest retailers.
Mondays in December are particularly hectic, Watts said, and the final days before Christmas will mark the crescendo of the holiday scramble. Customers have until Thursday to ship Christmas packages by ground, so next week, a slew of last-minute shipments will get express treatment.
"Everyone says, 'Oh, I didn't ship that package,'" Watts said. "It's going to be the busiest week."
Jim James asks a simple question early on his new album "Eternally Even": "What if the world became sweet again?"
If the question felt optimistic when James wrote it months ago, he's in a different place now.
"Sometimes I wonder if we can handle that," he says, laughing. "You know? Why is that so (expletive) hard? Why is sweetness so seemingly impossible? People make so much money off of dividing us. I just feel like enough is enough. My hope is we can get everybody together somehow. To show there aren't that many differences between us all. These things that are dividing us - race, sex - they don't make a difference. If you turn off the TV and sit down and see this person has exactly the same desires I have: to love, be loved, take care of family. That's it."
Those thoughts neatly summarize the psychedelic soul album "Eternally Even," the second recording James has made outside of his main gig fronting the rock act My Morning Jacket. James says My Morning Jacket will reconvene in the spring to make its next album. Until then, though, he's working "Eternally Even," including a tour that passes through House of Blues Friday.
James digs some deep and funky grooves on the album and doesn't shy away from electronics. The resulting songs sound enchanting, even as they aspire to rouse a restlessness with their critiques of systems built on divisiveness and violence.
More Information Jim James When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: House of Blues, 1204 Caroline Tickets: $28-$32; 888-402-5837, hob.com See More Collapse
James hopes the album plays to both sides of a family gathering in his native Louisville, Ky.
"Louisville is this very liberal scene in the middle of a conservative state," he says. "But I've tried to stop thinking on those terms. I'm tired of this liberal/conservative divide. I know family members who are a little conservative, and we get along. In some way, if we could tear down these divides, I think we could stop being distracted from the maddening things that are being taken away from all of us."
The album bears echoes of that time when acts like Bill Withers, Donnie Hathaway and Marvin Gaye addressed topical issues with soulful songs. James says he didn't set out to make that kind of record, necessarily, but "that music is deep in my subconscious. It's part of my DNA."
No coincidence then that he plays bass on most of the tracks, putting down buoyant rhythmic lines that course through the songs rather than drive them.
"I wanted to find new ways to play bass and have it be a lead instrument," he says.
That also led him to an inspired collaboration with drummer Chris Dave, a Houston native and alumnus of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Having played with Adele and D'Angelo as well as regular jazz gigs, Dave has proven a drummer with a far-flung musical vocabulary. Or, as James puts it, "He's on his own planet, and his grooves are just unbelievable."
Thematically, the album also addresses time's relentless march, subtly with references to seasons passing and less subtly with the two-part song "We Ain't Getting Any Younger." That theme folds well into the larger, national issues of the album: they all find James trying to find some peace amid change.
"I try to see the positives as well as the negatives," he says. "I'm 38, so I'm starting to see and feel these signs of aging. But I'm also more comfortable in my own skin and less worried about petty (expletive). There's a beautiful side to growing older. In some ways, I feel younger now than in my 20s. You can get bogged down and depressed then. I don't feel that way anymore. I feel more alive moving around."
Touchstone Pictures
"Rushmore," Houston native Wes Anderson's second film, is among 25 films added to the National Film Registry. It becomes one of just 700 films on the Registry.
BEST OF 2016: The movies you need to see
Two Nigerian citizens were sentenced Thursday to 36 months in federal prison and could face possible deportation for their participation in a $2 million romance scam that started on Facebook.
Kunle Mutiu Amoo, 49, and Lanre Sunday Adeoba, 62, were ordered to pay a little over $86,000 in restitution, after pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud, according to U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
Amoo and Adeoba admitted their involvement in a scam that defrauded victims of money by making false promises or stating romantic overtures that the victims would be repaid.
The defendants pretended to be South African diplomats who needed the victim's financial assistance to transport money into the United States. The two admitted in their guilty plea that they tried to defraud the victim of $506,000. The victim lost $2 million because of the scam.
Amoo and Adeoba will be in federal custody until they can be moved to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility at a later date.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett, who sentenced Amoo and Adeoba, said the two had abused a position of trust by pretending to be diplomats. He also noted the victim suffered severe financial hardship from their actions.
The woman was drawn into the scam after being drawn into an Internet relationship with a man she never met. The two Nigerian men posed as diplomats who were supposedly working with the man on a South African project, according to court documents.
Compared to other Internet-enabled crimes, romance scams result in the largest amount of financial loss among victims, according to the FBI. Victims of these scams, which are classified as confidence frauds, reported nearly $200 million worth of financial losses in 2015, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Victims of this type of crime should report it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center.
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Three-year-old Louisa Olasky couldn't be cuter in her lace-trimmed cotton dress, white tights and dainty shoes. That's her hanging ornaments on a towering Christmas tree on the cover of the current issue of House Beautiful.
Louisa's mother, Catherine Olasky of Olasky and Sinsteden is an interior designer, and the River Oaks home she shares with husband Peter Olasky is featured in the national decor magazine.
Catherine Olasky met House Beautiful editors a few years ago when she was picked for a regular feature on up-and-coming designers. So it was natural that they'd turn to her and her own home for holiday advice. Never mind that she had to work on a magazine schedule, finding a live evergreen tree and decorating her home in August, when it was 100 degrees outside.
Here are her tips for those wanting to tightly edit their holiday decor or even try something new.
Trees: If you can, always have a live Christmas tree as big as your home can handle.
Fireplace mantel: In her home, Olasky loads her mantel with a garland of magnolia leaves and elegant taper candles. If you have Christmas stockings, hang them proudly.
Lighting: Dim your lights and opt for candlelight it makes everything and everyone prettier. Olasky urges candlelight in layers: below, at and above eye level. "When you add all kinds of soft lighting and white flowers and have a fire in the fireplace, it's instant atmosphere at nighttime, especially," she said.
Go natural: Fragrant evergreen and lush magnolia bring a luxurious feel to any room. Olasky said she's not averse to clipping off small branches from a magnolia tree and putting them in a tall, cylinder vase.
Tradition: This is not a time to worry about being on-trend. If you inherited your grandmother's Spode Christmas tree china and you love it, use it all month. (She does.)
Move things around: If you have a hall table, be sure to decorate there, too. A pretty floral arrangement can be accompanied by some small, wrapped gift boxes and a bowl of sparkly ornaments. Take it up a notch by arranging it all on a silver tray.
Colors: If you're locked into traditional red and green, no worries. But if you want to try something new, consider white. A vase filled with white roses and tulips will feel perfectly wintry. If you're good with bulbs, try paperwhites or an amaryllis.
Wreaths: Olasky always puts wreaths on her black-lacquered double doors. She hangs them indoors, too, sometimes right on top of artwork or mirrors already on the wall. Not only are indoor wreaths fun, but they'll make any room cozier.
Whimsy: Even small touches, like a pretty bowl of old-fashioned candy canes, will make anyone feel at home.
Kids: Get your children involved in the decorations, if you can. They can make paper-chain garland and hang less-fragile ornaments on the tree.
There are those that claim Houston doesn't appreciate its past, but you wouldn't notice it as authors continue to churn out books celebrating our city's history.
If you are a collector of all things Houston or Texan, or if you know someone who is, you might want to consider these titles published in 2016. And if you know folks who just moved here, these books provide a great opportunity to catch them up on what we already know as Houstonians. Most of these titles can be found at your local bookstore or on Amazon.com.
"Houston Bound: Culture and Color in a Jim Crow City" by Tyina L. Steptoe (University of California Press)
To some, it's hard to believe that Houston one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation was once a segregated city. But the story of the city's ethnic makeup, and how it came to be as open as it is today, is one that's worth exploring. "Houston Bound" looks at how Mexicans and Creoles through various music genres -- helped shaped our understanding of race and transformed the city.
"The Texas Post Office Murals: Art for the People" by Philip Parisi (Texas A&M University Press, second printing)
For decades the culture and history of the Lone Star State has been on full display inside government buildings of a certain age. During the Great Depression, artists across the country were put to work to lift the spirits of a nation in the midst of economic hardship. In Texas, 106 pieces of art went up in these buildings, which you'll find in this book originally released in 2004 but published as a flexi bound book in 2016. (If you want to see one of these murals for yourself, check out the ones on display in the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse downtown.)
"Convict Cowboys: The Untold History of the Texas Prison Rodeo" by Mitchel P. Roth (University of North Texas Press)
Once upon a time, Texas had its own prison rodeo. From 1931 to 1986, thousands would head out to Huntsville every Sunday in October to catch those "convict cowboys" in action. Even John Wayne, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash would put in an appearance. Roth looks at the rise and eventual decline of the longtime Texas tradition.
"The Eighth Wonder of the World: The Life of Houston's Iconic Astrodome" by Robert C. Trumpbour and Kenneth Womack (University of Nebraska Press)
Much ink has been spent on the history of the Astrodome these last few years. This time though, Trumpbour and Womack, both professors, have provided readers with a look at the stadium's recent history along with its storied past beginning with Roy Hofheinz. How did Harris County get to where it's at with the Astrodome? "The Eighth Wonder of the World" helps explain that.
"Seeing Texas History: The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum" (University of Texas Press)
Maybe you're a little too busy to head to Austin these days. No worries, the Texas State History Museum has you covered. "Seeing Texas History" shows off 81 artifacts that have been on display at the museum. What does that include? How about Stevie Ray Vaughan's guitar, the Goddess of Liberty statue, a Bowie knife that belonged to you guessed it James Bowie. You'll find hundreds of years of Texas history on display in this book.
"Texas Ingenuity: Lone Star Inventions, Inventors and Innovators" by Alan C. Elliott (The History Press)
We Texans sure are a smart bunch. "Texas Ingenuity" shows off the people and ideas that helped put the Lone Star State on the map. Though Houston is well-represented through figures like Barbara Jordan, Oveta Culp Hobby, Howard Hughes and innovations such as Astroturf, you'll also find write-ups on the Pig Stand, Conrad N. Hilton, Mary Kay Ash and Jack Johnson.
Texas A&M University Press
"Miles and Miles of Texas: 100 Years of the Texas Highway Department" by Carol Dawson with Roger Allen Polson (Texas A&M University Press)
You use 'em every day, but how well do you know the history of the state's network of roads and highways? Dawson and Polson have managed to capture the long and winding road of the Texas Highway Department, which celebrates 100 years of keeping Texans moving in 2017. Plus, it has 147 color and 247 black-and-white photos. Trust me, readers love looking at old photos of highways and thoroughfares. You might, too.
"Houston's River Oaks" by Charles Dain Becker and Joan Blaffer Johnson with Ann Dunphy Becker; "Houston Heights" by Anne Sloan; and "Battleship Texas" by Mark Lardas (Arcadia Publishing)
Three Houston-centric tiles join the long list of previously published picture books that document the region. Though the River Oaks and Heights books might seem familiar to you, these are new titles that focus on the recent history of those areas.
"Houston on the Move: A Photographic History" by Steven R. Strom (University of Texas Press)
Anyone who knows the history of commercial photography in Houston knows about the Bob Bailey archive. For decades in the 20th century, Bailey was there to capture Houston's transformation from a boomtown to a major metropolitan city. Strom has mined the collection to present some of the best photos that show Houston as it was.
"115: Houston Through the Years" (Pediment Publishing)
Can't forget this one. Earlier this year, the Houston Chronicle celebrated its 115th year by taking a daily look back at the people and events that shaped Houston. Those stories can now be found in a richly illustrated book filled with plenty of photographs from the Chronicle archive.
EDIT: "Pleasant Bend: Upper Buffalo Bayou and the San Felipe Trail in the Nineteenth Century" by Dan M. Worrall
This was brought to my attention after this originally posted, but it's worth a mention here. Worrall has self-published a 419-page look at the history of western Harris County along Buffalo Bayou. The lives of farmers, slaves, innkeepers and much more are detailed here. It's a history that's been largely paved over and one that's worth revisiting.
There's the Mars bar, and a Mars bar.
One's a candy bar you can buy at a convenience store. The other's a breakfast food for astronauts going to Mars that's being developed by the Advanced Food Technology team at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Clear Lake.
Among its most important characteristics: how much NASA's Mars bars weigh, since everything onboard must be lifted into, and propelled through, space.
"There's no commercially-available bar right now that meets our needs. So we've had to go design something that will work for the crew, while trying to achieve a multi-year shelf life," said Takiyah Sirmons, one of the team's food scientists, according to the Voice of America.
Space salad and 3D-printed pizza: "On the long trip to Mars, what will astronauts eat?"
But just imagine the commercial appeal these Mars bars, loaded with calories, and possibly thermostabilized or rehydratable, might have for endurance athletes or survivalists.
Need we say Tang?
And it's all happening right here in Houston.
Astronauts are already sampling test products and commenting on how they taste and feel, and how long they'd want to eat them. Not that they would have a whole lot of choice, since the trip to Mars would take six to eight months. While there are 200 food products available on the International Space Station, according to VOA, the spacecraft that flies to Mars won't be as spacious, or as well-stocked.
What to eat could be a problem. But since we still don't possess the technology to get astronauts to mars and back alive, the Advanced Food Technology team has some time to figure it out.
Orange cranberry or barbecue nut?
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Seba Aghayeva Trend:
GUAM has become an important platform for cooperation among member countries, said Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Elmar Mammadyarov.
He made the remarks Dec. 15 during an opening of a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of GUAM, the organization for democracy and economic development.
GUAM is also important for joining efforts in the settlement of the conflicts existing in the area of the organizations member countries, noted the Azerbaijani foreign minister.
The minister also noted the importance of development of the organizations cooperation with other authoritative international organizations, in particular, with the United States (UN), Baltic Assembly, Visegrad Group.
Mammadyarov spoke about the importance of continuing efforts of GUAM member countries on progress of the draft resolution on protracted conflicts at the UN General Assembly.
Ensuring security, restoration of territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders and sovereignty of GUAM member states is vitally important for GUAM countries and we should join our efforts on the settlement of conflicts, added the minister.
The issues of cooperation in energy and transportation spheres provide good opportunities for the organizations member states in order to expand the geography of cooperation and open new opportunities to enter new markets, said Mammadyarov.
The meeting, scheduled for 2017, of heads of governments of GUAM member countries will be an important event and will make a huge contribution to the development of transportation corridors, noted the minister.
He added that another important direction of cooperation of GUAM member countries is the joint fight against terrorism and international crime.
The GUAM format was created by the post-Soviet states in 1997 during the summit of heads of states of the EU in Strasbourg. In 1999, Uzbekistan joined the format and four years later withdrew. In 2006, Ukraine and Azerbaijan announced plans to further increase the GUAM member relations and established its headquarters in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev.
Azerbaijan assumed the chairmanship in GUAM on January 1, 2016.
GALVESTON - Council members in League City have fired the city manager, ridding Mayor Pat Hallisey of one of his chief antagonists and one of two officials he blamed for bringing accusations of sexual harassment against him.
An effort to fire City Attorney Nghiem Doan, whom the mayor had accused of being in league with City Manager Mark Rohr, failed on a 4-4 vote.
The 5-3 vote to fire Rohr came after a six-hour meeting that began Tuesday and ended shortly after midnight Wednesday. Rohr was terminated immediately and will not return to City Hall, city spokeswoman Angel Lopez said.
"As I have said from the start, this was and has been about retaliation," Rohr said in a statement released by the city after the meeting.
"My concern was to uphold the charter and to see that council's own rules are observed to ensure the smooth operation of the city government," he added. "It was the right thing to do then and it still is the right thing to do."
Neither Rohr nor Doan responded to requests for comment Wednesday.
Rohr denies charges
Reached by phone Wednesday, Hallisey said that he supported firing both Rohr and Doan because of the roles he says they had in bringing accusations of sexual harassment before the city's ethics review board. Rohr has denied orchestrating the charges.
The board last month found the harassment accusations baseless after receiving a report by an independent investigator. One of the ethics panel members suggested during the hearing that Doan was plotting against the mayor and that his job was in jeopardy.
"Participating in these little witch hunts, no matter which way they go, is counterproductive to our future," Hallisey said. He said that he was surprised that Doan kept his job.
"I think they worked in concert," the mayor said of the city attorney and former city manager. "My take on that is that there were people who weren't willing to write him off ... and that he had gotten caught up in the political activism of the city manager."
The mayor had been feuding with Rohr and several council members for months over policy and management before the sexual harassment accusations came up.
Hallisey was accused in a complaint filed by Doan of harassing three women and of using an obscenity to describe a city councilwoman. None of the three women filed their own complaint, and all of them told the independent investigator that they never intended to make a complaint. Rohr had said he did nothing more than pass on to the city attorney information about the mayor's interaction with two of the women he was accused of harassing.
The mayor said Rohr was noncommunicative with him and city council, while Rohr countered that the mayor's actions were often in conflict with the council-manager form of government, in which the city manager runs daily operations.
Ongoing friction
In September, Rohr had accused the mayor of violating the city charter and City Council governance policy by publicly discussing details of a prospective development. Hallisey said Rohr's allegations were part of ongoing friction arising from Hallisey's defeat of a candidate supported by Rohr and six council members last March.
Hallisey also alleged that Rohr continually tried to turn city staff against him. He said firing Rohr was made possible after two council members who supported the city manager didn't seek re-election. They were replaced in November.
Rohr joined the League City government in March 2014 after the resignation of City Manager Mike Loftin the previous year.
Rohr brought 31 years of experience in local government, having previously served as a city manager in Joplin, Mo.; Piqua, Ohio; Punta Gorda, Fla.; Washington Court House, Ohio; and Newton Falls, Ohio.
Rohr is being replaced by Deputy City Manager John Baumgartner, who will serve as interim manager for six months. Hallisey said the post would likely be made permanent if Baumgartner does well.
Y.C. Orozco of Houston Community News contributed to this report.
Dozens of cities and universities across the country are promising to do what they can to fight the broad deportation of immigrants here illegally even as President-elect Donald Trump and other top Republicans have said they would block funding for those who enact sanctuary-type policies.
Mayors of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago and other mostly Democratic-led cities have said they would continue to limit local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration officials.
In some cases, they said they would go even further, shoring up money to help immigrants during deportation proceedings in California. Universities across the nation have also been flooded with petitions to declare their campuses sanctuary spaces, largely a symbolic gesture to signal their support for immigrant students.
It has all set up a contentious fight between local, state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, which is strictly the responsibility of Washington. Cooperation on the issue ramped up heavily after 9/11, but hundreds of entities have since scaled back over constitutional concerns and complaints about racial profiling.
Even in Texas, incoming Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez has said she would no longer detain immigrants who are otherwise eligible for release so that federal authorities can deport them, following the suit of five states and more than 500 counties, according to a tally by the National Immigration Law Center, an advocacy group in Los Angeles.
Harris County Sheriff-elect Ed Gonzalez said in an interview that he, too, is worried about holding inmates without pending charges for immigration enforcement and would study the issue. He has said he would end the county's controversial 287 (g) contract with federal authorities allowing jailers to interview inmates about their immigration status.
At risk is millions of dollars in federal funding, which Trump has said he would strip from so-called sanctuary jurisdictions in the first 100 days of his presidency. Trump won the election in part because of his promises to reduce immigration, and he jump-started his campaign last summer after the fatal shooting of a woman on a San Francisco pier by denouncing the city's sanctuary-type policies. The suspected shooter, a Mexican immigrant with a lengthy criminal record, had previously been deported but walked out of jail after his charges were dropped.
This month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also said he would cut state funding to what he said were sanctuary campuses and cities.
It's all certain to spark legal challenges over states' rights and the federal government's responsibility for immigration.
"You can't force states to participate in immigration enforcement," said Christopher Lasch, a law professor at the University of Denver who studies sanctuary policies. "The courts have made it crystal clear that it is the job of the federal government and not the job of local police. You can't command local police to do this."
Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies for the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington D.C. think tank advocating for reduced immigration, said it is not about requiring local police to enforce immigration law but simply allowing them to share information with immigration authorities.
She said current law already prohibits jurisdictions from restricting such cooperation. After clarification sought by U.S. Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, the Department of Justice this summer said it can withhold some law enforcement grants from entities that interfere "in any way" with information requests from immigration authorities.
But experts say the legal underpinning to pull other types of grants is hazy.
The 10th Amendment gives wide powers to the states, allowing them to set policy for local law enforcement, while granting broad authority to the federal government to decide how to tax and spend money. The Supreme Court has ruled that cutting more than 20 percent of funding for states' budgets is overly coercive and a "gun to the head." Any money Washington holds as punishment must also be germane to the issue at hand.
"You can only threaten to take money away from issues related to what the dispute is about, in this case, immigration enforcement," said Muzaffar Chishti, director of the New York office of the Migration Policy Institute, an immigration think tank. "You can't say you're going to stop money for education or work place issues. I think the legal precedent is quite strong on that."
It is also unclear how Trump and other lawmakers would define sanctuary jurisdictions, which is not a legal term and has a variety of meanings. Houston for decades has been trying to shed what it argues is an inaccurate label as a sanctuary city because it prohibits police officers from inquiring about immigration status, a common practice among law enforcement agencies.
In unveiling an Office for New Americans and Immigrant Communities this week, Mayor Sylvester Turner promised to protect immigrants and refugees from discrimination. But he skirted a reporter's question about if he would officially designate Houston a sanctuary city, prompting an outburst from a heckler who accused it of already being one.
The term originated in the 1980s during a grass roots effort by churches to protect Central Americans fleeing civil war from deportation. But it gained new resonance after the Bush administration in 2008 began a nationwide program called Secure Communities, requiring jailers to run the fingerprints of every person booked into jail through a sprawling law enforcement database, including immigration information from the Department of Homeland Security. More than 381,000 immigrants were deported through the program.
But critics said it encouraged racial profiling and deported immigrants accused of minor crimes such as traffic offenses rather than focusing the federal government's limited resources on violent immigrants. Hundreds of cities and municipalities began withdrawing or otherwise curtailing how they would cooperate with the federal government on the issue.
In 2014 the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and a U.S. district court in Oregon agreed that local jurisdictions did not have to detain immigrants for federal authorities and that it could be a violation of the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure.
Though the Obama administration overhauled the program last year to try address constitutional concerns, they remain. This summer the Bexar County Sheriff's Office was sued for holding a man for more than two months after officials dismissed the misdemeanor assault charge that had him flagged by immigration officials to begin with. In October, the federal district court in the Northern District of Illinois also struck down the use of immigrant detainers.
Without the broad cooperation of local law enforcement, it is unclear how Trump would deport about 2 million immigrants who he said have criminal records, said Lasch, the law professor from Denver.
During eight years in office, President Barack Obama deported more than 2.5 million immigrants, a record. The majority of those removed from the interior of the country were through cooperative agreements with local jails.
"That was largely accomplished because the federal government had unwittingly harnessed local law enforcement in the effort through the use of immigration detainers in jails," Lasch said.
Despite the rhetoric from Washington and Austin, he said the sanctuary movement is largely a show of support for immigrants rather than carrying much legal weight precisely because it is the federal government which enforces immigration law, not the states.
"No one can really promise sanctuary," he said. "As much as the incoming administration wants to characterize sanctuary cities as hotbeds of lawlessness where local officials shelter undocumented people from the clutches of immigration enforcement, that's just not what's going on."
Universities across the nation are also grappling with how to deal with the issue. Petitions have asked administrators to refuse to release information on immigrant students here illegally and not to comply with federal authorities in regards to raids on campus, which is extremely rare as it is.
University of Texas at Austin President Gregory L. Fenves said in a statement that campus police don't routinely ask about student immigration status and neither does the university. As a state institution, he said the university does not have the legal authority to become a "sanctuary campus," but must comply with federal law.
Rice University President David Leebron, in a letter to the college last month, said that the campus is subject to city, county, state and federal law, but would protect its students in any way it can.
"In some instances, it may be appropriate in a court of law or other forum to contest the application or interpretation of laws as they apply to Rice," he said.
Universities could also provide more counseling and legal assistance for students here illegally and train administrators and campus police on what information they are required to disclose to federal authorities, said Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration law expert at Cornell Law School in New York.
They could require immigration officials have an arrest warrant if they want to enter campus and detain students. And though it would not be legally binding, they could designate certain parts of the campus as safe spaces. Until now, federal agents have tended to avoid schools and churches.
"If every single campus in America does this to a degree, it will be very hard to go after everyone," Yale-Loehr said.
Blake Paterson and Mike Ward contributed to this report.
MD Anderson Cancer Center officials are taking urgent steps, including the possibility of layoffs, to cut expenses and boost revenues after three straight months of operating losses caused a deficit of more than $111 million in the first quarter of the 2017 fiscal year.
The situation is serious enough that even its vaunted Moon Shots cancer research program could face cutbacks, said Dan Fontaine, MD Anderson's executive vice president of administration.
"We're going to be watching day by day the revenues coming in December," said Fontaine, emphasizing they hope to avoid trimming staff. "We plan to go as long as we can before we make that decision."
In the meantime, Fontaine said in a Wednesday interview, hospital leaders have asked physicians "to make it easier for patients to get in the door." That means "better educating" them - including those who come from out of town for a consultation - about the superior quality of cancer treatment offered at MD Anderson, a celebrated Houston institution. And it means loosening criteria that sometimes prevents patients from enrolling in medical trials or receiving standard care at the world-renowned hospital, Fontaine said.
On the expense side, cancer center leaders plan to shrink their 20,000-member staff through attrition while asking employees to limit travel and other non-essential expenses.
Those initiatives already are paying off, Fontaine said, noting that the $9 million operating loss in November was far smaller than the $102 million deficit recorded in September and October. Those losses followed several months of operating deficits to end fiscal year 2016.
"All of those things have us heading in the right direction," Fontaine said. "After one quarter, I've had two bad months and one better month, none of those to be considered as good months."
Gifts, cash reserves
The operating budget is an important indicator of the cancer hospital's ability to be self-sufficient, he said. But it doesn't take into account other revenue streams, like state funding, charitable gifts and investment income. And it doesn't factor in the $2.8 billion MD Anderson maintains in cash reserves.
While the hospital finished the previous fiscal year with a $266 million operating deficit, other revenues buoyed the bottom line, according to financial statements, leaving the hospital $150 million in the black. With those other revenue streams factored in, this year's deficit through the first quarter is about $25 million.
A month ago, MD Anderson celebrated its 75th anniversary with a star-studded gala at the Texas Medical Center. Despite the recent financial struggles, Fontaine said the hospital is well positioned to continue operating for many more years.
"We're going to be here for our patients today, tomorrow, the next day," Fontaine said. "We've had our ups and downs, but we're going to be around for cancer patients for a long, long time."
MD Anderson's financial woes began last spring, after the hospital rolled out an electronic medical recordkeeping program, which should lead to more efficient care but in the short term has forced physicians and other staff to spend significant time learning a new system - and less time with patients.
Other factors also are at play, Fontaine said, including patients' higher insurance deductibles and a shrinking number of insurers willing to pay for MD Anderson's expensive treatments. Given those market forces, it's not surprising the hospital has taken a hit, said Vivian Ho, chair in health economics at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.
"Look, it's the best place in the world for the most challenging cancers that we're trying to battle," Ho said. "There's also some fraction of cancer care that's far more routine and less aggressive, and we have lots of terrific health care providers in Houston who can treat those patients for much lesser cost."
Previous problems
This isn't the first time MD Anderson has grappled with financial shortfalls. In 2013, after Dr. Ronald DePinho's first full year as president, the hospital froze salaries, shrank its staff and delayed construction projects after several months of operating losses.
The latest troubles come as the hospital is aggressively pursuing breakthrough research as part of its Moon Shots Program, which aims to find new life-saving treatments for the deadliest forms of cancer. That program and other research efforts aren't at risk of being eliminated, Fontaine said, but they could be affected as officials "tighten the belt across all programs."
At a faculty meeting last month, and in a statement to the Houston Chronicle, DePinho accepted blame for the latest troubles.
"I take full responsibility for any challenge that faces the institution, but I've also learned that the solutions lie in harnessing the collective wisdom and capabilities of all," he said in the statement. "We are all in this together."
Police are searching for a man who reportedly broke into a home south of Rice University last Thursday and escaped after taking the victim's vehicle.
According to Houston Police Department spokeswoman Jodi Silva, the victim was at his home in the 1900 block of Swift when he heard someone enter his house.
The Texas Renaissance Festival is embroiled in a legal jousting match after an ex-employee lobbed discrimination claims in a federal lawsuit, saying her employer regularly called her "cupcake," once copped to being "racist" and said it was "ok" that the Mission Falls attraction has a dearth of minority employees.
Now, Jennifer Gorsche is asking for monetary relief after being fired in what she said was a final act of discrimination, according to the lawsuit filed Tuesday.
The allegations date back to 2012, when Gorsche started working as the festival's media relations director.
That fall, the suit claims, owner George Coulam encouraged Gorsche to help members of the media get "laid" to boost reporting on upcoming event.
A few weeks later, Coulam told Gorsche he knew there weren't a lot of black and Hispanic employees, but that he was "ok" with that, the suit claims.
He also admitted to being a "racist" and said that he knew Gorsche's husband was black.
"Plaintiff opposed being subjected routinely to sexist comments," according to court papers.
So she complained and then emailed her predecessor for advice. That same day, Gorsche got the ax from her $55,000-a-year position.
The aggrieved former employee claims the festival explicitly cited her "conduct opposing discrimination as a reason for firing her."
Afterward, she filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which eventually issued a letter of determination acknowledging evidence of discrimination.
"Multiple witnesses have provided testimony that he routinely referred to female employees as 'honey,' 'sweetcakes,' and 'cupcake,'" the letter said.
Although the EEOC decided not to pursue a lawsuit, the commission issued a notice of right to sue, freeing Gorsche to take legal action on her own after negotiation failed.
Gorsche is asking for back pay, punitive damages, legal fees and money for pain and suffering.
Larry Simmons, outside counsel for the Renaissance Festival, said he hadn't read the complaint as of Tuesday afternoon, but cited the EEOC's response as a point in his client's favor.
"Ms. Gorsche previously filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission," he said in a statement.
"After reviewing our response to that complaint, the EEOC ultimately dismissed the charge, and chose to not file suit on her behalf. We look forward to presenting our defenses in court."
Facebook/Texas Values
AUSTIN -- In a victory for free speech rights, a judge on Thursday ordered a "Charlie Brown Christmas' display at a Killeen school restored after it was ordered taken down over a biblical message that educators said could be offensive.
After an hour-long hearing, state District Judge Jack Jones ruled that the door display featuring the Peanut character Linus, and his explanation of why Christmas matters, should be put back up with an added line: "Ms. Shannon's holiday message."
Details added (first version posted on 10:49)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
Trend:
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs at the US Department of State Amos Hochstein.
Azerbaijan-US relations were hailed at the meeting. The sides noted that the bilateral ties were successfully developing, and expressed confidence that they will further expand.
Prospects for energy cooperation were also discussed.
Poke it with a stick.
Maybe nudge it with your foot.
Or just wait for the next big wave to slosh it around.
Those are just a few traditional moves in the classic Galveston beach game: "Jellyfish or Plastic Bag?"
As beach games go, this one sits slightly above "Whose Sunburn is Worse?" But beachcombers aren't the only ones who confuse those flimsy pieces of plastic for jellyfish. Sea animals, like the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle, will mistakenly munch on garbage that washes out into Galveston Bay or the Gulf of Mexico.
Beaches and eco-tourism serve as pillars of the Galveston economy, and a patchwork of plastic isn't exactly a seasonal draw. So it should be no surprise that the Galveston City Council unanimously backs a proposed ordinance to ban those bags at stores, as Houston Chronicle reporter Harvey Rice wrote this week.
The Galveston Hotel and Lodging Association also stands alongside environmental groups and local residents in support of the policy. This consensus has been in the works for a while. Galveston City Hall has already advocated personal action in support of reusable bags, declaring April 22 "Bring the Bag" day. Mayor James D. Yarbrough also challenged Galvestonians to go 30 days without relying on disposable bags.
Now elected representatives are working to give that advocacy the force of law - which is how local government works in Texas.
Or at least that's how it used to work.
Something has switched in the Texas Republican Party, and the usual defenders of hometown authority have suddenly decided that the people cannot be trusted on issues like tree cutting, land-use regulations and, yes, disposable bags.
About 11 cities across the state have plastic bag bans. Fort Stockton in West Texas approved a ban after ranchers complained of horses dying from eating the wind-swept plastic.
Rather than respect these local issues, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken to suing Brownsville for its fee on the bags. Self-described tea party activist state Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, has introduced Senate Bill 103, which would enforce a statewide ban on bans. And Laredo is currently defending its local ordinance before the Texas Supreme Court.
Galveston's own state Rep. Wayne Faircloth, a Republican, signed onto an amicus brief in that lawsuit in opposition to local authority. Voters should wonder where their man will stand when the fight comes to the island.
These bag buddies, from Gov. Greg Abbott on down, claim that the chimes of liberty demand free-flowing plastic. The governor even once called these local rules "a form of collectivism."
The real motivation behind the fight has more to do with money: Statewide prohibitions in places like California and Hawaii have scared the plastics industry into action. Now they're afraid of losing Texas.
Houstonians know that the oil and gas - and plastics - industry serves as a pillar of our own local economy, and we're sympathetic to the industry's case. But we also know that unique circumstances in places like Galveston or Fort Stockton inform their local decisions - experiences that may be ignored by out-of-town politicians.
Liberty is not cradled in a film of polyurethane. Nor is it served by Austin politicos who want to micromanage each local decision.
But this fight isn't about liberty - it is about power. Texas is facing a well-funded political movement that seeks to crush dissent and harness government authority, wherever it exists, to further an agenda set by special interests and wealthy donors. The will of the people can go ignored with little consequence. Children can die in CPS care. Special education needs can go shortchanged. But politicians will line up to protect our God-given right to paper or plastic.
That's not a jellyfish on the beach. And it isn't a plastic bag. That waterlogged flotsam represents Lady Liberty herself - at least that's how we see her in Texas.
Since 1963 our country's vaccination program has reduced measles cases by more than 99 percent. In one year - 2000 - our country even reached a milestone victory against this vicious disease. It managed to eliminate measles in the U.S.
But this hard-won progress has started to erode.
In reaction to concerns, principally a thoroughly debunked study tying vaccinations to autism in children, Texas and 17 or so other states around the country passed laws making it legal to opt out of vaccinations. In Texas, the loophole exists not only for medical but for philosophical reasons.
Vaccines have revolutionized public health, as noted by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof in "The Dangers of Vaccine Denial," and parents who choose not to vaccinate for nonmedical reasons are not only endangering their own children but other people's health. Unfortunately, their ranks are growing.
Here in Texas, nearly 45,000 children are lacking vaccinations under non-medical or "reasons of conscience" exemptions to school immunization laws. This is almost double the exemptions in 2010 and a 19-fold increase compared to 2003, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services figures cited in a recent article in PLOS Medicine by Peter J. Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.
Health illiteracy is not confined to a particular political party or region of the state. It's a geographically disbursed and a bipartisan problem.
Some private schools, mostly in Travis County, boast exemption rates that exceed 20 percent, including more than 40 percent of the Austin Waldorf School. Liberal Austin is joined by conservative Gaines County in West Texas and Briscoe County in the Texas Panhandle, where the percentage of exemptions is now respectively 4.83 and 3.55 percent.
To be effective, vaccine coverage needs to remain high and in certain counties, "it's dangerously close to dropping below the 95 percent coverage rate necessary to ensure herd immunity and prevent measles outbreaks," according to Hotez.
Given the rise of clusters of unprotected populations, Hotez is predicting that a measles outbreak in Texas could happen as early as the winter or spring of 2018.
Measles is a terrible disease, with a high fever, spots on top of spots and a rash that can spread throughout a patient's entire body. Before our country's measles vaccination program kicked in, each year an estimated 400 to 500 people died, 48,000 were hospitalized and 4,000 suffered encephalitis (swelling of the brain) from measles, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Parents have a right to know the dangers at their schools when immunization rates fall too low, and the Legislature should act this session to pass a vaccine notification law.
A notification law could trigger peer pressure on doubters. If parents are alerted to a low vaccination rate at their schools, the parent-teacher organization could issue a call to ask non-vaccinating parents to consider the effect their decision could have on those with suppressed immune systems or vaccine allergies, and infants.
Measles is highly transmissible. This means that one case in a susceptible population could generate on average 1218 new cases.
Roald Dahl author of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and " James and the Giant Peach," lost his eldest daughter, Olivia, to complications from measles in 1962. More than 20 years after her death, he wrote a gut-wrenching essay aimed at parents, urging them to have their children vaccinated against the disease.
In his essay, Dahl recounted asking Olivia if she was feeling all right. She responded that she felt sleepy.
"In an hour, she was unconscious. In twelve hours she was dead," Dahl wrote.
It's bewildering that today a good and safe vaccine is available and that some parents are refusing to have their doctor administer it. But at a minimum, parents deserve to know whether their school is vulnerable to an outbreak of this disease.
Dark clouds
Regarding "CIA: Russian hacks 'prioritized' Democrats" (Page A11, Tuesday), while the hacking of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) by Russia is certainly alarming, it is worth considering how much more alarming the probable hacking of the Republican National Committee by Russia is for our nation.
Given the already established close ties between many of Trump's campaign managers and Russia, Trump's list of cabinet nominees who are friendly with Russia and Trump's own well-documented admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government, it seems reasonable to conclude that we may have elected a Russian apologist to our presidency.
Did Trump know of the DNC hack during the campaign? Even worse, did he know of the RNC hack? Is he going to spend his term of office whitewashing everything Russia does in order to forestall the release of damaging RNC documents by Russia? Is Trump answerable to the American people, or a foreign government that does not have the United States' best interests at heart? These are questions that should concern all of us, Republicans and Democrats alike.
Lisa Estill, Houston
CIA skeptic
Regarding "CIA info" (Page A15, Tuesday), your editorial calls for President-elect Donald Trump to take intelligence briefings seriously. And he should, but with me the CIA has no credibility and little or no insight. They are an agency with 21,000 employees and a multi-billion-dollar budget that needs full-time oversight by Congress and the president.
Do we really need that many employees dedicated to spying? Billions is a big chunk of change that could be easily reduced.
Jimmy Dunne, Houston
The phrase "extortion racket" does not usually bring forth the image of a person in a white coat with a stethoscope. But here in the Lone Star State, health-care extortion is legal and hurts Texans both economically and medically.
In commerce and in the movies, the extortion euphemism is "protection." In health care, it is known by a different name - a Prescriptive Authority Agreement (PAA). The people being extorted are advanced-practice registered nurses, commonly called APRNs.
These nurses are trained to function independently diagnosing and treating a host of common ailments. While they could offer prescription drugs to sick patients, they are forbidden to do so in Texas except by delegation from a physician with whom they must sign and pay for a PAA.
The average cost to an APRN of such a contract is $20,000, with some running as high as $120,000 per year. When an APRN practices in a major urban medical center, the hospital generally picks up the tab as part of the employment agreement.
In rural Texas, doctors are in very short supply: 226 regions are federally classified as medically underserved while 25 counties have no doctor at all. APRNs could fill in the gaps but cannot afford to locate in these areas because of the cost of a PAA.
An APRN cannot pass on the cost of the PAA to consumers: Payments are fixed by federal regulations. She gets what the reimbursement schedule allows, regardless of her costs.
With an average gross income of $92,000, roughly 50 percent overhead, and a $20,000 payment to the doctor for a PAA, the APRN with all her training and despite her great value to the community, is only making $1,750 a year above the poverty line for a family of four. Knowing that in advance, why would an APRN choose to set up practice in the Panhandle or in South Texas?
The exorbitant expense of a PAA makes serving rural, low-density or impoverished communities cost-prohibitive for APRNs. This regulation creates a great barrier to care, and serves as a deterrent to APRNs who may want to serve their hometown.
The PAA also causes a large financial loss to Texas.
APRNs are less expensive to train and, thus, less expensive to patients.
A national study of Medicare Part A and Part B expenditures found that advanced-practice nurses cost 29 percent less than primary care physicians.
Texas taxpayers will spend more than $160,000 to train one doctor.
For the same price, we could train between three and 12 APRNs and have them available sooner.
The PAA also reduces revenue production and inhibits job creation. A study done here in Texas suggested that releasing APRNs to practice fully would generate $700 million in additional tax receipts to state and local governments, and would create more than 97,000 private-sector new jobs.
What value does the patient or the APRN receive for the cost of a PAA?
The Texas Medical Board, which mandates the PAA, claims an APRN can safely prescribe drugs only under a doctor's supervision. Yet, APRNs are trained in pharmacology and understand the limits of their prescribing ability. They do not prescribe chemotherapy or cardiac drugs on their own. Furthermore, the oversight by the contracting physician is always after-the-fact: one to six months after the APRN has prescribed a medicine. If a mistake occurred, the "supervision" would not prevent patient harm.
As in all instances of regulatory capture, those benefiting most from the status quo are those who are most vocal in its perpetuation. Texas' largest physician advocacy group has routinely resisted expanding APRN's scope of practice to include independent prescriptive authority, a job function these nurses have been trained for and are well-qualified to perform. Understandably so, as any expansion in a nurse's scope of practice could be considered in equal part marginalizing physicians' usefulness and reducing doctors' compensation.
Ironically, studies have shown that in states where APRNs are allowed full scope of practice, physicians earn higher wages than those in states with more restrictive regulation.
There is a role in civil society for sensible regulations, those that can be proven to benefit the consumer, the public at-large and the state. Regulations that constrain the free market for outdated or protectionist reasons must be repealed, especially if they are making health care more difficult to obtain and more expensive.
For this reason, the incoming Texas Legislature should eliminate legalized extortion called the PAA.
Cohen is deputy director of the Center for Effective Justice at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a nonprofit research institute based in Austin. Waldman is director of TPPF's Center for Health Care Policy and author of "The Cancer in the American Healthcare System."
Free trade was the biggest loser of the 2016 election.
An August poll by the Pew Research Center found that 47 percent of voters view free trade as harmful. Among Republicans - long considered the party of free trade - opposition rose from 39 percent to 61 percent in just over a year. Absent a sudden shift in public opinion, the outlook doesn't look bright for increased commerce with our neighbors and the wider world.
But such a shift is urgently needed; free trade is critical for America's long-term prosperity. One of the great tasks facing our leaders - in politics and business - is to restore Americans' trust in free trade.
The story of free trade is the story of local communities across the country. For my part, I have seen the immense benefits in my hometown of Laredo.
Twenty-five years ago, most people would have written off this small border city. In January 1990, unemployment hovered at 14.5 percent, nearly three times higher than the national average.
Then came the North American Free-Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the possibility of increased trade with our neighbors across the Rio Grande. Today, despite its small population of 260,000, Laredo is the third-largest trade port in the entire nation, behind only New York City and Los Angeles. Between January and August of this year, over $186 billion in imports and exports flowed through the city. Last year alone, over $121 billion in American exports were routed through Laredo.
This has transformed our community and has had a profound impact on people's lives. Unemployment plummeted; it stood at 5.2 percent in September. Up to half of the city's jobs are now directly or indirectly related to trade. And the city's population more than doubled over the last two-and-a-half decades.
But the benefits of free trade aren't restricted to Laredo - far from it. Free trade, whether with Mexico, Canada or any nation, opens new markets for American-made goods and brings a bounty of affordable products to American shelves.
Every dollar that American companies make through exports is a dollar that they wouldn't have otherwise made, and they can spend it on innovation, higher wages and more jobs. Seen through this lens, the $710 billion in goods that we export to our free-trade partners directly benefits millions of American families.
Those same families win again through imports. Thanks to affordable imported goods, free trade boosts the average American household's income by $10,000, especially helping low-income workers' dollars go farther.
Are there winners and losers with trade? Absolutely, and we cannot ignore or downplay their plight. But the solution isn't to abandon free trade - it's to come together in our communities and as a nation to help people earn the skills needed to work in the 21st century. To reject free trade is to cause more harm to more people.
To embrace free trade, on the other hand, is to unleash greater gains for people at every level of society. The United States currently enjoys free-trade agreements with a mere 20 countries, yet these countries account for half of America's exports. We also sell them far more in manufactured goods than we buy - nearly $300 billion more between 2008 and 2015, to be exact. Overall, 95 percent of consumers of American goods and services live outside of the United States.
Behind these numbers are millions of people whose lives are made immeasurably better by free trade and the countless doors it opens.
We can improve even more lives if we expand the list of smart, fairly negotiated free-trade agreements in the coming years.
This will only happen if we can restore Americans' confidence that free trade works in their favor. That's why business leaders and politicians alike, including the Texas congressional delegation, must trumpet the benefits of free trade far and wide - something many have failed to do or done only tepidly in recent years. We must also work with President-elect Donald Trump to negotiate fair free-trade deals not only with our immediate neighbors but also with countries across the globe, including those with whom we currently don't have deals. Failing to do so is a disservice to the millions of Americans whose lives could be improved by free trade.
There's little doubt that free trade was 2016's biggest loser. But every American needs it to start winning, because when free trade wins, then so do we.
Nixon is CEO and Chairman of International Bank of Commerce, based in Laredo.
Details added (first version posted on 12:18)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Seba Aghayeva Trend:
GUAM has become an important platform for cooperation among member countries, said Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Elmar Mammadyarov.
He made the remarks Dec. 15 during an opening of a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of GUAM, the organization for democracy and economic development.
GUAM is also important for joining efforts in the settlement of the conflicts existing in the area of the organizations member countries, noted the Azerbaijani foreign minister.
The minister also noted the importance of development of the organizations cooperation with other authoritative international organizations, in particular, with the United States (UN), Baltic Assembly, Visegrad Group.
Mammadyarov spoke about the importance of continuing efforts of GUAM member countries on progress of the draft resolution on protracted conflicts at the UN General Assembly.
Ensuring security, restoration of territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders and sovereignty of GUAM member states is vitally important for GUAM countries and we should join our efforts on the settlement of conflicts, added the minister.
The issues of cooperation in energy and transportation spheres provide good opportunities for the organizations member states in order to expand the geography of cooperation and open new opportunities to enter new markets, said Mammadyarov.
The meeting, scheduled for 2017, of heads of governments of GUAM member countries will be an important event and will make a huge contribution to the development of transportation corridors, noted the minister.
He added that another important direction of cooperation of GUAM member countries is the joint fight against terrorism and international crime.
The GUAM format was created by the post-Soviet states in 1997 during the summit of heads of states of the EU in Strasbourg. In 1999, Uzbekistan joined the format and four years later withdrew. In 2006, Ukraine and Azerbaijan announced plans to further increase the GUAM member relations and established its headquarters in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev.
Azerbaijan assumed the chairmanship in GUAM on January 1, 2016.
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There are high costs to absenteeism. CCH Incorporated estimates that the direct costs of unscheduled absenteeism can cost up to $602 per employee. Indirect costs can make up another 25% including the costs of overtime pay, hiring temps, missed deadlines, lost sales, sinking morale and lower productivity. Paid leave as benefits is sure a good talent retention strategy. But you got to know the impact it has on your businesss bottom line. 67% of people at small businesses (up to 500 employees), and 80% of people at larger businesses, have access to paid leave benefits. When managing employee leaves, stakes rise with size of your organization and employee compensation At empxtrack, we believe that organizations need to understand and manage their people well. Here are a few recommendations for businesses to manage employee leaves well based on our study. Which month do employees take the most number of leaves? Earlier last month, Sam Altman from YCombinator said Summers are the best, when reflecting upon his 36 life lessons on turning 30. With his success, he must surely be hinting at summers as the best time to work. At least, thats what our records tell us. We noted the least number of records in the months of June to September, while most of the leaves were piled up around the New Year. Other than celebrating holidays, like in the United States, employees in India take leave around the New Year to avoid a lapse of l...
eading industry expert says many employers may be making a mistake when it comes to corporate culture theyre taking on too much responsibility when they should be sharing the load.Leaders often have a flawed view of the world, says corporate culture specialist Steve Simpson. In many cases, their perception is that they are solely responsible for the culture but I argue thats absolutely not the case my argument is that leaders are primarily but not solely responsible for the culture.Simpson, who was recognised as Australian Educator of the Year in 2015, says staff often point upwards when theres a problem but fail to acknowledge that their own actions play a pivotal role in shaping company culture.There is evidence to back this up, he says. We can have a good leader with an ordinary culture, why? Because of the staff. We can have an ordinary leader with a good culture, why? Because of the staff.Melbourne-based Simpson says organisations need to show employees that they can be drivers of workplace culture and empower them to make the changes they want to see.We need to emphasise shared responsibility because employees too often take a cop out position, he says. Its not a one-way street.Award-winning Kiwi employer VTNZ has already realised the value of this approach and this year the firm was recognised as New Zealand's best enterprise workplace by IBM Kenexa.Engagement is not just about the leadership team or managers, its actually about everybody in the company, says Melissa Jordan, VTNZs GM of people and culture. Everybody who is here has to be committed to it so everybody has to take responsibility for their own engagement its not just looking at the company and saying; the company has to do it.Jordan says its a mistake to think fad perks can drive engagement instead, employers and employees should focus on the simple things can really make an impact.We could do all sorts of gimmicky things as a company lets have roller skates or a pinball machine but the reality is what makes a difference to our team is when they come to work in the morning, their team members say good morning to each other, she tells HRM.So everybody takes responsibility for smiling and building a relationship with each other. What else makes a difference is when theyre really busy in their role, another team member offers to give them a hand, she continues.We can have as many pinball machines as you like but if you come to work in the morning and your team members are grumpy and wont speak to you, its not a nice place.Jordan says leaders and employees routinely discuss the ways in which they can improve engagement at a grass-roots level.Early on in the journey, when we have our roll-out of the engagement results, part of that discussion is the team deciding what they are going to do to build engagement, she says, So thats things like committing to attending team meeting, giving constructive feedback or if youre going through a bad time, letting the team know so that they dont take it personally and cut you some slack.The Wellington-based HR head says the approach not only drives engagement but makes employees feel proud of what theyve achieved once they notice an improvement.Theyre so proud when they get a great result because theyve all worked hard to achieve that, she says. The sooner you can help people understand that theyve got just as much of a role to play in this, that theyre empowered to make decisions about their own engagement and do stuff to help their own engagement, the sooner youll see a difference.
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But it wasn't always like this.
The people of Aleppo once walked the streets in safety, shopped in crowded markets and sipped tea on patios living a relatively peaceful life in Syria's largest city.
The metropolis which encompasses the Old City of Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage site was also a tourist hub known for its citadels, bustling shopping centres and Islamic history.
In 2012, about a year after the Syrian unrest began, the city became a key battleground in the conflict. Since then, the city which used to be home to about 2.3 million people, has seen mass evacuations.
But not all have been able to leave. There are still an estimated 275,000 Syrians under siege in Aleppo. The life they know now is worlds away from that they knew just years ago.
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Much of Aleppo has vanished, but can still be found in these photos:
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
Trend:
Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has given instructions to the heads of relevant structures on urgent search for oilmen who went missing as a result of an accident in the Caspian Sea, the presidents press service said Dec. 15.
The press service said that as of now the body of one oilman has been retrieved.
Search is underway and the head of state is being constantly informed about the situation.
Earlier, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR said in a message that an accident took place at about 05:00 (UTC/GMT+4), on Dec. 15, due to strong wind, which blew away a part of a flyover of a 150-meter long oil-gathering station. A board attached to the flyover and a booth on it were also blown away.
According to preliminary reports, five people, who were on duty at the gathering station, and five people, who were in the booth, are missing.
Vessels of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CJSC are at the site.
The message also said that leadership of SOCAR, Ministry of Emergency Situations and Azneft are at the site. A special group has been created to investigate the accident.
'Twas the week before Christmas and one things for certain,
Both opposition parties are definitely hurtin;
In their letter to Santa, they each had one ask,
To find a new leader who was up for the task;
The orange leader looked beaten, a force that was spent,
When all he could muster was 47 per cent;
The Dippers were nervous cause they tried and they tried,
They posted the job and no one applied;
They may turn to the Internet to help fulfill their wish,
And place a Help Wanted ad on Plenty of Fish;
Now the Tories have 14, with credentials to tout,
And their value-based screenings knocked none of them out;
Theyve gone coast-to-coast, speaking right from the stump,
Its evolved to a game of out- Donalding Trump;
Of course, word on the street without Peter MacKay,
They hope the interim leader chooses to stay;
But with the wind down south, the far right have a theory,
To heck with them all, lets draft Kevin OLeary;
To all candidates I offer Christmas love, peace and joy,
But when it comes to the next election, Id still bet on our boy.
Canadian National Railway is adamantly disputing a report alleging it made hundreds of millions of dollars systematically overcharging Greater Torontos transit operator on contracts it carried out.
The report from the Southern Investigative Reporting Foundation (SIRF) alleges the company overcharged GO Transit and later Metrolinx by as much as 900 per cent on rail projects it carried out, and even charged the taxpayer-funded agency for work it did for its own purposes.
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Canadian National was using Metrolinx as an automated teller machine, albeit one with no deposits required, the report concluded, saying that the juiced-up revenue inflated CN Rails earnings numbers.
"These allegations are false," CN spokesperson Patrick Waldron in an email to HuffPost Canada. "They are based on information provided by former employees who were terminated for fraud, including misappropriation of funds and falsifying documents, and are subject to ongoing litigation by CN."
The SIRF report expands on Ontario Auditor-General Bonnie Lysyks report last month suggesting payment irregularities in Metrolinx contracts with both CN and CP Rail, which were made possible by loose financial controls at Metrolinx.
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We have concerns that Metrolinx has not managed its relationship with CN and CP in a way that is in the best financial interests of Ontarians, Lysyk said.
However, since most of the regions commuter rails run on CN tracks, its CN contracts that had the biggest impact on Metrolinx spending.
Among Lysyks findings was that CN charged up to 130 per cent more for construction work than an unnamed competitor. And one contractor was awarded 22 more projects after performing poorly for Metrolinx, the report stated.
It also found CN saved itself some money by using recycled parts in a rail construction project instead of new ones. The company estimated it had overcharged Metrolinx by $25,000 on that contract.
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But the SIRF report alleges much larger irregularities.
Between 2004 and 2008, CN managers developed what SIRF calls a billing scheme that reaped hundreds of millions of dollars in profits and benefits through wildly inflating the cost of construction.
In one instance, it appears that Metrolinx paid some $95 million for 14.6 km of track, even though a 2006 document from CN estimated it costs the company about $700,000 per kilometre to build tracks. Thats a markup of some 900 per cent.
In another instance, SIRF alleges that CN charged Metrolinx for work it did for CNs own trains. The company built new tracks at its Aldershot rail yard to speed up cargo trains as they left the depot, and then evidently charged that work to Metrolinx, which does not run cargo trains.
But CN Rail is denying the SIRF report, and taking issue with the auditor-general's report as well.
"The Metrolinx projects we have partnered on utilize rigorous construction management processes covering project specifications and budgets to deliver quality work with strict oversight," Waldron said.
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"CN was not given an opportunity to respond in advance of the [auditor general] reports release. We have discussed several erroneous findings with the Auditor General and will be responding more formally with that office."
For its part, Metrolinx reacted to the auditor-generals report by pointing out that Lysyks concerns had to do with a small sample out of the many hundreds of projects Metrolinx is currently working on or has completed between 2011 and 2016.
The agency also says it is taking steps to address concerns about cost controls.
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In 2015, the fashion world was delivered the very disappointing news that magazine covers around the world (in particular, Canada) lacked diversity and representation.
Fast forward to 2016, a rough year for many of us, and we're happy to report things have progressed!
But hold the cheers: because when it comes to featuring people of colour, diverse body types and transgender individuals on the front page, things are still not good enough.
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The Fashion Spot just released its annual magazine cover diversity report, and the site reports out of the 679 cover appearances they tracked from 48 top international fashion publications, 196 included people of colour.
This is a 29 per cent increase from 2015, a year which saw only 6.2 per cent cover stars who represented a diverse group of people.
Who landed the most magazine covers in 2016? They did. https://t.co/dzOgvS1iTXpic.twitter.com/xT0FjGHl18 THE FASHION LAW (@TheFashionLaw) December 15, 2016
The big winner of 2016? Teen Vogue. The report praised the glossy's "diversity charge."
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In their own report on diverse covers, Fashionista championed Teen Vogue for not only casting "actresses-slash-activists," but for including women of colour, including "The Hunger Games" star Amandla Stenberg and Willow Smith, on seven of its 11 issues. InStyle followed suit, having diverse cover stars on seven of their 12 covers.
So, who is lagging? Harper's Bazaar. According to The Fashion Spot, the American mag only featured white, cisgender, straight-sized models this year.
Others who didn't fare well included Britain's Love Magazine, which hasn't featured a model of colour on its cover in at least three years.
British Vogue only featured one person of colour, Rihanna. In 2015, Jourdan Dunn was the first model of colour to appear on its front page since 2013.
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If there's one area each and every single magazine needs to focus on more in 2017, it's body diversity. The report calls the representation of body types on covers "miserable," with only 0.9 per cent of celebrities and models being size 12 or over. This includes Adele on Vanity Fair and Vogue, Leslie Jones and Melissa McCarthy on Elle and Ashley Graham on Cosmopolitan.
The report also tracked appearances by models over 50 years old, noting five per cent of covers featured older women, including Michelle Obama on the covers of T magazine and Vogue.
And the least represented group was transgender models, with only 0.7 per cent booking covers. And four out of those five covers went to It model Hari Nef.
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So, what does this all mean? Fashion magazines in 2017 need to be a lot better at putting people that represent all kinds of diverse groups on their covers.
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Uber rolled out a fleet of driverless cars in San Francisco on Wednesday, and it took only hours for one of the cars to be caught running a red light.
The operations manager of Luxor, a taxi company competing with Uber, posted a video to YouTube showing a driverless Uber vehicle running right through a red light. The video was captured by dashcam in a Luxor vehicle.
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Comments on social media suggested that another Uber car also ran a red light in San Francisco on its first day, the San Francisco Examiner reported.
At the same time, Uber is embroiled in an argument with the local department of motor vehicles over whether its driverless cars need a permit to operate.
The ride-hailing company is refusing to obey demands by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles that it immediately stop picking up San Francisco passengers in self-driving cars.
Hours after Uber launched a self-driving service Wednesday morning with a handful of Volvo luxury SUVs, the DMV sent the company a letter saying the move was illegal because the cars did not have a special permit the department requires for putting autonomous vehicles on public roads.
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As of Wednesday night, the Volvos distinctive in look with sensors protruding from their tops were still roaming San Francisco's streets. The company did not respond to a request for comment about the state's legal threat.
"If Uber does not confirm immediately that it will stop its launch and seek a testing permit, DMV will initiate legal action,'' DMV Chief Counsel Brian Soublet wrote the company. He referenced the possibility of taking Uber to court.
Uber knew about the DMV's permit requirement but argues that its cars do not meet the state's definition of an "autonomous vehicle'' because they need a person behind the wheel to monitor and intervene if needed.
Parsing the definition of an autonomous vehicle is in line with Uber's history of testing legal boundaries. During its meteoric rise into a multibillion dollar company, Uber has argued with authorities in California and around the world about issues including driver criminal background checks and whether those drivers should be treated as contractors ineligible for employee benefits.
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California has issued permits to 20 companies for tests of autonomous vehicles on public roads, mostly traditional automakers and tech companies.
Operating without a permit arguably gives Uber a competitive advantage. Companies with one must report to the state all crashes and every instance in which a person takes control during testing. All that information is public.
Uber is sending another message to California: Other places want us if you don't.
In a blog post Tuesday, Levandowski warned that "complex rules and requirements could have the unintended consequence of slowing innovation'' and named several places outside California he characterized as being "pro technology.''
The launch in San Francisco, the city where Uber is headquartered, expanded a deployment of self-driving cars the company started in Pittsburgh in September. The testing lets everyday people experience the cars as Uber works to identify glitches before expanding the technology's use in San Francisco and elsewhere. The company wouldn't say the exact number of cars, calling it a "handful.''
The cars have an Uber employee behind the wheel to take over should the technology fail. Users of the app may be matched with a self-driving car but can opt out if they prefer a human driver. Self-driven rides cost the same as ordinary ones.
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Uber's fleet of Volvo XC90s aren't the first self-driving cars on San Francisco streets several other companies visit regularly with test prototypes, though none offers public rides.
Once testing is complete, the ultimate vision is to sell to the public technology that supporters argue will save thousands of lives because it doesn't drink, text, fall asleep or take dangerous risks.
Surprise! The first photos of Ryan Reynolds and Blake Livelys kids are here, and we cant stop gushing.
On Thursday, the Deadpool actor received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and he brought his entire family with him to celebrate.
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Reynolds and his wife are parents to two daughters. Their eldest, James, is two years old, and their youngest was born in September.
While we didnt catch a glimpse of the wee ones face, we do have photos to confirm that James Reynolds is the cutest kid in Hollywood!
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Just look at those golden curls, her bright blue eyes and that on-point fashion sense. James is clearly taking after her mama.
Blake Lively and her daughter James at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016.
Blake Lively and her daughter James at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016.
During Reynolds acceptance speech, he adorably thanked his wife and their two kids. Naturally, James tried to climb up on stage with him.
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Ryan Reynolds helps his daughter James at a ceremony honouring him with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Too cute!
This is the first public appearance the entire family has made together. Reynolds and Lively are known for keeping their family life extremely private, which is why theyve kept their kids out of the limelight until now.
In fact, the couple is so private that they still havent revealed the name of their youngest daughter.
Despite this, here's hoping for many more family photos to come!
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They made it so!
Sonequa Martin-Green, known for playing Sasha Williams on the hit AMC show "The Walking Dead," has been cast as the lead in "Star Trek: Discovery," according to Entertainment Weekly.
Martin-Green will play a lieutenant commander on the Discovery, according to EW, although as of press time, there are no further details on her character, including her name. Will she be a Klingon? A Romulan? A Bajoran? A Vulcan? A human? Only time will tell!
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Sonequa Martin-Green will play a lieutenant commander on the Discovery. (Photo by Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images)
But fans of "The Walking Dead" character don't have to worry about Sasha being killed off any time soon (at least, we hope not): the 31-year-old actress will continue to be a series regular in the zombie drama.
"Star Trek: Discovery," premieres on CBS All Access in May 2017, with a 13-episode first season.
According to TVLine, the first season "follows an incident in the history of Starfleet that other series/movies in the franchise have touched on but never fully explored."
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Former executive producer Bryan Fuller told the website "Discovery" will tell "that story through a character who is on a journey that is going to teach her how to get along with others in the galaxy."
The news of Martin-Green's casting is an exciting one because it's a big step towards more diversity on TV the actress is the first African-American woman to lead a "Star Trek" series.
"Discovery" is shaping up to have a diverse cast, featuring the franchise's first openly gay character, a lieutenant played by Anthony Rapp, as well as "Crouching Tiger" star Michelle Yeoh as a Starfleet captain and African-American actor Chris Obi and English-Pakistani actor Shazad Latif as Klingons.
Michelle Yeoh has been cast as a Starfleet captain. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage)
"Star Trek started with a wonderful expression of diversity in its cast... were continuing that tradition, Fuller told reporters in August. "We wanted to paint a picture of Starfleet thats indicative of encountering people who are much more different than we are.
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Fuller also explained why "Discovery's" lead isn't a captain at least not yet.
"Weve seen six series from the captains point of view," he explained. "To see a character from a [new] perspective on the starship one who has different dynamic relationships with a captain, with subordinates, it gave us richer context."
So, who else is excited for "Star Trek: Discovery"?
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Details added (first version posted on 15:26)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
Trend:
Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has given instructions to the heads of relevant structures on urgent search for oilmen who went missing as a result of an accident in the Caspian Sea, the presidents press service said Dec. 15.
The press service said that as of now the body of one oilman has been retrieved.
Search is underway and the head of state is being constantly informed about the situation.
Earlier, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR said in a message that an accident took place at about 05:00 (UTC/GMT+4), on Dec. 15, due to strong wind, which blew away a part of a flyover of a 150-meter long oil-gathering station. A board attached to the flyover and a booth on it were also blown away.
According to preliminary reports, five people, who were on duty at the gathering station, and five people, who were in the booth, are missing.
Vessels of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CJSC are at the site.
The message also said that leadership of SOCAR, Ministry of Emergency Situations and Azneft are at the site. A special group has been created to investigate the accident.
Canadians opened their doors a year ago to refugees from Syria.
Bewildered after a long flight, they were handed new winter coats as they arrived at the airport, and across the country Canadians helped them find places to live and to furnish their new homes. Volunteers, including many Unifor members, offered advice on everything from finding a job to using public transit.
It was a great initiative of which all Canadians are rightfully proud. The need was there, and we answered the call.
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As we prepare to mark International Migrants Day this coming Sunday, many of us -- myself included -- will reflect fondly on how our country responded to the needs of Syrian refugees. I will also be thinking about the ways that Canada can build on the Syrian effort to help others in desperate situations, and maybe even to help prevent people from becoming refugees in the first place.
We have in our midst many newcomers who were forced to flee their homelands, but live in constant fear of being found and forced to return. Their need to escape to this county was just as great as that of the Syrians, and yet that need is often not recognized.
Many migrants come here seeking freedom and opportunity, but end up living largely in hiding for fear they will be sent back while their citizenship status is caught in a long delay. They fear sending their children to school and are often afraid to seek medical help out of a concern that their status situation will be reported to authorities and they will be deported.
No parent should have to live in such conditions while trying to provide for their families.
This kind of isolation leaves such families vulnerable to exploitation from employers and landlords looking to take advantage of this reluctance to speak out. No parent should have to live in such conditions while trying to provide for their families. No children should be denied access to health care and education out of fear of deportation.
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There has been some progress, notably in Toronto where the public school board has denied access to schools by immigration officials to question children. This policy change came after children were pulled from class, questioned about the status of their parents, and families deported.
The school board recognized that such actions would discourage some parents from sending their children, often born in Canada, to school out of fear that their status would be discovered. The new policy helps ensure that all children can get the education that kids need and deserve. Likewise, the city of Toronto joined others across Canada in declaring itself a Sanctuary City, giving the city's non-status residents access to city services.
These are positive steps, for sure, but they are local initiatives. When such actions are left to municipalities and school boards, it leads to a patchwork of security across this country, which does little to reduce the risk faced by such families.
Canada must also consider the challenges faced by temporary foreign workers who leave their spouses and children behind to come to Canada in work. Their stay is tied to a specific job, so they live in fear that losing employment will mean both a financial loss and being sent home. The conditions of Canada's temporary foreign worker program, riddled with a lack of standards and enforcement, leaves these workers open to exploitation.
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Temporary workers also have limited access to social services while here, and are not eligible to bring their families with them or become full citizens. Some can spend years in Canada working in supposedly temporary contracts that are renewed continuously, and the workers too often spend more time alone in Canada than with their families.
Unifor has long argued that if any person is good enough to work here, they are good enough to stay. In other words, allow them to immigrate with rights and opportunities, given that the work is needed.
Unifor has long argued that if any person is good enough to work here, they are good enough to stay.
Migrants coming to Canada under the temporary foreign workers program or through other means often arrive out of the desperate economic situation of their home countries. Such economic refugees would not come if they could find decent work with a living wage at home. Given the broader crisis in our world, the answer to the crisis is ultimately to fight for a more sustainable world with greater justice, fair trade, human rights and a livable wage for all workers.
We are all richer, both economically and culturally, for the diversity that newcomers bring to this country. As the child of immigrants, I have seen first-hand the deep love and pride for this country among those given the chance to build a new life here.
With the news full of stories this week about the fall of Aleppo, we are all reminded of the war the Syrian refugees are escaping. But with such wars are raging around the globe, each of them is creating more refugees, perhaps the best thing we can do is be advocates of peace.
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We need to also remember that the Syrian refugee crisis did not become a major issue that captured the world's attention until three-year-old Alan Kurdi's tiny body washed up on a beach in Turkey. We must not wait until such tragedy occurs again to move us to do the right thing.
The need is all around us.
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What a time to be Canadian, eh? Our rowdy neighbours to the south are not only putting on a spectacle, but they're also giving us one more reason to be feeling proud and patriotic.
All this crazy American fanfare has truly made me more grateful than ever to be Canadian--but I've always tended to favour our home and native land over world domination.
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Over the years, as I've launched multiple businesses in this market, I'm often asked why I build companies directly targeted at Canadian consumers. Most of my brands have been by Canadians for Canadians with little opportunity (or interest) in expanding over the border.
It has been more of a personal decision than a business one, based on my philosophy around building brands and cultures. I don't need to be a "unicorn" (VC speak for a $1B plus venture). To me, success is building a sustainable business, that becomes a brand cherished by consumers and an organization where employees get as much as they give, and therefore love to work at. And I certainly don't need 300 million potential customers to achieve that. The size of the Canadian market, coupled with the generally positive and welcoming attitude of its constituents, is just fine by me, thank you very much.
And I know I'm stating the obvious to my fellow Canucks, but there are a few tried-and-true Canadianisms that have served me well, both professionally and personally (and perhaps that Internet troll of a U.S. president-elect might consider trying them):
Being nice is always the right thing. Nice guys may sometimes finish last, but they sleep better at night. I have found over the course of my career that doing the right thing, is very often not the easy thing. And at times when clients/partners/vendors are acting in ways that I consider hostile or unfair, I consider it a personal challenge to rise above it and be kind. But when I do, not only do I feel better (because being angry just doesn't feel good), but I save my energy for things that really matter, burn less bridges, and often open up new opportunities.
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Saying sorry is a good thing. Even if you're just saying it to keep the peace. Some people (aka me), can be very stubborn at times. We all want so badly to be right. But at what cost? Is it worth jeopardizing relationships and partnerships? I have found that showing accountability for your actions opens up the door to communication. It drops the barriers that keep us in "fight" mode and opens up the door to conversations, and ultimately, solutions.
Diversity is not only nice to have, it's a must-have. It makes the world go round. It makes us and our children more empathic, engaging, and enlightened. It is something to be leveraged not limited. I feel so blessed to have grown up in Toronto and to have had exposure to people from a variety of religious and socio-economic backgrounds. It has enriched my life and I believe it is one of the factors that has helped me create successful Canadian brands. Because I get people. I know what they like to read and how they want to read it.
And finally, size matters, but big isn't always better. What you do with smaller budgets can be more creative and profound than unlimited funds. Doing amazing things for the Canadian economy, local workers and minority groups can be a lot more meaningful than riding the wave in Silicon Valley and owning your own emu. (I don't know why I said that, but really rich people tend to do really weird things.) Through my entrepreneurial journey I've spent much of that time as the underdog, working of miniscule (aka no) budget and small, but mighty staff resources. And yet it's forced us to be creative and efficient, which has ultimately led to some beautiful ideas.
Those are my two cents, or should I say toonie, on living (and loving) this True North, strong and free. Now if only we could just get some of that California weather...
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Michael Heimlich via Getty Images Chicago, IL, USA - October 28, 2004: An overcast afternoon view of real estate developer Donald Trump, from Wacker Drive across the Chicago River toward the old Sun-Times Building, greeting onlookers prior to a public demolition event of that structure, which would make way for construction of the Trump International Hotel and Tower on that site.
Come January 20, president-elect Donald Trump will change American foreign policy in the Middle East for the better by voicing opinions which break from the policy decisions of the Obama and Bush administrations.
Donald Trump has said his main goal will be to combat terrorism in the region, specifically referring to the Islamic State (ISIS) and the Al-Nusra Front. Donald Trump has said he will collaborate with powerful nations in the region and end support for terrorist-aligned rebel groups in Syria. Donald Trump's decisions in Syria will make him far more effective than president Obama at combating terrorists in the Middle East.
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The U.S. has not been successful in the Middle East because regime change does not work! It has been evident since the major failure of the Soviets in Afghanistan. The major difference since the Soviet-Afghan war is that Russia has learned from history, while the U.S. and its NATO allies have not.
History has shown that regime change is ineffective, especially when there is not a suitable alternative government. Supporting "moderate rebels" for political reasons is how Al Qaeda and ISIS first originated.
Nearly half of Syrian rebel fighters are embedded with hardline or jihadistfactions, and U.S. military aid regularly ends up in the hands of the extremists. Recent examples of the damage regime change causes are the major U.S. failures in Libya and Iraq.
The intervention in Libya has been coined by many as Obama's worst mistake. As the military intervention toppled a regime which valued order and fought adamantly against terrorism. What ensued was nothing short of anarchy and the development of a jihadist breeding ground. Obama has even admitted the U.S. had not adequately planned for after the removal of the Gaddafi regime.
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A former member of the U.S. Congress and a vocal critic of regime change, Ron Paul has said in a floor speech in 2012 that deposing Assad would be a mistake, and that U.S. security interests are best served by staying out of the internal strife in Syria.
U.S. regime change uses the pretext of protecting civilians for invading and toppling legitimate foreign governments. Yes, authoritarian regimes like Libya and Syria have killed protesters, but does this require extensive military action to wipe out entire governments and a country's infrastructure? Libya and Syria were secular leaders in the region in protecting women's rights; protecting minority religious rights including Christians, and were examples of the most functional social services and economies in the region.
What is the difference between Libya or Syria and a major buyer of U.S. military equipment, Saudi Arabia? A country known for sponsoring extremism in the region, a country that does not support the principles Western democracy stands for. Saudi Arabia violates human rights laws with brutal executions and the mass bombing of civilians in Yemen. The deaths of civilians in Yemen continues today, with the U.S., Canada and other NATO allies complicit in these crimes.
Trump's support is for the Syrian people; its institutions, its freedom of religion, not the head of the Syrian government. Bashar Al Assad is just one man who along with Russia, has said that he would step aside after the war. Russia has been far more effective in fighting ISIS in Syria than Nato, due to its cooperation with the legitimate government and military of Syria.
There is no force more effective than the Syrian Army (SAA) in fighting terrorism in Syria. The Syrian military has been steadfast in their fight against terrorism, even after years of conflict against brutal factions with an endless supply of foreign manpower and weapons, funneled into Syria by nations like Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
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Obama chose to follow the disastrous blueprints from Libya and support the non-existent "moderate opposition." The opposition in Syria, have been accused of mass executions, kidnappings, chemical attacks, attacks on hospitals and schools, and torture.
Referring to the strict Sharia law some rebels follow, Amnesty quotes a Syrian lawyer as saying: "I was happy to be free from the Syrian government's unjust rule but now the situation is worse."
The mainstream media coverage of Syria has been one-sided, to put it mildly, as war crimes by U.S.-funded rebels are not reported. Western media has also neglected to show the many tons of aid Russia provides the Syrian people, or the reconciliation centre set up by Russia to find peace for many Syrian towns.
The U.S. and its coalition have not delivered significant aid to the Syrian people, yet continue to provide military aid to jihadists while civilians are facing the bombing raids. This follows the U.S. policy of regime change -- to bomb civilian-populated areas and not provide adequate assistance in what takes place after, the rebuilding of lives and infrastructure.
Had a Clinton administration won the general election and followed her plan for a no-fly zone, a direct conflict with Russia would have most likely ensued, possibly triggering a global conflict. Clinton and Obama have a number of foreign policy disasters to answer for.
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Trump has presented some policy decisions which have raised questions, yet his Syria policy will combat terrorism and help ensure global security.
With the imminent defeat of rebels in Aleppo, the Syrian Army looks poised to return order to the country as this will be Syria's greatest victory so far in the conflict. Down the road, Syria can seek constitutional reform and the replacement of Bashar Al Assad after ISIS and Al Nusra are defeated in Syria and Iraq.
If president-elect Trump sticks with his policy on Syria, not only will the U.S. and Russia see a much-needed reset in relations, he may alter the U.S. policy on regime change and support for armed extremist groups, which would be best for global security.
Andrew Rowat via Getty Images This is the National Grand Theater in Beijing China, also known as 'the Egg'. It is located a block to the West of Tian?anmen Square and is a venue for a variety of performing arts.
This morning started like it normally does. You opened eyes, maybe removed eye mask (designed), maybe put on glasses (designed), reached for a glass of water (designed), grabbed phone (designed), turned on your light (designed), got out of bed (designed), opened blinds (designed). Cut to opening door (designed) by opening knob (designed), walking to grab bus (designed)...well you get where we are going.
Everything we interact with has been in the hands, the thoughts, the dreams of someone. Some person, some team, some group has thought sometimes for minutes, hours, days and maybe years.
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Their challenge. How to make this "thing" functional, durable, environmentally conscious, pleasing, interesting, and relevant? And hopefully thought inspiring?
What is design? Our favourite answer.
Would you be shocked if we told you that design is not a deemed an art by various public funders?
The respect for this sector, its people, and its potential needs to be reexamined.
Here are some strong statements to support this.
"Design is no longer easily ignored. Advances in digital technology have enabled designers in all disciplines to define their own objectives and exercise greater control over their work. What's more, design has grown to become a significant factor in pursing the social, political and environmental challenges faced at local and global levels. Exposure to the culture of design (be it fashion, interior, digital or otherwise) has social and intellectual significance but also has a potentially transformative role." Shauna Levy, CEO, Design Exchange, Canada's first and only museum devoted to design.
"We are missing an important and valuable public funding program to assist organizations that nurture our nascent design industry; one that is closely aligned with innovation and economic value. We need to step up and to support the design industry. We are lagging within the global arena of innovation that would clearly produce products, services and ideas that would enhance our levels of export and prestige. And with that of course, increase the quality of life for all...," George Yabu, Yabu Pushelberg.
So there is clearly a thriving industry. People are working in it. Going to school for it. Buying things made by it. So what needs to happen to grow design exponentially in Canada?
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We had the opportunity to connect with three mavens in the sector at the recent DX Intersection to benefit Design Exchange.
Tyler Brule, Editor in Chief, Monocle, Founder and Chairman, Winkreative, Faryl Reisman, Co-Chair, DX Intersection, and Charles Bombardier, Founder, Imaginactive discussed the state of the design sector in Canada and what direction is it heading. What follows are their thoughts.
Describe the state of the design community in Canada.
TB: I think Canada needs to be known for excellence in specific sectors and I believe transport is one of them. We have a long heritage of building machines to move us but we don't have a design school that stands out globally in this area. I'd also like to see some more small to mid-scale manufacturing move back into our cities.
FR: The design community in Canada is still learning how to grow its roots here. In the past we have looked at the powerhouse to our south as our primary steppingstone onto the global stage. In many ways the Canadian design community is in its infancy, still learning how to cultivate our creative thought leaders rather than export them.
CB: I am interested in collaborating with more designers from Canada in the coming years. One major observation I've made of the Canadian design community is that I think Canadian designers need to be more active on social media, sharing their creativity more openly.
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How do we inspire more of public to be design evangelists?
TB: Show people what quality of life looks and feels like and everyone becomes a convert and hopefully excellent PRs.
FR: We need to expose the public to great design and engage them in the process of design whenever possible.
CB: With Imaginactive, the non-profit I founded in 2013, my goal is to get the public to submit ideas for new methods of mobility and work with Canadian industrial designers to convert these ideas into realized concepts. Each time one of our collaborators sees his creation for the first time, they are inspired to become design evangelists.
What is the Design Exchange's (DX) role in this?
TB: The DX has the ability to remind all sectors (particularly those in the tall towers around it) that design is not about cost or added luxury, it's about function, form and longevity.
FR: We are committed to delivering accessible design experiences and education and we aim to provide the tools necessary to connect design learning to the ordinary and extraordinary. Through these initiatives, we demonstrate the relevance and importance of design to everyday life, and that inspires innovation, nurtures entrepreneurship, and builds design awareness.
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CB: It's on track to become a leader in showcasing new technologies that will help leverage the work of designers across Canada, and facilitating programs that foster collaboration with inventors and tinkerers that creates immersive experiences and breeds new concepts.
So what's this telling us? Well, design is integrated in all of our lives. We need to treat an industry and its people as gems we as Canadians should celebrate, enable, and encourage. It makes sense for so many reasons.
So governments across the country, yet another call for you to come to the table and bring the mavens of this sector together to discuss how you can invest. Let's support existing institutions like Design Exchange to give the public and the sector a home all Canadians can look to.
And for us Canadian citizens, be discerning, and look to buy local. Buy Canadian.
And encourage your kids, your nephews, or any young person who has even an inkling of interest in design. Encourage them to learn, to understand, and to use their treasured imagination to be a designer now, for tomorrow, and the day after. Who's in to be the next high school design star? Pass this on. Someone you know can enter here.
We can call all be part of this solution. So let's do it.
Andrew Francis Wallace via Getty Images TORONTO, ON - APRIL 26 - Students at Lord Dufferin Public School with Health Minister Eric Hoskins re-launches Ontario's Healthy Smiles dental program aimed at low-income kids. April 26, 2016. (Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Two weeks before Christmas and just as Queen's Park Legislature stops all business until February 2017, Ontario's minister of health lobbed an explosive proposal at doctors in the province. Though Ontario's physicians have been working without a contract since March 2014, the government's latest PR stunt was met with widespread fury.
Without any warning, without any actual negotiations, the minister dumped his take-it-or-leave-it proposal on the Ontario Medical Association and then swiftly held a press conference to crow about his accomplishment. Since the OMA was taken completely by surprise, the vast majority of Ontario's doctors learned about the proposed three-year contract through the media. This has done nothing to improve the acrimonious relationship between doctor and government.
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My dear Dr. Eric Hoskins, this is not negotiation. This is not collaboration. This is not even simple courtesy. Underhanded tactics like this are complete political BS.
From initial reports in the media, this proposal shares disturbing similarities with the tentative agreement that was overwhelmingly rejected by Ontario's doctors a mere four months ago. This latest offer still doesn't include any mention of binding arbitration to protect against schoolyard bullying tactics like this. It tries to divide family doctors and specialists -- even though the government has severely cut funding for both. Targeting highly productive physicians providing over $1 million worth of patient care per year often in under-serviced areas begs the question: who exactly will provide these services when these doctors stop?
And more, media reports suggest that family doctors will get a raise -- a raise! -- of 1.4 per cent for doing more after-hours work. Dear health minister, being paid more to do more work is not a raise; it's standard labour practice. Only the Ontario Liberals would call paying for overtime a "raise."
The reality for patients, caregivers and front-line workers struggling with Premier Kathleen Wynne's "world-class health-care system" is heartbreaking.
The worst part, this proposal still short-changes the funding necessary for physicians to meet patient needs -- in fact, the government's press release deceptively calls it an "increase." Our esteemed government asked the federal health minister for a 5.2 per cent increase in health-care funding to simply "sustain existing services" -- even though we all see that existing services are inadequate to meet existing patient need. Last year, the government funded 4.1 per cent growth in physician services and that in itself wasn't enough; patients still saw ballooning wait-times for consultations, imaging and surgeries. So offering to fund 2.5 per cent growth -- half of what's needed, in other words -- for the next three years is a cut, plain and simple.
It's insulting to doctors and to the public to think that we won't notice the discrepancy. Ontario Liberal math just doesn't add up.
This health-care system is in crisis. Colleagues speak of cancer patients still dying on waitlists for stem cell transplants... Emergency Departments clogged with sick patients desperate for a bed... medically necessary surgeries cancelled on a weekly basis. My God, even palliative patients -- dying patient in their last days to weeks -- are on waitlists for home care.
I am tired of fighting to get my patients services they need and have paid for through their taxes. The reality for patients, caregivers and front-line workers struggling with Premier Kathleen Wynne's "world-class health-care system" is heartbreaking.
Instead of taking this crisis seriously, the health minister grandstands and plays childish games with the province's doctors. I suspect the Liberals are trying to deflect attention from their disastrous Patients First Act. As a result, the divide between doctors and government is only widening. The distrust and outrage is ramping up. The OMA President's press release noted the escalating tension and demand for job action: "All options are on the table."
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The Ontario government is using strong-arm tactics on doctors: public shaming, divide-and-conquer, negotiating in the media, and outright lies about what funding for front-line physician services should look like. At a time when this province desperately needs honest, intelligent partnership, the Liberals offer a slap in the face.
It seems the only language this government understands is of force and manipulation. Doctors are fed up: enough is enough.
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Only a few days after Kevin O'Leary visited "Capitol Hill" (as he offensively misnamed Parliament Hill in Ottawa), we are already seeing the residual effects of his supposed exploratory committee.
Whether he decides to enter the leadership election or not, we can draw some concerning similarities between O'Leary's public persona over the past days and weeks with that of Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States.
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Like Trump, O'Leary has no formal experience in politics. He claims a longing to disrupt the so-called weak and/or wasteful leadership of liberal politicians like Justin Trudeau (or, in Trump's case, Barack Obama). O'Leary, then, has also begun his leadership exploration based really on two principles: that he is rich (and we are to take from that what we will), and that he is, at least on TV, a jerk.
Sound familiar?
O'Leary has already taken it upon himself to denounce the policies of Kathleen Wynne and Rachel Notley in a series of open letters, perhaps getting his feet wet in the art of political smearing.
Rather than providing detailed new policy ideas, however, O'Leary takes down his opponents with insults fired from his Twitter account or during interviews. Trump performed similar assaults on Barack Obama, which stem at least as far back as the business leader's obsession with the infamous "birther" movement. Later, we saw his sights turn naturally against Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
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In a recent interview with Ezra Levant, O'Leary attempted to distance himself from Trump, saying that he only shares one attribute with the incoming American president: a good business sense.
But that seems suspect -- after all, neither of them have ever held public office before, both faced earlier success with reality television programs, and both fancy themselves grouchy Simon Cowell-types, intent on at least occasionally crushing one's hopes and dreams. But that last point isn't a very prime ministerial trait, at least in my opinion.
Canadians need to ask themselves if they can handle a Donald Trump-like character in our political scene.
Shall I continue?
O'Leary, like Trump, represents the anti-politician -- an apparent disruptor of sorts. Take for example again his interview with Ezra Levant, where he swore (calling out Notley and Wynne again as politicians who are "pissing away" his/taxpayers' money), or the moment when he said that, in an attempt to distance himself from Trump, he is against policies like border walls and the idea that Canada may need to be made "great again."
Of the latter principle, O'Leary says that Canada is already great, and that he is in favour of things like gay marriage. Moderates and liberals can take that as at least one sliver of good news.
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Or can we?
After meeting with Conservative MPs on "Capitol Hill," O'Leary retweeted Bob Zimmerman, who said that O'Leary "discussed changes needed to make our CDN economy great again."
Thanks again for taking the time to meet today! https://t.co/raejRYfeQ0 Kevin O'Leary (@kevinolearytv) December 12, 2016
Is O'Leary's retweet an endorsement of that sentiment, which he earlier rejected?
It is hard to read it as anything but, which then leads us down the slippery, flip-flopping slope of Donald Trump where the more the TV star says, it would seem, the less apt people may actually be to listen -- a scary concept indeed.
Canadians need to ask themselves if they can handle a Donald Trump-like character in our political scene. Is Canada not already great? O'Leary could represent a watershed moment for our nation, depending on which side of the fence (no pun intended) one sits.
In a leadership field already crowded, much like how the Republicans found themselves in mid-2015, Kellie Leitch could shift to become Canada's Ted Cruz, and O'Leary, if he runs, to Canada's Trump. And we know how that went last time.
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In just a few months time, the UK will be triggering Article 50 and begin the process of negotiations that may change our future forever. And, while the new PM Theresa May is adamant that 'Brexit means Brexit', what the term 'Brexit' actually means and what it will actually look like is still worryingly ambiguous.
In such an irrevocable and significant event, it is crucial that every sector of society plays a part and has a say. And no sector of society is more important than those who will have to live with this decision the longest: the youth. Where was their representation in the Supreme Court hearing? Who is banging the drum for them in the forthcoming negotiations? The EU referendum revealed a politically engaged and mobilised youth, with the highest turnout for this age group since the 1990s. The turnout of the under-30s in the referendum is a remarkably high figure against the backdrop of declining electoral turnout and political engagement more generally among young voters in the past decade. 72% of eligible voters participated in the referendum, the highest turnout for any national poll since the 1997 general election, though slightly lower than that seen for the Scottish Independence Referendum.
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Getting young people registering to vote and turning out has always been an issue. This is due to a multitude of reasons, which have lead to voter apathy among the youth: from lack of emphasis on political education in schools; parental influence, level of education and income background - which often affects your interest in registering to vote and decision-making ability when actually voting - to lack of representation in governmental processes. The youth today are diverse and dynamic. This is simply not reflected in the 'pale, male and stale' government, in which politicians are not considered trustworthy or able to represent the needs of young people. Politicians seem detached, indifferent and out-of-touch - and most of them are.
Overall there is a vicious circle whereby as a result of young people not registering to vote or turning out, the issues that many campaigns focus on are not relevant to young people. The youth are consequently not considered as a powerful voting bloc worthy of channelling areas of manifesto or policy, leading to the idea that their vote is not valued, which means many young people do not vote - the circle continues.
This was glaringly obvious in the EU referendum, where young people were just not considered in key and crucial decisions such as the timing of the referendum and the voter registration system. Why on earth would you choose to have a referendum slap-bang in the middle of Glastonbury Festival, just as term finishes and many students are going travelling or celebrating the end of exams? And if you were to do so, more emphasis should have been placed on informing young people of how to vote by proxy or post, and that you had to register where you would be voting - i.e. at home or at Uni.
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Yet dismissing the importance of young people in the Brexit negotiations because of 'apathy' is wrong and dangerous. Young people most certainly do have an interest in politics and utilise social media to keep up to date with current affairs. They are not disengaged with politics per se. but with a political system that doesn't work for them. The youth are a huge voting bloc with true potential to be engaged and mobilised, and this was exemplified in the EU referendum. Because the EU referendum directly affected them, and because there were channels whereby they could affect real change in political direction, young people from both sides of the fence were mobilised to an exceptional extent.
However despite this increase in electoral engagement, the turnout of under-30s still lagged behind that of their elders. While 71% of under-30s were certain they would vote on the 23rd June, this compares with 75% of 31-50 year olds, 81% of 51-60 year olds and 84% of the over-65s. The under-30s were, despite the increase in their political engagement, under-represented in the final result compared with the older generation.
It is crucial that we now capture and garner the mobilisation of young people before they become disillusioned with a politics that continues to misrepresent the vast majority of them. We must ensure that the youth feel listened to in the negotiations, and that they have a say.
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Mid-way through the two-week negotiation sessions at the UN climate talks in Morocco in November, results of the US presidential election landed with a thud. An oil and gas-funded climate sceptic was elected president of the richest country in the world, the very same country leading climate change efforts over the past eight years.
A profound funk descended over the gathering. Officials from 195 countries and countless representatives of think-tanks, non-governmental institutions and the private sector had worked for years to shepherd a credible response to a global warming fuelled by oil, gas and coal burning, which pose an existential threat to human civilization through sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
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The president-elect apparently thinks global warming is a Chinese hoax created to hurt US manufacturing. His entourage ranges from Exxon-Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State, to climate change denier Rick Perry as Energy Secretary, and Scott Pruitt as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency - an agency Pruitt himself has sued 13 times.
However, Donald Trump's planned initiatives to rev up coal mining, gas fracking and oil drilling, re-start the Keystone XL pipeline, and tell car companies to forget about pollution-busting mileage standards will only work to make China great again.
Here's why.
The global day-to-day fight against the pre-eminent issue of our time, climate change, is likely to experience a major and tragic setback. But, China is determined to step-up and lead. While Trump talks about walls, China is building bridges.
First, China quickly stepped in to take the climate change leadership mantle, lecturing the president-elect about climate change. The 194 countries that signed-up to the Paris agreement loved it.
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Second, China isn't stopping there. Its government continues to take strong action to re-tool its economy into one fuelled by clean energy. China is continuing the build-up of its clean energy infrastructure at a clip of $125 billion per year and will continue to fuel a rapid decline in the cost of clean technologies.
Its manufacturing base for both will expand and it will cement its lead in the technologies of the future, including clean and renewable energies, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and rapidly evolving energy-storage technologies. While Tesla is more often in the news, China already has 25 companies building 51 models of electric cars.
Third, China has already set out its stall as the Pacific Rim's lead advocate for free trade. The election of Trump, who campaigned on a protectionist platform, provided China with a geo-political window to deny the US any advantages from the Obama administration's pivot to Asia.
"China will not shut the door to the outside world but will open it even wider," said Chinese president Xi Jinping, ahead of the recently concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru. The reality of a rapid shift in power to China was already apparent in Lima two weeks from the US presidential election.
Fourth, in the US, Congress is highly unlikely to repeal the investment tax credit legislation it enacted last year with strong bipartisan support. This should keep US renewables going for two or three more years, and during that period costs will keep going down while the industry keeps creating more jobs. But, clean tech innovation is at this point much more likely to be owned by China rather than the US.
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Fifth, if the president-elect delivers on his professed love for coal, US competitiveness will suffer. The Trump administration can try to reinvigorate the coal industry all it wants, that won't work. No one wants a coal plant nearby anymore. Even power companies don't want them. They prefer cheaper and cleaner natural gas alternatives.
To accentuate the terminal decline of coal, China will continue to close coal mines at pace while decreasing the energy intensity of its manufacturing base, closing export outlets for US coal. It's closing 1,000 coal mines this year alone.
Finally, OPEC will get a run for its money soon from a reinvigorated US oil and gas industry flexing its muscles in the export markets. That will be great for China: Cheaper oil increases its competitiveness because the country's onshore oil production has peaked and China is importing more and more oil.
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In the aftermath of Brexit, the US Election and the ensuing debate on how to connect with working-class voters, now must be the time to discuss renewing the centre-left, by offering practical and electable policies to end inequality. Without action this equality gap is only going to get bigger, influenced by a multitude of long-term trends and policies.
Large corporations continue to amass vast fortunes, seemingly without limit. This wealth can and is used to lobby and buy political influence. Regulators can be 'captured' by the industries they are supposed to be regulating and many politicians and regulators move away from their positions in government, into roles in the very industry they had oversight over.
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The tax system favours capital and property at the expense of income from work, and the criminal justice system is biased against the working class, whilst ignoring massive white-collar crime. These, and many other contributing factors, have led to a general disillusionment with government.
Parities of the centre-left that should be benefiting from, and offering solutions to these problems, find themselves out of favour and divided. A fissure has opened in the membership between the traditional working-class base, socially-liberal intellectuals and their technocratic representatives. On policy, the centre-left offers up either 1970s socialism or 90s technocracy. Jeremy Corbyn and Hilary Clinton have shown that going down either path isn't an election winning formula.
Meanwhile, the Right continues to successfully push its agenda, with support from a compliant media and powerful oligarchs. False narratives and outright lies are used to incite a fearful public. Many media outlets are consciously poisoning our political discourse and must be challenged on substance and motive. Their dialogue legitimises dangerous far-right views and behaviours.
The urgent question now and for the foreseeable future is: how do we turn the voting public back to the centre-left whilst tackling inequality?
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Firstly, corporations must be obliged to consider the needs of all stakeholders in society, rather than engaging in short-term profit maximisation, and their lobbying power must be curtailed. The tax system should be reformed to treat all income equally and the welfare system reformed to favour universal services over means-tested cash payments. Power must be taken away from the lobbyists and the party elites, so that citizens feel their voice is being heard. This is best achieved by a more proportional voting system and increased localism and devolution to regions, which will dilute the power of the executive.
Parties of the centre-left must be built on a large and committed membership. In the absence of this they come to rely on funding from trade unions, allowing themselves to be dragged politically to the left, or on money from large corporations and wealthy individuals, seeing them pushed to the right. The membership must have a large working-class presence to keep the focus of the party on economic inequality and away from single-issue identity politics.
The centre-left must also be interested in winning power to affect change - the fact that this must be said is depressing. This is not, however, advocacy for split-the-difference technocracy or for pandering to the electorate at any cost. Instead, when making policy decisions the centre-left must be able to answer positively the three following questions:
1.Does the policy reduce inequality?
2.Will the policy help the working-class and have their support?
3.Will the policy be politically acceptable as part of a wider platform?
Under this framework, many current policies of the centre-left, such as free university tuition and rail nationalisation, fail badly. Looking at the users and providers of these services we can see these policies are mostly a subsidy to the comfortably-off. The funds earmarked for these policies would be better directed, for example, towards early-years education, where the attainment gap between rich and poor has lifelong consequences.
Details added (first version posted on 17:12)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
Trend:
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A Gianpietro Benedetti Dec. 15.
Benedetti hailed great attention of national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev to the development of metallurgy in the country. He said he was deeply impressed with the ongoing steady development processes in Baku.
Benedetti informed the president about the joint projects in metallurgy in Azerbaijan.
He said a huge metallurgical cluster including five large metallurgical factories will be created in Sumgayit as part of these projects.
He said that establishing these clusters will ensure the operation of the Dashkasan Ore Dressing Plant at full capacity.
It will also ensure the creation of an integrated value chain of metallurgy from raw materials to a variety of new products in Azerbaijan, he said.
Benedetti said all these projects are expected to be financed by European banks and private investors.
President Aliyev said wonderful conditions exist in Azerbaijan for entrepreneurs. The president said Azerbaijan was interested in attracting foreign investors.
President Aliyev noted that the government would continue taking necessary measures to protect the interests of investors and all entrepreneurs.
Levranii/Shutterstock.com
What exactly do we know about the benefits of hugging? We know that hugging makes us feel protected, loved and connected with people. It can act as a stress-relief and it can also boost our confidence and general well-being. But do you know that hugging may also prevent us from getting ill? I'm sure your first thoughts are: ''What? Oh, come on, give me a break; how can this actually be possible?''. Well, according to researchers it is! Let's see why:
A 2015 research showed that hugging may prevent people from getting ill. More specifically, a number of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University in the USA examined the effects of social support and received hugs on the participants' susceptibility to developing the common cold, after they have been injected with a virus. Social support can be broadly defined as support which can be either emotional; for instance, through offering advice, psychological support, compassion, or through resources; such as helping a friend pay the rent or helping our child fix their* bike. The findings from the study led the researchers to conclude that people who had greater social support and received daily hugs were less likely to catch a cold. As the authors note, this is because hugging, as a means of conveying empathy, caring and reassurance, is an important contributor to the protective influence of perceived support against the pathogenic effects of stress.
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In simple words, what this means, is that every time we experience stress, our immune system is weakened and that the positive feelings we experience from receiving social support, especially through physical touch, i.e. hugging, kissing, holding hands, could protect us from illnesses, such as the common cold and the flu. These data are consistent with other studies that showed that physical contact reduces the effect of stress on biological markers thought to be precursors of illness. Moreover, the same lead researcher in an earlier study showed that the more diverse social ties a person has, such as ties with family, friends, colleagues and the community, the less susceptible to getting ill is.
This finding becomes particularly important if we take into account that today's children consistently report having many stressors in their daily lives, including homework, peer pressure, receiving poor grades, fear of bullying and isolation. If we add to all these the fact that a lot of parents don't get to have enough physical contact with their children as a result of working long hours -in many cases away from home- then this research makes a potentially staggering statement parents might as well carefully think about. Why? Because just like adults, so do children need to have coping strategies. Such defence mechanisms could help them deal with everyday stress that could weaken their immune system, thus making them more vulnerable to colds. Hugging could be one of those coping strategies or defence mechanisms, if you like.
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Putting the finishing touch, my suggestion would be: Why not make hugging a daily routine family activity and save ourselves from the trouble of visiting the doctor every month? Let's all start right now!
I'm lucky enough to work for one of the largest (and in my opinion best) humanitarian organisations in the world. We've been responding in Syria since the start of the conflict and watched in utter despair as the situation reached new unimaginable levels of horror.
In recent days I've had a number of phone calls from people or media who are preparing "What you can do to help the people of Aleppo" type posts.
One person said to me: "People want to know what they can do to help the people of Aleppo. You know, practical things like sending food and clothing". I know he is right, and I know that this motivation comes from a good place, but I couldn't help finding myself getting irrationally angry.
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Don't get me wrong, all that stuff is great. And desperately needed. I worked in the Balkans for six months at the end of last year and the start of this year on the European "refugee crisis". I saw first-hand how the coats and shoes people donated really made a difference in sub-zero temperatures. But even then, I remember so many of my friends saying they were collecting clothes to send out - and I was angry.
I was angry because we have never stopped and asked WHY we want to help? Is it guilt? Or is it because we really want to do anything we can to ease the suffering?
The people who we are now so desperate to help were fighting for freedom. Freedom that we have; to say what we want without fear of persecution, to protest peacefully and have our voice heard.
And how are we using that freedom... a cycle of ignorance followed by a startling dose of guilt which we appease by stuffing a shoe box full of toys or depositing our old jumpers in the local community centre to be shipped out. We've done our bit.
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If the goal is to feel better about ourselves then mission accomplished, but I don't believe that's the case. I believe that the majority of us really want to make a difference and the reason I find it so frustrating is that there is something a lot cheaper and easier to give the people of Aleppo that will do that. Your outrage!
Don't feel overwhelmed by the scale of the horror - or turn away because it is too upsetting. Don't not share something on social media, or not join a protest because you feel embarrassed. Don't think that social action is something that belongs only to the 'lefties' and students.
Don't think that we can't make a difference because it is "Governments" who should be doing more. Government's answer to us!
Last year when Alan Kurdi's body washed up on the shore of Turkey we were all so unified in our shock, outrage and despair that our Government heard us. In the days that followed, our now Foreign Secretary said that the Government needed to look closely at what more they could do for the people of Syria. Let's remind him of that.
We have a voice, and that voice has power, so use it for the people of Aleppo. Shake off that British trait of not talking about something for fear of it being awkward. Write letters, sign petitions, host events, join peaceful marches, post things on social media - just keep talking about the people of Aleppo.
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Sometimes I struggle with Christmas.
It is that time of the year when there is an expectation to be happy. And yet when I look out the window, there is a lot of brokenness.
65million people -- more than ever before and more than the population of the UK -- are currently displaced from their homes. Stories like Aleppo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic fill the news.
In the beginning of the year I met Afghan children in Europe who had barely survived a dangerous month-long to journey to safety, but were still relying on aid from organisations like World Vision. Later this same year, I met street children in Afghanistan who, having often lost homes and families, wanted safety in Europe but had no way of getting there.
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The world seems filled with fear and uncertainty, fuelling a dangerous rise in inward-looking nationalism.
The rich world seems to be is increasingly at risk of turning its back on the poor, as the rise in inequality across the world is setting new records with reports stating that the richest 62 individuals own more wealth than the poorest 3 billion people. Last year the UK spent an estimated 24 billion on Christmas shopping, compared to the global humanitarian needs at 20bn. The latter was only half-funded.
As this is happening outside our windows, people go to church to watch the annual re-enactment of the Nativity plays, so often cast as a warm story that makes us feel good. Yet, if we scratch the surface of it, it is much more than that. It is a story about how a young couple was abandoned by their friends and family and forced to give birth in a stable. Not because they forgot to book hotel rooms, but because the citizens in the city of Bethlehem of that day, actively chose not to take them in. This is a less comfortable angle of the story, so it often gets left out.
But if we leave that out it also means we also leave out the more significant part of the story.
The Christmas story isn't a message of mere happiness. It is a message of profound hope. However, you can't get to that part without trudging through the uncomfortable bit first. As Jesus was born, the world around him left him in a stable. Shortly after his birth he was forced to flee his home country, much like the far too many refugees in the world today. He and his parents were persecuted by some authorities and abandoned by others. Eventually, he ends up going to the cross so that we could be redeemed. The most difficult part of that story is what ends bringing us the biggest hope.
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It is in that context that the Christmas story becomes real because the life of Jesus shows that the hope of Christmas survives the harsh reality outside our window.
The message of Christianity asks us not to close our eyes to the brokenness. Sometimes material things can distract us in order to make ourselves happy. But the Christian message reminds us that the point of Christmas was of Jesus, the messiah, born into a world of darkness to give hope.
At Christmas, God's plan of hope collides with a world of despair, and redeems it.
This should compel us to see the full story of Christmas, while remembering the fate of Aleppo, South Sudan and the 65m displaced from their homes. Facing the problems on earth head-on, God entered this world to make it right again. Not because he had to do it nor because we deserved it, but because he wanted to and because he cared that much about us.
Then he asked us to follow his example as best we can.
Practically speaking, there has hardly been a more important time to petition those with power to protect the rights of the voiceless, and to materially and financially support organisations able to provide for those in need.
PeopleImages via Getty Images
When diversity charity, Creative Access, was first established in 2012, we set a target to place 700 BAME young people into paid internships in the UK media.
It is ironic that, this month, Sharul Khan, became our 700th intern beginning his internship training with documentary producer, Swan Films.
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Ironic, because this is also the month that the UK government decided not to continue funding the charity.
That decision is sad, but also short-sighted.
Having invested in Creative Access for three years, the Government now risks damaging its own efforts to get more disadvantaged young people into the creative industries.
Having placed 700 young people with more than 250 media companies - 90% of whom have got jobs at the end of their placement - we could say 'mission accomplished'.
But does it really feel like the media today is truly reflective on the society on which it reports?
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The last set of figures (from the Department of Culture Media and Sport) showed the proportion of BAME people in the film, TV and related sectors was around 9%.
But when you consider that the lion's share of these jobs are in London, where the ethnic minority population is over 40%, you can see how far we have to go. And of course, in senior roles, the position is much worse.
If Creative Access is allowed to fall away, all the investment that has been made - 40% from Government; 60% from the industry - and all the momentum that has built up will be lost.
Like the 699 interns before him, Sharul is starting out on a path towards a career in one of the fastest growing and most vibrant sectors in the UK economy.
Creative Access' focus is on the behind the scenes talent: helping creative companies reach out to a much wider talent pool to recruit trainees who bring fresh ideas, new skills and the rich experience of many diverse backgrounds.
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Creative Access' pitch to media companies has always been as much about economics as it is about driving social change,
The charity believes passionately - and there is a growing body of evidence to support this - that diversity spurs creativity and that companies that draw on the skills and experience of people from a wide range of different backgrounds gain a competitive advantage, especially in an increasingly globalised media market.
Four years ago, when we began talking to media companies about Creative Access, we were sometimes told that a media career, with all its uncertainties, might not be attractive to the brightest and best BAME young people.
Today we have a database of 35,000 young people keen to apply for all the opportunities that arise.
There are more than 1.8m jobs in the UK creative sector, so it may seem that the 700 Creative Access interns placed so far is just a small drop in a big ocean. And so it is. We are one small organisation among many making our contribution hoping to help solve a long-standing problem.
But we have shown what is possible if the will and the resources are there.
We're determined not to give up. We're already looking at a new business model that builds on our strengths: providing recruitment services for media companies and training and support services for BAME interns.
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We are in discussion with many of the creative sector's larger firms and publicly-funded bodies to see if we can engage in purely commercial - non-profit - relationship to support media companies.
We hope to go on working with all our media partners to continue building a more diverse workforce. To support young people with few connections who might not otherwise get a chance to show their talents.
It's a popular notion; that the most creative and ingenious people are messy and disorganised, while those who prefer order and structure are limited in their thinking. And you might be forgiven for thinking that this is the argument at the core of Tim Harford's new book, Messy. But Harford makes no such claim. Instead, he proposes that it is messy situations, not messy people, that can lead to innovative and creative solutions.
In conversation with the BBC's Kamal Ahmed at an evening hosted by Intelligence Squared, Harford explained how mess is fundamental.
Human beings like order. From an evolutionary standpoint, having constants in our surroundings enables us to quickly identify and remain alert to threats. But in an increasingly automated world, it's these threats and disruptions we should be embracing, says Harford; they fill us with adrenaline, and make us more resourceful. As he puts it: "If you're relaxed, you're bored."
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The Messy Desk
Being messy at work is a perfectly natural phenomenon, says Harford. While other spaces are designed so that everything has its place, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it's harder to apply the same approach to the constant flow of information into your phone, or the influx of things that cross your desk.
There's a case to be made that a messy desk is actually a self-organising system. When everything is filed away and out of sight, it's harder for people to remember details and takes them longer to complete tasks. But if there is a pile of paperwork on their desk, it is automatically sorted to 'most recent', with the last viewed item on the top and the oldest item on the bottom.
Of course, rules and structures have value, says Harford, but far too often they are imposed in lieu of culture. A manager will insist on employees having a tidy desk for no other reason than to give themselves a feeling of control. Breaking out of stagnation within organisations, either by mixing up teams or rotating people through different departments, can help employees gain different perspectives and learn new skills. Google's 20% time is a perfect example of this; having multiple personal and professional projects on the go is a known habit of highly successful people.
The Messy Matchmaker
Internet dating is another area where people say they want some semblance of rigour, entrusting a machine with their romantic future -- but what they're really looking for can't be quantified. In research conducted by matchmaking companies, pairing people up by something as simple as zip code can actually work just as well as a carefully constructed algorithm.
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Algorithms and machine learning have their place, of course, but even the sharpest AI can't produce randomness. It's the human brain's ability to go off on tangents and make near-nonsensical connections that are so crucial to creativity. Which is why it's predicted that in the future we will all be "centaurs," combining the order and logic of computers with our own messy, muddled thought processes.
The Messy Election
Challenger brands are the ones that take risks and lean into chaos, not the incumbents. And this is as true in politics as it is in business, as 2016 has proven twice. In June, 52% of British voters chose to leave the European Union, despite having no clue what that meant for the future. And in the United States, the biggest mess of them all won the presidential election.
"Trump used mess as a weapon," says Harford. And he's right; zigging when others zagged, Trump's campaign relied on constantly changing the topic of discussion and keeping people off-balance. The political traditionalists wasted time carefully scripting their responses to one particular question, while Trump would had already offended three other ethnic groups before breakfast.
Of course, Harford isn't a fan of the idea of a messy presidency. He believes it is incredibly important to be mindful and seek opportunities in times of chaos, but that doesn't mean being blindly optimistic. "Sometimes," he says, "a disaster is just a disaster."
In just two or three decades, the male grooming industry has gone from not really existing (a dusty shelf at the back of the chemist doesn't count) to becoming one of the fastest growing beauty sectors in the world. Now we have male-only grooming salons, specially formulated male spa treatments, perfumes for men and whole supermarket aisles dedicated to male grooming products.
As modern men, it seems we're keen to carve our own paths through life, without bowing to the stereotypical idea of what a man should be. Today we're openly embracing new lifestyles, beauty regime and grooming. Men are expected to present themselves with clean style and confidence, in the worlds of both business and pleasure. I've tried and tested these products, which is effective and has left my skin young and fresh. I'm going to share with you my favourite winter grooming must have including some ladies one too.
During the winter, the skin can be cruel. Dry heat from the radiators electric shock humidity and strong winter winds can cause increased irritation red. Dry skin and chapped lips is not a way of life during the coldest months alone.
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Dull, rough skin isn't a good look in any weather and I refuse to spend the festive party season looking and feeling like sandpaper so I've done something about it. I am going to share with you my ultimate winter skincare picks and grooming products that are my holly grail - for Him and Her.
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Know a grown-up fan of the film franchise? There are still plenty of intergalactic gifts you can slip in their stocking, from this space-age Gillette Mach3 Turbo razor and shaving gel gift set.
Gillette Mach3 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story limited edition gift set 11.99
The revolutionary Genius 9000 Black electric toothbrush features a dentist-inspired round head that surrounds and cups each tooth with oscillating, rotating and pulsating technology to remove up to 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. Designed to help you brush like your dentist recommends, this brush connects with the Oral-B smartphone app via Bluetooth technology to provide you with customized real-time feedback.
Oral B Genius 9000 Black Electric Toothbrush 109.99
The perfect 3-in-1 tool, the Braun MG500 MultiGroomer lets you create the perfect goatee, stubble or sleek clean shave. This versatile product is the ideal tool to complement any grooming regime. It comes with 3 trimming attachments to shave, style and trim, and has an extra-wide shaver head equipped with a flexible SmartFoil to provide a smooth and clean shave in only a few strokes.
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Braun Multi Groomer 69.99
Braun Series 3 3040s Wet and Dry electric shaver will give you an incredibly close, smooth shave, with 30% less skin irritation and an improved FreeFloat system makes it easy to deal with 3 day beards. Micro comb guides more hair into the cutting parts of the electric shaver for faster shaving. Three independently floating cutting elements adapt to facial contours
Braun Series 3 shaver 99.00
No man enjoys that feeling of finding stray whiskers that have escaped your morning shave, so Panasonic has used its industry leading expertise in innovation and male grooming to create a tool that will rid you of those stubborn and coarse hairs - guys, we welcome you to the Panasonic ES-LV95. Featuring a 5-foil design to give a close yet gentle shave, multi-fit arced blades to offer the best contact against your skin and a fast 14,000cpm linear motor for a rapid and premium performance, this tool will get you smooth and ready to tackle the day ahead with ease.
Panasonic LV95 - 329.99
A celebration of multi-tasking manscaping, the Panasonic ER-GB80 takes at home grooming to greater heights. Catering to all trimming needs from head-to-toe, the multi-functional tool has three attachments to offer varied levels of trimming for precise results, is rechargeable, cordless and has blades which have been designed using inspiration from Japanese Samurai swords. Not only will your hair be the envy of your friends but your tool will too as the ER-GB80 is one of the coolest and most convenient must-haves for men.
Panasonic GB80 - 69.99
Aquis Hair Towels and Turbans are super light and wrap hair, rather than pulling it down. They are made from a unique fibre called Aquitex , which wicks water away from hair rather than absorbing it. The woven structure leads to faster drying time, meaning hair reaches a damp level quicker, where it starts to again it's straight. The set s made up of a Towel and Turban, perfect to pack when travelling.
CHRISTMAS GIFT SET: Waffle Luxe HAIR TOWEL & BODY TOWEL DUO 65.00
This foaming and soothing cleanser will purify the skin without disrupting the skin's delicate protective function. Gentle and non-drying it removes impurities, often caused by polluted city air, leaving the skin clean, not stripped.
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No 1. Foaming Facial Cleanser - 32.00
During the cold winter months there is less production of natural oils such a ceramics and fatty acids resulting in flaky, dry and scaling skin. Regular moisturising day and night will help retain moisture in the skin and combat dryness.
No 2. Day Cream - 85.00
This awards winning serum repairs and regenerates skin with a high does of Ver's patented Retinol 8 Complex. Instantly nourishing, the high levels of Vitamin A have dramatic impact of the tone, texture and clarity and of skin-reversing signs of ageing by stimulating the syntheses of collagen and skin pluming hyaluronic acid.
No 4 Super Facial Serum - 95.00
The Super Eye Serum with Retinol 8 Complex smooths and firms the skin. Instantly absorbed, the highly potent Retinol 8 Complex stimulates sluggish skin cell, encouraging the syntheses of collagen and skin plumping hyaluronic acid - to plump crow's feet, creases and reduce dark circles and eye bags.
No 5 Super Eye Cream 65.00
CHRISTMAS FRAGRANCES FOR HIM AND HER
Alford and Hoff No. 3 100ml 75.00
Alford & Hoff's third fragrance is a contemporary aromatic scent boasting a trio of highly refined vetyvert. Crafted by world-class perfumer, Rodrigo Flores-Roux, this Eau de Toilette is highlighted by industrial-style accords. Constructed around a woody personality, this scent is modern and full of energy.
Vince Camuto Oud Eau De Toilette 100ml 70.00
Crafted with top notes of Spanish Saffron, Shaved Nutmeg, Dark Rum and Davana, Vince Camuto Oud is mysterious and memorable woody oud scent, rounded out by a heart of Black Sage, Baie Rose, Creamy Musk and Coffee Absolute, and a base of Rich Cedar, Black Agarwood, Patchouli, Warm Amber, Leather and Indonesian Sandalwood. The alluring combination creates an elevated and scintillating scent with a long-lasting
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Parfums De Marly Pegasus Spray (EDP, 125ml) 160.00
Pegasus is a heady fougere scent that adds a touch of Equestrian royalty to the distinct masculine flavour that is exclusive to Parfums de Marly fragrances. True to its roots and fit for a gentleman, this scent is made up of a stimulating blend of Bergamot and Almond which dries down into a Vanilla and Sandalwood base. Boasting of a classy inspiration and a powerful union of Oriental culture, the sensational Pegasus is another must-have fragrance from Parfums De Marly.
Kenneth Cole Mankind HERO 39-49.00
Kenneth Cole MANKIND HERO is a fresh new fragrance that celebrates the evolution of the modern hero: the committed partner, father, the better man, the great protector. He is a man who embraces simplicity, inspires self-belief in others, and keeps his friends close and his family closer. This is the evolution of mankind...MANKIND HERO.
Crush by Rihanna 20.00
Crush by Rihanna 30ml Gift Set contains the 30ml EDP, a 90ml Body Lotion and a 6ml Rollerball. Rihanna announces the debut of Crush by Rihanna, the second fragrance in her namesake RiRi collection. Crush is a mysteriously sexy and provocative scent. Breaking boundaries and setting new rules, this perfume feels empowering, strong, confident, and unapologetic.
Cheryl StormFlower Platinum 23.50-39.95
StormFlower Cheryl Platinum is a unique addition to Cheryl?s fragrance range; a celebration of everything that is exceptional and beautiful about the StormFlower brand. Resilience, contrasted against soft and timeless beauty, elevates the appeal of this striking fragrance.
Carven L'absolu Eau de Parfum 37.80 - 67.50
L'Absolu is aptly named. It is the Fragrance of a Fashion House with a Haute Couture legacy. Intense are its notes, as not everything can be L'Absolu. L'Absolu is deeply floral and intensely voluptuous, with sensual and irresistible notes.
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Parfums De Marly, Athalia 75ml - 140.00
A hyper feminine juice, Athalia by Parfums de Marly is youthful, angelic, and equally balanced between softness and gently captivating sophistication.
Valeur Absolue Serenitude Dry Oil 100ml 30.00
The scent of the Serenitude oil is infinitely soft, rose dominates in perfect balance with the creamy sandalwood. The freshness of cardamom and pink berry contrasts with the warmth of the Philippine nutmeg, while coriander combines its floral notes with Indonesian patchouli.
The Very Nature Candles 200g 25.00
Nature inspires, from a delicate leaf to a majestic forest. The more we explore, the more extraordinary the colours, smells and shapes become. The effects of light, weather, magnification or time can give us images, which are so amazing, they seem unreal, leaving us in awe. This is what inspires The Very Nature.
Tom Williams via Getty Images
The fuss, and the fears, are about the future now - what went wrong in the election an abortive squabble. But before we consign the Hillary Clinton story to history, perhaps it's worth considering just how far back the roots of her defeat may lie.
Five hundred years ago we saw another upsurge of women holding power across the western world. The sixteenth century was a veritable Age of Queens, but then it passed away. Just why may have implications for our own day.
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A manual of instruction for powerful women published half a millennium ago, by the French regent Anne de Beaujeu, urged caution 'because you can be blamed even for something very slight'. When she wrote her Lessons For My Daughter, Anne was thinking of sexual scandal rather than any other sort of alleged impropriety. But the central point remains. That now as then women are required to maintain a higher standard of behaviour than men, and are forgiven mistakes less readily.
Another of Anne de Beaujeu's maxims urged a woman who planned to wield power first to 'place yourself in the service of a lady who is well regarded, who is constant, and who has good judgement.' She wrote also: 'whatever great alliance you achieve, you must never out of some foolish pride fail to value highly your own ancestors, those from whom you are descended'. She was stressing the importance of what, today we would call sisterhood and one of the charges levelled against Hillary Clinton is that she never demonstrated that, sufficiently.
The charge may be right or it may be wrong - but back in the sixteenth century, it was when religious divisions ruptured the bonds between Europe's women leaders that, with the death of Elizabeth I, this Age of Queens faded away.
But perhaps there is one more hopeful lesson from history - because a tradition of female rule as strong as that seen in Elizabeth's era does not entirely fade away. Russia in the eighteenth century saw an upsurge of powerful women, just as we have been seeing in our own day. Angela Merkel shows no sign of stepping back, and it is easy to name other significant figures, from Christine Lagarde to Theresa May.
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Organisations like Emily's List and She Should Run report thousands of women motivated by the misogyny they observed in the US elections to consider running for office themselves. Hillary Clinton after her defeat herself gave notice that the 'highest and hardest' glass ceiling might be shattered sooner than anybody thinks. The question is how, precisely.
Anne de Beaujeu warned that 'you cannot govern too wisely with kindness and diffidence.' Even today, women seeking high office are repeatedly required to prove they have the toughness for the job. They suffer, however, from the difficulty of combining authority with a traditional femininity.
And it's there that the women of the sixteenth century actually had it easier, maybe. It was an accident of birth brought them to power, whether as reigning queens or as regent for an absent or underage male relative. Genealogy trumping gender, you might say.
Point is, that way they never had to come right out and admit to any personal ambition. They could safely lament the labour God and their menfolk had thrust upon them, in forcing them to bear the burden of power. Power which, however, they proved curiously reluctant then to give away.
It wouldn't work, would it, for a candidate today? Even though there's evidence that the spectacle of a woman seeking power is more offensive to many than the sight of a woman actually exercising it. (It's notable that neither of the two women in England currently holding positions of authority, Queen Elizabeth II and Theresa May, who virtually inherited her prime ministership after David Cameron's resignation, had to fight for that position in any real way.) But that's not an option in the American political system - unless, maybe . . .
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Unless maybe you'd always declared you didn't want power. Unless you'd made yourself beloved by sheer moral authority. Unless you were forced into the next presidential race by a nation - a whole world! - urging you to take up the burden another woman, exhausted, had laid down . . .
As, let's face it, we will all be urging Michelle Obama. Won't we?
Sarah Gristwood is the author of Game of Queens: The Women Who Made Sixteenth-
Uruguay's move to legalise the production and sale of marijuana breaks international law, the world drugs body said Wednesday, warning it would encourage addiction.
"Uruguay is breaking the international conventions on drug control with the cannabis legislation approved by its congress," said the International Narcotics Control Board, a UN agency that oversees the implementation of international treaties on drugs.
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INCB president Raymond Yans added he was "surprised" that Montevideo had "knowingly decided to break the universally agreed and internationally endorsed legal provisions of the treaty."
He accused the country's lawmakers of ignoring scientific evidence on the health risks of marijuana, and said claims the law would help reduce crime relied on "rather precarious and unsubstantiated assumptions."
The move "will not protect young people, but rather have the perverse effect of encouraging early experimentation, lowering the age of first use, and thus contributing to... earlier onset of addiction and other disorders," said Yans.
Uruguay's parliament voted on Tuesday to legalise marijuana, becoming the first nation in the world to oversee the production and sale of the drug.
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"The war against drugs has failed," said Senator Roberto Conde as he presented the bill on behalf of the ruling leftist Broad Front, calling it an "unavoidable response" to that failure.
The law not only authorises the production, distribution and sale of cannabis, but also allows individuals to grow their own on a small scale, and creates consumer clubs -- all under state supervision and control.
Jill Sherman, SVP, Social Strategy, Social Practice Lead, DigitasLBi North America
There is no denying that the ubiquity of social media in consumers lives has dramatically shifted the way advertisers think about the medium. The early promise of social media for advertisers was the democratization of communication, one-to-one connection and direct access. But as the consumers role in social media has moved well beyond the curated self, and into areas like broadcasting, commerce, and daily newsthe rules of engagement are changing. And, while social likely remains a relatively unpredictable moving target for years to come, here are my five 2017 predictions that will impact the social landscape in a big way.
A Rise in Social Intimacy and Directness
Gen Z will continue changing up the social game by caring less about the curated self and broadcasted self and more about in-the-moment experiences. Live social networks, like YouNow, Music.ly, Watch Me Work, and Live.ly will continue to grow with younger users by connecting them to people, places and things in real time. Think studying, jamming on instruments, debating politics or being a fly on the wall. For them, its less about the ability to broadcast live, and more about the ability to utilize live media to connect with others around moments.
Influencers Fight for a Seat at the Table
Twitter killed Vine. Snapchat killed auto play. And YouTubes latest algorithm update is allegedly impacting some of its major players, like PewDiePie. Until now, these changes have been taking place without warning. As a result, influencers arent happymany threatening to cancel or move their accounts elsewhere. These overnight drops in followers, video views (and loss of entire platforms!) are most negatively impacting the very people who draw millions to the platforms each day. As a result, 2017 will see top influencers banding together to secure a seat at the table to inform decisions that are being made. Because its not just their reputationsbut their livelihoodson the line.
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A Push for Social Platform Governance
Thanks to alleged election shenanigans, like Russians posing as Americans, bots posing as humans, and a disproportionate amount of news in our feeds coming from fake news sources, politicians, media watchdogs and Internet governance groups will spend 2017 pushing for rules that will go into effect in 2018. Algorithms will need to be more democratic, bots will no longer be able to pose as real people, influencer relationships will require even greater transparency and social platforms will be held to media outlet standards.
A New Era of Data Accountability
2017 headlines like referrer spam, exaggerated ad data, and miscalculated metrics rocked digital media giants like Google and Facebook. And, while they were quick to take full responsibilityeven going directly to the press on several occasionsthe ability for these giants to have greater third party oversight is now an industry-wide topic of conversation. Josanne Ryan, CEO of the AAMA, believes all digital media companies should abide by the standards of independent verification and auditing that more traditional media players have signed up to for decades in order to assure advertisers of their media investments. And this perspective is now shared by many in the advertising industry, who will continue pushing for transparent, open, audited, third-party, impartial measurement of online advertising.
Bots Reach Far Beyond Entertainment
Map of eastern hemisphere highlighting Africa
Global companies are targeting public education as an area for privatization and profit. In the United States we face Trump's make-believe mandate for charter schools and vouchers. If Trump and proposed Education Secretary "Amway" DeVos succeed in pushing through their agenda, expect hedge fund profiteers, for-profit charter companies, charter networks, so-called educational publishers, and private and "religious" schools to make a big play for federal dollars.
In the developing world, especially sub-Saharan Africa, government agencies and non-government organizations are having some success in pushing back against the edu-vultures. In Uganda, more than 60 Bridge International Academies were ordered closed by the government and courts for failing to meet legal and educational requirements. The first Bridge school opened in the Nairobi, Kenya in 2009. According to the Wall Street Journal, investors have poured more than $100 million into the company. They include Bill Gates of Microsoft, E-Bay founder Pierre Omidyar, textbook publisher Pearson PLC, and $10 million from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. A partner at the California-based venture-capital firm Learn Capital LLC is Bridge's largest shareholder. It also receives funding and support from the World Bank and the UK Department for International Development (DFID). DFID, while a government agency, has suspiciously close ties to the global edu-company Pearson. It also publicly criticizes UN agencies like UNESCO while promoting the World Bank's global privatization initiatives.
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Attention in the fight to stop the edu-vultures now turns to Kenya. A new study produced by Education International (EI) and Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), "Bridge vs Reality," exposes Bridge International Academies' for-profit schemes in Kenya where the company operates 400 schools in the nation's poorest communities. The business model implemented by Bridge increases profitability while compromising quality teaching and learning. Bridge makes its money by employing unqualified staff, enforcing a scripted curriculum, and utilizing poor facilities. Critics charge Bridge with contributing to segregation in education and undermining the right of children to free quality education.
The study revealed that Bridge Kenya students are taught largely by an unqualified, overworked, underpaid staff. Over 70 percent of Bridge "teachers" are uncertified and they are required to work an average of between 59 and 65 hours a week for salaries ranging from $89 to $119 per month. Although Bridge charges relatively low fees, in the poor communities where their schools are located, tuition could cost a family with three children between half and all of their average monthly income.
In the French-speaking world there is now a united effort by government agencies and non-profit groups to prevent the "commercialization of education." The Francophone Network Against Commercialisation of Education with representatives from 38 French-speaking nations around the world and over three hundred private organizations opposes the "transformation of education into a commercial product." While largely based in Africa, it includes representatives from Haiti and other French speaking countries in the Americas. In Haiti, 80 percent of educational institutions are privately owned or operated. According to Samuel Dembele, president of the Africa Network Campaign on Education for All (ANCEFA), "Many African countries have seen an explosion in the number of private schools during the last decade, in particular low quality low cost schools, which target the poorest people. Since 2000, the share of private institutions at the primary level has for instance increased from 10% to 17% in Burkina Faso and fivefold in Mauritania."
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Luc Allaire, General Secretary of the Comite syndical francophone de l'education warned "Quality education for all will only be achieved through compulsory, free, and universal public education. This is an indispensable tool to end educational inequalities that have been exacerbated by the privatisation and commercialisation of education, in Northern countries as well as in Southern countries."
"Northern countries" includes the United States. Bridge sounds like a great model for for-profit charter school chains supported by Trump and DeVos. With their support, and with support from its funders and investors, it has the clout to come to a community near you.
The Network for Public Education has an online letter writing campaign pressuring United States Senators to block DeVos' appointment. I will be joining the January 21, 2017 Women's March on Washington. My poster will read "Defend Public Education - Stop Trump and DeVos." I hope to see everybody there.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Anvar Mammadov Trend:
Azneft Production Union has created a headquarters in connection with the accident at the oil-gathering station #3 of the oil and gas production department named after N. Narimanov, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR said in a message Dec. 15.
Phone: (+994 12) 521-11-44; 521-12-82; (+994 50) 841-10-62; (+994 50) 841-12-09.
Earlier, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR said in a message that the accident took place at about 05:00 (UTC/GMT+4), on Dec. 15, due to strong wind, which blew away a part of a flyover of the 150-meter long oil-gathering station. Meanwhile, the board attached to the flyover and a booth on it were also blown away.
According to the preliminary data, five people, who were on duty at the gathering station, and five people, who were in the booth, are missing.
Vessels of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CJSC are at the site; search and rescue work continues. The message also said that leadership of SOCAR, Ministry of Emergency Situations and Azneft are at the event site. A special group has been created to investigate the accident.
"Do you need to wear a skirt to get promoted round here?" asked a male finance worker about his company's focus on gender diversity. This half-joke comment is not that uncommon; I hear it often from the brave souls who dare speak up when confronted with diversity efforts. It also indicates a 'zero-sum-game' mentality that is prevalent in men's attitudes to women's advancement at work - if she advances, it hurts me, as well as feelings of apathy (it's not relevant to me) and fear, according to Catalyst research.
Dr Michael Kimmel, a leading US sociologist and educator whose work centres on engaging men in the campaign for gender equality, said: "We need to make gender visible to men in order to be able to engage with men. At the moment we see this zero sum thinking "a woman stole my job" they say, but where did you get the 'my' and why did you not think the woman got 'the job' or 'a job'?"
The default setting is what is most interesting when talking about gender diversity.
Last year, I was leading a workshop with middle managers about inclusion in the workplace. During a break, a manager came up to me and said: "I have no chance at this company as a straight, white, middle-aged male". I was not focusing on gender specifically, but I could still hear his fear and frustration at the "unfairness of it all'.
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Kimmel explains that privilege is invisible to those that have it; and with privilege comes a feeling of entitlement. Any dominant majority generally has the most privileges. These are unearned advantages or assets, and as Kimmel noted, most are unaware they have them. In the workplace in the western world, the privileged group tends to be white men, who face fewer barriers to their success, while a minority group will often feel 'different' and out-of-kilt with the predominant culture.
Even the First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama has spoken about how she has felt like an outsider or 'the other': "As potentially the first African American First Lady, I was also the focus of another set of questions and speculations; conversations sometimes rooted in the fears and misperceptions of others. Was I too loud, or too angry, or too emasculating? Or was I too soft, too much of a mom, not enough of a career woman?"
This feeling of 'otherness' can be compounded when women feel also racially different to the majority. A Chinese-American woman MBA graduate said: "[There are] things out of my control, like my gender and race. First impressions [are that] either I am a dragon lady when too direct, or too meek. [It's] hard to process."
Men have a critical role to play in advancing gender diversity in the workplace. In Catalyst's 'Engaging Men' research we found that some men are reluctant to take a stand against gender bias because they fear that they may face disapproval from other men. A powerful way to alleviate this fear is to expose men to male role models who are championing gender equality and questioning the status quo.
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Claudio Colzani, CEO at Barilla said: "Engaging men in increasing gender diversity is critical, as men are in positions to create change and take strong leadership roles in sponsoring and mentoring women in the organization. As a result, both men and women at Barilla will benefit."
Michael Kimmel believes that gender equality may be the best thing that's happened to men and women. Men's health and happiness can be improved when financial and parental responsibility is shared more evenly.
One way to tackle the zero-sum game thinking is to recognise that something is not being taken away, rather something is being added; the proverbial pie is expanding.
For business this is a pressing problem. Getting a range of thought around the table is key for companies to avoid group-think and to ensure that they are representing the market.
Haifa, a 36-year-old woman from Iraq's Yazidi community who was taken as a sex slave by Islamic State group fighters, talks with AFP journalists in the northern Iraqi city of Dohuk on November 17, 2016.Haifa and her family were among thousands of members of the Yazidi minority shown no mercy by IS when it swept through areas north and west of the Iraqi capital in 2014. As the extremists advanced, they was singled out for especially cruel persecution in a campaign of violence and kidnapping which the United Nations has branded a genocide. Men were gunned down and thousands of women -- including Haifa and her younger sister -- were taken as sex slaves. / AFP / SAFIN HAMED (Photo credit should read SAFIN HAMED/AFP/Getty Images)
Although Christians have lived in the Middle East - the birthplace of Christianity - for nearly two thousand years, as a result of years of persecution and discrimination, especially in the past 15 years, they now constitute no more than 3-4% of the region's population, down from 20% a century ago. Christians are not the only minority being discriminated against in this region, but their plight is more visible in many places, beyond what has been experienced by Yazidis, Kurds, Druze, and others. Unfortunately, given the turmoil in the Middle East and the rise of Islamic extremism, with few exceptions Christians and other minorities may no longer be able to live in harmony with their largely Muslim neighbors.
There are several factors contributing to the persecution of religious minorities in the Middle East. Although sectarian conflicts in the region are not new, the 2003 Iraq War and the Arab Spring unleashed a new torrent of violence between Sunnis and Shias and against other religious minorities.
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The rise of Islamic extremism has been a singular driving force in the plight of religious minorities, fueling a growing desire to resort to religion as a palliative. The resurfacing of religious division vis-a-vis the Sunni-Shia conflict, and between different Sunni sects, is creating a societal mindset that posits other religious groups as 'the enemy.' Groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS exploit this intolerance of religious and inter-religious out-groups, with the latter taking such fanaticism to new and barbaric heights.
In addition, the wanton persecution of religious minorities is compounded by the threat of radicalization, which threatens social cohesion and combines religious doctrine with fanatical violence. As Blaise Pascal aptly put it, "Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction."
The prevailing frustration, pain, and agony in the region as a result of socio-economic despondency adds further impetus to the spike in discrimination--when governments fail to step in and mitigate the situation, there is a tendency to find a 'sacrificial lamb' to blame one's ills on.
The fact that there is rampant unemployment, limited opportunities for higher education, and that tens of millions of Muslims live in poverty all fosters a sense of resentment against other minorities.
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Arab nationalism is another major factor that was reinvigorated in the wake of Arab Spring, and as a result, discrimination against Christians was sharpened in certain countries, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The growing influence of Islam into the state framework created cleavages between religious minority groups and the majority.
The prevalence of blasphemy laws throughout the region add another complex layer to religious discrimination. These laws, which are frequently abused to settle personal scores, often carry with them a mandatory death sentence. Allegations of blasphemy are often presented with no evidence, because to reproduce the evidence would be to reproduce the blasphemy.
Finally, a widely-held perception in the Middle East today is that many of the region's socioeconomic problems are attributable to the legacy of the post-World War I and II colonial eras and the exploitive regimes of those times. Though many of the newly independent states immediately turned to autocratic rule, the pre-existing state structures were largely kept in place to the relief of religious minorities.
The Arab Spring, though, put this political order to the test--the demand for democratization made many religious minorities uneasy, worried that the legal protections carried over from the Ottoman era would fall to the wayside.
There are several remedies and countermeasures that must be taken to mitigate religious discrimination. To begin with, a renewed and concerted push is necessary at the political level, led by the world's major powers to end many of the raging regional conflicts. Needless to say, this is easier said than done, but then regardless of how extremely intractable many of these conflicts are, no one should expect that persecution of minorities would be eliminated or be appreciably minimized unless these conflicts come to an end.
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Ending regional conflicts, including a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, would substantially reduce tensions in much of the region and bring Israel closer to the Sunni Arab world, while depriving extremist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah of their raison d'etre.
A solution to the Syrian conflict would stabilize what is left of the fractious nation and could help improve the status of the remaining Christian community in particular, which has seen many of its holy sites defaced or completely destroyed at the behest of radical Islamist militias such as ISIS.
The Sunni-Shiite conflict, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia and Iran respectively, is another conflict that feeds into the frenzy of extremism and must also be mitigated, even though it may take years if not decades.
Preventive diplomacy is critically important any time there is a sign that acts of persecution might take place, or there appears to be a gradual emergence of an environment that could lead to persecution--measures taken by the West, and particularly the United States, in a timely fashion would prevent such developments from occurring.
Furthermore, in responding quickly to atrocities against religious minorities, outside powers need to interject themselves more forcefully before conflicts spiral out of control. There is evidence that suggests timely intervention in Syria, however limited in scope, can prevent further calamities against religious minorities.
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When ISIS was attacking the Yazidis in Iraq with genocidal intent, the US intervened and saved tens of thousands of Yazidis who were trapped on Mount Sinjar, under threat of extermination by the extremist Islamist group. Similarly, the destruction of the predominantly Kurdish city of Kobani in Syria was prevented when the US helped local Kurdish forces repel ISIS and take back the town.
Significant funding is needed for religious programming so that citizens of a given country can develop legal practices and cultural tools which offer training and instruction in religious tolerance. In order to address these issues, federal agencies including USAID need to enforce their mandates, as do nonprofits whose mission is to promote religious freedom initiatives.
When these states modify their existing practices, they can be rewarded financially or otherwise depending on the special need of a given country -- but tangible results need to be seen before any incentives are granted.
To drive the point home, violators need to fully understand that their transgressions will have consequences. With its tremendous global influence, the United States and the EU can go as far as leveraging international trade or other political deals with a demand of ending violations against religious minorities.
Violators can be punished through sanctions - restricting travel of senior officials, limiting trade, etc.--which could give violating countries incentives to stop discriminatory practices. Approaches to addressing violations against religious freedom, however, cannot be generalized. Each country is different, and the same measures cannot be applied across the board.
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We cannot underestimate the importance of education in promoting and fostering religious tolerance and inter-religious dialogue. Modifying textbooks and learning about religions other than one's own can be an invaluable experience, if it is approached without belittling, disparaging, or dismissing views that are different from the ones we happen to hold.
Positive exposure to other religions can deepen the understanding and appreciation we have of our own faith. As Gandhi aptly observed, "It is the duty of every cultured man or woman to read sympathetically the scriptures of the world. If we are to respect others' religions as we would have them respect our own, a friendly study of the world's religions is a sacred duty."
There are innumerable instances where a country, due to a preexisting alliance or for the sake of self-interest, will not admonish a partner nation for its violations against religious freedom. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Iraq are on top of the list in discriminating against Christians, but one does not hear the United States raising this question publicly due to political considerations.
If the United States seeks to make its objections clear to allied nations, it must open a quiet dialogue and pressure them to correct their records on religious freedom.
At the international level, any progress toward ensuring the protection of religious freedom and reducing discrimination against and persecution of religious minorities has been hampered by the failure of the United Nations.
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The UN Security Council is overly politicized, and a resolution to stop the persecution of minorities is rarely passed; even then, there is no enforcement mechanism over which all Security Council members agree upon. The UN General Assembly is less effective, as any resolution passed is non-binding and largely ignored by its own members.
The strategies that have been enumerated for addressing religious persecution of minorities in the Middle East do not constitute a silver bullet that will bring a halt to discrimination and abuse. It is a tragedy for the world when any group of persons - whether they be Christians, Muslims, Yazidis, or Druze - are denied their human dignity and the basic human freedom to believe and worship as they please.
Most of us have told a lie a time or two and probably a variety of them. For example, there is the excuse lie as in the timeless "my dog ate my homework," and the proverbial "white lie" as in "No you really do look great in those jeans." But the "The Big Lie" is different. The term refers to a propaganda or advertising technique by which first you say the opposite of an obvious truth about an event or product, and then keep repeating and repeating that lie until it becomes an unquestioned mantra for the public. So no matter how much the lie defies common sense it over time becomes commonplace.
Take the iconic marketing campaign promoting Coca Cola. You'll easily recall the endlessly repeated mantra: "Coke, it's the real thing." Well, whatever you may think of Coke, not much in my estimation, it is anything but the real thing. It's highly processed, is laden with high fructose corn syrup derived from GMO corn, contains caramel coloring and it goes downhill from there. So the ad is obviously the exact opposite of the truth. But repeated countless times the slogan becomes accepted without thought. Here's another favorite example, the AT&T telephone ad campaign, "Reach out and touch someone." Certainly phones can be great but as anyone separated from a loved one knows, to their great frustration, the one thing you can't do with them is actually reach out and touch that important someone. You are actually just touching the dial pad and handset. Again, a mantra that is obviously false but was repeated so often it almost made sense.
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Similarly, for more than two decades the promotion of genetically engineered (GE) crops in the United States and worldwide has been based in the Big Lie. Led by Monsanto's aggressive international marketing campaign the mantra has been, and still is, that GE crops "reduce pesticide use, increase yield and are key to feeding the world." I have been working on this issue for decades and during that time have seen that virtually every major media story on GE crops began with this "Big Lie" claim, and using almost identical language. These claims, as with those in the Coke and AT&T commercials, defy common sense. Monsanto and the other leaders in promoting GE crops--Dow, Dupont, Syngenta and Bayer--are all chemical companies that make tens of billions of dollars in profits by selling ever more pesticides, especially herbicides. Why would they spend hundreds of millions of research dollars and then billions in advertising and lobbying to promote crops that actually "reduce pesticides" and thereby destroy their bottom line? Are these companies committing economic suicide in an altruistic attempt to feed the world? Obviously not. You can accuse Monsanto of many things, including myriad corporate crimes over many decades, but altruism is not one of them. As my organization and many others have scientifically demonstrated many times to a deaf media, the vast majority of GMOs are not designed to decrease herbicide use but to massively increase it. More than 90% of US corn, soy, cotton, and sugar beets have been genetically engineered to withstand massive doses of the toxic herbicides these companies make, and profit from. Normally care has to be taken using herbicides because they kill not just weeds but anything green, including the crops they come into contact with. But with these herbicide tolerant crops large scale operations can even conduct aerial spraying of their fields with these herbicides and the weeds die but the crops survive.
Because of GE crops each year more than 100 million more pounds of Roundup are used on America's croplands each year. These toxic chemicals pollute our water and air, kill wildlife and native plants and threaten the very survival of the monarch butterfly and other species. In 2015 the World Health Organization's research arm found that the active ingredient in Roundup is a "probable carcinogen." So for Monsanto and the other chemical companies, genetically engineering crops is just another way to significantly increase profits. They sell the seeds and the poisons sprayed on those seeds. Great for their bottom line, terrible for the rest of us and the planet.
What about the Big Lie about increased yield and feeding the world? Well in 2009 the Union of Concerned Scientists published a definitive report called "Failure to Yield" which made it clear that there was no significant yield increase with GE crops. Despite the clear title and message the media entranced with the Big Lie barely noticed.
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But as Martin Luther King, Jr. liked to say, "No lie can live forever." And in the waning weeks of the recent contentious and dispiriting election campaign a surprising ray of light illuminated the longstanding GE crops debate. Remarkably, the source was the New York Times, which for so many years had ignored the science about genetic engineering and bought the Big Lie. But in a front page story the Times became among the first mainstream media sources to debunk the Big Lie about GMOs. The newspaper story was based on research comparing pesticide use and yield between the United States, where genetic engineering has dominated major crops, and Western Europe, which did not embrace the technology. They found that overall the use of herbicides such as Monsanto's Roundup had increased by more than 20% in the United States since the introduction of GE crops, while during the same time period herbicide use in France, Europe's biggest crop producer, had not only not increased but actually decreased by 36 percent. Moreover, the analysis by the Times, which utilized United Nations data, showed that the United States and Canada "have gained no discernible advantage in yields--food per acre--when measured against Western Europe." So the truth was out in the Times for all to see. GE crops significantly increase the use of toxic herbicides while not increasing yield, so they help poison the world's food supply but do not increase it. So much for Monsanto's claim of feeding the world.
A man holds new Indian two thousand rupee banknotes for a photograph outside a bank in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, India, on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016. Over a week since Prime Minister Narendra Modi shocked the nation with the withdrawal of large denomination notes there was no sign the government had managed to print enough notes to replace its withdrawal of 86 per cent of currency in circulation. Photographer: Anindito Mukherjee/Bloomberg via Getty Images
India is in the throes of an unprecedented social experiment in enforced digital disruption, and the world has much to learn from it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a surprise in early November, demonetizing 500 and 1,000 rupee bank notes. Modi's war on cash is not without international precedent: Singapore, for example, withdrew its largest currency recently; the European Central Bank eliminated the 500-euro bank note; AND South Korea plans to eliminate at least all coins by 2020.
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And yet India's initiative had the potential for chaos. Here's why: the government effectively took 86 percent of cash out of circulation in an economy that is close to 90 percent cash-reliant.
One of Modi's strongest motivations for this action was corruption -- to expose undeclared "black" money, i.e. income illegally obtained or not declared for tax purposes. But the government may have failed in meeting this objective. As of Dec. 3, about 82 percent of the demonetized bills, amounting to about $185 billion, had been deposited in bank accounts and validated (or legitimized after any additional taxes owed are accounted for), according to a Bloomberg report. In other words, very little of the estimated $2 trillion black money estimated to be stashed overseas has been captured.
In the meantime, retail and wholesale markets have stalled around the country. Supply chain transactions, real estate deals and even weddings and funerals have been frozen. Consumers are coping with lines that are frustrating even for Indians used to standing in lines or waiting for basic services. People up and down the income spectrum are dealing with changing cash withdrawal policies and empty ATMs. The nation's status as the world's fastest-growing big economy has been severely imperiled, and its currency is at risk of being further devalued. The situation is made worse by prospects of a strengthening dollar after the U.S. election.
Sounds bad, right? But there is a question that hasn't been asked: Is there a digital upside to this crisis?
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A digital idealist might argue that the demonetization move is a welcome shock necessary to get a cash-intensive society weaned off its addiction and onto modern systems of digital payments. Indeed, since the chaos erupted, the prime minister has tweeted: "Time has come for everyone, particularly my young friends, to embrace e-banking, mobile banking & more such technology." He has urged the other side of the market to digitize as well: "I want to tell my small merchant brothers and sisters -- this is the chance for you to enter the digital world," he said in Hindi on television, encouraging mobile banking applications and credit card swipe machines.
This is an unusual form of digital disruption of an enforced kind, about as far as one can get from the textbook kind. Consider a few of its most salient aspects:
This drastic shift affects the world's fastest growing large economy, a population of 1.25 billion, and consumers whom we have identified as bearers of some of the highest "cost of cash" in the world. In other words, if a significant amount of the country's payments were digitized, the benefits would be monumental.
This disruption originates not from one of the e-wallet insurgents or from one of the global payments mega-players, but has been engineered top-down by the government.
The biggest beneficiaries of this disruption, arguably, would be the incumbents, i.e. Reserve Bank of India, India's central bank, and the banking institutions. According to our study, the Cost of Cash in India, these institutions spend3.5 billion annually in currency operations costs.
Ironically, the primary losers in this disruption, at least in the near term, are the consumers themselves. The disruptive action did not originate in a small segment of the market; it was launched nationwide. The burden has been regressive, as it has been hardest on the poor and the unbanked, who have had to forgo wages to stand in lines or have lost jobs because of non-functioning markets.
So can the demonetization shock push digital payments into the mainstream? Some early reports are suggesting that, indeed, it has had an effect. The leading digital payments players have experienced a bump since the demonetization experiment began.
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That said, it is important to keep in mind that this bump builds on a low base. According to a 2013 Mastercard study, India was in the "Inception" category of both absolute level of cashlessness and the trajectory of change. Furthermore, there are three fundamental structural factors to be mindful of as we understand the Indian context:
India's ties to cash are strong, even by developing country standards. India uses a lot of cash by any measure. Our Cost of Cash in India study found a remarkably high level of cash usage even when compared with other emerging markets and otherwise digitally under-evolved countries, according to our Digital Evolution Index, reported earlier in HBR. The ratio of money held in bills and coins to the amount held in demand deposit and savings accounts in India was 51%, as compared to Egypt (29.3%), South Africa (8.9%), and Mexico (8.7%). Moreover, the value of notes and coins in circulation as a percentage of GDP in India was 12.04%, compared to 3.93% in Brazil, 5.32% in Mexico, and 3.72% in South Africa.
There are strong reasons underlying this degree of cash reliance. Consider some of the most significant ones we found when we analyzed the 2014 landscape. Most Indians lacked the means to use non-cash payments, even if they want to. India's infrastructure for payments was growing, but from very modest beginnings. Fewer than 35% of Indians above the age of 15 had used a bank account. Less than 10% had ever used any kind of non-cash payment instrument. Less than 3% of the value transacted used cards in the year ending March 2014. The growth in value of ATM transactions had far outpaced the growth in the value of card payment transactions.
Moreover, in India, the total value of ATM transactions increased more than five times between 2007 and 2012, from about 3 trillion to about 18 trillion rupees, while the value of card transactions barely doubled in the same period from 1 to 2 trillion rupees. Despite the improvement in telecommunications, India lagged its peers in mobile payments. Fewer than 2% of Indians had used a mobile phone to receive a payment, compared to over 60% of Kenyans and 11% of Nigerians.
Financial inclusion policies are bank-led rather than telecom-led. Much of India's recent approach has focused on the supply side of financial inclusion. The priorities of the Reserve Bank (RBI), India's central bank, are to promote safe, efficient, accessible, inclusive, interoperable, and robust payment systems. India has addressed these priorities both through the creation of national champions, such as the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and its subsidiaries. The result is that India has built the capacity to clear and settle payments. Access to that infrastructure on a sustainable and profitable basis is a key reason behind India's investment in universal identification (known as Aadhaar)-enabled payments services.
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The problem is that RBI chose a bank-led model over a telecoms-led one to achieve its financial inclusion goals. As a result, telecoms firms had only recently been allowed to enter the payments space in India, and were limited only to partnerships with banks. Compare this situation to that of Kenya, for example, where a surge in mobile payments has been engineered by the efforts of Safaricom, the major telecom company. The net result of a bank-led approach has been an insufficient investment in the necessary digital infrastructure and inadequate marketing of its potential uses and benefits. Consumers have been left unaware of how they might use mobile phones for services other than communications, texting, or Facebook.
The costs of cash to the Indian consumer are among the highest in the world. In our analyses of the cost of cash across over 70 countries, we found that the cost of cash to consumers -- in terms of time spent to get cash and fees -- are high in some of the world's most populous countries. Unsurprisingly, cost to Indian consumers was among the highest. When weighted for population, India fared poorly in terms of ATM access compared to even lesser-developed countries, such as Kenya, Nigeria, or Egypt. Moreover, smaller cities in India had larger problems. Long before the current crisis, we found that residents of Delhi spent 6 million hours and $1.5 million to obtain cash, while residents of Hyderabad spent 1.7 million hours and $0.5 million to do the same. Hyderabadi consumer costs were about twice as high as that of Delhiites on a per capita basis.
With this structural understanding in mind, how do we evaluate the potential impact of the demonetization move in getting digital payments past a tipping point?
I would argue that, despite the high costs of cash, telling people -- as the prime minister did -- to go cashless is putting the cart before the horse. The horse in this case is the digital infrastructure and establishing a threshold of trust in the system; beefing up this digital ecosystem should come first. India's digital state (it ranked 42nd out of the 50 countries we studied in our Digital Evolution Index), does not engender the threshold of trust needed for cashlessness to take hold in a meaningful way.
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Despite a billion mobile phone subscriptions, just about 30% of Indian subscribers use smartphones. A little over a third of the population has internet access. India lacks infrastructure needed to reliably expand access. Connections are patchy and unreliable and there is great disparity in connectivity: 70% of those with mobile internet access are in cities; only 17% of Indian women use the internet, according to the Pew Research Center. With women responsible for much of household purchases, this does not provide a strong foundation for the spread of digital payments where it really counts.
According to Google India and The Boston Consulting Group, by 2020, digital transactions will happen at 10 times the current level. That may well come to pass; maybe demonetization may serve as the needed catalyst. But let us be clear: in the absence of a systematic and concerted investment in digital infrastructure and Internet access, cash will stubbornly resist wholesale digital displacement.
It is useful to keep in mind that any form of currency, cold hard cash or digital, involves an "equilibrium mindset" -- a mutually self-reinforcing logic -- whereby the parties across a transaction must share a belief in the currency and trust that it works and holds value. If there is a shadow of doubt that affects one party's trust in a particular form of currency, the other will prefer to not rely on it. Cash, unlike digital alternatives, has the benefit of being acceptable (almost) everywhere. If there is concern about the viability or acceptability of digital payments, venturing forth without cash will make consumers feel insecure.
When we studied current habits in India, in the Cost of Cash in India, we found that there is great level of comfort in keeping moderate to significant levels of cash in hand, especially in small towns and rural areas. Even credit card users keep significant amounts of cash in hand, and they keep higher balances. The proportion of respondents who keep more than 2,000 rupees as minimum cash in hand is 29% in case of credit card users, as compared to 12% in case of cash-only users. The average amount of minimum cash carried by cash-only users or "debit cash and cash" users is relatively lower than the amount carried by credit card users. The proportion that carried minimum cash in the range of 100-500 rupees was 13% among credit card users, as compared to 27% among the cash users.
What seems like a major push from physical to digital money will, in reality, happen at a slow pace. While I do not intend to demonize the demonetizers, this unfortunate crisis is a case study in poor policy and even poorer execution. Unfortunately, it is also the poor that bear the greatest burden.
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Bhaskar Chakravorti is the Senior Associate Dean of International Business & Finance at The Fletcher School at Tufts University and founding Executive Director of Fletcher's Institute for Business in the Global Context. He is the author of The Slow Pace of Fast Change.
Metaphysics, as a discipline beyond physics, concerns itself with something more abstract than the concrete stuff of the world. It includes two major sections: cosmology and ontology. Cosmology, as the logos (science) of cosmos, investigates how the cosmos originates and evolves. Ontology, as the logos (science) of 'being', probes the most generic features of entities in so far as they 'are.' In western philosophy, these two parts of metaphysics can be discussed together, such as in Plato's Timaeus. Or, they may be elaborated separately. For instance, Aristotle's De Caelo prioritizes cosmology, while his Metaphysics prioritizes ontology.
Today, a rumor has been circulating among scholars that Ruism pays too much attention to ethics and statecraft to show much, or even any, interest in metaphysics. These scholars include New Age orientalists: they are dismayed by classical western thought for a variety of reasons, and are trying to find a total alternative in ancient Chinese thought. Similar ideas are entertained by some begrudging Daoists: they strive to usurp every sentence mentioning 'Dao' in ancient Chinese texts and to assert, therefore, that Ruism has nothing distinctive to contribute to ancient Chinese metaphysics. There are also some East Asian scholars, who are so obsessed with the agenda of post-modernism that they tend to be opposed to investigating the deepest, grandest and most imperishable concerns of ancient Chinese thought. Regardless, all these scholars commit a common error: they see in Ruism what they want to see even before they turned their eyes to it. Using the words of Xunzi (313-238 BCE), a great Ru philosopher in classical Ruism, these scholars' minds are all 'narrowed by one particular angle and thus become ignorant of the complete truth' (.
Ruism, as a comprehensive way of life which has had so deep an influence upon virtually every facet of ancient East and South Asian civilization, cannot have failed to have a deep interest in metaphysics. Its well-known strong emphasis upon ethics was actually always grounded in its systematic thinking about the origin of cosmos and the regulative principles of cosmic realities. For me, this is the major reason why I once portrayed Ruism as a religious humanism, rather than simply humanism per se.
Interestingly enough, for a Ru learner, Ru metaphysics is even easier to find than its western partner since cosmology and ontology were almost always discussed together in the same texts. In the remaining part of this essay, I will try to illustrate, in the most succinct way, where, how and what is Ru metaphysics.
Firstly, where did Ruist metaphysics come from?
Two seminal texts, together with their commentaries, define Ru metaphysics. One is the Appended Texts (), also called the Great Commentary (), part of the Classic of Change (). This text was perhaps compiled between Mencius (372-289 BCE) and Xunzi; even so, the Ru tradition ascribed its authorship to Confucius himself. Although this ascription is continually debated, I tend to believe, relying on all evidence that we can gather today, that even if it was not actually written by Confucius, it is certain that this text was heavily influenced by Confucius's thought. Among commentaries on the Great Commentary, the most influential for the Ru metaphysical tradition were composed by Ru scholars between the Han and Tang Dynasties: Zheng Xuan (, 127-200 CE), Wang Bi (, 226-249 CE), Han Kang-bo (, 332-380 CE), and Kong Ying-da (, 574-648 CE), for instance. For English readers, Richard J. Lynn's translation of the Classic of Changes is a good start for learning both the seminal text and its commentaries.
The other fundamental text is the Diagram of Ultimate Polarity () and its Illustration of the Diagram of Ultimate Polarity (), which was composed by Zhou Dun-yi (, 1017-1073 CE). Based upon Confucius's insights in the Great Commentary, Zhou Dun-yi presented the densest and most vivid illustration of Ru metaphysics for Song and Ming Neo-Ruism. After Zhou Dun-yi, it was Zhu Xi's commentaries and essays on Zhou Dun-Yi's seminal text that systematized and deepened the Neo-Ruist metaphysics. Although there were exemplary thinkers later, such as Cao Duan (, 1376-1434 CE) and Luo Qin-shun (, 1465-1547 CE), who revised Zhu Xi's metaphysics quite a bit, the basic metaphysical structure of Neo-Ruism remained definitive in Zhou Dun-yi's and Zhu Xi's thought. For English readers, the best starting-point for appreciating this tradition is Joseph A. Adler's translation and study of the concerned texts.
Secondly, how metaphysical is Ruism?
The short answer is, very. To prove this, I only need to point out that Ru spirituality in some of its historical periods was even thought to be too metaphysical by later Ru scholars so that they needed to launch a movement to counteract it. One example is Han Yu (768-824 CE)'s 'Movement of Ancient Prose.' In the face of the Tang Dynasty's decline, triggered by the An-Shi Rebellion (, 755-763 CE) , Han Yu thought that the major reason leading to this crisis had been that the Ru literati in his time had learned too much metaphysics from pre-Tang dynasties' metaphysicians and that these literati's genre of writing was accordingly too decorative and flowery. Instead, in order to stop the dynastic decline, Han Yu urged a plainer genre of literary writing and required Ru literati to focus more on ethics and statecraft, rather than metaphysics. On similar grounds, the challenge brought by Lu Jiu-yuan (1139-1193 CE) and Wang Yang-ming's School of Mind-Heart in opposition to Cheng Yi and Zhu Xi's School of Principle within Neo-Ruism is another great example. What happened was that, since he was one of the most metaphysical minds in the Ru tradition, Zhu Xi's teaching encouraged a tendency among Ru literati which emphasized the meticulous study of Ru literature along with metaphysical speculations concerning the outside world. Instead, Lu Xiang-shan and Wang Yang-ming urged the literati to concentrate more upon one's own inner personality so that one's Ru knowledge could be of more practical use in the actual human world. Unsurprisingly, since these reform movements within Ruism were not very friendly to metaphysical thinking, their contribution to Ru spirituality was mainly about ethics, spiritual formation and statecraft. In other words, if nowadays people want to learn the basics of Ru metaphysics, they still need to look for it in the Ru schools that these movements were opposing: Wang Bi's and Han Kang-bo's commentaries of the Great Commentary, and Zhou Dun-yi's and Zhu Xi's thoughts on Ultimate Polarity.
Finally, what exactly is Ru metaphysics?
It is impossible to present a full profile of Ru metaphysics in one Huff-Post essay. However, in order to glimpse at the depth of Ru metaphysics, it would be helpful to address one of its key issues: the relationship between the ultimate reality, Tian (, Heaven), and derived realities, the myriad things under Tian (, tian-xia-wan-wu). Apparently, this issue is similar to the one of the relationship between God and the world in the Greek-Christian tradition.
In the Greek-Christian tradition, according to how God or God's existence is conceived, theological discourses are divided into theism, polytheism, henotheism, and atheism, etc. According to how the relationship between God and the created world is conceived, theological discourse could be further categorized as pantheism (God is equal to everything in the world), panentheism (God permeates while simultaneously transcending everything in the world), deism, or acosmism (the world is not real but an illusion), etc. Keeping all these terms in mind, and relying upon my knowledge of the Ru metaphysics implied by the aforementioned seminal texts and commentaries, I will try my best to characterize Ruism as a Mono-Pan-En-Non-Theism. Yes, you read it right! I indeed wrote, 'monopanennontheism', which term's complexity may sound awkward enough to require the following explanations.
Firstly, why 'mono-'? As I have explained several times before, ultimate reality in Ruism is Tian, an all-encompassing, constantly creative cosmic power which permeates everything. However, within this all-inclusive cap phenomenon, Ru metaphysics investigates further various ontological principles that can explain both the origin and the order of cosmic changes. For example, these principles include 'the five phases' (water, wood, metal, fire, earth), the interaction of which explains how things emerge and become. These five phases are thought of as functioning in the temporal framework of 'the four seasons' (spring, summer, autumn and winter), whose generative power is periodic but not cyclic. In other words, the creative force symbolized by the periodic movement of 'the four seasons' realizes the entire cosmos as an endless process advancing into novelty. Further, all the creative powers of 'the five phases' and 'the four seasons' are a manifestation of the one of 'Yin and Yang vital-energies' (, qi) , which are the most generic and determinate pair of categories that the traditional Chinese mindset ever invented for explaining the world. Yet, the story doesn't stop there. Even beyond 'Yin and Yang vital-energies', Ru metaphysics believes that there is one singular, ontologically unconditional creative act, Ultimate Polarity (), which creates the entire world, including the Yin and Yang vital-energies, the four seasons, and the five phases, etc. In so far as Ru metaphysics avers that there is one singular principle that accounts for both the origin and the order of the entire created world, it is a 'mono-' tradition.
Secondly, why 'pan-' ? This is because of the Ru metaphysical view that the changing-and-becoming process experienced by each determinate thing within Tian is a manifestation of Tian's creative power. Not only does Tian create, but everything within Tian also strives for being, becoming and growing. Because Tian's creativity is ultimately grounded in the one of Ultimate Polarity, this 'pan-' mode of Ru metaphysics is nicely captured by the Neo-Ruist motto that 'Each thing has its own Ultimate Polarity' () .
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Thirdly, why 'en-'? All the creative powers that are embodied and brought about in the becomings of all concrete things cannot exhaust Ultimate Polarity's creativity. In other words, Tian is not equal to the myriad things under Tian, and as a result, Tian's creativity always has the potential to break through and challenge any status quo of cosmic realities which may have already been safely grasped by an established set of human knowledge. In the words of the Great Commentary, this inexhaustible and unfathomable creative power of Tian is termed as the one of 'birth birth' (, sheng-sheng), or 'continual creation'.
Fourthly, why 'non-theism'? First, Ruism is not atheism. Atheism, as it is particularly meant by Marxism in today's China, is anti-religious and thus, denies any kind of 'divine reality.' However, for Ruism, Tian is ultimate. Its creative power 'grounds' all derived realities, and hence, its sublime creativity is taken to be an ideal that Ru learners (, shi) try to emulate and realize in the human world. In this sense, Tian is holy and sacred. Ruism's commitment to Tian's creativity has a distinctively religious character.
On the other hand, Ruism is not theism, either. As described above, the deepest dimension of Tian's creativity, Ultimate Polarity, is an unconditional ontological creative act without an actor or creator standing behind the scene. Because of Ultimate Polarity's non-theistic and unconditional features, the process by means of which Tian creates the myriad of things under itself is incongruent with what the mainstream Greek-Christian idea of divine creation tries to convey. In particular, it is not that Tian puts intelligible forms into an amorphous matter so that concrete things are created. Instead, in the Ruist case, ultimate reality and derived realities maintain a tricky relationship of 'two-fold asymmetry'. On the one hand, Ultimate Polarity is ontologically prior to all concrete cosmic realities, and therefore, Ruism believes that, as the singular ontological principle, Ultimate Polarity creates the entire world. On the other hand, since Ultimate Polarity is ontologically prior to anything in the world, including human intelligence and knowledge, anything we can know about how Ultimate Polarity creates must be drawn out 100% from our investigation about the de facto statuses of derived realities. In other words, derived realities are epistemologically prior to ultimate reality, and therefore, there is just no way for Ruism to assert that there might be any purpose, plan, or anthropomorphic telos which is inserted into the created world by Ultimate Polarity prior to its creative act actually taking place. As a consequence, Ruism's standard conception of the cosmos is that this is a natural process of spontaneous emergence, which has no theistic telos to guide it.
In a word, Tian's creativity is sublime. It is constant and all-encompassing. Nevertheless, ultimately, Tian's creativity is not human. In Ruism's view, only humans have visions and responsibilities to manifest Tian's creativity in the human world and in a particularly human, that is, humane (, ren), way. At the conclusion of this essay, we can see that the religious commitment of Ruism towards the 'non-theism' of Tian's creativity lays down a firm ground for its equally unflinching emphasis upon humanistic thinking and practices.
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How? Go directly to the source and require all to look at the issue honestly and without bias (read: tradition or judgment). As a writer and activist, this holiday season and new year is especially vital for all minority groups to stake claim to their rights and dignity. For those of us heading home to more conservative towns and families for the holidays or just in case things get sketchy in the new year with our civil rights, here is a strong reminder (and solid theological fodder) that if you are gay, you are good. More importantly, when we address the source of the issue, we can actually reverse harm done.
As a reminder, many obstructions to LGBTQ rights are grounded in ultra-conservative Christian beliefs, using the Bible to denounce a whole sector of the population. When we address the bigotry and ignorance at the source, we not only win, but we heal.
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I see a lot of fear as we enter this new era. For all those activists and scholars, supporters and minorities, we must walk into this time with more awareness and attention to truth. We must wear this truth lovingly. Without this, we may win, but it will be temporary. If we wear truth without ill will toward anyone, then we are able to heal and to heal is to transcend.
In Solidarity,
Brandon Kneefel
Resources:
A few weeks ago, I visited schools across Wyoming. In Rock Springs, a town in the southwestern part of the state, I met Tristan, a senior in high school. Tristan wants to study medicine after high school and, unlike most students across this country, he has a comprehensive understanding of all the medical jobs that are available to him. While in high school, he had the unique opportunity to job shadow medical professionals in the local emergency room, gaining first-hand insight into all the possibilities before him - and what type of education he will need after high school to pursue a career in this field. He told me that he was going on to college, and that his experience in the job-shadowing will help him make choices about his future during and after college.
Rock Springs High School is one of many schools across Wyoming that has worked to integrate career-readiness training into its high school curriculum. As our team traveled across the state, we were struck by the solutions communities had developed to equip students with the skills they'll need for a career after graduation.
We visited places like the Carbon County Higher Education Center in Rawlins, an extension of Western Wyoming Community College, where high school students were central to the planning of every career pathway offered at the center. We toured houses that high school students had built -- from the foundation, to the lighting, to the cabinetry. These beautiful, green homes were sold for profit to benefit the construction career pathway at the center.
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I visited a science classroom at the Black Butte Alternative High School where each student had the opportunity to participate in any of ten online and in-person courses that his or her teacher had designed. The students I interacted with appreciated the opportunities to learn challenging coursework at their own pace and to have access to a strong teacher, who acts more as a facilitator of learning, rather than a traditional instructor.
In the wake of a statewide economic downturn several years ago, Natrona County decided to prepare the future workforce by pulling local resources together to fund a state-of-the-art learning facility. The Pathways Innovation Center allows county students to learn technical and academic skills from full- and part-time professionals in career fields. To avoid the challenges associated with having minors participate in internships at active work sites, they brought the work-based learning experiences into an educational facility. They also built a television studio and aqua rehab facility into the center, welcoming high school students to become the resource operators and community members to be the beneficiaries.
Like much of this country, the Wyoming Department of Education has grappled with how to make sure students not only have access to high-quality educational courses, but also the resources and tools necessary to be successful, no matter where they live in this rural state. Through a combination of online and in-person coursework, the Department is working to scale similar models to the ones we visited so that all students have the chance to build a skillset they can use after high school or college graduation.
Our mission at the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is to ensure that states are preparing all students for success in college, career and life. As the labor market continues to evolve, we have a responsibility to evolve how we educate and prepare students in our K-12 education system. Two years ago, CCSSO launched a Career Readiness Initiative to work with all states to improve career readiness programs and close the skills gap that currently exists in our country. Wyoming is one of the states that has committed to transforming how they provide educational opportunities to all students and prepare them for college and career. I was so impressed during our visit by the ways high schools, community colleges and local businesses have partnered to create a variety of career pathways for students.
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I have seen exemplary efforts in other states as well, including Nevada, Kentucky, Louisiana and many more. I know this is just the beginning as Wyoming and other states continue to take the lead in transforming career readiness pathways to meet the needs of all kids - no matter where they live or what they plan to pursue after high school.
By Christopher Zoukis
A new study from the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law claims imprisoning 576,000 state and federal inmates - 39 percent of the nation's 1.46 million total - serves no compelling purpose, and alternative sentencing could save almost $20 billion annually without compromising public safety.
The study entitled "How Many Americans Are Unnecessarily Incarcerated?" claims to be the first-ever analysis of the best ways to reduce the social, economic and racial costs of overpopulated prisons. Released Dec. 9 and drawing on three years of research by lead author and veteran criminologist Dr. James Austin, along with Brennan Center researchers and a statistical analysis team, the study first analyzed criminal codes and data on convictions and sentences.
Based on its findings on the relative ineffectiveness of incarceration, the report team recommends a fundamental shift in sentencing to enable state and federal governments to reduce total prison populations down to 887,000.
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The study maintains that 212,000 current inmates - or 14 percent of total prisoners - have already served long enough for major offenses that they could be safely released within the next year, and that alternatives to prison -- such as community service, electronic monitoring, probation, restitution, or mental health or drug addiction treatments -- would be more effective for about 364,000 more, or about 25 percent of total prison populations.
One place to start, the report suggests, are the nearly 66,000 prisoners whose most serious offense is drug possession. On average, they now draw one-year prison sentences which, the report argues, could be better replaced with addiction treatment and possible other alternatives.
If the nation's prison population were downsized as the report suggests, 59 percent of the remaining inmates would be serving time for violent offenses, compared with the 46 percent at present convicted of such offenses.
The Brennan Center report also recommends a new framework for criminal sentencing, drawing on what it sees as science-based studies on public safety and rehabilitation issues. It rejects the calls for scrapping all or most mandatory and minimum sentences in favor of giving judges virtual free rein in setting sentences, viewing that approach as more likely to bring uneven and unfair results, and to worsen racial disparities in sentencing.
Instead the report proposes that state legislatures and Congress adopt a new solution: diverting less-serious offenses to alternatives to incarceration, absent unusual circumstances, and for more serious offenses setting default sentences proportional to four key factors: seriousness, impact on victims, evidence of intent and likelihood of recidivism.
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Even for the more serious offenses, the report calls for shorter mandatory sentences, and for allowing judicial consideration of individual factors such as the defendant's criminal record, addiction or mental health issues, and the specifics of the offense. In that way, the report claims, sentences will be shorter and more uniform, but still leave room for judicial discretion where individual circumstances warrant.
The report also suggests cutting terms by 25 percent for six serious crimes -- murder, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, weapons offenses and major drug trafficking cases -- and allowing current inmates to petition for retroactive reductions of their sentences if lower default sentences are adopted.
By Christopher Zoukis
The Bureau of Justice Statistics has found that within five years of release, 76 percent of prisoners released in the U.S. reoffend. Breaking this cycle requires radical reforms in rehabilitation methods, and some surprising approaches are showing promising results -- downward dog and mantra chanting.
Educational and vocational programs already in place for prisoners are proven to help to reduce recidivism, but some facilities taking steps beyond those by offering programs that target wellness, such as yoga and meditation. Studies have shown teaching prisoners meditation and mindfulness can have positive effects on their behavior, and translates into further reductions in recidivism compared to prisoners who have only participated in traditional rehabilitation and educational programs.
The Prison Yoga Project is the most well known program of its kind. Started in 2002 at California's largest prison -- San Quentin State Prison -- the program has expanded to 24 states and several countries outside the U.S. More than 1,500 volunteers -- some of them prisoners themselves -- have been trained to deliver the program, which is taught in more than 115 prisons. Through it, more than 15,000 free books teaching meditation and yoga have been sent to prisoners. At San Quentin there is a waiting list to participate, and there are often waiting lists for the volunteer teacher training.
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The mission of the Prison Yoga Project is to help prisoners resolve and heal from issues related to the traumatic backgrounds many of them come from -- backgrounds that may include such experiences as homelessness, addiction, bullying, sexual abuse, domestic violence and witnessing crimes. Indeed, the experience of prison is in and of itself is traumatic.
Yoga and meditation can effect behavioral change, offering an opportunity for self-reflection and increased self-awareness. With self-awareness comes increased empathy and compassion for others. Prisoners begin to learn emotional intelligence, self-discipline and impulse control. Using meditation as a tool can help prisoners disengage from conflicts, negative impulses and violent situations. It helps them to develop coping mechanisms to deal with the stressful environment of prison and the challenges faced after release. Yoga and meditation are known to reduce stress, improve attention span, and create a general sense of health, psychological wellbeing and mental clarity. Additionally, it has been shown to help relieve the symptoms of PTSD, and is effective in supporting addictions recovery.
Numerous personal statements on the Prison Yoga Program website testify to the positive effects yoga and meditation have had on prisoners' lives and outlooks.
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"I used drugs and alcohol for many years basically to kill the pain of my life. Yoga has helped clear my mind, deal with the pain, move into the present and just love myself and who I am." J.B.
"Yoga and its emphasis on the power of a single breath has promoted for me a respect for life and a profound realization of the destructive force of violence." S.L.
"The demands of prison have changed me for the worse, but participating in this yoga class on my path to returning to society has helped me feel like a positive, capable individual once again. The practice brings me a more clear and enlightened mind." J.H
Several studies back up the changes these prisoners have witnessed in themselves.
A 2012 study by Oxford University found that prisoners who participated in a 10-week yoga program experienced less stress, improved mood and concentration, and an ability to override impulse.
A 2012 study of a 10-day Vipassana meditation (an ancient technique originating in India) program at an Alabama maximum-security prison showed improved levels of mindfulness and emotional intelligence for those who participated compared to those who did not. Another study on the Vipassana method concluded participants showed significant reductions in alcohol, marijuana and crack cocaine uses, as well as decreased psychiatric symptoms.
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A study done at Wake Correctional Facility in Raleigh, NC, found that prisoners who participated in more than four yoga classes had a significantly reduced re-incarceration rate.
A 1987 study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice tracked released prisoners who had learned Transcendental Meditation. Sixty percent of parolees that meditated were still clean after two years, compared to 45 percent of parolees who did not meditate. The recidivism rate of meditators was at least 35 percent lower than for those who had received only prison education, vocational training, or psychotherapy but no meditation classes.
With indisputably positive outcomes, yoga and meditation programs should be available to in all prisons help fill out what is still missing in many -- a holistic rehabilitative approach that significantly improves lives both behind bars and beyond them, and alleviates the strain of repeat offenders on the justice system.
One of Hollywood's finest actors, Kirk Douglas, recently celebrated his 100th birthday. There much to celebrate--in his rich career Douglas garnered three Academy Award nominations, an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
What is less known, but demands remembering now more than ever, is the role he played in fighting the McCarthyist blacklist of Hollywood writers, most dramatically when he insisted that one of them, Dalton Trumbo, be given full screen credit for writing the screenplay for one of Douglas' most famous films, Spartacus.
When the film Trumbo was released last year, Douglas took that opportunity to warn us that blacklists can always appear again, and that it is incumbent upon members of a democracy to fight them:
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"As actors it is easy for us to play the hero. We get to fight the bad guys and stand up for justice. In real life, the choices are not always so clear. The Hollywood Blacklist, recreated powerfully on screen in Trumbo, was a time I remember well. The choices were hard. The consequences were painful and very real. During the blacklist, I had friends who went into exile when no one would hire them; actors who committed suicide in despair. My young co-star in Detective Story (1951), Lee Grant, was unable to work for twelve years after she refused to testify against her husband before the House Un-American Activities Committee. I was threatened that using a Blacklisted writer for Spartacus -- my friend Dalton Trumbo -- would mark me as a "Commie-lover" and end my career. There are times when one has to stand up for principle. I am so proud of my fellow actors who use their public influence to speak out against injustice. At 98 years old, I have learned one lesson from history: It very often repeats itself. I hope that Trumbo, a fine film, will remind all of us that the Blacklist was a terrible time in our country, but that we must learn from it so that it will never happen again."
Back then the American Legion, outraged that Douglas had given a Communist sympathizer screen credit, set up a picket line to block entrance to the film's screening. On February 4, 1961, President John F. Kennedy crossed the picket line to attend the screening of Spartacus.
This presidential act of solidarity helped end the blacklist. Today we face, as Kirk Douglas warned we might, another challenge, but with an entirely different sort of person coming into the Presidency.
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Trumbo and others were put into prison for refusing to testify against others. In so doing they were resisting what they felt were unconstitutional demands--these men and women refused to inform on their friends, to spread the mass hysteria aimed against those who held different beliefs.
One of the most memorable scenes in Spartacus comes at the end, when the Roman soldiers are closing in on the hero, who is the leader of a slave rebellion. Captured by the Romans, a group of slaves are asked to identify Spartacus, and in exchange for giving him up they are promised leniency. But instead of betraying him, they each declare, "I am Spartacus!" Trumbo the screenwriter was clearly gesturing toward the real-life situation of not only blacklisted Hollywood writers, but also of all others facing McCarthyite persecution. In crediting Trumbo with the screenplay, Douglas was in effect making the same kind of statement of solidarity in his own actions, which President Kennedy then followed in kind.
Today we are faced with a blacklist against professors who are suspected of harboring "liberal" beliefs and the registry of Muslims proposed by the President-Elect, who has also warned the press that it should be careful about how it presents the news of his presidency. And just now, in one of the most egregious acts yet, the National Park Service, prompted by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, has filed a "massive omnibus blocking permit" for many of Washington, DC's most famous political locations for days and weeks before and after the inauguration on 20 January. So much for the Million Woman March on Washington and any other sort of demonstration. This is a clear abridgment of the First Amendment, which includes "the right of the people to peaceably assemble." It is the only time in our nation's history such a broad and flagrant denial of a right to protest has been issued. Who knows what other kinds of acts of surveillance and censorship might appear in the future?
While organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union are planning to challenge the registry in court it is crucial to see how everyday people are stepping up, taking a page from Spartacus in their mode of resistance. One effort is the "Register Us" campaign, whose website declares: "Donald Trump wants to require all Muslims to register in a government database. We must stand together to protect our neighbors and our most fundamental rights. Let's all pledge to register as Muslim today."
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Similarly, many professors across the country are insisting that they be included in the ProfessorWatch website. One group at the University of Notre Dame addresses their petition to ProfessorWatch thus,
"We make this request because we note that you currently list on your site several of our colleagues, such as Professor Gary Gutting, whose work is distinguished by its commitment to reasoned, fact-based civil discourse examining questions of tolerance, equality, and justice. We further note that nearly all faculty colleagues at other institutions listed on your site, the philosophers, historians, theologians, ethicists, feminists, rhetoricians, and others, have similarly devoted their professional lives to the unyielding pursuit of truth, to the critical examination of assumptions that underlie social and political policy, and to honoring this country's commitments to the premise that all people are created equal and deserving of respect. This is the sort of company we wish to keep."
And now a second petition is being circulated by the largest national organization of academics, the American Association of University Professors, where faculty are adding their names in support of the Notre Dame professors.
And finally, it has just been announced that the US Department of Energy has resisted the President-Elect's request to hand over names of individuals who work on climate change: "We are going to respect the professional and scientific integrity and independence of our employees at our labs and across our department," said spokesman Eben Burnham-Snyder.
Just as holding communist views was not illegal during the McCarthyite era, today it is of course not illegal to hold "liberal" views, nor is it illegal to be a Muslim, nor is it illegal to work on a scientific project that Donald Trump feels is invalid. But at a time when the President-Elect has chosen to informally but effectively conduct policy via Twitter, when facts are buried in falsehoods, when the distinction between what is legal and what is not legal is blurred, actions urged upon us by the government and others can easily ask us to transgress our own laws and rights. It is, therefore, all the more important to resist any and all efforts to turn us into instruments for witch hunts of minorities of various natures and those who hold unpopular positions. Last year Kirk Douglas had no idea how quickly his concern about history repeating itself could happen. We need to emulate not only the character he played in one of his greatest roles, but also the role he played in real life in fighting against prejudice and persecution, and fighting for all our rights and freedoms.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
Trend:
The body of one of oilmen who went missing as a result of an accident in the Caspian Sea was retrieved at about 14:00 (UTC/GMT+4), Balamirza Agharahimov, chief engineer of Azneft Production Union, told reporters at a briefing in Baku Dec. 15.
Agharahimov said that the body of Ilham Gafarov has been retrieved.
The search continues, yet Agharahimov said that the harsh weather conditions greatly hampered the search.
Vessels of Ministry of Emergency Situations, Border Guard, Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company and private companies, as well as helicopters of the Emergency Situations Ministry are at the event site, said Agharahimov.
The chief engineer also noted that the search is underway in the territory that includes Sangachal, Khara-Zira, Duvanni and Alat-Daniz fields.
The body has been retrieved in the territory of Alat-41 and additional vessels have been attracted to the territory, said Agharahimov adding that the sea depth at the event site is 10-11 meters.
The accident didnt affect the oil and gas output, because it occurred at the oil-gathering station, he noted adding that production operation hasnt been affected.
He went on to say that divers will be called on to search for missing oilmen. Meanwhile, the AVIOR vessel is at the site, but unable start the search due to bad weather.
Once the weather conditions allow, divers will start search, added Agharahimov.
Earlier, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR said in a message that an accident took place at about 05:00 (UTC/GMT+4), on Dec. 15, due to strong wind, which blew away a part of a flyover of a 150-meter long oil-gathering station. A board attached to the flyover and a booth on it were also blown away.
According to preliminary reports, five people, who were on duty at the gathering station, and five people, who were in the booth, are missing.
Vessels of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CJSC are at the site.
The message also said that leadership of SOCAR, Ministry of Emergency Situations and Azneft are at the site. A special group has been created to investigate the accident.
Let me begin with a cautionary tale told to me by Roger Boisjoly (1938-2012) when he spoke to my Business Ethics class back in February, 1993. In case you don't recognize the name, he was a principal engineer for Morton Thiokol in 1986. On January 27, 1986, Roger and two other engineers tried to warn NASA that if they launched the space shuttle Challenger at temperatures below what had been tested, they could not guarantee that the o-rings would hold. The engineers in the room were not listened to that night and we all know what happened. Even though Roger Boisjoly lost his job and received death threats, he testified in front of Congress and became one of the most well-known whistle-blowers in history.
In 1993, when he spoke to my class, he still cried while describing his part in what happened that night and his feeling that he had not done enough to stop the launch. He explained to my students that he and other engineers had written memos about the fact that the o-rings had not been tested below 50 degrees fahrenheit. But the memos were overlooked and not taken seriously. You see, Congress was pressuring NASA for a successful launch to help keep the space program alive and NASA was pressuring Morton Thiokol to okay the launch. Morton Thiokol was worried that if they held up the launch, they would lose important government contracts in the future. Roger Boisjoly explained to those young business students that it was not really that one big decision that night that sealed the fate of the space shuttle Challenger, but many little decisions leading up to that, like ignoring memos and bending to financial pressures. Roger remarked that as NASA questioned the engineers that fateful night, they moved from asking the question, "Are you sure it is safe to launch?" to "Can you tell us for sure that it is not safe?" There is a world of difference in those two questions. The safety of all the previous NASA missions had been as assured as humanly possible because they had always asked the former question, not the latter. Roger Boisjoly cautioned my students that slipping ethically in small ways can lead to a huge moral mis-step down the line. Roger Boisjoly spent the remaining 20+ years of his life speaking to students about holding the ethical line.
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I have been reminded of Roger Boisjoly recently as I see our current President-Elect crossing some ethical lines that others have not crossed in the past and I worry that we are taking baby steps in a very dangerous direction. I fear that instead of choosing the next President of the United States (POTUS), the electoral college is about to vote for a man who could become known as SCROTUS - Supremely Corruptible Ruler of the United States. Let me list the reasons I think this could happen and you decide:
1. All previous presidential candidates have released their tax returns. It is not required by law, but is a way for candidates to demonstrate integrity in their financial affairs. It is a way to reveal to the American public any potential conflicts of interest with foreign or domestic business entanglements, including ways that a president could be vulnerable to corruption by foreign actors. When asked about his tax returns Trump famously replied to a reporter, "It's none of your business." So, Trump doesn't see the need to reveal his tax returns or to disclose potential conflicts of interest before taking office. POTUS or SCROTUS?
2. All other presidents have liquidated their business assets and put them into a blind trust. Donald Trump first said he would do that, but now says he will keep the businesses but have his children run the business. That is not a blind trust. This is being compared to the "princelings" of other countries, where the president allows the kids to run things while he pretends not to be involved. Americans have berated such "princeling" arrangements as "banana republics." We hold our government to a higher standard by separating our elected officials from their business concerns. It has been one of the things which Americans are admired for around the world. It helps our POTUS avoid any hint of corruption while in the office. So, POTUS or SCROTUS?
3. According to the founding fathers, our goal is to elect men of "fit character" to hold the office of President of the United States. Our current PEOTUS said that, as a celebrity, women let him "grab them by the pu**y" and he could "get away with it." When several women then came forward to confirm this, he called them all "Liars!" A POTUS is supposed to be of fit character. Of course, a supreme ruler believes that the laws of sexual assault and slander would not apply to him. So, POTUS or SCROTUS?
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4. During the campaign, our current PEOTUS railed against Hillary Clinton suggesting that as Secretary of State she had clearly engaged in "pay for play," because her husband and daughter worked for the Clinton foundation. (This was never proved, of course, but it played well on the campaign trail.) Now, PEOTUS tells us in a tweet that he can run his businesses and run the government 100%. He is keeping his businesses, and he will turn over the daily operations to his children in order to avoid conflicts of interest. He says we just have to "trust him." However, with his name on hotels all over the world and foreign countries wanting to curry favor with the POTUS, how can he avoid "pay to play?" So, POTUS or SCROTUS?
5. Previous presidential candidates have at least made an effort to be genuine in their campaign promises. This is not to say that they always keep those promises. Studies suggest that our candidates can make good on their campaign promises about 70% of the time. However, our current PEOTUS is now instructing his loyal supporters to forget about many of the things he said on the campaign trail. Those things were just said to get elected, to "win." Things are different now. He has now unilaterally decided, not to "lock her up." His indictments of Clinton and "pay to play," was just campaign rhetoric. "Forget about it," he says. He now embraces Paul Ryan, who he previously vowed to oust as Speaker of the House. He didn't believe in humans contributing to climate change. Now he's not so sure; maybe we do. I could go on. So, POTUS or SCROTUS?
Climate change, conceptual illustration.
'CO-AUTHORED BY DR. TIM DIXON'
Professor, University of South Florida, Tampa
President-Elect Trump and many of his followers have doubts about the concept of human-induced climate change. However, regardless of party ideology or the causes of climate change, the next administration will to have to deal with its impacts. Three areas that are being and will be significantly impacted by climate change are the economy, human health, and national securityall core Republican values.
The Economy. In 2012, climate-related natural disasters, such as flooding, storms, drought, and wildfires cost the US more than $100 billion dollars. As of September 2016, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded twelve weather and climate-related disasters whose cost each exceeded the one billion dollar mark. This does not include the impact of Hurricane Mathew in early October, which Goldman-Sachs calculates will cost the nation an estimated $10 billion dollars. Individual industries are starting to feel the pinch. Prior to 2008, Whiskey Creek Shellfish Hatchery in Oregon produced 7-10 billion oyster larvae per year. In 2008, production fell dramatically, to one third or less of what it was. The company and nearby oyster farms that depended on Whiskey Creek's oyster larvae were devastated. The cause? Ocean water being pumped into the facility and used to raise oyster larvae had become too acidic (a result of the ocean's recent absorption of excess carbon dioxide). To remedy the situation, the company must now add more alkaline water at an annual cost of $1 million dollars. To combat rising sea level and the recent increase in so-called "sunny day flooding", Miami is investing more than $400 million dollars in a pumping system and related infrastructure. Coastal areas along the US eastern seaboard and Gulf of Mexico are facing escalating insurance costs. These growing expenses will hit individual homeowners and small businesses especially hard.
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Human Health. The impacts of climate change on human health include heat-related deaths, hunger due to drought and agricultural failures or flooding, and the spread of certain diseases, including mosquito-borne Zika and Dengue fever. In a "top ten" list of disasters in the US ranked by fatalities, heat waves appear only recently (a 1980 heat wave in the US mid-west killed 1,700 people, many of them in Chicago). In 2010, a heat wave killed more than 50,000 people in Russia. As climate change continues and temperatures around the globe soar, an increase in heat-related deaths and more widespread disease can be expected. A more surprising connection between climate change and human health can be found in the ocean, in coral reefs. In 2016, aerial surveys found 93% of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia bleached. Stress due to prolonged high seawater temperatures is believed to be responsible for this mass bleaching event. Subsequent surveys have shown that the damage is unprecedented and wide swaths of the reef are now dead. Because many organisms on coral reefs use chemical compounds for defense, it is an environment ripe for drug discovery. Drugs developed from organisms living in coral reefs to combat cancer, pain, and inflammation are already on the market. If we lose coral reefs, we may lose the next cure or treatment for any number of human ailments.
National Security. In 2015, a Department of Defense report concluded that climate change is a security risk in part because it degrades living conditions, threatens human welfare, and inhibits the ability of governments to meet the basic needs of their populations. Across the world, flooding, drought, and lack of food or water are contributing to increased emigration and a growing refugee crisis. In low-lying Bangladesh, the loss of land and economic opportunity due to rising sea level and flooding are driving large numbers of people from their homes. Drought and agricultural losses have forced hundreds of thousands of people from Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa to move north into Europe, contributing to regional instability and a political crisis for the European Union. In small island nations threatened by sea level rise, leaders must look for a new homeland for their people and their culture. In the not-so-cold-anymore northern climes, such as Alaska, melting permafrost and ice is destroying a way of life, and also forcing people to move. Cumulatively, these mass movements contribute to social instability, threaten to destabilize governments, and increase the risk of conflicts among nations.
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What can we do? Climate change is real and it's happening. Once the associated costs and inconveniences of a warming planet become truly catastrophic, it may be too late to reduce the impacts or prepare adequately. Investing in science, technology, and innovation will help us to adapt and reduce the negative impacts of climate change. Adequate funding must also be provided to programs, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to protect human health and welfare. International cooperation with other governments on issues such as air pollution that transcend borders will be crucial. Within the US, local communities, states, and regions must also plan for the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, more intense storms, flooding, wildfires, and drought.
The authors of this article believe that the burning of fossil fuels directly or indirectly is responsible for most of the impacts discussed above, but we also recognize that not everyone shares this view. Is there common ground that would allow action to be taken now? One approach is to recognize the impacts without blame and to work to minimize harm. For instance, air pollution kills thousands of citizens every year. According to a recent report from the National Academy of Sciences and Engineering, much of this pollution comes from older coal-fired power plants. Closing the 15%-20% of the coal-fired plants that are the worst emitters and moving to newer technologies using coal gasification and carbon-capture, or switching to natural gas, would reduce carbon emissions, save thousands of lives every year, maintain employment in this sector of the economy, and coincidentally reduce CO2 emissions. Regardless of beliefs, steps can and must be taken now to reduce the harm and impacts of climate change on our economy, national security, and human welfare.
Dr. Ellen Prager is a marine scientist based in St. Petersburg, Florida. She is the author of popular earth and ocean science books, including "The Oceans" and "Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The Oceans Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter".
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Way back in 1997 when my book A is for Admission broke the Ivy League code of silence, I called for socio-economic diversity over purely racial diversity given the abuses/misuses I saw of race-based admissions at top colleges. Colleges, to boost their minority numbers, would count wealthy Jamaican or African students from abroad in their "African American" tallies and wouldn't think twice about taking privileged minority students who clearly had no economic or social disadvantage. Those who lost out in this case were low income inner city students who typically never ended up even applying to the Ivies, many of whom were white or Asian and not part of programs like QuestBridge or other minority-focused initiatives.
When I read about Michael Bloomberg's recent launch of the American Talent Initiative (ATI), which aims to expand college access for talented low-income students, I wanted to give him a giant hug. Elite college campuses should do a better job reflecting the population, period.
Two years ago when Bloomberg Philanthropies first announced they wanted to address the tens of thousands of high level, low-income students who were consistently not applying to nor attending top colleges, we advocated for increasing socio-economic diversity at top colleges. Why limit these opportunities by skin color?
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As research indicated even then, the numbers were and are grim:
Over 50% of U.S. high level low income students do not apply to any selective colleges despite their qualifications.
70% of students at the U.S.'s most competitive colleges are from families with incomes in the top 25% in the country
Only 6% of students at the top colleges in the U.S. are classified as low income
By the year 2025, ATI aims to recruit, enroll and graduate 50,000 additional low-income students at the 270 colleges that graduate 70% of their students within six years --and they have 30 top institutions, including Ivies, already signed on. As David Leonhardt highlights in his recent New York Times op-ed piece, Bloomberg is creating a coalition of colleges committed to diversity including public universities like Berkeley, Michigan and USC to private colleges like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Rice and Duke. We would hope all the Ivies would join this coalition along with top liberal arts colleges like Amherst, Williams, Middlebury, Swarthmore and Carleton, and stop focusing on minority "quotas" and more on serving the bottom 2/5 of the income distribution (fairly easily measured by Pell Grant recipients). Just as top colleges market to 10th and 11th graders based on race and PSAT scores, they could market to low income students so that inner city and rural poor students could learn about the financial resources available at top colleges.
I live in rural Vermont and even in our college town, many local students do not realize that it would cost them less to attend Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth or Princeton thanks to their "no loan" and generous financial aid policies (assuming they could get in) versus local colleges like Green Mountain College, Burlington College and St. Anselm (NH), all of which are featured in US News and World Report as "colleges graduating students with the most debt." In essence, these students would graduate with no loans from a top tier college instead of incurring a debt burden at a lower ranked school.
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Many college applicants are confused on what defines "diversity." As I argued in the late 90's and hold fast to now, top colleges conflate the goals of diversity, affirmative action and equal opportunity so no wonder it's confusing. At the end of the day, schools are bound to their "diversity" numbers as they aim for maintaining an almost exact number of African American, Hispanic and Native American students year to year with no regard to income level. In fact, admissions officers at any information session you attend will tout their high percentage of "students of color" (usually 30% or higher) but the problem is they are counting Asian students in that number, despite the fact that admission rates are far lower for Asian students than for under-represented minority students. In effect, these admissions officers are labeling Asians "under-represented" and it's hypocritical and dishonest to report Asian students in the "students of color" number when Asians make up 18-20% of that 30% and actual under-represented minority students closer to 10-12%.
As Leonheardt states eloquently, "Making top colleges more diverse is not about replacing students of one race with students of another. It's about enrolling more working-class students of all races. It's about getting colleges to live up to their ideals."
Everyone knew the government was composed of criminals but now it is official.
A 59-page UN inquiry determined that the junta leader of the West African nation of Guinea "had direct responsibility" for killings, rapes and other atrocities against peaceful protesters, committed mainly by his Presidential Guards, known as the Red Berets (berets rouges).
It suggested he and others should be charged with crimes against humanity and that the International Criminal Court investigate the carnage.
The nightmarish scenes, beginning on September 28, and recorded on cell phone cameras and eyewitness testimony, shocked those world leaders who paid attention to the country of 10 million on Africa's Atlantic coastline.
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The UN report, like an earlier one this month from Human Rights Watch, does not mince words on the abuses, describing beatings and rapes and victims barricaded, some suffocated, in a stadium. The military also locked up an unknown number of women and young girls, anywhere from three to five days, in the third floor of a military facility and other locations for mass rape.
The report, commissioned by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, was published in French, with a short English summary. It was submitted to the UN Security Council, which will consider it officially after it has been translated into English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic. US Ambassador Susan Rice told reporters on Wednesday private consultations had begun.
Circulated on Monday, the report said it found "reasonable grounds" that the crimes "may constitute crimes against humanity."
These crimes took place as party of a widespread and systematic attach by the Presidential Guard, the gendarmes tasked with combating drug trafficking and banditry, and militia forces, among others against the civilian population. The Commission of Inquiry concludes as well that there are reasonable grounds to alleged individual criminal responsibility of certain individuals names in this report, either directly or based upon command or superior responsibility.
The leader of the junta, Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, was shot and wounded by one of his own henchmen, Aboubacar Cherif Diakite (known as "Toumba'), who has been out of sight since then. Diakite is also on the list of those responsible for the abuses along with a commander, Moussa Thegboro Camara, the minister tasked with combating drug trafficking and banditry, among several others.
Junta leader in Oct. AP
Specifically, the report said it could identify 156 (not 56) people who were killed or disappeared. It says at least 109 women were victims of rape, sexual mutilation and other acts of sexual violence. Hundreds of others were abused and tens of others were arbitrarily arrested, many of them tortured.
The junta government has denied any responsibility although it acknowledged that 1,399 people were injured.
According to Corinne Dufka, senior West Africa researcher with Human Rights Watch, the abuses by the troops were different this time.
What was new about the sexual violence on Sept. 28 and in the days after has been the public nature of it -- the stripping of women, raping them, putting the barrels of guns inside their vaginas. This type of thing has been extremely shocking to Guineans -- a very, very conservative society that have simply never seen this type of thing before.
In response to the international outcry, the government created a Commission of Inquiry which the UN report said was "more likely to intimate witnesses."
What now?
The Africa Union and the European Union have imposed a variety of sanctions, including an arms embargo, a travel ban and a freezing of assets held outside the country. The United States has imposed a travel ban on military leaders. Guinea's is the world's top bauxite exporter and China has agreed to take over mining rights to bauxite reserves, and construct ports, railway lines, power plants in return.
UN peacekeepers are unlikely to be assigned to Guinea and a world embargo is also unlikely, given China's relations with Guinea, its veto power on the UN Security Council and its general distaste of sanctions. Isolation of Guinea in and out of Africa and a UN statement of condemnation is the likely scenario - for now.
Help Us Collect Evidence to File an IRS Complaint
Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) committing tax fraud by hiding its global business empire, massive financial holdings and worldwide political machine behind the mask of religion? It's a fair question and a question of fairness. As Pope Francis recently pointed out, if a Church becomes more about making money than fulfilling its religious function, "Then pay taxes! Otherwise it is not fair business."
Mormon Church, Inc.
The $1 trillion Mormon Church receives somewhere between $8 and $20 billion each and every year from its 15 million members around the world. These funds come from a mandatory, minimum 10% tithing of each member's gross income. On top of the billions of dollars in tithing, the Mormon Church receives billions more each year through donations to Temple building funds, Sunday Fast Offerings, bequeathed money and property, gifts of all types and personal property. These donations are all legally tax-deductible for Church members, but then the Mormon Church turns around and invests all these billions of dollars and uses it in politics and lobbying.
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The Mormon Church also earns untold billions of dollars more each year from profits on its vast real estate holdings, banking, life insurance companies, law firms, its media empire, farms and ranches, shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and the list goes on and on and on.
The Mormon Church's massive global business holdings are run as tax-free enterprises owned outright by the Church. Thus, the Mormon Church does not likely pay any federal, state or local taxes on all of its income and profits. The Mormon Church does not have to file a 990 IRS tax return like other charities, because of the religious exemption. There is absolutely no transparency from the Mormon Church.
Churches Must File Tax Returns in Some Countries
Certain countries require the Mormon Church to report its finances like Canada or the Great Britain. These filings give us a slight glimpse into Mormon Church finances.
In this country, 501(c)3s religious organizations are currently tax-exempt by the IRS and do not pay taxes. There are, however, limits imposed on the type of activities that churches can engage in and maintain their tax-exempt status. It appears that the Mormon Church continually crosses that line.
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The Mormon Church - Political Machine
The Mormon Church is a constant backroom player in federal, state and local lobbying and even in election and legislative politics. All of the Church's political involvement is carried out by its 180-person Public Affairs Department based in its World Headquarters in Salt Lake City.
We first got a glimpse of just how political the Church is when I discovered all the Mormon money pouring into pass California's Proposition 8, the gay marriage ban back in 2008. The Church did not report the over $200,000 it spent. It never acknowledged the roughly $30 million its members gave to pass Prop 8 at the Church's behest. When I saw all the Mormon money pouring into the Yes on Prop 8 campaign I gave the information to the Wall Street Journal which broke the story.
Mormon Church Investigated and Pleaded Guilty to Election Fraud
After the election, I filed a sworn complaint against the Mormon Church with the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) - the state's ethics office. As a result of my complaint, the Mormon Church was prosecuted, investigated for 18 months and found guilty on 13 counts of election fraud. The Mormon Church pleaded guilty to all charges and paid a hefty fine. The result, hundreds of subpoenaed documents that showed just how the Mormon Church operates in politics, including having 75 Salt Lake City based Church employees working on the campaign.
Secret Mormon Documents Exposed
In February 2009 I was given boxes of leaked Mormon Church documents that detailed the exact extent of the Church's involvement in at least 26 anti-gay marriage campaigns and legislative battles across the country. These leaked Church documents revealed that the Mormon Church's involvement went all the way back to the first anti-gay marriage battle in Hawaii in 1995.
And it turns out that 16 years ago the Mormon Church secretly wrote and financed California's Proposition 22 campaign, which first banned gay marriage in the nation's largest state. Church leaders then used it as a playbook for financing and running anti-gay marriage campaigns all over the country during the eight years to follow. The Mormon Church's massive involvement in politics was hidden until Church whistle-blowers came forward.
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Recently 15 leaked videos came to light. They show former United States Senator Gordon H. Smith (R-OR) bragging during a presentation to Mormon Church Apostles about how he was able to get 200 two year Visas from the Indian Ambassador for Mormon Missionaries heading to India, in an apparent violation of federal law.
Real World Consequences - LGBT Teen Suicides
On November 5, 2015, via another leaked Church document, the world found out that the LDS Church had a brand new extreme anti-LGBT policy which just 3 weeks later was declared a revelation after all the bad publicity, meaning it came directly from God. This new Church Policy banned same-sex married couples from the Church. It also states that the children of same-sex married couples cannot be blessed or baptized until they are 18 years old. Once they become 18, they must denounce their parent's sexual orientation if they want to join the Mormon Church. In other words, at 18 years old kids are forced to choose between the parents who raised them and the Mormon Church.
This horrendous new "Policy" prompted a mass exodus of members and a reported 68 Mormon teen suicides during the past 13 months.
We Need Your Help to Hold the Mormon Church Accountable
Since our founding in 2008 to oppose California's Proposition 8, Rights Equal Rights (formerly Californians Against Hate), has long been at the vanguard of fighting for truth and transparency.
Through our new project, MormonTips.com we are asking for your help by letting us know of any potential business or political abuses committed by the Mormon Church which might be considered violations of their tax exempt status.
It's Easy to Help
Send us an email to Tips@MormonTips.com
Call us at (385) 236-3131
All tips will be treated confidentially. If we are able to collect enough evidence of possible IRS violations, these tips along with our own research will be used to file a formal complaint with the Internal Revenue Service against the Mormon Church.
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We have taken several successful actions against the Mormon Church before. This was accomplished because of the excellent information that we received from Mormon Church members, former Mormons and non-Mormons alike.
The Salt Lake Tribune recently did a big front page story on our effort.
I was in elementary school the first time I became aware of "scare-tactic" politics. I came home to see my handsome, outgoing, kind-hearted father yelling at the TV, which enriched my vocabulary with words I had never heard but would come in handy years later. My dad had come home early from work to watch the McCarthy hearings on our black & white television smartly encased in a blond wood veneer cabinet. I had never before witnessed him yell at anyone or anything, not even when his beloved Brooklyn Bums lost the pennant to the Giants with a "shot heard round the world." After promising to wash his mouth out with soap, he sat me on his knee and explained what a black mark these hearings were on America's history... that this was not the Congress he fought for in WWII. From that day forward an outspoken progressive was born.
I started in my teens stuffing envelopes, canvasing door-to-door, then eventually graduating to writing press releases for socially progressive New York candidates on both sides of the "aisle" John Lindsay as a Republican and a Democrat and Senators Jake Javitts and Kenneth Keating were a few Republicans I admire. Keating refused to endorse Barry Goldwater, his party's '64 nominee for president, and lost his re-election to Bobby Kennedy. Keating was principled, a quality most politicians now write off with their tax deductions.
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It wasn't until 1980 that I had the privilege of working for a sitting President. I became a deputy press secretary in New York for President Jimmy Carter in his campaign against GOP nominee, Ronald Reagan, a candidate who played on people's fears as he vowed to make America strong with promises of prosperity that would "trickle down" to all of them. We're still waiting for that trickle. Not since I was a child watching the McCarthy hearings with my dad did I become afraid of the men (yes, men) in politics. I watched as the religious right made its claim on Reagan and listened to the hate and bigotry emanating from voices such as "Christian" fundamentalist Jerry Falwell, the founder of the "Moral" Majority in 1979. One of his pet projects was to convert every Jew in America to his beliefs. He has now gone on to that great pulpit in the sky (well, maybe not) still ridiculously short of his goal.
When the networks anointed Reagan the winner before the polls had closed on the west coast, I hopped into a cab and cried all the way to the hotel where the NY Carter-Mondale "victory" party was being held. I walked into a wake. The first person I ran into was Ernie Green, the head of our campaign office's African-American desk (we had a lot of desks: the Sino-American desk, the Jewish desk, the college desk, the "women's" desk, the Puerto Rican desk just to name a few - it was a big room). As one of the Little Rock Nine, Ernie was a young, black, high school student who bravely entered segregated Central High amid mob taunts and death threats. He was a hero of mine. We hugged - he wiped the tears falling down my cheeks - then looked deep into my red-rimmed eyes and said, "See you underground." I leaned into his chest and cried even harder, soaking the front of his shirt. I had marched for choice and had carried protest signs against Viet Nam. I was even a "guest" in a paddy wagon all the way to a police station for protesting in the streets of Chicago in '68. This time a whole lot of my father's choice words escaped my mouth as I licked my tear-soaked lips. I didn't think I could do "underground" again. But, something ominous was in the air. Hate hovered like a storm cloud. I went into mourning for America.
Not long after President Carter lost that election, he and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter were interviewed by Barbara Walters. She asked Mrs. Carter what she felt the election of President Reagan would do to the country. Mrs. Carter's eerily prescient answer said more about us as a people than anything I had ever heard.
"I think the President makes us comfortable with our prejudices," she said.
If anything has proven her right it has been this 2016 presidential election, a result of the last eight years of unprecedented vitriol and disrespect directed at our first African-American president, exemplified by a Republican congressman shouting "Liar!" at his own President during a State of the Union address. From day one, Republicans in Congress vowed to block, obstruct and destroy his presidency. But President Obama persevered. He governed. And, he never bowed. He exhibited grace, intelligence and carried himself with dignity, even when he was asked for his "papers" to prove he was legitimate.
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Now we have garish Donald Trump as President-elect, a man who divorces himself from principle and truth as easily as he divorces his wives. His utterances of hate and bigotry defy description and give hope to those who traffic in racism and fear. He has chosen Steve Bannon to be his small right-hand man, a man who's been idealized by the alt-right (the new PC term to describe white supremacists, as defined by AP). "Heil" has been resurrected from the gutter of poisoned words. Blacks, Hispanics, Muslims, Jews, gays and women have been isolated by the specter of misogyny and bigotry. Since November 8th hate crimes are on the rise. And how does The Donald deal with this? He has tantrums over SNL skits, denounces the media for calling him out on his lies, and whines about not winning the popular vote and makes believe it isn't true by making up a story that millions of people voted illegally. (Hey, Donald - if that's true, let's have a do over. I'm in!)
Comfortable with our prejudices. Trumpworld: a new reality show that is completely unreal.
As Uber's CEO moved into the inner circle of Trump's tech advisors today, Uber has rolled its robot cars on the streets of San Francisco without getting a license for its robots to drive.
Uber gave the middle finger to state regulators by not getting a DMV permit to test the technology.
That means Uber would not have to train test drivers when and how to take over from the computer when necessary, post an insurance bond or report the reasons the test driver has to take over from the robot, "disengagement reports."
Uber's robot cars are driving without a DMV license. Video allegedly caught one Uber robot car running a red light today, though Uber now claims the issue was driver error. With "disengagement" reports, we might know what really happened with today's red-light, if a computer was at the wheel.
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The point of the DMV rules is that every time there's an issue with the technology the public learns about it. Uber clearly doesn't like such transparency, which is why it ignored the DMV regulation.
DMV fired back this afternoon with a letter that showed that it wasn't screwing around. The bottom line: fix it, or we'll see you in court.
Uber may be hoping their new found friend in the White House might grant some presidential pardon from traffic laws. But he isn't there yet. We'll have to see if the company blinks, or a court case ensues.
Consumer Watchdog today called upon the SFPD and CHP to impound the Uber cars, and our consumer group also called upon San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera to inform Uber CEO Travis Kalanick that he would be charged with driving without a license if his robot cars didn't get one.
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Today's Streets of San Francisco episode highlights that when robot cars break laws, or kill people, there really is no one to hold accountable. You can reprogram the computer, but can you really fix a robot's behavior? The executives better be on the hook or robot cars will escalate their mayhem.
Trump might also consider that his good friends at Uber will be trampling over a lot of jobs, as well the occasional pedestrian, if they are able to rush robot vehicles onto the streets of America before they are ready.
Truck drivers, like those in the Rust Belt who supported Trump, are particularly at risk with an accelerated robot vehicle deployment. It will take balance and proportion to bring the cars and the trucks onto the road safely and with regard to how they change the nature of our work and values. That's not Uber or Trump's strength.
Either Uber will blink and get a license, or we'll be seeing Mr. Kalanick in court -- proving again that state courts are one of the last places where reasonable, average people can still take on the rich and powerful.
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Article after article discusses our need to ensure diversity, but they rarely mention disabilities. It's as if people with disabilities are an afterthought (or more accurately, a forgotten thought). If the omission is mentioned, people often get defensive, as if they are being accused of insensitivity. But if another protected class like gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation were omitted, people would be up in arms about that.
The Newseum in Washington, DC has a section on civil rights in the media but fails to include disabilities. The museum was made aware of the oversight but hasn't done anything to correct it. Museums across the country, such as the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, DC and the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City, that are dedicated to ensuring civil rights for various populations, tend to overlook those with disabilities.
Even when people with disabilities are included, the inclusion is usually limited to those with a visible disability, such as someone who uses a wheelchair, crutches, a Seeing Eye dog, or American Sign Language, in order to ensure that everyone notices the inclusion. This means that people with invisible disabilities, such as those who are hard of hearing, are seldom included and therefore, their disability is forgotten.
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Today, no one would consider having a white person play a black person by wearing black face, yet able-bodied people regularly portray people with disabilities. In fact, it has been a way to win an Oscar. In 2015, the Best Actor and Actress winners (1) both portrayed people with disabilities. Instead of using actors with disabilities, the producers chose actors who "acted" as if they had a disability. If this is unacceptable based on race, then why is it acceptable based on disability?
Even New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who has championed access for people with hearing loss, omitted people with disabilities when he issued a press release to stand up against hate crimes. Such crimes against people with disabilities are underreported.
The "D" in diversity should be a reminder that it also stands for disabilities, and it is time to include them.
When an extreme political philosophy--on the right or the left--takes power, one of the first reactions to those who do not believe in that philosophy is shock. We only have to look at the Democrats in the 2016 election to see the full expression of this shock and the personal toll it has taken on people. There was another group however, not too often mentioned, that also experienced a kind of shock: the traditional Republican conservative.
These people were shocked by the vulgarity and lack of an intellectual center in Donald Trump and his campaign. Mitt Romney said, for example:
"Let me put it plainly, if we Republicans choose Donald Trump as our nominee, the prospects for a safe and prosperous future are greatly diminished ... He inherited his business, he didn't create it ... A business genius he is not ... What he said on '60 Minutes' about Syria and ISIS has to go down as the most ridiculous and dangerous idea of the campaign season: Let ISIS take out Assad, he said, and then we can pick up the remnants ... I'm afraid that when it comes to foreign policy he is very, very not smart ... Dishonesty is Donald Trump's hallmark ... His is not the temperament of a stable, thoughtful leader. His imagination must not be married to real power ... Think of Donald Trump's personal qualities, the bullying, the greed, the showing off, the misogyny, the absurd third-grade theatrics. We have long referred to him as 'The Donald.' He is the only person in America to whom we have added an article before his name."
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In the late twenties in Germany, post World War I and deep in the Weimar Republic's demise, German conservative intellectuals and writers began to think that National Socialism--the Nazi party--might just listen to reason and specifically their reason. So the intelligentsia which had rejected this fascist philosophy, gradually drifted back to this new center, hoping they would be able to influence the direction of the future. The Nazi party was only too happy to welcome them back. The outcome, as we all know, was worldwide disaster.
The earmarks of fascist tilt in the new American government are there and the outcome of this bias are still to be seen. But I am mainly interested in the reactions by traditional conservatives to this outcome. What I have seen, and I think all Americans can see, is the same "drift and hope" strategy taking root. Pictures of Paul Ryan standing and smiling next to Donald Trump and Mitt Romney's good-natured and expensive meal with Trump reveal the drift from the people who thought Trump was not fit for office to the same people who now believe that they can work with Trump to achieve traditional conservative aims, aims that have a sort of idealism at their core, in the same way that communists have a form of idealism at the core of their ideas. My deep fear is that Ryan, McConnell and their ilk simply do not know the nature of the beast they are cuddling up to. Let me quote from the German philosopher and opponent of National Socialism, Helmut Kuhn as he described the eventual acceptance of National Socialism by intellectuals who were at first against it:
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"There is no more ardent champion of freedom than the speculative idealist. But since he believed he discerned in human history the footprints of God in his passage through time, and in the State the divine instrument for conferring on liberty a concrete form, his very concern for freedom could make him an advocate of unreserved submission. He believed in Christianity but he disbelieved in Christ's teaching."
Although I am not a Conservative and disagree deeply with many conservative positions, I can understand many of their philosophical and political disagreements with the liberal point of view, points of view that I sometimes disagree with myself on occasion.
But fascist thought is an entirely different animal. It combines a conservative viewpoint with an authoritarian foundation and uses a false populism to gain octane. Let us be clear: Trump's toxic tweeting is a display of power, aimed at whomever he does not like or whomever he feels has insulted him personally. For Trump l'etat c'est him.
Politicians were born to be insulted. It is part of being in public office. There will always be someone who thinks you are the devil, whether you are Thomas Jefferson or Alexander Hamilton, John Adams or James Madison. But for most politicians, this is a workable situation. Now the cards are in a different order. We have, as far as I can see, never had a Federal office holder of this level whose authoritarian streak was central to their political philosophy, whose entire chameleon-like philosophy was actually built around this singular emptiness. Other people have pointed out and written about this and I don't intend to go into obvious examples right now. Instead, I am appealing, strangely enough, to conservatives to get some backbone and get it quickly. Let me state this to conservatives clearly:
Though you may drift toward the Trump, you will never have power. What happened to German, conservative nationalists in the late 1920's will happen to you as well. What you do when you drift to Trumpism is confer a sense of legitimacy on a fundamentally illegitimate use of power to coerce, bully and intimidate. Though your belief may be that you can use Trump to institutionalize many of your own beliefs about governing, turning these beliefs into policy and law, actually history tells us that Trump will use you to gain stature and legitimacy, to give what is a purely bogus and self-centered approach to ruling the air of rigor and thoughtfulness. If you care about your philosophy of governance, you need to stand up now. Counter-intuitively, you need to work against your own desire for power and say this is not the way there. The authoritarian streak, this un-American odor, is simply not the way to govern. And further, you need to expose this one-way populist for the plutocrat he actually is, a man who sucks up power from the adulation of people he will undoubtedly betray when it suits him.
Do you think I'm being alarmist? Let me quote from Helmut Kuhn's article in the Encyclopedia of Philosophy in an entry on National Socialism:
"Under the pretext of quelling a rebellion of the SA (storm troops) allegedly engineered by Col. Rohm, Hitler ordered a massacre on June 30, 1934. Among the victims was Edgar J. Jung, one of the best-known exponents of the new conservatism. This act of lawless savagery was hailed as a saving deed not only by the intimidated and demoralized Reichstag but also by an eminent legal philosopher, Carl Schmitt (who maintained) that the murder of a large number of men without indictment or process of law signified the creation of a new order of law and justice."
When you stand smiling next to a devil (am I using too strong a word for you?), you have decided to trade something you have, in the belief you can get something else. There is an exchange of coin here, whether silver for lead, true conservatism for power.
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We find ourselves in a situation that needs to be resisted by all, liberals and conservatives alike. It needs to be resisted because an authoritarian view, once it takes root, is the opposite of liberty and true populism, a real populism that Thomas Jefferson would have subscribed to. Trump is not a populist and he is not a conservative. Who this soon-to-be resident of the White House should be is someone honest people in both camps should say no to.
Just this morning I heard that a public library in Illinois found all its books on Islam defaced. Alt-right groups have decided that the swastika is perhaps, in their words, turning people off. So they are burying that symbol. But how far underground do you think it will be buried and when will it, lying there in the dark, germinating, rise up again?
In his interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News, President-elect Trump pondered once again the magnitude to the climate crisis. "I'm very open-minded. I'm still open-minded. Nobody really knows. Look, I'm somebody that gets it, and nobody really knows. It's not something that's so hard and fast," Trump said. "I do know this: Other countries are eating our lunch." But on that latter point, that the Paris Agreement would put U.S. companies at a disadvantage, Trump is dead wrong.
A recent trip to China over the past week took me across the country, from Beijing to Changsha on to Suzhou and Shanghai. As I met with the CEO's of energy businesses and local and central government officials, the discussions and company visits provided me with the clear insight that a sustainable low-carbon future was seen as a competitive advantage, not a barrier for economic growth. There is no doubt that China remains firmly committed to accelerate its energy transition. Thus for the new administration, the question looms whether it will surrender U.S. leadership not just in climate change diplomacy but also in the energy businesses of the future. There are four major reasons why China is well positioned to lead the emerging energy revolution.
1. China believes climate change requires urgent action
China understands deeply that a more sustainable future is key. Above all, there is the overwhelming air pollution. Many Chinese citizens are concerned about the constant haze that hangs over cities and the countryside. On a regular basis, the air in Beijing is equivalent to smoking a couple of packs of cigarettes a day--for adults and children alike. But addressing the air pollution crisis is not the only incentive for the country to act. The direction from the top is clear and unwavering: China believes climate change is real and requires urgent action. President Xi's call for a revolution in the use and production of energy in 2014 has now been translated into clear goals and strategies in the 13th Five-year Plan. And that commitment is based on the country's national interest and domestic priorities; it is not dependent on equivalent action in the U.S.
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2. Renewable energy is a source of economic competitiveness for China
It is this very same plan that frames the importance of building out a competitive lead in the energy businesses of the future. China is already dominant in the global production of solar modules. But a tour of the R&D lab of GCL, one of the leading solar companies, revealed that not just current production, but also the innovations and cost reductions for the future of solar, are top of mind. Similarly, during a lunch with the CEO of Envision, a new leader in wind turbines, it became clear that their current foothold in the international market for wind turbines is only a starting point. And the founder of the Broad Group, one of the most innovative building material and air-conditioning companies, explained how he relishes the competitive opportunity for his business resulting from the phase out of greenhouse gas coolants used in traditional air-conditioners.
Local leaders across the country discussed with us how they are making the energy revolution a cornerstone of job creation and economic growth in their city or region. In the minds of Chinese government leaders, energy as a source of economic competitiveness no longer revolves around mine workers digging fossil fuel resources out from deep in the ground. It is much more about researchers in lab coats, improving the energy technologies of the future that are rapidly making clean electricity abundant, ubiquitous, and cheap. Industry leaders and real estate developers recognize the early paybacks and competitive advantages associated with energy efficiency and often enabled by IT. And investment and export opportunities in these new technologies are on everyone's mind.
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3. China's bold can-do mentality
The discussion about the energy transition is inspired with a bold can-do mentality. Of course, Chinese business leaders carefully monitor the returns they make on any new energy-related investment. And the regulatory reform of energy markets pose challenges in China just as elsewhere. But the rollout of a cap-and-trade system that will put a price on carbon across all of China has long been decided on and is not in any doubt. It will create the largest carbon market in the world. The target of 5 million electric vehicles by 2020 is solid, and although the pace of growth in renewables is slowing down, the direction of travel for new power generation remains unchanged. In fact, statistics indicate that coal demand in China is now down two years in a row. It seems as though the energy revolution is an opportunity much more than a challenge in the mind of the Chinese business community.
4. China is making it local
I did not just spend my time in Beijing with leaders of the central government. In fact, China has translated its commitment under the Paris climate agreement into specific city-based implementation plans. The State Council of China, in its Action Plan to control GHGs during the 13th five-year period, has requested the Alliance of Peaking Pioneer Cities (APPC)--initiated by Chinese low-carbon pilot cities during the first U.S.-China Smart/Low carbon Summit in 2015 and led by the National Development and Reform Commission--to explore earlier peaking targets than the national commitment on peaking, and member cities of APPC have been actively moving forward on peaking their own emissions. Roadmaps are being created, investments are being made, local businesses are getting involved, and progress is being monitored. The commitment to a clean energy future spreads broad and wide in China.
Details added (first version posted on 15:50)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
Trend:
The body of one of oilmen who went missing as a result of an accident in the Caspian Sea was retrieved at about 14:00 (UTC/GMT+4), Balamirza Agharahimov, chief engineer of Azneft Production Union, told reporters at a briefing in Baku Dec. 15.
Agharahimov said that the body of Ilham Gafarov has been retrieved.
The search continues, yet Agharahimov said that the harsh weather conditions greatly hampered the search.
Vessels of Ministry of Emergency Situations, Border Guard, Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company and private companies, as well as helicopters of the Emergency Situations Ministry are at the event site, said Agharahimov.
The chief engineer also noted that the search is underway in the territory that includes Sangachal, Khara-Zira, Duvanni and Alat-Daniz fields.
The body has been retrieved in the territory of Alat-41 and additional vessels have been attracted to the territory, said Agharahimov adding that the sea depth at the event site is 10-11 meters.
The accident didnt affect the oil and gas output, because it occurred at the oil-gathering station, he noted adding that production operation hasnt been affected.
He went on to say that divers will be called on to search for missing oilmen. Meanwhile, the AVIOR vessel is at the site, but unable start the search due to bad weather.
Once the weather conditions allow, divers will start search, added Agharahimov.
Earlier, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR said in a message that an accident took place at about 05:00 (UTC/GMT+4), on Dec. 15, due to strong wind, which blew away a part of a flyover of a 150-meter long oil-gathering station. A board attached to the flyover and a booth on it were also blown away.
According to preliminary reports, five people, who were on duty at the gathering station, and five people, who were in the booth, are missing.
Vessels of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CJSC are at the site.
The message also said that leadership of SOCAR, Ministry of Emergency Situations and Azneft are at the site. A special group has been created to investigate the accident.
Christmas is an exciting time of year for many of us, but it is celebrated differently all over the world. From The Netherlands to Australia, InterNations employees have shared their Christmas experiences and traditions from their native countries. With more than 2.4 million members in 390 cities around the world, InterNations is the largest global network and information site for people who live and work abroad. Currently more than 100 people from 33 countries work at InterNations in Munich and five of them are sharing their personal Christmas stories as part of a holiday series here.
We slumped in our seats, the pattern of the warm metal seat imprinted on the underside of my sweaty thighs. The sun was scorching the metal train tracks distorting the hot air and making it wave and shimmer as it rose. A fly was persistently niggling its way between my parched lips. The sky grew gravely darker, the blackness spreading like spilled ink. The air was thick with the smell of smoke. I had been sitting with my boyfriend at the station for three hours. Our train from rural Albury to the big-shot capital, Canberra (population 350,000), had been delayed. An approaching bush fire had halted its journey. This was not unusual, as indicated by the regular fire rating signs positioned along the highways adjusted according to the fire threat on any particular day. Today the arrow had been set menacingly at 'catastrophic.' "Welcome to Australia!" I laughed.
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We had spent last Christmas with my boyfriend's family in snow-blanketed Bavaria. This year we were making our way back to Canberra to have an Australian Christmas with my family. Despite the heat, the shops and houses were still adorned with "snow" (cotton wool). Obese men sweltering in red winter suits, white wigs and long beards sat sweating in shopping malls. "Ho, Ho, Ho," they bellowed, as they had their picture taken with crying children and spoilt pets. I had laughed incredulously when I was told that German children had their presents delivered each Christmas by a flying baby Jesus. Probably not any more credible to have gifts distributed by a fat man from the north pole flying around the world on a sleigh drawn by nine flying reindeer who climbs down your chimney! As small children, we would wake on Christmas day (25th) to discover that the reindeers had nibbled the carrot we had left for them, and Santa had gulped down the milk even though dad always suggested he might prefer whiskey.
Our Bavarian Christmas the previous year was celebrated on Christmas Eve, curled up beside the crackling fireplace. We donned woolen socks, sipped Gluehwein and ate ginger bread, read books, gazed out the window at the snowflakes falling delicately, and slept entwined to keep each other warm. This year our holiday consisted of lazing in hammocks, dressing in cotton singlets sporting varied degrees of sunburn, drinking bottles of cold beer, and sleeping with the blankets kicked off the end of the bed, the pedestal fan whirring loudly as we slept.
Like any other summer morning on the bush block only half an hour from the center of the city, we awoke on Christmas to a chorus of cicadas. Today the cicadas played back up to the three Christmas carol albums my mum owns, their broken covers dusted off every year. Played in constant rotation each Christmas, we all know the songs word for word even anticipating the places the occasional song will skip. It's a fun thing to share -- singing random carols in our haphazard family choir. Mum was awake already, singing 'dashing through the snow' as she watered the thirsty plants by the back door. Water restrictions stipulated that plants could only be watered before 9am or after 5pm, so she was getting in early.
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After a lazy morning spent in our pajamas opening presents around the tree, the requisite Christmas aprons were distributed and we began preparing for our great Christmas lunch. Dad rolled the BBQ out onto the lawn, sporting a Santa hat as he flipped the sausages and rissoles. We lunched outside, toasting one another and the year to come with cups of clinking ice and punch, and cracking open our bonbons to find colorful paper party hats and bad jokes. After emptying our plates piled with blackened sausages and a tantalizing mosaic of salads followed by plum pudding and trifles, we lethargically enjoyed the sun, played boules on the lawn, dragged the kayaks out on the dam, took a relaxed walk amongst the eucalypt trees, stomping our feet to scare off snakes and watched kangaroos scatter. We snacked on leftovers for dinner, and with the Christmas gift of full stomachs and contented hearts, we fell into bed drifting off to sleep with the lullaby of our pedestal fan.
Christmas is an exciting time of year for many of us, but it is celebrated differently all over the world. From The Netherlands to Australia, InterNations employees have shared their Christmas experiences and traditions from their native countries. With more than 2.4 million members in 390 cities around the world, InterNations is the largest global network and information site for people who live and work abroad. Currently more than 100 people from 33 countries work at InterNations in Munich and five of them are sharing their personal Christmas stories as part of a holiday series here.
Although the Netherlands does not have the most extraordinary Christmas traditions, our Christmas celebrations are a little different than in other countries. Of course we all love buying a tree and decorating it with bright red Christmas balls and shiny silver ribbons like every Christmas fanatic. Moreover, we send out cards to all of our loved ones to wish them a merry Christmas and happy new year. Yet, these things are not really special or different from other countries. I will first tell you a little about how we celebrate Christmas, then explain why Christmas is a little different here.
Elementary school
When it comes to schools, elementary schools are the most enthusiastic about Christmas. They decorate the whole school and organize festive walks on the days before Christmas. The kids all receive a small lantern and walk through the neighborhood visiting spots that imitate the circumstances on the night of Christ's birth while the story is told by a guide in costume. On Christmas itself, schools prepare a big breakfast for all of the children using the traditional Christmas bread and Matze crackers. All of the kids enjoy the Christmas stories and food, and the teachers love it as well.
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Gifts or no gifts
On Christmas Eve, families gather for a tasty dinner in a cozy atmosphere. Christmas songs play all evening while everyone enjoys their food and catches up on the latest family happenings. After everyone has finished eating and is done talking about the new family additions, recent marriages, and job promotions, everyone can't wait to open up their presents, right?
Well, this is something that is a little different in the Netherlands because not every family celebrates Christmas with presents. This is due to the fact that we also celebrate 'Sinterklaas' (who looks a lot like Santa Claus), especially when there are young kids in the family who still believe in the existence of Sinterklaas. The Sinterklaas celebtration is held on the 5th of the December in the evening, which is called 'presents evening' when translated literally. Every kid will receive a poem written especially for them from the holy Sinterklaas telling them how well (or badly) they have been behaving the past year and why they deserve to have these presents.
Because this is a typical Dutch tradition celebrated extensively throughout the whole country some families celebrate Christmas as more of a cozy get-together for the family, rather than the traditional American "Santa" Christmas with loads of presents. In general, it's the families with little kids who still believe in Sinterklaas that celebrate extensively. As the kids in the families grow older, the Christmas cozy get-together overtakes Sinterklaas as the December tradition.
Second day of Christmas
Not only do we have two bearded old men visiting the Netherlands in December, we celebrate an extended Christmas. Instead of just the regular Christmas Eve and Christmas day, we have a second day of Christmas. On this day most families celebrate with friends/the other half of the family, relax at home, or go out on a trip with loved ones. Overall, it is just an extended holiday to spend some more time with friends and family.
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As you can tell, we celebrate Christmas a little bit differently to other countries because we have Sinterklaas and the second day of Christmas as well. Nevertheless, we Dutch people love to celebrate Christmas just as much as other countries!
Theres something in the water surrounding the Emerald City. Somehow the grey clouds, green trees, clouds, lakes, and ocean here seem to create a vortex of innovation that does more than pump out some of the worlds most recognizable corporate brands. Its saving the world, too.
At the center of this is Global Washington. Its 2016 Global Conference Seattle-based innovators for a one day event to drive progress through powerful partnerships. Or, as Global Washingtons Executive Director shared
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The 2016 conference theme, Allies for Action represents the challenges and opportunities of business and non-profit partnerships, leveraging the best of both sectors to improve lives in developing countries. In the Pacific Northwest this also means bringing an entrepreneurial spirit to development and a focus on impact.
The greatest global challenges are tied together. We need a comprehensive approach with NGOs, govts, and corporations. #GWConf2016 VillageReach (@VillageReach) December 8, 2016
Keynotes from Microsoft Philanthropies Corporate Vice President Mary Snapp, Mercy Corps Vice President of Humanitarian Leadership and Response Michael Bowers, and Costco Wholesale Corporations Assistant General Merchandise Manager of Global Sourcing Sheri Flies painted a clear picture of what it means to operate in the sustainable development industry, and how to build more effective partnerships in a way that fuels sustainable innovation.
Perhaps Cliff Schmidt, Executive Director of Literacy Bridge said it best
We are here for the outcomes."
So how do you create real outcomes through partnerships?
These lessons from the Global Washington conference will help:
1: Start with Real Needs and Local Problems
NGOs have amazing expertise and experience which can benefit and add value to the private sector. -Dennis Macray, @theochocolate #GWConf2016 VillageReach (@VillageReach) December 8, 2016
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Too often, people and organizations try and develop solutions without local insight. But true innovation tends to come from people with a local understanding of the existing solutions and problems. Jane Meseck of Microsoft Philanthropies shared that her team started by, and continues to operate by, asking how it can best support its partners. She reflected on a moment in 1997 when she was reviewing needs from nonprofits and saw them asking for help with websites and IT, not just Microsoft software. This led the evolution and roll out of not only software donations, but also Tech Talent for Good and other volunteering platforms.
When creating partnerships, dont force your own agenda. Instead, take the time to understand real needs and then align your resources there.
2: Apply Rigor to Your Products and Process
CEO Charlie shares PotaVida's technology to purify water and capture data to increase efficiency in aid #GWConf2016 @GlobalWA pic.twitter.com/pt8XbJVdLb PotaVida (@potavida) December 8, 2016
Dave Neiswander, of World Bicycle Relief, shared how its founders brought the same business and engineering rigor from the for-profit sector to this nonprofit and its partnerships. Like most successful innovations, their work started by first spending time in the field. The founders realized that in places with poor infrastructure, local residents were still looking for ways to move and transport goods efficiently. This created a huge demand for bicycles, however, the companies that were attempting to sell there thought that the poorer areas required cheaper bikes with low quality components. However, the founders of WBR saw that the market was not meeting the needs in these areas, so they worked locally to continually improve the types of bikes that were valued in the area. WBR has now helped get over 330,000 bikes are across 18 countries.
As WBR has shown, good ideas arent enough. You need to keep working with your partners rigorously to ensure your work actually creates an impact and serves the people it has been designed with.
3: Find Allies Committed to Action
We are all in this together - both the non-profit and private sector. -Judy Beals @OxfamAmerica @GlobalWA #GWConf2016 VillageReach (@VillageReach) December 8, 2016
In a more personal panel session, Chris Jochnick, CEO of Landesa, said that his superpower is impatience, and that its important that we all be impatient when working in this field. As an example, in the interviews he leads for potential applicants, he asks tell me about a time you went around the rules to deliver results. Just like you need team members to push boundaries, you need need partners to push your boundaries, too.
Find partners that want to make things happen, not just partners that want your brand name on their websites.
4: Create 360-Degree Relationships with Your Partners
David Bledsoe @Landesa_Global : make sure your team has people who have "walked in the shoes" of those you want to partner with. #GWConf2016 Celine Barthelemy (@celine_marie) December 8, 2016
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Akhtar Badshah, Director of Catalytic Innovators Group, shared that oftentimes, partnerships arent natural for organizations to pursue. Often times theyll even slow down with fears of exposing trade secrets, or in the nonprofit sector, competition over grants. As such, many organizations have to actively force themselves to partner. This hesitancy towards building partnerships can result in partnerships being created to only overlap on one specific issue. However, in order for partnerships to succeed, you must find partners that also align in mission, measurement, culture, process, competencies, and even the tools you use. Dave Neiswander of WBR called this creating 360-degree relationships with your partners.
5: Report on Things That Matter (In Real Time)
@potavida mobile app that shows report of filter data - strong incentive to collect when the field can see the data quickly #GWConf2016 TaroWorks (@TaroWorksApp) December 8, 2016
Too often, reports are shared after a program is finished to analyze its effectiveness. While real time reporting is challenging, advancements in technology, especially mobile apps, and tools like Tableau make it very possible. Neal Myrick, Executive Director of the Tableau Foundation, shared that its foundation now uses a Living Annual Report to always show up-to-date information about its work and progress.
Pota Vida PotaVida creates hardware and software solutions that bring data-driven decision making to aid and disaster relief. Partners need to do the same, and effective partnerships are built when they can also clearly and easily report with each other in real time.
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6: Build the Right Team and Staff it With the Right People
"There are some things that only people can solve." - @maryesnapp on role of tech in social good/innovation. #GWConf2016 Celine Barthelemy (@celine_marie) December 8, 2016
At the end of the day, people make up partnerships. It takes work, but it is important to invest time and resources to have the right people on the partnerships team, and that they have resources to make things happen.
7: Always Remember the People You're Trying to Benefit
"There is now an opportunity for civil society to step up and do more." - Bill Neukom, founder of @TheWJP #GWConf2016 WorldJusticeProject (@TheWJP) December 8, 2016
Short term partner, financial, and donor pressures often cause organizations and partnerships to adopt short-term thinking, but its critical that we fight this pressure. Its vital that all organizations continue to focus on the beneficiaries they, and their partnerships, are working to impact.
In Summary
Every year, Global Washington awards a Global Hero Award. This year, it went to Bill Neukum of the World Justice Project.
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In his speech, Bill shared that Civil society organizations are more important than ever, and so are the partnerships between them. To ensure they work, remember these tips:
Start with Real Needs and Local Problems Apply Rigor to Your Products and Process Find Allies Committed to Action Create 360-Degree Relationships with Your Partners Report on Things That Matter (In Real Time) Build the Right Team and Staff It with the Right People Always Remember the People Youre Trying to Benefit
After his re-election in 2004, President George W. Bush declared he would spend his political capital to realize a long-held conservative goal: end Social Security as we know it and turn it over to Wall Street. Bush didn't realize he had stepped on a political landmine. I was Executive Vice President of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare in 2005, when we beat back Bush's attempt to privatize one of America's most popular and successful government programs.
We and other advocacy groups banded together to oppose the plan. We lobbied on Capitol Hill. We held town halls and rallies across the country. We mobilized at the grass roots level. We mounted a paid media campaign. By the summer of 2005, Bush's scheme was dead. Not a single piece of privatization legislation made it to the floor in Congress. The people had spoken: Hands Off our Social Security!
Here we are, eleven years later, facing another existential threat to our health and retirement income security. But this time the threat is worse, the peril more palpable. The millions of workers, retirees, the disabled and their families who depend on Social Security and Medicare have cause for grave concern. Why do I say that? After all, we prevailed in saving Social Security in 2005, with Republicans in control of the White House and Congress - just like today. But there are several key differences between then and now:
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*In 2005, there were more GOP moderates in the House and Senate. There was no Tea Party or Freedom Caucus. We've seen in the past 6 years how these extremists are the tail that wags the dog in the House. They are determined to privatize or cut Social Security and Medicare, and they have considerable clout with the House GOP leadership.
*The 2005 privatization proposal came from the White House; Congressional Republicans were lukewarm to the idea of monkeying with Social Security. Today, House Republicans are leading the charge to privatize both programs. While Speaker Paul Ryan nearly salivates at the opportunity to convert Medicare into "Coupon-Care", the House Social Security Subcommittee Chairman, Sam Johnson (R-TX),
has already introduced a bill that would raise the Social Security retirement age, slash benefits, and cut Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs). No doubt, similar GOP bills will quickly follow in the new Congress this January.
*On the Senate side, the two most powerful Republicans on this issue have openly advocated "Social Security reform" - which is usually code for replacing guaranteed benefits with personal investment accounts. Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell has perpetuated the myth that Social Security and Medicare have "driven the [national] debt," going so far as to call these cherished entitlement programs "the single biggest threats to our future." Meanwhile, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch peddles the falsehood that Social Security "will be bankrupt unless we enact significant reform."
*President-elect Trump, who promised not to touch Social Security and Medicare during the campaign, advocates reform on his transition website and nominated a fervent privatizer, Rep. Tom Price, as Secretary of Health and Human Services. His second in command, Governor Mike Pence, is a well-documented privatization proponent. We can't count on Mr. Trump to protect current and future Social Security beneficiaries.
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The movement in Washington to gut our most crucial social insurance programs - not only Social Security and Medicare, but Medicaid, too - amounts to nothing less than a war on the working class: people at all levels of income and employment who are counting on retirement income and health security. We in the advocacy community, empowered by workers and beneficiaries across the country, are gearing up for battle.
We are gathering millions of petition signatures demanding that Congress keep its hands off of Social Security and Medicare. We are organizing phone banks and letter writing campaigns to our elected representatives. Borrowing a campaign idea from Mr. Trump, we also need to build a wall - a firewall to be specific - in the Senate, to ensure that none of the privatization or benefit-cutting legislation makes it out of Capitol Hill and up to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Senate Democrats and Independents must stand together. Incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Bernie Sanders will make that happen with the reinforcement of seniors' advocates. However, several in the GOP must also stand with Democrats to put a simple majority vote out of reach. Senators including John McCain (AZ), Susan Collins (ME), Lamar Alexander (TN), and Charles Grassley (IA) know how important Social Security and Medicare benefits are to their constituents - and value the billions of dollars pumped into their state economies. We call upon these Senators to stand up for the future retirement security of America's workers.
There is no question the struggle will be harder than it was in 2005. The political climate is more hostile. The forces aiming to destroy our treasured social insurance programs are more insidious. The stakes are higher. But we can protect Social Security and Medicare and keep them solvent for the future without cutting benefits for millions of Americans if we organize, mobilize, and make our voices heard on Capitol Hill.
For the past several decades, our K-12 public schools have rightfully focused on equalizing access to a high-quality education between students from low-income backgrounds, including students of color, and their higher-income peers. These efforts have been paying off. High performing charter public school networks across the country have been particularly successful at increasing high school graduation and college acceptance rates for underserved low-income students and students of color across the country.
From 1976 to 2013, the percentage of American college students who are Hispanic rose from 4 percent to 16 percent, and those who are African American rose from 10 to 15 percent. These figures are a small step in the right direction, but they hide the reality that far too many students are struggling in college and failing to earn a degree.
While more than two-thirds of public colleges and universities have increased graduation rates over the last decade, the graduation gap between students of color and their white peers grew by 19 percent. Students from low-income backgrounds in particular are being left behind at incredible rates. According to a 2013 report from the University of Pennsylvania and the Pell Institute, only 9 percent of people from the lowest income bracket earned at least a bachelor's degree by the time they turned 24 - compared to 77 percent of their peers from families in the top income quartile.
It is not enough for colleges and universities to enroll increasing numbers of students of color and low-income students; they need to ensure students graduate as well.
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There's much we can learn from the colleges and universities, and their K-12 partners, that have already embarked on this hard, innovative work to ensure all of their students graduate. But first, we must be able to identify these top performers.
Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, a network of charter schools that provides a college prep education to 12,500 middle and high school students in Los Angeles's most underserved communities, has released a new ranking system that highlights colleges with the highest graduation rates for underrepresented students of color. The ranking, called the Power 150, is a powerful tool to help students, families, educators, and college counselors better identify the colleges and universities that fit their unique needs, and that set historically underserved students up for academic and life success.
The Power 150 analyzed and ranked more than 4,000 colleges and universities across the nation using data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The top five schools with minority graduation rates of 75 percent or higher are Ripon College, Yale University, Scripps College, Harvard University and Flagler College - St. Augustine. Other high-ranking colleges on the Power 150 include Princeton University, Vassar College, Middlebury College, Washington University and Pomona College.
Their success is not a coincidence. Many on the Power 150 offer specific programming to ensure underrepresented students thrive and graduate from college, including mentoring support, special orientation programs for first generation college students, and generous financial aid to help ensure student success. At Vassar College, the board of trustees and staff leadership has made it a priority to recruit, enroll, and graduate underrepresented students. Their Transitions program, a pre-Orientation program created with the needs of first-generation, low-income, and/or undocumented college students in mind, familiarizes students with campus resources available to them.
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Meanwhile, schools that aren't among the nation's traditional elite are also making major strides in serving under-represented students. For instance, Georgia State University has been recognized as the fourth-most innovative university in the country by U.S. News & World Report. One big reason: Georgia State has used innovative methods, such as harnessing big data to improve academic advising, to completely eliminate the gap in graduation rates between white and black students. Georgia State now awards more bachelor's degrees to African-American students than any other university in the country.
Chile is supposed to be the most developed country in Latin America, so that's why is so unbelievable what happened last Tuesday in Santiago, when the end -year dinner of the Chilean Exporters Association took place. As always, many economic authorities were invited, including of course prominent Chilean businessman, two presidential pre candidates, and the minister of Economy, Luis Cespedes. At the end of the ceremony, they were all invited to the stage and Roberto Fantuzzi, the key note speaker, gave each one a special and symbolic gift. But this year, his election to the minister of Economy was simply outrageous: an inflatable "love" doll, with a note in her mouth saying: "to stimulate the economy".
The all-male panel at the center of the stage laughed and enjoyed the moment, as the pictures taken at that time show. They all seem delighted with the famous doll -completely naked, by the way, with her genitals in the center of the photo.
That night, says Fantuzzi, nothing happened.
But the morning after, it was all over social media. President Bachelet herself tweeted early, saying that the gift was misogynist. Tweets and posts on Facebook by women and men all over the country showed the outrage and the shock over the whole situation. At the end of Wednesday, the minister had to apologize, but it was too late because his picture with the doll was all over the world: media outlets were also clueless about this situation.
All the men related to the now infamous joke ask for forgiveness and acknowledge their serious mistake; however the deepest question is why in the most developed country of Latin America things like this keep happening? The answer was given by the same President Bachelet: this demonstrates that machismo, sexism and misogyny still exist in our country. Even thou we have a woman president and many accomplished women show their value in every domain, deep down, discrimination against women is still a serious problem, and we have all suffered it, one way or another. That is why smart and educated men simply don't see that giving an inflatable doll as a gift is not funny, on the contrary, it's offensive to women's dignity, and this violence helps perpetuate stereotypes and unconscious bias against women. That bias help maintain a machista status quo in Chile, one that pays 30% less to women for the same job, has less than 6% of women on boards, and only 15% of women in Parliament.
I wonder what could happen if a women's association decides to give a sexual gift to a minister....
If Chile really wants to lead the region, and become a developed country, situations like this have to be banned. And the only way to do it is to work together to achieve gender parity, to be equals in opportunities, freedoms and dignity.
God bless us, if not quite everyone.
Nothing says Christmas to me more than buying cough medicine at the CVS and needing assistance because the automated checkout assumes that I'm running a meth lab. That, and a "Ho! Ho! Ho!" greeting card where the ho's are the Kardashians.
Speaking of unfortunate assumptions, a friend of mine went to Comet Ping Pong on Connecticut Avenue the other evening for pizza as a show of solidarity against fake news and fascist terrorism, and was promptly mistaken for Trump operative Corey Lewandowski. His actual name is Keith, and he's a fine fellow. Please do not dump glitter on him.
I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that Christmas can suck it like the rest of 2016. I mean, I can understand someone not liking Hillary, but how do you get from there to being convinced she is running a pedophile sex ring in the basement of a pizza place? Comet doesn't even have a basement. And what is the coded meaning of pepperoni and sausage? I'm just ordering an effing pizza. It's one thing to install a Kremlin stooge atop our government, but messing with someone's pizza is asking for a fight.
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America has seriously lost its mojo. At least we have gloomy Christmas songs to cheer us up. I love "Coventry Carol," though it unfairly brings to mind a notorious Nazi bombing. A college professor friend said over his cappuccino that there should be a narrow time window outside of which Christmas music is banned. He should get the president-elect to tweet that.
The saddest-ever Christmas song was sung by Judy Garland. When she finished "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," her little sister Margaret O'Brien ran outside and smashed the snow people while crying inconsolably. That always gets me into a holiday mood, as does It's a Wonderful Life, Jimmy Stewart's beloved Christmas classic about suicide.
I once read in Robertson Davies's Deptford Trilogy about the grim long-term effects of throwing a snowball with a rock in it. So I try to rid myself of dark thoughts like creating a Golden Elevator Shaft Award, to be given to the public figure most deserving of ending up like Rosalind Shays on L.A. Law. Nothing but gold for You Know Who.
Republicans last week stripped a Buy America provision from a water infrastructure bill, leaving lumps of coal in American steel workers' stockings. Thanks, Hillary! (I realize sarcasm won't help, but it is cheaper and less fattening than a tin of pumpkin seed brittle from Williams-Sonoma.)
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The coffee shop this morning was playing Bing Crosby's Christmas album from the Forties. I wondered if Crosby believed all that stuff. I myself enjoy "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming" despite being a nonbeliever, just as I enjoyed reading Lemony Snicket's The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming years ago to my nephew Sam, even though I oppose the West Bank settlements.
My mother admonished, "Think of the starving Armenians and eat your vegetables." Today it would be refugees from the bombing in Aleppo. I also have African friends who are seeking asylum and fear being sent back to oppressive countries. Of course the Holy Family twenty centuries ago were refugees, something liberals love to bring up. Real Christians share Christ's love by starting Crusades or burning people at the stake. And I don't want to lose the next election, so I'm crying over white people's problems and displaying a picture of Euro Jesus.
Kelly Osbourne, whose fame fittingly comes from reality TV, says we have to give Trump a chance. Why give fascism a chance? I watched Trump's charm-filled campaign, and I'm sorry but I cannot wish him success in carrying out his promises. This "Love Army" approach advocated by the lovely Van Jones leaves me cold, and it was cold already.
Mom once complained about my "creepy friends." Granted, vampires are a bit over the top. But they had nothing on Trump's cabinet. What is this, a pirate convention? Once, on a cruise ship, I saw a gay AA meeting listed under "Friends of Dorothy." Now we have a virtual coup by Friends of Vlad. Sorry, Dorothy (and Bill W.), but I'm spiking my eggnog.
Addendum: In response to a reader who took one of my lines seriously, I offer the following clarifications in a spirit of journalistic accuracy and Yuletide reconciliation: I do not run a meth lab. I do not care about the Kardashians. My college professor friend was not drinking cappuccino. Margaret O'Brien is not Judy Garland's little sister. I do not care how fattening or expensive pumpkin seed brittle is, because it is delicious and I can buy three tins of it with what they're paying me for this column, though I am not that gluttonous. Latkes have nothing to do with the West Bank settlements. I do not favor starting Crusades or burning people at the stake. I would prefer that terrible people jump off the George Washington Bridge because that is far less messy than falling down an elevator shaft. I am not crying over white people's problems. I am not displaying a picture of Euro Jesus. I had no vampire friends as a child. I am sorry for writing so many untrue things. That last statement is a lie.
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This piece originally appeared in the Washington Blade and Bay Windows.
The apparently strong evidence, detailed in the New York Times that Russia intervened in the US presidential election in order to assist the campaign of Donald Trump and that Russian President Vladimir Putin was personally involved, combined with Mr. Trump's out-of-hand dismissal of that evidence (which almost everyone else, including leading Republicans, accepts as compelling), his choice of people with close ties to Russian leader Vladimir Putin (e.g., Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as National Security Adviser and Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State) and Mr. Trump's consistent praise for Mr. Putin, raise very serious questions in the minds of American patriots about the possible degree of influence Mr. Putin and his government would have over a Trump Administration.
Therefore, we the undersigned Electors, insist that Donald Trump immediately release all of his tax returns and other relevant financial documents that would reveal the extent of his ties to Moscow.
We further call for a CIA briefing of all Electors on the findings on Russian infiltration of the election.
Both of these things must take place prior to Electors voting. If that circumstance requires a brief postponement of the Electors' vote, that is a minor inconvenience in comparison to the existential danger of someone beholden to an unfriendly foreign power becoming President of the United States.
If Mr. Trump has nothing to hide, he will agree to provide reassurance to the American people through the same sort of disclosure that past presidential candidates have done for decades.
If Mr. Trump yet again refuses to let the American people know what his foreign entanglements are, we will have no choice but to conclude, however reluctantly, that the other strong appearances of his favoritism for Vladimir Putin and Russia are accurate.
In the latter case, it would be irresponsible for us, as patriotic Americans, to vote to make him President and we shall meet to work out a compromise ticket and Government of National Unity to be elected in his stead and for the public interest and the nation's security .
In creating this nation, our founders' greatest fear was that a demagogue would appear and use democracy against itself. By inflaming public opinion, by manipulating their emotions, and then using the powers of the Presidency to benefit himself. Our Founders fled tyranny, and created a democratic republic out of whole cloth. What if, they shuddered - a tyrant could play upon the emotions of the masses, enflame their anger, stoke their prejudices? What if an unfit man assumed office?
This was such a profound concern for our Founders that they installed a protective valve right at the heart of our political process. That 538 Citizens - not elected officials, not partisans, but citizens -- should ultimately choose the next President. We as a public would tell those Electors who we want. But they, as Electors, would decide if we had been misled.
Our current situation is precisely what the founders foresaw. The Electors meet this coming Monday, December 19th. The Constitution endows them with the power to choose who the next President will be.
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So. Why, then, have so many people just resigned themselves to four years of leadership under Donald Trump?
First of all, because most people don't realize how quickly four years becomes eight. The founders knew it. They knew that the public loves a leader who projects strength. Who appears to be independent of influence, who appears to care about the common man (even if his actions prove otherwise). They knew how demagogues work, that they ignore rationality and exploit and foment public concern to serve themselves. Any student of political history can predict that there's a chance that the Trump Presidency will go down in flames. But the smart money is on him winning a second term by a landslide. Because the public feels safe behind a bully, even if a bully is protecting his own interests, not their own.
Second, because most people don't realize that four years becomes forty, even faster. The public doesn't realize what happens when Trump creates a Supreme Court in his own image. He'll fill the seat that Obama would have filled, had Senate Republicans not blatantly shirked their Constitutional responsibilities. And statistically, he'll have the chance to fill two more within the next four years, four over the next eight. One Branch of the US Government will be controlled by Donald Trump, possibly for decades after he leaves office. Hundreds of federal judges. Thousands of influential Trump acolytes will leave his staff with valuable experience that can be parlayed into world influence. It's not just Trump that we have to fear. It's his legacy, which will be impossible to overstate.
Third, because most don't realize that all of this can be stopped, altogether, on Monday. Our constitution was designed to make that happen. People need a civics lesson and they need it fast. We need to post on Facebook, we need to email our members of Congress, our mayors, our state reps, our governors. We need to call our local news stations. We need to protest. We need to create a groundswell.
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Fifth - because Democratic Officials are missing in action. At best, some Democrats are trying not to appear partisan. At worst, as the opposition party, they are stunned, fractured, and weakened. They are not standing tall and trying to influence public opinion, in part because of these weaknesses, and in part because the Public isn't trying to influence them.
Too many Democrats are concerned that the chances of persuading 38 people - that's all it will take, 38 Electors - is too small. Because those 38 people are expected to vote for Trump. They are partisan and they are from states that voted to elect Trump. Convincing them might be hard.
But that's how it should be! The Electors shouldn't negate the Electoral College results easily. That said -- if ever in history they need to be persuaded to do so, it is now. Most likely, they are afraid of what Trump supporters will do if they fail to validate Trump. They need to know that America has their back.
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The good news is, twenty Electors are thinking about it. Of course they aren't doing it publicly. They have been given reason to fear Trump's reaction. That in and of itself adds to the case that Trump is unfit.
I leave you with the words of Alexander Hamilton. Not from Federalist 68, which has been cited so often, but from Federalist 1. The first, most primal explanation of our system of Government. Right off the bat, he spoke of his fear that a demagogue like Donald Trump would appear:
[W]e have already sufficient indications that it will happen.... A torrent of angry and malignant passions will be let loose. [Such candidates will] increase the number of their converts by the loudness of their declamations and the bitterness of their invectives. An enlightened zeal for the efficiency of government will be stigmatized as... hostile to the principles of liberty [and a] danger to the rights of the people.
[I]t will be equally forgotten that the vigor of government is essential to the security of liberty... and that a dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the forbidden appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government. History will teach us that the former has been found a much more certain road to the introduction of despotism than the latter. And that of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people. These people have begun as demagogues, and ended up tyrants.
Please, listen to Hamilton. Please, think about your future. We have until Monday to legally, appropriately, and Constitutionally avoid tremendous, worldwide calamity. Help change public opinion. Sign the Change.org petition. Email or call your elected officials -- local, state, and Federal (click here for the contact info) Reach out to any opinion maker or influencer you know. Contact major news outlets (click here for a list). Family. Friends. This is what it takes to sway public opinion. And do not believe those who think this effort is futile. How will any of us live with our inaction, if we don't try?
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Here is all you need to say: Dear (elected official, opinion maker, influencer, news outlet, friend, or family):
An unqualified and unfit man won the Electoral College with the overt assistance of the head of the FBI and the covert assistance of Russia. The Founders of this Nation created a protective system for these exact circumstances. No Elector should cast their vote for a man who is unfit for the Presidency. As for who they should vote for - to respect the electorate, to prevent the head of the FBI and Russia from succeeding, to honor the fact that the vast majority of Americans did vote for an exceedingly qualified candidate (whether the Electors like her or not), they should vote for Hillary Clinton. It's time to put Nation before Party, protect our shared future, and live up to the promise of our Constitution.
A Professional Development seminar, often, is a wonderful opportunity to regroup, come together to share ideas and learn from the diverse yet like-minded members of a professional community. It is certainly not the free coffee and Danish served at a cheesy venue that lures us to these meetings; this is a chance to enhance our professional growth outside of the regular academic setting.
In stark contrast to these professional perks, the session I attended recently, sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), made me and a few hundred others like me look like complete idiots, for many years in a row. The fact that I had to not only sit through hours of twaddle but am also expected to implement the strict guidelines, the elaborate changes and the stringent methods of what was being outlined, made me cringe. It is so shameful that I am embarrassed simply talking about it and trying to explain its relevance to folks with basic common sense lest I be ridiculed.
The in-service, the first of many for the school year, was a training for MCAS Alt. The Department of Education's website describes MCAS Alt as "... designed to measure a student's knowledge of key concepts and skills outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. A small number of students with the most significant disabilities who are unable to take the standard MCAS tests even with accommodations participate in the MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt). MCAS-Alt consists of a portfolio of specific materials collected annually by the teacher and student. Evidence for the portfolio may include work samples, instructional data, videotapes, and other supporting information". http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/alt/
In the year 2014-2015, a total of 8474 students throughout MA participated in this form of Portfolio Assessment. The disabilities spanned a wide gamut ranging from severe multiple handicaps, complex medical conditions, rare cognitive impairments, amongst others. As I relate to you a true story from my own experience, I want you to bear in mind the words DESE uses to describe the students who participate in MCAS Alt.
In the early 2000's when I taught at a hospital school for students with complex disabilities and severe medical needs, the Department of Education entrusted me with the daunting task of assessing my student, who for privacy's sake we'll refer to as "Marky". Marky, who was clinically "brain dead", had been kept alive by medications and machines for years yet I had to test him in all the academic areas as his typical peers --- English Language Arts, Math, Science, Technology & Engineering and Social Studies. Marky did not have a reliable response in spite of a hard-working, competent team of service providers trying to equip him with one for years but because he needed one now more than ever to answer academic questions mandated by Big Brother, we forcefully "told" him what his response should be -- one blink of the eye for a Yes and two blinks for a No. Who were we kidding? The entire process of academic data collection, for lack of a better word was ridonculous.
In the fall we found out that the same young man, who barely responded to stimuli, had scored the highest on MCAS Alt and was deemed to be "progressing" in all academic areas. At a faculty meeting soon after the scores were released, we, the consummate professionals sat around snickering and laughing at this farce. It was hysterically tragic. As teachers shared their portfolio results and the feedback from the Department of Education, we learned how students with the most complex of conditions, one of them with a chunk of her brain removed as a result of a horrific accident, scored "Progressing" on all academic areas assessed. Meanwhile, the portfolio that received an "Incomplete" belonged to a student who was also the highest functioning in the school. Her mistake was that her teacher had inadvertently dated incorrectly one of the worksheets that had been submitted as evidence of her Portfolio. Although clearly an oversight, the Pundits at DESE ruled this a grave error and decided to penalize my student for my slip. Another solemn error was that one of the most amazing teachers I have ever worked with was negligent enough to leave out her student's last name on one of the data sheets included in the portfolio. How dare she make such a terrible mistake? So of course the Department of Education, in all its fairness, decided that "Zach" should be punished for his teacher's oversight. His Portfolio deservedly received an "I' for incomplete and/or missing data.
Our light-heartedness at that staff meeting soon took on a more somber tone; laughter turned to frustration but soon we consoled ourselves by unanimously agreeing that MCAS Alt was a joke and would most definitely be eradicated in no time. It has been over a decade since; the requirements of the Department of Education for administering this travesty have only grown stronger and stricter every year. And believe it or not, to this day, a student is penalized for his/her teacher's oversight. Who the heck is the Department of Education trying to assess here - I often wonder?
To understand firsthand the absurdity of this process, particularly the Scoring and Reporting Results, I would strongly urge you to check out the State Summary of MCAS-Alt for 2014 by logging on to:
http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/alt/results.html
Look- I am all for accountability but when educators are required to do the absolute impossible, it becomes a laughing matter. How is it possible or even necessary to academically assess a student who is struggling from one minute to the next to stay alive, breathing through a ventilator, feeding through a G-tube, needing suctioning every few minutes by a highly trained nurse shadowing her 24/7 just so she can breathe? Tell me why the student with an IQ of 20, who struggles to stay awake in class because of a traumatic brain injury or the child with severe Autism, who only wants to spin everything in sight relentlessly on the window sill and even after 10 years of schooling has not mastered the very basic activities of daily living skills, need to demonstrate their understanding of the Pythagorean theorem? Shame on us that we are so blinded by accountability and academic rigor that we forget that education for our kids with severe special needs (and their assessment) is supposed to be individualized. We no longer see the real problems facing these fragile children and instead of helping them better their quality of life, hold them to the same standards as their peers in the regular academic setting. Sadly, once again I smell political correctness and the inane desire to clump all children into the same category so as not to ruffle any feathers. Where is the leadership? Where is the strong voice that says loud and clear that this is ludicrous? (And we call ourselves educators?)
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DESE eloquently talks about creative ways to put together an MCAS Alt portfolio but the truth remains that educators are still being asked to somehow relate the skills that these kids are being taught to the MA curriculum frameworks. These self-proclaimed education experts also persuasively outline how a teacher with a student with intense needs, like "Marky", should be tying the curriculum frameworks to his "access skills". Let me tell you from experience that while all this sounds grrreat on paper, in reality this is a colossal, unnecessary farce. A "good teaching practice", that DESE loves to refer to, in this case would be to focus on the student's health and overall well-being while keeping him stimulated as much as possible. Instead of assessing his understanding of the Earth Sciences or somehow acquiring samples of his creative writing, why don't we use some of the state's seemingly endless resources being squandered away in developing these ridiculous policies, to explore meaningful activities that kids like "Marky" would perhaps respond to, for example music therapy. Enriching the lives of those who have been dealt a cruel and unfair deck of cards most definitely seems to be a better use of taxpayer funds. By the way a "New and Notable Requirement for the 2016 MCA Alt", in the words of DESE as outlined in Page 3 of the MCAS Alt Manual is as follows: "Students in grades 3-8 and 10 will be required to submit three different writing samples in the MCAS-Alt portfolio, produced in each student's primary mode of communication. Writing samples may include any combination of four text types (argument/opinion, informational text, narrative, or poetry). Teachers must pre-score each student's final work samples prior to submission, using one of the four scoring rubrics provided for this purpose. A draft or baseline sample must also be submitted in whichever text type is selected for the final sample. See pp. 20- 21 for additional information on preparing and pre-scoring student writing samples..."
http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/alt/EdManual.pdf
I ask you to ponder honestly for just a minute. What do you think is happening in a classroom when a teacher is required to put together a dozen, elaborate, time-consuming portfolios when a majority of his students are severely cognitively impaired, functioning at an infant level? Exactly! And this is why I feel compelled to share with the general public what we educators are being pressured to do. It is preposterous, unethical and but most of all -- uneducated.
The problem with all this is a basic one, one that is becoming increasingly common in all areas of education. The folks, often brilliant personnel at the helm, who are making decisions for our students and teachers, have unfortunately never stepped foot in a classroom. They work in a vacuum and although their policies claim to be data-driven, I wonder where their knowledge is really coming from. In the madness to make every policy scientific, and in the name of equity, they are trading in a most basic trait -- that of sound judgment. We all know that a robot can perform the most complex of computations but it cannot be programmed to make a simple, split-second decision based on common sense. Need I say more?
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As I looked around the banquet hall and saw hundreds of stunned educators listening to the rants of superiors completely cut off from reality, I could feel my anger surging yet again. These were smart professionals with the best of intentions and undoubtedly the kindest of hearts because each had made a concerted decision to work with the neediest of our children. And that's when it hit me after all these years what I have always taught my most vulnerable kids: "Don't do something just because someone asks you to do it, always question especially if something seems off". It is now time to practice what I preach because something is off -- way off. It is time to hold the experts accountable and evaluate the policies they have so forcefully enforced on us. It is high time to put together an alternate portfolio of our Education Department's skills and to assess its competency indiscriminately. Let's be fair now.
Prospects for the US economy remain highly uncertain amid potential policy changes under Donald Trumps incoming administration, Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen said at a news conference, Sputnik reported.
The FOMC on Wednesday updated its forecast for US economic growth in 2016 to 1.9 percent, up from the 1.8 percent figure it predicted in September. For 2017, the FOMC now expects a 2.1 percent rise in gross domestic product, up from its previous 2 percent forecast.
"Of course the economic outlook is highly uncertain," Yellen told reporters Wednesday.
"Changes in fiscal policy or other economic policies could potentially affect the economic outlook."
The central bank chief said Federal Reserve staff members have been in contact with Trumps transition team.
"We of course share the objectiveto work constructively to ensure a smooth transition," she added. The central banks policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) members recognize there is "considerable uncertainty" about how Trump administration economic policies could affect the economy, Yellen explained.
"We are operating under a cloud of uncertainty at the moment, and we have time to wait to see what changes occur and to factor those into our decision-making as we gain greater clarity," she said.
This piece was originally published in New America's digital magazine, The New America Weekly. Sign up to get it delivered to your inbox each Thursday here, and follow @New America on Twitter. Sarabrynn Hudgins is a Middle East expert and human rights advocate, as well as a former employee of New America's Open Technology Institute.
Turkey had a major victory on November 22nd when the Prime Minister withdrew a despicable bill that would have exonerated men convicted of having sex with underage girls if they subsequently married their victims. It was an abhorrent proposal that would have legitimized child rape and encouraged the outdated practice of adult men taking child brides. (1)
Turkey is a regional military powerhouse--it has NATO's second-biggest military force, after the US-- with the Turkish Armed Forces often venerated for ensuring Turkey's democratic and secular traditions (although President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ongoing assertion of civilian control of the military continues to neuter the institution). (2,3,4) A reputation for robust security forces, however, contravenes jarring threats to human security within the country, particularly for women and girls who are sometimes viewed as second-class citizens (or, even worse, as property) by the very law enforcement officers meant to protect them. While security experts rightly focus on aiding refugees and stabilizing Turkey's schizophrenic ISIS policies, attention must also be given to Turkey's systemic failures to prevent and punish violence against women and girls within its own borders.
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Women in Turkey enjoy far better legal protections than many of their Middle Eastern neighbors: sexual assault (including marital rape) and domestic violence are punishable, and divorce laws give women a stake in marital property. But deep-seated, restrictive views of women's roles still foment violence, and the patchy implementation of existing laws often fails to protect Turkey's more than 37 million women and girls.
Early Marriages Endanger Girls
The marriageable age in Turkey is 18, although parents can apply for exemptions for 16- and 17-year-olds. (5) Alarmingly, these under-17 marriage unions constitute one-third of marriages in Turkey--and that's without the addition of "marriages" performed illegally by religious figures, on girls as young as 10. (6) These girls often drop out of school to become homemakers, and, in short order, stay-at-home mothers.
Early marriage is particularly common in rural areas in southern and eastern Turkey, where poorer families might see a financial advantage to foisting teenage daughters onto another family. (7) Stories abound of teenage girls marrying much older men, as when a 15-year-old was forcibly married to a 40-year-old man who then beat her regularly. (8) As that anonymous woman describes, "all I wanted to do was to go out and play hopscotch with my friends. I used to dread night-times." (9)
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Protective legislation weakened in July 2016, when a judge struck down a law criminalizing sex with any person less than 15 years of age. (10) The judge criticized the now-defunct law for failing to differentiate between someone who violates a 14-year-old versus a four-year-old. (11) Unfortunately, his decision generated a legislative void that will only embolden sexual abusers who would participate in either practice.
Child marriages have taken on a new dimension with the influx of nearly 2.8 million Syrian refugees to Turkey, including some 370,000 Syrian girls who are out of school. (12, 13) Many Syrian parents who married off their daughters in Turkey admitted in a survey that they would not have done so had they had more money; marriage seems a plausible way to keep food on the table. (14) With the addition of Syrian girls, the percentage of girls in Turkey marrying before age 18 has risen to 15%. (15)
Deadly Violence
Domestic violence is appallingly common, with Turkey's Ministry of Family and Social Policies reporting that a jaw-dropping 86% of women in Turkey reported experiencing physical or psychological violence from a partner or family member. (16) Over 300 women died of domestic violence in 2015 alone. (17) Anti-violence laws are on the books, but deterrence is limited because men convicted of domestic violence often receive lenient sentences if a judge deems their demeanor to be "positive and/or respectful." (18) Occasionally, judges send women who report domestic violence home with the perpetrators. (19) In 2014, this led to dozens of women being killed by their abusive spouses even after applying for police protection. (20)
Violence comes from strangers, too. A 20-year-old student named Ozgecan Aslan was brutally murdered in February 2015 when she fought back against an attempted rape by pepper-spraying the bus driver who ultimately killed her. (21) Some criticized Aslan's clothing the night of her attack: a journalist explained, "Perpetrators think that these women deserved to die. When a woman wears a miniskirt she deserves to get raped. When a woman doesn't do cooking and taking care of children and when she doesn't do that some men thinks she deserves to die." (22, 23) Social taboos obviate justice in many such cases: "there are countless [other] cases like Ozgecan's, where the family decides to hide all of the evidence instead because rape goes against their honor." (24) Even if a case makes it to trial, a judge may lessen a sentence if the woman is deemed to have "provoked"--in clothing, appearance, or action--her assailant. (25)
Women who escape violent homes have few options for refuge. Turkey runs approximately 100 official shelters that accommodate fewer than 3,000 women, with overburdened non-profit organizations struggling to care for the remaining 20,000-plus women who seek shelter each year. (26, 27)
Fighting BackActivism may seem futile in a country whose President openly called women unequal to men, and where the Deputy Prime Minister urged women not to laugh in public, lest they "invite" unwanted male attention. (28, 29) Luckily, President Erdogan's authoritarian style has not yet silenced Turkey's robust human rights and feminist movements. The recently-rescinded bill was withdrawn only after enormous protests by hundreds of men and women, as well as an online petition signed by 800,000. (30) Hundreds of men demonstrated after Aslan's death, with hundreds marching in miniskirts in Istanbul, and hundreds more posting pictures of themselves wearing skirts on social media, with the hashtag "wear a miniskirt for Ozgecan." (31)
Women are also taking matters into their own hands. To combat domestic violence, one NGO has started providing free shooting and martial arts classes for women (although strict gun laws render the shooting lessons more symbolic than actionable). (32) On the problem of child marriages, others are trying to solve the root problem of economic dependence in a country where less than one-third of women earn their own income. (33) Accordingly, numerous charities are giving girls job training and scholarships in order to break a cycle that yokes girls to male providers. (34)
Technology helps, too. The "Easy Rescue" app covertly connects Turkish users to police and ambulance services when they shake their phones; it has been downloaded more than 250,000 times and used 10,000 times. (35) Vodafone Turkey, who produced the app, marketed it toward women by writing information about it in the labels for women's underwear and swimsuits, and within videos about makeup. (36)
Human rights defenders in Turkey must not be cowed by the size of the task in front of them. Child marriages and rampant domestic violence are the twin results of backward views that see women and girls as property or second-class citizens, rather than complete people inherently deserving of human rights. Continued activism can push those dangerous, outdated views forward, to achieve progress in the dual arenas of legislation and cultural change.
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A woman touches a printout of messages from teenagers around the United States at a memorial for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut December 18, 2012. REUTERS/Joshua Lott/File Photo
Four years ago, a mass shooting inside a Newtown, Connecticut, elementary school forever altered the lives of the families of 26 educators and first graders who were murdered by were murdered by a disturbed man with access to an arsenal of guns.
Out of that darkness came unwavering resilience and a commitment to act. Just as the Newtown community came together after the tragedy, so, too, did millions of mothers and caring Americans who were compelled to get off of the sidelines and become gun safety advocates.
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It became clear after the shooting that Congress was just as broken as our nation. In fact, the outrageous response from many lawmakers after Newtown was to suggest more guns and fewer gun laws would solve gun violence -- talking points dispersed by the powerful and wealthy gun lobby.
Instead of standing up to gun lobbyists, lawmakers said teachers and students should stand up to gunmen. And that's when so many Americans realized it was time to act. Including me.
The day before the shooting at Sandy Hook School, I knew nothing about my state or nation's gun laws; I assumed lawmakers were looking out for the safety of my family and community. But the day after the shooting, as I researched what was causing our nation's gun violence crisis, I learned I was wrong.
Congratulations @shannonrwatts - a role model and an example of what true activism looks like. @Everytown @MomsDemand https://t.co/SMyskAoYWY Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) December 15, 2016
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Too many lawmakers are in the pocket of the National Rifle Association, pushing through their dangerous vision for America: Guns for anyone, anywhere, anytime -- no questions asked.
That's why on December 15, 2012 -- one day after the shooting at Sandy Hook School -- I started a conversation on Facebook with other outraged mothers. That online conversation turned into an offline movement: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
Just four years later, Moms Demand Action has become the Mothers Against Drunk Driving of gun safety. As the grassroots arm of Everytown for Gun Safety, we have a chapter in every state and more than three million supporters, making us the largest gun violence prevention movement in the country.
What we've accomplished in just four years is astounding. Gun safety was the silver lining of the 2016 election: Ballot initiatives in Nevada, Washington and California resulted in new, life-saving gun safety laws, despite strong opposition from the gun lobby. We supported candidates who put gun safety first and ousted those who put the gun lobby before the public safety of their constituents.
We've defeated gun lobby priority bills that would have forced colleges to allow guns on campus; allowed guns on K-12 schools; and dismantled state concealed-carry permitting systems to allow people carry hidden, loaded handguns in public without a permit or training.
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Happy 4th anniversary @MomsDemand! Thank you to all the amazing Moms working every single day to end gun violence America. #KeepGoing! Keith Ellison (@keithellison) December 15, 2016
We're also making cultural change by giving cover to corporations like Trader Joe's, The Fresh Market and Levi Strauss & Co. that stand up for gun safety.
We've learned how to be the David to the National Rifle Association's Goliath and 2017 will be no different. We'll be there every step of the way as the counterweight to the NRA, pushing back against its dangerous agenda.
For me and so many other American mothers, the murder of six educators and 20 six- and seven-year-olds inside the sanctity of an elementary school made us realize our nation was broken and required fixing. But what I came to understand was that those deaths were but a small fraction of our nation's gun violence crisis.
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Ninety-one Americans are shot and killed every single day, and hundreds more are injured by gun violence. That's more than 33,000 Americans who are fatally shot each year and over 100,000 injured. This is a crisis no other developed nation faces.
Addressing the everyday gun violence in America that never makes the headlines - in our urban centers and in rural outposts, and everywhere in between - has become Moms Demand Action's mission. From suicides to domestic violence shootings to the shootings of law enforcement to shootings motivated by hate or racism, we are fighting to protect our nation's most vulnerable.
American moms are more powerful and influential in this fight than I'd ever imagined. The gun lobby misled a vocal minority of gun extremists to believe their guns will be taken away, but millions of moms are afraid our children will be taken away. We are fiercely and fearlessly taking on one of the most powerful lobbies this nation has ever seen - and we are winning.
The reconquest of Aleppo is a significant victory for the Syrian regime over the armed opposition which has now been confined to a few pockets in the east of the city.
But this victory is drenched in the bitter taste of defeat.
An impossible victory
This is a civil war where the balance of power shifts constantly, a conflict which no side can settle decisively or irrevocably, and a proxy war between many regional and international powers.
As a result of the complexity of Syria's social fabric, political conflicts have assumed a sectarian and ethnic character. What began as a popular uprising against the dictatorship of one party rule, became a violent clash between Alawis and Sunnis, Arabs and Kurds, and Christians and Muslims, in a hideous spectacle of self-immolation.
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The Levant's sensitive geographic position has turned Syria into a battleground where international and regional players compete for control and influence. Behind each internal player lurks a foreign power with its own stakes and calculations, from Russians and Iranians, to Americans, Gulf countries and Turks.
The conflict in Syria began as a spontaneous revolution sparked by a sense of injustice and oppression and inspired by earlier popular eruptions in Tunisia, then Egypt in 2011. But this is not what we have today.
As new factors entered the equation, the popular uprising veered off course and turned into a brutal armed civil war. A noble struggle for freedom and human rights turned into an ugly scramble for power and dominance.
The ethnic and sectarian chasms within the fabric of Syrian society mean that neither the regime, nor his opponents can dictate the outcome of the ongoing conflict.
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While the Alawite, Christian and religious minorities have rallied around the Assad regime, the angry Sunni majority has largely sided with the opposition. The Kurds have their own agenda which is increasingly enjoying international support.
Perhaps the most vivid embodiment of the terrible schism breaking Syrian society asunder has been the surreal images from east and west Aleppo, one of dusty, worn out, grief-stricken mourners lamenting their massacred loved ones, the other of jubilant crowds celebrating the forces responsible for the massacre https://www.facebook.com/ajplusenglish/videos/860019124139596/
The region's overlapping geographic borders and interconnected conflicts, particularly those between Syria and Iraq, which remains in the grip of an endless civil war, all point to an open-ended crisis.
The balance of power on the ground is unstable: the same Syrian regime forces celebrating the reconquest of Aleppo today have a few days ago had to withdraw from the ancient city of Tadmur (Palmyra) after the Islamic State (IS) managed to recapture it .
With terrorist groups, like al-Qaeda and IS, profiting from the chaos and reigning climate of ethnic and sectarian schism to penetrate deep into Syrian territory, it has become impossible to control the situation without a viable political resolution that eliminates the root causes of ongoing tensions.
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The most significant lesson from Iraq, as it continues to struggle with political disputes grounded in sectarian and ethnic chasms and fuelled by foreign Interventions since 2003, is that no conflict can be settled at gunpoint. Every battle begets another in an explosive chain of destruction that knows no end.
The way out of the abyss
This war has no winners or losers. It is a relentless conflict no one can permanently settle in their favor. This reduces the options available to Syrians to two:
They can continue down the path of civil war, as the regime proves unable to annihilate the armed opposition, despite the partial military conquests it has managed to make here and there, and the opposition fails to topple and replace Assad.
The flames would rage on, particularly as certain international powers, first and foremost the Americans and Israelis, seek to prolong the conflict indefinitely and turn the crisis into a war of attrition where Arabs, Iranians, Turks, Russians, the regime and opposition are all perpetually trapped.
The alternative is to abandon the nihilistic destructive logic of winner and loser and strive for a political compromise instead. It is to seek reasonable deals to distribute power fairly and embark on a serious reform process, on the basis of safeguarding the country's endangered unity and sovereignty.
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The truth is that Assad can no longer rule the country as he had done before the revolution, with the iron grip of the Ba'ath party, the military and intelligence services. Vast stretches of territory are outside his control. Three million Syrians have been made refugees. Millions more have been displaced internally and the extent of anger and rejection of his regime has only grown among the Sunni majority.
Seeking a serious political solution may seem like the more arduous option. But it is the least costly, too. It requires a great deal of patience, wisdom and courage from all sides.
There is no heroism, honor, or indeed victory in wars between fellow countrymen and women. Assad cannot exterminate the military opposition, no matter how many battles he wins, nor can the opposition realistically hope to topple him with the strong alliances he has managed to forge.
This story first appeared on Ecosystem Marketplace
Anne Simpson isn't impressed with the climate-science deniers that US President-elect Donald Trump is nominating for his cabinet.
"You can deny the science," she said on a media call arranged by nonprofit sustainability organization Ceres. "You can't deny the economics."
The economics is backed by $20 trillion in assets managed by the investment groups pushing companies to both disclose their exposure to climate risk and tie it to executive compensation. One of those groups is the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), and Simpson is its Director of Sustainability.
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The investors are among 31 members of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, which is chaired by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and charged with developing guidelines for disclosing climate-change risk across the Group of 20 industrialized nations. Although voluntary in nature, the guidelines could drive tens of trillions of dollars in investment, forcing companies to reduce their climate impacts even if the Trump administration proves as impotent on the matter as many fear it will be.
The Task Force guidance doesn't mention deforestation directly, but it calls for full disclosure of supply-change risk, which includes both liability and exposure. It explicitly mentions the need for companies to demonstrate that they have resilient supply chains, and that means disclosing both their impact and reliance on forests, according to Ceres President Mindy Lubber.
"The way these directives are framed, each sector looks at the major material risk for their companies," she said. "Deforestation is a big one."
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"Just asking for disclosure on supply chain is already a way to assess the risk and to make people accountable, whether or not they are taking into account the risk of deforestation," said Philippe Desfosses, CEO of French pension fund ERAFP. "Then, afterward, you can engage with those companies, as we're starting to do with companies like Ferrero."
"Those who created the guidelines are leaders of capital markets from across our economy," said Lubber. "They're saying, 'We need this; this is important decision-making information that investors need to make smart decisions.'"
Lubber said that she was aware of more than a dozen shareholder resolutions asking for more disclosure on deforestation risk.
Can Radical Transparency Save Forests?
The uncovering of Seoul's Cheonggye stream, which was once covered by a highway, shows the kind of initiatives cities can take. Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters
A year after COP21 and the adoption of the Paris Agreement, international policymakers are still struggling to convert targets into action. This is clearly indicated by the title of the recent followup COP in Marrakech: Turn the Promise of Paris into Action.
But as the international community putters along, cities and local communities are already staking out the front lines of the fight against climate change.
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Cities take the lead
Over the years, sub-national actors, such as cities and regions, have acquired increasing weight in international negotiations. Policymakers and scholars alike acknowledge cities' vulnerability to, and share of responsibility in, environmental degradation. As the recent C40 Mayors Summit in Mexico City demonstrated, mayors of the world's metropolises are also interested in creating low-carbon and resilient urban futures.
Because local governments control key sectors of environmental policy, and have high concentrations of people, economic activity and political clout, cities are a necessary well positioned to design innovative climate change solutions.
In Tokyo, for example, the metropolitan government set up the first city-level cap-and-trade system for buildings' energy efficiency. If the biggest energy-using facilities fail to meet specified targets, they must buy credits from compliant buildings that can sell their surplus credits.
In South Korea, Seoul's Station 7017 Project will convert an old elevated road into a pedestrian path that connects the city centre to other districts and to Seoul train station. This will not only help revitalise certain city districts, it will also add green space to this dense metropolitan area.
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Then there's the German city of Hamburg. It is implementing an ambitious plan to make the city car-free within 20 years by developing a major green network of bike and pedestrian paths that link the city to its periphery, as well as to parks, playgrounds, cemeteries and other public spaces. In addition to making cars unnecessary, the greenways will improve resilience to floods and natural disasters, and absorb more carbon dioxide.
People power
People have immense power to tackle climate change. And this is true especially in the vital energy sector. As scholarly literature has demonstrated, "community power" - fostering citizen participation in renewable energy projects - eases their implementation, reduces energy demand, and may ultimately reduce greenhouse gases.
This idea was the inspiration for the recent World Community Power Conference, held in Fukushima, Japan from November 3 to 4, the same time as the Paris Agreement's ratification. At the event, which was the first of its kind, participants from academia, local government, civil society, business and even schools explored how communities can be agents for increasing sustainability at the local level.
Organised by the Japan Community Power Association, the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies and the World Wind Energy Association, the attendees addressed topics from energy democracy and regional cooperation to community power's value for developing countries. Barriers to cooperation between local governments, citizens and business were also tackled.
Fukushima, where a 2011 earthquake and tsunami caused a nuclear plant meltdown, was a highly symbolic host location. In the aftermath of that disaster, local leaders decided to adopt the target of having 100% renewable energy by 2040. To do so, residents, businesses and local governments are working together to make solar and wind their primary energy sources.
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This collaboration takes the form of several community projects. In the Fukushima Airport Solar Power Project, citizens were partial financial investors) in the purchase and installation of solar panels to provide about 1.2 megawatts of electricity to the airport. Another initiative within the prefecture, the Fukushima Ryozen Citizens' Joint Power Plant, also used citizen funds to help local farmers install a solar farm. It provides about 50 kilowatts of power.
Community power, then, is one way to enhance renewable energy use and phase out fossil fuels. Because it also entails stronger energy security, it necessarily emphasises democratic engagement and local autonomy. Community power may also carry such significant socioeconomic benefits as job creation, community well-being, new revenue sources, solutions to fuel scarcity or even lower energy tariffs.
Just what is community power?
There is no common definition of community power but, at a basic level, it implies citizen participation in the production and use of a sustainable energy system, with some degree of control over the activity.
When citizens have ownership - at least partial - of renewable energy plants, by for instance, holding shares in a cooperative, that's community power. If citizens participate in the planning, installation and operational decisions of an energy company, by exercising strategic voting rights as board members, for example, that, too, constitutes community power.
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And communities that receive the socioeconomic benefits of their energy sector when the benefits of the company are reinvested in the activity, also have such power.
In such scenarios, citizens cease to be mere consumers and become producers as well as consumers. This broad definition expands the range of forms community power could include. And that's important because local particularities as well as numerous legal and policy obstacles remain powerful barriers to developing community power.
Sharing local experiences also helps other communities forge paths forward. For instance, in Denmark, a law makes it mandatory for consumers or municipal cooperatives to own district heating. The same provision previously applied to electricity production, and when the European energy market liberalised rules so that private competitors began operating in the renewable energy sector, locals protested. The episode highlights how citizen involvement can facilitate the development and embrace of renewable energy projects.
It also shows how strategically structuring the energy market will be important to growing sustainable systems. The recent Clean Energy for all Europeans package, which supports the idea that "consumers are active and central players in the energy markets of the future", seems well informed by the market side of community power.
The Fukushima declaration
The declaration that emerged from Fukushima meeting - For the future of the earth - intends to make community power the "prevailing model of the future renewable energy supply all over the world."
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To meet that goal, participants committed to enhancing communication around best practices, working with local governments on renewable energy-focused master plans and engaging in politics nationally and internationally to facilitate the right development conditions. They will also seek to promote community power in developing countries through knowledge transfer.
This declaration is, of course, a soft instrument; it cannot legally compel action. Still, it sheds light on important intersections between people and politics in the fight against climate change. Community power efforts will not only be key to meeting the Paris Agreement objective of staying below a 2C temperature rise over pre-industrial levels, it may also make governance structures more democratic.
The trend towards energy decentralisation in many countries is a good example of where it can have a big impact. As early as 2010, international development agencies were highlighting the contribution that a decentralised energy system could make to meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals.
By delegating power governance to the sub-national level, decentralisation brings control of important resources much closer to citizens. That change gives cities a chance to innovate at the grassroots level, rather than leaving it to wealthy communities with the resources to undertake ambitious energy programmes.
If the Fukushima meeting was an instance of the early stage of community power getting organised, the coming years will be key to proving its scalability and universality. Planned to be held in Mali, the next conference will take place on a continent where socioeconomic development and energy security are just as important as tackling the global challenge of climate change.
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Latin America's drug war, in action. Carlos Jasso/Reuters
The Global Commission on Drug Policy has recommended ending all civil and criminal penalties on drug users in its 2016 report. The authors of the report propose a number of alternatives to incarceration for low-level, non-violent drug-related crimes. They also encourage governments to stem the criminal drug market by regulating illicit substances.
In Latin America, 50 years of militarised enforcement have led to record levels of violence, corruption and social exclusion. The region is now a global leader in calling to end this punitive approach.
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What should be done about the global "war on drugs"? In our video explainer, the two scholars, Graciela Touze (Argentina) and Lilian Bobea (Dominican Republic), explain what's behind global drug policy, expose its racist origins and devastating impacts, and offer better options for the future.
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The Trump administration-in-formation is a stew of generals, billionaires, and multimillionaires -- and as in the case of retired Marine General James "Mad Dog" Mattis, the likely new secretary of defense, even the military men seem to have made more than a few bucks in these last years. In retirement, Mattis, for instance, joined the board of military-industrial giant General Dynamics as one of 13 "independent directors," reportedly amassing at least $900,000 in company stock and another $600,000 in cold cash.
Oh yes, and there's one other requirement for admission to the Trump administration: your basic civilian appointee must be ready to demolish the system he or she is to head. Betsy DeVos, the president-elect's pick for education secretary, wants to take apart public education; Tom Price, the future secretary of health and human services, is eager to dismantle Obamacare and Medicare; Scott Pruitt, the proposed new head of the Environmental Protection Agency, seems to want to tear that agency limb from limb; and the announced new "labor" secretary (and you really do have to put that in scare quotes), fast food CEO Andy Puzder, is against raising the minimum wage and thinks the automation of the workplace is a total plus, since machines can't take vacations or arrive late.
Let's face it, the most extreme government of our lifetime is going to be a demolition derby. Think of it as the Reagan administration of the 1980s on steroids -- and keep in mind that Donald Trump will be the president of a far more fragile country than the one Ronald Reagan and his cronies presided over. Things could begin to fall apart fast for ordinary Americans. For instance, the new Republican Congress is expected to swiftly pass a promised "repeal and delay" version of the obliteration of Obamacare, officially wiping that program off the books and yet postponing its departure and the arrival of whatever is to replace it until after the 2018 elections. In the interim, however, the result is likely to be a "zombie" health care marketplace from which insurance companies are expected to begin to jump ship, potentially leaving significant numbers of those 20 million Americans who got medical coverage for the first time via Obamacare with nothing. And after EPA chief Pruitt has helped let Donald Trump's "energy revolution" of extreme fossil fuel exploitation loose to do its damnedest and, as energy expert Michael Klare makes clear today in "Drowning the World in Oil," America's skies are once again veritable smog-fests, there will be plenty more health needs on whatever's left of the horizon.
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Last week, as part of national LGBT Week of Action for Healthcare Enrollment, Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli, and I held a phone conference with members of the LGBT community to discuss the importance of enrolling in healthcare coverage. The open enrollment period to purchase 2017 health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace runs through January 31st, but the deadline for coverage starting January 1st is December 15th. People who need coverage should check out their options -- most HealthCare.gov consumers can gain coverage for less than $75 per month. The Affordable Care Act ("ACA") has improved and expanded health coverage for millions of Americans, including LGBT people, through an expanded, stronger Medicaid program and new, transparent marketplaces where individuals can shop for and compare plans to find the right one for them. Moreover, thanks to the ACA, insurance companies can no longer deny individuals coverage or charge them more based on pre-existing conditions. As a result, all Americans have the security of knowing that they can access affordable, quality health coverage even if they lose their jobs, switch jobs, or start their own business -- a peace of mind that is simply invaluable. Before President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act in 2010, cancer patients, transgender people, and those living with HIV could all be denied health coverage because of a pre-existing condition. The Defense of Marriage Act was still in effect, and LGBT people were often barred from seeing their loved ones even as they lay dying in the hospital. As one letter writer described to the President in 2013, his dying husband could have benefitted from the law if it had been passed sooner -- a preexisting heart condition had prevented his partner of 19 years from qualifying for health insurance. Unfortunately, he caught influenza that developed into pneumonia, and which led to his premature death, leaving his widower with drained retirement savings at the age of just 49. As the writer said, "Had he had proper insurance, perhaps he would have gone to the doctor sooner and maybe he just might still be alive today." The ACA has played a pivotal role in our ability to improve care and coverage for all Americans, and for LGBT individuals and families in particular. Today, over 20 million people have gained healthcare coverage because of this historic law. And, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) took action to ensure that all Americans, including LGBT people, have the right to be visited by their loved ones while in the hospital, as well as the right to decide who can make medical decisions on their behalf through advance directives. These were groundbreaking developments for the LGBT community at the time, particularly because they took place while the Defense of Marriage Act was still in force and the Federal Government was restricted from fully recognizing marriage equality. The Obama Administration has extended protections against discrimination to individuals and families in receiving healthcare and insurance coverage through Section 1557, the non-discrimination provision of the ACA. We have also built up the HHS workforce and provided resources to help them effectively serve LGBT individuals, and laid the groundwork for LGBT inclusion in electronic health records and other forms of data collection, which will inform future research and science aimed at improving health outcomes for LGBT people. And yet, with all of our progress, we continue to see profound health disparities throughout LGBT communities, especially among people of color and those who are transgender. LGBT youth are particularly vulnerable, and are at higher risk of bullying and harassment, substance use, physical and sexual violence, and suicide. From major legislative achievements, to historic court victories, to important policy changes, the President has fought to promote the equal rights of all Americans -- no matter who they are or whom they love. We remain determined to continue to deliver meaningful and measurable improvements in LGBT health care that provide a blueprint for future administrations to sustain and further our accomplishments. That commitment to leveling the playing field and ensuring equality is a bedrock principle on which this nation was founded and has always been a guiding light for President Obama. I hope all those Americans, including those in the LGBT community, who need health insurance coverage will go to HealthCare.gov to sign up by Thursday, December 15th for coverage, and peace of mind, starting on January 1st.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
Trend:
Ten people are missing as a result of an accident at the oil-gathering station #3 of the department on oil and gas production of Azneft Production Union, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR said in a message Dec. 15.
According to information, the accident occurred due to strong wind, which blew away a part of a flyover of the 150-meter long oil-gathering station. Meanwhile, the board attached to the flyover and a booth on it were also blown away.
According to the preliminary data, five people, who were on duty at the gathering station, and five people, who were in the booth, are missing.
Vessels of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CJSC are at the site; search and rescue work continues. The message also said that leadership of SOCAR, Ministry of Emergency Situations and Azneft are at the event site. A special group has been created to investigate the accident.
The list of missing employees of the Azneft Production Union:
1.Guloglan Zulfugarov engineer
2. Azay Zulfugarov operator
3. Vidadi Gurbanov operator
4. Elchin Hasanov - mechanical engineer
5. Hasanagha Hajialiyev operator
6. Ilham Gafarov operator
7. Samir Asadov operator
8. Javid Bahramov operator
9. Ramiz Abbasov engineer
10. Gorkhmaz Rustamov operator
Reno Commission puts liquor by drink without food sales on 2023 ballot
Hutchinson board acts quickly to respond to brewery's dilemma, but vote is more than a year away.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
Trend:
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) announced a new campaign on the eve of the New Year.
A discount of up to 20 percent will be applied while buying round-trip air tickets in the period from December 15, 2016 to January 15, 2017 on the following destinations when departing from / to Baku: London, Milan, Berlin, Paris, Prague, Tel Aviv, Beijing , Dubai and New York. Departure period: January 15 - March 15, 2017.
Air tickets can be booked on the website of the company www.azal.az, purchased at AZAL sales offices and official sales agencies. Points for the flight may be credited automatically in case AZAL Miles member unique number will be entered in the appropriate filed while purchasing online.
Detailed information about AZAL Miles frequent-flyer program is available at: www.miles.azal.az Those who are not a member of the program yet, can be registered on the following link: http://bit.ly/milesreg
To purchase tickets and for more information, please contact:
+ (99412) 598-88-80;
*8880
E-mail: [email protected]
Questions regarding AZAL Miles frequent-flyer program can be sent to [email protected] or through the contact form on the website: www.azal.az.
Under the leadership of various Communist Chinese agents within the United Nations, the UN's Internet Governance Forum (IGF) met in Mexico last week and concluded with calls for greater international controls and more global governance of the World Wide Web. Another key item on the agenda was exploiting the Internet to promote the UN's deeply controversial Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), essentially a UN road-map toward global totalitarianism that Beijing played a crucial role in developing.
The controversial UN IGF gathering was the first annual summit of governments, dictators, tax-funded civil society outfits, academics, and tech companies since Obama surrendered U.S. oversight over crucial components of the Internet's architecture such as ICANN. It was also the first IGF summit since the mass-murdering dictatorship in China, which censors the Web and savagely persecutes dissidents, boldly announced last month its intent to subordinate the free and open Internet to its draconian vision of global governance.
Experts have warned for years that blatant censorship and global Internet taxes will not be far behind if Americans do not step up the pressure to protect Internet freedom. With Obama having attempted to hand over U.S. oversight of the Internet's architecture to a global multi-stakeholder regime in recent months, the effort to re-take control of the Internet Americans helped create and pay for must accelerate if First Amendment protections for speech and journalism online are to survive.
Indeed, among other troubling topics, speakers and panelists at the UN's Internet governance confab explored topics such as dealing with radicalized expression, according to an official summary document of the confab. By radicalized expression, globalists and the UN are referring to conservative viewpoints, anti-UN sentiment, support for traditional values, nationalist or anti-globalist expression, and more. Another subject discussed at the IGF was the importance of addressing online abuse, an increasingly transparent ploy intended to justify online censorship.
Officially, the UN summit focused on Internet and sustainable development; access and diversity; youth and gender challenges pertaining to the Internet; the protection and promotion of human rights online; cybersecurity; the need to enhance multi-stakeholder cooperation; critical Internet resources; Internet governance capacity building; and other emerging issues that may affect the future of the open Internet. All the PR-friendly rhetoric sounded innocent enough at first glance.
Translating the UN's misleading terminology, though, reveals a deeply controversial agenda to assault online and offline freedom worldwide. Consider, for example, that by sustainable development, the UN is referring to massive government controls over the economy, reducing the human population, assaulting private property ownership, redistributing wealth from what remains of the Western middle class to Third World dictators, and more. This has been made clear even by top UN officials.
When the UN speaks of protecting human rights, meanwhile, consider that the UN has a very different definition than the God-given rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. Under the guise human rights, for example, the UN has called for criminalizing free speech, destroying gun rights, regulating private schools to promote UN dogma, ignoring due-process protections, and many other totalitarian schemes. The UN's pseudo-human rights Council is literally dominated by mass-murdering dictators and unfree regimes that are among the worst abusers of real rights on the planet. And in its Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN explicitly claims in Article 29 that none of those rights may be used contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
On at least one point, though, the UN used almost honest verbiage. By capacity-building for Internet governance, the UN means exactly what this sounds like it means: enhancing the ability of governments, dictators, and the array of international outfits they create, such as the UN, to impose rules, regulations, restrictions, censorship, and taxes on the Internet. That has been the direction and the goal for many years now.
Among the totalitarian dictatorships that were allowed to organize open forums at the IGF summit were the mass-murdering regimes enslaving China and Cuba, both of which operate Orwellian censorship regimes to prevent their victims from accessing information. Other such sessions for governments and globalist bureaucracies were organized by the unelected, technocratic European Union Commission and the African Union. The latter is a dictator-dominated, EU-style transnational regime being imposed on Africans, with virtually all funding coming from the EU, the U.S. government, and the Communist Chinese dictatorship. Various scandal-plagued UN outfits such as UNESCO, WIPO, and more also organized events.
Despite attempting to conceal the true agenda in slick phraseology calculated to sound harmless or even desirable, the globalist establishment vowed openly to keep pursuing stronger global governance for the Internet in fairly transparent terms. For example, delegates plotted the imposition of new cybersecurity measures to be implemented in cooperation with so-called international expert bodies such as the Beijing-dominated UN organs hoping to oversee Internet regulation. And that is just the start.
The plot to exploit the Internet to advance the UN's totalitarian Agenda 2030 was made explicit throughout, too. Indeed, the Internet and information and communication technologies (ICTs) can play an important, enabling role in our efforts to fulfill the great promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, boasted UN Assistant Secretary-General Lenni Montiel, who comes from one of the many nations in the world, Venezuela, destroyed by Agenda 2030-style Big Government policies. Montiel received his Master of Science in economics from a communist indoctrination center in Belarus, another nation destroyed and enslaved by a socialist dictatorship dedicated to Agenda 2030-style schemes.
Other speakers, such as Miguel Ruiz Cabanas, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, boasted that the global policies governing the use of the Internet would be used to fight alleged man-made global warming. Seriously. While details were sketchy, one of the many schemes pushed throughout the summit was the notion that governments bear a crucial responsibility in terms of creating content for the Internet presumably a reference to pushing propaganda supporting the UN, the man-made global-warming theory, and more.
Another key agenda item was discussion of how globalists can exploit the emerging so-called Internet of Things, or IoT, to better oppress humanity. The challenge is to foster this continuous development and to enable the IoT to further grow into the Internet and Internet governance processes, the IGF summary document explained, citing issues and challenges such as standardization, interoperability, and security. Indeed, according to the document, these issues offer substantial opportunities for multi-stakeholder cooperation, with the stakeholders being the UN, governments, dictators, Big Business, and civil society groups funded by governments and the establishment.
As Technocracy Rising author Patrick Wood explained in a recent column, though, the UN's agenda in seeking to bring the Internet under its control goes far beyond just censorship. The real prize is completely overlooked: The Internet of Things (IoT), Wood explained, adding that within a decade IoT is expected to generate upwards of $3 trillion. If the UN can figure out a way to tax this market, and they will, it will provide a windfall of income and perhaps enough to make it self-perpetuating.
That is just the start of it. But, what is the IoT and who cares? IoT are the connections between inanimate objects and the humans that depend upon them, Wood continued, pointing to Smart Meters on homes that communicate remotely with home appliances, which can be controlled by external sources, and with the utility company. Whoever has control over and access to this data will literally be able to control the entire world, down to the last minutiae and that is the United Nations exact mission: inventory, monitor and control.
The IGF summit was organized through the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, or UN DESA, a powerful UN bureaucracy that is literally dominated by Communist Chinese operatives dedicated to the Communist Party of China and its totalitarian global agenda. UN DESA's chief, Wu Hongbo, was the Assistant Foreign Minister for the brutal Chinese regime before taking his UN post. He succeeded another Chinese Communist, Sha Zukang, who openly proclaimed his hatred of America and even gave an award to the Communist Chinese butcher responsible for slaughtering peaceful protesters at Tiananmen Square.
One of Wu's underlings, also a Chinese Communist agent, boasted after the IGF of the growing role that Third World dictatorships would play in governing the Internet. Leading up to the twelfth IGF next year, innovations in programming and intersessional activities will continue to be implemented in a bottom-up manner, based on feedback from the multistakeholder community and in line with our new mandate which calls for greater participation from stakeholders from developing countries, said Juwang Zhu, director of the Division for Sustainable Development in UN DESA, with developing countries being the term used by UN bureaucrats to refer to Third World dictatorships that have impoverished their victims for generations.
Of course, the Communist Chinese celebrations of sustainable development are not new, or surprising, as Beijing takes a growing role in what it and Western globalists call the New World Order. UN DESA's former Communist Chinese boss, Sha, was the chair of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 attended by this reporter. And more recently, the regime in Beijing bragged publicly of its crucial role in developing the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, which a Socialist ex-NATO boss ominously referred to as the next Great Leap Forward.
Another key UN bureaucracy seeking to control the Internet, the UN International Telecommunications Union (ITU), is also led by a Communist Chinese agent Houlin Zhao, who told the press that censorship is really in the eye of the beholder and not everyone agrees on what censorship is. Essentially, then, the Chinese dictatorship and many of its key allies from Moscow and Brasilia to Tehran and Havana hope to empower the little-known UN outfit Zhao leads with awesome powers over the Internet. They have made this perfectly clear for years in official declarations.
Unsurprisingly, just weeks before the IGF confab in Mexico, brutal Chinese dictator Xi Jinping called for stepped-up global governance of the Internet. Speaking by video at the Communist Chinese regime-run World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, China, Xi used standard globalist rhetoric to promote UN control of the post-American Internet. The development of the Internet knows no international boundaries, declared the tyrant, who leads the government and political party responsible for murdering more people than any other in human history. The sound use, development and governance of the internet thus calls for closer cooperation. He also said his regime would promote equitable global internet governance.
Like the Communist regime enslaving mainland China, the UN and many of its totalitarian member regimes were pleased with Obama's surrender of oversight to globalist stakeholders and foreign governments. The successful transition of the IANA functions to the multi stakeholder community in October of 2016, only a few months prior to the 11th IGF, marks an important milestone for the multi stakeholder Internet governance community, reads an official summary of the confab by the IGF chair, boasting that new community-based accountability mechanisms would now replace the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment guarantees of free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and more. At the IGF, various workshops and sessions endeavored to learn from the successes and challenges of this important multi stakeholder exercise.
The UN IGF event took place in Jalisco, Mexico, between December 6 and December 9. Some 3,000 people many of them representing mass-murdering dictatorships keen to censor the Internet were reportedly in attendance. At the summit, pictures show the UN's blue flag flying high, alongside Mexico's green, white, and red flag, as armed officials stand at attention. The scene, reproduced in UN press releases, encapsulated well by outgoing UN boss Ban Ki Moon as he now regularly refers to the lawless dictators club he leads as the Parliament of Humanity.
For Americans concerned about keeping the Internet free and preventing its use by tyrants and globalists to oppress humanity, time is running out. Congress and the Trump administration should be encouraged to take urgent action aimed at stopping the UN and its member regimes from hijacking control of the Internet. As it stands, online freedom is waking people up by the millions around the world. It is also undermining establishment control of humanity and public opinion in an unprecedented way. But without urgent action by Americans to stop it, the UN, Beijing, and other nefarious anti-freedom forces intend to stamp out that freedom forever.
Alex Newman, a foreign correspondent for The New American, is normally based in Europe. He can be reached at anewman@thenewamerican.com. Follow him on Twitter @ALEXNEWMAN_JOU.
Source: http://www.thenewamerican.com/tech/computers/item/24831-un-internet-summit-run-by-beijing-pushes-global-governance
Florida firm Brightway Insurance recently undertook initiatives to support various charities within their community.Company employees took their cue from its founders, brothers David and Michael Miller, initiated a culture of altruism in the organization. This Christmas, Brightway supports a toy drive, a fundraising raffle, and an outreach to a home for the elderly.Among others, a Brightway statement said the company initiated a toy drive in support of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, which collected more than 100 toys, including six bicycles from employees.They also held a raffle contest with holiday themed gift baskets created by employees as prizes. The program raised more than $1,600 for United Way of Northeast Florida. The charity supports human service needs in the community through the participation of volunteers, contributors, and partners. David Miller is a member of the board of directors of the organization.Residents at a local nursing home also received handmade greeting cards from Brightway employees.David and Michael Miller founded Brightway Insurance to help everyone associated with the business achieve their personal potential, said Brightway president, Talman Howard in the statement.They bring that same vision and passion to benefit organizations in Northeast Florida and have ignited a true spirit of giving and community involvement throughout the company, he added.
Illinois auto insurance firms State Farm , Geico and Allstate said in separate announcements that they are raising rates, in part due to rising repair costs as more motorists choose to drive smart cars.State Farm said its recent 5.9% increase is partly the result of increasing smart car adoption in the state."Cars are just getting more expensive to repair, due to the technology," said Missy Dundov, a State Farm spokeswoman said in a Chicago Tribune report.State Farm, the nations largest auto insurance firm has already raised rates by 2.7% in February. The hikes are a projection of the companys costs to cover repairs in the future, Dundov further explained in the report.Similarly, Geico said it plans to increase rates for its Illinois policy holders in 2017 by an average 3.5%, the publication said, quoting state records. Changes will take effect in February.Allstate also increased its Illinois car insurance rates by an average of 6.9 % in June, as a result of escalating smart car technology repair costs, the company was quoted as saying.Now we're not just replacing a bumper for a fender-bender, we're replacing the cameras or the sensors in that bumper," explained Meghan Sporleder, Allstate spokeswoman, in the report. "We're seeing newer, more sophisticated models costing much more to repair, especially with some of the more advanced safety features."Still, insurers say that the safety benefits of emerging auto technology are worth the rise in their rates."We absolutely support technology that saves lives and minimizes injuries," Sporleder told the publication. "But that comes at an increased cost."
It's critical to help clients make the most of the plans they have
Only days before a policy was set to expire, he tried to collect.The man who is suspected of setting fire to a home killing an Ohio firefighter was allegedly interested in a claim too.Murder and aggravated arson are the charges facing 66-year-old Lester Parker in relation to a fire in his own home in Hamilton.The blaze killed first responder Patrick Wolterman and started a few hours before Parker and his wife, Bertha, left for Las Vegas.Police describe the case as very active and said they were confident Parkers arrest wont be their last.Cincinnati Insurance Companys coverage of the house dates back almost exactly one year before the fire and would have expired two days after the home was destroyed.The insurance company filed a lawsuit against the Parkers after they attempted to collect on the policy.The Parkers exercised their Fifth Amendment rights when asked to answer questions under oath by Cincinnati Insurance Company.Attempts to collect by the Parkers failed after a judge ruled they didnt comply with the insurance companys investigation.Parkers bond has been set at $500,000 and he is due back in court for a pretrial hearing Dec. 19.
RGL Forensics sets up New York laboratory; appoints new manager
Search engine company Yahoo Inc. confirmed yesterday that it had uncovered another major cyber-attack, revealing that data from over one billion user accounts was compromised in August 2013. The company came across the breach while reviewing data it was provided to by law enforcement.To date, this is the largest confirmed data breach in history.Reuters noted that the number of accounts affected by the August 2013 cyberattack was double the number of that during the previously reported 2014 breach that Yahoo disclosed in September. The company had blamed the first attack on hackers working on behalf of a government. The attack caused Verizon Communicationset to acquire Yahoos core internet business for US$4.83 billionto withdraw from the deal in October.In response to the latest breach reveal, Verizon said that it would review the impact of this new development before reaching any final conclusions.A spokesperson for Yahoo told Reuters that the company has been in communication with Verizon during its investigation into the breach. The representative also said that Yahoo is confident that the incident will not affect the planned acquisition.To address the breach, Yahoo required all of its customers to reset their passwords. Previously, following the discovery of the first breach, the company had only recommended a password reset.Yahoo also said on Wednesday that it suspects hackers involved in the previous attack managed to access the companys proprietary code to learn how to forge cookies, thus allowing the hackers to access accounts without a password.Yahoo badly screwed up, said cryptologist and security expert Bruce Schneier. They werent taking security seriously and thats now very clear. I would have trouble trusting Yahoo going forward.
The day after Donald Trump met with the leaders of Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Tesla, a question arises for the insurance industry:Did they talk about cybersecurity?The question becomes even more pressing when later that Wednesday, Yahoo revealed one billion users data may have been compromised by a hack beginning in 2013.Hacks are an area seriously under-covered by insurers according to Jim R. Woods, Co-leader of Mayer Brown's Global Insurance Industry Group.The cyber lawyer points to Lloyds and the University of Cambridges joint 2015 study, Business Blackout, estimating damages between $243 billion to over $1 trillion in the hypothetical case of the US electrical grid suffering a catastrophic cyber-attack.Woods said the biggest cyber coverage hes seen is for $400 million and though Business Blackout calls this type of assault improbable the report also said its technologically possible.The year 2016 has given Woods more grounds for concern.Odd catastrophes that have potentially occurred, including our recent presidential election where there was clear interference by foreign state operatives, shows Woods other, previously unthinkable scale hacks can happen.Perhaps its time that brokers put together cyber bonds, Woods said. In order to provide sufficient capacity for the types of risks involved in a cyber-attack.Another, more recent report, this one from Allied Market Research, said the global cyber insurance market was set to reach a $14 billion value by 2022.Though Woods agrees the report indicates companies are taking cyber safety seriously, he said thats mostly regulator-driven.Questions remain whether regulations will loosen or not under the incoming Trump administration, he said.I think we need almost a cabinet seat that deals directly with cyber, Woods said. I realize Homeland security has some cyber function, the Department of Defense has some cyber function, the FBI has a cyber function and others in the federal government have cyber functions.However, because of the broad scope, what hacks can do to companies, individuals and elections, Woods said cyber deserves a federal department.He also advocated for uniformity of data breach disclosure laws throughout the US, adding most non-Fortune 500 companies dont know what their legal responsibilities are following an online attack.Realistically, it (hacking) is a relatively new phenomenon thats only occurred (on this scale) in the last two years, Woods said.But regulations continue to drive change.If youre an insurer with your head in the sand, youre going to get kicked in the butt, Woods said about hacker mitigation awareness.Though liability for directors and operators has perceived to have grown, none have been convicted due to negligence from a cyber-attack in any American court.That may not stay the case, Woods said.The New York Department of Financial Services came out with a comprehensive set of regulations requiring all insurers have a detailed data breach response plan, a written information security plan, certification by a Board of Directors and from a Chief Information Security Officer.The regulations go into effect January 1, 2017.If that standard is not adhered to, I think youre going to see some derivative lawsuits and potential third party lawsuits for those who fail to follow those regulations, Woods said.
CEOs risk lawsuits but Trump might make their life easier
Facebook blocks insurers plans to use social media profiles
Council President Peter Marchetti called a recess to get the petition signed and handed to the state representative.
Pittsfield Urgently Seeks to Restore Bus Drivers Pensions
The City Council approved the order, voicing its support for the bus drivers. PITTSFIELD, Mass. The City Council is urgently looking to get retired bus drivers the pensions they deserve.
On Tuesday, the City Council passed a home rule petition, which needs to be approved by the state Legislature, to give retired bus drivers and attendants post-employment benefits.
The move comes right as some retirees are seeing a cut in benefits, sometimes 30 percent or more.
"It is a hope to get this rectified by the end of the year," said Council President Peter Marchetti.
The urgency is high and after approving the petition, Marchetti called for a recess to sign and then pass the paperwork onto state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier to take to Boston in the morning.
According to Marchetti, the issue arose following an audit from the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission, which ruled retired bus drivers are only eligible for pensions based on 21.25 hours a week, despite how many hours they worked or paid into the system.
"Currently, the issue that has caused this problem is the language in the bus driver's contract," Marchetti said.
The contract guarantees that drivers receive 21.25 hours but most work more than that and have been paying into the pension system based on the hours actually worked. In 2015, the Retirement Board was audited and the state ruled that the drivers were only eligible for pensions based on 21.25 hours per week. The city appealed it but lost.
"All of the school bus drivers have filed their own appeal," Marchetti said.
Marchetti said the problem was an "unintended consequence" related to the state's 2009 pension reform. Recently, retirees were seeing drops in pension checks by more a quarter. Retiree Alan Zaiken said he worked for nearly 40 years for the School Department and just recently saw his checks drop by more than $600.
Marchetti said for some the loss could be in the $8,000 range.
The home rule petition, once approved by the Legislature, will now cover the dozen or so retirees or soon to be retirees, giving them the pensions based on the money and hours the workers actually put in.
The bus drivers and the attendants are hardworking people who come to work every day," said Councilor At Large Kathleen Amuso, who used to serve on the School Committee. "They have come to work and done what we've asked them to do for decades."
Superintendent of Schools Jason McCandless said there is language in the next contract with the bus drivers that rectifies the issues for the years to come. Those who will still be working for the city or will be newly hired will fall under the new contract which gives the drivers and attendants what they put into the system, and not one based on the lower number of hours.
"We will have this problem solved for current employees," McCandless said.
The state's ruling basically said that the extra hours above 21.25 were considered extra and not part of the pension program. But Marchetti says the drivers have already been paying in for the full amount.
"They have already been paying into the retirement system based on the hours they worked," Marchetti said. "It is not like it is a gift. We are allowing them to receive the monies they have been paying in."
Marchetti added that it will have no additional cost to the city. But, the urgency is important because otherwise, it could take some three years for the driver's appeals to be completed - too long for them to go at the lower level of checks, Marchetti said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Maksim Tsurkov Trend:
Drilling at the Azerbaijani Shafag-Asiman offshore block of gas fields will depend on the plans to use the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCARs new drilling rig, BP Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey Gordon Birrell said on Dec. 15.
The drilling will entirely depend on the availability and readiness of a next-generation drilling rig which is currently being built by the Azerbaijani company, he said.
The drilling rig will probably not be used in 2017, since SOCAR has other plans for the platform, Birrell added.
Thus, plans for the drilling at the Shafag-Asiman block of fields can change, he explained.
SOCAR and BP signed a contract on the Shafag-Asiman block of fields for a period of 30 years in October 2010. The exploration period is four years with possibility of extension for three more years.
Lawmakers will start to consider changes to the law when the new legislative session starts in January.
Recreational Marijuana Now Legal in Massachusetts
PITTSFIELD, Mass. Recreational marijuana use is now legal for adults in Massachusetts.
But don't expect much of a difference, other than reading a few news stories or seeing some Facebook posts. While home use is now legal, retail stores won't be opened until at least 2018 and lawmakers have already toyed with the idea of delaying that timeline.
Thursday's legalization had almost been delayed but two days ago, Senate President Stanley Rosenberg and Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo issued a joint statement saying they had no intentions of doing that.
"The voters spoke in favor of legalized recreational marijuana on November 8th and we fully intend to respect the will of the voters. While we analyze the provisions of the new law and its implementation we will not be passing legislation that changes the December 15th effective date for possession, use, and home growing," the brief statement reads.
The law was passed by voters on the November ballot, with Massachusetts joining seven other states to essentially treat marijuana in the same way as alcohol.
The law restricts use from public places and it is illegal to buy it from anywhere but a licensed retailer retailers who won't even be able to apply for a license until fall 2017 or to open until 2018.
From now until then is what is being referred a "gray area" when it is legal for those over the age of 21 to use pot but illegal to buy it.
The only difference on Thursday from Wednesday would be that police won't be able to hand out a civil fine for those using it in their homes, which was the case after a 2008 vote to deregulate the drug. Residents can grow up to six plants per person with a maximum of a dozen per household. Selling it is still against the law.
Enforcement of marijuana-related crimes had pretty much fallen off the map anyway. Beyond those civil infractions, the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force in 2015 made just 127 pot-related arrests; in 95 percent of those cases, the drug was found on top of cocaine, heroin, or other illegal drugs. Only 18 people were charged with marijuana crimes and only one received a fine the rest of the cases were either dismissed or continued without a finding.
So Thursday won't look a whole lot different but it does represent a milestone as the state begins to roll out a new industry.
This January, the Legislature will have a chance to make changes to the law in the new session. Rosenberg has already suggested raising the age of use to 25 while other lawmakers have suggested other tweaks. Treasurer Deb Goldberg, who opposed the ballot initiative, is charged with creating a three-member Cannabis Control Commission to oversee the law by the end of March.
State Rep. Paul Mark, D-Peru, says he wants somebody from Western Massachusetts on the commission to bring in the "small-town perspective where local regulations are harder to develop and enforce due to our limited population and scarce financial resources."
As for getting pot shops up and running, Mark believes the state won't need to delay that.
"I am not looking for any delays at this time. I think that a 2018 window gives the state government time to get clear rules and regulations in place for retail establishments, and I am hopeful that this process will be more streamlined and roll out more smoothly than medical marijuana has since it was approved by the voters," Mark said.
Voters, again by ballot initiative, approved medical marijuana in 2012. Those in the Berkshires, however, can't say the medical marijuana rollout was successful. Four years later, there isn't a dispensary within an hour drive. State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox, says that experience will guide the way for a smoother rollout of recreational.
"I think we already have most of that work done," Pignatelli said. "This is not reinventing the wheel."
Pignatelli said those medical marijuana delays were because the concept was brand new to the lawmakers. For recreational, he says lawmakers can just follow the model created in 2012, speeding up the process. At this point, there are three or four medical marijuana dispensaries approved to open in the Berkshires.
Pignatelli had opposed the ballot question and he has some changes he'd like to make to the law. He's concerned about packaging, the contents of edibles, and the level of taxation.
"I think there are a lot of things that need to be tweaked," he said. "People voted on a concept but it is a concept with no rules and regulations."
The law calls for a 3.75 percent excise tax on marijuana products while allowing cities and towns to add a 2 percent tax. Pignatelli says he wants to make sure the tax isn't placed at a level that would encourage black market use.
"We can't tax ourselves out of the market. People will just go buy it on the black market," Pignatelli said. "We need to make sure we are competitive [on pricing]."
He also wants some rules in place to keep any pot products from being packaged in ways that appear enticing to children. And he wants labels to clearly outline what the consumer is buying. While Pignatelli may have opposed the measure, he said will be looking at how industrial hemp will be controlled in hopes to see an economic boom in the Berkshires.
Hemp, once a mainstay crop used to make everything from cloth and paper to oils and foods to biofuels and construction materials, was linked to its psychotropic cousin in the 1930s and finally banned outright by the 1970s. Canada, which reintroduced hemp in 1998, now exports about $100 million worth.
"This could be a real benefit to our local farmers," Pignatelli said.
Mark also wants agriculture and economic development to remain a focus with the rollout. While at the same time, he wants to ensure the rules surrounding retail establishments are clear and the product doesn't end up in the hands of those under the age of 21.
"I think that the most important issues to keep an eye on as this gets rolled out are to make sure it stays out of the hands of anyone 21 or younger, that there are clear rules on what can be sold and possessed and where it can be sold and used legally, that there is a reasonable level of local control over retail establishments, and that there is a focus on local economic and agricultural development as this new industry begins in our state," Mark said.
So Thursday will likely seem like any other day but it is the start of a process state officials will be embarking on in the next year to fulfill the voters' wishes for legal pot.
Tori Wilhelm, left, Shawn Wright and Bonnie Fachini, all from the court system, pose with office assistant Tina Samson and Veterans Agent Stephen Roy on Wednesday. Shawn Wright of the Office of Community Corrections' Trial Court Community Service Program. Donated canned goods ready for pickup. PreviousNext
Court Employees Contribute to North Berkshire Veterans
Veterans Agent Stephen Roy checks out the handmade scarf sets knitted by a former Trial Court employees.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Local veterans in need can look forward to a merrier Christmas this year as the piles of donations at City Hall continue to grow.
Bags and boxes of canned and boxed foods, quilts, jackets, scarves, hats and gloves, and a thick envelope full of gift certificates were delivered to the Veterans' Office on Wednesday morning from the local court system, thanks to Bonnie Fachini and Tori Wilhelm of the Probation Department.
The two had been gathering donations from District and Juvenile court employees and friends for about month and transported the goods over with the help of the Office of Community Corrections' Trial Court Community Service Program.
"Last year, we collected donations for the Louison House but Tori suggested we do the veterans this time," said Fachini. The donations included several sets of hand-knitted scarves, mittens and hats by a former colleague.
They also collected for Moments House this year.
Wilhelm, who is also the veteran's liaison at the courts, said she hoped to provide more awareness that veterans can utilize the office.
iciHaiti - Security : Tripartite agreement for the modernization of the border
On Wednesday, at the last luncheon of the year, the Board of Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AmChamDR), Miguel Vargas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed the importance for the Dominican Republic and Haiti of the signing of the tripartite cooperation agreement with the US authorities, through which a program will be set up through a binational committee for the modernization of the border of the two nations occupying the island.
The agreement was signed at a meeting in the city of Laredo, Texas, with the participation of two delegations of legislators and the Haitian authorities. It was also signed by the International University of Texas which assumes responsibility for technical coordination.
SL/ iciHaiti
Haiti - Culture : Training tour on the Theater Forum techniques
The Haitian Association "Les Rescapes" starts this Wednesday a tour of ten training workshops on the Forum Theater techniques, an initiative, supported by the Minustah
This original project aims to sensitize young Haitians such as theater groups to advocacy techniques so that they themselves become actors of change "We will train 250 people to the theater technique forum. Our goal is that at least one troupe per department regularly offer forum theater performances in their community," explained Thomas Noreille, founder of the Association" Les Rescapes".
This project, following a partnership of more than three years between Minustah and the Association "Les Rescapes", highlights the use of forum theater techniques through public participation as a tool for raising awareness. The subjects proposed in the tour are directly related to civic education, the culture of peace such as the promotion of national dialogue, tolerance and respect for others, and electoral education, and in particular the importance of voting without violence.
Organized in anticipation of the second round of elections, the tour will take place from 14 December 2016 to 9 February 2017 in the capitals of the ten departments of Haiti. Two hundred and fifty young people, aged 18 and over, artists and members of local theater groups will be selected to participate in the workshops. They will also be sensitized on civics by educators from the Coalition of Haitian Volunteers (COHAIV). The young artists will have to write themselves a scenario of Theater forum engaging both actors and spectators.
Calendar of the tour of "Rescapes" "Mwen akte avni peyim" :
From 14 to 16 December 2016 Gonaives
From 19 to 22 December 2016 Port-de-Paix
From January 9 to 11, 2017 Port-au-Prince
From 13 to 15 January 2017 Hinche
From 16 to 18 January 2017 Cap Haitien
From 20 to 22 January 2017 Fort freedom
From 16 to 28 January 2017 Jacmel
From January 30th to February 1st 2017 Miragoane
From 2 to 4 February 2017 Les Cayes
From 7 to 9 February 2017 Jeremie
More about the Forum Theater :
Created by Augusto Boal in 1960 in Brazil, the Forum Theater, also called the "theater of the oppressed," tries to bring solutions to social problems by actively engaging the spectators who replace the characters on stage. The "Rescapes" were trained in this participatory theater technique in 2012 by the Swiss actor / director Fabrice Bessire. Since then they have used this technique as an advocacy tool to build the capacity of communities to identify their own solutions to the problems that affect them.
See also :
https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17754-haiti-elections-electoral-theater-tour.html
https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-13827-haiti-culture-success-of-the-tour-of-the-theater-forum-caravan.html
IH/ iciHaiti
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Leman Zeynalova Trend:
It is not the US, but OPEC that intends to control the oil market, says Amos Hochstein, the special envoy and coordinator for international energy affairs at the US Department of State.
The US government doesnt affect how much the companies drill or produce, it is all based on prices, he told a press conference in Baku Dec. 15.
Hochstein pointed out that if the US president told the companies to produce less or more, they would never listen.
Unlike most countries, we dont have one, two or five drilling companies, we have over 4,000, he added.
Hochstein pointed out that as a result of the revolution in technology in the oil and gas business, the US increased production from the shale oil.
As this happened in almost every decade, there was an oversupply of oil and the prices went down, he said.
But it is not the US that wants to control the market, said Hochstein, adding that OPEC, a cartel, thats entire existence, is intending to control the market together to increase the prices.
Last weekend OPEC and non-OPEC producers reached their first deal since 2001 to curtail oil output jointly and ease a global glut after more than two years of low prices.
Non-OPEC oil producers such as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan agreed to reduce output by 558,000 barrels per day starting from Jan. 1, 2017 for six months, extendable for another six months, to take into account prevailing market conditions and prospects.
Earlier OPEC agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1, with top exporter Saudi Arabia cutting as much as 486,000 barrels per day.
Details added (first version posted on 18:35)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Laman Zeynalova, Anakhanum Khidayatova Trend:
Washington will continue the support for implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project despite the political changes in Europe and the US, said Amos Hochstein, special envoy and coordinator for international energy affairs at the US Department of State.
Addressing a press conference in Baku Dec. 15, Hochstein said Washington will go on supporting the SGC projects implementation in the same way as once it supported and realized the importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
The Unites States is closely working with Azerbaijan and its allies to ensure that the Southern Gas Corridor project is completed and is successful, he said.
SGC is important not only for Azerbaijan, but also critical for energy and political security of Europe, added Hochstein.
He pointed to the important role of the SGC project under the conditions when Europe is facing the threat of energy monopolies, threatening their economic and political security.
Therefore, Azerbaijan plays an important role in ensuring Europe's energy security, added Hochstein.
The Southern Gas Corridor is a priority energy project for the EU. SGC would transport 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas to European countries through Georgia and Turkey.
Azerbaijans Shah Deniz 2 is considered as the main gas source for the Southern Gas Corridor. Other sources can also join this project at a later stage.
In the second phase of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets through expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of TANAP and TAP.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Maksim Tsurkov Trend:
Azerbaijan considers it necessary for the US to get involved in resolving the situation around implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project in Greece and Italy, said Azerbaijani Energy Minister Natig Aliyev.
He was addressing a meeting with Amos Hochstein, special envoy and coordinator for international energy affairs at the US Department of State.
The Southern Gas Corridor project is a priority for Azerbaijan and the government is committed to its implementation. The quality and timely implementation of the project is the main goal of Azerbaijans policy and the governments priority, Natig Aliyev said.
Realization of this project is possible with the international support. From this viewpoint, the role and support of the US is commendable, the minister added.
In his turn, Hochstein said the Southern Gas Corridor is important not only for Azerbaijan, but also even more for Europe, and the project is of strategic importance for the US.
He added that the new US government will continue a similar policy towards the SGC project.
The US will continue to support oil and gas production in Azerbaijan, as well as transportation of oil and gas to the world markets, Hochstein said.
The State of Israeli Poor
The Fellowship | December 15, 2016
The Fellowship and our faithful friends continue to provide aid to the many impoverished who live in Israel. The Jerusalem Posts Lidar Grave-Lazi reports on a new survey done on the state of the Jewish states poor:
Poverty is not just a matter of values, but a real threat to the resilience of Israeli society and its ability to sustain a society that is functioning and shows solidarity, said Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, founder and president of the IFCJ
The respondents said the responsibility of taking care of the poor lies first and foremost with the entire government and then, in declining order of responsibility, with the prime minister, the finance minister, the labor and social services minister and the National Insurance Institute
The worrisome statistics and severity of poverty, alongside this survey, should be a wakeup call to the leaders of our country and its citizens, said Eckstein. It is time that the Israeli government declares an all-out war against poverty and handle the situation with the same determination and the same budgets which it allocates for dealing with external security threats
The Start-Up and Innovative Nation is capable, if it so desires, to minimize poverty and the gaps to a minimum and to stop wallowing at the bottom of the list of developed countries in everything related to social issues, he said.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Elena Kosolapova Trend:
Chairman of the lower house (Majlis) of Kazakhstans parliament Nurlan Nigmatulin will visit Azerbaijan next week, the Kazakh embassy in Baku told Trend Dec. 15.
Nigmatulin will visit Azerbaijan in order to participate in the opening ceremony of a new administrative building of TurkPA (Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkic-speaking Countries) Secretariat in Baku, to be held on Dec. 22.
The chairman will visit Baku on Dec. 21 or Dec. 22 and he will be accompanied by a group of members of the Kazakh parliament.
The Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-speaking Countries is a parliamentary association, goals of which are the creation of a mechanism of interparliamentary relations among Turkic-speaking countries, harmonization of political views, exchange of information, promotion of Turkish culture, expansion of economic relations, implementation of joint projects, finding solutions to the problems of the Turkic world.
TurkPA was established on Nov. 21, 2008, according to the Agreement signed by heads of parliaments of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey.
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Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
Lenovos latest 5 HD, 4G smartphone Lenovo A6600 is available at Globe MyLifestyle Plan 599
Lenovo offers Filipino millennials unmatched experience in an affordable, nifty package with the release of Lenovo VIBE A6600, a feature-packed budget smartphone exclusively available through Philippines leading mobile carrier Globe Telecom. Featuring a stylish 5 HD display and Powered by a 64-bit MediaTek 6735p quad-core 1.0GHz processor the Lenovo A6600 comes with 4G capability, and VoLTE connectivity. The phone is a multimedia powerhouse contained in a form factor that is still intuitive enough for Filipino smartphone consumers.
Lenovo is committed towards innovating great smartphones that address millennials productivity and speed requirements. Our latest smartphone, Lenovo VIBE A6600, offers a delicate balance between portability and performance sans the hefty price tag, to empower dynamic Filipino millennials in their day-to-day needs, said Dino Romano, Philippines Country Manager, Lenovo Mobile Business Group.
Beyond-the-basic functionality
Lenovo VIBE A6600 comes pre-installed with Android 6.0, sans the usual bevy of bloatware. Powered by a 64-bit MediaTek 6735p quad-core 1.0GHz processor with 1GB of RAM, Lenovo VIBE A6600 offers extraordinary performance, storage, and speed befitting multitaskers who frequently shift between updating social media, reviewing documents, and answering phone calls.
And the smartphone revolutionizes the viewing experience, too. Its brilliant 5-inch HD screen has an 800:1 contrast ratio that covers the maximum color spectrum, for displaying strikingly clear videos and photos.
Users can connect with what matters most at blazing 4G speeds, and conveniently carry two numbers with the smartphones Dual SIM support. Additionally, Lenovo VIBE A6600s dual VoLTE-enabled SIMs make HD voice calling really easy...
Sweet additions
Lenovo VIBE A6600s 8MP autofocus rear camera with flash contains automatic face detection, automatic scene detection and zero shutter delay features, for capturing incredible photos. With the smartphones expandable 16GB internal storage capacity, users can maintain easy access to a huge archive of music, movies and games.
Lenovo VIBE A6600 is backed by a 2300 mAh battery, which offers plenty of juice for extended use. Its high capacity interchangeable battery gives users the capability to switch batteries, so users can worry less about their battery running low.
Pricing and Availability
Consumers can get the Lenovo VIBE A6600 exclusively for free at Globe MyLifestyle Plan 599. The bundle includes unlimited calls and texts to Globe/TM and GoSURF 99, which offers 200MB of mobile internet. It also comes with exciting freebies: choice of Navigation, Explore, or Fitness Pack for one (1) month; one (1) month Gadget Care subscription; and 1GB Globe Cloud for 24 months. Lenovo VIBE A6600 is available in Matte White and Matte Black colors.
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Governor Brown to Climate Scientists: "We Will Persevere"
San Francisco, California - Rallying thousands of scientists at one of the largest international gatherings of its kind, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today called on the scientific community - the truth-tellers and truth seekers - to mobilize for the climate fight.
The time has never been more urgent or your work never more important. The climate is changing, temperatures are rising, oceans are becoming more acidified, habitats are under stress the world is facing tremendous danger, said Governor Brown at the American Geophysical Unions annual fall meeting in San Francisco. Itll be up to you as truth-tellers, truth seekers to mobilize all your efforts to fight back. Weve got a lot of firepower. Weve got the scientists, weve got the universities, we have the national labs and we have the political clout and sophistication for the battle and we will persevere. Have no doubt about that.
Governor Brown gives remarks at American Geophysical Union fall meeting.
We will pursue a path of collaboration and bold political advancement whatever they do in Washington and eventually the truth will prevail, Governor Brown continued. This is not a battle of one day or one election. This is a long-term slog into the future and you are there, the foot soldiers of change and understanding and scientific collaboration.
Governor Brown addresses scientists at American Geophysical Union fall meeting.
Governor Browns remarks follow yesterdays action to prevent further coastal oil and gas drilling, reduce ocean acidity and boost renewable energy development in California. In recent weeks, Governor Brown issued a joint release with the governors of Oregon and Washington and the premier of British Columbia reaffirming their commitment to climate action at the close of COP22. The Governor also announced 29 new members to the Under2 Coalition, an international climate pact formed by California and Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany among cities, states and countries to limit the increase in global average temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius, the level of potentially catastrophic consequences. A total of 165 jurisdictions have now joined the coalition representing more than a billion people and $25.7 trillion in combined GDP more than one-third of the global economy.
California's Leadership on Climate Change
California is playing a world-leading role in setting aggressive climate goals, broadening collaboration among subnational leaders and taking action to reduce climate pollutants.
In September, California took bold action to advance its climate goals, establishing the most ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets in North America and the nation's toughest restrictions on destructive super pollutants. The Governor also signed legislation that directs cap-and-trade funds to greenhouse gas reducing programs which benefit disadvantaged communities, support clean transportation and protect natural ecosystems.
This action builds on landmark legislation the Governor signed in October 2015 to generate half of the state's electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and double the rate of energy efficiency savings in California buildings. Governor Brown has also committed to reducing today's petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50 percent within the next 15 years; make heating fuels cleaner; and manage farm and rangelands, forests and wetlands so they can store carbon.
Over the past year and a half, the Governor has traveled to the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, the Vatican in Italy and the Climate Summit of the Americas in Toronto, Canada to call on other leaders to join California in the fight against climate change. Governor Brown also joined an unprecedented alliance of heads of state, city and state leaders convened by the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund to urge countries and companies around the globe to put a price on carbon.
These efforts to broaden collaboration among subnational leaders build on a number of other international climate change agreements with leaders from the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Mexico, China, North America, Japan, Israel, Peru and Chile and Governor Brown's efforts to gather hundreds of world-renowned researchers and scientists around a groundbreaking call to action called the consensus statement which translates key scientific climate findings from disparate fields into one unified document.
The impacts of climate change are already being felt in California and will disproportionately impact the state's most vulnerable populations.
Photo Credit: Joe McHugh, California Highway Patrol.
Addressing Prison Radicalization Worldwide
Washington, DC - The International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), with grant funding from the United States, hosted a global workshop in Valletta, Malta on December 12-13, 2016, on efforts to address prison radicalization.
Prison officials from a number of countries and representatives from international organizations and NGOs compared notes on global and regional trends regarding radicalization to violence in prisons. They reviewed and discussed a range of reference tools, which included handbooks as well as good practices and recommendations documents aimed at addressing prison radicalization that have been developed over the past two years by international experts. They also shared specific experiences and insights related to prison radicalization, such as risk assessments, housing of terrorist inmates, and rehabilitation.
Representatives from Algeria, France, Italy, Ireland, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Netherlands, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Niger, Spain, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, and the United States attended. Experts from Penal Reform International, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, the Global Center on Cooperative Security, and the International Counterterrorism Center The Hague also participated.
Research into the causes of violent extremism has shown that prisons often play an important role as incubators of radicalization for disenfranchised individuals. Some of the terrorists who played a role in recent terrorist attacks in Paris, Copenhagen, and Brussels may have been radicalized to violence while in prison. Through this global workshop and subsequent regional events, we seek to promote the knowledge and use of numerous recently-developed reference tools that provide examples and guidance on how to mitigate, detect, and address prison radicalization and recruitment. In addition, these workshops will help underscore that sound prison policies and procedures can help minimize opportunities for recruitment within prisons and help prison officials to deal effectively with radicalization within their facilities. Finally, this workshop consolidates information that may have been presented at previous workshops and training sessions focused on the management and rehabilitation of terrorist inmates.
USDA Revises Guidance on Date Labeling to Reduce Food Waste
Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today issued updated information on food product labeling, including new guidance aimed at reducing food waste through encouraging food manufacturers and retailers that apply product dating to use a Best if Used By date label.
In an effort to reduce food loss and waste, these changes will give consumers clear and consistent information when it comes to date labeling on the food they buy, said Al Almanza, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety. This new guidance can help consumers save money and curb the amount of wholesome food going in the trash.
Except for infant formula, product dating is not required by Federal regulations. Food manufacturers frequently use a variety of phrases, such as Sell-by and Use-by on product labels to describe quality dates on a voluntary basis. The use of different phrases to describe quality dates has caused consumer confusion and has led to the disposal of food that is otherwise wholesome and safe because it is past the date printed on the package.
FSIS is changing its guidance to recommend the use of Best if Used By because research shows that this phrase is easily understood by consumers as an indicator of quality, rather than safety.
USDA estimates that 30 percent of food is lost or wasted at the retail and consumer level. This new guidance builds on other recent changes FSIS has made to facilitate food donation and reduce food waste. In January 2016, FSIS issued Directive 7020.1, which made it easier for companies to donate products that have minor labeling errors, such as an incorrect net weight. FSIS has also begun recognizing food banks as retail-type establishments, which allows food banks (under certain circumstances) to break down bulk shipments of federally-inspected meat or poultry products, wrap or rewrap those products, and label the products for distribution to consumers. In 2016, FSIS enabled 2.6 million pounds of manufacturer donations.
Comments on this revised guidance may be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov or by mail to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, FSIS, Docket Clerk, Patriots Plaza III, 355 E St. S.W., 8-163A, Mailstop 3782, Washington, DC 20250-3700. All comments submitted must include docket number FSIS-2016-0044. FSIS will accept comments for 60 days.
Reducing food loss and waste is core to USDAs mission. Since 2009, USDA has launched new and ongoing initiatives to reduce food waste. In 2013, USDA the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the U.S. Food Waste Challenge, creating a platform for leaders and organizations across the food chain to share best practices on ways to reduce, recover, and recycle food loss and waste. In 2015, USDA and EPA set the first-ever national food waste reduction goal of 50 percent by 2030 to reduce the amount of wasted food in landfills.
Under Secretary Sewall Travels to Switzerland and the United Kingdom
Washington, DC - Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Sarah Sewall will travel to Switzerland and the United Kingdom December 15-21, 2016. In Geneva, the Under Secretary will meet foreign governments supporting global efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism (P/CVE). This coalition, known as the Group of Friends on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, supports implementation of the UN Secretary-Generals Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism and seeks to ensure that respect for human rights remain central to global P/CVE efforts.
The Under Secretary Sewall will also meet with counterparts in the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Refugee Agency.
In London, the Under Secretary will meet with officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Cabinet Office to discuss multilateral human rights and counterterrorism policy, as well as strengthening cooperation in addressing corruption, trafficking in persons, and sexual and gender-based violence.
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You have to trust that Christopher Nolan knows what hes doing casting a former boy band member in his next big movie, but Harry Styles role in Dunkirk is a curveball nonetheless.
Yesterday, we got a better look at his role in the first full trailer, and it seems as though hes playing a minor/supporting character - a young soldier trapped in Dunkirk.
Styles enormous fan base are obviously delighted with his foray into Hollywood, but a little confused about the film and the true story behind it:
Dunkirk is, of course, a city in northern France, and the film centres on the rescue of hundreds of thousands of Allied soldiers from its harbour during World War II, when the German army had them surrounded.
The lead actors in the film have been singing Styles praises.
Recommended That bad Dunkirk extra got cut out of the full trailer
Harry Styles is great," Cillian Murphy told the Radio Times.
"I had very few scenes with Harry but we got to hang out and I've got to say he's a great, great kid, and really, really funny.
"Above all, he added, Chris Nolan knows talent and would have cast Harry for a reason.
Mark Rylance echoed this, telling the Standard: He seems remarkable ... one of those people [who has] Sean Penn has it too a kind of panache. I look at them and think, How did you get that? How do you get so that life is easy? But he has got a lovely, lovely character. Its a gift.
Dunkirk will be release in summer 2017.
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The state of California is ready to fight Donald Trumps administration and Big Oil over their denial of climate change because it is at odds with the survivability of our world, Governor Jerry Brown has told a gathering of scientists.
California could even start launching its own satellites to monitor the atmosphere, Mr Brown said, if the current Nasa programmes were cancelled.
The President-elect, who has bizarrely claimed climate change is a hoax perpetrated by China, has packed his Government with politicians who have links to the fossil fuel industry or are known for denial of the scientific evidence.
Erik Solheim, the executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, has expressed concern that some elite American politicians deny science, adding you will be in the Middle Ages if you deny science.
Speaking at an American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting in San Francisco, Mr Brown compared the dangers of climate change to the Cuban Missile Crisis.
But also compared the election of Mr Trump to a heart attack that might actually help the world wake up to the risk.
The time has never been more urgent or your work never more important, he told the scientists. The danger is definitely rising, the power of a few to disrupt the world has never been greater.
The Cuban Missile Crisis had taken the world to the brink of mass destruction, possibly killing hundreds of millions of people, its something that almost came to be, he said. And now with climate change, we are facing another danger.
Mr Brown dismissed those who disputed the science and concrete evidence, including a near 1C rise in average global temperatures in little over a century, the disappearance of small islands in the Pacific and the opening up of new shipping lanes in the Arctic, which in a few years will be completely ice free for the first time in about 100,000 years.
We know the data, we know whats happening in the world despite the deniers. The climate is changing, the temperatures are rising, the oceans are becoming more acidified, habitats are under stress. The world is really facing this tremendous danger, he said.
The powerful vested interests trying to stop the world from switching to a low-carbon economy might be about to get a powerful ally in the White House. But Mr Brown said California would resist by championing honest science free from any political interference and sending in the lawyers.
We are facing far more than one or two or even thousands of politicians. We are facing Big Oil, we are facing big financial structures that are at odds with the survivability of our world, he said.
And it will be up to you as truth-tellers, truth-seekers, to mobilise all your efforts to fight back.
10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke filled with the carbon that is driving climate change drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan
Big Tobacco was pretty powerful, but they lied and they came a cropper, not just with scientists but with lawyers. And, in California, we got plenty of lawyers.
So weve got the scientists, weve got the lawyers and were ready to fight, were ready to defend.
In 1978, Mr Brown suggested California should launch its own satellite. They called me Governor Moonbeam because of that, he quipped.
It was an idea he suggested the state might revisit.
If Trump turns off the [climate monitoring] satellites, California will launch its own damn satellite. Were going to collect that data ... and we do launch, private companies are launching satellites right here, Mr Brown said.
Trump comments on Paris Climate deal
The election of Mr Trump and the climate deniers descent into increasingly ridiculous arguments would eventually produce a backlash based on science and truth, he claimed.
Some people need a heart attack to stop smoking. Maybe we just got our heart attack and we better start doing the work that it takes to really do what it takes to reduce our climate emissions, he said.
Were not at the point of absurdity yet, but about the time we get there, were ready to ride the backlash back to sanity, sustainability and truth.
There have some who have suggested California should secede from the United States because the political differences are so profound.
And Mr Brown said some of his critics accused him of acting as if he ran his own state.
Climate change: It's "game over" for planet earth
A lot of people say, What the hell are you doing Brown? Youre not a country, he said.
Well, judged by measures of gross domestic product we are the fifth or sixth largest economy in the world and weve got a lot of fire power.
Weve got the scientists, weve got the universities and we have the national labs. We have the political clout and sophistication for the battle and we will persevere, have no doubt about that.
Whatever Washington thinks they are doing, California is the future.
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Its hard to say when exactly Christmas food specials became a Thing, but in this unbelievable year of 2016, they well and truly are.
Practically every restaurant, coffee shop and bar now offers up some kind of festive food or drink, knowing that punters will literally eat them up.
But how do you know on which ones its worth spending your hard-earned money? Its an expensive time of year, so thankfully the fine British fast food scene has gone to town on its Christmas specials.
And in the name of serving the public interest, I decided to try one of the festive dishes from six of the biggest fast food chains in the UK to find out which is best.
Oh, and eat them all one straight after another, purely to make things extra challenging.
Deliberately absolutely starving, I set off with a rumbling tummy to begin my Christmas fast food crawl in central London.
First up, McDonalds.
McDonalds
McDonald's Festive Cheese Feast
Thanks to what I assume is a hefty advertising budget, most of us have seen the adverts for the McDonalds Christmas burgers this year - and they look pretty good dont they?
I ordered the Festive Cheese Feast, but perhaps unsurprisingly, it looked nothing like the picture. It looked pretty sad actually, like someone had trodden on the one from the advert.
Supposedly consisting of a beef burger with cheese, smoked bacon, cheese sauce, seasoned grilled onions, tomato ketchup and lettuce in a toasted bun, it tasted, well, like a McDonalds burger. Not bad, just classic McDonalds flavour.
I liked the onion, but Im not sure where the supposed bacon was hiding and the cheese had a suspiciously non-cheese-like texture. Whats more, absolutely nothing about the burger seemed festive to me.
Whilst not unpleasant, it was a little disappointing.
Price: 4.59
Calories: 773 calories
Score: 6.5/10
Subway
Subway's Festive Feast
It was prime lunchtime so I joined a long queue of people waiting for their midday sub - no one else was ordering it, but it was the Festive Feast I was after.
The meaty sub is made up of turkey, bacon and sausage with cranberry sauce, plus optional cheese and the salad, extra sauces, and bread of your choice - I went for cheese (duhh), lettuce, cucumber, sweetcorn, sweet onion sauce and honey oat bread, because oats are healthy and I am clearly a very health-conscious person.
Despite still feeling like I had plenty of room for food, I was conscious of the fact that I had four further meals ahead of me so I opted for the six-inch sub rather than the foot-long.
Maybe its my own fault for adding sweet onion sauce (I just didnt want a dry sandwich, you understand), but the cranberry flavour was indeterminable and thus it didnt feel overly festive to me.
The sandwich was, however, surprisingly tasty. I liked the chunky sausage (get your mind out of the gutter, please) and the salad was fresh.
Price: 3.99,
Calories: 508 calories
Score: 8/10
Greggs
Greggs Festive Bake
With a handful of different festive offerings on the menu, I was spoilt for choice at Greggs - like a kid in a candy store, or a food-loving journalist on a Christmas food challenge. I was going strong and practically thriving two meals down.
Knowing I was going to be eating a fair few burgers and sandwiches, I was most intrigued by the Christmas lunch soup. For better or worse though (we shall never know), it had run out, so I resorted to the famous festive bake.
Warm puff pastry filled with chicken breast, sage and onion stuffing and bacon in a creamy sage and cranberry sauce, it sounded like it was going to taste pretty Christmassy.
Channelling my inner Mary Berry, I inspected the underside of the pastry - alas, a dreaded soggy bottom. On top, however, the pastry was golden, crisp and flaky. I think Paul would approve.
Whilst the filling was pretty mushy, the flavour was bloomin delicious - it exceeded my expectations and was definitely the most festive so far.
Price: 1.50,
Calories: 451
Score: 6.5/10
KFC
KFC Colonel's Christmas Box Meal
I was halfway through my challenge and thoroughly full by this point. But I had a Colonels Christmas Box Meal with my name on just a few doors down the street so I gathered my strength and headed into KFC.
This is an excessively large meal consisting of the Colonels Christmas burger, fries, a side of your choosing, a piece of chicken and a drink.
The burger itself is quite tasty and seemed pretty festive - in a toasted (perhaps overly so) bun, there was a chicken fillet, hashbrown, cranberry sauce and sage and onion stuffing mayo.
The cranberry sauce, however, looked suspiciously like it had never been anywhere near an actual cranberry.
At 1272 calories, this is not a meal for the fainthearted. It is perhaps one for the hungover.
Price: 6.49
Calories: 1272
Score: 7/10
Burger King
Burger King's Cheddar Whopper
Sadly, I had little time to digest my chicken box as it wasnt far to the next stop: Burger King. I was feeling it, but I pushed on.
The thing about Burger Kings seasonal menu is that it is not even remotely Christmassy - its all about cheese. And whilst I get that cheese is often consumed at this time of year, its not exactly a food most of us associate with yuletide.
Anyway, I optimistically ordered the Cheddar Whopper and some Nacho Cheddar Bites (I wasnt going to skip a side order when Id come this far now, was I?), donned a cardboard crown and sat myself down.
My initial reaction upon opening up my burger: why on earth is the bun orange? And not just any old orange, but an extremely artificial, almost radioactive orange. Most suspicious.
Inside the bizarrely bright bun was a quarter-pounder beef patty, a four-cheese patty, cheddar, tomato, lettuce and even cheddar sauce, just in case you hadnt had enough.
The reason the bun is orange is it is supposedly infused with cheddar, but I couldnt taste it at all.
The whole thing was super squishy and soggy, and it tasted artificial and just plain weird. It is rare I eat things I actively dislike, but I did not like the Cheddar Whopper. Also, FIVE POUNDS!? Obscene.
And as for the nacho cheddar bites, well they were bizarre too, with the strangest squishy texture.
All in all, Burger Kings offering was easily the one that would most quickly induce a heart attack - I could almost feel it clogging my arteries - and without a doubt my least favourite so far. Ill admit it: I left half. Sorry not sorry.
Price: 4.99 for the Cheddar Whopper, 1.99 for four nacho cheddar bites
Calories: 985 for the burger, 257 for four bites
Score: 3.5/10
Nando's
Nando's Peri-Berry Burger
Id made it to my sixth and final lunch and fatigue was setting in - its exhausting work, eating. I wasnt going to, ahem, chicken out though.
This is the first time Nandos have created a Christmas burger and I had high hopes. The Peri-Berry burger combines chicken breast fillet and boneless chicken thigh in a roll with baby spinach and so-called Peri-Berry chutney.
Reader, I really enjoyed it, even after five lunches. And I must say, eating off a plate felt like the biggest of luxuries.
The bread roll was delicious, successfully finding the right balance between soft and crusty. It also made a nice change to all the soggy burger buns Id eaten.
Having two pieces of chicken could perhaps be considered excessive, but some would argue Christmas is a time for excess, and it was well-cooked.
Whats more, it actually tasted festive! This was largely, I believe, down to the Peri-Berry chutney which not only appeared to have actual berries in but was SPARKLY! And what says Christmas like sparkle? Nothing, thats what.
The red chutney and green spinach created a distinctly Christmassy look, and the mayo kept it all from being dry too. Despite everything Id eaten, I enjoyed it so much that I finished it.
I was less convinced, however, by the Peri-Orange wings Id ordered on the side - theyre classic Nandos wings covered in a sweet, sticky, orange sauce. I found the orange flavour a touch overwhelming and was generally a bit meh about the wings.
Price: 8.75 for the burger, 3.50 for three wings
Calories: 558 for the burger, 340 for the wings
Score: 9.5/10
Conclusion
McDonald's Terry's Chocolate Orange McFlurry
It had been quite the lunch, but is any meal complete without pudding? I think not. So I picked up McDonalds seasonal Terrys Chocolate Orange McFlurry to munch whilst mulling over everything Id eaten.
The winner (Nandos) and loser (Burger King) were clear in my mind, whilst the other four all floated around a similar area.
I was proud of myself for completing my feat of endurance, if feeling highly in need of a lie down. It wasnt until an hour or so later that I realised my heart was beating at an abnormally fast rate and I may be having palpitations.
Still, if it helps you pick your lunch this Christmas, those 5,500 calories were all worth it.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Elena Kosolapova Trend:
Speaker of Kyrgyzstans parliament Chynybai Tursunbekov will visit Azerbaijan next week, the Kyrgyz embassy in Baku told Trend Dec. 15.
Tursunbekov is expected to arrive in Baku on Dec. 21 and to take part in the opening ceremony of a new administrative building of TurkPA (Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkic-speaking Countries) Secretariat in Baku, to be held on Dec. 22.
On the eve of the visit, a delegation from Bishkek will arrive in Baku on Dec. 17 in order to discuss the agenda of the visit of Kyrgyz parliaments speaker.
The Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-speaking Countries is a parliamentary association, goals of which are the creation of a mechanism of interparliamentary relations among Turkic-speaking countries, harmonization of political views, exchange of information, promotion of Turkish culture, expansion of economic relations, implementation of joint projects, finding solutions to the problems of the Turkic world.
TurkPA was established on Nov. 21, 2008, according to the Agreement signed by heads of parliaments of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey.
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Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
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If the thought of spinning or aerial yoga classes have you yawning, then perhaps FloatFit - a fitness trend that requires sea legs - will set your pulse racing.
Float Fit combines yoga-inspired and high intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises including planks, burpees and mountain climbers - performed atop a specially-designed board called the Aquabase.
Floatfit fitness classes - in pictures Show all 7 1 /7 Floatfit fitness classes - in pictures Floatfit fitness classes - in pictures Aqua Physical Floatfit fitness classes - in pictures Aqua Physical Floatfit fitness classes - in pictures Aqua Physical Floatfit fitness classes - in pictures Aqua Physical Floatfit fitness classes - in pictures Aqua Physical Floatfit fitness classes - in pictures Aqua Physical Floatfit fitness classes - in pictures Aqua Physical
The routines are said to target muscles across the body and burn off 400 calories in 30 minutes, as the constant fight to stay afloat engages the body. As each board costs around 699, heading to one of the classes available across the UK is the best way to give a session a go.
The whole thing sounds like a recipe for disaster - but thats sort of the point. The instability of exercising on a board balancing on water is what its creators believe makes the workout unique.
Leila Francis Coleman, who created the aquabase board that FloatFit classes are performed on was inspired by her childhood spent sailing to harness the movement of water for fitness.
Floatfit classes were launched in July 2015, but received international attention when a video of a class in May went viral and was viewed over 120million times - causing a spike in searches for the term on Google.
To some, the idea of exercising on land let alone water is off-putting enough. Coleman admits that participants will probably fall off into the water, but thats part of the fun.
Recommended Crawling like a baby is the new fitness trend for 2017
"Its not serious, she says, adding that it is suitable for all age groups with their oldest participant being 80-years-old.
He was amazing. If he can do it anyone can.
But FloatFit will also have to compete with the myriad other fitness classes vying for the title of trend of 2017, just as spinning and Zumba took off in the mid-2000s and became standards in gyms across the world.
Crawling where the weight of the body is used in plank-based exercises is also set to be hot in 2017.
Its like the new version of the plank, but more interesting, fitness expert and Balance Festival Ambassador Ashley Hunt recently told The Independent. We have already seen the increasing popularity of crawling in states with groups forming and crawling classes such as Original Strength. The UK is now following suit.
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A gay couple have spoken of their pride after becoming parents for the second time with the help of a sister who has twice acted as their surrogate.
Rhiannon Stevens said helping her brother have children was a dream come true and she would do it again in a heartbeat.
The 35-year-old from Melbourne in Australia told news.com.au she first offered to carry her brother Clintons children 14 years ago when he told her he was gay.
When Clinton came out to our family, the first thing I said was that Id help him to have a baby when the time was right, said Ms Stevens, according to the news website.
While her brother may not have thought she was serious at the time, she "never forgot about my promise," she added.
In 2014 she gave birth to Clinton and his partner Callums first child Zara, conceived using the couples sperm and a donor egg.
Rhiannon Stevens with her brother Clinton Bryan-Mathieson (Facebook / Clinton Bryan-Mathieson)
And three weeks ago Ms Stevens, who also has three children of her own, gave birth to the pairs second daughter Aiden.
She said she loved being an aunt to Zara and couldnt wait to help give her a sibling.
Clinton and Callum had looked into adoption and international surrogacy to have children but both proved difficult.
Ms Stevens undertook a year of counselling and dealing with legal formalities before she could begin IVF treatment to become pregnant the first time.
And just three months after Zara was born, she said she was ready to go through the process again.
Clinton Bryan-Matthieson told the website he could never repay his sister for her kind deed and that the couple were looking forward to explaining to their daughters how they came into the world in due course.
In the UK, surrogacy arrangements such as Rhiannon and Clintons are legal as long as they are not arranged on a commercial basis.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
The law makes it illegal to advertise for a surrogate mother and imposes a six-week period immediately after a baby is born before parties can apply to the courts for a formal transfer of parental rights.
Advocates say confusion over surrogacy legislation is growing as the number of babies born this way rises, due to improvements in fertility technology and lowering stigma about non-traditional families.
Some 214 surrogate babies were registered with UK courts in 2014-15, up from 138 in 2011-12.
World's first IVF puppies born
An exclusive investigation by The Independent revealed that NHS hospitals were forcing surrogate families to hand over newborn babies in car parks because of staff fears of legal disputes.
Another pair of Australian siblings, Samuel and Bronte Leighton-Dore, are working together to allow Samuel to have a child with his long-term boyfriend Bradley Tennant.
Ms Leighton-Dore said she is hugely proud to donate her eggs to her brother, which will be implanted with Bradleys sperm and transferred to a surrogate mother.
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The first three-parent babies could be born in the UK next year following a historic decision giving the controversial new fertility technique the final go-ahead.
Three-person IVF, which prevents babies from inheriting lethal genetic diseases, has been approved by fertility regulator the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
Babies born using the technique would receive a tiny amount of DNA from a third woman in addition to genetic information from its mother and father.
Last year the UK became the first country to legalise mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), as the technique is known.
The HFEAs decision means clinics are now free to apply for permission to carry out the treatment, with the first patients expected to be seen as early as next Spring.
Professor Mary Herbert, who has led scientists pioneering the technique at Newcastle University, called the decision enormously gratifying.
Our many years of research in this area can finally be applied to help families affected by these devastating diseases, she said.
According to the team, MRT is scientifically ready and they already have women lined up to receive the therapy.
They hope to treat up to 25 women a year and NHS England has said it will provide 8m of funding to a five-year clinical trial.
Every patient would have to be considered separately before a licence allowing the therapy is issued by the regulator.
Professor Mary Herbert is at the forefront of the mitochondria transfer research in Newcastle (Mark Pinder)
HFEA chair Sally Cheshire said the decision was of historic importance, the BBC reported.
She said the decision was about cautious go ahead, not gung-ho go ahead and added there was still a long way to go.
One in 200 children are born with faulty genes in their mitochondria, small structures inside cells that generate energy.
This can lead to a wide range of potentially fatal conditions affecting vital organs, muscles, vision, growth and mental ability.
Just 0.1 per cent of a persons DNA is held in the mitochondria. It is always inherited from the mother and has no influence over individual characteristics such as appearance and personality.
An independent panel of experts has recommended cautious adoption of MRT, which is carried out by transferring the genetic material that effectively encodes a babys identity to a donor egg whose own nuclear DNA has been removed.
Two different techniques may be employed, either before or after fertilisation. The end result is the same an embryo containing healthy mitochondria from the donor and nuclear DNA from the babys mother and father.
In theory, mitochondrial replacement can not only prevent a child developing inherited diseases, but also protect future generations.
Critics say the technique is not foolproof and small numbers of faulty mitochondria may still be carried over into the child, and even replicate in the developing embryo.
Others believe the procedure is tantamount to genetic modification of humans or even playing God.
Mothers meeting their newborn babies Show all 9 1 /9 Mothers meeting their newborn babies Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Fermont Fotographie Mothers meeting their newborn babies Mothers meeting their newborn babies
They also argue that unforeseen problems might occur once the procedure is used to create human babies. For instance, replacing mitochondrial DNA might have more of an impact on personal traits than has been envisaged.
Unknown epigenetic effects environmental influences that alter the way genes work may also have serious consequences for the health of babies, it is claimed.
The worlds first child created using the three-parent baby technique was born in Mexico earlier this year.
The babys parents are from Jordan and the work was carried out by a team of experts from the US.
The child's mother has Leigh syndrome, a fatal disorder that affects the developing nervous system and would have been passed on in her mitochondrial DNA.
The technique used by Dr John Zhang, of the New Hope Fertility Centre in New York, and his team involved taking the nucleus from one of the mothers eggs containing her DNA.
They then implanted the nucleus into a donor egg that had its nucleus removed but retained the donors healthy mitochondrial DNA.
Dr Zhang told the New Scientist that, as the technique has not yet been approved in the US, the team went to Mexico where there are no rules.
To save lives is the ethical thing to do, he added.
72-Year-Old Woman Becomes First Time Mother Through IVF
Professor Frances Flinter, consultant and professor of clinical genetics at Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, said he was delighted by the decision.
This is wonderful news for families who have, in some cases, waited years or even generations for the chance of having a healthy baby, he said.
Mitochondrial disorders can be very serious, progressive conditions and some couples know that they will never be able to have a healthy child of their own without trying this new therapeutic approach.
But Trevor Stammers, a lecturer at the catholic St Marys University in Twickenham, London, said a truly cautious approach would be to monitor the health of the child born in Mexico before carrying out the procedure in the UK.
Professor Sir Mark Walport, the Governments chief scientific adviser, said he welcomed this careful and considered assessment by the HFEA.
The UK leads the world in the development of new medical technologies. This decision demonstrates that, thanks to organisations like the HFEA, we also lead the world in our ability to have a rigorous public debate around their adoption.
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In 2010, doctors diagnosed Dinah Bazer with ovarian cancer. After treatment and chemotherapy, it went into remission, but as the months wore on, she became increasingly terrified that the disease might return. Two years after diagnosis, she felt worse than ever. The fear was eating me alive, she says. It was destroying my life.
She heard about a study at New York University, where physicians were using psilocybinthe active ingredient in psychoactive mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe, referred to by some as magic mushroomsto treat cancer patients struggling with extreme anxiety and depression. After being carefully screened, Bazer entered the study and got to know the psychologists running it during several therapy sessions. Then, one day, she was given a moderately high dose of psilocybin.
After feeling the drug kick in, she felt like she was lost at sea, afraid. One of her therapists held her hand, and this gave her mooring. She had a vision of her fear as a dark mass under her ribcage. It was consuming her. She became angry, furious. Get the fuck out! she screamed.
A moment later, the fear was gone. It completely evaporated, she says.
Next, she felt transported to a place where she felt nothing but love. Im an atheist, but the best way to describe itI felt bathed in Gods love probably the most powerful emotion Ive ever felt.
Four years later, the anxiety hasnt come back. She feels happy to be alive and does things she couldnt do before, like making new friends, meditating, and simply slowing down. It really changed everything for me, she says. Im so much more active, so much more able to reach out. I feel like I belong in the world.
When Dr. Stephen Ross, study leader and director of addiction psychiatry at NYU Langone Medical Center, first heard anecdotes like this from study participants, he was skeptical. But after seeing this 20 to 30 times, I thought: This is amazing, he says. Its a real effect.
Two long-awaited studies published on 1 December in the Journal of Psychopharmacology attest to this. One conducted at NYU involved 29 patients; another, done at Johns Hopkins University, had 51. Both studies followed similar protocols, and both found that after being given psilocybin, 80 percent of patients experienced a drop in anxiety and depression that lasted for six months or more. In some cases, as in Bazers, it appears to be permanent. Both the patients and their psychiatric evaluators concurred that these people were more optimistic, felt their lives were more meaningful and had a better quality of life.
In cases where the cancer was terminal, the treatment allowed people to accept their impending deaths and suffer less than they might have without the psilocybin, says Roland Griffiths, who led the Johns Hopkins study. Theres something about these experiences that allows people to see their disease process in a much larger scope, he says. They might say Im very sad, Im dying. But in a larger sense its OK, and itll be alright. Theyre certainly not welcoming their death, but theyre no longer deeply fearful of it.
Charles Grob, a researcher and psychiatrist at UCLA, says there is no other drug that can be taken once and have such long-lasting effects. Hes not surprised, though, because he conducted a 2011 study on psilocybin which found similar improvements in 12 cancer patients.
The results have been hailed by leading psychologists as a potentially paradigm-changing way to treat anxiety and depression in patients with cancer or other terminal illnesses. Griffiths says it also raises hopes that the drug could one day be used to do the same for healthy people.
Nineteen scientists and doctors, including two former heads of the American Psychiatric Association, wrote 10 commentaries in the journal about the importance of the work. To many people brought up on the Reagan drug-war era with the drugs fry your brain message, psilocybin may seem a strange and possibly even a dangerous drug treatment of serious mental illness, writes David Nutt, a neuropsychopharmacologist at Imperial College London, in an editorial. But the high quality of the research and the strong support shown for it the list of the commentators reads like a Whos Who of American and European psychiatry should reassure any waverers that this use of psilocybin is well within the accepted scope of modern psychiatry, Nutt adds.
No long-term negative effects have been observed in any patients studied so far (ALAMY)
Tripping in the Lab
In both studies, participants got to know the participating psychologists over the course of more than a dozen hours to establish rapport and a sense of trust and comfort before the psilocybin experience. After taking the psilocybin or a placebo dispensed in a single white capsule, patients laid down in a comfortable room they were familiar with. They were invited to wear eyeshades and listen to calming music.
The NYU researchers split their group in two, with half getting psilocybin the first time, and half getting an active placebo of niacin, which can induce a rush of blood to the skin that mimics the beginning of a psychedelic experience. Then they had a second session where the groups switched, half getting the placebo and the rest getting the real thing. In both cases, niacin had little effect.
The Hopkins protocol was slightly different. Patients had two sessions, one with a high dose of psilocybin and one with a very low dose. The researchers found that the small dose had negligible effects compared to the large one.
Argentina intensifies its war on drugs
This is not to say that popping psilocybin mushrooms is a good home remedy to treat depression or anxiety. For one thing, psilocybin is listed as a Schedule I substance in the United States, a category reserved for chemicals that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers to have no medical value and a high potential for addiction. Possession is illegal.
In these studies, patients ingested psilocybin under carefully-controlled settings, and participants were screened for a history of mental illness or schizophrenia. When used carelessly, or in people with an underlying vulnerability toward psychosis, psilocybin can cause problems, Ross says. He has treated people in his private practice whove had delusional episodes after taking it, he says. And psilocybin may also lead to anxiety that can spiral out of control in an unsupported environment.
No long-term negative effects have been observed in any patients studied so far, the researchers say. A small percentage of participants encountered short-lived nausea and headaches, while one-fifth to one-quarter of participants experienced residual anxiety.
Griffiths adds that before psilocybin could be legally used in healthy people, or in people with anxiety or depression without serious illness, it would need to go through the kind of rigorous testing now being performed on cancer patients. These two papers set the stage for a phase 3 clinical trial to be evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. That could lead to reclassification of the drug by the DEA, he adds.
Health news in pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Health news in pictures Health news in pictures Coronavirus outbreak The coronavirus Covid-19 has hit the UK leading to the deaths of two people so far and prompting warnings from the Department of Health AFP via Getty Health news in pictures Thousands of emergency patients told to take taxi to hospital Thousands of 999 patients in England are being told to get a taxi to hospital, figures have showed. The number of patients outside London who were refused an ambulance rose by 83 per cent in the past year as demand for services grows Getty Health news in pictures Vape related deaths spike A vaping-related lung disease has claimed the lives of 11 people in the US in recent weeks. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has more than 100 officials investigating the cause of the mystery illness, and has warned citizens against smoking e-cigarette products until more is known, particularly if modified or bought off the street Getty Health news in pictures Baldness cure looks to be a step closer Researchers in the US claim to have overcome one of the major hurdles to cultivating human follicles from stem cells. The new system allows cells to grow in a structured tuft and emerge from the skin Sanford Burnham Preybs Health news in pictures Two hours a week spent in nature can improve health A study in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a dose of nature of just two hours a week is associated with better health and psychological wellbeing Shutterstock Health news in pictures Air pollution linked to fertility issues in women Exposure to air from traffic-clogged streets could leave women with fewer years to have children, a study has found. Italian researchers found women living in the most polluted areas were three times more likely to show signs they were running low on eggs than those who lived in cleaner surroundings, potentially triggering an earlier menopause Getty/iStock Health news in pictures Junk food ads could be banned before watershed Junk food adverts on TV and online could be banned before 9pm as part of Government plans to fight the "epidemic" of childhood obesity. Plans for the new watershed have been put out for public consultation in a bid to combat the growing crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said PA Health news in pictures Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA Health news in pictures Cancer breath test to be trialled in Britain The breath biopsy device is designed to detect cancer hallmarks in molecules exhaled by patients Getty Health news in pictures Average 10 year old has consumed the recommended amount of sugar for an adult By their 10th birthdy, children have on average already eaten more sugar than the recommended amount for an 18 year old. The average 10 year old consumes the equivalent to 13 sugar cubes a day, 8 more than is recommended PA Health news in pictures Child health experts advise switching off screens an hour before bed While there is not enough evidence of harm to recommend UK-wide limits on screen use, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have advised that children should avoid screens for an hour before bed time to avoid disrupting their sleep Getty Health news in pictures Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty Health news in pictures Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters Health news in pictures More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters Health news in pictures Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty Health news in pictures Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock Health news in pictures Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty Health news in pictures Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA Health news in pictures New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been sitting on a shelf unused, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX Health news in pictures Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised ideological reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty Health news in pictures Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving Health news in pictures Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty Health news in pictures Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a zero suicide ambition being launched today Getty Health news in pictures Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Nephron Health news in pictures Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty Health news in pictures NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of procedural issues in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. Rex Health news in pictures Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty Health news in pictures NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX Health news in pictures Cannabis extract could provide new class of treatment for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty Health news in pictures Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Bransons company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an 82m contract to provide childrens health services across Surrey, citing concerns over serious flaws in the way the contract was awarded PA Health news in pictures More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty Health news in pictures Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters Health news in pictures Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock Health news in pictures You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even metabolically healthy obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty Health news in pictures Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock Health news in pictures Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the napercise class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty Health news in pictures 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said Getty Health news in pictures 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty Health news in pictures Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years Getty Health news in pictures Cycling to work could halve risk of cancer and heart disease Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests but campaigners have warned there is still an urgent need to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty
Researchers are testing the drug in cancer patients because there are few good treatments for this group. Up to 40 percent of these people have symptoms of a mood disorder. Besides making life miserable, severe anxiety and depression also make cancer itself more difficult to treat, leading to decreased adherence to medication, longer hospital stays and increasing risk of suicide. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs dont work as well in these patients as they do in the general population, Ross says. This is due in part to the complexity and difficulty of dealing with imminent death, which our whole society doesnt handle particularly well, he adds. Doctors label these fear and concerns existential distress.
Exactly how psilocybin causes long-lasting changes isnt clear, but scientists have some clues. Psilocybin is known to bind to a receptor normally used by serotonin, one of the brains most important neurotransmitters, which is involved in everything from mood to perception to sleep. MRI studies done at Imperial College London show that this activity changes the activity of neurons throughout the brain, allowing different regions to communicate that arent usually connected. This is thought to help facilitate breakthroughs that people report while under its spell, Griffiths says.
Magic mushrooms on sale in London (John Downing/Rex/Shutterstock)
Under the Hood
But both studies also found that the degree to which anxiety and depression improved was linked to the intensity of the patients mystical experience. It may sound a little far out for psychiatry, but most of the participants taking the drug reported such experiences. Psychologists describe mystical experience as moments during which people report a sense of unity with other humans and the universe. They can have profound insights, feel they are transcending space and time, and also have trouble putting it all into words, Ross says.
Theres something about these moments that allows people to reframe how they think about their disease, and to escape their story about being a victim, Griffiths says.
Ross argues that psilocybin should not be a Schedule I drug. These two studies, as well as previous research, suggest that it does have medicinal value. And theres no evidence whatsoever that its addictive, Ross says. In fact, psilocybin and similar psychedelics show some promise for treating addiction.
One small 2014 study found, for example, that psilocybin may help people give up another addictioncigarettes. In the paper done at Hopkins, 12 of 15 participants quit lighting up after taking the drug, and were abstinent six months later, a success rate much higher than seen with other similar initiatives. A larger study is now underway at the university.
Psilocybin (and another hallucinogen, LSD) may also help treat alcoholism. One proof-of-concept trial done at the University of New Mexico in 2015 found that 10 alcoholics who took psilocybin in a controlled environment drank significantly less than before, and this was maintained for a period of nine months. Bill Wilson, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, wrote that he believed LSD could help cynical alcoholics embrace a higher power, though the organization was scandalized by the suggestion and rejected it. Wilson himself finally got sober after a mystical experience brought on by ingesting the so-called belladonna cure in a New York City hospital in 1934. This concoction contains hallucinogenic alkaloids found in the nightshade plant that are chemically similar to psilocybin.
Mystical experiences have been written about and witnessed since prehistoric times, and are very similar to what people report feeling during religious conversions (although they need not involved a recognizable divine power, as Bazers case illustrates). These experiences can occur spontaneously, brought on by fasting, breath work, religious ceremonies and the like, Griffith adds. It appears to be biologically normal that we have these experiencesthese are part of [being] human. However, these activities often take a long time, and are harder to study. Psychedelics can more reliably elicit them in a majority of people, Griffiths says.
In the 1940s, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann discovered the psychoactive effects LSD, after which it was used by researchers in Europe and the United States. Investment banker Gordon Wasson also became one of the first Westerners to take psilocybin mushrooms, in Mexico, and introduced them to a wide audience in a 1957 article about his trip published in Life magazine. These mushrooms, as well as synthetic psilocybin (first isolated and produced by Hofmann) led to an explosion of psychedelic research in the 1950s and 1960s; there were more than 1,000 studies published on LSD, for example. These compounds showed promise for treating addiction, anxiety and depression. However, the drugs escaped the lab and their nonmedical use among members of the counterculture gave them a bad name, Ross says. All research ground to a halt shortly after LSD was outlawed by the U.S. federal government in 1968.
Grobs 2011 paper was one of the first to look again at hallucinogenic drugs in cancer patients. It followed a 2006 study at the University of Arizona that found that psilocybin helped temporarily reduce symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder in nine subjects. Griffiths has also tested psilocybin in more than 50 healthy subjects. Most of these people reported improved quality of life afterward and said the experience was one of the most profound of their lives.
The 19 scientists and doctors who wrote commentaries on the research all said basically the same thingthat research on psychedelics should be more widely explored. Its time to take psychedelic treatments in psychiatry and oncology seriously, as we did in the 1950 and 1960s, which means we need to go back to the future, Nutt says.
Griffiths says he hopes further work reveals more about whats going on under the hood during these spiritual experiences. But he says its important to have the humility to know that some of these questions may be unanswerable. Im open to having great wonder about this.
Washington Post
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The gap between rich and poor students being granted university places has reached a record high, latest Ucas figures show, prompting fresh concerns over the shameful lack of social mobility within education.
Students who received free school meals a long-time indicator of poverty are less than half as likely to enter higher education than their more affluent peers.
Despite recent government efforts to improve access to education for disadvantaged young people, the gap between those being offered university places is now the widest ever recorded a difference of 16.7 percentage points.
More 18-year-olds were offered university places this year than ever before, with entry levels among all social groups increasing overall over the past 10 years.
But while the number of students from more affluent backgrounds has climbed steadily, places offered to those from the poorest percentile have stalled in the past year.
The sudden halt in numbers follows a decision made by the Tory government last year to scrap student maintenance grants for pupils from lower income families.
Commenting on the widening gap, former Business Secretary Sir Vince Cable said: The obvious explanation is the change in supporting students with grants for maintenance.
He told The Independent: The loss of that will undoubtedly have had a deterrent effect, because it directly affects the amount of cash people can expect at university level.
The former MP said that while he was not opposed in principle to the conversion of grants into loans, students should be able to access a significantly larger sum.
The fact that its at such a low level is a deterrent to people from low-income families, he said.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing 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"Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA 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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. 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The other factor is we had a very active policy working through organisations to getting universities back to promoting social mobility and I suspect this is now being pursued less aggressively.
He added: Theresa May should surely take note of this as something that goes contrary to what shes supposedly trying to achieve.
The Ucas analysis also showed a pre-Brexit spike in the number of EU students accepting places at UK institutions, while overseas students entering higher education in the UK has dropped for the first time since 2011.
White, working-class boys are least likely to go on to higher education.
The gender gap between those accepting university places has also grown, with women now a record 35 per cent more likely to take places than men.
Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner called the figures bitterly disappointing.
She told The Independent: The ladder is being pulled up in the face of bright, talented, working-class kids who have the intellect and the ambition but lack the means to enter university.
It is shameful that the gap is widening between rich and poor children entering university, and it means vice-chancellors must now look very seriously at the action they are taking to make our centres of learning much more accessible to students from poorer backgrounds.
According to the figures, the university acceptance rate for more advantaged students is increasing around five times faster (up 1.4 percentage points to 32.8 per cent) than for their poorer peers who are on free dinners (up 0.3 percentage points to 16.1 per cent).
While this marks an all-time high for the amount entering university from both demographics, the difference in growth widens the gap between rich and poor to its largest since records began.
Sir Peter Lampl, founder and chairman of the Sutton Trust and chairman of the Education Endowment Foundation, said that while it was positive to see the proportion of teenagers from the lowest social group entering university had doubled in the past decade, the widening access gap was of particular concern.
Budget 2016: Education changes
He said: We need to see more access work and better information for schools if we are to see significant improvement in the numbers of less advantaged young people going to selective universities.
Free-school-meal students make up between 12 to 15 per cent of state school students aged 15, according to Ucas analysts, but contribute to almost 60 per cent of the most disadvantaged group of children applying to university.
In order to close the divide, an extra 40,000 students from the most disadvantaged social groups would need to be offered places at university next year.
Chief executive of Ucas Mary Curnock Cook said: When she entered Downing Street in July, the Prime Minister pointed out that white working-class boys are the least likely to go to university.
Our report underlines this point, showing that nearly three quarters of the group least likely to enter university are men, most are from lower-income families, and nine out of 10 are in the White ethnic group.
Although the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds entering higher education has reached record levels again this year, there are early signals that the good progress made in recent years may be slowing down.
The best way to get on track to better progress is to focus efforts on improving GCSE outcomes for all children which we know is the primary driver of increased entry rates to higher education.
Ms Rayner added: More needs to be done right across education to help white working-class boys in particular to get on in life and reach their full potential.
That must start in the early years where we need much more focused provision and investment to try and get these boys on the right path. Otherwise we will be storing up problems for the future.
One thing is for sure more new grammar schools wont make access any easier, nor increase social mobility.
Responding to the report, Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said: It is welcome news that record numbers of students secured places at university this year and that people from disadvantaged backgrounds are now more than a third more likely to enter higher education than in 2010. However, we know there is more to be done if we are to truly make this a country that works for everyone.
That is why this Government has put social mobility at the top of its agenda. Our reforms are raising standards there are now 1.8 million more children in good or outstanding schools than in 2010 and through our Higher Education and Research Bill, we are ensuring all institutions go further and faster to promote social mobility.
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With a net worth of $83.9 billion, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates is the richest man in America.
It shouldn't be too surprising that one of the wealthiest people in the world also has an insanely extravagant home.
It took Gates seven years and $63 million to build his Medina, Washington, estate, named "Xanadu 2.0" after the fictional home of Charles Foster Kane, the title character of "Citizen Kane."
At 66,000 square feet, the home is absolutely massive, and it's loaded to the brim with high-tech details.
We've rounded up some of Xanadu 2.0's most over-the-top features here.
It's worth at least $124 million today.
According to the King County public assessor's office, the property is worth $124.99 million as of this year. Gates purchased the lot for $2 million in 1988.
Per public filings, he paid $1,080,443.17 in property taxes in 2016.
Half a million board-feet of lumber was needed to complete the project.
The house was built with 500-year-old Douglas fir trees, and 300 construction workers labored on the home 100 of whom were electricians.
A high-tech sensor system helps guests monitor a room's climate and lighting.
When guests arrive, they're given a pin that interacts with sensors located all over the house. Guests enter their temperature and lighting preferences so that the settings change as they move throughout the home. Speakers hidden behind wallpaper allow music to follow you from room to room.
The house uses its natural surroundings to reduce heat loss.
(Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons)
Xanadu 2.0 is an "earth-sheltered" house, meaning that it's built into its surroundings to regulate temperature more efficiently.
You can change the artwork on the walls with just the touch of a button.
Situated around the house are $80,000 worth of computer screens. Anyone can make the screens display their favorite paintings or photographs, which are stored on devices worth $150,000.
The pool also has its own underwater music system.
(jeffwilcox / Flickr (jeffwilcox / Flickr)
The 60-foot pool is in its own separate, 3,900-square-foot building the large brown building in the photo above. People in the pool could swim underneath a glass wall to come up to a terrace area on the outside.
There's also a locker room with four showers and two baths.
There's a trampoline room with a 20-foot ceiling.
No word on how big the trampoline is, but we can imagine it would be a fun alternative to your standard exercise routine.
The exercise facilities total 2,500 square feet and also include a sauna, steam room, and separate men's and women's locker rooms.
An enormous reception hall can accommodate up to 200 guests.
The 2,300-square-foot hall could seat up to 150 people for a dinner party, or 200 people standing up at a cocktail event. A 6-foot-wide limestone fireplace dominates one wall, while another wall has a 22-foot-wide video screen.
The house has 24 bathrooms, 10 of which are full baths.
Those bathrooms would definitely be useful if Gates were throwing such a big party. Otherwise, it seems a little over the top.
There are six kitchens.
They're at different parts of the house so staff can be ready for any event.
An enormous library houses a manuscript Gates paid more than $30 million for.
The 2,100-square-foot library has a dome roof and two secret bookcases, including one that reveals a hidden bar. On the ceiling you'll find a quote from "The Great Gatsby" that reads: "He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it."
The library is also home to the Codex Leicester, a 16th-century Leonardo da Vinci manuscript that Gates bought at auction for $30.8 million in 1994.
The home theater can accommodate 20 guests in plush seats.
It's designed in an Art Deco style, with comfortable arm chairs, couches, and even a popcorn machine for snacking.
An existing home was removed by barge to make room for a separate activities building.
The 900-square-foot building sits next to Gates' sport court, putting green, and boat docks.
The guest house is just as high-tech as the main house.
According to US News, the 1,900-square-foot guest house was the first building to be completed on the property. The house which has its own bedroom and bathroom was meant to be a test of the technology that would eventually be used in the main house.
Gates wrote much of "The Road Ahead" here.
Altogether, Gates' garages can accommodate up to 23 cars.
There are several different garages at different points around the property. The most interesting one, however, is an underground cave made out of concrete and stainless steel. That garage alone can park 10 cars. Some of the concrete was purposely broken to give it a rough, "deconstructivist" look.
Gates has a favorite tree, and it's monitored electronically 24 hours a day.
He reportedly became fond of a 40-year-old maple tree that grew close to the home's driveway. It's monitored by computer, and if at any point it becomes too dry, water is automatically pumped into it.
An artificial stream is kept stocked with fish.
The stream and wetland estuary were created to solve any problems with runoff that the property's large walls might have created. The water is kept stocked with salmon and sea-run cutthroat trout.
The sand on Gates' beach is imported from the Caribbean.
The lakefront shore contains sand that's delivered in large quantities by a barge from St. Lucia each year.
Someone once paid $35,000 just to tour it.
Microsoft holds an auction each year, where employees donate products and services to be bid on. Proceeds go to the company's charitable fund.
Gates has donated private tours of Xanadu 2.0 in the past. According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, a Microsoft employee once won the tour with a bid of $35,000.
Read more:
This chart is easy to interpret: It says we're screwed
How Uber became the world's most valuable startup
These 4 things could trigger the next crisis in Europe
Read the original article on Business Insider UK. 2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
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Rolf Harris has been spared from having to physically appear in court in his sex assault trial because of his age, in what could be a legal first.
The former entertainer, 86, will follow proceedings at Southwark Crown Court in London via a video link from Stafford Prison, a judge has ruled.
Harris is accused of attacking seven women and girls, including a child under the age of 13. Some of the offences were allegedly committed at the BBC Television Centre in west London.
He has previously pleaded not guilty to seven counts of indecent assault and one alternative charge of sexual assault. His trial is due to begin in January.
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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.
Harris defence lawyer Steve Vullo QC said the judge could allow a defendant to appear via video link in exceptional circumstances. Mr Vullo argued Harris case was exceptional because of his age.
He is an 86-year-old man and he is settled where he is.
If he is to attend this trial in person he is likely to be transferred to Wandsworth, which causes him some trepidation.
We would have to say it is exceptional and we say it is exceptional.
Judge McCreath told the court he has no evidence of a defendant appearing at their own trial through a video link. He agreed Harris is an elderly man, not in the best of health, who will be much more effectively be able to participate in his trial by following it and giving evidence - if he elects to do so - than if he was here.
But he warned Mr Vullo: If the technology breaks down then on his own head be it. We will make progress in the trial in his temporary absence.
Additional reporting by the Press Association
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Up to a third of autism cases may be caused by low levels of a single protein in the brain, according to a new study of the condition in mice which could lead to new treatments.
People with autism have been found to have lower levels of the protein, called nSR100, but it was not known whether this was a symptom, a byproduct or the reason behind the condition.
However the researchers found when they reduced the amount of nSR100 in mice, they started to display signs of autistic behaviour. This suggests that having too little of the protein could be a cause of the condition.
Research charity Autistica praised the interesting and high-quality study, but added more work needed to be done to replicate its findings and gain greater understanding of the link between the protein and the condition in humans.
Professor Sabine Cordes, of the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute in Toronto, said: We previously reported an association between nSR100 protein levels and autism.
But this time we show that reduced levels of this protein could really be causative thats a big deal.
Just by reducing the nSR100 levels by 50 per cent, we observe hallmarks of autistic behaviour.
In the brain, nSR100 acts as a regulator of a process that creates a number of other proteins, which are the key building blocks of cells.
The findings suggest autism is partly the result of incorrectly spliced proteins in brain cells, which could have a number of different effects on behaviour.
Mice genetically engineered to have just half the normal amount of nSR100 displayed signs of autism, such as avoiding social interaction and being more sensitive to noise.
Professor Cordes suggested increasing the amount of the protein in people with autism might help improve their condition.
Instead of focusing on individual mutations linked to autism, its much more powerful to identify regulatory hubs like nSR100, she said.
In the future, if you turned this protein up a little bit in autistic patients, you might be able to improve some of the behavioural deficits.
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
Dr James Cusack, science director at Autistica, said: This high-quality research study presents results from an interesting mouse model of autism which are linked to previous research findings in autistic people.
Further work is required to replicate these findings and understand whether they are specifically related to autism.
There are many mouse models of autism and it is not fully understood how reliable or valid these are.
Autism has many causal factors and is related to a number of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions.
The research was described in a paper in the journal Molecular Cell.
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Hundreds of airline pilots potentially even thousands are so depressed they are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, a new study suggests.
Academics from Harvard University in the US carried out an anonymous survey of pilots after Andreas Lubitz, the depressed co-pilot of Germanwings plane deliberately flew it into a mountain, killing 149 people, last year.
Some 4.1 per cent reported having thoughts of being better off dead or self-harm within the past two weeks, according to a paper in the journal Environmental Health.
If this is an accurate reflection of the extent of the problem generally, it would mean that more than 5,700 out of a total of about 140,000 airline pilots worldwide feel like this.
The study comes as British Airways cabin crew voted for strike action, with the Unite union saying many were unfit to fly because of stress and depression.
In the Environmental Health paper, the researchers said their key findings were surprising. Hundreds of pilots currently flying are managing depression, and even suicidal thoughts, without the possibility of treatment due to the fear of negative career impacts, they wrote.
The survey, which involved completing a questionnaire about a number of different subjects including mental health, was made completely anonymous to try to get genuine answers from the participants, who came from all over the world.
Out of 1,848 pilots who responded to the section about their mental health, 233 (12.6 per cent) appeared to be depressed.
Some 75 pilots (4.1 per cent) reported having thoughts of being better off dead or self-harm within the past two weeks. Of those, 49 had worked as pilots within the past month.
Twenty-four said the problems made it very or extremely difficult for them to work, take care of home matters, or engage in healthy relationships with people.
Sexual and verbal harassment of pilots was highlighted by the researchers as a particular problem.
In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Show all 66 1 /66 In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Flowers are left in front of the monument in homage to the victims of Germanwings Flight 4U 9525 in Le Vernet, southeastern France In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Andreas Lubitz was deemed unsuitable for flight duties for a period of time during his training with Lufthansa and was receiving regular treatment for depression, sources have claimed as investigators focus their inquiry on his personal life and background In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash People believed to be relatives of the deceased crew on Germanwings flight 4U9525 comfort each other at a reception centre in Le Vernet, France In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Rescue workers gather with friends and relatives of those killed onboard Germanwings flight 4U9525 at a reception centre in Le Vernet, France In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Flags representing some of the nationalities of the victims are seen as family members and relatives gather near the crash site of an Airbus A320 in the French Alps In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash German and Spain flags symbolizing some of the nationalities of the victims are seen as family members and relatives gather for a ceremony in Le Vernet near the crash site of an Airbus A320 in the French Alps In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Flags symbolizing some of the nationalities of the victims, are seen near the memorial stele in Le Vernet during a ceremony to pay tribute to the victims of an Airbus A320 in the French Alps In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash French gendarmes and investigators make their way through debris from wreckage on the mountainside at the crash site of an Airbus A320, near Seyne-les-Alpes In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash French gendarmes and investigators work amongst the debris of the Airbus A320 at the site of the crash, near Seyne-les-Alpes, French Alps In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash French gendarmes and investigators make their way through the debris of the Airbus A320 at the site of the crash near Seyne-les-Alpes, French Alps In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Wreckage of the Airbus A320 is seen at the site of the crash, near Seyne-les-Alpes, French Alps In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A body of a victim is evacuated by a French Gendarmerie rescue helicopter from the crash site of an Airbus A320, near Seyne-les-Alpes In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Rescue workers recover bodies of victims from the crash site of an Airbus A320, near Seyne-les-Alpes In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash French military personnel work amongst the debris of the Airbus A320 at the site of the crash, near Seyne-les-Alpes, French Alps In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A helicopter of the French Gendarmerie flies over the crash site of the Germanwings Airbus A320 that crashed in the French Alps, above the town of Seyne-les-Alpes, southeastern France In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Search and rescue workers make their way through debris at the crash site of the Germanwings Airbus A320 that crashed in the French Alps, above the town of Seyne-les-Alpes, southeastern France In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Flowers and lit candles are placed on the ground in Cologne Bonn airport Reuters In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Victims relatives join carers outside the school gym in Seyne Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, left, and Germanwings CEO Thomas Winkelmann arrive for a press conference near the Germanwings headquarters in Cologne, Germany In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Andreas Lubitz, the co-pilot that crashed the Germanwings Airbus A320 in the French Alps Facebook In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Buses loaded with relatives of victims are escorted after their arrival at Marseille airport, southern France In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Family and relatives of the victims of the Germanwings plane crash in the Alps are taken on bus to the Prat airport from a hotel in Castelldefels in Barcelona, Spain, to take a Lufthansa flight to visit the crash site in Seyne les Alps in France In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash An Airbus plane of German airline Lufthansa carrying onboard relatives of the Germanwings plane crash victims takes off from the Duesseldorf airport in Duesseldorf, western Germany, en route to Marseille In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A Germanwings employee places flowers in commemoration of the victims of the Germanwings plane crash in the French Alps, at the airport in Duesseldorf, Germany In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Members of German Government Chancellor Angela Merkel, Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, from right, hold a minute of silence to commemorate the victims of the Germanwings plane crash in the French Alps at the parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Realtives of passengers of the Germanwings airliner that crashed in the French Alps leave the Gran Hotel Rey Don Jaime towards Barcelona El Prat airport where a lufthansa plane will fly to Marseille, in Barcelona, Spain In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Olivier Cousin (R), director of the mountain rescue team, which is responsible for the safety of the emergency workers on site, gives an interview in Seyne Les Alpes, France In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Alpine climbers take off in a police helicopter in Seyne Les Alpes In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L), French President Francois Hollande (C) and Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy pay respect to victims in front of the mountain in Seyne-les-Alpes, the day after the air crash of a Germanwings Airbus A320 In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A member of the search and rescue personnel stands at the crash site of the Germanwings Airbus A320 in the French Alps In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Search and rescue personnel at the crash site of the Germanwings Airbus A320 in the French Alps Reuters In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A sealed container holds black box from the German Airbus operated by Lufthansa's Germanwings budget Airbus A320 crash In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash The voice data recorder of the Germanwings jetliner that crashed in the French Alps In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash The voice data recorder of the Germanwings jetliner that crashed in the French Alps In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings employees cry as they place flowers and lit candles outside the company headquarters in Cologne Bonn airport In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A student who knew some of the German students involved in a crashed plane, reacts during a minute of silence in front of the council building in Llinars del Valles, near Barcelona, Spain In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Photograph of victims, flowers and candles stand outside the Joseph-Koenig-Gymnasium high school where pupils had gathered to pay tribute to 16 students and two teachers from the school who were on Germanwings flight 4U9525 that crashed yesterday in southern France on March 25, 2015 in Haltern, Germany In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Pupils gather at the Joseph-Koenig-Gymnasium high school to pay tribute to 16 students and two teachers from the school who were on Germanwings flight 4U9525 that crashed yesterday in southern France in Haltern, Germany In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Students gather in front of the Josef-Konig secondary school in Haltern am See, western Germany, where some of the Germanwings plane crash victims studied Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A Lufthansa employee signs in a condolence book in Frankfurt, Germany In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash The flags of (L-R) Aragon, Spain and the European Union are lowered to half-mast at the Regional Assembly of Aragon in Zaragoza, Spain, as a sign of respect for the victims of the German plane crash in the French Alps In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash The German and the European Union flags hang at half mast in memory of the victims of the plane crash in France in front of the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, Germany In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash French President Francois Hollande with Spains King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia pay their respects to the victims of the German plane crash in the French Alps Reuters In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Debris from the Germanwings Airbus A320 at the crash site in the French Alps above the southeastern town of Seyne Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Search and rescue personnel at the crash site of the Germanwings Airbus A320 in the French Alps Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Wreckage and debris lie on the mountain slopes after the crash of the Germanwings Airbus A320 over the French Alps EPA In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Staff members of Germanwings and Lufthansa hold a candlelight vigil outside their headquarters in Cologne Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A photo provided by the French Gendarmerie shows the crash site in the French Alps In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A rescue helicopter from the French Gendarmerie flies over the French Alps, as day fades into night near to the crash site of the Airbus A320 Reuters In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A general view of the crash site of a Germanwings Airbus A320 in the French Alps above Seyne-les-Alpes is pictured in this photo provided by the French Gendarmerie In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Family members of people involved in a crashed plane arrives at the Barcelona airport in Spain AP/Emilio Morenatti In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Rescue helicopters from the French Gendarmerie and the Air Force are seen in front of the French Alps during a rescue operation near to the crash site Reuters In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A helicopter of the French National Gendarmerie is seen in Seyne, south-eastern France, near the site where a Germanwings Airbus A320 crashed in the French Alps ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash French emergency services workers (back) and members of the French gendarmerie gather in Seyne, south-eastern France, near the site where a Germanwings Airbus A320 crashed in the French Alps BORIS HORVAT/AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash An helicopter of civil security services is seen in Seyne, south-eastern France, near the site where a Germanwings Airbus A320 crashed in the French Alps ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Relatives of passangers of the Germanwings plane crashed in French Alps arrive escorted by police officer at Terminal 2 of Barcelona El Prat airport in Barcelona David Ramos/Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Relatives of passangers of the Germanwings plane crashed in French Alps arrive at Terminal 2 of Barcelona El Prat airport in Barcelona, Spain David Ramos/Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Relatives of passengers killed in Germanwings plane crash arrive at the airport in Duesseldorf, Germany AP/Frank Augstein In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Police escort a family member of an aircrash victim at Barcelona's El Prat airport LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash French firefighters prepare to take-off in Digne-les-Bains for the crash site of an Airbus A320, in the French Alps REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A family member of a passenger killed in Germanwings plane crash reacts as he arrives at Barcelona's El Prat airport REUTERS/Albert Gea In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash People arrive at a holding area for friends and relatives of passengers on Germanwings flight 4U9525 from Barcelona to Dusseldorf at Dusseldorf International Airport in Dusseldorf, Germany Sascha Steinbach/Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash People waiting for flight 4U 9525 are lead away by airport staff at the airport in Duesseldorf, Germany In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A relative (C) of passangers of the Germanwings plane crashed in French Alps arrives at the Terminal 2 of the Barcelona El Prat airport David Ramos/Getty Images In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash A man who appears to have waited for the missing flight 4U 9525 reacts at the airport in Duesseldorf, Germany AP/Frank Augstein In pictures: Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash Germanwings Airbus A320 plane crash epa04676936 A man looks at a monitor showing a map released on the webpage 'flightradar24 with the exact point where the radar signal of the crashed Airbus A320 aircraft operated by German budget airline 'Germanwings' went missing near Barcelonnette, in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in Madrid, Spain EPA
Female pilots reported more days with poor mental health and having more diagnosed depression than male pilots, which mirrors reporting among the general population, researchers said.
The higher prevalence of depression among victims of frequent sexual or verbal harassment in our study provides further evidence of its existence among airline pilots, deep negative effects on its victims, and the urgent need to eliminate this form of harassment and help this subpopulation of workers.
Dr Rob Hunter, head of flight safety for the British Airline Pilots Association, pilots generally had very good physical and mental health.
But, as in all walks of life, some pilots suffer from depression and other mental health issues and the problem applies across many, if not all, safety-critical occupations, he said.
The lessons we need to learn from Germanwings, and from this study, are that everyone needs to work to remove the stigma attached to mental health, and that no one should have any fear from discussing it or reporting it.
Like so many other areas of flight safety, changing the culture is difficult, but necessary. We need to foster an atmosphere or support and understanding, and pilots need to feel able to come forward without fear.
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
Madeleine McGivern, head of workplace wellbeing programmes at mental health charity Mind, said the study showed there was a need for airlines to regularly assess all pilots mental health, so that they can identify any existing health problems and whether these could affect someones ability to fly.
However she added: Assumptions about risk shouldn't be made across the board for people with depression or any other illness, mental or physical.
There will be pilots with experience of mental health problems who have flown safely for decades, and assessments should be made on a case by case basis.
She said attitudes towards mental health could prevent people talking to those closest to them let alone their employers.
Its vital that all workplaces including airlines create an environment where staff feel able to speak about poor mental health, so that measures to support their wellbeing can be put in place, Ms McGivern said.
People with mental health problems can and do make a valuable contribution to the workplace, including within the challenging and demanding jobs youd often associate with the aviation industry.
Unite claimed that over two-thirds [of cabin crew] were going to work unfit to fly because they could not afford to be off sick.
They added that 84 per cent of staff said their financial circumstances since joining BA had caused stress and depression and that some have been sleeping in cars between flights because they could not afford the petrol to get home.
Unites regional officer, Matt Smith, said: Low pay is a safety issue.
British Airways said: Safety is always our priority. We uphold the highest safety standards and meet or exceed all UK, European and International regulations.
Anyone wanting confidential help and advice about mental health can call the Samaritans on 116 123. The number is free to call and will not appear on your phone bill.
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Britain First's former leader Paul Golding has been jailed for eight weeks after breaching a High Court ban on him entering any mosque in England and Wales.
A statement on the groups Facebook page read: BREAKING!! BRITAIN FIRST LEADER PAUL GOLDING SENT TO PRISON! The High Court has sent Paul to prison for confronting a hate preacher in Cardiff who said it's okay for Muslims to keep sex slaves! More updates shortly.
It came after an injunction was requested by Bedfordshire Police following a series of mosque invasions where the far-right group filmed themselves going into mosques to confront imams or worshippers.
The party also described Luton as a hotspot for Islamic extremism and handed out Bibles outside non-Christian places of worship.
Golding is not the first senior member of the group to be found in breach of the law.
In November, current leader Jayda Fransen was found guilty of religiously aggravated harassment after she hurled abuse at a Muslim woman wearing a hijab.
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She was fined nearly 2,000 for wearing a political uniform and shouting at Sumayyah Sharpe during a "Christian patrol" of Bury Park in Luton, in January.
Last month, Labour MP Louise Haigh called for Britain First to be listed as a terrorist organisation and banned from standing in elections.
Golding, who ran in Mays London mayoral elections, was widely criticised after he turned his back on Sadiq Khan during his acceptance speech.
This article will be updated shortly
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.15
By Leman Zeynalova Trend:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of Kyrgyzstan have signed a loan agreement for the third and final phase of support to rehabilitate the Toktogul hydropower plant and increase the reliability of the national and regional power systems, said the message posted on ADBs website.
The agreement was signed by Kyrgyzstans minister of finance and Governor to ADB Adylbek Kasymaliev and ADB Country Director for Kyrgyzstan Candice McDeigan.
Toktogul hydropower plant is the largest and most important power plant in Kyrgyzstan. It has an installed capacity of 1,200 megawatts and is producing 40 percent of the countrys average electricity output. Full rehabilitation of the power plant is critical to improve availability and supply reliability.
ADBs support includes a loan in various currencies equivalent to $60 million and a grant not exceeding $50 million, both from ADBs Special Funds.
The assistance will finance the replacement of the two remaining turbine-generator units, refurbishing of the civil structures of Toktogul dam, and the overhaul of the dams monitoring systems along the Naryn cascade. The project also includes a public information campaign to explain sector reforms and efforts to improve power sector governance and management procedures.
ADB financed the rehabilitation of the first two turbine generator units and secondary electrical equipment under the Power Sector Rehabilitation Project (Phase 1) and the Toktogul Rehabilitation Project (Phase 2). Implementation of both phases is ongoing.
Kyrgyzstan joined ADB in 1994 and since then has received more than $1.5 billion in loans, grants and technical assistance.
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British people have a heavily skewed perspective on the reality of life in the UK, a new survey suggests but are still more accurate in their evaluations than the populations of most countries.
The poll reveals Britons hugely overestimate the number of Muslims in the UK, think people are unhappier than they really are and believe homophobia is more widespread than it is.
IPSOS Moris Perils of Perception survey found peoples answers were closer to the mark when they were asked about inequality in the UK and the size of the countrys population.
Despite the perception gap, the international study found British people were more accurate in their assessment of their country than people in 38 of the other 40 nations polled. Only the population of the Netherlands was more informed about national life. Citizens of South Korea, the Czech Republic and Malaysia were also particularly knowledgable.
In contrast, citizens of India and China were the least accurate in their guesses, while the US population was the fifth worst informed.
British people were especially far from the mark when asked what proportion of the UK population is Muslim. The real answer is just one in twenty but Britons believe it to be almost one in six. That would mean there were almost 10 million Muslims in the UK when in reality there are 2.8 million.
Britons also think the UKs Muslim population is growing much faster than it is. Those surveyed believed 22 per cent of the population will be Muslim by 2020 suggesting they expect the number of Muslims in the UK to increase to 14 million in the next three years.
This was a common mistake across the world, with many countries significantly overestimating their Muslim population. French people think 31 per cent of their country is Muslim while Americans believe the figure for the US is 17 per cent. The real numbers are 7.5 per cent and 1 per cent respectively.
British people also think their fellow citizens are unhappier than they actually are. They believe only 47 per cent of Britons would say they are very or rather happy, when actually 92 per cent express that view.
People also guessed the UK spends 19 per cent of its GDP on health the equivalent of 225 billion more than the real proportion of just 9 per cent.
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On several social issues Britons believe their society is more conservative than polls suggest it actually is. People guessed that 28 per cent of the British public would say they found homosexuality morally unacceptable when really only 17 per cent do.
Similarly, those surveyed thought more than a third of British people would be opposed to abortion when in reality only a quarter are. And only 13 per cent say they think sex before marriage is unacceptable lower than the 20 per cent the poll participants guessed.
Britons are much more accurate when asked about inequality. People guessed the least wealthy 70 per cent in Britain own just 19 per cent of the countrys wealth. The real figure is only slightly higher, at 21 per cent.
The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain Show all 10 1 /10 The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain Outer Hebrides The happiest places to live in Britain according to the latest well-being analysis released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Rex/Patrick Dieudonne / Robert Harding The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain Mid and East Antrim The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain Newark and Sherwood The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain Purbeck The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain Orkney Islands Chmee2/Creative Commons The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain Winchester Wikipedia The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain Fylde The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain Antrim and Newtownabbey The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain Lichfield The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain Fermanagh Rex
Like people in most other countries, Britons did not expect Donald Trump to win the US presidential election. 61 per cent believed Hillary Clinton would win while only 16 per cent predicted the Trump victory. Only three countries had a majority of people forecasting Mr Trumps success: Russia, Serbia and China.
Bobby Duffy, Managing Director of the Ipsos MORI Social Research Institute, said: Across all 40 countries in the study, each population gets a lot wrong. We are often most incorrect on factors that are widely discussed in the media, such as the proportion of our population that are Muslims and wealth inequality. We know from previous studies that this is partly because we over-estimate what we worry about.
"In many countries, particularly in the West, we have a picture of our population that is unduly miserable and intolerant. This is important: we know what people think of as the norm is important in affecting their own views and behaviours.
"There are multiple reasons for these errors from our struggle with simple maths and proportions, to media coverage of issues, to social psychology explanations of our mental shortcuts or biases.
Ipsos MORI interviewed 27,250 people in 40 countries between 22nd September and 6th November 2016.
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A free cheese event descended into chaos on Wednesday after an "unprecendented number of people" arrived at Londons Borough Market causing severe overcrowding.
The annual Evening of Cheese, described as a fromage-themed extravaganza, has been held at the market for over ten years, however last nights scenes saw punters take to social media to complain of militant vegans, dangerous overcrowding and fights to get to the stands.
The event page on Facebook saw 49,000 people interested in attending with 18,000 confirming their attendance.
Despite more than 20 artisan cheese mongers pegged to attend, many attendees complained of an underwhelming choice of vendors.
A spokesperson for Borough Market told The Independent: Weve run the event for over 10 years now and this year there were just an unprecedented number of people.
Were having a look at the comments and so well definitely be learning lessons for next year.
More than 50 activists from animal rights group Surge also attended the event.
In a post on the groups Facebook page, the group said: We stood inside and outside of the market screening footage of the reality of the dairy industry. One girl stood watching the footage crying, saying "I just didn't know" - so many good conversations were had thanks to the amazing activists that were there.
A spokesperson for Borough Market told The Independent: We were aware of a handful of vegan protestors on a street near the market and as far we were concerned it was a peaceful protest.
Attendees took to social media to complain about the organisation of the event, with many complaining they had to leave before even seeing any cheese.
Kirsty Knight wrote: Dreadful evening! Too crowded, stressful, none of the stalls were even labelled as to type or countries of cheeses, so had to take pot luck waiting endlessly in a crush and hope you actually liked whatever cheese might be at the end ... awful night so disappointed."
Another, Kevin Bolt, said: Came all the way from North Yorkshire to be met with the most disorganised event ever.
Andy Green wrote: What a terrible shame you could not organise this properly, it was just an evening of squeeze! Dangerously overcrowded and not much fun at all, we have never been so relieved to be back on the train to Folkestone!
Borough Markets Managing Director Darren Haneghan apologised to any visitors who were disappointed and said there were lessons to be learnt.
We want to thank everyone who attended last nights event. Whilst it went off without incident, we were saddened to hear that some of visitors were disappointed with the Evening of Cheese. For the last 10 years we have opened this historic and unique market at Christmas for this special event, and this year saw unprecedented numbers attend, making the market much busier than usual, he said.
Clearly there are some lessons to be learnt due to the events popularity and well be taking feedback into account for next year. Despite this weve also received positive comments about the variety of cheese on offer from artisan producers around the world, and it is good to see the market, which is over 1000 years old, as popular as ever.
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An autistic British man who tried to grab a police officers gun at a Donald Trump rally will never set foot outside the UK again, his mother has said.
Michael Sandford has realised what the special things in life are and wants to stay at home in the UK after his traumatic spell in prison, Lynne Sandford told The Independent in an exclusive interview from Las Vegas.
The 20-year-old was sentenced to 366 days in jail this week over his plan to shoot the 70-year-old President-elect. But he could be home in four months because of custody time already served.
As well as suffering with Asperger Syndrome, the Robot Wars fan from Dorking, Surrey has struggled with anxiety, severe obsessive compulsive disorder, anorexia, hypersensitivity, seizures, severe depression and Crohns disease, Ms Sandford said.
Lynne Sandford and son Michael when he was growing up (PA)
He doesnt want to travel anymore, she added. He said I wish I listened to you mum when he was deciding to go out to America. He said hes never setting foot outside of the UK again. Hes realised what the special things are in life, especially his family.
Her son, who at age 12 passed a mock GCSE exam with an A, dropped out of education after a series of truanting episodes and bullying during his early secondary school years. At 16, Michael found himself a one-bed flat a few minutes from the family home, paid for with disability, employment and housing benefits.
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Ms Sandford said she had spent many years begging British mental health services for help and blamed them as "the cause of all of this.
I went back and forth to them for years, saying my son has issues and problems, and I was told I was a paranoid parent, said the 42-year-old mother-of-two.
Her son gradually stopped Lynne, grandmother Christine and baby sister Jessica from visiting however, and on New Years Eve 2014, stunned them by saying he was going to New York.
Lynne Sandford and lawyer Saimo Chahal at a press conference in London in August (Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty)
Ms Sandford still worries federal prosecutors will launch an appeal against the sentence (Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty)
Ms Sandford, who dotes on Michael, desperately tried to stop him, appealing to her GP and the mental health service for help. But his learning disability and health record did not necessarily brand him as dependent in the eyes of the law.
We were horrified, said Lynne. That someone always so reclusive wanted to do something so out of character. They said 'he is 18, he is an adult', even though hes vulnerable.
The first fleeting trip was a disaster, having suffered a mental breakdown and been sectioned on his first night in the States, but with a chunk of inheritance money, he returned again.
Sandford's mother speaks
In May this year, after he stopped contact, Lynne reported him missing, and in June, she saw him being frog-marched out of the Trump rally on the news.
When asked why he reached out to grab the police officers gun, he reportedly told officers that he planned to shoot Mr Trump.
The 18 June incident was retrospectively diagnosed as a psychotic episode, and Ms Sandford said: Not at all did he really try to shoot Donald Trump. He would know in his subconscious that he didnt stand a chance. He knew that he would be wrestled to the ground. The judge described it as a crazy stunt and thankfully he was very accepting.
He pleaded guilty to being an illegal immigrant in possession of a weapon and of disrupting government business, and faced potentially up to 10 years in jail.
An emotional birthday letter from Michael Sandford for four-year-old sister Jessica and the family (Lynne Sandford)
He was sentenced to 12 months and one day. Because of time already served, he could be released home from South Nevada correctional centre in four months' time thanks to good behaviour.
Im extremely elated and very relieved, said Ms Sandford, adding that they had worried that Mr Trump's election might have a bearing on the sentence.
Its phenomenal news, she said.
Autism: Can you make it to the end?
She said that both she and a very remorseful Michael, know that he deserved a firm sentence for what was a serious security scare, but they feared the US judicial system might have been unforgiving.
Nevada has three mental health courts, but the criteria for offenders to qualify for them is high and Michael was prosecuted by federal, not state law.
There is also still a looming threat of a possible appeal against the sentence by prosecutors.
Prison has been torture, said Ms Sandford. He has not known how to get through it. I try to boost his morale but its been so brutal and quite horrific.
When he is on suicide watch, he is locked up 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and at times, stripped of clothes and not allowed toilet paper because it can be rammed down the throat."
Michael, who has received death threats in jail, has also struggled to sleep at night because the cell lights are so bright.
For an autistic person with depression and anxiety, who takes everything very literally, and who has unpredictable bowels, it has been a nightmare, Ms Sandford said.
It remains to be seen where hell live when he gets back and hell probably have post-traumatic stress disorder, said his mother, who arrives back home on Friday after a whirlwind week of near-sleepless nights and media attention.
Hes said he just wants to be with his family at all times.
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Boris Johnson has summoned the Russian and Iranian ambassadors to the Foreign Office to tell them they deserve no credit for the evacuation of civilians from shattered eastern Aleppo in Syria.
The Foreign Secretary told the diplomats of the UK's deep concern at reports of civilians being executed, ambulances being shot at and disappearances carried out by pro-Bashar al-Assad forces.
He told them Russia and Iran were prolonging the suffering of Syrian people through their support for the Assad regime.
The meeting came as the first evacuation of civilians began from eastern Aleppo.
It follows a ceasefire deal which has seen the rebels surrender their last areas of control in Aleppo to the regime following a devastating ground and air offensive backed by Moscow and Tehran.
In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Show all 30 1 /30 In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian family arrives at a checkpoint, manned by pro-government forces, at the al-Hawoz street roundabout, after leaving Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian woman, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, reacts as she stands with her children in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-regime fighters, gesture as they drive past resident fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood , after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-regime fighters, gesture as they drive past residents fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian pro-regime fighter speaks with a child, as residents flee violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood. Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops AFP/Getty Images In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Smoke rises as seen from a governement-held area of Aleppo, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian soldiers targeting rebels-held areas in the eastern neighborhoods in Aleppo, Syria. According to media reports, the army is now holding on 99 percent of Aleppois eastern neighborhoods EPA In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-government forces patrol Aleppo's eastern al-Salihin neighbourhood after troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian soldiers rest following the battle at al-Sheik Saeed neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria EPA In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian pro-government fighter walking past closed shops in the Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo's Old City. Once renowned for its bustling souks, grand citadel and historic gates, Aleppo's Old City has been rendered virtually unrecognisable by some of the worst violence of Syria's war Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria The crucial battle for Aleppo entered its 'final phase' after Syrian rebels retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances. The retreat leaves opposition fighters confined to just a handful of neighbourhoods in southeast Aleppo, the largest of them Sukkari and Mashhad Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian civilans arrive at a checkpoint, manned by pro-government forces, at the al-Hawoz street roundabout, after leaving Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods. Syria's government has retaken at least 85 percent of east Aleppo, which fell to rebels in 2012, since beginning its operation Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian civilians flee the Sukkari neighbourhood towards safer rebel-held areas in southeastern Aleppo Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrians celebrate in the government-held Mogambo neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, after rebel fighters retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrians celebrate in the government-held Mogambo neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, after rebel fighters retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances. The fall of Aleppo would be the worst rebel defeat since Syria's conflict began in 2011, and leave the government in control of the country's five major cities Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian refugee Aliya inside the tent where she lives with her husband and ten children in a camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian refugee women and children outside the entrance to their tents in the refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA Wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA Wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee woman outside the entrance to the tent where her family live, in the refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A vehicle drives past a mosque at night in Idlib, Syria. Picture taken with a long exposure Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Damaged buildings stand in the rebel-controlled town of Binnish in Idlib province, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria The night sky is seen through damaged windows in the rebel-controlled town of Binnish in Idlib province, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Damaged buildings stand in the rebel-controlled area of Maaret al-Numan in Idlib province, Syria Reuters
Following the meetings with the ambassadors, Mr Johnson said: I summoned the Russian and Iranian ambassadors to the Foreign Office in order to convey in person the Government's profound concern over the situation in Aleppo.
Both Russia and Iran have failed to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, specifically by failing to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians during the months when eastern Aleppo was besieged.
They deserve no credit for the fact that an evacuation appears to be under way today.
Having inflicted such suffering on the people of eastern Aleppo, Iran and Russia cannot expect praise for allowing some people to escape at the final hour.
Both countries need to ensure the UN now oversees the evacuation process and that all civilians and non-combatants are properly protected.
Press Association
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Britain and the EU could take 10 years to reach an agreement on trade in the wake of Brexit, the UK's top ambassador to Brussels has reportedly warned ministers.
The consensus among European leaders was that the best Britain can hope for is a UK-EU free trade deal, rather than membership of the single market, and that negotiating such terms might take a decade.
Even if a deal was to be reached, it would have to be ratified by each of the 27 remaining member states - meaning there is a strong chance it could fail.
Labour MP claims it's 'highly probable' Russia interfered with Brexit referendum
According to the BBC, Sir Ivan Rogers delivered the bleak prognosis for a post-Brexit deal in a private meeting with ministers in October.
The ambassador's previously unreported advise to Theresa May and her government contrasts strongly with public suggestions that a deal could be completed within the two years after Article 50 is triggered.
It raises the prospect of punishing World Trade Organisation tariffs and border checks being imposed on British businesses which rely on the European market, from the day the UK leaves the bloc to some time in the mid 2020s.
A No 10 spokesman said the Government was not familiar with the remarks and remained positive it could broker a Brexit deal.
A source told the BBC it appeared Sir Ivan was relaying the views of other European states rather than his own or that of the Government.
The spokesman said in a statement: "We don't recognise this. The Government is fully confident of negotiating a deal to exit the EU that works in the interests of both the UK and the rest of Europe."
Reports of Sir Ivan's comments emerged as EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss Brexit - without Ms May being present.
The meeting is expected to involve the appointment of a figure to lead the EU's negotiating team, likely to be France's former EU Commissioner Michel Barnier, who is currently in charge of the European Commission's Brexit team.
Meanwhile on Wednesday the Brexit Secretary David Davis became the first cabinet minister to suggest the process of leaving the EU could be halted even after Article 50 has been triggered.
Speaking at a select committee, Mr Davis also set himself up for a clash with Philip Hammond by saying a transitional deal favoured by the Chancellor to ease the pain of Brexit should only be accepted if necessary.
Will you be able to remain an EU citizen after Brexit?
He said immigration would not form part of the UKs negotiating agenda in Brexit talks, cementing one of the Governments few known positions that it will refuse to accept freedom of movement. The statement does raises questions, however, about Ms Mays commitment to securing good access to the single market.
The Prime Minister has promised to trigger Article 50 by the end of March, beginning the two-year countdown after which the UK will formally leave the bloc.
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Ukip could be handed a decisive role in the outcome of Brexit unless the European Parliament is involved in negotiations, its outgoing President has warned.
Martin Schulz set out the consequences of moves to make the European Commission the lead negotiator suggesting the votes of Nigel Farages MEPs could suddenly become crucial if opposition to a deal grew in the parliament.
He spoke out at a press conference in Brussels, after it was revealed that the Commission planned to shut MEPs out of the talks and key preparatory meetings.
Mr Schulz said all negotiated proposals must be ratified by MEPs, adding: If you want to get a majority, then its meaningful to include the European Parliament. If, at the end, the European Parliament is split, lets say 330 in favour and 330 against, and Ukip is deciding about Brexit, is that what you want?
Therefore my advice is to include the European Parliament the constructive elements of the parliament in all the relevant steps.
Mr Schulz also laid bare his emotions about Brexit, as he argued both Britain and the rest of the EU would be losers from the decision to leave the bloc.
Theresa May refuses to comment on suggestions Brexit deal will take 10 years
Pointing out the EU was losing its second largest economy, one with a permanent seat on the UN security council, he said: This is weakening the EU without any doubt.
However, Mr Schulz said the UKs economic strength was drawn from its single market membership, adding: This is not a win-win situation for both sides.
The origin was emotion on the one side and emotion on the other side, and I am emotional when I think about that.
But emotions will not lead to the solutions we need. Lets try to be rational and to make the best out of it.
The comments came after awkward footage showed Theresa May standing isolated and alone at an EU summit in Brussels today, while other leaders greeted each other warmly.
Later, the other 27 leaders of EU countries will meet for an informal discussion without Ms May, to discuss their approach to the talks but with, she said, her blessing.
As she arrived in Brussels, the Prime Minister pointedly refused to answer repeated questions about private warnings to the Government, from Britains EU ambassador Sir Ivan Rogers, that a post-Brexit trade deal could take a decade to finalise.
David Davis does not rule out a transitional Brexit in Committee hearing
Sir Ivan also said that any deal could, even then, fail to be ratified by member states but No 10 said Sir Ivan, was passing on the views of other EU nations.
Ivan is there to report the views of others, he is doing the job of an ambassador, a source said. He was representing what others are saying to him.
Downing Street insists it will be possible to complete both the divorce deal and a new trade agreement within the two-year time frame set out under the Article 50 exit clause.
No 10 also said the Prime Minister had been told to prepare for complexities and difficulties in the Brexit negotiation process.
Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty
Ms May met both Mr Schulz and the parliaments lead Brexit negotiator, former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, for a 20 minute meeting.
A No 10 source said they both wanted a constructive process, but added: We recognise there may be complexities and difficulties at times, because that is the nature of any negotiation.
Ms May also met Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis and Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite. The Lithuanian leader raised the status of her citizens living in the UK after Brexit. Ms May has said she wants to guarantee the rights of EU citizens but is refusing to act unilaterally.
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The UK is to send a team of experts to Greece to help root out economic migrants from the flow of refugees coming into Europe, allowing them to be sent back quicker.
The British officials will take part in the pilot fast-tracking deportation for those not thought to be refugees, in a bid to deter more people from coming.
It was announced ahead of todays EU summit at which Theresa May has planned to discuss mass migration with leaders at the main session, while also having several further one-on-one meetings.
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The gathering, which will also see Ukraine, Aleppo and Nato discussed, marks another occasion on which the 27 other EU leaders will at some point meet without the UK to discuss their approach to Brexit.
Ms May will send the team of 40 officials to Greece to take part in the pilot, while 110 have already been operating there.
A No 10 source said the purpose of the trial is to determine the admissibility of asylum claims from Iraqi, Afghan and Eritrean nationals.
She added: Claims from those individuals are likely to be deemed inadmissible so rather than going into a certain type of asylum case flow, they go into a faster process which enables you to return them quicker.
The source explained it was about increasing the deterrent message. More broadly, she said the Prime Minister will underline the huge challenge in dealing with mass migration and that a practical, sustainable way to approach the problem was needed that responded to humanitarian need, but also recognised the way domestic communities are responding.
Theresa May on immigration in conference speech
She added: A failure to respond risks undermining our values and damaging the consent of our people to provide support to people that need it most.
The Government will also advocate doing more with countries, such as Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, to help them better control their borders and tackling smugglers on the transit routes.
Ms May will hold talks with the outgoing President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz in the margins of the Brussels summit.
She will also meet Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis and Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite, meaning that she will have held talks with leaders from all EU countries apart from Austria and Bulgaria by the time the summit starts.
A Brexit discussion among the 27 other EU nations will take place after Theresa May has left the summit on Thursday, when the European Commission's top Brexit official Michel Barnier will be confirmed as having the lead role in the negotiations.
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The former Deputy Prime Minister has said the Government must be prepared to compromise with the European Union, if it wants to maintain the inter-state security measures it has access to.
Nick Clegg made the comments at the launch of a new research paper on Wednesday that looked at the impact of Brexit on the security arrangements between the UK and EU.
The paper warned that rejecting the European Court of Justice would almost certainly lose Britain access to the European Arrest Warrant, making it harder to deport foreign criminals.
It also said the security services would no longer be able to mandate other countries to carry out anti-terror surveillance operations and that the courts would not continue to have access to rape and murder convictions in other EU countries.
UK court orders would no longer be able to enforce asset freezing in other parts of the EU, the paper warned.
It added that no country outside the European Economic Area and Schengen had managed to secure a deal keeping these systems.
Britains future security has to be one of the Prime Ministers top priorities in her Brexit negotiations, Mr Clegg said.
Our connections with Europe have strengthened our police and criminal justice systems substantially over recent years. Cross-border crime and terrorism will still need to be tackled after Brexit. We cannot let political dogma get in the way of public safety.
The Government needs to think about what compromises they are prepared to make in return for an unprecedented deal that allows us to, at the very least, maintain the successful security measures we have in place now.
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
Last month the Government confirmed it intended to remain in Europol, the EUs integrated police and crime agency, at least until Brexit occurred.
The Government said the agency was valuable in tackling cross-border crime.
The UK is leaving the EU but the reality of cross-border crime remains, policing minister Brandon Lewis said.
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The UK Government has been urged to take violence against women seriously after failing to ratify a major international treaty on domestic violence four years after it pledged to do so.
In an open letter published by The Independent, UN Womens Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson, campaigners, human rights lawyers and senior political figures including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron have called on Theresa May to take the opportunity to recognise that womens rights are human rights by ratifying the Istanbul Convention.
The letter is being published in advance of a major vote tomorrow in Parliament when MPs will have the opportunity to back a private members bill to enshrine a leading international treaty on domestic violence in British law. The bill is at its second reading, meaning MPs will vote on whether it should pass on to the next step of being considered by a committee.
It is likely to pass in the parliamentary vote tomorrow, as Labour, the SNP, the Green Party and the Lib Dems all support it. However, for it to pass into law it would need the support of the Conservative Party as the largest party.
The call to ratify the convention comes after a four-year period has elapsed in which the Government has failed to ratify domestic violence provisions, despite pledging to do so in 2012.
Human rights lawyer Lisa Gormley has said the convention will act as a catalyst for real change that will force the UK Government to take comprehensive action to improve the lives of those who are victims of rape, stalking and harassment.
The Istanbul convention has been described as the gold standard of legislation on gender-based violence and addresses FGM, domestic violence, sexual abuse and child marriage.
Countries that incorporate the treaty commit to ensuring survivors of domestic violence can have access to specialist support services and refuges, monitoring data about gender-based violence and having age appropriate education at schools about domestic abuse.
Although many forms of domestic and sexual abuse are already illegal in the UK, some of the legislation commits to general principles of victims welfare and wellbeing which can be subject to interpretation by different courts and local councils, resulting in varying access to welfare and other provisions.
The convention has already been signed by 22 countries including Italy, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Spain.
Emma Watson's new short film highlights hurdles in fight for women's equality
The Government agreed to sign the convention in 2012 but the refusal to commit further through full ratification has incensed campaigners.
The Government has defended the delay saying in 2015 that it remains committed: We have already cemented our standing as a world leader in this important area, hosting major international summits to tackle female genital mutilation and forced marriage. We already comply with the vast majority of the Conventions articles.
However, some critics cited concerns the delay was due to a further implication that some aspects of austerity and local government cuts could become illegal under the convention the bedroom tax, for example, could impact on properties specially adapted for domestic violence victims with panic rooms and alarms.
Dubravka Simonovic, the UNs special rapporteur on violence against women, is a leading ambassadorial voice on gender-based violence internationally. She has also signed the letter calling for ratification, telling The Independent: If the Government is committed to preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls it should ratify this convention now and start working on its incorporation and implementation. The Istanbul Convention will provide a new impetus at the political, legal and social level to focus on combatting and preventing violence against women and to incorporate additional provisions of services that are usually inadequate, such as helplines and shelters.
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 Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty
Human rights lawyers backed the calls. Lisa Gormley, from the Centre for Women, Peace and Security at the London School of Economics, told The Independent: The Istanbul Convention is a catalyst for real change - using best practice know-how. It is different from previous domestic violence laws because it is a comprehensive integrated plan across all forms of violence against women. This is important because some forms of violence affect the same women and girls in multiple ways there needs to be a comprehensive approach.
Actress Emma Watson, the UN Womens Goodwill Ambassador, is also among signatories to the letter. An ambassador for the human rights body since 2014, she has campaigned for women and girls rights both in the UK and internationally.
SNP MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford, who is introducing the private members bill on which MPs will vote tomorrow, says it is imperative the convention is ratified because it will provide the legal apparatus to hold governments accountable for their progress.
It is important that the Istanbul Convention is ratified because it is the most comprehensive framework that exists anywhere to tackle violence against women in its many forms and manifestations.
Here in the UK some good progress has been made to address serious issues like forced marriage, stalking and so-called revenge porn, but thanks to the Governments austerity agenda vital local services such as womens refuges and rape crisis helplines are at risk. Ratifying the Istanbul Convention will secure in law womens right to access these services. Tomorrow we have a real opportunity to make a difference to the lives of women here and abroad.
Gender-based violence can include female genital mutilation, forced marriage, as well as domestic or sexual abuse. It can involve physical, emotional or sexual violence or harm. It primarily affects women and girls but can also affect men, boys and non-binary people. On average, two women are killed by their current or former partner in England and Wales every week.
It is estimated that 7.7 per cent of all women and 4.4 per cent of all men suffer from domestic violence at some point in their lives.
A Government spokesperson told The Independent: We remain committed to ratifying the Istanbul Convention as part of our strong commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. In most respects measures already in place to protect women and girls from violence comply with, or go further, than the Convention requires.
Full text: Letter to the British Government on the eve of the Private Members Bill on the Istanbul Convention
We are faced with a unique opportunity to #ChangeHerstory and help end gender-based violence in the UK.
The Istanbul Convention is a historic international treaty which makes governments legally bound to prevent gender-based violence. It recognises that womens rights are human rights and commits governments to take violence against women seriously.
The UK Government signed the Convention in 2012, yet in the four years since it has failed to ratify it. Until it is ratified, the convention remains just a piece of paper and fails to protect women and girls.
Every hour of every day, the police receive over 100 calls about domestic abuse. On average, two women are killed by their current or former partner every week in England and Wales. Women and girls in the UK need their Government to take this issue seriously and act now.
Ratifying the convention would mean:
- Survivors of domestic violence are entitled to specialist services and support such as refuges and shelters
- Survivors of abuse are entitled to psychological support
- 24 hour helplines are available for all forms of violence against women
- Robust data monitoring gender-based violence is collected
- Education is given in schools on issues such as gender equality and violence against women and girls
Gender-based violence can take many forms including FGM, so-called Honour Based Violence, child marriage, domestic abuse and sexual abuse, which are recognised by the Istanbul Convention. It primarily affects women but can also affect men and non-binary people.
On Friday 16 December, the Government has a unique opportunity to show its commitment to preventing gender-based violence. MPs can lend their power to ratification of the Istanbul Convention by supporting the second reading of the Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence Bill as it goes before parliament.
This Bill has cross-party support, and is backed by organisations across the womens sector, including Rape Crisis, Womens Aid, Scottish Womens Aid, Welsh Womens Aid, Womens Aid Federation Northern Ireland, Southall Black Sisters, FORWARD and Everyday Sexism.
We ask MPs to take this opportunity to show their commitment to a world without gender-based violence and to vote to ratify the Istanbul Convention.
Yours sincerely,
Emma Watson, UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador
Dubravka Simonovic, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women
Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party
Tim Farron MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats
Caroline Lucas MP, Leader of the Green Party
Nick Clegg MP, former Deputy Prime Minister
Lisa Gormley, Centre for Women, Peace and Security, London School of Economics
Dr Keina Yoshida, barrister Doughty Street Chambers and Advisory Board Member, Centre for Women, Peace and Security, London School of Economics
Dr Susan Atkins, Advisory Board, Centre for Women, Peace and Security, London School of Economics
Laura Bates, Everyday Sexism Project
Polly Neate, CEO, Women's Aid Federation of England
Marsha Scott, Scottish Women's Aid
Jan Melia, Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland
Jane Connors, Director International Advocacy Programme, Amnesty International
Kate Allen, Director, Amnesty International UK
Alison Gordon, Executive Director, Sisters For Change
Nimco Ali, Daughters of Eve
Peter Grant, Co-director, Restored
Lucy-Ann Holmes, No More Page Three
Laura Bates, Everyday Sexism Project
Sarah Green, Co-director, End Violence Against Women Coalition
Pragna Patel, Director, Southall Black Sisters
Harriet Wistrich, Founder, Centre for Womens Justice
Jane Gordon, Founder, Sisters for Change
Andrea Coomber, Director of Justice
Professor Clare McGlynn, Durham Law School
Professor Anna Lawson, Director, Leeds University Centre for Disability Studies
Becca Bunce, IC Change
Rachel Nye, IC Change
Robyn Boosey, IC Change
Baroness Mary Goudie
Jess Phillips MP
Tim Brake MP
Alistair Carmichael MP
Norman Lamb MP
Greg Mulholland MP
John Pugh MP
Mark Williams MP
Sarah Olney, incoming MP
Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP
Angus Robertson MP, Leader of the SNP Westminster Group
Gavin Newlands MP
Mhairi Black MP
Angela Crawley MP
Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh MP
Kirsten Oswald MP
Chris Law MP
Martyn Day MP
Drew Hendry MP
George Kerevan MP
Hannah Bardell MP
Alan Brown MP
Margaret Ferrier MP
Patrick Grady MP
John McNally MP
Owen Thompson MP
Carol Monaghan MP
Mike Weir MP
Callum McCaig MP
Tommy Sheppard MP
Stephen Gethins MP
Peter Grant MP
Patricia Gibson MP
Steven Paterson MP
John Nicolson MP
Pete Wishart MP
Deirdre Brock MP
Kirsty Blackman MP
Neil Gray MP
Ian Blackford MP
Marion Fellows MP
Anne McLaughlin MP
Philippa Whitford MP
Richard Arkless MP
Stuart McDonald MP
Stewart McDonald MP
Alison Thewliss MP
Lisa Cameron MP
Calum Kerr MP
Sophie Walker, leader of the Womens Equality Party
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A Government minister has been branded disgraceful after he defended his blocking of the only black candidate for a senior job with a rejection of tokenism.
Matthew Hancock blocked the appointment of former Arts Council executive Althea Efunshile to Channel 4s board, despite her recommendation for the job by Ofcom, the sectors regulator.
The channels current board of directors is all-white and has only three women on it.
At Culture Questions in the House of Commons today Mr Hancock said criticism of his intervention was an argument that we should have tokenism in public appointments.
His comments were seized on by Labour, who described them as very concerning and called for the Government to make its appointment process more transparent.
SNP MP John Nicholson asked the minister during the question period: The minister talks of merit Channel 4 has 13 board members, ten of them are men, all of them are white.
Could the minister explain to the House why he blocked the sole black candidate, a candidate described as outstanding by Ofcom?
In response to the question, Mr Hancock said: In this case there were four vacancies and we chose the four best candidates.
I will have no truck with an argument that we should have tokenism. I support appointment on merit and I support making sure that we reach into all communities.
His comments jar with those of the Culture Secretary Karney Bradley, who when questioned about the board told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday that she wanted to see a diverse range of candidates appointed to public appointments.
Labours shadow Culture minister Kevin Brennan described Mr Hancocks comments as disgraceful and an insult to Ms Efunshile, who had been picked by the regulator on merit.
Matthew Hancocks remarks this morning are very concerning, he said in comments made after the parliamentary exchange.
To say that the appointment of this highly qualified and recommended candidate would have been tokenism is disgraceful and his argument that the four best candidates got the job just doesnt cut it.
Ministers have flirted with Channel 4 privatisation (Getty Images)
Weve had no transparency over the criteria for the appointments and no clarity on whether the same process was followed for each candidate, with multiple reports saying they were not.
The Ministers complacent attitude and his dismissal of the very serious questions around the appointments to the Channel 4 board betrays his total failure to grasp the severity of this issue. Those questions still need answering.
The row comes after reports that the Government tried to parachute a vocal advocate of Channel 4 privatisation onto the channels board, but was blocked by Ofcom.
Controversial Channel 4 programmes Show all 10 1 /10 Controversial Channel 4 programmes Controversial Channel 4 programmes Benefits Street The first series of Benefits Street made a star of James Turner Street resident White Dee (pictured). Last year, the programme caused as much controversy as Top Gear, being criticised for benefiting the ratings rather than the people who are in it. Channel 4 Controversial Channel 4 programmes The Undateables It first aired in 2012, featuring disabled singletons on a quest for love. Critics attacked the marketing of the reality TV show as "sensationalist", "harmful" and akin to exploitative Victorian "freak shows", but Channel 4 argued that the campaign and title was a reflection of society's own prejudices. Channel 4 Controversial Channel 4 programmes Dogging Tales The show was the most watched programme by 16-34 year olds, causing reactions on the disturbing range of animal masks worn by the doggers, and on the statistic reported on the show that 70 per cent of lorry drivers go dogging. Channel 4 Controversial Channel 4 programmes Big Fat Gypsy Weddings The show has been a ratings winner for Channel 4, but it was criticised by the Traveller community, saying it fuels discrimination and portrays their lives inaccurately. Controversial Channel 4 programmes The Paedophile Hunter The documentary shone a light into the murky world of internet vigilantism. In it, online vigilante Stinson Hunter and his associates lure and trap sexual predators by posing as underage children online, and then pass evidence on to the police and post it online. Channel 4 Controversial Channel 4 programmes Sex Box In the show couples have sex in a soundproofed box and then discuss it with a panel of experts afterwards. Our reviewer called it a titillation that masquerades as serious television. Controversial Channel 4 programmes Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial Hosted by Jon Snow, the programme showed people trying Ecstasy live on air. Actor and comedian Keith Allen volunteered to help the live study on the effect of the drug. Controversial Channel 4 programmes Angry White and Proud The documentary showed some of the less salubrious sides of far right groups and activities in this country, showing evidence that whilst it is true that actual street base support has dropped, this does not take into account how the narratives of these extreme groups has pervaded and spread across the internet. Channel 4 Controversial Channel 4 programmes Ukip: The First 100 Days The documentary received over 6,500 complaints after it imagined former Ukip leader Nigel Farage as Prime Minister. Controversial Channel 4 programmes Married at First Sight Documentary programme featured three couples, two of whom decided to get married without having previously met. Cameras followed them through their wedding night, honeymoon and their first few weeks of living together. Channel 4
Of the five candidates for the four vacant positions Ms Efunshile was the only non-white candidate.
Ministers have in the past flirted with privatising the commercially-funded, publicly owned channel, with conflicting media reports over whether the idea is still under consideration.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Dec. 15
By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:
Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has been nominated as a candidate from Democratic Party for the upcoming presidential election, to be held in February 2017 in Turkmenistan, the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary state news service reported.
Under the decision of the Turkmen parliament, the presidential election will be held on Feb. 12, 2017.
A special conference of Turkmenistans Democratic Party was held in Ashgabat, according to the report.
Participants of the conference made an unanimous decision on the nomination of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov as a candidate for the highest state position.
The campaign on nomination of candidates continues. The names of candidates from the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs will be announced on Dec. 15, from the Agrarian Party on Dec. 17.
Currently, initiative groups continue to collect signatures [at least 10,000 signatures under the Electoral Code] for the registration of each of the candidates nominated for the highest state position.
The registration process of candidates will start on Dec. 24, and then their speeches in media.
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Theresa May had nothing to say about suggestions it will take 10 years to negotiate Brexit refusing to confirm, deny, or even acknowledge questions about the latest revelation.
The Prime Minister was asked directly by reporters outside an EU summit in Brussels what she thought of the advice, reportedly given by Sir Ivan Rogers, the UKs EU ambassador, to the Government.
However, the Prime Minister appeared oblivious to the question and gave an answer on a completely different topic before making a rapid escape.
What well be discussing at this summit is how we work together to deal with the serious challenges we face, she said in response to the question about the 10-year deal.
Well be discussing migration. Ive always said from outset on migration that Europe needs to do more to tackle the root causes. That means disrupting the smuggling networks, it means deterring more people from taking the journey in the first place and returning those who have no right to be here.
We also need to condemn whats happening in Syria. President Assad and his backers in Russia and Iran bear responsibility for the tragedy in Aleppo. What we must be doing is ensuring that those who are responsible for these atrocities are held to account.
We must also do all we can to ensure a ceasefire is secured so the United Nations can help bring to safety the innocent people of Aleppo. Finally, I welcome the fact that the other leaders will be meeting to discuss Brexit tonight.
As we are going to invoke article 50, trigger the negotiations by the end of March next year, its right that the other leaders prepare for those negotiations as we have been preparing. We will be leaving the EU, we want that to be as smooth an orderly a process as possible.
Reporters shouted behind Ms May: What about it taking ten years to get a deal however the Prime Minister swiftly walked away.
The Foreign Affairs Select Committee warned this morning that the Government was in danger of being grossly negligent by not planning for a collapse in talks with the European Union.
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
Under the timetable agreed by Theresa May and set out in the EUs Article 50 the Government must concluded Brexit negotiations within two years of triggering the Treaty clause, or trade will revert to World Trade Organisation rules.
Tory MP Crispin Blunt, who chairs the committee, said Theresa Mays administration seemed to be repeating the mistakes of David Camerons government, which repeatedly refuse to plan for the possibility of Brexit.
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A 50bn Brexit bill that Britain must pay will be one of the first issues on the table in the negotiations, Theresa May has been warned.
Michel Barnier, the European Commission chief negotiator, has confirmed the UK will have to pay the fee for outstanding liabilities, EU leaders said.
The sum is believed to include the obligation for the UK to pay into the EU Budget until the end of 2020, as well as pensions liabilities and payments linked to loan guarantees.
Recommended Video shows Theresa May standing on her own at Brussels EU summit
The Czech Republic's Europe minister said the issue would be near the top of the list when the exit talks get underway next year.
Tomas Prouza told Sky News: This is agreeing the bills that the UK has already agreed to pay.
Were talking about payments to the existing budget that the UK already voted for, pensions of British citizens working at the EU.
This is only things the UK has already committed itself to paying.
Theresa May left standing on her own at Brussels EU summit
When asked if British people should expect a bill worth tens of billions of pounds, Mr Prouza replied: Definitely. This is what the UK has already committed to pay, and we would expect that the UK would honour its commitments. It will be one of the first issues coming up on the table.
Downing Street said the UK would meet its obligations while it remained a member of the EU but any financial settlement after that would be a matter for negotiation.
Decisions on how UK taxpayers money is spent will be decisions for the UK to take moving forward, a No 10 source said.
Theres a whole range of complex issues that will need to be resolved in the negotiations.
The source added: One of the issues that will be for discussion and negotiation is the EU budget contribution and things like that.
The important thing is that, once we have left, the UK Government will make decisions on how taxpayers money is spent.
Mr Barnier has reported a figure of 50-60bn (42bn-50bn) to EU leaders in his tour of EU capitals.
The same figure was mentioned to Brussels based diplomats from the EU-27, in a meeting last month, Sky was told.
Another analysis of the same liabilities by two EU finance ministries is believed to have calculated the bill at around 40bn (33bn).
Also on Thursday, Theresa May told European Union leaders that she wants an early agreement on the status of Britons living on the continent and EU citizens in the UK after Brexit.
Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny, speaking following a European Council summit meeting in Brussels, said Ms May updated her fellow leaders on the Supreme Court case on Article 50 and her hope for a deal on EU nationals.
She would like to have the question of UK citizens living in Europe and European citizens living in the UK dealt with in the early part of discussions that take place, he said.
Mr Kenny's comments came after Ms May left the summit in Brussels without answering any questions on subject of Brexit. The other 27 EU leaders carried on their discussions without her in order to finalise their approach to the negotiations for the UK's divorce from Brussels.
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Britain should expect to be faced with complexities and difficulties as it tries to extricate itself from the European Union, Theresa May has been warned, as Downing Street continued to put a positive spin on the Brexit process.
In a 20-minute meeting before the official start of an EU summit in Brussels, senior members of the European Parliament told the Prime Minister they nonetheless want to work towards a viable solution in the coming months and years.
The UK has promised to trigger Article 50 and formally announce its intention to leave the EU by the end of March, after which it will have two years to both agree both the divorce deal and come up with a new trade deal with the remaining members of the bloc.
Downing Street sources said Ms May spoke to European Parliament president Martin Schulz and the former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, who has been appointed the Parliaments chief Brexit negotiator.
Recommended Video shows Theresa May standing on her own at Brussels EU summit
Mr Schulz and Mr Verhofstadt said they wanted a "constructive process, while we recognise there may be complexities and difficulties at times, because that is the nature of any negotiation, overall we should keep our focus on: how do we get to the right outcome at the end.
Footage from the start of the official meeting of the European Council - which consists of the heads of state of each member - showed Ms May standing on her own.
Later, the other 27 leaders will meet for a dinner to which Ms May has not been invited. Once she has left the summit, they will hold informal talks about how the bloc is to approach Brexit as a united front.
As she arrived in Brussels for the regular EU gathering, Mrs May said: "I welcome the fact that the other leaders will be meeting to discuss Brexit tonight.
As we are going to invoke Article 50, trigger the negotiations, by the end of March next year, it's right that the other leaders prepare for those negotiations as we have been preparing.
"We will be leaving the EU, and we want that to be as smooth and an orderly process as possible. It's not just in our interests, it's in the interest of the rest of Europe as well."
She ignored repeated questions about private warnings to the Government from Britain's EU ambassador Sir Ivan Rogers that a post-Brexit trade deal could take a decade to finalise and even then may fail to get ratified by member states.
Number 10 said Sir Ivan, who spoke to Ms May earlier, was passing on the views of other EU nations.
"Ivan is there to report the views of others, he is doing the job of an ambassador," a source said.
"He was representing what others are saying to him."
Downing Street continues to suggest the Government believes it will be possible to complete both the required deals within the two-year time frame set out under Article 50 of the EU treaties.
"The intention is that we will have a deal within the time frame we have set out which sees us exit the EU and allows us to trade with and operate within the single market," said a Number 10 spokesman.
Additional reporting by agencies
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Traces of explosives have been found on the bodies from an EgyptAir plane that crashed into the Mediterranean, raising the possibility of a terror attack on board.
All 66 people on board flight MS804 were killed when it went down during its flight from Paris to Cairo in May.
Egypt's Civil Aviation Ministry said a criminal investigation would now begin into the disaster, which is expected to look into the possibility of a bomb being planted on board.
EgyptAir crash wreckage spotted on seabed
Forensic investigations have found traces of explosives on some human remains from the victims of the incident, a statement from the investigation committee said.
Data from the Airbus A320's black boxes previously suggested a fire just behind the flight deck, with indications of heat and thick black smoke.
Recommended EgyptAir flight 804 voice recorder suggests fire caused crash
Voice recordings reportedly revealed a pilot attempted to put out a blaze but the transcript has not been made public and the cause remains unclear.
Seven minutes before contact was lost with the plane as it flew from Paris to Cairo, a sequence of automated ACARS messages indicated multiple threats on board.
The first message, sent at 2.26am Cairo time, read: ANTI ICE R WINDOW, indicating a problem with the heater for the co-pilots window. Six more messages followed in the next three minutes two over window sensors and two mentioning smoke.
One detector was in a toilet behind the flight deck and the second in the avionics bay beneath the cockpit.
While the smoke detectors are intended to indicate fire, they can also be triggered by condensation of the kind that occurs in the event of sudden decompression.
The final two messages, sent within seconds of each other at 2.29am, read AUTO FLT FCU 2 FAULT and F/CTL SEC 3 FAULT, indicating problems with the autopilot and the flight control system respectively.
In pictures: EgyptAir flight MS804 crash Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: EgyptAir flight MS804 crash In pictures: EgyptAir flight MS804 crash A relative of a passenger who was flying aboard an EgyptAir plane that vanished from radar en route from Paris to Cairo overnight cries as family members are transported by bus to a gathering point at Cairo airport Getty Images In pictures: EgyptAir flight MS804 crash Security personnel are seen outside an Egyptair in-flight service building at Cairo International Airport Reuters In pictures: EgyptAir flight MS804 crash Relatives of passengers on a vanished EgyptAir flight grieve as they leave the in-flight service building where they were held at Cairo International Airport Getty Images In pictures: EgyptAir flight MS804 crash Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail talks to reporters at Cairo International Airport AP In pictures: EgyptAir flight MS804 crash Relatives leave the Egyptair in-flight service building where they were held at Cairo International Airport In pictures: EgyptAir flight MS804 crash A relative of the victims of the EgyptAir flight 804 reacts as she makes a phone call at Charles de Gaulle Airport outside of Paris In pictures: EgyptAir flight MS804 crash A relative of the victims of the EgyptAir flight 804 wipes her tears as she is comforted by unidentified people at Charles de Gaulle Airport outside of Paris In pictures: EgyptAir flight MS804 crash A relative of the victims of the EgyptAir flight 804 is escorted at Charles de Gaulle Airport outside of Paris In pictures: EgyptAir flight MS804 crash Relatives of missing EgyptAir flight MS804 are seen at Cairo Airport In pictures: EgyptAir flight MS804 crash Flight path of EgyptAir Flight MS804
Four minutes later, the aircrafts transponder made its last broadcast.
The crew did not make a distress call and radar data suggested the plane veered sharply before hitting the water.
French authorities said there was no evidence the disaster was terror-related following an initial manslaughter investigation in June.
Agnes Thibault-Lecuivre, from the prosecutor's office, said findings could change if new evidence emerged.
No group claimed responsibility for the crash, which came seven months after a Russian passenger jet was downed by Isis over the Sinai Peninsula.
Militants are believed to have planted a bomb in the hold before its departure from Sharm el-Sheikh, detonating it to kill all 226 people on board.
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The Obama administration has finalised a rule to stop states from withdrawing federal money from Planned Parenthood and other health clinics that provide abortions.
The protections are due to take effect two days before Donald Trump takes office.
Under the rule, states are legally required to distribute federal funds for services related to contraception, fertility, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and breast and cervical cancer screening regardless of whether they also perform abortions.
A non-profit organisation, Planned Parenthood partly uses government grants to pay for contraceptives and health checks as well as cancer and STI screenings for low-earners in the US.
Federal rules already prevent the healthcare provider from spending any of the government funding around $70m (59m) on abortions. Around half of the organisation's clinics do not perform the procedure.
Republicans in Congress have repeatedly threatened to cut off Planned Parenthood clinics and in September dozens of conservative states backed proposals to defund the service, prompting the Obama administration to introduce the proposals.
Mr Trump has previously praised Planned Parenthood, acknowledging that it helps millions and millions of women who go to it for health services such as breast cancer screening.
But he ran a staunchly pro-life campaign, saying it should be up to individual states to decide whether they should provide the service.
In March he said that if abortions were banned, women should face some form of punishment. He later retracted his comments after they provoked uproar.
Mr Trump has also repeatedly threatened to abolish Obamacare the outgoing presidents reform intended to improve access to affordable healthcare among other laws brought in under the Democrat.
But undoing the new rule on clinics providing abortions would prove particularly time-consuming, the Department of Health has said, making it less likely the law will be revoked.
This rule will strengthen access to essential services like cancer screenings and contraception for some of the most vulnerable patients in this country, said Karen A Scott, the department's chief medical officer.
She continued: Public comments showed overwhelming support for finalizing the rule, which clarifies that all organisations able to provide these services should be eligible to compete for funds.
Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Show all 23 1 /23 Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists hold placards outside of the US Supreme Court ahead of an expected ruling on abortion clinic restrictions on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions An abortion rights activist holds placards outside of the US Supreme Court before the Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. The US Supreme Court on Monday struck down a Texas law placing a raft of restrictions on abortion clinics, handing a major victory to the "pro-choice" camp in the country's most important ruling on the divisive issue in a generation. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Pro-life activists pray on the steps of the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Texas abortion provider Amy Hagstrom-Miller looks on as Nancy Northup, President of The Center for Reproductive Rights speaks to the media outside of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions An abortion rights activist holds placards outside of the US Supreme Court before the Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. The US Supreme Court on Monday struck down a Texas law placing a raft of restrictions on abortion clinics, handing a major victory to the "pro-choice" camp in the country's most important ruling on the divisive issue in a generation. Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Texas abortion provider Amy Hagstrom-Miller wipes a tear as she walks down the steps of the United States Supreme Court with Nancy Northup, President of The Center for Reproductive Rights on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Abortion rights activists Morgan Hopkins of Boston, left, and Alison Turkos of New York City, celebrate on the steps of the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Abortion rights activists Morgan Hopkins of Boston, left, and Alison Turkos of New York City, celebrate on the steps of the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. (Photo by Pete Marovich/Getty Images) Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activist Morgan Hopkins of Boston, celebrates on the steps of the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists embrace after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists hold placards outside of the US Supreme Court ahead of a ruling on abortion clinic restrictions on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. / AFP / MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. / AFP / MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists embrace after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Pro-choice activist, Alissa Manzoeillo, of Washington, D.C. waits for rulings in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. A ruling is expected in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, a Texas case the places restrictions on abortion clinics, as well as rulings in the former Virginia Governor's corruption case and a gun rights case. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists hold placards outside of the US Supreme Court ahead of an expected ruling on abortion clinic restrictions on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists hold placards outside of the US Supreme Court ahead of an expected ruling on abortion clinic restrictions on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. AFP/Getty Images
Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America welcomed the rule but said the "fight is not over".
"We are deeply concerned about the future of health care access in this country with extremists like Mike Pence and and Tom Price at the helm," she said in a statement.
We will not back down, and we will continue to fight for our patients access to care"
Diane Black, a Tennessee Republican who sits on the Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives, said the Obama administration will not have the last word on the law.
Recommended Judge blocks latest longshot bid to thwart Trump presidency
We should not be surprised that his administration would lash out with this eleventh hour power grab on the way out the door, but I am certain this rule will not stand for long, she said in a statement.
Come next year, our pro-life majorities in Congress will be positioned to work with President-elect Trump and pro-life nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr Tom Price, to not only roll back this latest overreach but also to enact new legal protections for these most vulnerable members of our society.
Amid mounting concerns about whether the next US administration would limit access to birth control, there have also been reports of American women stocking up on long-term contraceptives.
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Bernie Sanders and a group of senators have called on incoming education secretary Betsy DeVos to pay more than $5 million in election fines owed by an education-focused political action committee (PAC) she used to run.
Billionaire Republican donor Ms DeVos received a letter urging her to pay $5.3 million for violations from nearly 10 years ago, owed by a school choice advocacy group she used to run.
Politico reports that the letter, signed by independent Vermont senator Mr Sanders and four democratic senators, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Tom Udall of Arizona and Ed Markley of Massachusetts, said that they had "significant concerns" about the fines.
Recommended Trump picks charter school advocate Betsy DeVos as education secretary
"If confirmed as secretary of Education, you would be responsible for administering our nation's student loan programs and ensuring that borrowers repay their loans in a timely manner," the letter stated.
"However, the PAC that you chaired failed to pay fines that were imposed on it over eight years ago. This demonstrates a serious lack of judgment by the PAC's board and a willingness to avoid paying legally obligated public debts."
Ms DeVoss former PAC, All Children Matter, was based in Virginia and had no limits on political contributions.
However, it allegedly broke the law when it funneled $870,000 to an affiliate in Ohio, a state that has a $10,000 cap on individual gifts, according to the Ohio Elections Commission.
Ed Patry, a spokesman for Ms DeVos, told Politico that the legal battle over paying the fines is a "politically driven effort to derail education reform in Ohio". He said the letter was "a transparently political maneuver".
Donald Trump's controversial cabinet
A Trump transition representative said that the fines were no longer binding due to the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court ruling.
Ms DeVos group made the payments two years prior to the ruling.
She currently chairs education campaign group American Federation for Children, which has lobbied for the expansion of charter schools and school voucher programmes that would offer low-income families public money to spend on private school tuition for their children.
Upon her appointment as education secretary, she said the status quo "was not acceptable".
"I am committed to transforming our education system into the best in the world. However, out of respect for the United States Senate, it is most appropriate for me to defer expounding on specifics until they begin their confirmation process."
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Donlad Trump would be responsible for any attack on the United States while he skips daily intelligence briefings, a former CIA director has said.
Former spymaster and defence secretary Leon Panetta warned that responsibility for any attack forewarned by intelligence officials but ignored by Mr Trump would "fall on the president".
Both he and former British Prime Minister David Cameron emphasised Mr Trump should have daily intelligence briefings after he suggested he didn't need them.
Donald Trump says he doesn't need daily intelligence briefings as President because he's 'smart'
"I have never seen a president who has said, 'I don't want that stuff.' Never seen it," Mr Panetta said at the Arab Strategy Forum in Dubai.
Mr Cameron said: "It won't last."
Mr Panetta added: "It can't last."
Mr Trump reportedly only receives one briefing per week, far fewer than his predecessors.
World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Show all 29 1 /29 World reaction to President Trump: In pictures World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty Images World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mosul , Iraq Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures New Delhi, India Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Karachi, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kabul, Afghanistan AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem. Israel Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Moscow, Russia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Seoul, South Korea AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Peshawar, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Hyderabad, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kolkata, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Aleppo, Syria Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem, Israel EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Baghdad, Iraq Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Tokyo, Japan Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico Getty
Defending skipping his briefings, Mr Trump told Fox News Sunday: "I get it when I need it.
"First of all, these are very good people that are giving me the briefings. And I say, 'If something should change from this point, immediately call me. I'm available on one minute's notice.'"
He added: "I'm, like, a smart person.
"I don't have to be told the same thing in the same words every single day for the next eight years. Could be eight years but eight years. I don't need that."
Additional reporting by Associated Press
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Donald Trump will have to give up to seven-hours of evidence in a lawsuit he filed against celebrity chef Jose Andres before he takes presidential office, a judge has ruled.
Attorneys for the US President-elect attempted to argue he was too important to be subjected to a normal amount of questioning. But Judge Jennifer A. Di Toro refused to make a dispensation for the future head of state at the Superior Court in Washington DC.
He will now be required to sit through the same length deposition as anybody else, in New York's Trump Tower in early January.
Mr Trump's witness statement is required as part of an ongoing contractual dispute with Mr Andres.
He is attempting to sue the restaurateur for breach of contract, after Mr Andres backed out of a plan to open a restaurant in Mr Trump's new luxury hotel in Washington. The chef claims he cancelled the project because of comments Mr Trump made about Mexicans during the presidential campaign.
Mr Trump's attorneys had previously agreed to the deposition, but sought to limit the length and scope of questioning, arguing in court filings: Mr Trump is not just any apex deponent; he is the President-elect ... It is not an overstatement that he is extremely busy handling matters of very significant public importance.
Judge Ms Di Toro said limiting Mr Trump's examination would limit the defence team's ability to prepare their case for trial, because Mr Trump's own statements are at the heart [of the case]".
Mr Andres has previously suggested the parties bring their lawsuit to an end and instead donate money to a veterans organisation.
Mr Trump and his businesses have been involved in at least 3,500 legal actions over the past three decades.
A group of lawyers in the US recently decided not publish a report on the President-elects strategic use of litigation, which they described as "baseless", because they were afraid he would launch baseless litigation against them.
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Donald Trump was "obviously aware" Russia was involved in hacking during the US election, the White House has said.
"Theres ample evidence that was known long before the election and in most cases long before October about the Trump campaign and Russia everything from the Republican nominee himself calling on Russia to hack his opponent," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.
"It might be an indication that he was obviously aware and concluded, based on whatever facts or sources he had available to him, that Russia was involved and their involvement was having a negative impact on his opponent's campaign."
The CIA told a group of top US senators that the hack was aimed at helping Mr Trump.
Recommended Electoral College voters demand briefing on Russian election hacking
Mr Trump is facing growing pressure to respond to the alleged hack of the election by the Russians as new reports say Vladimir Putin was "directly tied" to the cyber attack.
NBC news reported that the Russian president was personally involved in the attempt to disrupt the election, according to two anonymous intelligence officials.
The motives for the alleged cyber attack were multifaceted. Mr Putin had a "vendetta" against Hillary Clinton, and this morphed into a desire to highlight corruption in American politics and split off key US allies, according to Michael McFaul, former US ambassador to Russia.
"Certainly he [Putin] likes President-elect Trumps views on Russia," he told NBC.
Electoral college members demand information on Russian relations before voting to make Donald Trump
Mr Putin, and a number of other Russian officials, have denied accusations that Russia was behind the hacking attack in the US - with Mr Putin saying in October that the "hysteria" surrounding the incident was an attempt to divert from what was contained in the leaks.
Senator Lindsey Graham has called for Mr Trump to push back against Russia and to be briefed by the FBI on the matter. Mr Graham said Russias alleged interference was not a political issue.
"It could be us next," he told CNN, referring to Russias ability to hack the Republican accounts, and use information against them.
Mr Graham, who said his own emails had been hacked, has joined Arizona Republican senator John McCain and Democrats to call for a bipartisan inquiry into the Kremlins activities during the election.
Top senate Republican, Mitch McConnell, said an inquiry would be conducted by the senate intelligence panel. House speaker Paul Ryan said he would also support the inquiry.
Incoming secretary of state Rex Tillerson does not support sanctions against Russia, however.
The appointment of Mr Tillerson, a friend to Russia since he became company CEO in 2006, is likely to have been welcomed by Mr Putin, an oil and energy obsessive who reportedly likes to negotiate deals personally.
White House suggests Trump benefited from Russia hacking
Mr Trump said earlier this week that the claims of hacking were "ridiculous".
"I think the Democrats are putting it out because they suffered one of the greatest defeats in the history of politics in this country.
"And frankly, I think theyre putting it out. And its ridiculous," he told Fox News on Sunday.
Mr Trumps spokesman Jason Miller said the focus on Russia was merely "an attempt to de-legitimise president-elect Trumps win".
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White House press secretary Josh Earnest said it was pretty obvious that Russian president Vladimir Putin personally authorised the hack of the US election.
Following an NBC news report that Mr Putin was directly tied to the cyber attack, Mr Earnest told reporters that the White House had indicated in October that Russia was the main suspect regarding the attack on Democratic National Committee emails.
The White House has not provided any proof of the latest accusation, which will do little to ensure a smooth transition from President Barack Obama to Donald Trump and has heightened tensions between the two countries when it comes to negotiations in Syria and Ukraine.
President Barack Obama said in an interview with National Public Radio that the United States will take action against Russia over the election issue.
I think there is no doubt that when any foreign government tries to impact the integrity of our elections ... we need to take action and we will, he said according to excerpts of the interview released by NPR.
At a time and a place of our own choosing. Some of it may be ... explicit and publicised; some of it may not be. ... Mr. Putin is well aware of my feelings about this, because I spoke to him directly about it, Obama said.
The news comes one day after Mr Earnest told reporters that Mr Trump was obviously aware that Russia was involved, and that the hack would benefit his campaign.
Mr Earnest said: Only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorised these activities. It's pretty obvious."
The lack of specific proof to be shared publicly has undermined those accusations, however.
Mr Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday the claim that Russian agencies hacked emails of Democratic Party officials, including Ms Clintons campaign chair John Podesta, and sent them to WikiLeaks, was laughable nonsense.
Mr Trump also denied the claims. He told Fox News on Sunday that the hacking claims were ridiculous. He previously said his call for Russia to hack Ms Clintons emails was sarcastic.
No one in the White House, Congress or the intelligence community found it funny that a US adversary was trying to destabilise our democracy, said Mr Earnest.
Former ambassador to Russia: Putin wanted 'revenge' against Clinton
The FBI and the CIA have offered differing accounts of whether the Russians were involved.
But Harry Reid, senate majority leader, said Mr Putin was clearly involved.
Having been the former head of the KGB, does that surprise you? he said. And does it surprise anybody today when he denied it?
Two Republican senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham have joined Democrats to call for a bipartisan inquiry into the extent of Russias involvement in the election. Mr Graham insisted that the hack was not a political issue.
It could be us next, he said, referring to a situation where Russia wanted to harm the Republicans.
The motives for the alleged cyber attack were multifaceted, according to NBC sources.
Mr Putin had a vendetta against Hillary Clinton, and this morphed into a desire to highlight corruption in American politics and split off key US allies, according to Michael McFaul, former US ambassador to Russia.
Agenices contributed to this report.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Dec. 15
By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:
Turkmenistans national air carrier Turkmenistan Airlines (Turkmenhowayollary) started to carry out regular passenger flights on the Ashgabat-Kazan-Ashgabat route from Dec. 14.
The flights will be carried out on Wednesdays and Sundays.
It was previously reported that it is also planned to launch flights to Tehran and Milan in the near future.
The biggest international airport of Central Asia was put into operation in September 2016 in Turkmenistans capital. The new airport is able to take aircraft of any type and capacity. The capacity of the ultra-modern air harbor is 1,600 passengers per hour and 14 million per year.
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A small town in Indiana is without their police force after every officer went on strike, claiming they were disciplined for pulling over town officials in traffic stops, and were allegedly pressured to perform illegal, unethical, and immoral things by the local council.
We cant make this up, former Bunker Hill marshal Michael Thomison said. They were just not receptive to having a police department.
Mr Thomison told BuzzFeed News that council-members requested background checks on their rivals who also served on the council. He added that they had asked for unfettered access to police records.
Officers on the force also claimed to have been punished after pulling over and writing tickets for town council members.
The Bunker Hill Police Department was made up of Mr Thomison and four reserve deputies the latter of whom were not paid for their work to cover the town with a population of 800. Mr Thomison had served as town marshal for four years before this weeks resignation.
The marshal and four deputies served their resignation letters during the regular meeting of the town board on Monday.
We have had issues with the town board and there are some activities there where I felt like they were serving their own agenda, Mr Thomison told WTTV. They would not communicate with us or the officers and they kept scaling back.
In a statement responding to the accusations, the town council absolutely denies the accusations from police department, and they say they never asked Mr Thomison or the deputies to be involved in any illegal, unethical, or immoral actions.
Miami County Sheriffs deputies will patrol the town while the town council seeks a new marshal to replace Mr Thomison.
While protesting against alleged unethical requests from the town council, Mr Thomison added that he had a personal stake in resignation following his fight with cancer last year.
According to Mr Thomison, the council scaled back his hours to part-time after he took leave to treat the illness which affected his health insurance plan.
They came at me and said it is costing the town way too much money because of my insurance, and they said, We are taking you down to part-time, he said.
The deputies said they did not want to quit, but felt the circumstances had reached such a critical level that they had no choice.
None of us wanted to quit, former reserve officer Joshua Graham told BuzzFeed. They just basically did whatever they wanted to do, whether its by the law or not.
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Mount St Helen's in Washington may have lain dormant for years, but a recent flurry of earthquakes around the mountain serves as a poignant reminder that this is one very active volcano.
This underground grumbling is a sign that the volcano is likely recharging, said the United States Geological Survey.
The USGS measured a flurry of small earthquakes, one or two miles below the surface, in late November.
At a magnitude of mostly 0.3 less, they were almost too weak to be felt at surface level. But the flurry of quakes was strong, with four swarms of more than 120 within a week in late November.
"Each of these little earthquakes is a clue and a reminder we are marching toward an eruption someday," Weston Thelen, a USGS seismologist with the Cascades Volcano. Observatory in Vancouver, told the Seattle Times.
Another expert at the observatory, Liz Westby, said the volcano is "inflating subtly" even if it cannot be seen from the outside.
Recharging occurs when the magma that is stored underground the volcano releases gasses and fluids, which pressurises and lubricates cracks within the volcano and causes seismic activity.
Mount St Helen's last erupted in 2004, and it ended in 2008.
Swarms of earthquakes have been recorded since then, most notably between March and May this year.
If the quakes do not lead to an imminent eruption, they are at least useful for scientists, who use the data to get a better understanding of rock densities and where magma chambers are.
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An 18-year-old Muslim woman who claimed that she was called a "terrorist" in the New York subway is facing up to one year in jail for false reporting of a crime.
Yasmin Seweid said that three white, drunk men targeted her in the subway, said racial slurs and tried to pull her hijab off her head.
Police could not find any witnesses or video evidence to back up the alleged incident on 1 December, and reportedly gave Ms Seweid multiple occasions to change her story.
Recommended Muslim woman says she was called a terrorist on New York Subway
Ms Seweid recanted on Tuesday, saying she made it up to "get attention" as she was having family issues at home, as reported by DNAInfo.
The NYPD confirmed to The Independent that Ms Seweid was charged on Wednesday afternoon with obstruction and falsely reporting an incident, two misdemeanours which could land her behind bars for up to a year.
NYPD spokesman detective Hubert Reyes said the punishment could be more severe if she is found guilty, depending on how the district attorney intended to proceed.
Ms Seweid wrote on Facebook after the incident that the men pulled her bag and called her a "f***ing terrorist".
Donald Trump calls for a Muslim registry in the United States
"It breaks my heart that so many individuals chose to be bystanders while watching me get harassed verbally and physically by these disgusting pigs," she wrote. The post has since been deleted.
"You try to raise your children as best you can," said her father Sayeed Seweid, a limo driver who is attending law school.
"Maybe she was afraid that night. She was running late," he added, as reported by DNAInfo.
After the incident on 1 December, his daughter went missing for several days and he filed a missing persons report. She was later found at a friends house.
He described his daughter as a "bright, good girl".
"She's young and maybe she was foolish here," he said.
The charges come as many Muslims are suffering from genuine discrimination and hate crimes across the US in the wake of Donald Trump's election and heated rhetoric against ethinic minorities, refugees and immigrants.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations reported close to 900 hate crimes since the election.
The FBI found separately that hate crimes against Muslims rose 67 per cent in 2015.
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Vladamir Putin was personally involved in hacking the US presidential election, according to senior US intelligence officials.
The Russian president reportedly dictated how hacked material from Democrats would be leaked and otherwise exploited.
What apparently began as a vendetta against Hillary Clinton morphed into an effort to expose corruption in American politics and to split off its key allies.
It follows White House reports that Donald Trump was obviously aware of the Kremlins involvement and follows claims it was highly probable Russia meddled with Brexit.
NBC News claims two senior US intelligence officials believe there is a high level of confidence, implying that the evidence is incontrovertible, that Putin was directly linked.
It is most certainly consistent with the Putin that I have watched, said Michael McFaul, ambassador to Russia from 2012 to 2014.
President Obama on allegations of Russian hacking and interference in the US election
He has had a vendetta against Hillary Clinton, that has been known for a long time, because of what she said about his elections back in the parliamentary elections of 2011.
He wants to discredit American democracy and make us weaker in terms of leading the liberal democratic order.
And most certainly he likes President-elect Trumps views on Russia.
The multi-millionaire property mogul says he does not believe the CIA's conclusion, which is not shared by the FBI, that the Russian government tampered with the US election.
The latest intelligence however, according to the NBC News report, is based on much more than the statement signed by 17 intelligence agencies in October - which blamed Russia for the Democratic National Committee hack.
Two anonymous DNC officials said a sweep of its Washington DC offices found a radio signal device near the chairmans office which could have been used to listen to phone calls.
Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Show all 5 1 /5 Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Russian President Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Vladimir Putin takes part in a gala game opening match of the Night Hockey League new season in Sochi EPA Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Vladimir Putin takes part in a gala game, opening a new season of the Night Ice Hockey League in Sochi, Russia EPA Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Vladimir Putin (C) shows off his hockey skills during the match of the Night Hockey League new season in Sochi EPA Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Vladimir Putin and Night Hockey League President Alexander Yakushev attend a gala opening match of the Night Hockey League new season in Sochi EPA
That same month, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Homeland Security accused Russia of dribbling out the Hillary Clinton emails via WikiLeaks.
Mr Putin has repeatedly, and furiously, rejected the string of cyber attack allegations and dismissed claims as "hysteria".
According to the source, US intelligence agencies have stepped up their probing of the former KGB officer's secretive personal financial empire, which is estimated to be $85bn in assets.
The Independent has contacted Mr Putin's Presidential Press Office for comment.
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US president-elect Donald Trump has endorsed the niece of former foe Mitt Romney to be the next chair of the Republican National Committee.
Michigan Republican Party chair Ronna Romney McDaniel was named as the RNC's deputy chair, replacing Reince Priebus, who will become Mr Trumps chief of staff.
Mr Trump said he looked forward to Ms McDaniel taking over the party leadership.
"I'm excited to have a highly effective leader in Ronna McDaniel as RNC deputy chair and I look forward to her serving as the party's chairman in 2017," Mr Trump said in a statement.
"Ronna has been extremely loyal to our movement and her efforts were critical to our tremendous victory in Michigan, and I know she will bring the same passion to the Republican National Committee," he added.
Her appointment has to be approved by the committees 168 members when they meet in January.
Mr Trumps endorsement has likely boosted her chances of victory.
Ms McDaniel caught Mr Trumps attention when she helped him to win the state of Michigan, the first time it voted Republican since 1988.
Donald Trump's controversial cabinet
Mr Priebus called her "an outstanding fundraiser" while Stephen Bannon, the founder of white supremacist website Breitbart and Mr Trumps chief adviser, said she was "completely committed" to his boss and to ensuring a Republican "victory at all levels".
Two days prior to her appointment, Mr Trump was accused of "toying" her uncle Mr Romney for secretary of state.
His longtime adviser Roger Stone told Infowars that Mr Trump never had any intention of appointing Mr Romney, who called him a "fraud" and a "conman" a few months before.
Mr Trump instead appointed Exxon Mobil Corp CEO Rex Tillerson.
Bob Paduchik, Mr Trump's campaign manager in Ohio, another crucial battleground in the election which voted Republican, was named as deputy co-chair of the RNC.
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China has urged Burma officials to ensure peace and stability along the border between the two countries and keep its domestic conflicts away from the harm of Chinese residents.
A leading Chinese military official said the country was concerned about the armed clashes in northern Burma, which have injured border residents in recent weeks, and implored Burmese officials to prevent stray bullets from entering into Chinese territory.
Speaking during a four-day visit to Burma, Zhao Zongqi, commander of the country's western military district, said: China is concerned at the armed clashes in northern Myanmar injuring Chinese border residents, and hopes Myanmar can strengthen border management, prevent stray bullets entering into China and maintain the peace and tranquility of the border.
In response, Burmese officials said the country would "appropriately handle" the border issue and ensure stability to prevent injuries for Chinese residents.
A series of attacks on Burma security forces in November, which the government has blamed on ethnic armed groups, sent more than 3,000 Burmese refugees crossing into China to escape the violence, with minor damage reported over the border from stray shells and bullets.
China now worries about the risk of violence spilling over as it did last year, killing five of its people.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
The country is already involved in the peace process, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi telling a Burmese delegation last month that China was willing to play a constructive role.
The conflict in Burma is a series of ongoing insurgencies that began after the country became independent from the UK in 1948. It has been described as one of the worlds longest-running civil wars, and has spilled over into Chinese territory many times.
In a new development last month, the UN warned that Rohingya Muslims in the country were potenially being "ethnically cleansed" by Burmese troops. The Burmese government has denied such accusations.
Additional reporting by Reuters
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China should be prepared to take Taiwan by force, a state-run newspaper has said, following US President-elect Donald Trump's controversial decision to break with decades of protocol and engage with Taiwan.
The President-elect provoked uproar after he spoke directly with Taiwans president, the first time the countries' leaders have talked since 1979.
The controversy intensified after he indicated his administration could exploit the four-decade long One China Policy in future negotiations with Beijing.
The arrangement stipulates that a nation can maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan or China, but not both.
The Chinese mainland should display its resolution to recover Taiwan by force, an editorial in the Global Times, a communist state-owned daily said.
The threat of military action was needed to maintain peace, the editorial insisted, saying: Peace does not belong to cowards.
If the Chinese mainland won't pile on more pressure over realising reunification by using force, the chance of peaceful unification will only slip away, it added.
China has acted in recent years to encourage trade with Taiwan, but relations cooled earlier in 2015 after the island elected Tsai Ing-wen as its President, whose Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has traditionally supported formal independence from China, rather than the current state of de facto autonomy.
The military status quo across the Taiwan Straits needs to be reshaped as a response and punishment to the current administration of the DPPs destruction of the political status quo in cross-Straits ties, the editorial said.
Mr Trump has previously said he would use the One China policy as leverage over Beijing in future negotiations.
I fully understand the One China policy, but I dont know why we have to be bound by a One China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade, he said in an interview with Fox News.
Beijing responded saying it would never bargain with Washington over issues of national sovereignty and urging the incoming administration to recognise the sensitivity of the Taiwan question.
Ambassador Cui Tiankai, told US company executives: Basic norms of international relations should be observed, not ignored, certainly not be seen as something you can trade off.
And indeed, national sovereignty and territorial integrity are not bargaining chips. Absolutely not. I hope everybody would understand that, Reuters quoted him as saying.
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 Global Times said time will tell whether the Trump administration would willfully utilise the One China policy as leverage to blackmail Beijing or restrain itself in actual practice.
In any case, the current farce has made China vigilant," it added.
Earlier this month the state-owned newspaper launched an attack on the US President-elect, saying he had "overestimated the US's capability of dominating the world" and "probably has no knowledge of what he is talking about" with regards to China-Taiwan relations.
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The US government has said a major aid package to the Philippines worth hundreds of millions of dollars may not be renewed, due to concerns over the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The US embassy to the Philippines said there were significant concerns about civil liberties infringements in the country and confirmed a board of experts had deferred its renewal of the Millennium Challenge Grant for a further five years.
The grant, said to be worth over $430 million, is open to nations that "demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, investments in its people, and economic freedom. It is aimed at reducing poverty in deprived areas.
Rodrigo Duterte says he 'doesn't give a s*** about human rights' as 3,500 killed in war on drugs
Recommended President of the Philippines says he personally killed people
"This decision reflects the board's significant concerns around rule of law and civil liberties in the Philippines," the embassy said in a statement.
"We will continue to monitor unfolding events in the Philippines, and [this] underscores that all country partners are expected to maintain eligibility, which includes not just a passing scorecard but also a demonstrated commitment to the rule of law, due process and respect for human rights.
"The Boards deferral of a vote on the Philippines re-selection is not a suspension or termination of the Philippines MCC compact eligibility."
The US has been openly critical of Mr Duterte's violent "war on drugs", during which an estimated 5,900 people have been killed without trial in the space of five months.
The homes of more than 1.6 million drug suspects have been visited by police to invite them to surrender and stop using drugs, or disengage from the drug trade.
Mr Duterte responded by declaring the Philippines was to "separate" from the US in a diplomatic sense, after decades of close ties between the two countries.
The Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) meanwhile announced new grants had been given to Burkina Faso, Sri Lanka and Tunisia, with the Philippines still eligible for consideration in the future.
By partnering with developing countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, from fighting corruption to respecting the rights of women and the rule of law, we are maximising our ability to fight poverty and transform peoples lives, MCC chief executive Dana Hyde added.
In October, Mr Duterte called US President Barack Obama "a son of a whore" and told him to "go to hell" following criticism of his policies.
The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Show all 9 1 /9 The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On killing drug addicts These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, dont go into that, even if youre a policeman, because I will really kill you. If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Message to China I will go there on my own with a Jet Ski, bringing along with me a [Phillipino] flag and a pole, and once I disembark, I will plant the flag on the runway and tell the Chinese authorities, Kill me AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Christmas message to law-breakers If you do not want to stop, and just continue committing crimes, then this would be your last Merry Christmas AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On sex life I was separated from my wife. Im not impotent. What am I supposed to do? Let this hang forever? When I take Viagra, it stands up AFP/Getty Images The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On the drugs trade None of my children are into illegal drugs. But my order is, even if it is a member of my family, kill him'" AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Insulting the Pope We were affected by the traffic. It took us five hours. I asked why, they said it was closed. I asked who is coming. They answered, the pope. I wanted to call him: Pope, son of a wh**e, go home. Do not visit us again AFP/Getty Images The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Joke about rape I saw her face and I thought, 'What a pity... they raped her, they all lined up. I was mad she was raped but she was so beautiful. I thought, the mayor should have been first AFP/Getty The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Insulting Barack Obama "Mr Obama should be respectful and refrain from throwing questions at me about the killings, or son of a bitch, I will swear at you in that forum" REUTERS The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants "If I have to face them, you know I can eat humans. I will really open up your body. Just give me vinegar and salt, and I will eat you. If you annoy me to the fullest... I will eat you alive. Raw" EPA
The president has since courted favour from the governments of Russia and China, which have suggested they are willing to cooperate with Mr Duterte and provide aid.
Following the election of Donald Trump, Mr Duterte congratulated the President-elect on his success and hinted at a possible close partnership between the two in the future.
In October, Amnesty International said Mr Dutertes first 100 days as President had been marked by state-sanctioned violence on a truly shocking scale.
The President has said he intends to extend his crackdown by maybe another six months. The MCC board confirmed it may revisit its decision at its next meeting, in March 2017.
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Austria's lower house of parliament has approved the compulsory purchase of the building Adolf Hitler was born in, a step towards changing the site beyond recognition to reduce its appeal as a pilgrimage site for neo-Nazis.
The text, approved late on Wednesday, did not specify what form the planned overhaul of the building will take, which some deputies who voted against the bill cited as their reason for opposing it.
Opponents included some members of the small, liberal Neos party, according to a statement by parliament, but a count of votes was not immediately available.
Dozens of Hitler's Paintings Set for Auction in Nuremberg
The bill must now be passed by the upper house, which is expected to be a formality.
Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka has said the government supports a planned "thorough architectural rearrangement" of the house Hitler was born in near the border with Germany in 1889, which could include demolishing the building.
The compulsory purchase of the house in the town in Braunau am Inn should put an end to a long-standing dispute with its owner, a retired woman who has turned down previous offers by the state to acquire the site.
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Mr Sobotka has said the three-storey building could be used by the town of Braunau for "charitable or official purposes" after its conversion.
The Interior Ministry has been renting the building since 1972 and sublet it to Braunau.
Reuters
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Khalid Kazimov Trend:
Iran has called for forming joint energy ventures with Russia in a bid to expand bilateral cooperation in oil and gas spheres.
Mohammadreza Nematzadeh, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, has proposed to organize oil and gas joint ventures between the two countries, SHANA news agency reported.
Speaking at a meeting with Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak, the Iranian minister noted that the level of Irans exports to Russia has been halved over the last year, while Russia has doubled its exports to Iran.
Nematzadeh further called for creating a proper balance in the level of exports between the two countries through increasing Irans exports to Russia in the fields of raw materials, agricultural products, automobiles and automotive parts, medicinal drugs as well as equipment.
The Iranian minister also urged for cooperation between the two countries in helicopter and vehicle manufacturing.
In turn, the Russian minister vowed to make efforts aimed at increasing Irans exports to his country. Novak expressed Russia's interest in cooperation with Iran in vehicle manufacturing.
A Russian company is also expected to launch a plant in Iran for producing agricultural equipment, Novak added.
Over the first seven months of the current Iranian calendar year (starting March 20), the Islamic Republic exported $86.5 million worth of goods to Russia.
In the meantime, Iran imported $106.6 million worth of goods from Russia.
Novak headed a 600-member Russian delegation during his Tehran visit discussing the ways for broadening trade ties between the two countries.
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A 12-year-old boy who killed a homeless man in Serbia by setting his mattress alight will reportedly not be prosecuted because he is too young
The boy was allegedly accompanied by two other children, aged 12 and 13, when he set fire to the mattress on which the man was lying in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The man, 52, is reported to have died of his burns in hospitals several hours later.
Police said all three boys were questioned with their parents present, but that criminal proceedings would not be launched because there are no criminal sanctions for those aged below 14.
The head of the Serbian Department of Prevention and Combating Juvenile Delinquency, Olivera Zecevic, told the Tanjug news agency : The process will not be submitted even though the Police found out who did it. Criminal sanctions for those under 14 years old are not pronounced. Isticu measures of social and legal protection.
Ms Zecevic added that it was important parents knew where their children were and took responsibility for guiding their behaviour.
Serbian lawyer, Milan Alanovic, meanwhile said police should investigate whether the parents of the children should be prosecuted.
Mr Alanovic told Serbian TV station, PTC: Competent prosecutors and courts to the law should investigate whether such behaviour is a result of failures in the upbringing of the child, whether in fact there is possibly a criminal law basis for prosecuting the parents.
Police are continuing their inquiries into what happened and what further steps can be taken.
The age of criminal responsibility varies widely across Europe from 10 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to 16 in Russia.
In March of this year new figures emerged showing that 4,584 crimes were allegedly committed by children in England and Wales over the previous year, including a two-year-old who was accused of grievous bodily harm.
Data provided by the 32 police forces showed children had been investigated for arson, having an article with a blade or point in school, stalking, threats to kill, taking indecent photographs and cannabis possession as well as sexual assault and grievous bodily harm.
But a spokeswoman from the NSPCC warns that these children are likely to be victim of abuse themselves.
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
In the UK, children who commit crimes under ten can receive a Child Safety Order which puts them under the supervision of a youth offending team and they can be taken into care if they dont obey its terms.
Some can also be given curfews or their parents can be held responsible for their crime.
Former Childrens Commissioner Maggie Atkinson caused controversy in 2010 when she called for the criminal age to be raised to at least 12 in line with many other European countries because offenders are still children.
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As a summit involving EU heads of state prepared to get underway in Brussels on Thursday, EU leaders were already at odds over how the bloc should proceed with Brexit negotiations.
Theresa May is set to attend the first stage of the Brussels talks but, in a first for the bloc, will then be excluded from a dinner meeting of the other 27 leaders where Brexit will be discussed.
Yet while the European Council - the body comprising the heads of state of all members - is keen to start preparing the EUs Brexit negotiating position, news of the informal dinner has sparked anger among representatives of the blocs other branches.
Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliaments chosen lead for talks over Britains exit, attacked the Council for unilaterally pushing ahead with the talks.
Speaking in a plenary meeting on Wednesday, the former Belgian Prime Minister accused heads of state of trying to sideline Parliaments role in Brexit, and even threatened to launch parallel negotiations with Britain.
Mr Verhofstadt urged the Council to involve Parliament from day one, since the lawmaking body will have to approve the arrangements before any deal is confirmed.
I think you are still living in the 20th Century, before the 1970s, he said. What they are proposing is simply to say we go forward with the Brexit negotiations but without Parliament.
Do you want us to open up separate negotiations with the British authorities? Is that what you want? If thats what the heads of state want, we are going to do it. Parallel negotiations. I dont want it, but apparently the Council wants it.
Maybe I can give you a famous phrase of Lyndon B Johnson. He said once: Better to have him inside the tent pissing out than outside the tent pissing in. Maybe you can relay that to the Council.
Mr Verhofstadt leads one of the largest groups in the Parliament in favour of increased integration within the EU, and his appointment as the bodys chief Brexit negotiator was described by Nigel Farage as a declaration of war.
Earlier, the Belgian criticised plans for the European Councils last meeting of 2016 as not very convincing, and called on the body to show true leadership after what he called a difficult year for the EU.
He pointed to the migration crisis, the economic crisis, the Brexit decision, the terrorist attacks and so on. So what I hope is that in this last meeting the European Council, while preparing for the New Year in 2017, could have strong conclusions for the way forward with the EU.
I have to tell you the first draft I have seen was not very convincing. It was very general remarks but no clear plans for the future.
Despite the split opinion within the EU, Ms May said she was pleased the other 27 EU national leaders will meet without her after the main summit on Thursday.
"I welcome the fact that the other leaders will be meeting to discuss Brexit tonight as we are going to invoke Article 50, trigger the negotiations by the end of March next year," she told reporters.
"It's right that the other leaders prepare for those negotiations as we have been preparing. We will be leaving the EU. We want that to be as smooth and as orderly a process as possible. It's not just in our interests, it's in the interests of the rest of Europe as well."
She did not answer a question on whether she thought it would take up to 10 years for Britain to negotiate a new trade deal with the EU, following the reported comments to that end of the UKs ambassador to Brussels.
That time scale has been widely cited by European leaders and officials throughout Brexit discussions and is in line with the time taken to negotiate similar far-reaching global trade pacts.
But former Tory minister and prominent Leave campaigner Dominic Raab said the ambassador behind it, Sir Ivan Rogers, was a gloomy pessimist whose attitude was partly to blame for David Camerons limited negotiations prior to the referendum.
Mr Raab said Sir Ivan was a "scarred" figure, telling BBC Radio Four's Today programme: "He was the diplomat who persuaded David Cameron to dilute his ambitions for the renegotiation, which was one reason the referendum was lost. So, he has been rather scarred, in fairness, by his own pessimistic advice in the past.
The MP admitted a 10-year period to negotiate a trade deal after Brexit was a possible very worst case scenario.
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An Afghan asylum seeker arrested on suspicion of raping and murdering a student in Germany had previously tried to kill another woman in Greece, but reportedly slipped through security checks after being freed from prison.
Police in Freiburg said the suspects fingerprints were identical to those of the convict, who absconded from Greece while on parole.
A Greek lawyer, Maria-Eleni Nikopoulou, said she had no doubt she was looking at the same man she defended when presented with a photo of the man arrested in Germany.
Maria Ladenburger was raped and murdered while cycling home from a student party in Freiburg, Germany (Facebook)
She told the DPA news agency she represented him in 2013, when he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for robbing a young woman and pushing her off an eight-metre drop in Corfu.
He was transferred to the Greek mainland, where he served around 18 months of attempted murder before being released on parole in October 2015.
He is then thought to have journeyed onwards to Germany along the Balkans route.
The man was said to be 17 during his time in Greek detention but was described as the same age in Germany, where he was placed with a foster family as an unaccompanied minor.
He was apparently not put on Interpol or Schengen Information System watch lists, meaning he did not flag on warning systems and there was no international arrest warrant.
Flowers and messages left where a 19-year-old medical student was raped and murdered on 8 December in Freiburg, Germany
Investigators from the Federal Criminal Police Office found the fingerprints of the man convicted in Greece were identical with the suspect in the murder of the 19-year-old student, officials said.
The suspect, named as Hussein K according to German privacy laws, allegedly raped and murdered the daughter of a prominent EU legal official as she cycled home in Freiburg in October.
Maria Ladenburgers body was found in the river Dreisam hours after she left a party at the local university.
Hussein K was identified on CCTV and his DNA was found at the scene. He is expected to stand trial next year following the conclusion of police investigations.
German authorities are reportedly talking with their Greek counterparts to see how he was able to migrate to Germany despite his conviction.
Refugees settle in Germany Show all 12 1 /12 Refugees settle in Germany Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Zayat, a refugee from Syria, plays with his daughter Ranim, who is nearly 3, in the one room they and Mohamed's wife Laloosh call home at an asylum-seekers' shelter in Vossberg village on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. The Zayats arrived approximately two months ago after trekking through Turkey, Greece and the Balkans and are now waiting for local authorities to process their asylum application, after which they will be allowed to live independently and settle elsewhere in Germany. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity 2015 Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany A refugee child Amnat Musayeva points to a star with her photo and name that decorates the door to her classroom as teacher Martina Fischer looks on at the local kindergarten Amnat and her siblings attend on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. The children live with their family at an asylum-seekers' shelter in nearby Vossberg village and are waiting for local authorities to process their asylum applications. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Kurdish Syrian asylum-applicant Mohamed Ali Hussein (R), 19, and fellow applicant Autur, from Latvia, load benches onto a truckbed while performing community service, for which they receive a small allowance, in Wilhelmsaue village on October 9, 2015 near Letschin, Germany. Mohamed and Autur live at an asylum-applicants' shelter in nearby Vossberg village. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Ali Hussein ((L), 19, and his cousin Sinjar Hussein, 34, sweep leaves at a cemetery in Gieshof village, for which they receive a small allowance, near Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Zayat, a refugee from Syria, looks among donated clothing in the basement of the asylum-seekers' shelter that is home to Mohamed, his wife Laloosh and their daughter Ranim as residents' laundry dries behind in Vossberg village on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. The Zayats arrived approximately two months ago after trekking through Turkey, Greece and the Balkans and are now waiting for local authorities to process their asylum application, after which they will be allowed to live independently and settle elsewhere in Germany Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Asya Sugaipova (L), Mohza Mukayeva and Khadra Zhukova prepare food in the communal kitchen at the asylum-seekers' shelter that is their home in Vossberg village in Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Efrah Abdullahi Ahmed looks down from the communal kitchen window at her daughter Sumaya, 10, who had just returned from school, at the asylum-seekers' shelter that is their home in Vossberg Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Asylum-applicants, including Syrians Mohamed Ali Hussein (C-R, in black jacket) and Fadi Almasalmeh (C), return from grocery shopping with other refugees to the asylum-applicants' shelter that is their home in Vossberg village in Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Zayat (2nd from L), a refugee from Syria, smokes a cigarette after shopping for groceries with his daughter Ranim, who is nearly 3, and fellow-Syrian refugees Mohamed Ali Hussein (C) and Fadi Almasalmeh (L) at a local supermarket on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. All of them live at an asylum-seekers' shelter in nearby Vossberg village and are waiting for local authorities to process their asylum applications, after which they will be allowed to live independently and settle elsewhere in Germany 2015 Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Kurdish Syrian refugees Leila, 9, carries her sister Avin, 1, in the backyard at the asylum-seekers' shelter that is home to them and their family in Vossberg village in Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Somali refugees and husband and wife Said Ahmed Gure (R) and Ayaan Gure pose with their infant son Muzammili, who was born in Germany, in the room they share at an asylum-seekers' shelter in Vossberg village on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity, and are waiting for authorities to process their application for asylum 2015 Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany German Chancellor Angela Merkel pauses for a selfie with a refugee after she visited the AWO Refugium Askanierring shelter for refugees in Berlin Getty Images
The murder has stoked growing anti-migrant sentiment in the country, where the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party and far-right Pegida group have been capitalising on the killing.
They have blamed Angela Merkels refugee policy for the crime and other attacks, alleging them to be the consequence of uncontrolled migration.
The German government appealed for calm as news of Hussein Ks arrest spread earlier this month, with Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel warning against incitement.
Such horrible murders already happened before the first Afghan or Syrian refugee arrived here, he said.
We will not allow incitement after such violent crimes, no matter who commits them.
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The famous lights of the Eiffel Tower were switched off on Wednesday in a show of solidarity with the under-siege Syrian city of Aleppo.
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo announced the iconic 300m-high landmark would plunged into darkness at 8pm.
The United Nations has branded what is happening in Aleppo a meltdown of humanity - with hundreds of thousands killed.
Recommended Syrian army resumes bombing of Aleppo as fragile ceasefire crumbles
This evening, at 8pm, @LaTourEiffel will be extinguished to symbolically support the city of @Paris in #Alep and all its inhabitants, said Ms Hidalgo.
The Eiffel Tower, which usually turns its lights out between 1 and 2am, has been used as a symbol of unity before.
Recommended Eiffel Tower to be lit up in Belgian flag colours to show solidarity
It was illuminated with rainbow colours after the Orlando gay club shooting that killed 49 people, with the Belgian flag colours after the Brussels bombings, and with the French tricolour after the Paris attacks last year.
Its lights were also switched off early in the aftermath of the Isis assaults of 13 November, 2015, that killed 130 people and injured many more.
Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Show all 12 1 /12 Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man crosses a street in Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A vendor sits inside an antique shop in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors walk inside Aleppo's Umayyad mosque, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk inside the Khan al-Shounah market, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man walks past shops in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk along an alley in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors tour Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A general view shows the Old City of Aleppo as seen from Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk near Aleppo's Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, Syria October 6, 2010 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man stands inside Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters
This symbolic measure at a building known worldwide will aim to once again alert the international community to the need for urgent action, said Ms Hidalgo's office, in a statement.
The UN believes pro-government forces slaughtered at least 82 civilians while closing in on taking the besieged Syrian city.
The Syrian military claim to have taken control of 98 per cent of rebel-held east Aleppo early on Monday morning.
Syria conflict: Aleppo civilians post 'goodbye' videos
The approximately 8,000 rebels including al-Qaeda affiliated fighters have been cut off from reinforcements, aid and food supplies since August.
In the House of Commons, former Chancellor George Osborne said he takes personal responsibility over Aleppo, while Labour MP Emily Thornberry said Syria, Russia and Irans governments were responsible for hours of shame and disgrace.
5 things you can do to help Aleppo
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Sweden has issued advice to local authorities urging them to prepare their civil defense infrastructure and procedures "in terms of war" amid growing concerns about Russia aggression.
The Scandanavian country's Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), which operates under the Defence Ministry sent official letters to security heads in all of its municipal authorities explaining they must be better equipped to deal with potential conflicts and other crisis situations.
The move is believed to be part of the country's return to the Cold War era "Total Defence Strategy", announced last year in response to the "worsening international situation" and "increased uncertainty in the immediate area".
The letter said that high demand was placed on "operational speed, decision-making, information sharing, crisis communication, flexibility, robustness and handling secret information", according to Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet (SvD).
The revival of the "totalforsvarsplaneringen" Total Defence Strategy was announced in December 2015. The policy states that defending the nation from foreign aggression should involve economic and civilian measures, in addition to military activity.
The MSB which is responsible for civil protection, public safety, emergency management, and civil defence insists that the preparations do not imply that Sweden is actually about to go to war.
Putin quotes
Magnus Dyberg-Ek, of the MSB, told SvD the letter had been sent out in response to an increased threat level.
What is new is that the security situation in our region has deteriorated and that therefore we must prepare ourselves in terms of war and of conflict," he said.
We have sent out the letter in part because local authorities want clear instructions so that they know how to act in a crisis situation.
He added: This strategy is not new we used it during the Cold War and will now strengthen coordination regarding civil defence."
But his colleague Svante Werger told the newspaper: There is nothing to indicate that war is likely, but we have the governments mandate to plan for it".
When the measures were first approved last year, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven described the security situation as having deteriorated, attributing this explicitly to the threat posed by Russia.
"Russian aggression and the destabilisation of Ukraine pose the most serious challenge to the European security order since the end of the Cold War," he told the Swedish parliament.
"Russias illegal annexation of Crimea is a violation of international law. Borders must not be changed by force. Our support to Ukraine, both political and economic, will continue. A modern total defence is being developed to respond to the challenges presented by the changing security policy situation."
Some municipal authorities reportedly complained the government plan was unrealistic, saying they were not sure how it would be financed. It is unclear whether or not they will receive funding from central government to meet the recommendations stipulated in the letter.
Swedish authorities in 2015 allocated an additional 6.2 billion Kronor (533 million) to increase defence capabilities between 2016 and 2020, reportedly due to increasing concerns over Russias presence in the Baltic Sea.
Earlier this week, the countrys intelligence chief said Moscow was biggest source of cyber-attacks on Sweden and "influence operations" against the Swedish state.
In recent years, Stockholm has consistently claimed Russian jets have been flying near a strategic area in the Baltic Sea.
The tragic recent history of Russian aviation Show all 10 1 /10 The tragic recent history of Russian aviation The tragic recent history of Russian aviation 3 July 2001 A Russian TU-154 'Dalavia' aircraft with 143 people on board dropped out of contact and crashed in southern Siberia ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images The tragic recent history of Russian aviation 1 July 2002 Victims' relatives gather at the wreckage of the crashed Russian Tupolev 154 passenger plane near Ueberlingen, Germany. The Bashkirian Airlines plane was involved in a mid-air collision with a cargo jet over German soil, killing 71 people. PIERRE ANDRIEU/AFP/Getty Images The tragic recent history of Russian aviation 25 August 2004 A Russian policeman checks the luggage and ID papers of passengers at Moscow's Domodedovo airport after the crashes of two jetliners minutes apart raised fresh questions about aviation security in Russia. Russian intelligence experts closely examined the possibility that two passenger planes, that crashed almost simultaneously, were brought down by terrorists, an FSB spokesman said. STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images The tragic recent history of Russian aviation 10 July 2006 Relatives of Airbus A-310 crash victims, cry at Irkutsk airport, after 137 people were killed when the passenger plane veered off a runway, slammed into a concrete wall and burst into flames while landing in the Siberian city of Irkutsk. ALEXANDER NOVIKOV/AFP/Getty Images The tragic recent history of Russian aviation 14 September 2008 Investigators look at the remains of Aeroflot-Nord Boeing 737 after a crash in Perm. All 88 people on board died including 21 foreign nationals, from countries including France, Germany and the United States KIRILL KUDRYAVSTSEV/AFP/Getty Images The tragic recent history of Russian aviation 5 December 2010 Police investigate the wreckage of Dagestan Airlines Flight 372, which rolled off the runway at Domodedovo airport and broke up into three pieces, killing two and injuring more than 80 of the 169 people on board. ANDREY SMIRNOV/AFP/Getty Images The tragic recent history of Russian aviation 24 January 2011 People lay flowers in central Moscow on January 2011 as they pay tribute to 35 people killed in a suspected suicide bombing in Moscow's Domodedovo airport. Russian opposition denounced the policies of Vladimir Putin's government and inefficiency of security forces following the blast. Alexey SAZONOV/AFP/Getty Images The tragic recent history of Russian aviation 29 December 2012 Four crew were killed when a Red Wings Tu-204 jet crashed into a motorway and broke up into three pieces after overshooting the runway at Vnukovo airport outside Moscow. NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP/Getty Images The tragic recent history of Russian aviation 17 November 2013 Relatives read lists of passengers killed when a Boeing 737 operated by Tatarstan Airlines crashed while attempting to land at the airport of the Volga city of Kazan, killing all 50 on board. ROMAN KRUCHININ/AFP/Getty Images The tragic recent history of Russian aviation 31 October 2015 The Russian airline Kogalymavias Airbus A321 on an airstrip of Moscows Domodedovo international airport. The Russian passenger plane crashed in Sinai, Egypt with more than 200 people. The Airbus A-321, which belongs to the airline Kogalymavia was due to land in St Petersburg. AP Photo/Tatiana Belyakova
The country recently returned a land-based Cold War-era anti-ship missile to service, taking some parts from military museums, to increase its defence capabilities.
In September, an inquiry launched by the Swedish government concluded that bringing back compulsory military service could help the countrys increasingly stretched armed forces. The study estimated that 4000 new soldiers would be required in 2018.
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Switzerland has watered down its 2014 immigration referendum in order to protect its relationship with the European Union.
The Swiss parliament has agreed on new rules which differ from the legally binding referendum after it decided it did not want to sacrifice its EU relationship.
In February 2014, the Swiss people narrowly voted in favour of quotas to limit the number of migrants from within the EU.
Switzerland is not a member of the EU but has a free movement agreement, meaning EU citizens can live and work there (Getty Images)
If implemented fully, the proposal was likely to tear up agreements with the EU on free movement of people, which could have jeopardised Swiss access to the single market.
However, the new rules on unemployment contain no mention of quotas on immigration and instead seek to limit the impact of foreign workers on the job market.
Employers will be obliged to advertise vacant positions to job centres and invite Swiss job seekers for interview or risk a 40,000 franc fine, The Local reports.
In addition, Europeans who lose their job within the first year will have six months to leave the country.
But the obligations only apply to professions or regions where unemployment is above average, and employers will not be forced to justify their reasons for refusing a Swiss candidate.
While Switzerland is not a member of the EU, it is the bloc's third largest trading partner after the USA and China and has a free movement agreement meaning EU citizens can live and work there.
21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Show all 21 1 /21 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Portugal drinks more wine than France Tindo - Fotolia 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Young Italians, by some distance, are the most likely to live at home with their parents 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Britain is on course to overtake Germany as Europes most populated country 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Greek workers work the longest hours in the EU 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Estonia has, per capita, more drug-related deaths than anyone else 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe The fastest download speeds are to be found in Romania 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Slovenia, Malta and Poland have the smallest gender pay gaps 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe France hates its leader more than other European countries 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Eastern and Western Europe are very divided on the issue of gay marriage 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Germany has the most millionaires 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Everyone likes Christmas, apart from France 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Germany accepts by far the most asylum applications 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe The UK and France have some of the most positive views of Muslim people 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Europe's largest Muslim population is in Germany 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Danes are the most trusting Europeans, and Cypriots the least 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Finland has the worst economy in the EU 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Italy has cut back its military spending more than any other major European Nato member 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Everyone is sad about the refugee crisis 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe People in Spain are also the most likely to live in flats (Brits are most likely to live in houses) 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Spain is the most likely to feel neighbourly 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Luxembourg is home to the highest proportion of foreign nationals
The law is still subject to a final vote, scheduled to be held on Friday, but this is likely to be only a formality.
The vote comes as the parliament debates legislation on whether foreigners must prove they are integrated into Swiss society to secure a residency permit.
Immigrants would have to demonstrate they respect security, public order and constitutional values "such as equality between men and women", according to Swiss newspaper Le Matin, even if they have lived and worked in the country for more than 15 years
The proposed legislation would also demand foreigners speak a Swiss national language and participate in education or "economic life".
Currently, foreigners arriving in Switzerland with employment contracts in place are typically granted a one to five year B visa. When that expires after five years of work, they can normally secure a permanent C visa.
But they will now have to wait a decade and demonstrate their willingness to integrate.
The measures are similar to those proposed by the British government in the Integration Review carried out by Dame Louise Casey.
All foreigners arriving in the UK should be required to take a compulsory "oath of integration with British values", Dame Casey suggested, in a review condemned by campaigners as "adding to the politics of racism and scapegoating."
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An Italian vet who courted controversy by sharing photos of animals he hunted on social media, has died after falling into a ravine while shooting wild birds.
Luciano Ponzetto received death threats last year after he posed in pictures next to his trophy kills of lions and other wild animals which he posted online.
He had pledged to take legal action against those who had threatened violence against him and argued that being a vet was not incompatible with hunting, either morally or professionally.
The vet died after he slipped on a sheet of ice and fell 100ft down a ravine at Colle delle Oche near Turin during a wild bird hunt, The Sun reported.
"We were called by the mountain rescue services who had been alerted to the incident by someone who was out with him," an Italian police spokesperson told the newspaper.
"His body was recovered by helicopter and taken to a local hospital. It looks like he slipped and fell when he was out hunting. He died instantly and there was nothing that could be done."
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. 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Mr Ponzetto posed in photographs with dead leopards, lions, rams and boars on the Instagram picture sharing site. But the vet repeatedly defended his right to hunt against a sustained social media backlash. He mainly hunted in Tanzania, and had recently returned from an expedition in Canada.
The public controversy forced Mr Ponzetto to step down as medical director of a local kennel business while he criticised the severity of the reaction against him.
Italys Veterinarians' Guild defended Mr Ponzetto at the time, saying in a statement: Hunting is a hobby regulated by the law, which does not allow us to take measures against him."
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President Bashar al-Assad has appeared on Syrian state television to address the citizens of Aleppo on the liberation of the city.
History is being made now that the terrorist insurgency has been defeated, he said, adding the victory was bigger than the word congratulations.
A convoy of government buses carrying around 200 civilians and fighters left the siege barricades for neighbouring Idlib province on Thursday after a fragile second ceasefire deal struck late on Wednesday held up. The slow pace means the planned evacuation of 5,000 people could take days.
It is unclear how many are left in the last tiny slivers of rebel territory in east Aleppo.
For the civilian revolutionaries who for four years defied the regime from what was once their biggest stronghold, uncertainty awaits.
"We are giving only two deadly choices: Death or displacement. both of them are heartbreaking," English teacher Abdulkafi Alhamdo tweeted at dawn on Thursday, along with a picture of the sun rising which he called "The last light of freedom in Aleppo."
In the past few days, non-combatant activists, among them teachers like Abdulkafi, accountants, doctors and nurses who keep journalists informed on whats happening inside the citys siege barricades have sent increasingly fearful messages as the reality of what awaits them once the government fully retakes the city sets in.
Anyone who knows anything about the Assad regime should know what to expect. Death will be a wish for those captured and deemed [to be] opposition, weather [sic] military or civil, one wrote in a WhatsApp message.
Many people have destroyed identifying papers, deleted social media accounts or thrown away phones - including, briefly, Fatemeh Alabed, who temporarily deactivated her seven-year-old daughter Banas Twitter account, which has gathered a worldwide following since it was set up in September.
The Independent could not reach Fatemeh, but another activist confirmed that the family were still in east Aleppo, and were safe as of Wednesday, although their house had been destroyed and Bana's father injured in shelling.
We spoke to the last activists in Aleppo. They're waiting to die
Men who have either fled to or ended up in areas under regime control as the front line rapidly moves have been conscripted and forced to fight against their former friends and allies.
Worse still, around 6,000 men and boys who have crossed into government or Kurdish controlled territory in the past month have been detained and disappeared, the UN says. Their whereabouts are still unknown.
An August report from Amnesty International estimated that 18,000 people have been tortured and died in regime prisons since the beginning of the war in 2011. Thousands more remain unaccounted for.
Rather than wait for the army or secret police to knock at his door, White Helmets volunteer Ibrahim Abu Laith decided to leave the city which has been home his entire life. What is happening here has never happened anywhere, it is a mix of the best of humanity and the worst, he wrote. Leaving Aleppo will be the hardest thing I have ever done.
Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Show all 12 1 /12 Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man crosses a street in Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A vendor sits inside an antique shop in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors walk inside Aleppo's Umayyad mosque, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk inside the Khan al-Shounah market, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man walks past shops in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk along an alley in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors tour Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A general view shows the Old City of Aleppo as seen from Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk near Aleppo's Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, Syria October 6, 2010 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man stands inside Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters
As the evacuations continue, one well-known activist said he would stay in east Aleppo as long as he could.
Im happy I could make it to this moment and stay to the end. It was not easy at all, he said in a Whatsapp voice message, adding that he was glad his family was still together and safe after four years of fighting.
A lot of families have already been split up. Civilians and fighters who helped their wives and children get to regime or Kurdish controlled areas in the past two weeks to avoid further fighting hope they can be reunited in Idlib, the evacuees destination.
The countryside of Idlib is not necessarily safer than the city they left, however: it has been subject to air strikes as intense as those which hit Aleppo in recent months.
But three smiling orphan boys of about nine or ten years of age were happy to leave. Peering into a smartphone camera from his seat on the bus, When we grow up, we will come back and liberate Aleppo, one said in a video shared on an activist media channel.
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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has appeared on state television to address the people of Aleppo on the liberation of the city.
Driving the last terrorists out was history in the making, and greater than the word congratulations, he said.
Evacuations of fighters and civilians from the last rebel areas of the city began on Thursday after a ceasefire deal was struck on Wednesday night. Approximately 200 left in the first batch of 17 buses, and a second convoy left in the afternoon, but the slow pace means it could be days before the target of 5,000 people is reached.
It is unclear how many people are left in the last slivers of rebel-held territory in the east of the city. The UN has put the figure as high as 50,000, but critics say that is an overestimate. Rebel fighters, among them al-Qaeda affiliated factions, are among the number.
Thousands of people are in need of evacuation but the first and most urgent thing is wounded, sick and children, including orphans, Jan Egeland, the UNs humanitarian adviser for Syria, told reporters in Geneva.
Fierce ground fighting and incessant air strikes have killed hundreds in the divided city since Mr Assads forces stepped up the campaign to retake the last urban rebel stronghold two weeks ago. The UN and other international agencies condemned reports that government-allied Shia Iraqi militias had gone from house to house shooting up to 82 civilians, including women and children, on Monday.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has summoned the Russian and Iranian ambassadors to the UK Syrias main allies over his profound concern in the still volatile situation.
Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Show all 12 1 /12 Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man crosses a street in Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A vendor sits inside an antique shop in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors walk inside Aleppo's Umayyad mosque, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk inside the Khan al-Shounah market, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man walks past shops in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk along an alley in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors tour Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A general view shows the Old City of Aleppo as seen from Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk near Aleppo's Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, Syria October 6, 2010 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man stands inside Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters
Trapped residents, who have lived under siege conditions since July, were given a brief respite on Tuesday night when a first truce was brokered by Russia and Turkey. However, the deal collapsed in less than 12 hours, dashing their hopes of reaching safety.
Many are treating the second attempt at a ceasefire with caution, although the first convoy is reported to have reached neighbouring rebel-held Idlib without incident.
Wissam Zarqa, an English teacher in the rebel zone, said most people were happy to be leaving safely, but added: Some of them are angry they are leaving their city. I saw some of them crying. This is almost my feeling in a way. Mr Zarqa said he will stay in east Aleppo as long as he can.
At least one White Helmets volunteer was shot and killed by a sniper while clearing the road of rubble for ambulances to pass this morning, temporarily halting the evacuation plans.
Syria conflict: Aleppo civilians post 'goodbye' videos
Aleppo, once Syrias economic powerhouse and home to several Unesco World Heritage Sites has become the epicentre of Syrias bloody civil war. Recapturing the city is a major victory for Mr Assad, relegating Sunni rebel opposition to the far north and south of the country, and removing the last fighters from Syrias cities.
However, the six-year-long war is far from over, observers say, with the opposition likely to evolve into an insurgency movement. Isis is also far from defeated, launching a surprise attack to retake the ancient city of Palmyra last week.
The International Rescue Committee and other organisations have called for a countrywide ceasefire, noting that Idlib province, where the Aleppo buses are headed, has also been hit by heavy air strikes in recent months.
One senior European diplomat said last week that the fighters had a choice between surviving for a few weeks in Idlib or dying in Aleppo. For the Russians its simple. Place them all in Idlib and then they have all their rotten eggs in one basket, the source added.
The United Nations Security Council is due to meet Friday for discussions on the protracted crisis.
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The operation to evacuate people from the last rebel areas of Aleppo has started, eye witnesses have said, with long snakes of vehicles leaving the city for the neighbouring rebel-held province.
Despite reports that at least one White Helmets volunteer had been killed and three others injured by snipers while clearing rubble from the road, at least 10 ambulances and 17 buses began their journey to Idlib by lunchtime on Thursday.
Around 5,000 people, both fighters and civilians, are due to reach Idlib by nightfall in repeat trips made by the government buses.
"Thousands of people are in need of evacuation, but the first and most urgent thing is wounded, sick and children, including orphans," Jan Egeland, the UN's humanitarian adviser for Syria, told reporters in Geneva.
A new deal was struck late on Wednesday to evacuate people from the remaining slivers of rebel territory in the embattled city. It is unclear how many remain in the last rebel enclaves: the UN puts the figure anywhere between 50,000 - 100,000, but critics say the estimate is too high.
A previous ceasefire mediated by Turkey and Russia broke down after about 12 hours on Wednesday, and heavy fighting and air strikes resumed.
Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Show all 12 1 /12 Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man crosses a street in Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A vendor sits inside an antique shop in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors walk inside Aleppo's Umayyad mosque, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk inside the Khan al-Shounah market, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man walks past shops in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk along an alley in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors tour Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A general view shows the Old City of Aleppo as seen from Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk near Aleppo's Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, Syria October 6, 2010 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man stands inside Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that fighting stopped in the city at around 4 am local time (2 am GMT).
The Russian military's Centre for Reconcilation in Syria said it was preparing for a full rebel withdrawal from Aleppo and that their safety would be guaranteed.
The new deal will also see the rebel siege on the loyalist villages of Fouaa and Kfarya in Idlib eased, and aid and evacuations for the starving rebel towns of Madaya and Zabadani, under regime siege.
Regime-organised evacuations from besieged towns has proved an effective strategy for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the past. Recapturing Aleppo will be his biggest victory yet in the almost six-year-long civil war.
The International Rescue Committee has urged the Syrian and Russian governments to extend the ceasefire to apply to the whole country. Idlib, where the Aleppo buses are headed, has also been subject to intense air strikes over the past few months.
Tehran, Iran, Dec. 14
By Mehdi Sepahvand Trend:
Russias Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs (Vnesheconombank, VEB) is in Iran to follow its "huge plans" for expanding cooperation with Iranian counterparts.
"We have huge plans for expanding cooperation with Iranian banks. We have been and will go on discussing and seeing mutual points of interest and areas where to expand ties," Ilya Parukh, head of North Asia and Middle East at VEBs Financial Institutions Department told Trend.
"As part of efforts to reload our mutual ties, yesterday [Dec. 13] we held meetings with counterparts and we do hope to hold more meetings," he said.
On his view of the Iranian market he said, "The start was quite good. Iran is an opening market after the removal of sanctions. All Russian companies are interested in entering this market. As bankers, we are going to provide our services."
Tehran and Moscow signed a sum of nine memorandums of understanding in different economic fields December 13.
The cooperation pacts were signed between Iranian Communications and Information Technology Minister Mahmoud Vaezi and Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak within the framework of Joint Iran-Russia Economic Cooperation Commission in Tehran. The cooperation pacts covered vast areas from insurance to energy, from industry to commerce.
One of the agreements was between Russias Gazprom Neft and National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) over feasibility studies on development of two oil fields. Gazprom will study both Changouleh and Cheshmeh-Khosh oil fields in western Iran.
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A second round of evacuations from the last pockets of rebel resistance in Aleppo is due to begin after intense fighting in the city described by the UN as a complete meltdown of humanity.
A new ceasefire deal went into effect overnight on Wednesday, with evacuations of both civilIans and fighters scheduled for 8am (6am GMT).
As of 11am local time, however, no one has crossed from the checkpoint into west Aleppo after the White Helmets civil defence service reported that one of its number had been shot and three more injured by snipers whilst trying to clear roads of rubble for ambulances to pass.
A previous ceasefire was ruptured Wednesday morning after claims of violations on both sides, cruelling dashing the hopes of those who had been promised evacuations.
We want to leave, we don't want more massacres, let us leave, one activist said in a Whatsapp message. Most in the city, after having stayed up all night for the first failed evacuations, are treating the new deal with caution.
Many activists and residents The Independent has spoken with in recent months have blamed Western politicians for not doing more to avoid the current desperate situation, or end the last three months of intense Russian-backed air strikes.
Anyone accused of helping the opposition fears possible detention or execution by regime forces if they cant leave for neighbouring rebel-held Idlib province.
Syria conflict: Aleppo civilians post 'goodbye' videos
Although regaining control of the city will amount to a huge victory for President Bashar al-Assad, the war is far from over. Many more civilians all over the country will suffer before the complex conflict ends.
For many people inside east Aleppo, help will come too late. Families have already been ripped apart by violence inflicted by both the regime and rebels.
We all know the price of intervention. We are now beginning to learn the price of not intervening, former Chancellor George Osborne said during the House of Commons emergency debate on Aleppo on Tuesday.
To help end the bloodshed caused by the Syrian crisis, you can:
Donate to relief efforts
When feeling powerless, everyone wants to roll up their sleeves and help out - but the truth is your money provides far more effective assistance than packing up coats or blankets.
The Syrian government has blocked UN aid shipments from entering Aleppo since the siege barricades went up in July. A list of trustworthy local and international NGOs working on the ground in Syria can be found here - but in particular consider donating to the International Red Cross, Save the Children, and Doctors without Borders.
If you have a specific skill set, volunteer your time
Medical professionals have helped saved innumerable lives by assisting the beleaguered doctors and nurses in Aleppo by giving advice via Skype. Get in touch with US-based Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), a medical charity that operates all over Syria, for how to get involved.
If you speak Arabic and can offer translation services for aid organisations, contact your local branch.
Fund the White Helmets
The White Helmets - at least one of whom was reportedly killed by a pro-government sniper on Thursday as they tried to assist in evacuations - have saved 70,000 lives in Syrias war by pulling people from the rubble of air strikes.
They have paid a high price: More than 100 volunteers have been killed since the organisation began as a loose collection of volunteers in 2013.
Support their work and the new Heroes Fund for the families killed volunteers leave behind here.
Join demonstrations where you live
In London, successful protests were held outside 10 Downing Street and the Syrian Embassy in London and in Liverpool and Manchester on Tuesday. Use the hashtag #StandWithAleppo to find demonstrations in your area - and if there isnt one, organise one.
Call and email your MP and MEP
Let them know you want the government to do more than condemn the violence. Petition them to start aid drops for Aleppo and other starving areas of Syria, and ask them to consider measures such as sanctions or diplomatic repercussions for the Syrian and Russian governments.
Even in the face of the current crisis, the EU has taken discussion of sanctions on Russia over its actions in Aleppo - which were first proposed in October - off the agenda for a summit in Brussels on Thursday. Tell your MEP you want them back on the table.
Support the global refugee effort
Thousands of Syrians have died crossing the Mediterranean to Europe, and many more desperate people will try before the war ends.
Refugee resettlement in the UK is done on a voluntary basis by constituency. Tell your Local Government Association if you would be willing to foster an unaccompanied refugee child, and that refugee families are welcome in your area.
Tell your local council and MP that you want the UK to agree to take in more refugees. Jordan and Lebanon - Syrias neighbours - are currently home to almost three million Syrians. The UK has agreed to resettle 20,000 by 2020, and is currently not on track to reach that target.
Follow the work of Planet Syria
Stay educated and up to date on the crisis by following the work of Planet Syria, an activist organisation which is seeking a diplomatic, non violent end to the civil war.
Slowly, with the support of our real allies, we hope to reconnect with the tolerance and coexistence we have known for millennia and build a Syria better than before, their website says. Read more here.
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The Russian Ambassador to the UK has suggested Britain putting itself on the wrong side of history with warnings over atrocities in the Syrian city of Aleppo.
Alexander Yakovenko, whose government is supporting President Bashar al-Assad, claimed British officials were using information fabricated by terrorists.
Murders and atrocities committed by terrorists are presented as those by the Syrian army, which fights for the liberation of its people from terror, he said, according to the state-owned Sputnik news website.
Syria conflict: Aleppo civilians post 'goodbye' videos
We are surprised that the liberation of Aleppo by the Syrian army, the liberation of hundreds of thousands of Syrians, women and children from terrorists, the delivery of humanitarian aid to them by Russia is presented by British authorities as a tragedy of Syrian people.
"We cannot agree with this approach and would like to see the UK on the right side of history."
Syrian and Russian officials describe all anti-government groups as terrorists, despite appeals to operate under an international definition.
The UN has recorded atrocities by rebel groups, reporting some were preventing civilians fleeing their territories in Aleppo. Opposition fighters have also killed civilians living in regime-controlled districts with rocket attacks.
Mr Yakovenko claimed Russia and Syria were being subjected to indiscriminate criticism over their assault on rebel-held areas of Aleppo because of Britains calls for political transition.
His comments came amid widespread condemnation of the bombardment of civilian areas and reported massacres by Syrian government troops and their allies during the offensive on Aleppo.
Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Show all 12 1 /12 Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man crosses a street in Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A vendor sits inside an antique shop in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors walk inside Aleppo's Umayyad mosque, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk inside the Khan al-Shounah market, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man walks past shops in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk along an alley in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors tour Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A general view shows the Old City of Aleppo as seen from Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk near Aleppo's Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, Syria October 6, 2010 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man stands inside Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters
Thousands of civilians and rebel fighters were being evacuated from the last remaining opposition districts as part of a ceasefire deal that offers a symbolic victory for Assad.
The area has been besieged and bombarded for months by Syrian and Russian forces, with the United Nations saying attacks on densely populated civilian areas most likely constitute war crimes.
Zeid Raad al-Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: The Government of Syria is also obliged under international law to provide medical assistance to all sick and wounded people civilians and fighters alike.
Rescue service volunteers said ambulances attempting to evacuate wounded people from rebel districts were shot at on Thursday morning, while the convoy of 1,000 people was repeatedly delayed.
Speaking at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Britains permanent representative said Assads forces were redefining horror with the support of Russia and Iran.
Even wars have rules, Matthew Rycroft said. We urge the Assad regime and Russia and Iran to respect these rules and indeed to respect the will of the vast majority of Security Council members and the vast majority of members of the General Assembly.
Forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad stand atop a damaged tank near Umayyad mosque, in the government-controlled area of Aleppo, during a media tour, Syria (Reuters)
To those who backed Assad and blocked action in this Council, we ask how can you side with such cruelty? How can you abide such an abuse of the UN Charter; words that we all claim to uphold?
Russia has repeatedly used its power of veto to stop UN Security Council resolutions against the bombing of Aleppo and prevent the Assad governments referral to the International Criminal Court.
Fighters and their families are to be taken towards Idlib, a city in north-western Syria which is under rebel control, the Russian defence ministry said.
While Aleppo contained a plethora of rebel groups from moderate opposition fighters to Islamists and jihadis, Idlib province is largely controlled by Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the former al-Qaeda affiliate previously known as Jabhat al-Nusra.
The stronghold is expected to be Assads next target and the respite for evacuated Aleppo residents may be short-lived.
The Syrian regime and its allies have focused the bulk of their firepower on fighting rebels in western Syria rather than Isis, which took back back the ancient city of Palmyra after troops were withdrawn for the assault on Aleppo.
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The Prime Minister of Israel has made a historic official visit to two Muslim countries in Central Asia, and stated he is ready to stand up to threats of aggression from Iran.
Benjamin Netanyahu became the first incumbent Israeli prime minister to visit Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, in an effort to forge closer ties to the region.
Mr Netanyahu conducted discussions with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who maintains relations with both Israel and Iran despite tensions between the two nations. Iranian president Hassan Rouhani is due to visit the country next week.
Recommended Golden statue of Benjamin Netanyahu toppled after causing stir
Mr Netanyahu sees both countries as being important allies in trading and diplomatic matters. Both reportedly have an interest in investing in Israeli counter-terrorism technologies, according to Times of Israel.
After Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned Israel would be destroyed within 25 years, Mr Netanyahu told President Nazarbayev that Israel is a tiger, not a rabbit and would respond to threats with force.
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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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Mr Netanyahu also said Mr Nazarbayev responded positively to his request to support Israels candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
The prime minister added that the new relationships with Israel could serve as a model for diplomacy for Arab Muslim states.
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Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Israel is a tiger, not a rabbit after Iran's Supreme Leader claimed the country would be destroyed within 25 years.
The Israeli Prime Minister was asked if he would like to pass on a message to Tehran during a landmark visit to Kazakhstan.
Dont threaten us, we are not a rabbit, we are a tiger, he said, according to the Jerusalem Post. If you threaten us you endanger yourself.
Iran nuclear deal: a stunning, historic mistake says Netanyahu
The comments came after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader, called on Muslims to resist and fight to gain control of Jerusalem, which is claimed as a capital by both Israelis and Palestinians.
Any other solution is fruitless and infertile, he wrote on Twitter, adding that Iran considers Palestinians a priority of the Muslim world.
Repeating comments made in 2015, he wrote: As Ive said before, if Muslims & Palestinians unite & all fight, the Zionist regime will not be in existence in 25 years.
When asked whether he believed Irans Shia Muslim government sincerely wanted to destroy Israel, Mr Netanyahu said he did, accusing the state of supporting a terror posing a formidable danger around the world.
He added that if Iran changes its policy and attitude toward Israel, we will change ours.
Mr Netanyahu was speaking with the Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who maintains relations with both Israel and Iran despite the two nations enmity.
New York protests against Iran nuclear deal Show all 10 1 /10 New York protests against Iran nuclear deal New York protests against Iran nuclear deal New York A woman holds a poster as she takes part in a rally on Times Square in New York opposing the nuclear deal with Iran New York protests against Iran nuclear deal New York An inflatable mushroom cloud stands among demonstrators during a rally apposing the nuclear deal with Iran New York protests against Iran nuclear deal New York Protesters rally against the nuclear deal with Iran in Times Square New York protests against Iran nuclear deal New York A member of the Neturei Karta Orthodox Jews sect is escorted away by New York City Police during a rally near Times Square to demand that Congress vote down the proposed US deal with Iran in New York New York protests against Iran nuclear deal New York A woman shouts slogans during a rally against the nuclear deal with Iran in Times Square in New York New York protests against Iran nuclear deal New York A protestor holds a placard during a demonstration and rally apposing the nuclear deal with Iran in Times Square New York protests against Iran nuclear deal New York Some of several thousand protestors crowd into 7th Avenue at 42nd street as they demonstrate during a rally apposing the nuclear deal with Iran New York protests against Iran nuclear deal New York A woman holds a placard as she joins several thousand other protestors to demonstrate during a rally apposing the nuclear deal with Iran New York protests against Iran nuclear deal New York Protesters rallied against the Iran nuclear deal in New York's Times Square KENA BETANCUR/AFP/Getty Images New York protests against Iran nuclear deal New York Protestors shout slogans as they demonstrate during a rally apposing the nuclear deal with Iran
The visit came just days ahead of the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is due to visit Kazakhstan next week.
Donald Trumps election victory has shone the spotlight on hostile relations between Israel and Iran once more, following his opposition to the historic nuclear deal struck by Barack Obama.
Mr Netanyahu said he would work with the President-elect to dismantle the agreement, which faced further problems when Mr Rouhani ordered the head of Irans Atomic Energy Organisation to start developing nuclear-powered ships.
Hossein Dehghan, Irans defence minister, claimed Mr Trumps presidency could lead to a world war and bring about the destruction of Israel.
Tensions between the US and Iran have also risen because of its support of the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is opposed by Washington, and Houthi rebels in Yemen.
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The Israeli parliament has suspended new dress code rules after staff protested against a ban on skirts deemed too short, according to reports.
Staff in the Knesset staged demonstrations this week after women were turned away for dressing inappropriately following a recent decision to ban politicians, other employees and visitors from wearing miniskirts and short dresses.
Around 30 women demonstrated at the entrance to the Knesset on Wednesday in defiance of the ban, posing for news cameras wearing above-the-knee skirts or dresses.
The women were supported by a man wearing a skirt over his trousers and a member of parliament who stripped down to his undershirt. A legislator Professor Manuel Trajtenberg also participated, complaining that women would soon have to wear burkas.
The new dress code was implemented on 30 November, when Israels parliament banned politicians, other employees and visitors from wearing miniskirts and short dresses, asserting that it applied immediately to everyone entering the building.
A notice on the official Knesset website stipulated that 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
Subsequently Knesset security guards began turning away women they accused of being dressed immodestly, even though the rules did not specify a skirt length.
One woman was reportedly asked to open her coat at the Knessets gates so that a guard could size up the length of her dress.
The issue has now been referred to a special committee, where lawmakers and aides male and female will take a look at the dress code and decide to what extent it should be implemented, according to Reuters.
Speaking on national radio on Thursday, parliamentary Speaker Yuli Edelstein said the Knesset had not gone, in his words, Iran-Taliban, and defended the need for decorum in the legislature.
Thirty-three of the Knessets 120 lawmakers are currently women, a record number in the country, but despite progress, many have complained of discriminatory treatment.
The Knesset to come under fire in November when it was discovered that the women's section in a new synagogue on the site could only fit about half the female MPs inside, and left no room for the hundreds of other women who work in the building everyday.
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A meeting of the international coalition against Isis has ended in London with a declaration that the jihadists, fighting for their Iraqi stronghold in Mosul and facing an impending assault on Raqqa, their capital in Syria, will soon be defeated.
But the meeting of 14 states took place against a sombre background of continuing recriminations over the impotence of the West in face of the brutal assault on Aleppo by the regime of Bashar al-Assad and its Russian and Iranian backers, and the uncertainty about the policies on Syria that Donald Trump will bring when he takes over at the White House.
The shadow of what is happening in Aleppo continued to dominate focus on Syria as the Isis conference was taking place. Boris Johnson summoned the Russian and Iranian ambassadors to the Foreign Office to express the governments condemnation of their role in the operation.
Afterwards the Foreign Secretary said: Both Russia and Iran have failed to uphold their obligation under international humanitarian law, specifically by failing to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid during the months when eastern Aleppo was besieged. They deserve no credit for the fact that an evacuation appears to be underway today. Having inflicted such suffering on the people, Iran and Russia cannot expect praise for allowing some people to escape at the final hour.
During a House of Commons emergency debate over Aleppo earlier this week, George Osborne acknowledged that this tragedy was created by a vacuum of Western leadership, British leadership. It is American leadership which is the crucial factor and Mr Trump has already signalled that he wants to end support for Syrian rebels. The President-elect, who has publicly declared his admiration for Vladimir Putin, views Russia as an ally while the US-backed rebels regard it as an enemy state on which President Assad depends for his survival.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon urged people not to jump to conclusions over Mr Trumps campaign rhetoric and wait to see what actions the new administration takes, stressing that Isis presented a global threat. He maintained: I have no doubt that the next US administration will step up to its traditional role of global leadership.
Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Show all 12 1 /12 Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man crosses a street in Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A vendor sits inside an antique shop in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors walk inside Aleppo's Umayyad mosque, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk inside the Khan al-Shounah market, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man walks past shops in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk along an alley in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors tour Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A general view shows the Old City of Aleppo as seen from Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk near Aleppo's Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, Syria October 6, 2010 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man stands inside Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters
US Defence Secretary Ash Carter, standing beside Sir Michael at a press conference in London, could give no such guarantee. I cant speak for the next administration he said. However, he continued that the coalition campaign was logical, made sense and thus hoped that logic will recommend itself to the future leadership of the United States, even as it has recommended itself to the current leadership.
According to senior diplomats, Mr Carter, on his last trip to London in his post, has sought to reassure his European counterparts during the visit that his successor at the Pentagon, General James Mad Dog Mattis, will be a counterweight to those within the Trump administration who are expected to press for disengagement from Syria or are deemed to be close to Moscow.
A British team to train opposition fighters has arrived in Syria and Sir Michael announced a six month extension to the deployment of British troops carrying out infrastructure construction at an airbase, al-Asad, in Iraq. RAF warplanes, he said, were carrying out attacks in support of a rebel group, SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) on approach routes to Raqqa.
George Osborne: We're partially responsible for Syrian crisis
Sir Michael said he had been assured that the rebel force heading for Raqqa was predominantly Arab. But although the SDF has Arabs in its ranks, it is Kurdish led and has been involved in clashes other Sunni Arab groups from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) including a faction supported by Turkey which has sent thousands of troops, backed by armour and aircraft, into northern Syria.
It is unclear where the rebels trained by the British will fit into a violent mixture of competing groups which are trying to seize Raqaa while fighting each other as well as Isis. The offensive is being carried out by Sunni Arab and Turkmen fighters of the FSA with Turkish support ; the SDF and the Kurdish militia YPG with American advisors and air support and the regimes army with Russian, Iranian and Hezbollah backing.
Last month the rebels supported by the Turks captured three villages while at the same time carrying out attacks against the SDF. The SDF claimed to have repulsed the attack destroying a Turkish tank and then captured two villages themselves. Regime forces, backed by Hezbollah fighters, took four villages. The Turkish backed rebels claimed that the SDF provided fire support during the operation more evidence, they insisted, to back their charge of collusion between Bashar al-Assad and the Kurds.
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The era in which we live is now officially described as an atomic Anthropocene, or the age of humans, an epoch defined by humans impact on the planet and one of its most distinctive features is radiation. The fallout (both literal and figurative) from international nuclear weapons testing, nuclear energy and nuclear disasters are embedded in our environment, but also in our society. And this year, theyve all suddenly become rather more noticeable, confronting us with some alarming questions we never thought wed have to answer.
Will Donald Trumps election victory improve nuclear defence policy or plunge us into a new Cold War? Will the world continue moving towards nuclear weapons abolition, or will the nuclear powers keep up and grow their stockpiles instead? How should the world deal with North Koreas repeated violations of the Test Ban Treaty? And do we really understand how the nuclear age has affected the survivors of nuclear accidents?
Memories of Catastrophe
In retrospect, 2016 was always going to bring these questions to the fore, marking as it did significant anniversaries of two of the worlds worst nuclear disasters: Fukushima (five years ago) and Chernobyl (30 years ago). While the health consequences of both incidents are still debated, their psychosocial effects and economic impact are beyond doubt.
Five years after the Fukushima accident, Japan is still working to decontaminate the affected area. Its cost five trillion yen (about 35bn) so far and demanded the labour of 26,000 clean-up workers many of them vulnerable to exploitation and social exclusion.
Forced and so-called voluntary evacuees from Fukushima are still adjusting to life away from home. There are 100,000 of these nuclear refugees still displaced; two thirds have reportedly given up hope of ever returning. With the Tokyo 2020 Olympics looming, and compensation costs spiralling, the Japanese government recently declared more areas as officially safe despite evacuees being reluctant to return. Their fears were stoked in November when an aftershock from the original Fukushima earthquake hit Japan. Thankfully, there wasnt a second catastrophe.
We also saw the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, which continues to affect a broad swathe of Ukraine and Belarus. Dealing with the consequences of the disaster consumes around 6 per cent of Ukraines national budget, and 2.15 million Ukrainians still live on territory thats officially considered contaminated.
Around 350,000 people were forcibly evacuated from the Chernobyl region, but some refugees illicitly returned. This year marked the release of Babushkas of Chernobyl, a documentary that revisited the derelict Exclusion Zone, to discover elderly women feasting on home-grown produce, supping moonshine and singing lewd songs about the boyfriends of their youth.
While life in these regions is still tarnished by tragedy and pollution, recent research reveals the intricate coping tactics that these communities use to survive, by continuing life as usual and talking about the experiences and challenges they have faced.
Economic and environmental change
Its also been a bad year for uranium. The uranium mining and production sector has been faltering ever since Fukushima, and this years international overproduction further depressed prices. Global production and extraction activity stalled, earning it the dubious distinction of 2016s worst-performing raw material.
As the industry waits for the market to recover, debates rage over the future of the only current operational uranium mill in the US and proposed developments at sacred and ecologically fragile zones the Grand Canyon, the Aboriginal Kakadu National Park in Australia, and the Karoo in South Africa. Meanwhile, precarious states such as Ukraine and Kazakhstan have agreed to jointly produce uranium, also betting the industry will recover.
The Ranger Uranium Mine in Australias Kakadu National Park (Alberto Otero Garcia)
An emerging nuclear energy renaissance may improve the economic situation for uranium, exemplified in the UK by government approval this year of a new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point C. Anticipated developments in China alone could mean a five-fold increase in demand. Low-carbon nuclear energy, and therefore uranium, may again become big business as the Paris Agreement on climate change starts to curb fossil fuel use.
But nuclear energys byproducts still have major environmental impacts, and we still have no solution for managing nuclear waste in the long term. In the US, a potential revival of the repository project in Yucca Mountain has been posited by Trumps advisors. Meanwhile, Australia is unwilling to provide long term storage, and the long term outcomes remain to be seen.
Test ban treaties and new Cold Wars
2016 marked the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), an international agreement to end the era of nuclear weapons testing and help bring the Cold War to a close. There has been a shift in attitude towards the abolition of nuclear weapons this year; a UN referendum on nuclear disarmament on 27 October saw 128 nations vote to ban nuclear weapons altogether. But the motion was opposed by the UNs nine nuclear states, including the US, Russia, and the UK.
Parliament took a clear step in the other direction in the summer when it voted to expand the operational lifespan of the Trident deterrent to 2042, at a cost of approximately 23bn. But at the same time, the Government at last moved to protect the well-being of its nuclear test veterans, providing funding for pioneering research into the inter-generational effects of nuclear weapons testing. This study will have international implications for our understanding of the culture and society that surrounds the families of the men who tested nuclear weapons.
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The world may yet be getting more dangerous. 2016 also saw global nuclear policy openly violated by North Korea, which defied the CTBT to further its nuclear proliferation programme with tests in January and September. Unfortunately, nuclear technology cannot be un-invented. While theres scant evidence that sanctions have changed North Koreas behaviour, new ones were nonetheless imposed after the latest tests, meaning the country is unlikely to join a peacekeeping dialogue.
We cannot foretell what the future holds for the nuclear world order, and the worlds most powerful leaders dont have any answers. When prompted in an interview to opine on global nuclear risks, Donald Trump remarked that: Its a very scary nuclear world. Biggest problem, to me, in the world, is nuclear, and proliferation.
As we try to understand the meaning of our atomic era, we are beginning to realise that the social and cultural impacts of nuclear technology have not only defined a new geological era, but will eventually determine the vulnerability or resilience of our human world.
This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com). Becky Alexis-Martin is research fellow in human and social sciences, University of Southampton, Stephanie Malin is assistant professor of sociology, at Colorado State University and Thom Davies is a research fellow in the department of sociology, at the University of Warwick
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The average person, looking around the world today, might say things are very grim. Its understandable. Headlines from Syria reveal devastation and human tragedy on an unimaginable scale. Billions of people suffer with too little, lacking basic necessities such as access to food, water, sanitation, or electricity. Terrorists wage their asymmetric wars not just against states but within our psyches. In the United States and Europe, right-wing leaders sell a tale of decline and civilizations at risk-and plenty of voters are buying it. Look no further than Donald Trump's ascent to the White House on a wave of hateful sentiment.
It is the worst of times. And yet, reflecting on the 2016 campaign in his newest book and in many ways his most personal and provocative yet New York Times columnist and 2013 Global Thinker Thomas Friedman begins with a quote from Marie Curie: Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.
Friedman, who is a friend, goes further. His book is titled Thank You for Being Late: An Optimists Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations. So here is a guy who has covered the Middle East and the tribulations of the world for 30 years, and three Pulitzer Prizes later, he is embracing optimism. Why?
The title of the book gives a clue. Thank you for being late refers to the degree to which Friedman found himself grateful for the quiet moments each day that he was granted when people with whom he was to meet were delayed by the press of daily life, giving him time to reflect. The book represents an effort to look at what has happened in the world and, in particular, on the accelerations that have transformed it and left so many people run ragged, bewildered, and unable to process the meaning of recent changes.
Violent riots broke out in Oakland, California in November following the election of Donald Trump (Reuters)
Those accelerations in technological advancement, climate change, and globalisation have reordered the planet from top to bottom, and Friedman spent three and a half years exploring how and looking for meaning. The search brings him back to his hometown in Minnesota to contemplate how the shifting tectonics of modern civilization have altered that which seemed most familiar to him as a child.
The book is written with Friedmans typically probing search for greater meaning, for big ideas, and for organising principles. And, in the end, it leaves one with the feeling that while the changes that are remaking the planet pose great challenges notably in the area of climate change they really do offer even greater opportunities for the lives of everyone in virtually every corner of the world.
This raises a couple of questions. First, do the facts bear out the idea that things are really improving broadly and not just in terms of the gadgets or technologies we have at our disposal? Second, does history offer any clues about the nature and sustainability of step changes of the type Friedmans book so engagingly focuses on?
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To answer those questions, consider that Friedman is not the first to embrace optimism. Indeed, while declinists of every stripe sometimes seem to have greater access to the media, there has been a bit of a groundswell recently of people making the case that the present has a lot to recommend it and that the future looks even better. Furthermore, the current crop of optimists has not based views on the age-old triumph of hope over experience. Rather, to the contrary, their views are arrived at the old-fashioned way through research, based on data. In fact, I count myself among them because, in my view, optimism is the most logical, sound, and defensible position to arrive at after a rigorous study of history.
We do not live in a perfect world. But we live in a perfectible one. History shows that, over the long run, we collectively have made progress work.
National Guard troops have been sent to Ferguson during ongoing protests and riots sparked by the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown (Getty)
Steven Pinker of Harvard University blindsided a world weary of war stories and the fear of terrorism in 2011 with the publication of his book, The Better Angels of Our Nature. In it, he argued and demonstrated through an analysis of available data that violence in human societies has dropped markedly throughout history and that we live in one of the most peaceful and safe times ever.
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. 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Pinker writes, Believe it or not ... violence has declined over long stretches of time, and today we may be living in the most peaceable era of our species existence. If you lived in what he described as the pre-state era, you had a 1-in-6 chance of dying in conflict. In the last century, for all its horrific violence, that number fell to just a 3 per cent chance. And the current period is the most violence-free in history. Pinker offers six major civilising factors, ranging from the rise of institutions and the rule of law to our current respite from global conflicts, to help explain why.
England fans throw bottles and clash with police ahead of a game against Russia in June (Getty)
Other data supports this. Between 500,000 and 900,000 people died in battle in 1950. By 2008, according to PolitiFact, this number was down to 30,000. Independent researchers associated with the Human Security Project at Simon Fraser University have concluded: Today there is broad agreement within the research community that the number and deadliness of interstate wars has declined dramatically since the end of World War II, and the incidence of civil wars has declined substantially since the end of the Cold War.
They found that the average number of interstate wars falling from six per year in the 1950s to just one per year now is significant because such conflicts usually are deadlier than civil wars. It also does not take a very sophisticated analysis to conclude that the threats we face today from the likes of the Islamic State, while real, are much, much smaller than the risk of global thermonuclear war or of world wars.
Other positive changes are equally clear. Nothing is more basic to quality of life than its duration. In the pre-modern world, life expectancy was about 30 years. Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, with its huge leaps forward in public health and scientific progress, life expectancy has increased substantially, aided most notably by declines in child mortality rates. Average expectancy worldwide has more than doubled since 1900, and no country in the world today has a lower life expectancy than the countries in the world with the highest life expectancies in 1800.
St. Pauls Cathedral remains intact after an air raid during World War Two (Rex)
The Industrial Revolution produced other massive changes in quality of life. Modern indoor plumbing was introduced to the rich in the United States only in the mid-19th century. In the US, today, virtually every home has it. Worldwide, only 76 per cent of people had access to improved water sources in 1990; that number is now around 91 per cent. Only 1 per cent of US homes had indoor plumbing and electricity in 1920. Today, almost all do. Worldwide, while no one had access to electricity before the late 19th century, around 83 per cent of the population does today.
In 1850, almost everyone in the world lived in an autocracy or a colony. Even the few democracies around were very unrepresentative. Today, the majority of the worlds people live in countries ruled by democratic regimes more than 4.1 billion people and only 1.7 billion live in autocracies.
In 1800, almost nine out of 10 people were illiterate. Today, nearly the same proportion can read (Creative Commons)
Real gross domestic product per capita held steady at around $400 to $600 a year for most people in most places for most of the last millennium. It started to change in the developed world as the Industrial Revolution hit. But the real breakthrough came about as globalisation gained traction about 50 years ago. According to the World Bank, it rose from a global adjusted average of $449.63 in 1960 to over $10,000 in 2015. The result is that the share of the worlds population living in poverty has fallen from 94 per cent in 1820 to under 10 percent today.
In 1800, almost nine out of 10 people were illiterate. Today, almost the same proportion can read. In 1970, only 6 per cent of the worlds people had a landline phone. In 2014, we passed the point where there were more cellular devices than people on the planet. According to the World Bank, by the following year, the average rate of cellular subscriptions per 100 people was 98.6.
History, then, offers an encouraging story. It is one of the reasons that those who study it and analyse current change anticipate that, while huge tests confront us now, great progress will continue. Dislocations of workers by new technologies pose a real challenge, note Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson in their important works, Race Against the Machine and The Second Machine Age. But they also point to the prospect of less backbreaking labour, shorter workweeks, and longer work lives. AARP has analysed this in the US and sees a change few could have expected or gleaned from the tenor of public debate just a few years ago: the older members of society, rather than being a burden, are likely to become a boon. Retirement is a concept that will have to be rethought as companies are able to tap into their most experienced workers for much longer, thanks to information technologies that enable them to remain relevant, active, and engaged in creating value.
Estimates today are that, effectively, the entire world will have internet access be linked together in a man-made system for the very first time in history-sometime between 2020 and 2030. We are beating cancer, with deaths down 23 per cent in a generation. A cure may be far off, but as Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, has acknowledged, its possible that more people are going to live [for a] prolonged high-quality time in peaceful coexistence with their disease.
Progress like this has made benchmarks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which were adopted in 2015, seem not only achievable, but achievable in the near future. These include ending poverty, eradicating hunger, ensuring that, within a decade and a half, all girls and boys can complete primary and secondary education for free, ensuring clean water for all, and guaranteeing that everyone has access to affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy.
As many as 70 per cent of millennials say they view the world as being full of opportunities (Getty) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Perhaps this is why a recent study among 26,000 millennials by the World Economic Forum reveals something quite different from the snark and cynicism of political debates, which is often erroneously associated with young people. When they look at the world around them, 70 per cent see it as full of opportunities, versus only 30 per cent who see it as full of struggles; 86 per cent see technology creating jobs, while only 14 per cent see it destroying them.
Millennials are hopeful. They are hopeful for the same reason that Friedman and Pinker and the technolophiliacs of Silicon Valley are hopeful. They are hopeful because the story of human history is one of continuous progress, and we don't just live in a moment in which this is ongoing we live in a moment when progress is inexorably accelerating. Indeed, when you consider that living in one global community and in one single cultural ecosystem promises better understanding of one another, ubiquitous sensing, unlimited data storage, big-data analytics, and the ever-increasing capacity to connect the world's best and most creative minds, the prospect of seeing the world in detail as it is and as it might be seems possible for the very first time. Optimism is not outlandish it is required. Realism equals optimism.
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British Airways passengers with bookings for Christmas and the New Year may be waiting anxiously for news about their flights.
Unite, the union representing British Airways cabin crew, says thousands of staff working for BA have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action over poverty pay and broken promises.
BA says it is focused on resolving the dispute swiftly and without disruption, adding: We are extremely disappointed that the union is creating uncertainty for our customers.
At present all British Airways flights are operating normally. But Unite has indicated it may call a walk-out to begin before Christmas, saying: 2,500 Unite members who crew long and short-haul routes to dozens of destinations could go on strike after the 21st December. The union must give seven days' notice of an intention to strike.
Recommended The real reason you should be concerned about the BA strike vote
In past disputes, BA has chartered in other airlines to operate some flights.
For most British Airways passengers, there is no likelihood of industrial action disrupting their plans. If a strike is called, only a relatively small number of routes will be affected.
Only one group of workers, known as Mixed Fleet, is involved in the dispute. This fleet comprises 28 per cent of BAs cabin crew, and work exclusively at Heathrow; no services to or from Gatwick, London City or Stansted airports will be affected.
British Airways battling with Norwegian over US destinations
Heathrow crew are divided into three groups: Eurofleet, Worldwide Fleet and Mixed Fleet. They are rostered separately, so all the crew on a particular flight will be from a single fleet. Furthermore, all flights to each airport are crewed by the same fleet so the three daily flights to Paris Orly are assigned to Mixed Fleet, while the six trips to Charles de Gaulle are crewed by Eurofleet.
So the crucial question for BA passengers booked to or from Heathrow: is my flight crewed by Mixed Fleet? If it is, and a strike is called, there is some risk of disruption.
British Airways does not publish lists, and routes shift frequently from one fleet to another especially at the seasonal boundaries between winter and summer timetables. From a range of sources, I have compiled a list that I believe to be correct; please do not rely on it, because I have not had official confirmation.
Routes believed to be crewed by Mixed Fleet, December 2016/January 2017
UK Domestic: Aberdeen, Belfast City, Manchester
Europe: Basel, Bergen, Bologna, Budapest, Dusseldorf, Gibraltar, Gothenburg, Hamburg, Hannover, Helsinki, Kiev, Krakow, Lisbon, Luxembourg, Marseille, Moscow, Oslo, Paris Orly, Pisa, Prague, St Petersburg, Stavanger, Stuttgart, Vienna, Warsaw, Zagreb
US/Canada: Atlanta, Austin, Calgary, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Jose, Seattle
Latin America: Santiago
Middle East: Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Tel Aviv
Africa: Abuja, Cairo, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi
Asia/Australia: Bangkok, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo Haneda
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The flight deck appears to be the last professional bastion of male domination. In the typical UK airline, male pilots outnumber females by 16 to 1 and at Thomson, Britains biggest holiday company, the ratio is 33 to 1.
On the day that Britains biggest budget airline, easyJet, launched an initiative to recruit at least 20 per cent women in its new intake of pilots, research by The Independent has revealed a severe gender imbalance on the flight deck.
At easyJet, women make up 6 per cent of the total number of pilots. The same proportion prevails at British Airways and Monarch.
Europes largest no-frills airline, Ryanair, also has 6 per cent female pilots. The carrier says that 8 per cent of pilots recruited in 2016 are women.
At Thomas Cook Airlines, 8 per cent of first officers junior pilots are female. But among captains, the proportion of women falls to below 2 per cent. That is still better than Thomas Cooks Scandinavian operation, where none of the 121 captains is female.
Flybe performs slightly better than the norm; 7.5 per cent of the airlines pilots are female, though for captains the proportion of women falls to 5.3 per cent. But at Thomson, just 3 per cent of all pilots are women reflecting the proportion thought to prevail worldwide.
Dame Carolyn McCall, chief executive of easyJet, has launched an initiative aimed at ensuring 20 per cent of new entrant cadet pilots recruited by easyJet in 2020 are female. That represents around 50 female pilots annually.
At easyJets Luton airport HQ, she named an Airbus A320 jet after the pioneering aviator, Amy Johnson.
At the ceremony, Julie Westhorp, chair of the British Women Pilots Association, said: I look forward to the day when having a female flight crew is no longer a cause for comment.
The typical employment profile for women pilots shows that far fewer go on to command aircraft. Dame Carolyn said there are only 450 female captains worldwide, of whom 62 work for easyJet.
One of those captains, Marnie Munns, said: With the closed flight-deck door policy, we can no longer invite prospective pilots to see what we do.
Myself and many of my colleagues are highlighting the opportunities of pilot careers to female audiences such as school groups.
Speaking to The Independent, Dame Carolyn addressed the issue of passengers both male and female who say they feel uncomfortable with a woman pilot at the controls: The only way to do that, I think, is to show how good your female pilots are. They have to pass the same qualifications and stringent tests that a male pilot has to do.
We, and every other airline, want the best pilots. Well never compromise on that. Whether they are male or female, we look for the best.
Tehran, Iran, December 14
By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:
Many agreements have been made between Iran and Russia to improve mutual trade, but steps are yet needed to turn them into action, an Iran-Russia trade official told Trend December 13.
"Currently the two governments enjoy close ties, but the trade turnover is not keeping up. We need to operationalize agreements that have been made between the two countries," Hadi Tizhoosh Taban, deputy chairman of the Iran-Russia Chamber of Commerce said.
"Problems still exist, especially regarding visa and tariffs," he underlined.
"We hope to be able to meet each other more and introduce our capacities and available services that we can offer."
"There are two issued running simultaneously. One is Irans joining the Eurasian Economic Union, which Russia says is making efforts to make possible. The other is the so-called green corridor by which Russia is going to give tariff discounts," Taban said.
However, he added, "We have not seen these turn operational. For example, it was said that protein and dairy products exports were going to be permitted, but nothing has happened in action."
Trade turnover between Tehran and Moscow jumped by 80 percent in 2016. According to Iranian sources, in the first seven months of the current Iranian year (since March 20), Iran exported worth $86.5 million goods to Russia.
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Unite, the union representing British Airways cabin crew, says thousands of cabin crew working for BA have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action over poverty pay and broken promises. The union has warned travellers that 2,500 Unite members who crew long and short-haul routes to dozens of destinations could go on strike after the 21st December.
Simon Calder assesses the possible impact and the background to the dispute.
Could a Christmas strike ground BA flights?
Industrial action might affect some flights to and from Heathrow, but not services at Gatwick, London City or Stansted airports.
At present all British Airways flights are operating normally. But Unite has indicated it may call a strike to begin before Christmas. The union must give the airline a weeks notice of industrial action, which is why the announcement today talks of possible action after 21 December. A Unite spokesperson told me: Our reps are meeting over the coming days to discuss the next steps.
Could there be another 12 days of Christmas strike call?
Some travellers will recall that, just before Christmas 2009, Unite called a 12-day strike by BA cabin crew. The aim was to shred the schedules over the festive season. That proposed stoppage, which was overturned in the High Court, was part of a long-running battle over working practice changes that cabin crew perceived as threats to their pay and conditions.
Over the months that followed, BA cabin crew went on strike repeatedly, grounding hundreds of flights on each occasion.
The numbers then and now are very different. In 2009, around 10,000 cabin crew voted in the strike ballot, with a majority in favour of 92 per cent.
But this dispute involves far fewer workers. It concerns only the Mixed Fleet group, who number 4,500 about 28 per cent of the total cabin crew working for BA. Of this group, around 2,500 are Unite members. Six out of 10 of them voted, with a 79:21 majority in favour of striking.
That amounts to around 1,200 staff about 7.5 per cent of cabin crew.
Who are Mixed Fleet, and why are they unhappy?
Until 2010, all British Airways Heathrow-based cabin crew belonged either to Eurofleet, serving short-haul routes, or Worldwide Fleet, working on intercontinental services.
But since the dispute was settled, all cabin crew recruited by British Airways have joined Mixed Fleet, operating on both long- and short-haul routes.
They were recruited on less-favourable terms than existing cabin crew, with lower pay and less generous working conditions. Mixed Fleet staff never work on the same flights as longer-serving staff, and instead routes are shared out. Across the Atlantic, for example, Mixed Fleet work flights from Heathrow to San Diego but not to New York; in Europe, Mixed Fleet work to Paris Orly but not to Charles de Gaulle airport.
Over time, the number of routes Mixed Fleet work on will gradually rise in line with the ratio of Mixed Fleet to longer-serving staff.
The union says that recruits to Mixed Fleet were promised they would earn a salary of at least 21,000, but in reality they start at just over 12,000 plus 3 an hour in flying pay wages earned only when they are on duty. Unite says cabin crew have rejected a 2 per cent pay rise, while customer service managers the senior member of cabin crew on each flight have had a six-year pay freeze.
BA says: We are extremely disappointed that the union is creating uncertainty for our customers.
We remain focused on resolving this issue as quickly as possible without any disruption to customers.
We have proposed a fair and reasonable pay increase to Mixed Fleet cabin crew which is in line with that accepted by other British Airways colleagues and which will ensure their reward levels remain in line with cabin crew at our airline competitors.
But Unites regional officer, Matt Smith, calls BAs pay rates indefensible, says that the crew are at breaking point and insists low pay is a safety issue.
Should passengers be concerned about safety?
British Airways has an outstanding safety record, which is the envy of many other airlines.
But Unite has issued details of a survey of its members working for BAs Mixed Fleet that could concern some travellers, given the critical safety role of cabin crew.
The union says over two-thirds of cabin crew surveyed admit to reporting for duty when they were actually unfit to fly because they could not afford to be off sick and lose the allowances involved. Eighty-four per cent of cabin crew report that their financial circumstances since joining BA have caused stress and depression. And Unite says that some members have been sleeping in cars between flights because they could not afford the petrol to get home.
Fatigue and depression among pilots, not cabin crew, have been blamed for two aviation tragedies.
In 2009, 50 people died when a Colgan Air flight from New York stalled on the approach to Buffalo airport. The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that pilot fatigue contributed to the crash. Its final report revealed that one of the pilots, Rebecca Shaw, had earlier said that one of the couches in the crew room at Newark airport had her name on it.
Last year, First Officer Andreas Lubitz committed suicide and killed the other 149 people on board his Germanwings flight from Barcelona to Dusseldorf when he deliberately crashed the plane into the French Alps. He had been suffering from depression.
British Airways says: Safety is always our priority. We uphold the highest safety standards and meet or exceed all UK, European and International regulations.
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Brighton has always done its own thing, a hub for the independent, alternative and oddball, considered by many to be coolest city in the UK. So it should come as little surprise that, instead of blindly following the foodie fads of London (gourmet ramen, filthy burgers, ad infinitum), its food scene has developed a more independent spirit one propelled by firmly held beliefs about local, organic, sustainable produce. Only, Brighton types dont just say those are their principles they really live them.
For proof, I joined the V.I.B (Very Independent Brighton) Food Tour, run by local foodies Angela Brightwell and Catriona Lane. The pair launched the walking tour in April this year to provide a guide to both eating well in Brighton and the unique parts of the city that tourists are likely to miss. And while independent has become synonymous with expensive in London, Angela and Cat are staunch believers that choosing indie shouldnt mean blowing wads of cash, so all of the stops offer reasonably priced food and drink.
Heres what I learned along the way.
Ive been shopping the wrong way my whole life
hiSbe, which stands for how it should be, is a supermarket with a difference. A social enterprise model with a mission to run a completely ethical business, produce is locally sourced, fair trade, and, for every item scanned, a pie chart appears on the till showing exactly where the pennies you spend in there go (from paying staff and suppliers to overheads and profit). All staff members are paid above the living wage and for every pound spent here, 69 pence on average goes back to the producers.
So how can you explain the difference between the products sold here and those peddled in big chains? Cat took vegetables as an example. When opening supermarket-bought packets of vegetables or salad leaves, you might notice a puff of gas escaping from the packet, she said. That is chlorinated gas used to preserve the leaves, which doesnt do much for the quality or taste.
Tour leaders Cat and Angela at ethical shop hiSbe (Brighton Food Tours)
By contrast, leafy organic veg in hiSbe is sourced from Fletching Glasshouses, which grows produce under two acres of glass at Fletching Common in Sussex, before packing it without any gas or preservatives. According to Cat, that means it doesnt turn into the liquid mush supermarket-bought spinach and other leaves can when they invariably wither away within 48 hours. You can also buy individual pieces of fruit or vegetables here instead of buying them in bulk, which reduces waste.
Oysters are actually delicious and good for digestion
My tour group was made up entirely of nervous oyster virgins, so we worked up the courage to sample our first with a glass of wine while sitting at the bar inside Englishs of Brighton, the citys oldest seafood restaurant. According to Jonathan Speirs, head oyster shucker, the key to enjoying your first oyster is to top it with red wine vinegar and chopped shallots, as this takes the edge off the seawater flavour.
Oysters are back in vogue among younger generations thanks to the growing popularity of sushi, Jonathan reckons. It used to be very much the old codgers but then in the last 10, 15 years weve got busier and busier and more and more young people are coming in here, he told me. Oysters also sit nicely under the wellness umbrella now so important to millennials, Jonathan added. It is very kind on your digestion. All this meat is quite tiring because your body has to work very hard to digest. Oysters are gentle and full of magnesium and iron and are really good for you. You will feel the goodness going into you.
Fresh oysters are said to be increasingly popular with a younger crowd
Of course a major issue with seafood is sustainability. Englishs source their oysters from sustainable fisheries around the British Isles, such as the Fal River oyster fishery, which harvests organic, native specimens from wild and natural beds. Such fisheries help with the upkeep of oysters natural habitats around Britains coastline and estuaries.
Fish is expensive now, Jonathan added, and we use sustainable sources, so obviously our menu does look expensive. But it is done responsibly and freshly. Even down to our cod and chips: the guy who delivers the fresh cod from the sustainable source said we were the only restaurant he actually delivers fresh cod to.
Plus, come here and youll be in good company Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench are fans. Cooked oysters start at 9.45 for three.
Supermarket hummus is the worst
Smorls Houmous Falafel & Salad Bar offers homemade, organic, vegan, anti-supermarket hummus, available in varying garlicky intensities; two years after launching, its now so popular that brother and sister duo Sarah and Christian make and distribute between 90 and 100 kilos of this hummus around Brighton every week.
So what makes it anti-supermarket? You can buy a pot of insipid paste in the supermarket for a quid and its just not what it should be, Christian said. Hes passionate about only using organic ingredients and painstakingly carrying out each part of the hummus-making process by hand. My sister worked for an Israeli guy in a tent in Glastonbury making hummus and falafel and they used a bicycle to grind the chickpeas in the middle of a field, he recalled. She learnt an early recipe from him and has been playing with it ever since.
Sarah Cotton helps hand-make Brightons legendary hummus
Their recipe includes Kombu seaweed foraged from the Cornish coast as well as 100 per cent organic chickpeas. We get a lot of our raw materials from Infinity Foods Co-Operative and then I sell it back to them, he explained. We hand-peel half the garlic and oven roast the other half, then we blend them together, so there is a lot of roast garlickiness going on. We use fresh herbs: coriander, parsley, cumin. Unlike supermarket brands of hummus, Smorls is preservative-free and has a strict 10-day shelf-life.
Located in Brightons Open Market, Smorls famous hummus pots are available in four varieties: original, extra garlic, thunder garlic and fresh chilli. Pots cost from 2.20.
You dont have to drink coffee to wake up
Caffeine addicts who cant imagine starting the day without a cup of coffee but then struggle against the inevitable midday crash should pay a visit to Bluebird Tea Co. Their matcha tea drinks served up by tea mixologists promise the same buzz, but without the mid-morning slump. A cult green tea in Japan, matcha which is powdered boosts metabolism and contains more potent antioxidants than those found in traditional green tea. Each shot of matcha provides around 34mg of caffeine, around half of the caffeine kick delivered in an espresso, but the amino acid and L-Theanine ensure the effects last longer. Try an almond milk matcha latte or a matcha lemonade.
Almond matcha lattes are both very good for you and incredibly pretty
Why drink boring normal tea when you can sip jelly and ice cream?
The shop also sells different types of tea in a range of unorthodox flavours I recommend the bananas and custard, Christmas cake, mulled cider and cherry Bakewell varieties.
#cleaneating is for suckers
A welcome antidote to clean eating obsessions, the Brighton Sausage Co is a cheese and meat deli that shifts up to 30 kilos of their famous stilton at Christmas. All produce here is free range and locally sourced, with owners going no further than Kent to fill their shelves. As well as all the fantastic fromage, the deli is known for its sausages, produced using cuts of free-range lean pork shoulder and back fat from Sussex farms (staff recommend the smoked pork and red onion variety). Then theres the signature sausage rolls three hundred of these bad boys fly off their shelves every Saturday.
Three hundred of these signature sausage rolls are sold every Saturday (Heather Saul)
Forget clean eating and load up on cheese at the Brighton Sausage Co (Heather Saul)
Travel essentials
Staying there
The Brighton Harbour Hotel and Spa (brighton-harbour-hotel.co.uk) has recently undergone extensive renovations to offer luxury at a reasonable price. Situated on the seafront with unparalleled views of Brighton Pier, small but considered touches here include complimentary decanters of gin and sherry in each room and White Company toiletries. The hotel restaurant, The Jetty, celebrates local flavours, with all dishes on their seasonal menu promoting sustainability and containing locally sourced produce. Standard Inland double rooms are available from 100 per night, room only.
Visiting there
The V.I.B Food tour costs 35 per person and runs Fridays and Saturdays, 11am-2pm.
visitbrighton.com
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Very soon after Donald Trump was elected, a consensus formed about likely winners and losers abroad. According to this, the big winner would be Russia, given that one of Trumps few consistencies through the campaign was his desire to mend fences with Vladimir Putin. And the biggest loser, it was thought for similar reasons would be Ukraine. Any lingering hopes the Kiev government might have had of more money and sympathy, perhaps even of the weapons President Obama had so wisely denied, were deemed over with Hillary Clintons defeat.
That consensus may well be correct. As the weeks have passed, however, it has grown increasingly clear that Donald Trumps victory has left another, far bigger, far more influential loser than Ukraine.
That loser is us: the UK, Great Britain, the British Isles, or whatever we are calling ourselves at the moment. With every day that goes by we look every more marooned in the mid-Atlantic.
It was easy to dismiss the false starts with the new US regime as mere pantomime: the late phone call from the President in waiting; the feting of Nigel Farage at Trump Tower; the faux-recommendation of said Farage as ambassador; the invitation to Theresa May to step by if she ever happened to be passing. These could be explained away variously as the missteps of a novice leader and the self-promotion of Ukips outgoing flag-carrier. They meant little in the greater sum of things.
A case could also be made that there were missteps from London, too, on the part of another novice leader the Prime Minister and her even more novice Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson. It hardly adds to the credibility of a government, even the government of a country known among its detractors as perfidious Albion, to be heard speaking so loudly and so often with forked tongue.
Donald Trump and Nigel Farage - A special relationship
What might reasonably be dismissed as diplomatic teething troubles, though, have masked something more profound. If the UK felt ambivalent about Barack Obama the displaced Churchill bust in the Oval Office, his seemingly casual disregard of the special relationship, his pivot" away from Europe and towards Asia we probably havent seen anything yet.
Now that Donald Trumps foreign policy team is pretty much in place, barring accidents at the confirmation stage, it is possible to draw several conclusions, and they leave London looking very exposed indeed.
Recommended Americans are in denial about Donald Trump
First, Trump is serious about changing both the way Washington works and its foreign policy priorities. The number of ex-military men in his line-up does not, as some have suggested, herald the dangerous militarisation of US government, still less is it the harbinger of a Trump junta. It is rather evidence that he wants people around him who can get things done, who are as impatient as he with bureaucracy and staid ways of (not) doing things, and who are used to being accountable. These are not people with whom wordy and worthy British officials will necessarily find it easy to get along.
A second observation would be that he remains serious about trying to alter the dynamic with Russia. Witness his choice, after long deliberation, of Rex Tillerson, a former oil man who has had apparently amicable dealings with Putin, as his Secretary of State.
The fact that he gives this so much importance suggests that he sees a better relationship with Russia as the key to much more, including maybe stability in Europe, parts of the Middle East (specifically Syria) and north-east Asia. This will place him at odds with much of the UKs current foreign policy thinking as will his limited enthusiasm for extending free trade.
Third, he is prepared (deliberately if naivety) to take on not just vested interests but institutions considered almost sacrosanct. His outright dismissal of the CIAs evidence of Russian interference in the US election, as told to the Washington Post, has made him a significant enemy in the US capital before he has even begun an enemy, moreover, that sees itself as an arch-defender of US security. This also suggests that he may also more inclined than many believe to act on his misgivings about Nato.
World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Show all 29 1 /29 World reaction to President Trump: In pictures World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty Images World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mosul , Iraq Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures New Delhi, India Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Karachi, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kabul, Afghanistan AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem. Israel Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Moscow, Russia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Seoul, South Korea AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Peshawar, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Hyderabad, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kolkata, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Aleppo, Syria Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem, Israel EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Baghdad, Iraq Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Tokyo, Japan Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico Getty
Any fears London and other European capitals may have about the future US administration may not be justified. There are constraints both desirable and not even on US presidential power. The changes Trump clearly envisages may not happen, or may happen far more slowly than he expects or hopes. Such radical foreign policy intentions, however, leave US allies in a quandary, and none more so than the UK, the country that sees itself as the closest ally of all.
Isolation is already setting in. On Syria, Obama has essentially moved to accept the survival of Assad, while the UK is left shouting on the sidelines in defence of a transatlantic policy that is already dead.
Something similar is happening over Russia and Ukraine. While the EU has effectively begun a rapprochement with Moscow and solidarity on Ukraine-related sanctions is weakening, the UK remains stuck in its dogmatic rut.
Recommended We all have blood on our hands over Aleppo
Policy shifts, moreover, will not be easy in part because we shouted so loudly and gave the impression of fervent belief, but also because we have no real mechanism for change. Where the new US President can claim his electoral mandate in justification, and France and Germany have elections that could help their governments to do the same, the UK (with no election in the offing) has either to execute some embarrassing U-turns or languish ever further out on a limb.
The UKs predicament is now many times worse because it has dramatically changed policy in one area Europe by referendum and, in so doing, left itself without an alternative anchor. There was a time when the Brexiteers sought to offer reassurance by stressing that, post-EU, the special relationship with Washington would come back into its own and the UK would continue to be a leading European light in Nato. How does such comfort look now?
The choice looks stark: either to retreat into ever greater isolation or to start reversing some major policies, and fast.
Brexit, alas, makes our adjustment to the Trump era it a good deal more difficult than it would otherwise have been.
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Kate Maltbys piece is a classic of its kind. The crisis in Syria is very complex, with a multi-faceted civil war and a variety of regional and global players, all with their own agendas. Kates view is that anyone who was against the 2013 motion to use military force, or indeed doesnt see any easy answers or who believes that bombing Assad in 2013 without any clear strategic idea of how this would have provided a positive outcome for all of the people of Syria and the wider region, has blood on their hands.
The trouble is that neither Maltby nor all of the hand-wringing MPs in the debate in Parliament this week have convincingly explained how a different vote would not only have produced a better outcome for the people in east Aleppo, but for Syria and the region as a whole. Unfortunately, complex situations like the civil and proxy wars in Syria, and Iraq, are never solved by simplistic solutions, however devoutly wished.
Lots of people have blood on their hands, but I dont think that includes MPs who voted against Camerons knee-jerk, ill-thought-through and badly-presented motion.
John Murray
Bracknell
The accusation that the West failed to act in Syria is nonsense. Right from the start of the war, we diplomatically sided with the insurgents. In quick order, we trained so-called moderate insurgents and supplied them with non-lethal equipment. When it became obvious that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey were aiding Isis, we turned a blind eye.
Assads secular regime did not pose a threat to the West, yet we sought its overthrow. Our surreptitious involvement helped prolong Syrias agony. Some achievement. Yemen is different. Britain, alongside the US and France, openly aids and abets the Saudi onslaught. There is, alas, no prospect of an emergency Commons debate on Britains role in Yemen.
Yugo Kovach
Winterborne Houghton, Dorset
Aleppo: who cares? We dont. Brexit Britain is an inward-looking, selfish nation preoccupied with its own interests. We have forgotten who we are. We need to take our collective heads out of our smartphones, look at the world and see what we have become.
Mark Grey
London
For all the hand-wringing, Aleppo pales in comparison with the fall of Berlin to the Russians or our phosphor bombing of the refugee-packed hospital city of Dresden in the last weeks of WWII. And our finger-pointing at Assad and his allies must not deflect attention from our feckless interference in Syrias internal affairs which opened the way to Isis barbarians.
It was to avoid the kind of mess we created in the Middle East that the UN specifically banned intervention in matters which are essentially within the jurisdiction of any state. Yet we have supported the US in undermining Hussein, Gaddafi, Mubarak, Assad and every secular ruler in the Levant who stood between the civilised world and religious extremism.
Rev Dr John Cameron
St Andrews
Nothing is certain
Having read your article about Brexit Secretary David Daviss suggestion that our exit from the EU could still be stopped, even after triggering Article 50, I believe that we can now say with absolute certainty that nothing is certain. And for Davis telling MPs that he expected his department to be wound up within about two and a half years, I imagine that it will take far less time than that. If I were working there, Id be stressed out after about four weeks.
Jeremy Redman
London
The Prime Ministers refusal to discuss the position of EU nationals unilaterally is a trifle disingenuous. Amendment 882, already approved by the EU Committee on Constitutional Affairs, is now before the EU Parliament. It proposes to offer associate citizenship to any citizen of a former EU member state who applies; this would confer the benefits of residence, employment, health, education, EU voting rights, etc. The PM must be aware of Amendment 882s liberal and generous provisions.
Dr Mara Kalnins
Bath
Britain on the breadline
At a time when demand for food banks is increasing and government policies are disadvantaging vulnerable groups, Lord Layards recent report is a cause for significant concern. The report attempts to separate mental distress, and problems such as domestic violence and alcoholism, from wider social issues such as poverty and unemployment. The fact that mental health varies across social groups is no coincidence. A range of health and social outcomes, including mental distress, are worse in more unequal rich countries.
The relationship between poverty, mental health and wellbeing is complex, as is measuring happiness. Poverty is about to access resources and freedom to claim ones rights. Coping with job insecurity, redundancy, long term unemployment and punishing social security systems all contributes to high stress. Losing connection with colleagues and friends through unemployment, or being unable to afford or find the time to socialise, increases isolation. It is unsurprising that feeling powerless, defeated and trapped by poverty provokes sadness, misery and depression.
Losing the opportunity to empower disadvantaged people as part of the effort to improve wellbeing, and instead focusing on specific therapies to reduce symptoms of so-called illness, is ludicrous and illogical. As a privileged and titled man, Lord Layard holds great power; we urge him to use it wisely.
Sarah Wolfe, clinical psychologist in training
Kara Bagnall, clinical psychologist
Helen Beckwith, clinical psychologist
Suzanne Elliott, clinical psychologist
Carl Harris, clinical and community psychologist
Lealah Hewitt, clinical psychologist
Sarah Keenan, clinical psychologist
Jennifer Maris, psychologist
Annie Mitchell, clinical and community psychologist
Ian Parker, honorary professorial research fellow
Cristian Pena, clinical psychologist
Gillian Proctor, clinical psychologist
Nikki Swan, clinical psychologist
Julie Vane, clinical psychologist
Jay Watts, clinical psychologist
Sally Zlotowitz, clinical and community psychologist
Off the rails
Why does Simon Calder call it an early 20th-century practice to have a guard on your train? And why no mention of a much older motive profit? Or of Southern and Thameslinks owner (ironically named Go-Ahead) announcing a 100m profit 27 per cent up on last year, and announced the day after the Government gave Southern an extra 20m taxpayer subsidy to improve services and restore confidence in the franchise?
At least Simon got one thing half right: the conflict is a political battleground provoked by the Governments determination to do to the rail unions what Thatcher did to the miners three decades ago. Whose side are you on, Simon?
Richard Clarke
London
Priced out of education
Issues like those raised in Rachael Pells article are exactly what put me off transitioning from teaching English as a foreign language to teaching in state schools. How can the Government complain that it is too expensive to pay those who train the workforce of future? (Not that thats how I look at children but it seems to be the only language politicians understand.)
Kat Deuchars
Weston-super-Mare
So fewer pupils from poorer backgrounds are attending universit well theres a surprise!
Instead of universities such as Bristol tinkering with entry requirements, perhaps efforts should be made to ensure all school children receive an education of a standard that levels the playing field for applicants (all other socioeconomic factors notwithstanding). Universities should resist the temptation for more dumbing down. Will they further patronise the poor by offering easier assessments?
Dr Anthony Ingleton
Sheffield
The wrong trousers part two
I agree with the trenchant criticism of Theresa Mays expensive attire, which demonstrates why she is sadly out of touch with the general populace. The situation is curious in one way, though. Nobody criticises the Queen for dressing up and arriving in an ornate golden carriage for the opening of Parliament. People may laugh and goggle at mannequin parades which fashion houses hold but they dont criticise them for taking place.
The answer lies in politics. Well into the 17th century, sumptuary laws were in force which dictated ones wearing apparel to ensure that people didnt dress above their station in life. But there was good reason for this regulation. Before the age of newspapers and photography, the rulers needed to be identified in public that they were the people in charge, and what better way than dressing up for the part? Hence the golden carriage.
Things have dramatically changed. Nowadays a politician who flaunts their wealth in our age of austerity sends out quite the wrong message. The Prime Minister should adjust her conduct accordingly. To help her, may I respectfully remind her, as a vicars daughter, of Jesus counsel that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.
David Ashton
Shipbourne
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So there was Samantha Power doing her shame bit in the UN. Is there no act of barbarism against civilians, no execution of a child that gets under your skin, that just creeps you out a little bit?, Americas ambassador to the UN asked the Russians and Syrians and Iranians. She spoke of Halabja, Rwanda, Srebrenica and, now, Aleppo.
Odd, that. For when Samantha talked about barbarism against civilians in Aleppo, I remembered climbing over the dead Palestinian civilians massacred at the Sabra and Chatila refugee camps in Beirut in 1982, slaughtered by Israels Lebanese militia friends while the Israeli army Washingtons most powerful ally in the Middle East watched. But Samantha didnt mention them. Not enough dead Palestinians, perhaps? Only 1,700 killed, including women and children. Halabja was up to 5,000 dead. But Sabra and Chatila certainly creeped me out at the time.
And then I recalled the monstrous American invasion of Iraq. Perhaps half a million dead. Its one of the statistics for Rwandas dead. Certainly far more than Srebrenicas 9,000 dead. And I can tell you that Iraqs half million dead creeped me out rather a lot, not to mention the torture and murders in the CIAs interrogation centres in Afghanistan as well as in Iraq. It also creeped me out to learn that the US president used to send innocent prisoners off to be interrogated in... Assads Syria! Yes, they were sent by Washington to be questioned in what Samantha now calls Syrias Gulags.
Funny old world. Samantha, God bless her, didnt mention Gaza, where quite a lot of Palestinian children have been killed by the Israelis. Nor Yemen, where Americas head-chopping allies are now dissing the Shiites and have killed almost 4,000 civilians. Nor the mass killings by Isis in Mosul. Nor most oddly of all did Samantha mention 9/11. Here, surely, was an international crime against humanity worthy of mention in Samanthas roll call of shame. 3,996 innocent dead. A must-be, youd think, for throwing at the Syrians and the Russkis and the Iranians.
USA: US leads world against Ebola and ISIS says Samantha Power
But no. For theres a wee bit of a problem there, isnt there? Because the 9/11 bloodbath was carried out by al-Qaeda. And al-Qaeda in Syria has changed its name to al-Nusra and then to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham and well, its al-Sham (alias Nusra, alias al-Qaeda) thats been fighting against the Syrian regime in eastern Aleppo. A bit difficult, you see, for Samantha to express her horror over the most terrifying attack on her country in recent history talk about barbarism against civilians when the very criminal jihadi organisation which committed this outrage is, yes, in eastern Aleppo fighting against the Syrian army.
So Samantha has to throw the dead of 9/11 into the trash bin in order to tell us how creeped out al-Qaedas enemies should be at their behaviour in Aleppo. Out, too, go the Christians murdered or deported by Isis in Mosul, those Yazidis subject to Isis ethnic cleansing a subject of which Samantha was quite an expert when it was taking place in Bosnia. In fact, Isis simply gets deleted from Samanthas narrative. They get, in effect, a clean bill of health.
And we journos are going along with all this. What was the last time you read of Isis catastrophic return to the Syrian city of Palmyra last week surely a victory for those we are supposed to be defeating in Mosul? And some of the Palmyra attackers actually came from Mosul! How did they do that when Mosul is surrounded by the Iraqi army and their allies and all those American advisers? And for that matter, what was the last time you heard about Mosul, surrounded by a government army trying to smash its way into the city against its jihadi defenders with even more civilians besieged than in Aleppo?
Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Show all 12 1 /12 Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man crosses a street in Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A vendor sits inside an antique shop in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors walk inside Aleppo's Umayyad mosque, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk inside the Khan al-Shounah market, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man walks past shops in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk along an alley in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors tour Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A general view shows the Old City of Aleppo as seen from Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk near Aleppo's Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, Syria October 6, 2010 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man stands inside Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters
So here we go again on the familiar semantic trail down which all critics of Syrias enemies (and America) must tramp. Yup, Bashar is a dictator, his elections a farce, his militias killers, his army ruthless, his prisons so barbarous that Washington sent its captives there for a bit of brutal interrogation. I have actually seen an account of one such session in which the Syrian interrogators concluded that the guy sent over from the US was completely innocent. But seriously, if we were all so creeped out like Samantha then we would, would we not, have intervened militarily in Syria (despite the Russians) and come to the rescue of the Syrian opposition?
But theres another odd element to our western outrage and the clue lies in Samantha Powers choice of atrocities. For the gassing of Halabjas Kurds was committed by Saddams air force, who were Arabs. And the Rwandan genocide was commited by Rwandans. And the Srebrenica massacres were committed by Milosevics militias who were Serbs. We may have stood idly by, as the saying goes it, is after all, what we are doing and going to do over Aleppo but neither we nor our allies actually committed these atrocities. Samantha stayed on safe ground, didnt she?
And this is what we in Europe are doing. The French president and the British parliament where the former Chancellor George Osborne did his woe is me bit all lamented that they had done absolutely nothing about the suffering of Aleppo. And didnt intend to do anything; hence all the empty seats at the Westminster debate.
And I think I know why because this is one of the very few times when our fingers are not bathed in the blood of the Middle East. For once, neither we nor our allies except for the lads from al-Nusra who are supported by Qatar and our other Gulf chums but who are the good guys in all this are guilty of anything more than indifference. Which was exactly the same problem at Halabja, Rwanda and Srebrenica. We didnt do it, guv. It wasnt us this time.
So shame upon the Syrians and the Russkis and the Iranians. Creeps you out just a little bit, doesnt it?
Bob Geldof said the EU is not working for its citizens
Bob Geldof has unleashed a blistering attack on the European Union - saying it does not work.
One of the highest-profile celebrity pro-EU campaigners during the Brexit referendum, he said Brussels needs a radical overhaul quickly.
Speaking before an audience of students in Dublin, Geldof also predicted a European war within a generation or two as the West lurches towards nationalism and populism.
"Europe needs reform - it is sclerotic," he told Trinity College Dublin's Law Society, which awarded him its Praeses Elit medal for his contribution to music and the greater good.
"The whole system is constipated. It needs a laxative to clear it out."
Geldof said half of Europe is desperately unhappy.
"It doesn't function," he said.
"It is ignoring the wishes of European citizens. What worked for six (member states) doesn't work for 28."
One of the most outlandish stunts of the in/out referendum campaign was the clash of Geldof and Ukip leader Nigel Farage aboard flotillas on the Thames.
But the Irish rocker, who was knighted by the Queen, said he met his arch-opponent and key Leave campaigner Mr Farage earlier this week at a party and shook his hand.
"He is an immensely dedicated populist ... You have to hand it to the guy," he said.
However, he insisted Brexit remains part and parcel of a reactionary movement galvanising the planet that is "really, really dangerous".
"England - that place that represented openness and tolerance, when I couldn't find it here (in Ireland) seems to be closing down," he said.
"It is increasingly less comfortable for me, and others who think like me, being there."
The UK was resiling from the 21st century, he said.
Geldof said the countries in the West are being reduced to economically competing states - and in that scenario countries "go to war at a scratch."
"I think we will go to war - possibly within a generation, possibly two. I really think that," he said.
A "thuggish, predatory Russia being led by a brute" was already invading Europe as we speak, he added.
The poverty campaigner urged students to stop venting their spleen on social media - which he said was "just cyber-wanking" -and get involved in protest and activism.
Asked about criticism of the lyrics of his Do They Know It's Christmas song - one of the best-selling of all time - he said: "My response is I don't give a f***," adding it has so far raised a couple of million pounds for Africa.
Cancer specialists believe rates of the most common forms of the disease may have peaked or are falling.
Research from the National Cancer Registry showed the chances of men suffering prostate, colorectal and lung cancer are now declining or are static.
And it revealed the incidence of breast cancer, the most common form of the disease in women, has fallen since 2008 after consistent increases since 1994.
In its latest annual report the registry said the decline in numbers was positive, even though the total number of cases of cancers continues to rise, mainly due to Ireland's ageing and growing population.
It warned lung cancer was continuing to increase among women, possibly reflecting the number of women who were smoking in previous decades.
Professor Kerri Clough-Gorr, director of the registry and Professor of Cancer Epidemiology at University College Cork, said cancers account for more than 30% of deaths in Ireland.
"Its prevention must be a high public health priority," she said.
The incidence trend in male cancers is encouraging, as we no longer see an increase in rates for the three main male cancers.
"Whether these improvements will be sustained remains to be seen. Cancer rates in women also seem to have plateaued due to a recent decline in breast cancer, but female lung cancer rates continue to rise, and it is now the second most common major cancer in women.
"There is a large and growing number of cancer survivors in our community which will need to be facilitated by expansion of cancer support services in the coming years."
The research found there is a one in three chance a man will be diagnosed with a form of cancer and a one in four chance for women.
But it also said there is about a one in eight chance that a man will die from a form of the disease and a one in 10 chance for women.
The registry recorded about 37,600 new tumours in patients each year from 2012 to 2014 and in those years on average 8,655 people died each year from cancer. The disease is the second biggest killer in Ireland.
The researchers said at the end of 2014 there were 139,526 persons who had been diagnosed with a cancer in the previous 21 years and were still alive.
A man found guilty of possessing explosives and making false bomb threats during the British Queen's historic visit to Ireland has been jailed for eight and a half years.
Donal Billings, 66, faced one explosives charge related to the discovery of a bomb on a Dublin-bound bus that was stopped west of the city at Maynooth in May 2011, the night before the British Monarch arrived.
He also faced four additional charges of making hoax threats related to devices supposedly placed at Dublin Castle - where the Queen was hosted at a state banquet - a Sinn Fein office in Dublin, a bus station in Dublin and Cork airport.
Billings, from St Bridget's Court, Drumlish, Co Longford, claimed two mortars at the castle would detonate at the time of the dinner. Nothing untoward was found.
The explosive device was discovered in a holdall in the luggage compartment of the bus when it was checked in Maynooth, Co Kildare. It comprised a firework timer switch, a copper pipe stuffed with gun powder and a plastic bottle of petrol.
Billings, a lone wolf with no known links to dissident groups, was accused of placing it on the bus when it stopped at Longford Railway Station.
There were 31 people on board when it was stopped by gardai at Maynooth. It was intercepted following a bomb warning called in by Billings. The Garda launched a huge security operation in and around Dublin for the Queen's visit.
Billings was found guilty of all five charges in the non-jury Special Criminal Court in Dublin in October. Sentencing was delivered by Mr Justice Tony Hunt on Thursday.
He was caught after gardai traced phone records and SIM cards.
Outside court, Detective Inspector Patrick Finlay welcomed the sentence.
He said: "You had an individual who was capable and intent on causing disruption to a state visit.
"The investigation itself shows the An Garda Siochana is carrying out inquiries behind the scenes that the public are unaware of and this particular individual we monitored and obtained evidence so we could bring him before the courts and prosecute."
A Garda spokesman said the investigation was centred in Longford and involved local officers as well as specialist national units.
"This investigation highlights the continuing significant challenges faced by An Garda Siochana in the context of monitoring and bringing to justice persons who have the capability and intent of disrupting particular events and being reckless as to the potential lethal consequences of the use of improvised explosive devices," he said.
"The gardai would like to thank all the members of the public who assisted and co-operated with the security measures that were in place at the time of the Queen's visit."
Dublin is now ranked number 16 on the list of priciest cities in Europe for expats. Stock Image
Dublin is now more expensive than Central London for expats, damaging hopes that the capital could be benefit from a defection of banks and other financial institutions from the UK following the Brexit vote.
Dublin is now ranked number 16 on the list of priciest cities in Europe for expats, up from 22 last year. Central London is ranked number 17 in Europe.
The Swiss cities of Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern take the top four positions, in that order.
The cost of living survey was carried out by ECA International, a global software and knowledge company.
Dublin is still ranked cheaper than Paris, at number 11. The French capital is also trying to lure companies likely to flee London as a result of the June referendum that will see Britain leave the European Union by 2019.
But two other cities seen as lead contenders for an influx of jobs that might leave London - Amsterdam and Frankfurt - don't even figure on the top 20 list of most expensive European cities for expats.
The decline in the value of sterling since the Brexit vote has also seen Central London drop out of the top 100 most expensive cities in the world for expats. Last year, it was among the top 50.
"This is the first time Central London has not featured in the top 100 since ECA's Cost of Living rankings began," said Steven Kilfedder, production manager of ECA International. The surveys began in 2004.
"The weakened pound means that UK businesses are paying more when sending staff to work overseas, although it is cheaper to bring staff to the UK," he added.
"London is now cheaper than Paris, Berlin and Brussels thanks to the weak pound".
The survey analyses the price of groceries, household and electrical goods, clothing, motoring, eating out and alcohol, for instance. But it excludes rents, utility charges, car purchase costs and school fees. ECA says those costs are not included because they're often borne by the employer of an expat.
The fallout from Brexit - including dramatic currency swings - has piled pressure on Ireland to tackle high costs in areas including legal services, energy, and insurance and to remove infrastructure bottlenecks, including broadband deficits, and skills shortages, the National Competitiveness Council has warned.
A rising tide of industrial unrest is also emerging as an immediate challenge to economic growth, according to the Council's report 'Ireland's Competitiveness Challenge 2016'.
The Council is made up of figures from industry, trade unions, academia and the public sector and reports to the Taoiseach and the Government on key issues facing the economy, as well as making policy recommendations.
Its report, published today, comes as the Economic Social Reseach Institute (ESRI) publishes its Quarterly Economic Commentary for winter 2016.
The ESRI warned that Britain's vote last June to leave the EU will slow but not end growth here in the coming years.
The ESRI forecasts continuing growth buoyed by the domestic market. Growth forecasts for this year of 4.2pc, slowing to 3.5pc in 2017, have been revised down marginally after the Brexit vote. Uncertainty on Brexit and the weakening of sterling are likely to hinder Irish export growth in 2017, but domestic sources of growth including construction remain relatively robust, the report said.
A pick-up in building and construction investment that is forecast to continue into the New Year, will see approximately 17,500 housing completions in 2017, the ESRI said.
That's up on recent levels but below the 25,000 a year needed to meet demand.
Growth into next year will underpin improvement in the public finances.
"From the public finances perspective, the most significant outcome of the recent growth performance is the likelihood of a close to balanced budget in 2016, with the prospect of a modest surplus in 2017 under current budgetary policy," the ESRI's Professor Kieran McQuinn said.
The ESRI's relatively more positive outlook is not shared by the Competitiveness Council however, with chairman Professor Peter Clinch seeing a potential threat to living standards coming down the track. "There are significant causes for concern and immediate threats to our ability to compete internationally which could damage growth prospects and living standards," he said.
"Brexit, in particular, presents us with far reaching and ongoing structural implications, directly impacting on our national competitiveness.
"Add to this the general economic and political uncertainty internationally and there has never been a more compelling case for making competitiveness the central pillar of Ireland's economic policy.
"This is the only way to secure the economic improvements that have been delivered, and to support sustainable jobs, living standards and quality public services," he said.
Read more:
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Fatih Karimov Trend:
Iran has recently held talks with Japanese firms on economic and financial cooperation, Mehdi Karbasian, head of the Islamic Republics Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), said.
Karbasian said he negotiated with officials of Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation and Mitsubishi during his recent visit to Japan, IMIDRO website reported.
The firms expressed hope that they would boost their activities in Irans economy as the Japanese administration has increased economic cooperation with Iran.
Japan, which is keen to take the biggest piece of the Iranian market, is showing a serious will to strengthen economic ties with Tehran.
Last February, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding worth $10 billion in mining sector.
What's the first thing that springs to mind when you think of your vet? This is a question I put to a group of farmers at a recent Knowledge Transfer (KT) meeting.
"TB testing" was the most popular answer, followed quickly by "antibiotics". One farmer said "fierce expensive" with a wry smile on his face. This bit of banter was, of course, all in jest.
However, for many farmers across the country the only routine visit carried out by the vet is the yearly herd test. All other visits are fire-brigade in nature: the difficult calving; the outbreak of pneumonia; or the sick calf. The vet arrives into the farmer's yard, treats a sick animal, possibly leaves some follow-up treatment and then drives away, on to the next farm to perform a similar task.
The reason this is called "fire-brigade veterinary" is because it is very similar to putting out fires.
Take for example, the case of a pneumonia outbreak. The vet is called to a number of coughing animals that have a reduced appetite.
He/she injects a number of sick animals and basically helps to stop the disease in question spreading throughout the herd - effectively putting out the fire. However, as with any fire, there is a lot of damage can be done before it is quenched. Damage in this instance is measured in hard cash. Despite our best efforts, an animal that is treated may die.
This is very quantifiable and obvious damage, as is the vet's bill for the call-out and treatment.
Less obvious damage however, is the loss of weight gain in the few days preceding and the month following such an outbreak.
Everyone can relate in some way to this scenario. It prompts one obvious question: is there any way that this could possibly be prevented?
The answer is not a simple yes. No matter what we do, there will always be a calf with scour or a weanling with pneumonia that needs treatment asap.
What we can do is anticipate problems and put a plan in place to prevent them. This is where the Knowledge Transfer programme comes in to its own.
Every farmer that has signed up to the programme must, in co-ordination with his/her vet, complete a herd health plan.
The vet must meet with the farmer, discuss any health issues that are specific to the farm, set goals and put a plan in place to achieve those goals.
It is called a herd health plan, but, in fact, it is much more than that. It is a full audit of the health of the animals on farm, including all aspects that can influence animal health. These include bio-security, parasite control, housing, nutrition and vaccination protocols.
Now, I know what some people are thinking: "this is just another way for the vets to get more money out of us".
No doubt, the vet will have to be paid for the time he/she invests.
However, this on-farm risk assessment is not only a money-saver for the farmer, it has the potential to be a money-maker.
If an outbreak of pneumonia on a suckler farm can be prevented, then, not only is there no vet bill for treatment, but there is no loss of live-weight gain which ultimately means more money for the farmer.
Similarly, if the fertility of a dairy herd can be improved, then it means a lower cull rate, more calves on the ground, more milk in the tank and more money in the farmer's pocket.
Surely, any farmer would prefer to sit down with a vet for two hours at a quiet time of year and put a comprehensive herd health plan in place rather than go through the hardship and expense of a number of fire-brigade calls during a busy spring.
Now, the herd health plan is by no means a silver bullet. Every farm is dynamic in nature, stock move in and out, as do people and even wildlife.
The plan will have to be constantly reviewed and tweaked to account for changes. Every vet in the country wants to see their clients succeed in and profit from their farming enterprises.
The herd health plan has the potential to be the corner stone for success on any farm. Instead of viewing it as another box to tick, it should be seen as something that can benefit every farmer financially, far beyond the three years of payment for joining the KT programme.
There are only two certainties in life - death and taxes. Many farmers will say there is a third - the vet's bill.
However, it's definitely easier to pay a smaller bill after a profitable, hassle-free year on the farm.
Eamon O'Connell works with the Summerhill Veterinary Clinic in Nenagh, Co Tipperary
The serious difficulties that exist on the N24 between Mooncoin and Carrick-on-Suir dubbed the valley of death' by a local priest were highlighted in the Dail this week.
When questioning the Minister for Transport this week, Fianna Fail TD, John McGuinness said it was only when a local farmer, Donal Norris, drove his cattle down this road that the NRA was forced to provide a safe underpass.
He should not have had to encounter such difficulties as he sought to achieve his rights.
It was absolutely shocking that he was treated in such a way by a State agency, he said.
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At a meeting in Piltown community centre on Monday night which was attended by 500 local people from the surrounding areas local priest, Fr. Moore referred to the roadway in question as the "valley of death".
Deputy McGuinness said there were ten white crosses behind the backs of those who addressed the packed audience at the meeting from the main table.
He said when this road was being designed and constructed between 1995 and 2002, when it opened, there were constant difficulties with the National Roads Authority, NRA, as it was at the time, and the engineer on the project.
Those who raised matters with regard to the road, including the local radio station, were often challenged legally so that they would stop doing so.
This happened to me as a member of the local council at the time.
To this day, nobody has officially opened the road.
Everyone in this House knows that when money is spent on a road, some politician will cut the tape. I have nothing against that.
Even though this road was funded through the NRA, it is the road that nobody wanted, McGuinness said this week.
He highlighted that everyone has been demanding such an overpass since the road was originally designed.
But those responsible have still not given in and provided it, despite many deaths and numerous accidents.
Most of the accidents on this stretch of road are recorded by the local gardai, but others are not even reported.
This notorious piece of road, where two roads go into one, is the worst piece of engineering one will ever see, he said.
Underpass issues
A former minister has described the cost of installing underpasses to improve road safety a crisis situation.
Ned OKeeffe told the ICMSA AGM at Limerick that farmers face costs of up to 60,000 for an underpass because of the restrictions and bureaucracy.
He was responding to a motion from ICMSA executives in Carlow and Macroom that underpasses should be grant aided under TAMS and that the planning system should promote rather than hinder their use in the interest of farm and road safety.
Mr OKeeffe described the situation as ludicrous where farmers faced almost insurmountable difficulties with the NRA and the local authorities, despite the improvement it would achieve for the safety of both road users, the farmer and animal safety.
Macroom ICMSAs Tim OCallaghan called for farmers to be allowed to carry out the work or engage a contractor which will reduce the local authority costings by more than 50pc.
In my area the local authority wanted 30,000 for a small underpass where a dairy farmer has three-quarters of his land at the other side of a country road. The cost of the pre-cast underpass needed was 11,000 plus a few loads of filling and a couple of loads of concrete, he said.
It is a nightmare for any farmer having to bring cows across the public road four times a day and there have been several accidents as a result. I know of several cases where farmers lost five to seven cows and risked their own lives where drivers collided with them. Farmers are constantly having to choose their times for crossing it is no way to have to farm and a lot could be resolved if there was a different approach by the local authorities and farmers were allowed to carry out the work to the required specifications, he stressed.
A record number of people were adjudicated bankrupt last year, new figures reveal.
Some 499 people were declared bankrupt in 2015 - a 760pc rise on just two years previously.
The figures were contained in the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) annual report, which was laid before the Oireachtas yesterday.
The Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation said it believed at least 80pc of the bankruptcy cases would have involved people with mortgage debt.
The ISI said the increase was likely due to record numbers of people in financial difficulty as a result of the recession reaching the point where they needed to come to a long-term solution.
Debtors petitioning for their own bankruptcy, rather than being forced into it by a financial institution, accounted for 93pc of total bankruptcies last year.
"The amended bankruptcy regime reduced the automatic discharge period from 12 years to three years and then to one year, subject to certain conditions. It has made bankruptcy a more viable option for people," an ISI spokesman told the Irish Independent. But he said debtors must first explore the other solutions prescribed in the Personal Insolvency Act before pursuing bankruptcy.
Solutions
The report said the ISI had helped 2,000 debtors to secure permanent debt solutions that returned them to solvency, up 70pc on 2014. Some 1,371 protective certificate were also issued last year, giving debtors protection against legal proceedings from creditors for 70 days while they seek to enter a personal insolvency or debt settlement arrangement.
The report said the cost of applying for a bankruptcy had been reduced to 270.
"Bankruptcy is a great relief for some people," said Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation director David Hall. However, he said the process could be made a lot easier for people who wished to avail of it. "It is an administrative process that is too prescriptive, too bureaucratic and too expensive," he added.
Meanwhile, a leading court official has queried whether Allied Irish Banks' largest shareholder, the Minister for Finance, is aware of the extent of its litigation in repossession and debt cases.
Master of the High Court Edmund Honohan, who deals with a range of administrative matters relating to cases on their way to trial, noted about half of the 98 cases before him on Tuesday were taken by AIB and asked whether the bank's "largest shareholder" was aware of this.
Most of the bank's cases related to substantial debts exceeding 75,000, while 11 concerned possession proceedings.
The same list included four debt collection cases brought by Bank of Ireland and two by Ulster Bank.
THE iconic businesswoman Gillian Bowler has passed away.
The news of the death of the former MD of Budget Travel and chair of Irish Life & Permanent broke on Thursday morning.
It is understood that Ms Bowler, who was in her 60s, had been ill for some time.
Paul Hackett of ClickAndGo.com remembers Gillian "who had been unwell for some time" fondly.
"I worked with Gill in Budget from the 1990s and we just did some great stuff," he told independent.ie
"She was incredibly innovative and iconic at the time - and not just for the sunglasses!
"She was one part of an amazing couple, herself and Harry. It was great fun working with them being so united and living and working together too.
"It's just so sad for him - and so sad that a person so young who worked so hard is not around to enjoy it."
Very sorry to learn of the death of Gillian Bowler - one of the Irish travel trades greatest innovators. #budgettravel #greece. RIP. Barbara Scully (@barbarascully) December 15, 2016
Sad to hear of the passing of Gillian Bowler founder and former MD of Budget Travel RIP EannaBrophy (@EannaBrophy) December 15, 2016
Sad to hear of the passing of Gillian Bowler founder and former MD of Budget Travel RIP LocalMarketing.ie (@localmie) December 15, 2016
Along with her partner and later husband, Harry Sydner, she founded package holiday company Budget Travel in 1975. Foreign travel was in its infancy in the Ireland of the mid-1970s.
Over the next dozen years the pair grew Budget into Ireland's largest package holiday company. While Snyder stayed in the shadows, Bowler was the public face of Budget, never missing an opportunity to promote the fledgling company.
Not alone did this mean that Budget got maximum value from its initially meagre advertising spend, it also established Bowler as a public figure.
With her trademark sunglasses perched precariously on top of her head, she appeared regularly on TV and radio and in the newspapers.
This public profile served Bowler in good stead as she gradually withdrew from Budget.
Clem Walshe, formerly of lowCostTravel said that Gillian "will be missed" and that he hoped her passing was peaceful.
He remembers a "fun, supportive and understanding" woman that was "ahead of her time in terms of creativity and innovation".
"I joined Budget in 1995 and I got to know Gill really well. Within three years, she had grown the retail division from four shops to 30 shops. When you think of the logistics involved in that, it's incredible," he told independent.ie.
"Gill helped us with all the challenges that we had to face...We had so much fun...She loved making sure that the products were different from anyone else and the Budget brochure was known for their pictures of scantily clad women."
Walshe said that it was Gill's way of treating everyone - from counter shop staff to senior members of the team - that gave her "the wonderful insight when it came to planning any aspect of the campaign".
"Nobody created a buzz quite as much as Budget did with the January travel sale. Gill would say "we're not selling insurance policies here, we're selling dreams". She was super competitive too; even though she had a good relationship with her competitors, when it came to kick off in January, you'd prefer to be on Gill's side of the pitch," he said.
In 1987 she and Sydner sold 90pc of the firm to British group Granada for Stg4.5m. They sold the remaining 10pc for Stg3m in 1996.
Bowler continued to work full-time at Budget until 1996 when she became non-executive chairman. She cut her last links with the firm she founded when she stepped down as chairman in 2007.
Sunway's Tanya Airey said she was "very sorry to hear about the passing of Gillian Bowler".
"She was an inspiration to all in the travel industry, particularly women," she told independent.ie.
"When I first started in the business she was at the height of her career and I would have hugely looked up to her. She was way ahead of her time and I will always think of her with her sunglasses on her head and what an attractive, glamorous, intelligent, bright woman she was.
"It is so sad that she has passed away when she should be relaxing with her husband Harry and enjoying herself after working so hard all her life."
Bowler was appointed to the Irish Life board in 1998 and, when it merged with Irish Permanent the following year to form Irish Life & Permanent, she kept her seat on the board of the new company.
Then, when Roy Douglas was forced to quit as IL&P chairman in 2004, Bowler replaced him. This was the first time that any Irish financial institution had appointed a female chairman.
Bowler was the last chairman or chief executive of an Irish banking institution to survive the 2008 banking crisis.
At the peak of the crisis, Ms Bowler had reportedly come under pressure to resign when it emerged that IL&P had propped up Anglo with almost 8bn of deposits.
She tendered her resignation as IL&P chairman to a board meeting in December 2010.
Alan Cook took over as chairman at the time, fulfilling his six term, and overseeing extensive restructuring and rebuilding of the group during his tenure.
Earlier this year, he confirmed that he will retire as scheduled next March from the now Permanent TSB.
Funeral details
Tonight, details of Ms Bowler's funeral were announced. A celebration of Gillians life will take place on Saturday morning at 10am in the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harolds Cross, Dublin.
Frank Daly, Chairman of NAMA arriving for the meetng of the Dail Public Accounts Committee at Leinster House. Photo: Tom Burke
NAMA has defended the destruction of notes used to prepare the minutes of board meetings in the run-up to the controversial 1.3bn (1.6bn) Project Eagle loan sale.
Chairman Frank Daly insisted that "nothing of consequence" was discussed at two meetings in the lead-up to the 2014 sale that was not reflected in the official minutes.
He told TDs at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that it was "best practice" to dispose of the secretary's handwritten notes once the finalised minutes had been signed off by the board.
Discussions were held at two board meetings in December 2013 and January 2014 on the minimum price that Nama would accept for its Northern Ireland loan book. A figure of 1.3bn was decided upon. The PAC is examining Project Eagle after the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) found that a probable loss of 190m (223m) was incurred in the sale. Nama has rejected this finding.
The C&AG report questioned why a 5.5pc discount rate was not applied to the sale as opposed to the rate of around 10pc ultimately used by Nama in the deal. Nama has argued that the report puts forward no external evidence to support 5.5pc and insists the 10pc discount was a market rate.
Mr Daly was questioned by TDs about a lack of explanation in Nama's minutes over how the board decided on the 1.3bn price. PAC chairman Sean Fleming said it was a "surprise" that the handwritten notes of the meetings weren't kept and pointed out that the decision on the "famous 10pc" was not recorded in the minutes.
He said that while TDs were not doubting the word of Nama executives on what occurred, "it would have made life very easy" if the notes had been kept.
Mr Daly conceded that if there had been a specific reference to the 10pc discount rate, Nama officials may not have had to give such lengthy evidence to the PAC. But he said several of them had given an explanation for why the rate was used.
Fine Gael's Josepha Madigan asked Mr Daly if he understood why some might have difficulty in accepting Nama's valuation "when there's no documentary evidence to back it up".
Mr Daly said he accepted it was not specifically recorded in the minutes, but also referred to the "many questions" answered by Nama officials on the matter.
He insisted there was no unofficial record of the board meetings
Earlier Mr Daly outlined how it was the fifth time he had appeared at the committee to answer questions on Project Eagle and that overall Nama representatives had answered almost 2,000 questions.
On the issue of the notes used to prepare the official minutes, he said: "There is no reason why the secretary's handwritten notes should be retained."
He said he understood the same thing happened throughout the public service and referred to guidance from the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators that stated such notes should be "promptly destroyed" once minutes were approved. He said Nama's procedures were "very much in line with recommended best practice".
Recalling life as a youngster visiting his Granny's house in Dublin's Phibsborough, Richard Guiney says he was a "wannabe mogul at the age of two".
She and his grandfather had a greengrocers and newsagents there.
At this time of year, the extended Guiney family that owned Clerys ("We had the name, not the money," says Guiney) used to be popping in and out of the house.
"They were always up in my Granny's house at Christmas," he says. "I loved it as a child. My Granny was shovelling lemonade and chocolate into us. I used to love listening about the business - who was doing well, who not so well and all the rest. It's the backdrop to my childhood."
He never became the mogul he might have dreamed of, but as chief executive of DublinTown, Guiney (48) heads an organisation that aims to improve the environment for retailers, other businesses and consumers in the city centre in a bid to invigorate it as a shopping destination.
It's a constant challenge.
Retailers in the city have for years been competing with out of town centres - Liffey Valley (German fund Universal Investment finalised the 600m acquisition of the centre this week), Dundrum and Blanchardstown in particular - that have been hugely successful at siphoning off consumers and their cash to the burbs.
The recession didn't help either. Neither does the rise and rise of online shopping. Neither does weak sterling.
In fact, there are a whole lot of reasons for many consumers not to trudge into town to do their Christmas - or any - shopping. So Guiney spends his time coming up with and driving initiatives to persuade shoppers that they should.
He faces plenty of hurdles, including a pretty rubbish transport system for a capital city with more than 1.9 million people in its commuting zone.
He's optimistic (he's paid 110,000 a year to be) about the city centre's future, despite the closure of Clerys, given that Arnotts is now owned by Selfridges (owned, in turn, by Galen Weston and his family, who also own Brown Thomas). UK property giant Hammerson has also acquired a swathe of development land off O'Connell Street and Henry Street for which it has big plans.
"Footfall is up," says Guiney of Christmas trading so far this year. "I was a bit worried for the two weeks after we turned on the lights, because it was down. But since Black Friday, it's been up."
About a third of retail sales are rung up over Christmas.
Construction works to link the capital's two Luas tram lines have been scaled back significantly for the Christmas period, providing a shopper boost, says Guiney.
Preliminary figures for last week, he says, show footfall was up 8pc year-on-year in the capital. The previous week it was 7.5pc.
"They're fairly decent numbers. It brings us back to about 2010 levels," he says.
"Restaurants and cafes are doing particularly well. Independent stores that have a unique offering are doing OK. Larger stores are probably the ones that face the most competition from out of town."
But there's still robust demand for prime retail space in the city. Estate agents Savills recently reported that it expects retail rents to rise by about 7pc over the next two years.
Across the road from the trendy Tram Cafe where Guiney is sipping a coffee, Philip Green's Topshop - part of his Arcadia group - is planning a flagship store in the Jervis Street centre that will replace five existing outlets Arcadia has there.
Selfridges is meanwhile investing in Arnotts, having bought it last year, and revitalising its concessions.
The department store made a 1.1m operating profit in the 12 months to the end of last January, compared to a small loss in the previous financial year. Revenue was about 10pc higher at 72m.
But with Clerys now closed, the city centre lost an iconic retailer. It was one whose name resonated with many, but their wallets didn't follow their hearts.
It closed last year in controversial circumstances.
An Irish unit of US investment fund Quadrant backed a 29m acquisition of the department store by Deirdre Foley's D2 Private and Cheyne Capital Management.
The deal resulted in mass layoffs of hundreds of long-serving staff - including some of Guiney's relations.
He admits that it's sad that the store is gone (although the new owners have just got planning permission for a mixed-use development incorporating the store that will include a boutique hotel).
"Emotionally I had a connection with it (his family even got a 10pc discount when he was young).
"But it's a heart and head issue. We are where we are now. I'm excited by the new plans. What is proposed will work for the area," he says.
But it was, to put it politely, insensitive that Dublin Town is now operating the store as a free bag drop centre for shoppers over Christmas, given the lingering distaste over the manner in which Deirdre Foley and her co-investor took control of Clerys and deliberately structured it so staff only got statutory redundancy.
"I can understand the upset among the workers," he says while remaining unapologetic. "We're providing a free service for the public. We were happy to have a central location."
It's also located in the core northside shopping district that DublinTown has launched a promotional campaign for, called Dublin One. The area includes about 850 businesses.
Guiney says it would have been impossible five years ago to launch such a branding given the issues that still plagued the area - from drug dealing and drug taking, to general anti-social behaviour.
The "needle count", he says, is down about 30pc since last year, while overall reported crime in the city is down by one-fifth.
"The perceptions of public safety are improving. I don't think this area could have been marketed five years ago the same way that it is now," he says, insisting that there's no drug dealing on O'Connell Street any more, for instance.
The recently-opened Tram Cafe - located on Wolfe Tone Square - is an example of using a space that has previously attracted anti-social behaviour, to provide an attraction that helps to displace that activity, says Guiney.
But some ugly edginess remains in the city centre. My short Luas trip to meet Guiney is peppered with conversations between people about selling drugs and run-ins with the gardai. It makes for, at best, an uncomfortable atmosphere for the families that Guiney is desperate to attract and for whom loading up the car and heading to the nearest out-of-town shopping mall can be an easier sell.
Meanwhile, Guiney and DublinTown face their own challenges.
There's a minority but vocal group of retailers that don't want to have to pay the compulsory levy to be forced to be members of DublinTown.
Businesses in the DublinTown catchment area - there are more than 2,500 of them - pay a fee of about 4pc of the rateable valuation of their property fees to DublinTown. Last year, the organisation had 3.1m at its disposal, including 2.7m generated from the levy.
It incurs costs for everything from cleaning graffiti, to removing drug paraphernalia, providing street ambassadors and promoting festivals and events. It has spent about 500,000 this year on Christmas lights - its single biggest expense by far.
Every five years, the members get to vote on whether or not they want the organisation to continue. The next vote is in 2017. At the last vote, a third of those businesses that cast their ballots were opposed to the initiative continuing.
But Guiney maintains that the venture works for businesses, and is more confident about next year's vote than he would have been about the previous one.
"I'd be far more confident than I was five years ago," he says. "We've a better understanding of what we're about. I think there will be a 'Vote No' campaign."
He maintains that relative to other charges businesses pay for, the levy for DublinTown isn't huge. But some businesses are certain to view it as just another cost on top of many others.
"Look outside of our area and you see a big difference - even in graffiti, for example. Some people say the levy should be voluntary, but that's not fair either," he says.
"In terms of the feedback we get, that it's considerably more positive than it would have been five years ago. I'm confident we'll win."
Some tenants are already being hit with increases of up to 40pc after the Government outlined its plans for a rent cap. Stock Image: Getty
Unscrupulous landlords will attempt to circumvent new rent regulations by imposing a raft of fresh charges on tenants, property experts have warned.
The Government's plan for the rental sector will restrict increases in Cork and Dublin to 4pc per annum for the next three years. It could also be expanded to other cities as well as the Dublin commuter belt.
But some tenants are already being hit with increases of up to 40pc after the Government outlined its plans for a rent cap.
The country's biggest housing charity, Threshold, said it received a flurry of calls from anxious tenants yesterday who were contacted by landlords seeking significant increases before the new rules come into force.
Property Industry Ireland director David Duffy said there was a danger that landlords could seek to boost incomes by other means.
"There is a danger if you limit income that people will look for alternative sources and therefore always a danger that rent controls will bring about other payments," said the former ESRI property economist.
"Generally rent controls are not in favour with economists because they can badly impact supply and quality of buildings in the market, and can have the effect of not helping the people they are designed to help."
The new rules are contained in the Government's Strategy for the Private Rented Sector which provides for Dublin and Cork to be designated as 'Rent Pressure Zones' for the next three years, with other urban areas maybe following early next year.
But among the main concerns are fears that landlords will consider other means to boost their income, including:
Passing on the Local Property Tax or service charges, traditionally paid by the owner. This could add 1,500 to 2,500 a year.
Imposing an administration charge to cover the cost of advertising the property, checking references and meeting the prospective tenant.
Letting the property, but imposing an additional charge for a car parking space.
Demanding key money, or a fee to take possession, as sometime applies in the retail sector.
Imposing an under-the-counter charge to help secure the property for the prospective tenant
Threshold Dublin services manager Stephen Large said that, in the absence of legislation, there was a concern that landlords would simply demand higher rents. Some had already done so.
"The initial setting of rents involves landlords setting them in line with market rates. We have to ensure it [an increase] can't be front-loaded. The longer it drags out, the more risk there is of that," he said.
"It seems a lot of people are contacting us where a rent review hasn't been done and is now being sought.
Surprised
"One lady said she had been hit with a 40pc increase. We're dealing with 20pc, 30pc and 40pc rent increases every day."
Tom Dunne, head of the School of Surveying and Construction Management at DIT, said he was not surprised that some landlords were imposing price hikes in advance of the introduction of the new controls.
"Normally, in the Budget, the date [when a measure applies] is made clear... there is a lack of clarity," he added.
The Irish Property Owners Association, which represents 5,000 landlords, said it had sought legal advice amid concerns that property rights were being breached.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
By Umid Niayesh Trend:
Concerns have increased about the health condition of an Iranian Azerbaijani civil rights activist Morteza Moradpour, who has been on a hunger strike for over 50 days in Tabriz Central Prison, in northwestern Iran.
Moradpour has lost over 20 kilograms and his health condition is alarming, Fardin Moradpour, the activists brother told Trend.
Moradpour believes that he is being held illegally, so he will not stop his hunger strike, Mortezas brother said, adding that Morteza is eligible for parole, according to Article 134 of Irans Islamic Penal Code, which allows to serve only one, the longest, sentence in case of multiple convictions.
Morteza Moradpour was sentenced to one year in prison for propaganda against the state and two years for assembly and collusion against national security in November 2009. According to the Irans Islamic Penal Code, he should have been given two years of imprisonment, and then released. However, he, so far, has spent more than two years in prison.
Fianna Fail will not back Housing Minister Simon Coveney's rental strategy, plunging the minority Government into an unprecedented crisis.
A Dail debate on the plan has been dramatically pulled from today's agenda, with Mr Coveney accusing Fianna Fail of "messing with people's lives".
The dispute centres around the designation of towns and cities as 'Rent Pressure Zones' (RPZs).
Mr Coveney had proposed that Dublin and Cork City would immediately become RPZs, meaning that landlords would be restricted to hiking rents by a maximum of 4pc annually for the next three years.
Speaking to the Irish Independent after the talks collapsed Mr Coveney said: "I am not going to allow them to make a farce of the legislation."
It is understood that Fianna Fail's housing spokesman Brian Cowen demanded that the cities of Galway, Limerick and Waterford added to the list of RPZs, along with some commuter belt towns.
Expand Close Fianna Fail's Barry Cowen. Photo: Tom Burke / Facebook
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Initially he also wanted the 4pc rent cap halved but ultimately said his party would live with the 4pc figure if Mr Coveney moved on the list of RPZs.
However, the Housing Minister took a substantial political risk and refused to budge, meaning the talks ended in deadlock. Mr Coveney said he has the full backing of Taoiseach Enda Kenny for the move.
"I think what has happened is just extraordinary. There is a lot of politics going on. They are messing with people's lives," he said.
A senior Fianna Fail source claimed they were "backed into a corner". "We were prepared to reluctantly move on the rate but he wouldn't give on the other areas."
Mr Coveney argued that further study by the Residential Tenancies Board would be required on the areas listed by Fianna Fail before they could be designated as RPZs.
He offered "assurances" that this would happen as quickly as possible in the new year and that decisions on Galway and Limerick could be fast-tracked in January, followed by Waterford, Meath, Kildare, Louth and Wicklow before the end of February.
But Fianna Fail sources said: "That's a ridiculous scenario. You might as well put a big billboard in all those towns saying 'put rents up now because controls are coming in a few months'."
The breakdown came just hours after Mr Coveney was close to being feted for his work on the rental strategy at a Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting.
The minister gave a presentation to TDs and senators in Leinster House and received "unanimous" support for his uncompromising position with Fianna Fail.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny told a private meeting of Fine Gael TDs and senators that renters will be left in a "perilous position" unless legislation passes through the Dail today.
Fianna Fail were said to be annoyed by what party sources described as reports of the "pumped up" atmosphere in Fine Gael.
Mr Cowen was last night consulting with the party hierarchy about their next move, while the Housing Minister said he is available for fresh talks if Fianna Fail are willing to work with his proposals.
"I find it very frustrating. They support the vast majority of the measures. It's just this one issue around the qualification criteria for Rent Pressure Zones," the minister said.
A third issue raised by Fianna Fail was the potential for tax incentives for landlords to encourage supply in the market.
Housing Crisis Q&A: What is a Rent Pressure Zone?
Why just Dublin and Cork?
For an area to be designated as a RPZ the average rent registered with the Residential Tenancies Board must be above the national average and rising at a year-on-year rate of 7pc for four out of the last six months. Dublin and Cork city have been deemed as qualifying for the changes immediately but the RTB will have to study the rest of the country.
Are all rental properties in Dublin and Cork covered?
No. Properties that are new to the market (not leased at any time in the previous two years) will be exempt as will properties that have been "substantially refurbished".
What happens after three years?
A RPZ status ends automatically after three years meaning the rent review process will revert to normal.
There were calls to link rent increases to the rate of inflation. Why didn't Simon Coveney take this approach?
The minister said a "blunt rent cap" would disincentive landlords entering the market and "literally shut off supply overnight". Noting that inflation for this year is negative, Mr Coveney said: "We want landlords to make a reasonable return."
How does this affect the 'rent certainty' measures introduced last year?
The last government introduced measures that restricted rent reviews to every two years. This rule will still apply outside of RPZs. They will cease to apply in Dublin and Cork but not until rents fall due for review.
What supply measures are being proposed?
The minister has announced a series of measures aimed at kick-starting supply, including:
- Examining the tax/fiscal treatment of accommodation providers
- Using publicly owned land for development
- Promoting a build to rent model
- Supporting credit availability for bringing vacant stock into the private rental market.
- Exploring the potential to bring into use, for rental purposes, vacant properties where owners move to a nursing home under the Fair Deal scheme.
An unprecedented crisis is facing the minority government today after Fianna Fail refused to back Housing Minister Simon Coveneys plan to tackle the rental crisis. A Dail debate for 10am has been cancelled as both sides refuse to compromise.
Independent.ies Political Editor Kevin Doyle takes a look at what happens now
Expand Close 'It will be a trial and error situation no matter who wins the game of brinkmanship.' Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins / Facebook
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Whatsapp 'It will be a trial and error situation no matter who wins the game of brinkmanship.' Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins
For renters:
Over 700,000 renters have been left in limbo by the row between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. Already Threshold has received calls from tenants whose landlords have tried to hike rents in advance of a rent cap being introduced. The advice is to hold tight and see what happens over the next 24 hours.
For landlords:
The good news is that the one area where the two parties reached agreement was that there should be some sort of tax incentives for landlords. However, that wont happened until at least 2018. Finance Minister Michael Noonan is to set up a working group to look at the issue next month with any measures to be announced in Octobers budget. On the issue of rent caps, landlords in Dublin and Cork city will be on tenterhooks. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail agree these areas should be designated as Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) and be subject to a rent increase cap for the next three years. The dispute is over cities of Galway, Limerick and Waterford as well as certain towns in Meath, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow. Fianna Fail want them immediately designated as RPZs but Simon Coveney says this cant be done without further research on current prices.
Expand Close Fianna Fail's Barry Cowen Photo: Tom Burke / Facebook
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For the Government:
The Government has withdrawn plans to debate legislation which would have given effect to the rental strategy in the Dail this morning. The move is a drastic one but Simon Coveney felt he had no option, telling Independent.ie that Fianna Fail were trying to make a farce of it. The Dail is due to close for its Christmas holidays at 10pm tonight. A compromise will have to be reached early in the day or the plan falls.
For Fianna Fail:
Fianna Fail believe they are on the side of tenants in the large cities outside Dublin and Cork as well as the commuter belt. Their compromise was to allow the annual rent cap be set at 4pc despite arguing it should be as low as 2pc. Unless Mr Coveney gives some movement on RPZs then Barry Cowen is unlikely to budget. Its a dangerous game because many renters will believe that some form of deal would be better than doing nothing at all heading into Christmas week.
For Simon Coveney:
This is high stakes for everybody involved but particularly Housing Minister Simon Coveney. This is his baby. Months of work have gone into it. He had to convince the Department of Finance that some form of intervention was warrant and then had difficulty bringing some of the Cabinet on board but the resistance from Fianna Fail is unprecedented. If the minister cedes too much ground to the Opposition party he will be seen as weak. If he refuses to budge the plan could collapse altogether. Its a tightrope. A win for Mr Coveney would significantly boost his chances of being the next leader of Fine Gael. A loss could cause irreparable damage and hand the initiative to rival Leo Varadkar.
Q: I recently saw a food product in France which I intend to produce and sell in the Irish market place. Where can I go to get support for my project?
A: It is great to see that you are innovating, however there are a few things worth considering before I answer your question.
It is really important that you carry out some consumer research on this project. Sometimes a product that works in one country will not necessarily work in another. Of course, there are plenty of positive examples over the decades like croissants, pain au chocolat, etc.
If the product is sufficiently different to what the Irish consumer is used to, you might also want to consider the job of education that your packaging and branding will want to cover. Some customers may not be familiar with it or wonder how to use it, so having robust packaging and branding should be a core part of your plan.
The good news is that there are now great supports throughout Ireland for people starting a food business.
Go to your local enterprise office and they will direct you to the various different programmes they have which support food businesses. Your product may suit the Food Academy programme, which would see you trialling it on the shelves of SuperValu. At this point, a session with a food mentor might also be helpful in challenging your idea and bringing new learnings to you.
The good news is, that in the right circumstance, there may be some grant assistance that you can avail of. You will find this under either the feasibility section or the priming grant section of the enterprise website. Good luck with the project and don't forget to send on some samples!
Q: I run a pharmacy which is trading well and I have minimal competition in the local area. My shop is tired and run down and I am questioning whether I need to invest or not?
A: You are lucky that competition is at a minimal level right now. The pharmacy sector in particular has become very challenged in recent years with both domestic and international chains pushing into almost every town in Ireland.
My advice to any business which is performing well, is that you must continually evolve and grow the business - not alone because it is the right thing to do, but also to act as a deterrent to any potential competitor looking at moving into your area.
Right now, if a competitor looks at your business they may conclude that it would be pretty easy to steal some of your business if they put a bright and modern shop into the town with the right consumer offer.
If this were to happen - and hopefully it won't - the cost of defending your business would be enormous and from my experience in the retail sector, it could take you decades to return to the same level of sales of profitability.
Invest now and modernise your shop and also look at new and innovative product ranges which you can introduce to your consumer base. Always keep as your objective to be the best pharmacy in your region, constantly reviewing your offer and trying to exceed expectations.
Send your small business questions to himself@feargalquinn.ie
What do you do when you've raised 100m in funding but suddenly need to become profitable?
Not many Irish entrepreneurs face this challenge. But it's what Oisin Hanrahan has been dealing with over the last year.
The online house-cleaning and handyman services company he co-founded, Handy, is burning through 1m a month in cash. It has paused its expansion after reaching 28 (mostly) US cities and 500,000 customers. And it is trying to deal with regulatory and employment issues raised by cleaners on its books.
But Hanrahan says that things are still looking good.
"Business is great," he says. "Different, but good. We've built this platform, this thing, which serves a lot of customers. Now we have to figure out how to make it sustainable."
By sustainable, you mean profitable?
"Yes. How do we make our unit economics really strong? From serving customers to onboarding pros and allowing them to self serve, we're taking out a lot of cost. I'm talking millions, if not tens of millions, of dollars to make it sustainable."
The bulk of Handy's business is made up of people booking cleaners online. The numbers are impressive: 2.5 million bookings and tens of thousands of cleaning sessions every week.
Handy is getting better at the economics of it, too, with the cost of acquiring customers falling and gross margins growing to 20pc. All in all, Hanrahan says that it expects to reach profitability sometime next year.
But some parts of Hanrahan's journey have been tough. Coming from a high-octane startup background that indulged in a 'work hard, play hard' culture, Handy has had to change its culture and tweak its structure as an employer and a business.
"Every business has growing pains," says Hanrahan. "Every organisation that grows from zero to millions of transactions will have growing pains.
"We've been super-transparent about this. We've written blog posts on it and talked about the challenges of going from hundreds of customer interactions a day to thousands to tens of thousands a week."
One of those challenges, he says, lay in replacing manual human processes with robot ones. Handy had to lay off a few dozen employees as part of its automation process.
"We had to figure out how we take all of the manual processes, all of the things that people are doing to serve a booking, and figure out which ones we can automate and which ones we can't," he says. "But we have to get these things right in order to scale the business and make it sustainable in the long term."
Although just 33, Hanrahan has spent almost half his life in high-stakes business. He started as a property developer in Hungary aged just 19.
He was also a co-founder (with Paddy Cosgrave, who went on to create the Web Summit) of MiCandidate, a service that started out as a political content service but transformed into a HR platform. Subsequent to that, Hanrahan dropped out of Harvard Business School (where he met Handy co-founder Umang Dua) in 2012 to focus on his new household services firm.
Since 2012, the company has had seven different funding rounds with the latest and biggest ($50m) occurring last November.
Is this new focus on "sustainability" the end of the funding rounds for now?
"Are you asking whether I might not keep raising money forever?" he says.
"Look, we remain absolutely in growth mode. Our ambitions are exactly the same. We want to deliver every service to every home. So it's not about scaling back at all, it's about choosing the right path to get there.
"We've reached a point where we are saying 'okay, is the path to get there to continue to raise more capital'? We're moving to increasing our platform without more capital."
Doubling down on existing cities means that the chances of expanding the service into Dublin remain far off.
"At some point, I hope we do," says Hanrahan. "But we're committed to the markets we're in. We like to build these strong sustainable flywheels where customers are driving bookings, pros and availability. And once we get that thing moving we prefer to pour more gasoline on it, in that existing city, than to think about spreading across lots of other cities. Eventually we'll get there."
While Handy is present in London, this strategy cedes most of Europe to Handy's competitors. Foremost among these is Hassle.com, the cleaning service co-founded by Irish woman Jules Coleman. Coleman grew up in Leixlip, Co Kildare, less than 10 miles away from Hanrahan's town of Rathcoole, Co Dublin.
But right now, Handy doesn't have much of a choice. It needs to start making money and stop burning through cash. It also needs to focus on regulatory issues around the employment of its cleaners and handymen. This is a big issue for the company. The emergence of the 'gig economy', together with the lawsuits that come with it, are making Handy focus on the rights and status of the workers it deals with.
"This is a very, very complicated problem," he says. "The laws that govern this part of the economy date back to 1938 when they first decided to link employment to benefits. But because there are so many people affected by it, we have to move the ball forward.
"We have to fix this. There are 26 million Americans working less than 29 hours a week which means they don't qualify for any benefits. That doesn't make any sense. There's such a large part of the economy that's going through this transition right now."
What can Handy, or Hanrahan, do?
"They want access to benefits and access to training," he says. "We've proposed some solutions that would involve portable benefits to allow our contractors get access to some of those things without flipping them over to being employees.
"We can also give them access to training and make them better at their jobs. We should have the ability to do that. It's a win-win. Their earnings go up and our customers get a better experience. So it's just the right thing to do. We have to figure out how to give half our platform access to the things they want.
"We spend so much time focusing on our customers, which is the right thing to do. But they're only half the platform.
"The other half are these wonderful people who are working as cleaners, handymen, plumbers. And if I'm not spending time thinking about how to make their lives better then what am I doing?"
As a result, Hanrahan says that he's spending a lot more time in Washington and other state capitals than he thought.
Handy looks set to remain a predominantly cleaning platform for the foreseeable future.
"Cleaning is this juggernaut that keeps growing," he says. "It's by far the biggest part of our business. The thing about cleaning is that it's not this one-off activity. If you need a cleaner, you need one every fortnight or even every week.
"If I acquire a handyman customer, that customer will need a handyman once or twice a year. Whereas if you're a cleaning customer, I'm going to be in your home a minimum 12 times, maybe even 52 times, a year.
"It's a subscription business. And subscription businesses just dwarf one-time businesses."
"It doesn't mean that that's going to be the way forever. We think about other categories. A good example is books on Amazon. Books is this huge category. Everything else is a category too but it's a much less frequent category, whether it's chairs or cushions or light fittings or plants. Nevertheless, they're still super important. So the challenge for us is how to think about taking this core base of half a million customers that love us for cleaning and then layering on every other category. It'll be thinner but it'll be just as powerful."
There is 100m of investors' money betting that Handy will broaden, as well as deepen, its business.
By this time next year the company expects to move into profit.
"We're no longer in a place where we're building just to grow," says Hanrahan. "We're building to make the whole sustainable for the long term."
Breda and Paddy have plenty in common... but their vision for the wedding isn't one of them
It's not what every bride dreams of
A turfcutter for wedding transport?
On Thursday night's episode of Don't Tell The Bride, a Tipperary groom wants to take his fiancee back to her roots with a bog themed wedding. Something his Offaly bride probably isn't too keen on.
And thats not all groom Paddy Cooney (33) has up his sleeve with the help of Best Man Ronan and Groomsman David, Paddy plans on transforming a country pub car park in Offaly into Shenanigans, the pub in Darwin where he and fiancee Breda Lambe (30) first met.
The hapless husband-to-be planned ceremony in a bog, a reception venue filled with snakes and kangaroos and he's arranged for Breda to arrive to the church in a turf cutter.
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The couple met two years ago in a bar called Shenanigans in Darwin, Australia.
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According to Paddy it was love at first sight but it wasnt all plain sailing from then on as his visa was to expire the next day and he had to return home to Ireland.
The couple spent the next three weeks talking everyday on the phone and Paddy said he knew he had return to Australia to be with Breda. A few weeks later he returned and the couple were engaged after five months.
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They have since relocated to Cashel in Tipperary where they live with their baby daughter Emily.
But will Breda be taking the next flight out to Darwin after seeing what Paddy has planned? Probably not but we imagine the reaction will still be priceless.
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Don't Tell The Bride is on Thursdays at 9.35pm on RTE2
Arts Minister Heather Humphreys with Loreto College, St Stephens Green, Transition Year students, Aine Baldrey, Aine Kennedy, and Aoife OConnor at the National Library of Ireland. Photo: Frank McGrath
For student Aine Baldrey, journalist Veronica Guerin embodied the spirit of the women of the Easter Rising.
The 16-year-old student from Clontarf, north Dublin, was among Transition Year students from Dublin, Monaghan and Waterford who took part in a special forum at the National Library in Dublin yesterday.
Expand Close Transition Year students from St Angelas School in Waterford, Aideen Kearns (16), Lily Power (16), Jade O Connor (15), Katie Judge (16), Ellen Casey (15) and Loise Fitzpatrick (16) pictured during the TY Talks - Women 1916-2016 at the National Library of Ireland. Photo: Frank McGrath / Facebook
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Whatsapp Transition Year students from St Angelas School in Waterford, Aideen Kearns (16), Lily Power (16), Jade O Connor (15), Katie Judge (16), Ellen Casey (15) and Loise Fitzpatrick (16) pictured during the TY Talks - Women 1916-2016 at the National Library of Ireland. Photo: Frank McGrath
They showcased their arts projects which highlighted the heroines of the Rising and their impact on women today.
Portrait
Aine's project consisted of a hand-drawn portrait of the slain 'Sunday Independent' crime reporter superimposed over a collage of newspaper cuttings by and about the journalist who was killed by criminal gangs 20 years ago.
According to the Loreto College, St Stephen's Green student, Guerin embodied the same fighting spirit that Countess Markievicz and other 1916 heroines possessed.
"I believe she was just so incredibly brave in her pursuit of justice in the Dublin crime scene," she said.
"Women have had such amazing moments in Irish history and we should recognise that," she said.
Read more: How the arts helped us connect with the Rising 100 years on
Arts Minister Heather Humphreys, who officiated at the event as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary programme, said she was impressed not only by the skill shown by the students' visual and multi-media projects, but by their understanding of how the women of the Rising paved the way for women in Ireland today.
"They're looking at the role of women in 1916 and that's very important to see the huge contribution they made," she said.
"What this has done has started the conversation about the role of women over the past 100 years.
"Veronica Guerin was a very inspirational woman and 20 years on from her death it's interesting to see that the girls are now looking up to her as somebody who stood up for the truth and wanted to bring justice to this country," she said.
Inspiration
For fellow Loreto College student Aoife O'Connor (16), from Malahide, it was the radical suffragette and republican Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington whom she found to be an inspiration for herself and generations of women after the Rising.
"When I read about her I was really inspired about how much she fought for women's rights and how much she impacted our lives today," she told the Irish Independent.
THIS kind-hearted seven year old is using his artwork to raise money for greyhounds to be re-homed.
Arran Smyth, from Donnybrook in Dublin 4, has started selling prints of his own artwork to raise money for a charity which looks after ex-racing dogs because he loves them.
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I really love greyhounds and I want to look after a greyhound someday. I already have a dog called Mr Bojangles. He is a sheepdog, he said on his website.
He has always been great at drawing and he is in love with greyhounds too, we all are a bit. So I gently suggested that he put two and two together and its really his thing now, his dad Paul told Independent.ie
Theyve been flying out the door, he added.
Although the site has only been live since Sunday night Arran has already sold 800 worth of prints, which are being sold for 25 per print. The funds will go to Homes for Unwanted Greyhounds.
The way I was looking at it was its a gentle way to show him that even though hes small he can make a real difference in the world, Paul said.
The effect it has had on adults is great, especially with the year that its been, we all kind of feel we cant make a difference and they see a picture of this seven year boy and he is doing something, he said.
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As a graphic designer he has access to printers and the task is keeping him busy he said.
Arran is pleased with the demand and has been happily signing the prints before delivery making it a very cute production line his dad said.
His prints can be found here.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
Trend:
Armenia is violating the fundamental human rights enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, Aurelia Grigoriu, chairperson of the Public Chamber of Moldova, told Trend Dec. 15.
Grigoriu was commenting on the arrest of young writer from Armenian-occupied Khankendi city of Azerbaijan, Lusine Nersisyan, who earlier joined the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace platform.
Grigoriu added that Armenia violated the Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and a number of articles of the European Convention on Human Rights, such as Article 10 on the Freedom of Expression, Article 5 on the Right to Liberty and Security, and Article 6 on the Right to a Fair Trial.
International community must finally take actions to influence Armenia, which is grossly violating the human rights, she said.
Gardai at the scene in Doon where John ODonoghue collapsed and died after being confronted by intruders at his home
The family of a bachelor who died of fright after he discovered a gang ransacking his home, has hit out at the three and a half-year sentences imposed on two members of the gang.
Michael Casey (33), of Clonlong, Southill, Limerick, and his cousin, David Casey (21), with an address at Carragh Park, Coolock, Dublin 17, both pleaded guilty to carrying out three counts of burglary and one count of criminal damage, in the Doon/Cappamore area on August 27, 2015.
At the time David Casey was on bail twice, for burglary and for robbery.
John O'Donoghue, who lived alone, suspected his house near Doon had been broken into when he returned there from a shopping trip with his sister Christina that afternoon.
He noticed that a side door had been forced open and a black van was parked in a yard across the road.
Mr O'Donoghue went to get a shovel but when he returned he collapsed in the yard and later died.
During today's sentencing hearing at Limerick Circuit Court, judge Tom O'Donnell told Mr O'Donoghue's heartbroken family: "The court is deeply conscious of your loss."
"(The sentence) will not change the fact Mr O'Donoghue is no longer with us and it will not alleviate his family's pain...The court must deal with the burglary charges, and those alone," he added.
Afterwards, Mr O'Donoghue's family called on the State to consider appealing the sentences, on grounds that the terms were too lenient.
"The sentence was lenient given the circumstances, and I'm disappointed that the sentences were concurrent rather than consecutive, given the premeditation," a family spokesperson said.
"It's a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions. I would hope she would consider (an appeal)," they added.
Judge O'Donnell described the offences before the court as "premeditated crimes", adding the two men "deliberately targeted rural properties unlikely to have alarms". However, he noted that "no one could have foreseen" Mr O'Donoghue's death".
State Pathologist, Prof Marie Cassidy, who carried out a post mortem on Mr O'Donoghue - concluded that, despite her finding that he had significant coronary heart disease - his death "cannot be separated" from the burglary.
Both defendants - who had 60 previous convictions between them - ran from the house after Mr O'Donoghue collapsed to the ground, despite pleas from Mr O'Donoghue's sister Christina, asking them to help.
Christina O'Donoghue told gardai: "I called on the them to help but no one came to help. By then, I didn't care they were in the house... I just wanted somebody to help my John." The criminal cousins were apprehended a short distance from the house by local gardai Bill Collins and Elaine O'Donovan.
Judge O'Donnell said the State acknowledged the men's admissions of guilt were "pivotal" to the prosecution's case. "There was no DNA, no forensics, no violence," he added.
Both men penned letters expressing "deep remorse" and "deep shock" at Mr O'Donoghue's death.
The court heard they had both led "dysfunctional lives", and had addictions to drugs and alcohol.
For the burglary at Mr O'Donoghue's home, both men were sentenced to four years and six months, with the final 12 months suspended for a period of six years. They also received a concurrent two-year sentence on the remaining burglary charges. The court took into consideration the criminal damage offence.
Both defendants were described as being "high risk" of re-offending, probation reports concluded.
At the time of the O'Donoghue burglary, David Casey had 14 previous convictions, mostly for road traffic and public order offences, and one previous conviction for burglary. He was on bail in relation to burglary and robbery charges at the time.
Michael Casey had 44 previous convictions when he burgled the O'Donoghue home.
Neither defendant have any record of ever having been employed, the court previously heard.
Both men were described as "model prisoners" having spent the past year in jail on remand. They are likely to complete their sentences in a little over a year with remission.
In a victim impact statement, Mr O'Donoghue's niece, Angela Denning, stated: "Words can't describe the impact of this break-in on our family. In the immediate aftermath we did what other people in the same situation do. We cleared up the mess, removed the broken items, arranged for a new door to be fitted... but unlike other people, we also had to await a post-mortem and arrange a funeral.
"Because of this burglary uncle John had to be left lying in the yard covered in a polythene bag. In normal circumstances a grieving family can spend time with their loved one, to help them come to terms with what has happened. Because of this burglary we were denied that.
"On the 27th of August 2015... in the space of a couple of minutes - all of our lives changed forever.
"We lost a kind, clever, talented, and very witty man. We miss him terribly. A very happy home is now missing something that, unlike possessions, can never be replaced."
A man who killed a drug dealer following an argument over a 100 debt has been found guilty of his manslaughter.
William Gilsenan (24) had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Edward Fitzgerald (29) in a car park outside the killer's home on Oscar Traynor Road, Santry, Dublin 17.
The jury found him not guilty of Mr Fitzgerald's murder but convicted him of his manslaughter following a 10-day trial at the Central Criminal Court.
The trial heard that Gilsenan owed Mr Fitzgerald 100.
Witnesses Dillon Mahady and Charles Brodigan said it was a drug debt but in interviews with gardai, Gilsenan said the debt was for cash, although he had bought drugs from Mr Fitzgerald in the past.
Matters came to a head on October 17, 2014 when Mr Fitzgerald drove to Gilsenan's home and confronted him in the car park, demanding his money.
The two men argued, with Gilsenan saying Mr Fitzgerald threatened him and warned him that he would smash up his flat. That argument ended without any physical confrontation as Gilsenan went to his apartment.
Mr Brodigan told the trial they wanted to smoke a joint but they couldn't find any cigarette papers so they decided to go to a friend nearby.
Gilsenan told gardai he picked up a knife before leaving his apartment, but that he did not intend to use it. When he went outside Mr Fitzgerald was still in his car and started making threats.
The court heard Gilsenan was hit by the deceased. The accused then went to the driver's side door and a scuffle broke out between Mr Fitzgerald and Gilsenan.
After a few seconds of a struggle, Gilsenan produced the knife and stabbed Mr Fitzgerald twice.
Before beginning their deliberations, Justice Paul Butler told the jury that they had three possible verdicts open to them. They could find Gilsenan guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty.
The jury of seven women and five men took two hours and 35 minutes to come to their unanimous verdict.
Gilsenan was remanded in custody for sentencing on January 12, when Mr Fitzgerald's family will make a statement to the court.
A judge will decide in the New Year on disclosure issues regarding the upcoming trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chief executive David Drumm.
Mr Drumm (50), with an address in Skerries, Co Dublin, is facing trial next April on two charges of conspiring to defraud depositors and investors at Anglo by dishonestly creating the impression that deposits in 2008 were 7.2bn larger than they were.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today prosecution counsel Paul OHiggins SC said a hearing of two or three hours may be needed regarding disclosure.
Judge Karen OConnor adjourned the matter to next month and remanded Mr Drumm on continuing bail.
Mr Drumm was not in court, as he had been excused from attending. However, he must attend the next hearing scheduled.
His solicitor Michael Staines has previously said there was likely to be a huge amount of disclosure involved in the trial, which is expected to last 12 weeks.
Mr Drumm was chief executive of Anglo from January 2005 to December 2008, when he resigned.
A man who fractured a garda's hand in his efforts to escape after being caught driving a car containing a sawn off double barrel shotgun will be sentenced early next year.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Edward Walshe (23) had agreed to give a lift to a man to whom he owned a 100 drug debt but later discovered this person had a firearm with him.
He panicked after being signalled to stop by gardai and drove off at high speed causing small children celebrating Halloween to run from the road.
Walshe of Whitestown Park, Mulhuddart, Dublin later fled from the car after crashing it head on into another vehicle.
He was pursued by Detective Sergeant Declan O'Connell and injured him in his efforts to escape.
Walshe pleaded guilty to possession of a Winchester double barrel shotgun at Blakestown Way and dangerous driving at Whitestown Avenue, both in Mulhuddart, on October 31, 2015.
He further pleaded guilty to assaulting Det Sgt O'Connell at Huntstown Lane, Mulhuddart on the same date.
Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing until January 17 next after hearing about serious illnesses in Walshe's family and remanded him on bail until that date.
Garda Stephen Byrne told Diarmuid Collins BL, prosecuting, that he saw Walshe that afternoon driving a black Saab and believed he did not have insurance to drive the vehicle.
Gda Byrne also recognised the man in the passenger seat as someone of interest to gardai. He illuminated the lights of the patrol car but Walshe drove off at high speed in 30 kmph zone.
Gardai followed at a safe distance and saw the vehicle leave the ground as it went over speed ramps. He said as the car drove down Whitestown Avenue at high speed small children out celebrating Halloween had to run from the road.
The car then had a head on collision with another vehicle. Gda Byrne began to pursue Walshe as he fled on foot but noticed the driver of the other vehicle collapse on the ground and stayed with him. This man was later treated in hospital for leg injuries.
Gardai found the shotgun, which had been sawn off at both ends, in the passenger foot well of the car driven by Walshe. They also found four unspent shot gun cartridges, suitable for use in the weapon, in a Lucozade bottle in the passenger door pocket. The firearm was in poor condition.
Walshe was pursued by Det Sgt O'Connell who managed to catch him by his hood. During a struggle Walshe grabbed Det Sgt O'Connell's hand and twisted it. The garda felt pain and heard a snapping noise.
Walshe escaped by scaling a high wall. Det Sgt O'Connell got a good look at his face but was not in a position to follow due to his injury.
Det Sgt O'Connell sustained a fracture to his hand and had a bar inserted for a time to fuse the bone.
Walshe later voluntarily attended at a garda station but exercised his right to silence.
Gda Byrne agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that Walshe had been seeking to leave the area rather than deliberately injure his colleague.
He agreed that the offences were out of character for Walshe and that he was not on the garda radar for any gangland type activity.
He agreed with Mr Bowman that his client's family had tragically lost one relative in recent days and another was gravely ill.
Gda Byrne told Judge Greally that Walshe had not come to any further garda attention.
Mr Bowman said Walshe was obliging an individual to whom he owned a tiny drug debt by giving him a lift and did not realise until the man was in the car that he had a firearm with him. Walshe was unaware of the ammunition in the Lucozade bottle.
He said his client acknowledged that once he saw the firearm he knew what was going on.
Mr Bowman said Walshe came from a hard working and law abiding family who were crushed by what had happened. He said Walshe was willing to offer 2,500 bail money as compensation.
Two members of the newly formed ASU display the firepower at their disposal at Garda headquarters yesterday. Photo: Mark Condren
Gardai are to set up a national firearms command to oversee the special units tasked with confronting organised crime and terrorism.
The national command will be created early in the new year and will mean that the emergency response unit (ERU), which operates nationwide, will be trained centrally with all of the armed response units.
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Whatsapp Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald and Garda chief Noirin OSullivan at the launch of the Armed Support Unit yesterday. Photo: Gareth Chaney
The announcement was made yesterday by Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan at the launch of the armed support unit (ASU), which will focus on the capital.
The 55-strong, highly trained and resourced unit will be deployed in response to firearms-related and other critical incidents.
It will also be used to back up planned operations, such as searches and checkpoints, to disrupt feuding organised crime gangs under Operation Hybrid.
Chief Superintendent Gerry Russell, who is in overall control of the ASU, said it would provide a new dynamic capability to the force to confront gangs as well as terrorists, including lone wolf attacks.
The unit has been allocated a fleet of high-powered Audi Q7 Quattro and BMW 530 estate vehicles and its armoury includes H&K MP7 personal defence weapons and Sig pistols as well as less-than-lethal weapons such as Tasers and pepper spray.
Officers will also be supplied with breaching equipment, ballistic shields and medical bags, including defibrillators, as well as being trained as emergency first responders.
The ASU will provide high- visibility patrolling and response while the ERU will concentrate on covert and high-risk firearms interventions against criminal and terrorist gangs. Both units are already training together on scenarios relating to sieges and other critical incidents.
Read more: Gardai unveil new elite unit preparing to wage war on gangland crime
Ms O'Sullivan said the unit did not mean another move away from being an unarmed force.
"That is something I am very proud of; it's a tradition and a legacy we will never give up," she added.
But she said the Garda needed to recognise the challenges of modern policing in the Republic and to have a response commensurate with that.
Scourge
Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said the ASU was very important for the protection of people in Dublin and was comparable to those operating in other major cities.
She praised the "determined" response gardai had already made against the scourge of criminal gangs.
"The actions of the Garda in fearlessly opposing vicious criminal elements is a true example of service and commitment to the communities which they serve," she said.
But the minister held out little hope for the promotion of six senior Garda officers awaiting upgrades before the end of the year. Most of those who were successful in competitions to fill vacancies at superintendent, chief and assistant commissioner level have been promoted since the summer.
But five superintendents and one chief remain on the list despite a spate of vacancies in key posts at both ranks. Representative associations have said the officers, dubbed the 'Forgotten Six', have the right to expect to be promoted since they were selected.
But their prospects of being upgraded before the end of the year are rapidly diminishing.
Ms Fitzgerald is to bring regulations to allow the handing over of responsibility for the promotion of senior officers to the Policing Authority before the Cabinet next Wednesday.
This will mean that the six will have to undergo new competitions along with fresh candidates under a new system next year.
It is not likely that those promotions will be sanctioned until the summer and, in the meantime, the list of vacancies will continue to grow.
The Tanaiste said yesterday that the employment control framework (ECF) had set a ceiling for staffing levels.
She said she had filled all of the critical vacancies, outlined by Garda Commissioner Ms O'Sullivan, resulting in 45 promotions at those ranks.
A woman has told how she is too afraid to let her grandchildren visit this Christmas after her home was burgled twice in the last eight weeks.
Marian, who is in her 60s, arrived home on Monday to find her home in Clonmel, Co Tipperary had been ransacked by raiders.
She explained that this came just weeks after another group of thieves "cleared out" her jewelery, including her wedding and engagement rings, and her cash.
"It's Christmas week. It's not what I envisaged after working all the year for Christmas."
She told Independent.ie: "My house will never be fixed up before Christmas. I cannot bring my grandchildren to my house for Christmas because it is not safe and that is really sad.
Marian first contacted RTE's Liveline today and said she felt compelled to call the show after the most recent raid.
Describing the incident Marian explained that she came home to find a number of raiders in her home. Instead of entering the property she backed her car out and called gardai.
When she finally did return she discovered that the raiders had caused up to 6,000 damage but only stole a television.
"They will probably sell that on for a few bob. They did around 5,000 or 6,000 damage," she told Joe Duffy.
She went on to explain that this was the second time her home was targeted in the past eight weeks.
In the first incident raiders were "a lot neater" as they searched the place for all her "gold and money".
"They took my engagement ring and wedding ring of 30 years."
Marian has lived in the home for 35 years and explained that her home had never been targeted before this. in total she estimates that both raids will cost as much as 16,000.
She said she will now be far more security conscious and advised others to lock-up this winter.
The show also heard from Deirdre, from Coolock, North Dublin.
Earlier this week her niece was confronted by three home raiders at Deirdre's father's home in North Dublin. The 87-year-old man was out visiting his wife at a nursing home at the time.
Deirdre said: "Three fellows came running down the stairs at her."
When the family returned to the home she discovered that the raiders had "ransacked everything".
Asked what they took, she responded: "Only jewellery and money, that's what they got. It wasn't a lot of money."
She explained that her father had a lot of items in envelopes and the raiders opened all of these searching for cash and valuables.
They broke one of the beds to get at drawers that were contained within it.
As mentioned last week, the CAO form itself is very straightforward, and the most difficult part is deciding what courses to apply for and in what order to list them.
The courses should always be listed in order of preference only.
To appreciate why this is so important, we must look ahead to August and understand how the CAO allocates places and how minimum, or cut-off, points are determined.
When deciding which applicants should receive an offer for any course, the CAO lists all applicants who achieved the entry requirements (essential subjects or grades) for that particular course in descending order, depending on how many points they have received. Applicants must meet the entry requirements before they are in a competition for places.
If a college instructs the CAO to offer, for example, 10 places on a course, the CAO will offer these 10 places to the top 10 candidates on this list. The cut-off points that will be assigned to that course for that year (and which we will all rush to check on August 21) will be the points achieved by the 10th person. That is the person who achieved the lowest amount of points but was still high enough on that list to be offered a place.
For this reason, it is impossible for anyone to predict with certainty what the points for a particular course will be in any given year.
Whether points increase, or decrease, depends on the number of students who apply and the results they achieve in their Leaving Cert, and the number of places available.
This year, we will have the extra variables of the new Leaving Cert grading system and the new CAO points scale. We will expect to see a greater range in the points achieved by students, as, previously, points were awarded in multiplies of fives. This year students may receive any number of points up to 625.
What we do know is that courses that are traditionally in high demand will continue to require high points for entry. Meanwhile, courses where demand is low, relative to the number of available places, will have lower points.
It is really important for students to realise that they will be offered the single highest preference course on each list (Level 8 and Level 7/6) for which they are deemed eligible (have met all the entry requirements) and have achieved the minimum points.
If the applicant has not achieved entry requirements and points for their top choice, the CAO will move to the next course listed on their form, i.e. the second preference choice, and so on, until there is a course for which the candidate is entitled to an offer.
Once an offer is made, any course that the applicant has listed below the course for which they have received an offer, will be deleted from their list
In future rounds, the CAO will always offer an applicant a place on a course which they have listed as a higher preference - if a place becomes available and the applicant is the next on list.
The applicant cannot be offered a lower preference course if they have already received an offer of a course higher up on their list. It is for this reason that it is so important to complete the CAO in genuine order of preference only.
The CAO website provides very helpful and clear advice on this process in the form of video guides. These are in the student resource section of the CAO website. Resources include video presentation including the 'Mapping my Future' film, a 'parents' guide to the CAO,'
Aoife Walsh is a guidance counsellor at Malahide Community School, Co Dublin
Catching up with free revision courses
With the first school term drawing to a close, this is a time when Leaving Cert students and their parents take stock and may be thinking about revision courses.
A number of organisations advertise courses for Leaving Cert students over the Christmas holidays. Students can find these courses very helpful, but they are expensive.
The good news is there are a number of free options available from third-level colleges and other organisations, which are great for students who are struggling or need a refresher on some old work to make their future study more effective.
While these courses dont run until various dates in the new year, and will not suit everyone, knowing that they are in the calendar may be a comfort to parents anxiously trying to find money to send students on expensive courses. The knowledge that they can sign up for a free version, even if they have to wait a couple of months, might take some pressure off.
The multi-national technology company, Intel, is offering free revision courses in January in UCD, for students of higher level physics, chemistry and maths.
The workshops will be taught by second-level teachers on January 14 (chemistry) January 21 (physics) and January 28 (maths).
Interested students can sign up for one or all of the workshops at the Intel academy website: intel.ie/intelacademy.
National College Ireland (NCI) holds free revision courses in higher level English and ordinary level Maths every year during the Easter break.
Sessions will be held at the NCI campus in Dublins International FInancial Service Centre (IFSC). These courses are also taught by experienced teachers and focus on tricky questions.
Students can register their interest by texting the subject in which they are interested and their name (e.g. English Joe Bloggs) to 51155.
NCI will contact interested applicants when dates are confirmed.
They are three-hour sessions and notes will be sent to students prior to the day, so they can see what topics will be covered.
Griffith College holds revision courses in maths (ordinary and higher level) in its three campuses, Dublin, Limerick and Cork each spring.
Students are provided with a recording of the session to aid their revision. The dates for the Dublin session are April 7 and 8.
IT Carlow will provide revision courses in higher and ordinary level English and maths at Easter, on dates to be announced. The fee of 10 covers lunch. There is no charge for students from designated DEIS schools.
Corks Technology Network, CEIA, offers free higher level math tutorials Saturday mornings in UCC.
They started some weeks ago and several topics have been covered already. They conclude at the end of February/early March. Information can be found at ceia.ie.
Maths details at: ceia.ie/ceia-free-maths-tutorials-for-hl-leaving-cert/.
This is not a comprehensive list and interested students and parents are likely to find even more opportunities with a little bit of research.
Parents, Elizabeth Brown, Leanne Gorman and Lynsey Walsh who recently received their Story Time certificates, pictured with Alison Gilliland of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation
That bedtime story, or indeed reading a book to a child at any time of the day, plays a huge role in developing language and reading skills.
Joan Kiely of the teacher training college, Marino Institute of Education, runs The Story Time Project with a number of schools and early childhood settings on the northside of Dublin, encouraging parents to read to their children.
While much of her work is with marginalised communities, others have also benefitted from her reading workshops. About 600 parents have participated in the project since 2010.
Like all her projects, Story Time is rooted in research and has been tried and tested, which, she insists, is an essential prerequisite for education initiatives.
Literacy tell-tale signs are there from an early age. "There is a relationship between the language competency of a child at the age of three and their ability to read at seven," she says.
Her simple strategies for reading to young children include putting on an animated voice to help bring characters alive and to give the story a wow factor.
She says it is also important to relate the story to a child's life. "For instance , when reading 'Hansel and Gretel', you might say to a child, 'remember the time you got lost in the supermarket?'"
Engaging the child with open-ended questions and reading stories in a speculative way to draw the child out, are also useful tools: "Wonder with them, such as 'I wonder why did Goldilocks go into the house.' The child will feel you are in the same state of ignorance," she says.
The Story Time Project runs in association with The Northside Partnership and Dublin City Libraries, and among the books read by the recent participants are 'Alfie Gets in First', 'Peace at Last', 'Love from Louisa', 'Rita Rhino' and 'Imaginary Fred'.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 15
Trend:
The European Parliament on Dec. 15 approved the completion of the legislative process to cancel the visa regime for citizens of Ukraine and Georgia, Sputnik International reported Dec. 15.
The decision was made by the majority of MEPs.
The proposal for the visa waiver for Georgia was issued by the European Commission on March 9 since the country met the conditions for the visa requirement exemption.
On July 7, the European Parliaments Committee on Foreign Affairs also recommended to grant visa-free travel to the residents of Ukraine and Georgia.
A number of teenagers who have been accused of stealing from shops in Dublin city centre have issued solicitors letters to shop owners threatening to sue for defamation.
In one of the letters, obtained exclusively by Independent.ie, the teenager claims the shop owner accused him of previously stealing from the shop and refused to serve him.
He also claims he was called a scumbag and a p**ck.
The shop owner has denied these allegations and states he has CCTV footage to prove otherwise.
He did refuse to serve the teenager as he claims he has previously stolen chocolate bars from the shop.
The letter then outlines how the teenager intends to sue for defamation unless he receives proposals for compensation within seven days due to being subjected to defamation, embarrassment and humiliation.
The solicitor states that the shop owners actions, by way of inferential meaning and innuendo, implied that their client had committed a criminal offence.
It also stated that he has suffered hurt, distress, anxiety and has been held to ridicule and contempt of right minded thinking members of society.
According to one shop owner, other shops in the Parnell Street area have received a similar letter from the same firm.
Irish law allows a person to sue for defamation in a shop.
A number of cases have appeared before the courts in previous years concerning shop defamation.
Three sisters were each awarded 2,500 for being defamed in a shop in Blanchardstown.
They had been pram shopping in Mamas and Papas at the time.
All three sisters told the Circuit Civil Court that a man who was not an employee of the store and who was carrying a baby in his arms, had shouted at them like he was crazy and told them to put the pram down and get out.
The HSE is hosting three open recruitment days at its Dublin headquarters from December 28 to 30 and is inviting any nurse interested in a job back in Ireland for an interview. Photo: Getty Images Stock
Irish nurses working abroad, who are returning home for Christmas, are the target of a recruitment drive by hospitals which hopes to appeal to their sentimental side over the festive season.
The HSE is hosting three open recruitment days at its Dublin headquarters from December 28 to 30 and is inviting any nurse interested in a job back in Ireland for an interview.
Health Minister Simon Harris said they will be offered walk-in interviews and the message is: "We need you back."
It is the latest desperate move by the health service to woo Irish nurses home with the offer of 1,000 full-time or part-time jobs. HSE chief Tony O'Brien said they hope to appeal to the "homing instinct" of nurses and make it clear they are hiring in contrast to years during the recession when nurses had to go abroad for work.
Pressures
The Government is hoping that more nurses will lead to the opening of more beds, easing the pressures of overcrowding.
Asked how he would tempt nurses back from high-earning places, such as Dubai, he said: "Dubai is OK for a while but it's not for life."
Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation will announce the result of a ballot today which is expected to be a vote in favour of industrial action due to failure to recruit and retain enough staff.
Santa wasn't short of little helpers when he stopped by Temple Street Children's Univerisity Hospital in Dublin.
Mr Claus paid a visit to the hospital and chatted to youngsters including Bailey Kelly (six) from Dublin 7.
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Last week, Santa ran into a spot of bother when gardai pulled over his sleigh as he made his way to Dublin from Kildare. The guards shared a picture of Santa on social media and asked the public to keep an eye out for his festive sleigh.
Santa was making the visit to the hospital as par of SportsDirect.com and Heatons presentation of a cheque for 110,000 to the hospital.
While most of the kids were excited to meet Santa, baby Malik Moran (four months) from the North Circular Road slept through the visit.
Mr Harris said the focus would be on treating as a priority those who had been waiting the longest.
The HSE has been forced to abandon its promise to have no public patient on a waiting list for more than 15 months for surgery.
It has admitted defeat in getting overstretched hospitals to meet this target in 2017, after waiting lists reached record levels. The new target has moved the goalposts and aims to have no patient in need of surgery for longer than 18 months, according to its National Service Plan for 2017.
The plan sets out how it would spend its 14bn budget for the year. But it comes in the wake of recent figures which showed 538,209 public patients on hospital waiting lists for surgery, an outpatient appointment or endoscopy procedure.
Some 20m has been allocated to "outsource" some of these patients to private or other public hospitals.
But neither HSE chief Tony O'Brien nor Health Minister Simon Harris were able to give figures on how many would benefit yesterday.
However, Mr Harris said the focus would be on treating as a priority those who had been waiting the longest.
He indicated the aim was to try to send as many of those patients as possible to public hospitals which had spare capacity because it was cheaper than private hospitals.
Read more: 541 languish on trolleys as staff shortages shut beds
The trolley crisis continued to cause misery for 536 patients across the country, with Cork University Hospital caring for 60 of those patients yesterday morning. The HSE plan revealed that last year more than half of elderly patients on trolleys who were over 75 years of age endured at least six hours on a trolley.
Acute
It was now setting a new target to "eliminate" trolley waits of more than 24 hours in 2017.
Mr O'Brien said emergency departments were expected to see an additional 26,881 patients through their doors next year.
There would be improved access to diagnostic services, the opening of the University of Limerick Hospital emergency department and the extension of opening hours in Smithfield Rapid Access service in Dublin.
"A new 75-bed replacement ward block will be opened in Galway University Hospital, while phase two of a new acute medical assessment unit will be opened in the Portlaoise Hospital. Services for complex paediatric care at home will be increased next year, while children who are in receipt of domiciliary care allowance will be provided with medical cards," he said. The plan promised to extend free GP visit cards to children under 12, subject to negotiation with GPs.
Read more: 'I feel guilty that I cannot treat my patients who are in pain'
Meanwhile, Disability Minister Finian McGrath was forced to reassure people who received emergency personal assistant and home support services this year that they would not lose them in 2017.
The HSE service plan indicated the overall volume of support was set to fall next year. Mr McGrath said however the personal assistance target for 2017 was 1.4 million funded hours - up 100,000 hours over the 2016 target of 1.3 million.
The home support target for 2017 was 2.75 million hours - an increase of 150,000 over the 2016 target of 2.6 million hours.
Meanwhile, speaking on the plan, Fianna Fail health spokesman Billy Kelleher said it had no measures to radically alter the trends in Irish healthcare, and 2017 would be difficult.
Spider-Man curtains and a pair of small shoes hang in the window of a property on The Fairway in Ruislip where the bodies of a woman and a boy were discovered. Photo: Ben Cawthra/LNP
A property on The Fairway in Ruislip where the bodies of a woman and a boy were discovere. Photo credit: Ben Cawthra/LNP
The bodies of an Irish mother and her seven-year-old son have been discovered after police forced their way into a house in London.
Officers were called to a house in The Fairway, Ruislip, west London, at around 10.50am on Wednesday over welfare concerns for Co Mayo woman Sinead Higgins and her son Oisin O'Driscoll.
The bodies of Ms Higgins (37) and the young boy were discovered inside, the Metropolitan Police said.
Formal identification has yet to take place. Police do not believe that there was a third party involved.
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It is understood that Ms Higgins is originally from Westport, Co Mayo and is a qualified nurse.
She had retrained as a lawyer and was presently working for a medical negligence company as a legal adviser.
At the time of her death the single mum owed thousands in county court judgments, the Telegraph is reporting.
Ms Higgins had a county court judgement for almost 3,000 (3,578).
The future looks very Sinead Higgins (@Sineadhiggy) December 9, 2016
The mother tweeted, "The future looks very stormy," last Friday in her final post on the social media network.
Residents told the Evening Standard that Ms Higgins had been living in London for two years.
Detective inspector Dave Bolton, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "The investigation is at a very early stage but inquiries so far lead us to believe there is a likelihood that the tragic events that led to the deaths do not involve a third party.
"We are appealing to anyone who has any information to come and speak with us."
Neighbour Barbara Lonnon told the Evening Standard that she had spoken to the mother about a month ago.
She said: "She kept herself to herself but we'd speak if we saw each other on the street.
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"She was Irish and had lived here for two years. I met her in her first summer here."
Ms Lonnon added: "She was Irish originally and all her family were there.
"I never really spoke to her son Oisin, he was seven and ran around like little boys do. He was a friendly chap and its so sad his life has been cut short."
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place at Fulham mortuary on Friday.
The community of Aughagower in Westport has been reeling in shock over news of the deaths.
A neighbour said Sineads death and that of her son is the latest in a string of tragedies to hit the Higgins family who are a well-known local family.
Sinead, one of ten siblings, lost her father Thomas Higgins (68) to cancer in August 2014 while her brother Cathal, (19) was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash in May, 2004 just months after he was the pallbearer at the funeral of local girl Aisling McGing (18), who was his date at his debs.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who knew Tom well as chairman of the local Fine Gael club, had visited Mr Higgins in hospital after he fell ill and attended his funeral.
Ms Higgins mother Mary, still lives in the family home in Arderry, but its understood that the remaining siblings are scattered in various places around the globe, including Sineads brothers Des, Barna, Micheal, David, Donal, Fintan and sisters Gina, Deirdre and Sharon.
Its desperate. Everyone is shocked, the neighbour told Independent.ie.
He said he didnt know Sinead very well as she had left the area in her early 20s to pursue a career in nursing in the UK.
Wed only see her on family occasions or at Christmas or summer holidays, he said.
But shes been gone so long, no one really knows her here, he said.
Local Mayo county councillor Michael Holmes (Ind) who is a distant relative of Mary Higgins, said he too was shocked and saddened to hear the news today.
While he only met Sinead several times when she was a young girl, he said her death and the death of Oisin, couldnt have come at a worse time with Christmas just around the corner.
The family will be coming from different corners of the world now, he said of Sineads siblings returning home to comfort their mother.
Your heart goes out to the mother and the rest of the family, he said.
Theyre a decent and honourable family and are well respected in the area, he added.
If you have been affected by issues in this article, you can free-phone the Samaritans on 116 123. Pieta House can be contacted on 1800 247 247. For more information on Pieta House and its services visit www.pieta.ie.
More than 4,000 people have left the eastern parts of Syria's Aleppo, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday in a statement posted on its website, Sputnik reported.
Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry said that ambulances and buses with militants leaving Aleppo are accompanied by Russian servicemen and Red Cross staff.
The evacuation of 5,000 militants and their families from Aleppo started earlier in the day.
"Over 4,000 people have left Aleppo's eastern neighborhoods," the statement said.
Earlier it was reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation to prepare jointly with Syrian authorities the evacuation of militants and their families from eastern Aleppo. The evacuation of militants will be carried out via a special corridor toward Idlib.
Over the recent months, Aleppo became a major battleground in Syria between government forces and militants. The Russian General Staff said earlier on Thursday that all districts previously controlled by militants in eastern Aleppo have been freed, while the first convoy carrying over 1,000 evacuees has successfully left the area.
TD's may be facing an extra day in the Dail as they continue to debate controversial rent cap measures.
Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald has accused Fine Gael and Fianna Fail of playing politics with families living in fear of eviction from rented homes.
Ms McDonalds attack came as it emerged that the Dail will try to again to find a compromise on Housing Minister Simon Coveneys plans to cap rent increases, and implement other measures to put some order on the home rental market.
The measure is to be debated for most of the rest of today and the TDs may have to abandon plans to start the Christmas break a day early and restore tomorrows Dail sitting which had been cancelled.
Minister Coveneys plans to cap rent increases at a maximum 4pc in Dublin and Cork over three years and other measures were blocked yesterday amid Fianna Fail demands for stronger action.
These demands included halving the rent increase cap to 2pc and extending it to Waterford, Galway and Limerick and Dublins commuter belt, while also giving more tax breaks to landlords.
A day of negotiations delivered progress but Fianna Fail refused to agree an overall compromise effectively blocking the measure.
Today there were bitter Dail rows amid claim and counterclaim before it was agreed to try again on a new compromise.
But Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald accused the two big parties of cynical political game-playing.
Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are playing politics with the rooves over peoples heads. New politics you call it well it looks like the old, the Sinn Fein deputy leader said.
For the Government, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said the Housing Minister was working on real plans to help improve things for people renting accommodation. She rejected Ms McDonalds assertions.
A deal on rent caps has been reached by the Government and Fianna Fail.
The Dail will sit until 10pm tonight and again tomorrow to debate the plan which will see Dublin and Cork city designated as Rent Pressure Zones.
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Housing Minister Simon Coveney said the cities of Galway, Limerick and Waterford will be designated as RPZs by the end of February if they meet the criteria set down in the new legislation.
In the Dail Mr Coveney said he has given a commitment that we will prioritise the areas that are likely to see new Rent Pressure Zones.
He said the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) would move quickly to look at the cities as well as towns in Meath, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow.
The RTB will have to provide evidence for which areas will be designated as RPZ as this is the only credible and legally sound way of doing it.
It followed two days of tense discussion which threatened the stability of the minority Government.
Shortly before 4.30pm Mr Coveney opened the debate in the Dail saying that rents hikes in the pressure zones will be limited to 4pc annually for the next three years.
Opposition parties have claimed that this means tenants will be subject to a 12pc rent hike over the next three years but Mr Coveney claimed people are trying to exaggerate for effect.
It is not accurate to argue that everybody will be asked to pay a 12pc increase, he said.
Fianna Fail had objected to the 4pc annual figurebut ultimately they decided to back down, rather than allow the Dail break for Christmas with some measures being adopted.
Mr Coveney said he wants to prevent instability and uncertainty in the market.
In a statement Fianna Fails housing spokesman Barry Cowen said: We have not achieved everything we sought, but as a result of Fianna Fail intervention, there will now be an immediate examination of the market conditions in Limerick city, Galway city, Waterford city, areas contiguous to Cork city and the commuter belt surrounding Dublin in counties Louth, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow.
It is expected that most, if not all, of these areas will be included within the scheme.
He said Fianna Fail had secured extra resources for the Private Residential Tenancies Board to deal with this new timeframe.
We have also secured changes to the scheme which will ensure that any landlord seeking exemptions from the rent cap will have to demonstrate that significant improvements have been made to the property, closing a significant loophole in the original scheme.
He said convincing Fine Gael to accept rent control is a major achievement.
Our research suggests that this will benefit 150,000 households in the first instance and a further 100,000 from next month, he said.
However, Mr Cowen added that it was a source of some regret that Mr Coveney failed to consult in any meaningful way with my party or I in advance of his announcement of the details of this scheme.
It has caused unnecessary and counter-productive friction, he said.
Our politicians have finally agreed on something. Santa Claus is coming to town and there will be no roadblocks put in his way.
On a tense day in Leinster House which has seen intense fighting over the Governments rental strategy, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald revealed that a flight permit has been granted for Santa.
She said there were no objections from Fianna Fail despite the ongoing rows.
Ms Fitzgerald was replying to queries from Fine Gael TD Jim Daly who said he had been contacted by numerous concerned parents and children.
Under the Irish Aviation Authority Act, has the Government agreed a proposal this year to grant a permit for Santa Claus to travel the length and breadth of the country? he asked.
Mr Daly said that as chairman of the childrens committee he was aware that keen observers of the new politics in this House and the tendency of the Fianna Fail Party to water down the Government's proposals.
I have been asked to clarify with the Tanaiste if the Government has had negotiations with the Fianna Fail Party on the proposal to grant a permit to allow Santa Claus to travel in Irish airspace?
Has the Fianna Fail Party an agreed position on that proposal? Has it agreed not to oppose the proposal? Indeed, has it agreed not to insist on watering it down which would result in partial delivery to households throughout the country? the Cork South West TD asked.
Technically the question should have been ruled out of order as there is no mention of Santa Claus in the Programme for Government, but Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail allowedit on the grounds that it was certainly an interesting question.
Ms Fitzgerald replied: There will be no difficulty with Santa Claus's permit for travel this Christmas. No objections have been put in by anybody.
A ROW has broken out in the Dail over a delay in debating the government's proposals to tackle the crisis in the rental sector.
Despite late night talks between Housing minister Simon Coveney and Fianna Fail there was no agreement on the detail of the plan, including the proposed 4pc rent hike cap in rent pressure zones.
It was proposed this morning that the Dail debate other matters before moving on to the rent issue later in the day.
This morning in the Dail, Labour leader Brendan Howlin said: "The proposal that we simply not deal with it or we might have a revised order later in the day if there is agreement between two parties in this house is wholly unacceptable".
"It is not only unacceptable... it is an insult to the rest of us."
Richard Boyd Barrett said: "We object fundamentally to this change in the order. It's absolutely unacceptable."
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He said there is "widespread expectation in the house and way beyond the house that a bill dealing with the disastrous rental crisis will conclude in the Dail today as long as it takes to conclude that Bill."
Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin accused the government of trying to "ram" through the legislation but he said his party is "open to engagement".
Mr Martin said he thought that a plan for the Dail to sit tomorrow should have gone ahead "given the fact there could have been difficulties resolving this Bill".
He said the government's "attitude seems to be that you either take it the way we've prescribed it or you don't take it at all and that's not a basis for getting something resolved."
He proposed an adjournment to see if the House could agree a basis in which to do it's business today.
Minister Coveney said the government has "flagged for many weeks now" that there would be a very short period of time between announcing"quite a radical change in terms of how the private rental market in Ireland will work and and actually legislating for that."
He said this is because "it does not make sense to have a gap between announcing a big policy change and actually implementing that in law".
This is due to the impact it could have on the rental market, though Mr Coveney said landlords cannot simply bring forward rent reviews due to the existing rent freeze.
Mr Coveney said he warned other parties that the amendment on the issue would probably be dealt with in the last week before Christmas.
"Nobody should be surprised by that," he said.
Mr Coveney said his goal with the legislation was to ensure the supply coming into the market wasn't undermined but that "hard-pressed" tenants were also protected.
He said he wants to be "constructive" but added; "As a minister I cannot agree to take a government Bill in government time if I do not know what the outcome is likely to be at report stage. If I did that I'm likely to face the prospect of having to implement a piece of legislation that is neither legally sound or makes sense".
"And so we need to have some certainty in terms of the detail of a piece of legislation that I would have the responsibility of implementing and you would have the responsibility of holding me to account on."
Mr Coveney added: Nobody wants to get this done today more than I do but I am not going to - in an effort to get this done quickly - I am not going to facilitate flawed legislation."
He said that's why the government was proposing to proceed with a discussion on a different Bill this morning.
He said he would work with all parties to try and get the rent plan through by the end of the year and he suggested the Dail could discuss the housing legislation before the end of the day.
After 45 minutes of dispute TDs agreed to adjourn proceedings to allow the management committee to consider how best to proceed.
Before the adjournment Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams caused a disturbance by saying "New politics my arse".
The Dail deputy chairman Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher, speaking in Irish, told Mr Adams that such language was not acceptable.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that Mr Coveney has moved to salvage his under-fire rent plan by reaching out to Mr Cowen.
Mr Coveney texted Mr Cowen this morning asking him to have further discussion on the rent strategy which was supposed to be debated in the Dail this morning.
Mr Cowen, Fianna Fails housing spokesman, agreed to meet Mr Coveney but it remains unclear if either side are willing to budge on their stated positions on the rent plan.
Rail passengers on several lines are facing delays due to separate incidents this morning.
The Westport/Heuston train has been delayed by 25 minutes after a passenger in Newbridge required medical attention. An ambulance was called and the train has now moved on.
05:20hrs Westport/Heuston is delayed in Newbridge due to a passenger on-board requiring medical attention, expect some knock-on delays. Iarnrod Eireann (@IrishRail) December 15, 2016
Meanwhile, there is also a delay on the Tralee/Heuston line after anti-social behaviour on board a train caused a 25 minute delay. A man was removed from the train after gardai were called due to alleged "drunken and abusive" behaviour. The train is now en route again according to Irish rail.
Elsewhere, traffic is heavy on the m50 after a collision on the M50 between junction seven Lucan and Junction nine which has been cleared.
Deirdre Toner, Executive Director of Samaritans Ireland, Helen McEntee TD, and Professor Siobhan ONeill, University of Ulster with the charitys Impact Report. Samaritans Ireland receives most calls from 6pm to midnight. Photo: Orla Murray
Local action plans are needed to tackle the growing issue of suicide in this country, it was warned yesterday.
The Executive Director of Samaritans Ireland, Deirdre Toner, called on the Government to make suicide reduction a priority.
Ms Toner spoke out as the charity revealed almost 640,000 people reached out to Samaritans Ireland for help in the past 12 months.
Samaritans Ireland's Impact Report was launched yesterday and it also showed that almost two thirds of calls it received were outside office hours.
"The fact that most calls for help are received outside of office hours shows that Samaritans provides a vital support for people in distress when other services and sources of support may not be available," Ms Toner said.
"Over 450 people in Ireland take their lives each year."
She said that more needed to be done at a local level to tackle suicide.
"Action needs to take place at a local level to ensure that people and communities at risk can access the support they need," said Ms Toner.
"We are calling on the Government to make suicide reduction a priority and in particular to ensure that local action plans on suicide, which address the needs of communities, are in place across the country and that people can access appropriate crisis support 24/7."
Read more: 'Are you not feeling the best?' Advice from Pieta House if you're concerned a loved one is depressed or suicidal this Christmas
Mental Health and Older People Minister Helen McEntee praised the hard work undertaken by Samaritans Ireland volunteers.
"I want to acknowledge the tremendous work being delivered by volunteers," she said.
"As we approach the Christmas holidays, I know Samaritans volunteers are scheduling round-the-clock shifts to make sure they are available to those who need emotional support."
THREE men have been arrested as part of ongoing investigations into the activity of dissident republicans.
The suspects, all aged in their mid 30s to early 50s, were arrested following the planned search of a premises at Chesnut Drive, Cluain Ard, Cobh, Co Cork, at around 8pm on Wednesday.
Two firearms and a quantity of ammunition were also discovered and seized by gardai during the operation.
The three men were detained at Cobh and Midleton garda dtations under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
The scene has been preserved for technical examination.
Fraudsters are targeting innocent drivers in car parks and lodging bogus claims.
Insurance companies are warning customers to be vigilant in the run up to the festive season as a spike in the scam has been recorded recently.
In recent months Aviva has seen growing evidence of innocent motorists being targeted by fraudsters who are seeking financial gain from bogus insurance claims, the company said in an email to customers.
We have seen a trend of very minor collisions in public car parks resulting in the submission of personal injury claims for soft tissue injuries such as whiplash.
Scammers are targeting drivers as they reverse out of a car parking space. They collide with them, usually with two or three passengers in the car.
The unsuspecting driver accepts they are at fault but all parties agree to swap details and not contact gardai.
A claim for damages is then made against the innocent driver, pushing up their premium.
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A spokeswoman said the company noticed a trend when they examined previous claims.
It has reared its head in the Munster area and we suspect it might happen in other parts of the country also.
So we thought we should alert our customers to it, she said.
Its quite likely that there might be CCTV footage in shopping centres that may be able to detect something, she said.
A number of claims involving members of the same family have been made against Aviva and other insurers recently.
Conor Faughnan, of the AA told Independent.ie, the scenario is far too common in Ireland and has served to drive up premiums for all motorists.
It has been part of the landscape in Ireland for a few years and it it fraud. It is one of the issues that drives up everyones premiums, he said.
It might seem like the most sensible thing to do, to just swap details and move on but you should keep as much of a record as possible.
Fraud claims are a scourge Mr Faughnan said and too often insurance companies opt to settle to avoid legal costs and a potential loss in court.
While there have been some incidents recently of claims being thrown out in court and damages awarded against the claimers, insurance fraud often seems like to easy a way to make money dishonestly he said.
Mr Faughnan said he would advise people to check CCTV if necessary and to ensure to take as comprehensive a record of the incident as possible, including phone pictures.
He also advised people to inform the gardai even in the case of minor incidents.
I think you should take as comprehensive a record as you can even if its a relatively minor incident, he added.
An attack on a mine camp in Ecuadors Morona Santiago province has led to the death of a police officer and left several people injured, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said, Sputnik reported.
Correa wrote on Twitter that the attackers who aimed to take over the San Carlos Panantza mine camp, killed one policeman and injured several others.
The same mine was attacked last month, when seven police officers guarding it were wounded.
Don't wrap your Christmas presents if carrying them through security, Dublin Airport says.
Dublin Airport is preparing for its busiest ever Christmas, with almost one million passengers expected over the festive season.
From Friday, December 23 to Friday, January 6, 2017 some 978,000 people will travel through the country's largest airport., it says.
The figure is an 8pc rise on the same period in 2015.
Once again, passengers taking presents through security are being advised not to wrap them - as they may be requested to open the gifts.
"Many passengers take a lot of care and time to wrap Christmas gifts for family and friends overseas," said Dublin Airports Siobhan ODonnell.
"We would ask them not to wrap these gifts, otherwise they may be disappointed if they are requested to open them at the passenger security screening area,"
Wrapped presents can be transported in hold luggage, however.
Despite the crowds, the airport can be a magical place at this time of year, and Dublin has already seen a number of marriage proposals, lots of fun costumes, and grandparents meeting grandchildren for the first time, O'Donnell added.
Some 30 musical groups will be serenading passengers over the Christmas season, with the airport now hosting over 100 Christmas trees, she says.
RTE's Ryan Tubridy and 2FMs Eoghan McDermott will broadcast their radio shows live from the airport on Friday, December 23 from 9am and 4pm.
The airport issued the following tips for festive travellers:
1. Check your terminal
Aer Lingus, Etihad Airways, Emirates and all American carriers operate from Terminal 2 while all other airlines operate from Terminal 1.
2. Don't wrap your presents!
If you are planning to bring Christmas gifts by air this festive season Dublin Airport is asking passengers not to gift wrap presents.
3. Remember the 100ml rule
The EU aviation liquid regulations are still in place, so passengers are reminded to pack gifts in bottles or containers measuring more than 100ml into their checked luggage. Details can be found on dublinairport.com.
4. Remove sharp objects from hand luggage
Passengers are also reminded not to carry sharp objects in their hand-luggage - such as scissors, nail files, blades, corkscrews, cutlery or other sharp objects of any description. These objects should be packed into checked in luggage.
Christmas crackers may be brought through the passenger security screening area provided the novelty gifts inside are not sharp/prohibited items.
5. Check-in on time
Passengers should plan to arrive in the terminal building at least 90 minutes before their flight irrespective of whether they are checking in online or at the airport. Passengers flying long-haul are advised to consult their airline's website for check-in times.
6. Allow for road traffic
Finally, passengers travelling this Christmas season are also advised to allow extra time to get to the airport in the event of road congestion to ensure they comply with check-in and airport security regulations.
Dublin Airport is expected to announce 2016 as its busiest ever year.
Read more:
Actor Ryan Reynolds, right, joins his wife, actress Blake Lively, as she photographs his new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame following a ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, in Los Angeles. Photo: AP
Actors Ryan Reynolds (L) and Blake Lively pose with their daughters as Ryan Reynolds is honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 15, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Actors Ryan Reynolds (L) and Blake Lively pose with their daughters as Ryan Reynolds is honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 15, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Actors Ryan Reynolds (L) and Blake Lively pose with their daughters as Ryan Reynolds is honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 15, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Actor Ryan Reynolds holds his daughter James as his wife Blake Lively looks on the Deadpool actors Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
Actor Ryan Reynolds holds his daughter James as his wife Blake Lively looks on the Deadpool actors Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
Blake Lively poses for photos at her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, Hollywood star Walk of Fame ceremony
Blake Lively poses for photos at her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, Hollywood star Walk of Fame ceremony
Actor Ryan Reynolds (2L) holds his daughter James as his wife Blake Lively holds their unnamed new baby during the Deadpool actors Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
Actor Ryan Reynolds, right, joins his wife, actress Blake Lively, as she photographs his new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame following a ceremony
Actor Ryan Reynolds poses with his wife, actress Blake Lively, their daughter James, right, and their youngest daughter during a ceremony to award him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Actor Ryan Reynolds kisses his wife Blake Lively during the Deadpool actors Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
Actors Ryan Reynolds (L) and Blake Lively pose with their daughters as Ryan Reynolds is honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 15, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Actor Ryan Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively pose for a photo during the Deadpool actors Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
Actors Ryan Reynolds (L) and Blake Lively pose for a photo as Ryan Reynolds is honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 15, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Actors Ryan Reynolds (L) and Blake Lively pose for a photo as Ryan Reynolds is honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 15, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Actors Ryan Reynolds (L) and Blake Lively pose with their daughters as Ryan Reynolds is honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 15, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Actors Ryan Reynolds (L) and Blake Lively pose with their daughters as Ryan Reynolds is honoured with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 15, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Actress Blake Lively attends a ceremony honoring Ryan Reynolds with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fames
Actor Ryan Reynolds (C) kisses his daughter Ines as his wife Blake Lively and daughter James look on during the Deadpool actors Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
Ryan Reynolds' daughter James, left, steals the microphone as Reynolds poses with his wife, actress Blake Lively, and their youngest daughter during a ceremony to award him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Actors Blake Lively (L) and Ryan Reynolds pose with their daughters as Ryan Reynolds is honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 15, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Actors Ryan Reynolds (L) and Blake Lively pose for a photo as Ryan Reynolds is honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 15, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds debuted their adorable two daughters at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Thursday.
Actress Lively (29) gave birth to their second child - whose name has not been released publicly - in September, while their eldest daughter James turns two on Friday.
Expand Close Actors Blake Lively (L) and Ryan Reynolds pose with their daughters as Ryan Reynolds is honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 15, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images) / Facebook
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Whatsapp Actors Blake Lively (L) and Ryan Reynolds pose with their daughters as Ryan Reynolds is honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 15, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Accepting his star, Reynolds (40) said: "This is an incredible moment for me on so many levels.
"I want to thank my wife, Blake, who is sitting right there who is everything to me.
Expand Close Ryan Reynolds' daughter James, left, steals the microphone as Reynolds poses with his wife, actress Blake Lively, and their youngest daughter during a ceremony to award him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame / Facebook
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Whatsapp Ryan Reynolds' daughter James, left, steals the microphone as Reynolds poses with his wife, actress Blake Lively, and their youngest daughter during a ceremony to award him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
"You are the best thing - the best thing - that has ever happened to me, second only to this star. It's the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cut me some slack here," he joked.
"You make absolutely everything in my life better. You've given me two of the most incredible children that I could ever hoped to have.
Expand Close Actor Ryan Reynolds (2L) holds his daughter James as his wife Blake Lively holds their unnamed new baby during the Deadpool actors Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony / Facebook
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Whatsapp Actor Ryan Reynolds (2L) holds his daughter James as his wife Blake Lively holds their unnamed new baby during the Deadpool actors Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
"You've made me the father of my dreams when I thought I only had 'fun uncle' potential."
Reynolds also paid tribute to his father James, who died last year after battling Parkinson's disease.
"He never made things easy on anyone, especially himself," Reynolds said.
"He would have got a real kick out of this. This is also for him."
Expand Close Actress Blake Lively and her daughter James applaud as Lively's husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, is introduced to the crowd during a ceremony to award him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame / Facebook
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Whatsapp Actress Blake Lively and her daughter James applaud as Lively's husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, is introduced to the crowd during a ceremony to award him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
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Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the Christmas Day service at Sandringham on December 25, 2013 in King's Lynn, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge reads the Scouts promise during an official visit to a Cub Scout Pack meeting to celebrate 100 years of Cubs on December 14, 2016 in King's Lynn, England. (Photo by Ben Stansall -WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge reacts as she talks with cubs during an official visit to a Cub Scout Pack meeting to celebrate 100 years of Cubs on December 14, 2016 in King's Lynn, England. (Photo by Ben Stansall -WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge takes part in a parachute game during an official visit to a Cub Scout Pack meeting to celebrate 100 years of Cubs on December 14, 2016 in King's Lynn, England. (Photo by Ben Stansall -WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, reacts as she talks with cubs during a Cub Scout Pack meeting with cubs from the Kings Lynn District, in Kings Lynn, eastern England, on December 14, 2016, to celebrate 100 years of Cubs.
A cub scout uses a neckerchief to show Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, how to support a broken arm, during a Cub Scout Pack meeting with cubs from the Kings Lynn District, in Kings Lynn, eastern England, on December 14, 2016, to celebrate 100 years of Cubs.
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (C), reads the Scouts promise during a Cub Scout Pack meeting with cubs from the Kings Lynn District, in Kings Lynn, eastern England, on December 14, 2016, to celebrate 100 years of Cubs.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the annual Royal Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the annual evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace, London.
KING'S LYNN, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 25: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends a Christmas Day church service at Sandringham on December 25, 2015 in King's Lynn, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte leave from Victoria Harbour to board a sea-plane on the final day of their Royal Tour of Canada
Prince William and Kate join other members of the Royal Family arrive as they attend the Christmas Day service at at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Chris Radburn/PA Wire
Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive for the Christmas Day service at Sandringham on December 25, 2013 in King's Lynn, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Kate Middleton and Prince William are reportedly sticking to their new Christmas tradition of celebrating at home instead of spending it with the rest of the British royal family.
Since 2014,, the royal couple have bucked tradition and opted to spend the holidays at their palatial home Amner Hall in Norfolk, where they've been joined by Kate's parents and the rest of the Middletons.
And this year is no different as they are said to be keen to make the occasion more family-oriented and less focused on formality.
"Since they had children, Kate and Prince William have been slowly making a couple of changes each year. Kates goal is to make Christmas more of a close family occasion, and less of a formal one," a source told Closer magazine.
Expand Close 25. Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte in their 2015 Christmas card. / Facebook
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Whatsapp 25. Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte in their 2015 Christmas card.
George and Charlotte will open their gifts at home on Christmas Day, then attend church with the royal family, before returning home to reunite with the Middletons as the rest of the royals will be spending time at Queen Elizabeth's Sandringham estate.
"This way, Will and Kate can really enjoy the look of joy on their childrens faces," the insider added.
Their Christmas Eve celebrations will stick with tradition though as they will exchange gifts with other royals and will rejoin them on the 26th for the annual shoot.
Since their wedding in 2011, Prince William has spent the festive season with his wife's family and was said to be so taken with their low-key celebrations, he's been incorporating their traditions to his side of the family.
Expand Close Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte leave from Victoria Harbour to board a sea-plane on the final day of their Royal Tour of Canada / Facebook
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Whatsapp Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte leave from Victoria Harbour to board a sea-plane on the final day of their Royal Tour of Canada
And this year, Princess Charlotte will join her big brother Prince George to meet Santa at Thursford Christmas fair.
The couple are said to love playing board games, karaoke and will follow in Princess Diana's traditions of going for long walks.
Video of the Day
"Diana liked to take long walks in the woods with William and [Prince Harry] on the holiday. Kate will do the same with George and Charlotte," the source added.
Carol Vorderman attends The Sun Military Awards at The Guildhall on December 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Carol Vorderman attends The Sun Military Awards at The Guildhall on December 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Carol Vorderman attends The Sun Military Awards at The Guildhall on December 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Carol Vorderman doesn't play by anyone else's style rules.
Never one to blend into the crowd, the 55-year-old tv personality dazzled in a red sequin gown at the Military Awards in London on Wednesday night.
The former Countdown presenter, fresh from her stint in the I'm A Celebrity jungle, recently said the secret to her famous figure is eating well and weight training.
"I love walking. Im also starting some weight training now; after the age of 50 we lose muscle fast, so Ill let you know how I get on after my first 90 days pushing and pulling dumbbells," she told Now magazine.
Expand Close Carol Vorderman attends The Sun Military Awards at The Guildhall on December 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) / Facebook
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Whatsapp Carol Vorderman attends The Sun Military Awards at The Guildhall on December 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
"Squats can get you every time, especially if you havent done them regularly. I have a huge bottom but it lifts quickly after a few routines."
The mother-of-two even had a reunion with her "jungle buddie" Ola Jordan at the exclusive event hosted by The Sun, commemorating soldiers in the British military.
The controversial president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, yesterday revealed he personally killed criminal suspects as mayor of Davao.
It is the first such admission he has made since becoming president in June, but echoes comments he made in 2015.
He ran the southern city for two decades, earning a reputation for cutting crime, and criticism for allegedly supporting death squads.
Mr Duterte was speaking to business leaders at the presidential palace on Monday. It is the latest in a series of controversial and sometimes contradictory comments by Mr Duterte.
"In Davao, I used to do it personally. Just to show to the guys [police] that if I can do it why can't you," he said.
"And I'd go around in Davao with a motorcycle, with a big bike around, and I would just patrol the streets, looking for trouble also. I was really looking for a confrontation so I could kill."
It echoed comments he made in 2015, when he admitted killing at least three men suspected of kidnapping and rape in Davao. But just hours before his latest remarks, he insisted "I am not a killer", in a speech for the Outstanding Filipino Awards 2016. He has also previously acknowledged and denied being involved with death squads.
In September, a Senate inquiry heard testimony from a self-confessed former death squad member that Mr Duterte had, while serving as Davao mayor, shot dead a justice department agent with an Uzi submachine gun.
Nearly 6,000 people are said to have been killed by police and vigilantes since Mr Duterte launched his drug war after being elected in May. He has expressed few regrets about the policy, saying: "Hitler massacred three million Jews... There's three million drug addicts. I'd be happy to slaughter them."
Mr Duterte has said he does not care about human rights and has suggested that lawyers defending drug suspects might also be targeted in his campaign, according to the BBC's Jonathan Head.
US President-elect Donald Trump's choice for energy secretary has close ties to the Texas oil industry and corporate roles in two petroleum companies pushing for government approval of the proposed 1,200-mile crude oil pipeline that has sparked mass protests in North Dakota.
Rick Perry's current position as board director at Energy Transfer Partners and also at Sunoco Logistics Partners, which jointly developed the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline project, is a strong indicator of the pro-oil industry sentiment that will likely take root at the Energy Department under his oversight.
The former Texas governor is close to Texas energy industry executives, and his political campaigns, including two failed presidential bids, benefited substantially from their donations.
Mr Perry would not have authority to intervene directly after the US Army Corps of Engineers' decision last month to delay the pipeline to allow talks with the Standing Rock Sioux and other project opponents.
Mr Trump announced his choice of Mr Perry on Wednesday, calling him "one of the most successful governors in modern history, having led Texas through a sustained period of economic growth and prosperity by developing the state's energy resources and infrastructure".
Mr Perry's close relations with energy executives and his long-time dependence on them for political contributions signal an abrupt change of course at the Energy Department. He is expected to welcome the four-state pipeline and similar projects and set an open-door policy for oil industry interests.
During his unsuccessful 2012 run for the presidency, Mr Perry proposed eliminating the Energy Department altogether. As secretary, he would be involved in policy decisions on nuclear security, increasing the nation's domestic supply of oil, and investments in oil exploration research and technology.
The department maintains and secures US nuclear weapons and plays a major regulatory role in overseeing nuclear power and natural gas. It also manages 17 national labs charged with developing science and technology to further the nation's energy sector.
Mr Perry's involvement in the Dakota Access Pipeline began when he joined as a director of Energy Transfer Partners in February 2015, and its general partner, Sunoco Logistics, one month later. Energy Transfer Partners is owned by Kelcy Warren, a Dallas billionaire who donated 500,000 US dollars (400,000) to the Opportunity and Freedom super political action committee backing Mr Perry's run for the White House. The oil and gas industry was Mr Perry's largest donor, giving more than 1.6 million US dollars (1.3 million).
Mr Perry's net worth of about 3 million US dollars (2.4 million) does not compare to the fortunes of Mr Trump and other corporate leaders named to cabinet positions in his administration. But he could face similar questions about potential ethics conflicts unless he divests his assets into a government-approved blind trust.
Energy Transfer's 2016 annual report showed that Mr Perry owned 154,000 US dollars (123,000) of partnership units. At Sunoco Logistics, Mr Perry was awarded units worth about 101,000 US dollars (80,500), according to the firm's 2015 annual report.
The incoming Trump administration has said it plans to approve the controversial pipeline project, which was stalled in recent months by defiant protests by Native American and environmental opponents. The Army Corps ruled last month that it was delaying a decision on an easement for the project near the Sioux reservation in North Dakota. The decision quickly spurred legal complaints against the Army Corps by the pipeline project's developers.
Mr Perry might also face questions about his 2014 indictment by a grand jury in Travis County, Texas, on corruption-related charges. He was cleared of the charges in 2015, but not before he had to defend himself in a messy public case that shadowed his 2016 presidential run.
AP
UK police carry out raids and arrest 11 people on suspicion of drug smuggling (Photo: National Crime Agency)
UK police carry out raids and arrest 11 people on suspicion of drug smuggling (Photo: National Crime Agency)
Three baggage handlers at Heathrow Airport have been arrested over a suspected drug smuggling ring.
Ten men - aged between 26 and 60 - and a 24-year-old woman were held on suspicion of conspiring to import class A drugs following raids by UK police across London.
All eleven were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to import class A drugs and are now being questioned at police stations around London according to the National Crime agency (NCA).
The arrests come after some 100kg of cocaine and 50kg of canabis have been seized in Heathrow airport over a 15 month period.
Large scale drug smuggling through UK airports is high risk for organised criminals. Todays operation was coordinated to strike simultaneously at as many parts of the suspected drugs ring as possible," NCAs senior investigating officer David Reynders said.
The NCA is grateful for the support and co-operation of the airport authorities and Border Force, all of whom have a vested interest in protecting the security of our borders.
France has called for an emergency Security Council meeting on Syrias Aleppo to review humanitarian efforts, French Ambassador to the UN Francois Delattre told reporters on Thursday, Sputnik reported.
The UN ambassador said that most likely the meeting would be held on Friday.
"France has called for an emergency meeting and briefing of the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Aleppo to have a clear and updated vision of the situation there," Delattre said.
Delattre said France, Germany and some other European countries were working on proposals regarding evacuation of civilians and humanitarian assistance in Aleppo. He emphasized the need for access for international observers.
Over the recent months, Aleppo became a major battleground in Syria with Damascus seeking to liberate the city divided into the western part held by the government and the eastern part controlled by the militants.
The former prime minister announced that he will submit a plan to the UN secretary-general for raising funds for guaranteed safe schools
Gordon Brown has proposed what he calls a "new deal" for children in conflict zones around the globe.
The former prime minister announced at the United Nations headquarters that he will submit a plan to the UN secretary-general for raising funds for guaranteed safe schools.
He has also called for the creation of a new international criminal court specifically for atrocities against children.
Mr Brown has been the UN's special envoy for global education under outgoing Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
He told reporters on Thursday that he also wants the European Court of Human Rights to prosecute the perpetrators of school bombings.
He said: "From Mosul to Aleppo, it is often more dangerous to be a child on the streets than a soldier on the front line."
AP
Plans to evacuate the last remaining rebels and civilians from their devastated enclave in eastern Aleppo have stalled after more fighting put a negotiated truce in peril.
A ceasefire brokered by Russia, Syria president Bashar al-Assad's most powerful ally, and Turkey was intended to end years of fighting in the city.
But shelling and gunfire erupted yesterday morning and the fragile truce appeared to collapse.
The problem seemed to lie with parties not included in the talks, which expressed their objections to some of the terms of the deal.
Iranian Shia militias, fighting on the ground in support of the Syrian regime, tried to apply new conditions on the truce. They demanded a simultaneous evacuation of wounded people from the loyalist Shia villages of Kefraya and Fua in Idlib province, north-western Syria, which are besieged by rebel fighters.
According to Turkish media reports, as many as 1,000 civilians fleeing eastern Aleppo had been stopped at an Iranian-manned checkpoint outside the city and prevented from leaving despite having already passed through a Russian checkpoint.
The rebels in Idlib responded by shelling the two villages.
Queued
Both sides traded blame for the renewed hostilities. Turkey and the rebels it supports said pro-government forces began shelling them without provocation, while Russia accused the opposition of firing on an evacuation point.
The attacks threatened plans to evacuate thousands of starved and besieged civilians and rebels out of the tiny pocket that they still hold.
Before the fighting resumed, hundreds of Aleppo residents had gathered in the streets from the early hours, some clutching bags of belongings, in anticipation.
Two dozen green government buses were queued up several miles away at a designated spot at dawn, but after five hours of waiting and no evacuees they returned to their depots.
Residents still trapped in the 2.5-square-km enclave sent increasingly desperate messages after the deal appeared to fall apart.
"For those who still have some humanity left please save us," Mohammed Abu Jaafar, the head of east Aleppo's forensic authority, wrote in a message. "The international community has mocked us, Russia has mocked us, Iran has mocked us."
When the bombs began dropping once again, they had nowhere to run.
"The injured and the dead are lying on the ground, there are no cars or anything to help rescue them. We beg you, we beg you, we beg you."
The breakdown of the ceasefire showed what little control Moscow has over its allied forces on the ground.
While Russia's involvement in the Syrian war is militarily strategic, it has much more of a sectarian purpose for the regime's regional allies.
President Vladimir Putin met his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the situation yesterday and Russian officials were talking to Iranian officials to try to get the ceasefire back on track.
US ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power confronted Mr Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies with a fierce address during a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday evening.
"Your barrel bombs and mortars and air strikes have allowed the militia in Aleppo to encircle tens of thousands of civilians in your ever tightening noose," Mrs Power said.
"It is your noose," she went on. "It should shame you. Instead, by all appearances, it is emboldening you. You are plotting your next assault. Are you truly incapable of shame?"
Those left in eastern Aleppo said they feared a massacre would follow if renewed negotiations failed.
"Pounding the east of Aleppo with dozens of artillery bombs for one hour, until now we have counted more than 100 bombs," activist Zouhir al-Shimale posted on Twitter.
"Massacres are about to be happening. Constant attacks [on] families still trapped in the east cause Iranian forces NOT letting them leaving (sic)."
Fatemah al-Abed, the mother of seven-year-old Bana, who has been documenting her experience of the war on social media, yesterday posted this short message: "Please help us now. No more time left. Thank you."
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the emergency meeting that he had received "credible reports" of civilians being killed by pro-government forces as they swept into the last rebel areas in Aleppo.
The head of the UN's human rights office, Rupert Colville, had previously said that six different sources had confirmed 82 non-combatants were shot in four different neighbourhoods overnight on Monday.
A building with more than 100 children trapped inside was also allegedly attacked by pro-regime forces. ( Daily Telegraph London)
Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Syrian soldiers walking among damaged buildings on a street filled with debris near the ancient Umayyad Mosque, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria. Photo: AP
One person has been killed as the first convoy to leave devastated Aleppo came under sniper fire, as desperate civilians begin to flee Aleppo during a second ceasefire in the city.
Dr. Hamzah al-Khateab, responsible for medical logistics in the evacuation process, reported the death to CNN news.
Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Children walk together as they flee deeper into the remaining rebel-held areas of Aleppo, Syria December 13, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY A Syrian army soldier places a Syrian national flag during a battle with rebel fighters at the Ramouseh front line, east of Aleppo, Syria, Monday, Dec. 5, 2016. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File) This photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen marching walk inside the destroyed Grand Umayyad mosque in the old city of Aleppo, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016. (SANA via AP) This photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen marching walk inside the destroyed Grand Umayyad mosque in the old city of Aleppo, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016. (SANA via AP) A Syrian man carries his sister who was wounded after a government airstrike hit the neighborhood of Ansari, in Aleppo, Syria, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Abdullah al-Yassin, File) This photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen marching walk inside the destroyed Grand Umayyad mosque in the old city of Aleppo, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016. (SANA via AP) Smoke rises following a Syrian government air strike on rebel positions, in eastern Aleppo, Syria, Monday, Dec. 5, 2016. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File) In this image from video, people march toward the Russian consulate in Istanbul Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 to protest against Russia's involvement in the Syrian government's push to retake rebel-held areas of the city of Aleppo. (DHA via AP) A general view shows the damage inside the Umayyad mosque, in the government-controlled area of Aleppo, during a media tour, Syria December 13, 2016. REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki Boys stand amid the damage in the government-held al-Shaar neighborhood of Aleppo, during a media tour, Syria December 13, 2016. REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki Forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad walk inside Aleppo's historic citadel, during a media tour, Syria December 13, 2016. REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki This photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen marching walk inside the destroyed Grand Umayyad mosque in the old city of Aleppo, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016. (SANA via AP) Forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad stand inside the Umayyad mosque, in the government-controlled area of Aleppo, during a media tour, Syria December 13, 2016. REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki This photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen marching walk inside the destroyed Grand Umayyad mosque in the old city of Aleppo, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016. (SANA via AP) This photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen marching walk inside the destroyed Grand Umayyad mosque in the old city of Aleppo, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016. (SANA via AP) This photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen marching walk inside the destroyed Grand Umayyad mosque in the old city of Aleppo, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016. (SANA via AP) This photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen marching walk inside the destroyed Grand Umayyad mosque in the old city of Aleppo, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016. (SANA via AP) This photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen marching walk inside the destroyed Grand Umayyad mosque in the old city of Aleppo, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016. (SANA via AP) / Facebook
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Whatsapp Children walk together as they flee deeper into the remaining rebel-held areas of Aleppo, Syria December 13, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
He also said Bebars Meshaal, head officer of the Syrian Civil Defense as among the wounded in the incident.
The evacuation is still ongoing despite the shooting however.
#BREAKING: @SYRedCrescent & @ICRC are on the ground as operation to evacuate hundreds of critically wounded from east #Aleppo begins. IFRC (@Federation) December 15, 2016
The Red Cross has said it's on the ground and is now evacuating hundreds of injured people.
Ambulances have now began to move toward the rebel-held are to transport more people a witness told Reuters.
Expand Close Syrian soldiers walking among damaged buildings on a street filled with debris near the ancient Umayyad Mosque, in the Old City of Aleppo (AP) / Facebook
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Whatsapp Syrian soldiers walking among damaged buildings on a street filled with debris near the ancient Umayyad Mosque, in the Old City of Aleppo (AP)
Three people, including a rescue worker, have been wounded after shots were fired on the convoy by pro-Assad forces as it left eastern Aleppo.
The injuries have been reported by the head of the ambulance service to Orient TV.
They are the first patients to leave the area.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has 10 ambulances and 100 volunteers on standby in the area to take those who have been hurt out first.
Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Huseyin Muftugolu said the first goal in the evacuation of eastern Aleppo is to get the sick and wounded to hospital, whether in Syria or Turkey.
He told a news conference that evacuees need to be put into camps quickly and that work was continuing on establishing camps in Syria. He added that the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was primarily responsible for the deaths of nearly 1,000 civilians in the last two weeks
An operation to organise the departure of fighters from eastern Aleppo had started.
Syrian opposition groups said an evacuation of rebel-held areas of Aleppo was back on track and expected to begin this morning.
Expand Close A wounded Syrian woman from the al-Sukari neighbourhood is helped onto the back of a truck as she flees rebel-held areas in Aleppo yesterday / Facebook
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Whatsapp A wounded Syrian woman from the al-Sukari neighbourhood is helped onto the back of a truck as she flees rebel-held areas in Aleppo yesterday
The Red Cross and Syrian Red Crescent have been asked by opponents to help with the evacuation of the wounded.
The ceasefire has ended years of fighting for the city and mark a major victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. An initial deal stalled on Wednesday, the planned evacuation failed to materialise and renewed fighting raged in the city.
Iran, one of Assad's main backers, had imposed new conditions, saying it wanted the simultaneous evacuation of wounded from two villages besieged by rebels, according to rebel and U.N. sources.
But rebel officials said late on Wednesday that they had agreed to an evacuation of the wounded from those Shi'ite villages in Idlib province, and that the Aleppo deal would now go ahead as planned.
"Within the coming hours its implementation will begin," said Abdul Salam Abdul Razak, a military spokesman for the Nour al-Din al Zinki rebel group.
An official with the Jabha Shamiya rebel group said implementation would begin around 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) on Thursday. He said around 1,000 wounded people would be the first to leave eastern Aleppo, and the entire evacuation should be complete within three days.
It was not immediately clear how a deal had been reached, and it was soon thrown in doubt by the military media unit run by Hezbollah, an armed Shi'ite group backed by Iran and an ally of the Damascus government.
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"The negotiations are seeing big complications, in light of tension and operations on the front lines," it said.
The original ceasefire was brokered by Russia, Assad's most powerful ally, and opposition backer Turkey on Tuesday. But the planned evacuation of rebel-held areas did not happen and instead shelling and gunfire erupted in the city on Wednesday, with Turkey accusing government forces of breaking the truce. Syrian state television said rebel shelling killed six people.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein, said the bombardment by Syrian government forces and their allies "most likely constitutes war crimes".
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russian leader Vladimir Putin agreed in a phone call earlier in the day to make a joint effort to start the process, Turkish presidential sources said.
Shortly before the new deal was announced, clashes raged in Aleppo.
Government forces made a new advance in Sukkari - one of just a handful of districts still held by rebels - and brought half of the neighbourhood under their control, the Observatory said. Rebels saying they launched an attack against government forces using suicide car bombs.
Expand Close Syrian President Bashar Assad, left, speaks during an interview with Russian TV channels, Russia 24 and NTV, in Damascus, Syria. Assad said the liberation of Aleppo will not end with taking the city, which should be secured from the outside. (SANA via AP) / Facebook
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Whatsapp Syrian President Bashar Assad, left, speaks during an interview with Russian TV channels, Russia 24 and NTV, in Damascus, Syria. Assad said the liberation of Aleppo will not end with taking the city, which should be secured from the outside. (SANA via AP)
The Russian defence ministry said - before the report of the government forces' advance in Sukkari - that the rebels controlled an enclave of only 2.5 square km (1 square mile).
Rapid advances
At dawn on Wednesday nobody had left under the initial evacuation plan, according to a Reuters witness waiting at the departure point, where 20 buses stood with engines running but showed no sign of moving into rebel districts.
People in eastern Aleppo had packed their bags and burned personal belongings, fearing looting by the Syrian army and its Iranian-backed militia allies.
Officials in the military alliance backing Assad could not be reached immediately for comment on why the evacuation had stalled.
U.N. war crimes investigators said the Syrian government bore the main responsibility for preventing any attacks and reprisals in eastern Aleppo and that it must hold to account any troops or allied forces committing violations.
In what appeared to be a separate development from the planned evacuation, the Russian defence ministry said 6,000 civilians and 366 fighters had left rebel-held districts over the past 24 hours.
A total of 15,000 people, including 4,000 rebel fighters, wanted to leave Aleppo, according to the Hezbollah-run media unit.
The evacuation plan was the culmination of two weeks of rapid advances by the Syrian army and its allies that drove insurgents back into an ever-smaller pocket of the city under intense air strikes and artillery fire.
By taking full control of Aleppo, Assad has proved the power of his military coalition, aided by Russia's air force and an array of Shi'ite militias from across the region.
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Rebels have been supported by the United States, Turkey and Gulf monarchies, but the support they have enjoyed has fallen far short of the direct military backing given to Assad by Russia and Iran.
Russia's decision to deploy its air force to Syria 18 months ago turned the war in Assad's favour after rebel advances across western Syria. In addition to Aleppo, he has won back insurgent strongholds near Damascus this year.
The government and its allies have focused the bulk of their firepower on fighting rebels in western Syria rather than Islamic State, which this week managed to take back the ancient city of Palmyra, once again illustrating the challenge Assad faces reestablishing control over all Syria.
As the battle for Aleppo unfolded, global concern has risen over the plight of the 250,000 civilians who were thought to remain in its rebel-held eastern sector before the sudden army advance began at the end of November.
The rout of rebels in Aleppo sparked a mass flight of terrified civilians and insurgents in bitter weather, a crisis the United Nations said was a "complete meltdown of humanity". There were food and water shortages in rebel areas, with all hospitals closed.
On Tuesday, the United Nations voiced deep concern about reports it had received of Syrian soldiers and allied Iraqi fighters summarily shooting dead 82 people in recaptured east Aleppo districts. It accused them of "slaughter".
The Syrian army has denied carrying out killings or torture among those captured, and Russia said on Tuesday rebels had "kept over 100,000 people in east Aleppo as human shields".
Fear stalked the city's streets. Some survivors trudged in the rain past dead bodies to the government-held west or the few districts still in rebel hands. Others stayed in their homes and awaited the Syrian army's arrival.
A wounded Syrian woman from the al-Sukari neighbourhood is helped onto the back of a truck as she flees rebel-held areas in Aleppo yesterday
When rebel fighters launched a last desperate attempt to break the siege of Aleppo in October, they were beaten back - not by the Syrian army but by the Lebanese group Hezbollah fighting on its behalf, a senior official in the pro-government alliance said.
In the build-up to the final battle for Syria's second city, scores of fighters from a single Iraqi Shi'ite militia were killed in just two days of combat this summer, said a commander of another group fighting for President Bashar al-Assad.
Even in the last hours of fighting in Aleppo, allied Iraqi militia were at the vanguard. The UN human rights office said it had reports that the Syrian army and an allied Iraqi militia had killed at least 82 civilians in captured city districts - allegations denied by the army and militia.
These episodes show how in the decisive battle of Syria's nearly six-year-old civil war, Assad drew heavily on foreign Shi'ite militias sponsored by Iran for his most important victory to date. Rebel sources say that among fighters taken prisoner by insurgents in the last months of Assad's campaign to retake Aleppo, there was not a single Syrian soldier.
To be sure, Russian air strikes were the most important factor in Assad's triumph. They enabled his forces to press the siege of rebel-held eastern Aleppo to devastating effect and regain full control of what was Syria's biggest city and economic hub before the war. But on the ground, Shi'ite militias from as far afield as Afghanistan played an important role for Assad, a member of the minority Alawite sect which is an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam.
Hezbollah, battle-hardened by years of conflict with Israel, ensured the siege was not broken by helping thwart a series of suicide attacks, according to the official in the pro-Assad military alliance.
More than a dozen women who accuse Bill Cosby of sexual assault should be allowed to testify at his upcoming trial because their stories are so similar they show the "handiwork of the same perpetrator", a prosecutor argued yesterday.
Returning to court for the second day of a key pretrial hearing, Montgomery County district attorney Kevin Steele said the 79-year-old actor befriended women who saw him as a mentor, knocked them out with pills and drinks, and sexually assaulted them.
Mr Steele wants a judge to let 13 of the women take the witness stand at Mr Cosby's trial next year on charges he sexually assaulted a woman in 2004 at his home outside Philadelphia.
"This is a lifetime of sexual assault on young women," Mr Steele told Judge Steven O'Neill.
The defence said the accusers' decades-old memories were hazy and unreliable and should not be aired in court.
But Mr Steele told the judge that Mr Cosby shouldn't be rewarded for his ability to incapacitate his victims.
Mr Steele argued that it was not the judge's job to weigh up the accusers' credibility, but only to determine if their accounts were similar enough to accuser Andrea Constand's to be deemed part of a 'signature' crime pattern.
"We ask the court to look at the remarkable similarities," Mr Steele said. "You have a situation in each case where it's a young woman. He is significantly older. He is married at the time. All but one of the women met the defendant through her employment. He acted as a mentor."
The case began a decade ago when Ms Constand, a Temple University employee, filed a police complaint against Mr Cosby, her friend and mentor, over an encounter at his home. A prosecutor at the time declined to file charges.
Authorities reopened the case last year after scores of women raised similar accusations and after Mr Cosby's damaging deposition testimony from Ms Constand's lawsuit became public. The trial judge last week said the deposition was fair game at trial, arming prosecutors with Mr Cosby's testimony about his affairs with young women, his use of quaaludes as a seduction tool and his version of the sexual encounter with Ms Constand.
The defence has questioned the women's motivation, noting many are clients of celebrity lawyer Gloria Allred, who has suggested Mr Cosby should put up a $100m settlement fund for potential sexual assault and defamation claims.
Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe and Russian president Vladimir Putin speak to each other during their meeting at a hot springs resort in Nagato, western Japan (AP)
Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe said he and Russian president Vladimir Putin spent much of their first round of talks at a hot springs resort in western Japan discussing a territorial dispute that has divided their countries for 70 years.
For Mr Putin, the summit meeting in Nagato city marks his first official visit to a G7 country since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.
Mr Abe invited Mr Putin even though the G7 nations, including Japan, still have sanctions on Russia. The talks will move to Tokyo on Friday.
Mr Abe said the two leaders talked for three hours, spending about half of the time on the dispute over four islands seized by the former Soviet Union in the closing days of the Second World War, and a peace treaty officially ending the two countries' wartime hostilities. A major breakthrough is seen as unlikely.
The disagreement over the four southern Kuril islands, which Japan calls the Northern Territories, has kept the two countries from signing a peace agreement.
"We had in-depth discussions on a peace treaty," Mr Abe told reporters.
He said the two leaders also discussed possible joint economic projects on the disputed islands. Mr Abe hopes such economic cooperation will bolster ties and help solve the territorial dispute.
Mr Putin expressed concern about the deployment of US missile defence systems in Japan, calling them an overreaction to North Korea's missile programme, Japanese media reported.
Mr Abe assured him that they are limited to self-defence and do not pose a threat to neighbouring countries, while stressing the importance of discussing defence issues amid growing security concerns in the region, they said.
To that end, the two leaders agreed to resume "2+2" talks among the countries' foreign and defence ministers, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said
Mr Lavrov, who is accompanying Mr Putin, attended the first and last "2+2" meeting three years ago.
Mr Abe did not say if there was any progress on the territorial issue. The two leaders will release a joint statement after the end of the talks Friday, he said.
In brief remarks before the meeting, Mr Abe told Mr Putin that the hot spring waters of Nagato are famous for relieving fatigue.
"I can guarantee you that the hot springs here would fully remove fatigue from our summit talks," he said.
Mr Putin replied, "Better not to get too tired." He also credited Mr Abe's efforts for "a certain movement in the development of Russian-Japanese ties."
James Brown, a Japan-Russia expert at Temple University's Japan campus in Tokyo, said the meeting was "an extraordinary development. I think Prime Minister Mr Abe is being really quite bold in announcing this new approach to relations with Russia, especially coming at such a difficult time in relations between Russia and the West."
The meeting started after 6pm local time, more than two hours behind schedule, because Mr Putin's plane landed late.
Mr Putin has a reputation for late arrivals. He kept Pope Francis waiting at the Vatican for one hour and 20 minutes in 2015. Earlier this month, Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida waited for two hours when he visited the Kremlin.
Thursday's delay was because of "scheduling issues" including ones related to Syria, Mr Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, without elaborating.
Mr Abe, who flew from Tokyo to Nagato in the morning, used the time to visit the grave of his father, Shintaro Abe. As foreign minister, the elder Abe strove for a resolution of the territorial dispute in the 1980s.
Japan says the Soviet Union took the islands illegally, expelling 17,000 Japanese to nearby Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four main islands. Russia governs the islands and the Russians who now live there.
Mr Putin told Japanese journalists earlier this week that progress hinges on Japan's flexibility to compromise, and that he doesn't mind the status quo. "We think that we have no territorial problems. It's Japan that thinks that is has a territorial problem with Russia," he said.
But Russia wants to attract Japanese investment, particularly to its far east. Japan hopes that stronger ties through joint economic projects will help resolve the thorny territorial issue over time.
AP
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Recep Erdogan had a telephone conversation on Wednesday, in the course of which they discussed the Syrian problem and the ongoing situation in Aleppo, the Kremlin press service said, TASS reported.
"The two heads of state continued the exchange of opinions on the Syrian problem," the report said. "Specifically, they discussed the situation in Aleppo. They made emphasis on the importance of a buildup of joint efforts to improve the humanitarian situation and to give a start to a political process in Syria in practical terms."
"In the wake of a large terrorist attack committed in Istanbul on December 10 that resulted in numerous casualties, the Russian president once again expressed heart-felt condolences to the leadership and people of Turkey," the press service said.
"The two sides reaffirmed readiness for further joint actions to neutralize the terrorist threat in the Middle Eastern region," it said.
Putin and Erdogan also looked at the pressing issues of Russian-Turkish cooperation in the energy sector.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington (AP)
The White House has suggested that Russian president Vladimir Putin personally authorised the hacking of Democratic officials' email accounts in the run-up to the presidential election.
It added that it was a "fact" that hacking had helped President-elect Donald Trump's campaign - and levelled an astounding attack on Mr Trump himself, saying he must have known of Russia's interference.
No proof was offered for any of the accusations, the latest to unsettle America's uneasy transition from eight years under Democratic President Barack Obama to a new Republican administration led by Mr Trump.
The claims of Russian meddling in the election have also heightened already debilitating tensions between Washington and Moscow over Syria, Ukraine and a host of other disagreements.
After an NBC News report quoted US intelligence officials pointing the finger specifically at Mr Putin, White House press secretary Josh Earnest pointed to an October assessment of the US intelligence community that said "only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorised these activities".
Mr Earnest said the reference to "senior-most officials" was not supposed to be subtle. "It's pretty obvious," he told reporters.
The explosive accusation paints the leader of perhaps the nation's greatest geopolitical foe as having directly undermined US democracy.
No US officials have claimed, however, that Mr Trump would have been defeated by Hillary Clinton on November 8 if not for Russia's assistance. Nor has there has been any indication of tampering with the vote-counting.
The Kremlin flatly rejected the claim of Mr Putin's involvement, with Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissing it as "laughable nonsense" on Thursday.
The White House was also harshly critical of Mr Trump, who has dismissed the allegations of Russian interference as the partisan anger of Democrats over losing the election.
Mr Trump's criticism has opened up a deep rift between the intelligence community and its incoming commander in chief.
It is "obvious" that Mr Trump knew of Russia's behaviour during the campaign, Mr Earnest said, also disputing Mr Trump's claim that he was joking when he encouraged Russia to find emails that Mrs Clinton had deleted from her private email server.
No one in the White House, Congress or the intelligence community found it "funny" that a US adversary was trying to "destabilise our democracy", he said.
US intelligence officials have linked the hacking to Russia's intelligence agency and its military intelligence division.
Moscow has denied all accusations that it orchestrated the hacking of email accounts of Democratic Party officials and Mrs Clinton's campaign chief, John Podesta, and then leaked them to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks.
Democrats pounced on the latest suggestions of Mr Putin being connected to the daily drip of emails during the presidential race from some of Mrs Clinton's closest advisers.
Mr Putin was "clearly involved", said outgoing Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.
"Having been the former head of the KGB, does that surprise you?" he said. "And does it surprise anybody today when he denied it?"
On Wednesday, Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, the senior Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said it is hard to think that Mr Putin did not know about the operation.
She called suggestions that he was aware of the hacking "very credible".
There has been no specific, persuasive evidence shared publicly about the extent of Mr Putin's role or knowledge of the hackings.
That lack of proof undercuts Democrats' strategy to portray Mr Putin's involvement as irrefutable evidence of a directed Russian government plot to undermine America's democratic system.
But Democrats theorise that no such wide-scale espionage operation could have been launched without Mr Putin's approval.
The NBC report said that the evidence is "nearly incontrovertible", and that the intelligence comes from "diplomatic sources and spies working for US allies".
It did not identify the countries involved or how they might have such sensitive information from Mr Putin's inner sanctum.
AP
Rhode Island voters will head to the polls Tuesday to choose the first new face to represent the state's 2nd congressional district in 20 years as leading candidates Seth Magaziner and Allan Fung vie to replace the retiring James Langevin, who has served in the role since 2001. The tightly-contested congressional race is just one of a number of important contests taking place Tuesday as the state will also select its next Governor, voters will decide the fate of a number of high-priced ballot initiatives and towns up and down Rhode Island select their local officials in a number of highly-divisive and politicized town council and school committee races. Do you believe the results of this years election will make a positive or negative impact on your community? Let us know in this week's poll question below.
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Hollywood stuntman Jorian Ponomareff is the stunt double for Ajith in the upcoming Thala 57` directed by Siruthai Siva which is being shot in Bulgaria. Ponomareff who has worked in films Mission Impossible Rogue Nation` and other biggies has raved about Thala Ajith in his social media page.
Jorian Ponomareff has said that he had the honor of stunt doubling for Thala Ajith "who is a huge star in India" and has also stated that" Ajith himself is a great pilot and has done lot of risky stunts with my bike...very impressed by his simplicity". Whether at home or foreign shores Thala just by being himself gets people talking in awe of him.
Deepak Chandnani, CEO, Worldline South Asia and Middle East has over 30 years of experience across a variety of industries, product categories and market segments, with expertise in financial services and the emerging payment space. Before joining Worldline in January 2014, Chandnani was working with Obopay Inc., San Francisco, California and has worked in senior leadership positions in India with companies like Hindustan Unilever, Wire and Wireless India, NCR Corporation, Yahoo and Citibank. Chandnani holds a degree in Economics from St. Stephens College, Delhi and has done his Masters in Business Administration from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
Worldline is the European leader in the payments and transactional services industry. Worldline delivers new-generation services, enabling its customers to offer smooth and innovative solutions to the end consumer. Key actor for B2B2C industries, with over 40 years of experience, Worldline supports and contributes to the success of all businesses and administrative services in a perpetually evolving market. Worldline activities are organized around three axes: Merchant Services & Terminals, Mobility & e-Transactional Services, Financial Processing & Software Licensing. With technological expertise covering the whole payment value chain, and with millions of highly critical transactions running through their systems, Worldline creates and operate digital platforms that handle all the transactions between a company, its partners and its customers. Worldline employs more than 7,300 people worldwide and generated 1.22 billion euros revenues in 2015. Worldline is an Atos company.
Replying to Prasanth Menon of IIFL, Deepak Chandnani, CEO, Worldline South Asia and Middle East said, "India is one of the safest when it comes to financial transactions. Fraud incidences are barely 0.25 basis points compared to the global average of 6 basis points." has over 30 years of experience across a variety of industries, product categories and market segments, with expertise in financial services and the emerging payment space. Before joining Worldline in January 2014, Chandnani was working with Obopay Inc., San Francisco, California and has worked in senior leadership positions in India with companies like Hindustan Unilever, Wire and Wireless India, NCR Corporation, Yahoo and Citibank. Chandnani holds a degree in Economics from St. Stephens College, Delhi and has done his Masters in Business Administration from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.is the European leader in the payments and transactional services industry. Worldline delivers new-generation services, enabling its customers to offer smooth and innovative solutions to the end consumer. Key actor for B2B2C industries, with over 40 years of experience, Worldline supports and contributes to the success of all businesses and administrative services in a perpetually evolving market. Worldline activities are organized around three axes: Merchant Services & Terminals, Mobility & e-Transactional Services, Financial Processing & Software Licensing. With technological expertise covering the whole payment value chain, and with millions of highly critical transactions running through their systems, Worldline creates and operate digital platforms that handle all the transactions between a company, its partners and its customers. Worldline employs more than 7,300 people worldwide and generated 1.22 billion euros revenues in 2015. Worldline is an Atos company.Replying to Prasanth Menon of IIFL,said, "India is one of the safest when it comes to financial transactions. Fraud incidences are barely 0.25 basis points compared to the global average of 6 basis points."
How has the Government's demonetisation decision opened doors to digital transactions and is there a way to sustain the rise in these digital transactions?
The decision has given that much needed impetus to digital transactions. With restricted access to cash, people are turning to alternative payment methods as everyday expenses are inevitable. We are witnessing more small retailers and vendors entering the system since many of them already have Jan Dhan accounts. Cards, net banking, e-wallets, QR code etc. are all seeing a rise in transactions across the board. In order to sustain this, firstly people need to get habituated to paying without cash. Secondly, as more merchants become enabled with POS terminals, wallets etc., customers should opt for the convenience of paying electronically instead of carrying cash. Thirdly, using non-cash methods must be made beneficial for the merchant, consumer and other parties involved. Hence, incentives that do not result in a substantial loss of revenue will help.
Digital transformation is impacting several industries in India. What are your observations?
Many industries will see the impact of demonetization in different ways. On the positive side, sectors like retail (large and small), travel and utilities are benefiting right away as these payments can easily shift to becoming cashless. Other sectors like real estate, jewelry etc. are expected to take a while to adjust to the digital transformation, mainly because even today, large ticket purchases in these sectors are done partly in cash.
What are the opportunities for Worldline with this development?
Worldlines solutions cover the entire value chain of payments. It is the largest acquiring processor in the country and also a significant player in card issuance and provides other value added services that enhance the payment experience. The current developments will help us widen and deepen our reach in India, among both banks and merchants. The fact that we already cater to major banks and handle more than 400,000 POS terminals across India gives us many opportunities to serve the countrys digital payment needs.
Share insights on the challenges of becoming a fully digitised nation?
Becoming fully digitized is a journey and we are but taking our first steps towards it. Advanced countries like France and parts of Europe are almost 40% digitized. India is a 97% cash economy and needs to take a big leap in adopting digital transactions. Hence, the first challenge lies in breaking the habit and making people pay without using cash for small and large purchases. Second, there must be enough supply of digital payment modes and acceptance methods in the market to encourage this adoption. Whether it is credit/debit cards, prepaid instruments and e-wallets or acceptance infrastructure like POS machines and payment gateways, it should be easy to access and simple to understand in order to push mass adoption. Thirdly, in a country of over 125 crore people, ensuring that cashless payment methods reach people in every corner is a mammoth task. Hence it is important for all players to come together for solutions and create synergies from each others capabilities.
With recent developments in India, Digital Wallet players have received a strong push. What is current market size of the digital wallets segment, growth expected in their utilisation and do you see digital wallets becoming mainstream in the near future?
Currently, there is a lot of movement in the digital wallet segment. RBIs (provisional) data shows that in the first 4 days of December alone, eight leading mobile wallets and PPIs clocked 25 lakh transactions valued at Rs 60 crore. A recent study by Assocham-RNCOS estimates the mobile wallet market to grow to Rs 30,000 crore by 2022. But this is possible only if the other cogs in the wheel function favorably. Wallet acceptance by more merchants in varying sectors is necessary as wallets are becoming the need of the hour. Also, interoperability is a problem as it is not currently possible to transfer money from one wallet to the other. The regulations and limitations of wallets are also impediments to them becoming universally accepted. Once these issues are ironed out, wallets can become one of the mainstream payment methods in India for micropayments as well as large ticket purchases.
Security has always been a concern area in digital transactions. What is your take on the same? What are the processes in place to safeguard customers in today's evolving cyber security threat scenario?
India is one of the safest when it comes to financial transactions. Fraud incidences are barely 0.25 basis points compared to the global average of 6 basis points. There are various checks in place like two factor authentication. The customer receives an OTP on his mobile phone and authenticates the payment. There are immediate email and SMS alerts on every transaction, so the customer is duly informed whenever one takes place. Apart from this, most banks and third party service providers have fraud prevention mechanisms in place for real time or near real time action. However, customers should take certain precautions like not sharing card/account details, OTPs and sensitive information to anyone in order to safeguard themselves from fraud.
Worldlines activities are organised around three axis: Merchant Services & Terminals, Mobility & e-Transactional Services, Financial Processing & Software Licensing. Please elaborate each of these activities.
Financial Processing & Licensing (FPL) provides end-to-end payment processing solutions for banks and financial institutions in India. In addition to core services, we provide card issuing and management solutions, merchant acquisition, terminal management, fraud and risk management etc.
Merchant Services & Terminals focuses on the merchant community and provides end-to-end commercial acquiring, multichannel payment acceptance and terminal solutions. It allows merchants to boost sales and enhance the in-store customer experience. Some of the solutions include merchant management, EMI, loyalty and prepaid solutions, payment gateway services, dynamic currency conversion etc.
Mobility and e-Transactional Services, which will soon be introduced in India, provides avant-garde services like connected solutions, contextual digital products and end-to-end digital B2C transactional services.
Worldline creates and operates digital platforms that handle all the transactions between a company, its partners and its customers. Describe the process and execution model in place.
Worldline actually manages the entire process of making payments when a customer pays any merchant. One sees only the cardholder (customer) and merchant (retailer/shopkeeper etc.) when paying, but there are multiple parties involved in a transaction. The debit/credit/prepaid card is issued by a financial institution called the issuer while the financial institution/bank that helps merchants accept card payments is the acquirer. There are schemes that govern transaction issuing and acquiring, like Visa, Master Card and RuPay. And then there is a processor that enables the transaction movement between these entities.
On swiping a card at a terminal, the POS machine requests an authorization from the merchant bank (acquirer). The latter submits this request to the scheme, which further sends it to the card issuer. Once the issuer approves (or declines) the transaction, the response information is sent back to the scheme which then passes it onward to the acquirer. This acquirer finally sends the authorization (or decline) to the merchant EDC machine to complete (or reject) the transaction. Accordingly, a successful/failure response is displayed, completing the cycle. Worldline has the expertise of handling any and all parts of this payment cycle, along with other value-added services.
Which are the key sectors where Worldline solutions are deployed? Also, provide a break up sector wise.
Worldline works with organizations across sectors in India and globally. Its payment solutions are deployed in many industries, ranging from retail, banking and NBFCs to Government, Hospitality, Petroleum and Insurance. Worldline has partnered with 23 out of the 32 public and private sector banks in India for various solutions.
What is the penetration of Worldline in India? Please share the financials of India operations.
Worldline is the largest acquiring processor in India. We manage more than 400,000 EDC terminals across 1600 locations, spanning urban, semi-urban and rural areas of the country. With this widespread penetration, we process 30-35% of all card transactions in the country. We also handle issuance and management of more than 14 million credit, debit, prepaid and loyalty cards for various merchants in petroleum, retail, education and other sectors.
Which companies are availing solutions from Worldline?
Most major banks in India work with us for various solutions for both acquiring and issuance. Some of our key clients are State Bank of India, Axis Bank and IDBI Bank. Companies and groups like the Taj, Marriott, Hero and Phoenix are some of our other esteemed clients. We have partnered with various state governments to provide digital payment solutions as well.
As compared to your global counterparts, how has Worldline India performed in the last two fiscals? What is the contribution of Worldline India towards the overall revenue?
Worldline India spans the region of South Asia and Middle East. It is a healthy RBU within Worldline. We have grown positively and in double digits over the last three years and will continue to do so.
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How do you see the banking segment change in India in the next 2 years?
This is an exciting time to be in the banking and finance space in India. There are already 2 new banks and new entities like payments banks and small finance banks are expected to start operations soon. A large number of unbanked people have just stepped foot into the banking system and the priority is to provide basic no-frills services to them in every corner of the country. With digital transactions being pushed, we should see a significant increase in the volume and value of cashless transactions, through cards and phone-based banking services.
What will be the future of mobile payments in India?
Mobile phones are forming the basis of a large number of activities in India, including payments. It is the tip of the iceberg considering the potential of Indian payments. As the penetration crosses 200 million smartphone subscribers, more payment services can ride on mobile technology, whether it is QR code, phone-based banking, e-wallets or newer concepts like tokenization.
How do you see the payments model evolve in India in FY 2017?
Digital payments is a sunrise industry and there are new players entering the system with different business models, concentrating primarily on customer acquisition. Some payments banks should be starting operations soon, increasing the reach to the rural unbanked and newly banked populace. With the current thrust on digital transactions likely to last for a while, there will be a marked upward shift in the use of cashless methods. As the usage of these methods increase, new entities like wallet providers should look at weaning people off the cash back and discount model they depend on right now.
Single-digit reduction in NBS rates The revised NBS rates for ensuing Rabi season have been announced by the Government of India. New rates have not seen much steeper cuts as was widely anticipated; therefore, positive for complex (NPKs) fertilizer companies. This brings much comfort to the domestic complex fertilizer companies as a steeper cut would have entailed higher inventory losses. 03 Nov 2022 11:10 AM
October 2022 auto sales: PV and CV segments continue to impress Underlying demand trend has stayed strong for PV and CV segments. Analysts at IIFL Securities estimate October 2022 wholesale dispatches in PV, MHCV and LCV segments to have grown 30%, 24% and 14% YoY, respectively. They expect the above segments to clock 25-35% volume growth in FY23. 02 Nov 2022 11:43 AM
Initial signs of moderation in API cost pressures: IIFL Securities High raw-material inflation, elevated freight expenses, and normalization in marketing spends have impacted margins of Indian pharma players over the past 12 months. However, some of these API/RM cost pressures have started abating in Q3CY22. Cipla, Sun, JB Pharma and Torrent remain IIFL Securities top-picks in the pharma sector owing to lowest risk to IIFL Securities margin and earnings estimates for these companies. 01 Nov 2022 10:53 AM
Turkey could set up new major camps for people fleeing from eastern Aleppo to Idlib, the U.N. senior advisor, Jan Egeland said Thursday, Anadolu reported.
"We are also in contact with Turkey for major new camps that could be set up. Hundreds of thousands of people could come to Idlib, that is our planning," Egeland said in a press conference in Geneva on Thursday about the people being evacuated from eastern Aleppo.
According to an agreement between the Assad regime and Syrian opposition groups, civilians evacuated from eastern Aleppo will continue to head towards Idlib, which is located near the border with Turkey.
Egeland said "We have tried to assist east Aleppo for several months now. We have had five major initiatives to bring relief to the besieged part of east Aleppo and to evacuate wounded and civilians from east Aleppo. They have all failed. We do hope that today we see the start of a last and successful attempt of evacuations of that troubled city."
Noting that UN was invited to monitor, assist the evacuation that will take place from the remaining enclave that is controlled by armed opposition groups, Egeland said "It is a three-pronged evacuation...it is medical evacuation of wounded and sick, it is an evacuation of vulnerable civilians and it is an evacuation of fighters."
"We stand ready to accompany those who are being evacuated, not only from east Aleppo but all the way to Idlib, that is controlled by armed opposition groups, and that will be the destination of most of the people evacuated. We stand also ready to care for them all the way to Turkey and into Turkey if they chose that to be their final destination."
Our individual beliefs ground us, guide us and inform the way we view the world in which we live. For most people, their beliefs (or lack thereof) are inherited through family and are rarely strayed from. For others, like Leon Pettiway (or Lobzang Dorje), the audacious choice to follow a road less traveled, though daunting, has revealed a life unlike anything they couldve imagined.
Dorje, a Black Buddhist monk living in Indianapoliss Herron-Morton neighborhood, discovered the Buddhist faith in a special way. He was raised a Southern Baptist and in his 20s decided to convert to Catholicism.
I was a devout Catholic, he said. I liked the ritual, and for some reason or another, it seemed less restrictive. I found an affinity with it the pageantry, the liturgy. Christmas wasnt a big deal for me, but the high season for me was Easter. I loved Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
His background in academia found him living and teaching all over the country in the studies of geography, crime, race, gender and drug use. He came to Indiana from Philadelphia in the mid 90s. Shortly after arriving, he wondered if he had made a huge mistake. The summer of his move, Dorje lost his mother to a sudden terminal illness.
I sat on the edge of my bed and I thought, What were you thinking? You must have been out of your mind. Why did you come to this place? It took me a while to find out that the reason I came here is because I was supposed to do this, he said, motioning to his maroon and gold Buddha vestments.
Before converting, Dorje had passing encounters with the Buddhist faith. The first happened in Philadelphia while he was walking on South Street; he ran into a young man who mentioned Dharma teachings being offered in a building nearby. While in Bloomington, Indiana, a friend drove him near a Tibetan cultural center. In another instance, he purchased a book on the faith, though he admits he put it on a shelf somewhere and never read it. In 1995, he moved from Bloomington to Indianapolis and befriended the contractor who was working on his newly purchased home. He learned she was a Buddhist, and he mentioned to her that he didnt know very much about the faith. One day while visiting Broad Ripple, she saw two monks posting fliers about classes to be held. She snagged one and gave it to Dorje. In January of 1999, while on sabbatical, he went to his first Dharma teaching.
He shared that he was quite content in his current faith system. I didnt see Buddhism as a panacea for my problems, because I didnt have any problems; everyone else did, he said with a laugh. His curiosity or as he would put it, his karma led him to the classes anyway. I took my shoes off and there was this little monk sitting on the floor with his back against the wall I looked at him and saw him, and something in me said, Im here. And the monk just smiled at me. I sat there and listened and thought it was absolutely fascinating.
He described the first class as being like a scene from The Matrix.
You know when they say do you want the red pill or the blue one, and you take it and you see how far the bunny hole goes? I felt like that, and it has always felt like that. Its so intellectually satisfying and so deep; its this constant peeling back. It made that kind of impression on me, he said.
He began attending teachings regularly and had a series of mystical experiences, including one with a high lama whom he met during a meet-and-greet in the airport. The man later became his guru, and when Dorje finally took refuge (converted to the faith), the lama ordained him with his Tibetan name, which loosely translates to the indestructible diamond-like mind.
Buddhism is all about the transformation of the mind, and if youre really lucky, which I feel like I was, you meet someone you have a karmic connection with. He blessed me, and as a consequence of that, he stirred up all my stuff, said Dorje. The root of a lot of my problem was fear, paranoia, suspicion and the lack of trust. So when you grow up in the household I grew up in, when you grow up Black in the South the way I grew up, there is a lot of fear.
Dorje added that an additional source of anxiety stemmed from his uncertainty over the decision to convert.
It wasnt like any other decision that I would make. Those things were choices I could see myself recovering from, but when it comes to your spiritual life, in that whole Christian notion, it was your very soul that was at stake, he noted. If I chose Buddhism and it was wrong, I was going to go to hell. If I chose Christianity and it was wrong, I was going to go to hell. So no matter how I constructed it in my head, I was going to go to hell. Terrifying, right?
Dorje, soon after converting and visiting Kathmandu, came back to the states and took the leap to become a monk.
When asked why, he pointed to a divine guiding force. It was all karma. I cant describe it. It was like out of my control. The whole thing. In 2002, he took 35 novice ordination vows and, sometime after that process, another 256 to become a fully ordained monk.
It was while on a flight returning from an academic conference in Washington, D.C., that he had an epiphany that grounded his choice.
The choice wasnt important, but what was important was my motivation and the quality of my heart. If i made the decision out of that space, it didnt matter what I chose, he said.
Now I look back on it and I go, the benefit of the Buddhist path is it provides a series of techniques and practices that turn the mind from a negative state into a positive state. And a dedication to dedicating ones life to virtue.
If you have the karma to be a Buddhist, the aim is to embody this Buddha within and to be a benefit to all beings; if you have the karma to be a Christian, the goal is to dive into it authentically and become the embodiment of Christ in the world, said Dorje.
He added that he feels anyone, regardless of their particular faith, can benefit from a lot of what he has learned.
In 2012, he retired from Indiana University in Bloomington, and learned shortly thereafter that he had prostate cancer. Instead of allowing the diagnosis and two major surgeries to deter him, he set off to make sure he could use his life and experiences to benefit others.
While on a return trip from Kathmandu, he attempted to sell his home but was unable to find any sufficient offers. At the urging of his guru, he delayed those plans and instead decided to work on creating a new prayer space for himself at home. The project soon evolved into something greater.
I thought it should really be open to anyone who wanted to come and study or meditate, and this home should turn into a monastic residence. I am turning 70 in August; Im not going to be around much longer. This home is the result of me working as a professor for over 30 years; when I die, I want it to be a Buddhist community.
In June of last year, he began planning and designing. In October of 2016, the Dagom Geden Kunyob Ling Dharma Center officially opened.
Beginning Jan. 7, the center will begin holding classes that are open to the public completely free of charge, though donations are welcome.
It is Dorjes hope that the center can be a source of good not only for the larger Indianapolis community, but for the Black community, as well.
When I go to dharma centers, they are predominantly white. Even when I go to other places, I always wonder, where are the Black people? I just think that given my experience with the dharma, I know how helpful it can be whether youre Buddhist or not. If someone is a Christian or from some other faith tradition, I think they could benefit greatly from some of the practices, he said.
In terms of the Black community, we have so many problems, crime being one, but so many other issues. That was my specialty when I was teaching looking at race and race relations, crime, gender, and I think that it would be wonderful if the Black community could become aware of this in a way where they dont see it as an affront to their Christian beliefs or see it as conversion. We dont proselytize. Nobody would ever have to worry about that, but I sincerely believe it could make for a more peaceful community.
For more information on Dagom Geden Kunyob Ling, call (317) 283-6781.
After a series of back to back controversies, Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil didn't just manage to release but also received an overwhelming response. Ranbir-Aish-Anushka managed to strike the right chords with the audience because their characters were sketched beautifully.
Screengrab
Even though we were happy to see Fawad Khan in the film despite the whole controversy surrounding the ban on Pakistani artists, a deleted scene that has been released says otherwise.
The deleted scene that is slowly going viral has more of Fawad and will leave many Fawad Khan fans really sad. As a filmmaker, Karan Johar had time and again clarified that he hasn't chopped off Fawad's scenes but it looks like his scene was purposely cut from the film.
Watch the scene right here!
1. An Iraqi SWAT trooper covers his ears as he fires a mortar bomb during clashes with Islamic State militants, north of Muqdadiyah in Diyala province September 24, 2014.
Reuters
2. Shi'ite fighters launch a rocket during clashes with Islamic State militants on the outskirts of al-Alam March 8, 2015. Iraqi security forces and Shi?ite militia fighting the Islamic State took control of the center of a town on the southern outskirts of Saddam Hussein's home city Tikrit.
Reuters
3. Members of the Iraqi security forces and Shi'ite fighters fire a rocket, during clashes with Islamic State militants in the town of Tal Ksaiba, near the town of al-Alam, March 7, 2015. Iraqi security forces and Shi'ite militia fighters struggled to advance into the two towns of al-Alam and al-Dour near Tikrit, their progress slowed by fierce defence from Islamic State militants
Reuters
4. Iraqi security forces display vehicles, weapons and ammunition confiscated from the Sunni militant group 'Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant' (ISIL) in Samarra, June 6, 2014. Iraqi helicopters bombed the city of Samarra after insurgents overran parts of it, bringing them within striking distance of a Shi'ite shrine, the destruction of which in a 2006 attack unleashed a bitter sectarian war. The offensive is part of an escalating conflict between Iraq's Shi'ite Muslim-led government and Sunni Islamist militants who have been regaining momentum in the past year, particularly in the west of the country bordering Syria.
Reuters
5. An Iraqi soldier holds his weapon in Husaybah, in Anbar province, July 22, 2015. Iraqi security forces and Sunni tribal fighters launched an offensive to dislodge Islamic State militants and secure a supply route in Anbar province, police and tribal sources said.
Reuters
6. A man holds up a knife as he rides on the back of a motorcycle touring the streets of Tabqa city with others in celebration after Islamic State militants took over Tabqa air base, in nearby Raqqa city August 24, 2014. Islamic State militants stormed the air base in northeast Syria, capturing most of it from government forces after days of fighting over the strategic location, a witness and a monitoring group said. Fighting raged inside the walls of the Tabqa air base, the Syrian army's last foothold in an area otherwise controlled by IS, which has seized large areas of Syria and Iraq.
Reuters
7. Weapons and ammunition belonging to Islamic State militants are seen in the town of Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq, December 14, 2016.
Reuters
8. Ammunition belonging to Islamic State militants are seen in the town of Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq, December 14, 2016.
Reuters
9. A soldier takes a selfie as a rocket lies on his thigh during fighting with Islamic States militants, in the Shahrazad disrict of eastern Mosul, Iraq,
Reuters
10. A bullet and the Kurdistan flag are seen on a Peshmerga fighter's vest during a battle with Islamic State militants near Bashiqa, Iraq,
Reuters
11. Bullets lie next to a gun at a Sinjar Resistance Units (YBS) check point, a militia affiliated with the Kurdistan WorkersO Party (PKK), in the village of Umm al-Dhiban, northern Iraq, April 30, 2016. They share little more than an enemy and struggle to communicate on the battlefield, but together two relatively obscure groups have opened up a new front against Islamic State militants in a remote corner of Iraq. The unlikely alliance between the Sinjar Resistance Units, an offshoot of a leftist Kurdish organisation, and Abdulkhaleq al-Jarba, a Arab tribal militia, is a measure of the extent to which Islamic State has upended the regional order. Across Iraq and Syria, new groups have emerged where old powers have waned, competing to claim fragments of territory from Islamic State and complicating the outlook when they win.
Reuters
12. A member of the Iraqi security forces stands between Islamic State ammunition being displayed in al-Alam Salahuddin province March 17, 2015. Iraq paused its Tikrit offensive and officials called for more air strikes against Islamic State militants, while an officer said Kurdish forces sustained two more chlorine gas attacks by insurgents.
Reuters
13. Rocket launchers lie among weaponry found by Kuwaiti special policemen who dug the cache from the sands of the Kuwait desert near Amghara March 3, 2003.
Reuters
14. Shi'ite fighters fire a rocket during clashes with Islamic State militants in Salahuddin province March 1, 2015. Thousands of Iraqi soldiers and Shi'ite militiamen sought to seal off Islamic State fighters in Tikrit and nearby towns.
Reuters
European middleman Guido Haschke's statement to Swiss authorities discloses how and what "percentage of bribes" were paid to former IAF chief Shashindra Pal Tyagi and his cousin, Sanjeev Tyagi, which allegedly resulted in AgustaWestland bagging the 3,564 crore VVIP helicopter contract in 2010, CBI said.
PTI
CBI claimed that Haschke disclosed that Sanjeev told him about his brother (S P Tyagi) becoming IAF chief, therefore allegedly enabling AgustaWestland to lobby for the deal. The former IAF chief has been accused of taking bribes in the purchase of 12 helicopters from AgustaWestland.
The CBI sought another seven days' custody of the Tyagis and Delhi-based lawyer Gautam Khaitan. The special CBI judge extended their custody till December 17. Arguing before special CBI judge Arvind Kumar, who extended custody till December 17, The CBI counsel reiterated his earlier argument about Tyagi making huge investments in property. "The purchase of land is not reflected in his (Tyagi's) income tax returns. The source of money is also not reflected," the CBI lawyer argued.
AFP
Advocate Maneka Guruswamy, who appeared for S P Tyagi, contested the argument, saying the CBI had "humiliated and tarnished" the reputation of Tyagi, 71, a "decorated war hero". The lawyer pointed out the CBI had raided Tyagi's house and taken possession of sale deeds and bank account statements. "The properties were acquired legally with hard-earned money," asserted Guruswamy, adding, "Why do they need to arrest him, just to see the sale deed?"
The lawyer argued that in February 2005 a meeting comprising a delegation of 600 members, led by the then Italian president, had met government of India officials. Tyagi was also part of the meeting in his "official capacity", it was argued.
PTI
Calling it a vague, vexatious prosecution of Tyagi, Guruswamy referred to the CBI FIR and said the only allegation it mentions about Tyagi is that he "also received some amount in cash".
CBI, on the other hand, argued it had recently received letters rogatory from Mauritius and it was essential for the accused to confront each other in relation to evidence collected from India and abroad. It accused Tyagi of rigging operational requirements, including bringing down the operational flying ceiling from 6,000 metres to 4,500 metres, to help AgustaWestland bag the 3,564-crore order for 12 helicopters.
We are 15 days away from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 50-day deadline to end the worst effects of the scrapping of 86 per cent, by value, of currency. In the chest-thumping, hand-wringing controversy that has ensued since the announcement on November 8, 2016, there has been an absence of facts on the question of re-monetising India.
AFP
An extrapolation of 2016 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data on the capacity of printing presses and currency distribution indicates that, at current rates, Modi's deadline will not be met. Getting adequate money to banks and ATMs nationwide will depend on how many bank notes the government wants to put back into circulation.
If the government wants to introduce Rs 9 lakh crore ($135 billion), or 35 per cent less money than it pulled out, it will take up to May 2017, and if it wants to reintroduce the entire Rs 14 lakh crore ($210 billion) that it withdrew, that could take up to August 2017.
The crux of the problem is change, specifically the Rs 500 note, which the country's presses cannot, currently, print in adequate numbers.
Here are the facts:
AFP
*The RBI has four presses at Dewas (Madhya Pradesh), Nashik (Maharashtra), Salboni (West Bengal) and Mysuru (Karnataka).
* The printing capacity of these presses is roughly 2,670 crore (26.7 billion) notes a year, according to the RBI's 2016 annual report (page 90). Or roughly 7.4 crore (74 million) notes a day
* If the presses worked three shifts a day instead of two, their daily production capacity could be raised to 11.1 crore (111 million) notes a day
* However, less than half of the machines in the presses have the ability to print the security features required for high-value notes (Rs 500 and above)
* This means that even if all the machines that print high-value notes in all four presses printed only Rs 500 rupee notes 24 hours a day, we would at best be able to print 5.56 crore (55.6 million) Rs 500 notes every day
AFP
* This translates to about Rs. 2,778 crore ($418 million) in value printed every day in Rs 500 notes
Before the announcement of demonetisation, the government had already arranged for the printing of 200 crore (2 billion) Rs 2,000 notes, or roughly about Rs 4 lakh crore ($60 billion) in value. So, these were the first set of notes to be circulated. This is why there are so many pink notes in circulation.
Let's explore the time to disburse in the two scenarios we mentioned:
AFP
* Scenario 1 : Rs 9 lakh crore (or roughly two-thirds the total Rs 14 lakh crore that was demonetised) needs to be returned to the system
* Scenario 2 : Rs 14 lakh crore (full amount) needs to be recirculated
For this amount to be liquid, a key condition needs to be met: Rs 2,000 notes can, at most, account for half the total amount to be circulated. The logic: If we do not have enough change, then the Rs 2,000 note will always be hard to "break" into smaller denominations, which is the situation nationwide today.
The other half needs to be available in lower-denomination notes. The total value of Rs 100, Rs 50, Rs 20, and Rs 10 notes is Rs 2.19 lakh crore ($33 billion), according to the RBI's annual report.
AFP
If we put this in a math equation where t is the total value of Rs 2,000 notes and f is the total value of Rs 500 notes, we end up with this equation:
total value of 2,000s ( t )=total value of 500s ( f )+total value of 100s and below
or
t= f+Rs 2.19 lakh crore
This means the requirement of Rs 500 notes is as follows:
* In Scenario 1 (Rs 9 lakh crore disbursal):
t+f Rs 9 lakh crore
Solving for f, the value of Rs 500 notes needed is 681 crore (6.81 billion) notes X Rs 500 Rs 3.405 lakh crore
* In Scenario 2 (Rs 14 lakh crore disbursal):
t+f Rs 14 lakh crore
Solving for f, the value of Rs 500 notes needed is 1,181 crore (11.81 billion) notes X Rs 500 Rs 5.905 lakh crore
As on November 30, 2016, less than 10 crore (100 million) Rs 500 notes were printed and ready (or two days worth of printing), according to an RBI source, quoted in Mint.
We arrive at the crux of the problem: India needs to print at least 681 crore (6.81 billion) Rs 500 notes. In Scenario 2, the Rs 500 requirement is for 1,181 crore (11.81 billion) notes. However, the peak printing capacity of the presses is 5.56 crore (55.6 million) notes a day-or 0.8% of what it should be.
AFP
At this rate, we will take anywhere between 122 days and 212 days to print enough Rs 500 notes. Given the fact that the RBI started printing Rs 500 notes in earnest after November 30, 2016, printing all the required 500s will be completed only on March 10, 2017 (Scenario 1), or July 8, 2017 (Scenario 2).
Taking into account the time taken for cash transportation and the speed at which banks can push out the money, calculations indicate that complete disbursal of Rs 9 lakh crore can happen in early April 2017.
In other words: India awaits some "April showers" but a full "monsoon" will have to wait until July.
It should have been an ordinary parcel delivery for Nanjunda Swamy. Instead, the 29-year-old Flipkart delivery man was murdered, his throat slit after the customer couldn't pay for the phone had bought online.
22-year-old gym trainer K Varun Kumar did not have Rs 11,999 for the Redmi Note 3, and allegedly killed and dumped the man's body in the lift shaft of a building in Vijayanagar area.
AFP/Representational Image
The Bengaluru Police said that Varun badly needed a phone after having joined the gym -- some 10 days ago as all his friends and clients in the gym had one. He asked his father, a mechanic, to lend him the amount but he refused, saying he didnt have enough cash. And now that he had started working, he should fund his expenses on his own, the father is reported to have told his son.
Police said that Varun then decided that killing the delivery agent would be the only way to own the phone and hatched a plot to execute it.
On December 8, he ordered the phone online and gave the gyms landline number as his own. A day later, around 12.30 pm, Swamy called up Varun from near the building who asked him to come to the second floor. Varun, who did not have money, tried to snatch the smartphone from Swamy. The victim, however, managed to overpower Varun and ran out of the gym; the accused then hit his head with a flower pot.
When Swamy fell, the accused attacked him again with another flower pot kept in the gym's passage. After the victim lost consciousness, Varun slit his throat with the knife that he had kept in the gym for the purpose. The police said that after slitting the victims throat, Varun watched him bleed to death. He dumped the body in the lift shaft only after about 10 hours.
Twitter
After murdering the victim around 12.45 pm, the accused hid the body inside the gym as he had difficulties in shifting it. At the time of the incident, there was nobody in the gym. When a few customers came for the evening session, Varun sent them back giving after cooking up a story. Later in the night, after the bank on the first floor and a fruit stall in the basement had shut for the night, Varun shifted the body around 11 pm to the basement. He kept the body in the lift shaft and escaped, said an officer who is part of the investigations.
Varun then escaped after taking away two smartphones, Rs 10,000 (five notes of Rs 2000) and other goods to be delivered from the victims bag. He then started using the Redmi phone and gave the other one, an HTC worth Rs 24,000, to a friend.
Two days after the incident, Swamys father lodged a complaint with the Byatarayanapura police, as his office was located in that area. Around the same time, police discovered the body in the lift shaft in Vijayanagar. At that time, they did not know it was Swamys.
We spoke to the online portal where the victim worked. We got to know that he was missing after he went to deliver a smartphone to a customer in Vijayanagar and it was the same building where the body was found. We also got to know from customers that Varun had not opened the gym since Friday. We suspected his involvement and arrested him from his residence on Tuesday, the officer told the Pune Mirror.
The police have booked him for under IPC 302 (murder) and IPC 397 (robbery). It was a pre-planned murder as he had kept the kitchen knife in the gym a day before the phone was to be delivered, said DCP (West) MN Anuchet.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he discussed the current situation in Syria's Aleppo and Iraq with U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday, Anadolu reported.
In remarks made during a press conference in Ankara with his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor, Erdogan said: "We had a long conversation with Obama. I told him about the evacuation problems in Aleppo and he asked how he could help."
The president said the massacre and oppression committed against the people of Aleppo was now out in the open in front of the whole world. "Having such a tragedy in the 21st century is a shame for humanity. If we want a solution in Syria, the current situation in Aleppo must be taken under control," Erdogan said.
He also said some 1,150 civilians, including injured people arrived in Syrias Idlib city by Thursday evening.
"We are closely following the cease-fire process and we will continue to do so. Surely, the number [of trapped people in Aleppo] is not so small, but there are scores. I hope this [cease-fire] progress will not be interrupted again," he added.
According to an agreement between the Assad regime and Syrian opposition groups, civilians evacuated from eastern Aleppo will continue to head towards Idlib, which is located near the border with Turkey.
On Thursday, the first group of people evacuated from Aleppo reached the opposition-controlled safe zone in Syria, according to Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak.
Violence escalated in Aleppo city on Monday when Syrian regime forces advanced into opposition-held parts of eastern parts of the city following a five-month siege and persistent aerial bombardment.
Around 80,000 civilians are believed to have been trapped in these areas.
The Russian-backed regime had been trying to reestablish control over parts of Aleppo captured four years ago by armed opposition groups.
Syria has been locked in a devastating civil war since early 2011 when the regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests which had erupted as part of the Arab Spring uprisings with unexpected ferocity.
Since then, hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have been killed by the conflict and millions more displaced.
District credit cooperative (DCC) banks in Maharashtra received Rs 5,000 crore in old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination in just four days, from November 10 to 14, when they were allowed to accept demonetised currency.
Reuters/representational image
As most accounts in these banks are held by farmers, Nabard (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), the apex bank for all these institutions, has now begun scrutiny of the accounts to check for any cases of "suspicious deposits" or financial mismanagement.
Also Read: After Months Of Inactivity, Government Finally Steps Up Efforts To Trace Black Money Stashed By Indians In Swiss Banks
Officials say there have been complaints that some accounts have been used to deposit unaccounted cash. Most of the 31 DCC banks in the state are controlled by local politicians and have been hauled up for financial mismanagement in the past. RBI had allowed DCC banks in the state to deposit demonetised notes for only four days in November, during which period their 3,800-plus branches received the huge deposits.
Reuters/representational image
The RBI, though, has neither allowed exchange of banknotes nor any more deposits after that; it has only permitted cash withdrawals of up to Rs 24,000 a week.
"While initially only accounts with more than Rs 2 lakh deposits will be scrutinised, other accounts will come under the scanner too," said a senior official of the state cooperation department.
Also Read: Wonder Why ATMs And Banks Don't Have Enough Cash? It Might Be Stashed In 'Secret Bathroom Chambers'
Nabard officials said the average balance in many of the accounts and past transaction history cannot explain the sudden deposits. Even if the account holder has deposited just Rs 1 lakh, if the past transactions and balance history is in a few thousands, how can the deposit be explained?" asked an official.
Reuters/representational image
He said branches of Sangli DCC bank in Islampur, Shirala and Tasgaon were scrutinised last week. The Sangli DCC bank had collected approximately Rs 320 crore in old notes.The Pune DCC bank received cash deposits of Rs 600 crore.
Officials pointed out that the cash crunch post-demonetisation has seen the weekly withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000 not being met with at most branches. This has led to a huge cascading effect on the rural economy .
Also Read: Rs 1.6 Crore In Black Money Seized From Jaipur Cooperative Bank Branches
DCC banks have a wide network and heavy presen ce in rural areas; they have close to 85-90 lakh accounts. A DCC bank is also a key institution in that it disburses farm loans. Considering their reach and cash-rich status, politicians have always vied for cont rol of these banks; most DCC banks in Maharashtra are controlled by NCP and Congress politicians. And instances of fiscal mismanagement have been so frequent that the banks have often been referred to as "piggy banks" of netas.
Reuters/representational image
Despite all this, the clamour for allowing DCC banks to transact is growing, with the argument being put forth that farmers are suffering. Recently, CM Devendra Fadnavis along with politicians who run these banks met finance minister Arun Jaitley demanding that DCC banks be allowed to carry out transactions.
"DCC banks have been saddled with old notes totalling Rs 5,000 crore. We have demanded that the RBI take the money from us because we have to pay interest to depositors, which works out to Rs 55 lakh a day across these banks. There is no reason why RBI should impose restrictions on us. There are only a few accounts with more than Rs 2 lakh deposits," said a senior politician who is also director of a DCC bank.
After achieving the TIME Person Of The Year in the readers' poll, it's time for another feather in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cap. Forbes has come out with a list of the 74 Most Powerful People In The World and Prime Minister Narendra Modi bags the ninth spot on the list with Russian President Vladimir Putin on top for the fourth, straight year.
Image Credit: PTI
Narendra Modi is way ahead of US President Barack Obama who is at the 48th position (quite surprising!). US President Elect Donald Trump is at the number 2 spot, whereas, the third place went to Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany.
The list includes Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, at the 4th spot, Pope Francis at the fifth , Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates at the seventh, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg at the tenth, and French President Francois Hollande at the twenty third position. The list also includes Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani at the 38th spot.
"There are nearly 7.4 billion humans on planet Earth, but these 74 men and women make the world turn. Forbes' annual ranking of the World's Most Powerful People identifies one person out of every 100 million whose actions mean the most," Forbes said.
Vladimir Putin is no.1 on the list. Image Credit: BBC
Forbes mentioned that India's populist Prime Minister remains hugely popular in his country of 1.3 billion people.
Modi has raised his profile as a global leader in recent years during official visits with Barack Obama and Xi Jinping. He has also emerged as a key figure in the international effort to tackle climate change, as planetary warming will deeply affect millions of his country's rural and most vulnerable citizens," Forbes added.
Here are the Top Ten Most Powerful People on the Forbes list
1. Vladimir Putin
2. Donald Trump
3. Angela Merkel
4. Xi Jinping
5. Pope Francis
6. Janet Yellen
7. Bill Gates
8. Larry Page
9. Narendra Modi
10. Mark Zuckerberg
Masked gunmen looted a J&K Bank branch in Ratnipore area, Pulwama district, and fled with Rs 11 lakh. This is the third bank robbery since demonetisation, announced in November this year.
"They looted around Rs 11 lakh at gunpoint from the cash counter. A manhunt has been launched to nab the robbers," a police officer said. Police have cordoned off the area to catch the robbers.
This is the fourth bank robbery in the valley in the last five months
Last week, Rs. 8 lakh were looted from the J&K Bank's south Kashmir branch.
Two weeks after demonetisation of Rs. 500 and 1000 Rupee notes were announced to fight black money, a bank was looted on 21 November, in Chrar-e-Sharief area of central Kashmir's Budgam district. Rs. 13 lakh was taken.
The spike in robberies could be attributed to the new currency rolled out across India immediately after demonetisation was announced. The move has made militants, who were till date fed on a never-ending supply of crores in counterfeit currency, desperate.
According to the BSF, the move has dealt a blow to fake Indian currency notes (FICN) racketeers, both in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Pakistan, experts said, was printing fake Indian currency, supplying crores fund J&K terror and Indian Mujahideen modules across the country. Intelligence agencies had even said that the security features of the new 2000 and 500 Rupee notes will be impossible to replicate.
All You Need To Know About Fake Currency, How It Enters India And What Are We Doing To Take It Down
When Hasina Faras wanted to contest the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) polls last year, she was warned by a local body of 40-50 clerics that it was un-Islamic to do so.
In fact, the clerics of the Majlis-e-Shoora-Ulama-e-Shahar had then issued a fatwa to all Muslim women not to stand for polls.
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However, 19 Muslim women defied the fatwa and contested. Five of them, including Faras, were elected as corporators. A year down the line, 61-year-old Faras has become the first Muslim woman to bag the post of mayor in Kolhapur.
Facebook/Siddik Memon
Political twists and turns and challenges are not new to Faras, whose family has been associated with the NCP. The religious challenge had posed a new hurdle, but she said support from her family and members of the community helped her face it.
"The fatwa went against the democratic values of the country. Kolhapur has the great legacy of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. We did not pay attention to the fatwa and contested the elections. Society has changed and we have to accept the changes. Muslim women have entered every sphere of life. I will stand against extrajudicial elements in future too if similar fatwas are issued," Faras said.
Facebook/Shapin Mulla
With 50% reservation for women in the local civic bodies, the 81-member KMC House has 42 women corporators belonging to all major political parties. The mayor's post is to be rotated between NCP and Congress after an agreement was worked out between the two ruling alliance partners last year. However, with the opposition fielding a candidate, polls were necessitated this year.
Being a vet and a hunter seems akin to having a dual personality. Vet Luciano Ponzetto was one such individual who just happened to be a vet and a hunter.
Image Credit: Dailymail
He used to save animals and kill them during his hunting tips. The 55-year-old hunter had angered animal lovers by posting pictures of his trophy kills. Ponzetto used to put pictures on Instagram of him posing next to dead lions, hogs, deer and leopards. Till, of course, karma decided to pull a deadly trick on him. Ponzetto died a gruesome death as he slipped on ice and fell down a ravine at Colle delle Oche near the Italian city of Turin.
"We were called by the mountain rescue services who had been alerted to the incident by someone who was out with him. His body was recovered by helicopter and taken to a local hospital. It looks like he slipped and fell when he was out hunting. He died instantly and there was nothing that could be done," an Italian police spokesperson told The Sun.
Image Credit: dailymail
Following his death, many on Twitter described it as the power of karma. As they say, as you sow, so shall you reap!
Short skirts are one sartorial habit that doesn't just draw ire only in some parts of India, but in countries like Israel as well where skirt wearing Israeli parliament staff protested because she and several other were denied entrance in parliament building because their skirts were deemed too short.
Wikipedia
Knesset, Israel's Parliament in recent days has started to enforce rules on length of the skirt strictly without giving any reason. On Wednesday, about 50 staff members along with some parliamentarians gathered at the entrance of Knesset in support of those who were refused entry.
. , pic.twitter.com/HoXXUQu0uh Merav Michaeli (@MeravMichaeli) December 14, 2016
One older parliamentarian, Manuel Trajtenberg, stripped down to his undershirt in protest and at one point yelled, "You'll all have to wear burqas!" Israeli media reported.
Later, the Jerusalem Post quoted Trajtenberg as saying he supports a respectable dress code, but called the restrictions "discrimination against women".
' @ManuelTraj pic.twitter.com/SSLbS5ugRb Merav Michaeli (@MeravMichaeli) December 14, 2016
"We need to respect and not humiliate these amazing women who work with all their hearts," he said.
According to a staffer, about 10 to 15 women were denied entry initially over the dress code but were allowed later. "I've worn this same dress many times," said Kesem Rozenblat, 30, an adviser to parliament member Ilan Gilon of the left-wing Meretz party who was refused entry.
"Maybe they're scared of women's legs, I don't know," she told AFP news agency as she stood in the security hall to enter parliament along with supporters.
Though Rozenblat said that none of the security officers measured her skirt, but a woman guard "simply looked me up and down and said it wasn't appropriate".
The issue surfaced on Sunday when MP Merav Michaeli's aide from the opposition Zionist Union was denied entry because of her skirt's length.
@KElharrar " " " pic.twitter.com/feUKmDHz9B Merav Michaeli (@MeravMichaeli) December 14, 2016
While speaking with Israeli radio MP Michaeli called this sudden enforcement of rules an attempt to impose fundamentalist standards, referring to rules followed by ultra-Orthodox Jewish women which require them to cover their arms and legs as well as their heads with a scarf.
"We don't know what's the reason for it but we won't accept it - because we just want to work," Michaeli's spokeswoman Naama Shahar said.
On Twitter, Michaeli posted a picture showing a number of female "counsellors" left at the entrance of the parliament building after being denied entry. "Iran is here, in the Knesset," she wrote.
. pic.twitter.com/Y3mHuwGvtw Merav Michaeli (@MeravMichaeli) December 14, 2016
Knesset officials, however, denounced their protest and deemed it as an organised provocation. They also said that Knesset security guards were just "doing their work to enforce a dress code that has been in place for years".
According to Israeli media, the dress code of Knesset prohibits shorts, T-shirts, sandals and short dresses or skirts. However, women protesting outside on Wednesday said they were not told about the length of the skirt and what length of a skirt, they call short.
"They just said we cannot go in like this today," said Shira Amiel, a 27-year-old aide to Karin Elharar, a member of the opposition Yesh Atid party.
One person tweeted a photo of US First Lady Michelle Obama and Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wearing dresses above the knee and said they would also not be allowed inside the Israeli parliament.
"This is not Iran," said parliament member Gilon who supported the protest.
"It's crazy. I have a lot of very important things to do, but I spend my time with idiocy and stupidity."
BCCL
The government has introduced a slew of measures to encourage people to switch to digital payments and cashless transactions.
The NITI Aayog on Thursday announced the launch of Lucky Grahak Yojna for consumers, and Digi Dhan Vyapari Yojna to encourage merchants to transition to digital payments.
Under this scheme customers and traders will be eligible to be daily, weekly or mega lucky winners if you are using digital payments in the next hundred days beginning on Christmas Day. Read more here.
Here are 5 more stories for you:
1. Over 200 Crore In New Notes Found In Raids On Banks That Are Helping Launder Black Money
TOI
If you're wondering why you never manage to get enough cash from the ATMs anymore, here's a clue - the banks. Corrupt bank officials are allegedly colluding with what has reportedly become an industry of supplying last month's old black money hoarders with new black money. That means less money for you, as money flies out of banks in tens of crores through illicit back channels. Read more here
2. Women Staff Denied Entry In Israel's Parliament Because Their Skirt Is Too Short
Wikipedia
Short skirts are one sartorial habit that doesn't just draw ire only in some parts of India, but in countries like Israel as well where skirt wearing Israeli parliament staff protested because she and several other were denied entrance in parliament building because their skirts were deemed too short.
Knesset, Israel's Parliament in recent days has started to enforce rules on length of the skirt strictly without giving any reason. On Wednesday, about 50 staff members along with some parliamentarians gathered at the entrance of Knesset in support of those who were refused entry. Read more here
3. Third Bank Looted In Kashmir Since Demonetisation, Rs 11 Lakh Stolen
Masked gunmen looted a J&K Bank branch in Ratnipore area, Pulwama district, and fled with Rs 11 lakh. This is the third bank robbery since demonetisation, announced in November this year.
"They looted around Rs 11 lakh at gunpoint from the cash counter. A manhunt has been launched to nab the robbers," a police officer said. Police have cordoned off the area to catch the robbers. Read more here
4. Parents Abandon Kids At Railway Station, A Policeman Gives Them A New Life
At the age of 11, Pradeep was brought to Pune with his sister (7) and Janvi (5) by his parents. They were told it was for their education.
Their parents disappeared at the railway station. "My father was an autorickshaw driver, but he also used to work as a farmer to sponsor our education. Eight months back, our parents brought us to Pune for better job and educational prospects. After we reached the station, they told us that they would go out in search of shelter and food and promised to return soon. But they never turned up," Pradeep said. Read more here
5. Mother Sells Newborn for Rs 200 To Couple Who Worked As Hospital Staff
babycentre
A newborn girl was sold for Rs 200 by her mother to a nursing assistant and a cook working in a government hospital in Hosur. The incident came to light on Wednesday following a complaint lodged at the Hosur town police by the doctors of the hospital. Police have picked up the women and a Chennai-based couple for inquiry.
Mayurappa, 50, wife of Thimmakka, 46, of Vanamangalam near Thally, delivered a baby girl at the government hospital in Hosur on December 8.Read more here
Chefs from the world's finest restaurants are working towards the ultimate culinary high - setting up a pop-up restaurant at Mt. Everest base camp. 17,500 feet above sea level, they will delight guests to a delicious meal, which is part of a $1,050 experience called the One Star House Party.
The organisers are showing off their preparations and menus on Facebook, and it looks delicious.
Among the chefs making the journey is James Sharman from Noma, ranked the 'Best Restaurant in the World'.
The thousand dollar fee includes down jackets and sleeping bags.
From the website
:
Dates: We will all fly from Kathmandu to Lukla airport on the morning of the 10th December, and will return to Kathmandu on the 23rd of December.
Cost: $1,050 USD per person
What this covers:
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on the 9th and 23rd December
Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport
Accommodation each night of our journey in the guest houses.
1 porter between 2 people for the trek
2 guides and all park passes needed for the journey
Down jackets for the evening
A sleeping bag at each guest house
--
The event organisers have already begun their journey, first flying into Lukla from Nepal's Kathmandu. From there, they walk onwards, a slow journey that will acclimatise them to the terrain and air. If you can't afford, or can't brave the trip, join their next culinary expedition -in Mumbai next year.
Participant hold their laptops in front of an illuminated wall at the annual Chaos Computer Club (CCC) computer hackers' congress, called 29C3, on December 28, 2012 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo : Getty Images/Patrick Lux)
Hillary Clinton's campaign manager John Podesta played a key role in the email hack catastrophe of the Democratic National Committee. It turns out that the problem was due to a typo sent by one of his aides.
Hacking attempts are normal across the globe but some black hat hackers tend to want to take down larger targets. In the case of the Podesta email hack, they wanted to dig some dirt in Clinton's campaign for presidency at the time.
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Authorities in the United States believe that the whole hack stemmed from a phishing attack. A fake account reset form was sent to Podesta who referred to his aide named Charles Delavan, The Verge reported. Delavan aimed to type that the email was illegitimate but he ended up typing legitimate.
Podesta then filled out the fake phishing form and hackers were able to open his email account which hurt the Clinton campaign. Other hackers also used the information found in Podesta's email to remotely wipe his iPad and iPhone just to inconvenience the man.
Phishing attacks usually fool their victims with an identical web page where they are asked to fill out a form or a login screen. After inputting the login credentials, they are either redirected to the true page to prevent suspicion. However, their credentials are now stolen by the hackers.
U.S. intelligence officials believe that hackers from Russia just wanted to gather intel but their efforts shifted to harming Clinton's presidency campaign, New York Times reported. Part of the blame was because some officials were slow to respond and often underestimated the cyberattacks aimed at them.
The Podesta email hack is just one of the many that shocked the world. Average Internet users can still take precautions to be extra safe by double checking the sources of emails and to see whether the web address on their browsers are not sketchy.
Find out more about the Podesta email in the video below:
Propaganda Alert - Show Us The Evidence
U.S. Officials: Putin Personally Involved in U.S. Election Hack
By William M. Arkin, Ken Dilanian and Cynthia McFadden December 15, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " NBCNews" - U.S. intelligence officials now believe with "a high level of confidence" that Russian President Vladimir Putin became personally involved in the covert Russian campaign to interfere in the U.S. presidential election, senior U.S. intelligence officials told NBC News. Two senior officials with direct access to the information say new intelligence shows that Putin personally directed how hacked material from Democrats was leaked and otherwise used. The intelligence came from diplomatic sources and spies working for U.S. allies, the officials said. Putin's objectives were multifaceted, a high-level intelligence source told NBC News. What began as a "vendetta" against Hillary Clinton morphed into an effort to show corruption in American politics and to "split off key American allies by creating the image that [other countries] couldn't depend on the U.S. to be a credible global leader anymore," the official said. Ultimately, the CIA has assessed, the Russian government wanted to elect Donald Trump. The FBI and other agencies don't fully endorse that view, but few officials would dispute that the Russian operation was intended to harm Clinton's candidacy by leaking embarrassing emails about Democrats. The latest intelligence said to show Putin's involvement goes much further than the information the U.S. was relying on in October, when all 17 intelligence agencies signed onto a statement attributing the Democratic National Committee hack to Russia. The statement said officials believed that "only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities." That was an intelligence judgment based on an understanding of the Russian system of government, which Putin controls with absolute authority. Now the U.S has solid information tying Putin to the operation, the intelligence officials say. Their use of the term "high confidence" implies that the intelligence is nearly incontrovertible. "It is most certainly consistent with the Putin that I have watched and used to work with when I was an ambassador and in the government," said Michael McFaul, who was ambassador to Russia from 2012 to 2014. "He has had a vendetta against Hillary Clinton, that has been known for a long time because of what she said about his elections back in the parliamentary elections of 2011. He wants to discredit American democracy and make us weaker in terms of leading the liberal democratic order. And most certainly he likes President-elect Trump's views on Russia," McFaul added. Clinton cast doubt on the integrity of Russia's elections. As part of contingency planning for potential retaliation against Russia, according to officials, U.S. intelligence agencies have stepped up their probing into his personal financial empire. American officials have concluded that Putin's network controls some $85 billion worth of assets, officials told NBC News. Neither the CIA nor the Office of the Director of National Intelligence would comment. A former CIA official who worked on Russia told NBC News that it's not clear the U.S. can embarrass Putin, given that many Russians are already familiar with allegations he has grown rich through corruption and has ordered the killings of political adversaries. But a currently serving U.S. intelligence official said that there are things Putin is sensitive about, including anything that makes him seem weak. The former CIA official said the Obama administration may feel compelled to respond before it leaves office. "This whole thing has heated up so much," he said. "I can very easily see them saying, `We can't just say wow, this was terrible and there's nothing we can do.'" The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Information Clearing House editorial policy.
US Intel Vets Dispute Russia Hacking Claims By Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity December 15, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Consortium News " - As the hysteria about Russias alleged interference in the U.S. election grows, a key mystery is why U.S. intelligence would rely on circumstantial evidence when it has the capability for hard evidence, say U.S. intelligence veterans. Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity MEMORANDUM Allegations of Hacking Election Are Baseless A New York Times report on Monday alluding to overwhelming circumstantial evidence leading the CIA to believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin deployed computer hackers with the goal of tipping the election to Donald J. Trump is, sadly, evidence-free. This is no surprise, because harder evidence of a technical nature points to an inside leak, not hacking by Russians or anyone else. Mondays Washington Post reports that Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has joined other senators in calling for a bipartisan investigation of suspected cyber-intrusion by Russia. Reading our short memo could save the Senate from endemic partisanship, expense and unnecessary delay. In what follows, we draw on decades of senior-level experience with emphasis on cyber-intelligence and security to cut through uninformed, largely partisan fog. Far from hiding behind anonymity, we are proud to speak out with the hope of gaining an audience appropriate to what we merit given our long labors in government and other areas of technology. And corny though it may sound these days, our ethos as intelligence professionals remains, simply, to tell it like it is without fear or favor. We have gone through the various claims about hacking. For us, it is childs play to dismiss them. The email disclosures in question are the result of a leak, not a hack. Heres the difference between leaking and hacking: Leak: When someone physically takes data out of an organization and gives it to some other person or organization, as Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning did. Hack: When someone in a remote location electronically penetrates operating systems, firewalls or any other cyber-protection system and then extracts data. All signs point to leaking, not hacking. If hacking were involved, the National Security Agency would know it and know both sender and recipient. In short, since leaking requires physically removing data on a thumb drive, for example the only way such data can be copied and removed, with no electronic trace of what has left the server, is via a physical storage device. Awesome Technical Capabilities Again, NSA is able to identify both the sender and recipient when hacking is involved. Thanks largely to the material released by Edward Snowden, we can provide a full picture of NSAs extensive domestic data-collection network including Upstream programs like Fairview, Stormbrew and Blarney. These include at least 30 companies in the U.S. operating the fiber networks that carry the Public Switched Telephone Network as well as the World Wide Web. This gives NSA unparalleled access to data flowing within the U.S. and data going out to the rest of the world, as well as data transiting the U.S. In other words, any data that is passed from the servers of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) or of Hillary Rodham Clinton (HRC) or any other server in the U.S. is collected by the NSA. These data transfers carry destination addresses in what are called packets, which enable the transfer to be traced and followed through the network. Packets: Emails being passed across the World Wide Web are broken down into smaller segments called packets. These packets are passed into the network to be delivered to a recipient. This means the packets need to be reassembled at the receiving end. To accomplish this, all the packets that form a message are assigned an identifying number that enables the receiving end to collect them for reassembly. Moreover, each packet carries the originator and ultimate receiver Internet protocol number (either IPV4 or IPV6) that enables the network to route data. When email packets leave the U.S., the other Five Eyes countries (the U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) and the seven or eight additional countries participating with the U.S. in bulk-collection of everything on the planet would also have a record of where those email packets went after leaving the U.S. These collection resources are extensive [see attached NSA slides 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]; they include hundreds of trace route programs that trace the path of packets going across the network and tens of thousands of hardware and software implants in switches and servers that manage the network. Any emails being extracted from one server going to another would be, at least in part, recognizable and traceable by all these resources. The bottom line is that the NSA would know where and how any hacked emails from the DNC, HRC or any other servers were routed through the network. This process can sometimes require a closer look into the routing to sort out intermediate clients, but in the end sender and recipient can be traced across the network. The various ways in which usually anonymous spokespeople for U.S. intelligence agencies are equivocating saying things like our best guess or our opinion or our estimate etc. shows that the emails alleged to have been hacked cannot be traced across the network. Given NSAs extensive trace capability, we conclude that DNC and HRC servers alleged to have been hacked were, in fact, not hacked. The evidence that should be there is absent; otherwise, it would surely be brought forward, since this could be done without any danger to sources and methods. Thus, we conclude that the emails were leaked by an insider as was the case with Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning. Such an insider could be anyone in a government department or agency with access to NSA databases, or perhaps someone within the DNC. As for the comments to the media as to what the CIA believes, the reality is that CIA is almost totally dependent on NSA for ground truth in the communications arena. Thus, it remains something of a mystery why the media is being fed strange stories about hacking that have no basis in fact. In sum, given what we know of NSAs existing capabilities, it beggars belief that NSA would be unable to identify anyone Russian or not attempting to interfere in a U.S. election by hacking. For the Steering Group, Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS) William Binney, former Technical Director, World Geopolitical & Military Analysis, NSA; co-founder, SIGINT Automation Research Center (ret.) Mike Gravel, former Adjutant, top secret control officer, Communications Intelligence Service; special agent of the Counter Intelligence Corps and former United States Senator Larry Johnson, former CIA Intelligence Officer & former State Department Counter-Terrorism Official Ray McGovern, former US Army infantry/intelligence officer & CIA analyst (ret.) Elizabeth Murray, Deputy National Intelligence Officer for Middle East, CIA (ret.) Kirk Wiebe, former Senior Analyst, SIGINT Automation Research Center, NSA (ret.) Obama Intelligence Officials Refuse To Brief Congress on Promoted Russian Hacking Conspiracy ; As further evidence of the politicization of the CIA (Central Intelligence), headed by John Brennan; and DNI (Director of National Intelligence) James Clapper, the agencies are refusing to brief congress on their claim the Russians Hacked the U.S. Election. The Russian Bear Uses a Keyboard : Craig Murray: I dont know what the DNC paid Crowdstrike for their narrative but they got a very poor return for their effort indeed. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Information Clearing House editorial policy.
CIA's Russia Hacking Claims Dismissed as 'Bulls***' Former UK Ambassador
'I know who leaked them. Ive met the person who leaked them, and they are certainly not Russian and its an insider. Its a leak, not a hack'
By Belfast Telegraph December 15, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Belfast Telegraph " - Craig Murray, the former UK ambassador to Uzbekistan, who is a close associate of WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange, has dismissed the CIA's claims that Russia interfered in last months presidential election as "bulls***". On Friday the Washington Post reported on a secret assessment by the CIA, which concluded that Russian intelligence hacked the Democratic National Committee's servers and that of Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman John Podesta, specifically to help Trump win the presidency. Mr Murray said: "I know who leaked them. Ive met the person who leaked them, and they are certainly not Russian and its an insider. Its a leak, not a hack; the two are different things. If what the CIA are saying is true, and the CIAs statement refers to people who are known to be linked to the Russian state, they would have arrested someone if it was someone inside the United States. America has not been shy about arresting whistleblowers and its not been shy about extraditing hackers. They plainly have no knowledge whatsoever. The Kremlin has rejected the hacking accusations while Julian Assange has previously said the DNC leaks were not linked to Russia. The claims also drew a rebuke from Trumps transition team, which said in a statement: "These are the same people that said Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction." Meanwhile US President-elect Donald Trump called the CIA's assessment "ridiculous". Can you imagine if the election results were the opposite and WE tried to play the Russia/CIA card. It would be called conspiracy theory! Trump tweeted on Monday morning. Can you imagine if the election results were the opposite and WE tried to play the Russia/CIA card. It would be called conspiracy theory! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2016 Mr Trump rejected the CIA's conclusion that Russia tried to interfere with the presidential election and blamed "very embarrassed" Democrats for the public release of the assessment. The Washington Post first reported the CIA finding on Friday. "It's ridiculous," Mr Trump said of the CIA's assessment. He added, however, that he does not necessarily oppose President Barack Obama's order for a review of campaign-season hacking. "If you're going to do that, I think you should not just say 'Russia'. You should say other countries also, and maybe other individuals." The White House has said the probe would focus on any breaches by other countries, and past elections. Intelligence assessments The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), which oversees the 17 agency-strong US intelligence community, has not embraced the CIA's assessment, sources have told Reuters. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, whose standards require it to make cases that can stand up in court, also declined to accept the CIA's analysis. In an angry letter sent to ODNI chief James Clapper on Monday, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes said he was dismayed that the top US intelligence official had not informed the panel of the CIA's analysis and the difference between its judgment and the FBIs assessment, Reuters reported. "ODNI is not arguing that the agency (CIA) is wrong, only that they can't prove intent," one of the officials told the news agency. "Of course they can't, absent agents in on the decision-making in Moscow. The ODNI was formed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 'Thin reed' [It was] a thin reed upon which to base an analytical judgment, another official said in response to the speculation. He stressed that the judgment based on the fact that Russian entities hacked both Democrats and Republicans and only the Democratic information was leaked. Republican Senator John McCain said on Monday there was "no information" that Russian hacking of US political organisations was aimed at influencing the election. "It's obvious that the Russians hacked into our campaigns," McCain said told Reuters. "But there is no information that they were intending to affect the outcome of our election and that's why we need a congressional investigation." Daily briefings Mr Trump has said that he is not interested in getting daily intelligence briefings - an unprecedented rejection of the nation's massive and sophisticated intelligence apparatus. The president-elect's remarks come as key congressional Republicans joined Democrats in demanding a bi-partisan investigation into the Kremlin's activities and questioned consideration of Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson - who has close business ties with Moscow - as head of the State Department. Asked whether he is rejecting valuable intelligence on Fox News Sunday, Mr Trump was defiant. "I get it when I need it," he said of the top-secret briefings sessions, adding that he is leaving it up to the briefers to decide when a development represents a "change" big enough to notify him. "I don't have to be told the same thing in the same words every single day for the next eight years." The CIA has concluded with "high confidence" that Russia sought to influence the US election on behalf of Mr Trump. The finding alarmed legislators, including Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman McCain who said he planned to put senator Lindsay Graham, a staunch critic of Mr Trump, in charge of investigating the claim. Mr McCain has vowed to scrutinise Mr Tillerson's business relationship with Russia President Vladimir Putin, if Mr Tillerson is nominated. Exxon steadily expanded its Russian business on his watch even as its rivals faced expropriation and regulatory obstacles. In 2013, Mr Putin bestowed the Order of Friendship on Mr Tillerson. "Maybe those ties are strictly commercial and got to do with his business in the oil business. Fine," Mr McCain said. "And "we'll give him a fair hearing. But is it a matter of concern? Certainly it should be a matter of concern." Mr McCain was not alone, raising questions about whether there would be enough of a backlash to sink a nomination for Mr Tillerson. "Being a 'friend of Vladimir' is not an attribute I am hoping for from a #SecretaryOfState," tweeted Florida Republican senator Marco Rubio, Mr Trump's former campaign rival and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Pennsylvania Democratic senator Bob Casey said the developments "raise serious questions about whether the incoming administration will adequately stand up to Russia's aggression." Mr Trump said Mr Tillerson's relationship with Moscow was a selling point. "A great advantage is he knows many of the players, and he knows them well. He does massive deals in Russia. He does massive deals for the company," Mr Trump told Fox News in an interview broadcast on Sunday. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker is impressive, and former bitter rival Mitt Romney is still in the mix, Mr Trump added. "These are all very different types of people," he said. "But when you ask me about Rex, I mean, he's a world-class player. There's no question about it." Mr Trump's incoming chief of staff, Reince Priebus, said Mr Tillerson's nomination is not a done deal but shrugged off allegations that Russia helped Mr Trump win. He said: "The Russians didn't tell Clinton to ignore Wisconsin and Michigan," two states she was expected to win that went instead for Mr Trump. "She lost the election because her ideas were bad. She didn't fit the electorate. She ignored states that she shouldn't have and Donald Trump was the change agent," Mr Priebus said. Mr Trump's win, he added, "had nothing to do with the Russians". On other matters, Mr Trump said he is leaving his worldwide business empire to his executives and children, vowing, that he will "have nothing to do with management". He is expected to discuss the arrangement at a news conference on Thursday. He also said he is "studying" the Paris climate agreement to reduce carbon emissions. But he does not want the agreement to put the US "at a competitive disadvantage with other countries". Belfast Telegraph Craig Murray: DNC, Podesta emails leaked by Americans, not hacked by Russia Craig Murray, former UK ambassador to Uzbekistan and whistleblower, discusses his article claiming the DNC and Podesta emails came from U.S., not Russian, sources. Obama Intelligence Officials Refuse To Brief Congress on Promoted Russian Hacking Conspiracy ; As further evidence of the politicization of the CIA (Central Intelligence), headed by John Brennan; and DNI (Director of National Intelligence) James Clapper, the agencies are refusing to brief congress on their claim the Russians Hacked the U.S. Election. The Russian Bear Uses a Keyboard : Craig Murray: I dont know what the DNC paid Crowdstrike for their narrative but they got a very poor return for their effort indeed. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Information Clearing House editorial policy.
How Come No One Involved in the Russian Hacking Conspiracy Talked?
By Paul Craig Roberts
December 15, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - The claims that the Russian government hacked US voting machines are absurd. Voting machines are not connected to the Internet. To hack a voting machine you have to be physically in proximity to the machine and use a hand held device. The machines can be programmed to throw the vote count to one candidate or the other, and there are other ways to interfere with elections. Possibly if a foreign power had server presence in the US, some precinct reports of results could be intercepted and altered, although a voice check over the telephone is an easy way to verify the electronic transmission. What is clear is that Russia cannot hack the voting machines. What about the claims that Russia hacked Hillarys emails and used a network of 200 Internet websites to convince the American people to vote for Trump? Wikileaks, which released the emails, said they were a leak, not a hack, and that they did not come from Russians. The FBI and the Director of National Intelligence do not support the CIAs claims. Or should we say claims attributed to the CIA as apparently the source of the claims, like the source of PropOrNot, is unknown. And look at the size of the alleged conspiracythe Kremlin and 200 websites. Surely someone would have talked!
John McCain says he is sure Russia did something and we need a congressional investigation to find out what.
Why not start with an investigation of PropOrNot and what they are up to? We also need an investigation why Americans living in big cities on the NE and West coasts were immune to Russian fake news, whereas the geographical bulk of the country succumbed to the Russian fake news instead of to the presstitute fake news that conquered the NE and West coasts.
The FBI says that the claims attributed to the CIA would not stand up in court. So what are the claims all about? Who is behind them? Are there elements within the CIA committing treason by working against president-elect Trump? Are there elements in the US Congress committing treason by trying to sway electors with fake news resting on unattributed claims that the Russians, not the American people, elected Trump? Why these claims in the absence of proof?
What we are experiencing in the delegitimization of Donald Trump is an extraordinary rejection of democracy by elements in the government and by the presstitutes. Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and associate editor of the Wall Street Journal. He was columnist for Business Week, Scripps Howard News Service, and Creators Syndicate. He has had many university appointments. His internet columns have attracted a worldwide following. Roberts' latest books are The Failure of Laissez Faire Capitalism and Economic Dissolution of the West , How America Was Lost , and The Neoconservative Threat to World Order . The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Information Clearing House editorial policy.
We Are Entering A New Epoch: The Century Of The Migrant
By Thomas Nail December 15, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Aeon " - Today there are more than 1 billion regional and international migrants, and the number continues to rise: within 40 years, it might double due to climate change. While many of these migrants might not cross a regional or international border, people change residences and jobs more often, while commuting longer and farther to work. This increase in human mobility and expulsion affects us all. It should be recognised as a defining feature of our epoch: the 21st century will be the century of the migrant. In order to manage and control this mobility, the world is becoming ever more bordered. In just the past 20 years, but particularly since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 on the US, hundreds of new borders have emerged around the world: miles of new razor-wire fences and concrete security walls, numerous offshore detention centers, biometric passport databases, and security checkpoints in schools, airports and along various roadways across the world. All attest to the present preoccupation with controlling social motion through borders. This preoccupation, however, runs through the history of Western civilisation. In fact, civilisations very expansion required the continual expulsion of migrant populations. These include the territorial techniques of dispossessing people from their land through miles of new fencing (invented during the Neolithic period); political techniques of stripping people of their right to free movement and inclusion with new walls to keep out foreigners (invented during the Ancient period and put to use in Egypt, Greece and Rome); juridical techniques of criminalisation and cellular confinement (invented during the European Middle Ages); and economic techniques of unemployment and expropriation surveyed by a continuous series of checkpoints (an innovation of the Modern era). The return and mixture of all these historical techniques, thought to have been excised by modern liberalism, now define a growing portion of everyday social life. This is the century of the migrant because the return of these historical methods now make it clear for the first time that the migrant has always been a constitutive social figure. In other words, migrants are not marginal or exceptional figures, as they have so often been treated, but rather the essential lever by which all hitherto existing societies have sustained and expanded their social form. Territorial societies, states, juridical systems and economies all required the social expulsion of migrants in order expand. The recent explosion in mobility demands that we rethink political history from the perspective of the migrant. Take an example from ancient history: the barbarian (the second major historical name of the migrant, after the nomad). In the ancient West, the dominant social form of the political state would not have been possible without the mass expulsion, or political dispossession, of a large body of barbarian slaves kidnapped from the mountains of the Middle East and Mediterranean and used as workers, soldiers and servants so that a growing ruling class could live in luxury surrounded by city walls. The romanticised classical worlds of Greece and Rome were built and sustained by migrant slaves, by barbarians, whom Aristotle defined by their fundamental mobility and their natural inability for political action, speech, and organisation. Some of the same techniques and their justifications of ancient political expulsion are still in effect today. Migrants in the US and Europe, both documented and undocumented, sustain whole sectors of economic and social life that would collapse without them. At the same time, these migrants remain largely depoliticised compared with the citizens their labour sustains, often because of their partial or non-status. Just as Greeks and Romans were capable of incredible military, political and cultural expansion only on the condition of the political expulsion of cheap or free migrant labour, so it is with Europeans and Americans today. If this connection seems outlandish, then consider how migrants are described in recent media. The rhetorical connection is as explicit as the architectural one of building giant border walls. In the US, people such as Samuel Huntington and Patrick Buchanan have worried about a Mexican immigrant invasion of American civilisation. In the UK, The Guardian published an editorial on Europes crisis that ended by describing refugees as the fearful dispossessed who are rattling Europes gates a direct historical reference to the barbarian invasion of Rome. In France, the presidential frontrunner Marine Le Pen said at a rally in 2015 that this migratory influx will be like the barbarian invasion of the fourth century, and the consequences will be the same. Even the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, has described the recent refugees with the same dangerous waters and military metaphors used by Romans to depoliticise barbarians: refugees are a great tide that has flooded into Europe producing chaos that needs to be stemmed and managed. We are slowly becoming witnesses to the birth of a new form of political pressure, Tusk claims, and some even call it a kind of a new hybrid war, in which migratory waves have become a tool, a weapon against neighbours. This will be the century of the migrant not just because of the sheer magnitude of the phenomenon, but because the asymmetry between citizens and migrants has finally reached its historical breaking point. The prospects for any structural improvements in this situation are hard to imagine, but alternatives are not without historical precedent. Before any specific solutions can be considered, the first step toward any change must be to open up the political decision-making process to everyone affected by the proposed changes, regardless of status. The only way forward in the long march for migrant justice and social equality is status for all. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Information Clearing House editorial policy.
Annual Tree Lighting and SCC Grant Ceremony (Photo : Getty Images)
A Knoxville publication that ran a story on a five-year-old boy dying in the arms of Santa Claus, which became viral, is now being questioned by the newspaper itself. The incident comes at a time that social media sites are being more wary of the proliferation of fake new in the aftermath of the recent U.S. presidential election.
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In an editors note published on Wednesday in Knoxville News Sentinel, the daily said that since it published the story, it tried to independently verify the account of Santa Claus lookalike Eric Schmitt-Matzen that he responded to the call of a nurse he knows. The nurse said a very ill boy wanted to see Santa.
Schmitt-Mattzen went to the hospital 15 minutes after the call and gave the sick boy a PAW Patrol toy. Before he entered the hospitals Intensive Care Unit, he told the staff not to go in ICU if they will cry because he too would break down and fail to cheer the sick child.
He recounted that the boy was so ill he had a difficult time opening the gift. They had a short conversation about dying and the child being Santas Number One elf then the boy asked for his help. Schmitt-Matzen wrapped his arms around the boy who died on his arms. The mother and the ICU staff ran inside when they realized the child had died. The incident made him rethink his Santa Claus gig, although he said he would do it one more time before hanging his Santa suit.
The editors note said it cannot establish how accurate Schmitt-Matzens account of the incident is. However, Sam Venable, the Sentinel columnist who wrote the article, said he has no reason to believe that Schmitt-Mattzen faked the story, New York Post reported.
Venable later admitted he has some questions because of apparent gaps in the story. The News Sentinel called more than 20 hospitals in Tennessee to check if the incident took place in their facility but all said they have no record of the incident. Schmitt-Matzen declines to identify the hospital or provide more details except to say it happened around six weeks ago. But he explained his not giving details to protect the privacy of the distraught family.
Trump Delivers on Promise to Mend Ties with Russia By Finian Cunningham December 15, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " SCF " - Trumps pick of oil industry chief Rex Tillerson as the next Secretary of State is an encouraging sign that the president-elect is indeed following through on campaign promises to mend bilateral ties with Russia. But the war hawks within the Republican and Democrat parties could yet throw a spanner in the works over the nomination. Immediately, the news of Tillersons nomination drew insinuations that the outcome was more evidence that Russia had interfered in the US election to sway the result for Trump over Democrat rival Hillary Clinton. Sixty-four-old Rex Tillerson has been head of oil and gas giant Exxon Mobil for the past 10 years. The US-based multinational firm is rated as the biggest oil company in the world. Under its Texas-born CEO, Exxon has developed extensive industrial partnerships with Russias oil sector. In 2011, the company signed a mammoth deal worth $500 billion with Russias number-one oil firm Rosneft for drilling projects in the Arctic. It has other exploration contracts in Russias Siberia and Black Sea. That partnership was crimped in 2014 when the US government slapped economic and diplomatic sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis. Tillerson is on record expressing his opposition to the sanctions, although Exxon has so far complied with the legal order to suspend ties with Russia. It can be expected that as Secretary of State the USs top diplomatic position Tillerson will rescind those sanctions and seek to normalize relations between Washington and Moscow. His stock-holding interests with Exxon will no doubt stir controversy as a conflict of interest in his running of US foreign policy. A normalizing of US-Russia relations under Tillerson would be fully consonant with Donald Trumps own stated position of wanting to improve bilateral ties, which over the past two years have deteriorated abysmally to the point of risking an all-out war between the two nuclear powers. Trump unabashedly referred to Tillersons extensive links with Russian business and government as an endorsement for his selection as Secretary of State. I have chosen one of the truly great business leaders of the world, Rex Tillerson, Chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil, to be Secretary of State, said Trump. Of significance, the president-elect added: [Mr Tillerson] will be a forceful and clear-eyed advocate for Americas vital national interests, and help reverse years of misguided foreign policies and actions that have weakened Americas security and standing in the world. Like billionaire property magnate Trump, Tillerson has no official political experience. The pair reportedly only became acquainted since Trumps shock election victory on November 8. Tillerson was recommended to Trump by the former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, according to the Washington Post. Over the course of several recent meetings the two men hit it off, perhaps recognizing similar traits in each others personality for putting pragmatic business sense before ideological considerations. Other names in the mix for possible Secretary of State nomination were former Republican candidate Mitt Romney and ex-CIA chief General David Petraeus. Both would have taken a hostile policy towards Russia. So, the fact that Tillerson was in the end selected by Trump shows that he is determined to follow through on his aspiration to better relations with Russia. It was a bold decision too. In the days before the nomination was made official, US political figures and media pundits were clamoring with concern about Tillersons apparent cordial attitude towards Russian leader Vladimir Putin and the Russian state. American media have been flagging past photos of Tillerson smiling in friendly greetings with Putin. Much is being made of the Exxon boss having been awarded an Order of Friendship by the Russian president in 2013, two years after the oil company signed the mega deal with Rosneft for Arctic drilling. It was also reported that Tillerson attended an international business summit earlier this year in Russia in defiance of US government advice not to attend due to its sanctions policy towards Moscow. Trumps announcement also comes amid heightened claims that Russian-backed hackers intervened in the US presidential elections to sway his victory over Clinton. Last week, the Washington Post and New York Times ran sensational reports that the CIA had concluded that Russian hackers helped Trump win the presidency by spreading damaging information on Clintons involvement in corruption and other scandals. Earlier this week, on the back of those claims, the Obama White House and US Congress have ordered a formal investigation to ascertain the CIA allegations of Russian interference. Trumps selection of Tillerson has predictably been invoked as further evidence that the Kremlin hacked into the US electoral process in order to put him in the White House. Largely absent from the brouhaha is the fact that there is no evidence to prove Russia did indeed carry out the hacking of Clintons emails or that it did so to influence the election. Russia has repeatedly rejected the claims. For Trumps part, he has dismissed the latest anonymous and unverified CIA allegations as ridiculous. Pointedly, the president-elect has also disclosed that he is rebuffing the intelligence agencys customary daily briefings, implying that that they are a waste of his time. That, in turn, suggests that the CIA will dredge up more dirty tricks to discredit Trump as a Russian stooge. And large sections of the US media which openly favored Clinton will be only too willing to oblige the smearing of Trump. The nomination of Tillerson to head the State Department is certainly an unusual choice. The multi-millionaire oil chief, who will step down from his Exxon position if officially appointed, does not have the customary Washington political experience. His would-be replacement, John Kerry, was previously a long-time Senator and a consummate political insider. Many critics would say that background was why Kerry was so ineffectual as a diplomat and such a willing tool for Washingtons ideological agenda to antagonize Russia. But Tillersons professional and personal ties with Russia make him a qualified choice to restore balanced relations between Washington and Moscow. It follows that if such an improvement were to prevail then European governments would follow suit in normalizing their relations too. However, the Exxon CEO is far from a shoo-in for the top diplomatic post. His nomination will have to be cleared by the US Senate. Already, there has been strident objections to Tillersons selection from members of the powerful Senate Committee on Foreign Relations precisely because of his alleged friendly connections with Russia. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a member of the committee, deprecated Tillersons selection by saying, being a friend of Vladimir Putin is not an attribute. It can be anticipated that the Washington establishment of Republicans and Democrats, who tend to harbor Russophobia and Cold War animosity, will capitalize on CIA claims of Russian electoral subversion to whip up opposition to Trumps pick of Tillerson. And its not just Tillerson who might end up being thwarted. Donald Trump does not become the 45th president until the Electoral College officially passes all its votes on December 19. He would then be inaugurated later in January. The all-decisive Electoral College is coming under increasing pressure to reverse its earlier votes favoring Trump for the presidency. The intervention by the CIA making sensational claims about Russian interference to help Trump into the White House is reportedly giving some members of the Electoral College misgivings about their erstwhile vote for the Republican candidate. Such is the level of reality-disconnect in US politics, the selection of Rex Tillerson may actually fuel paranoia that Trump is the alleged Manchurian Candidate that the Clinton campaign and its establishment backers tried to make so much of during the campaign. Nevertheless, whether Trumps presidential ambitions eventually become unstuck or not, one can at least give him credit for now that he is sticking to his promise of restoring relations with Russia. Rex Tillerson is the proof of that. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Information Clearing House editorial policy.
The Fake News Controversy is Larger than you Think
By Joe Clifford
December 15, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - Mainstream media, for many years has been able to control the narrative and push their positions and the governments, which are, for the most part, one and the same. Most of the time a trusting public has been too busy trying to survive a weak economy, so they have not figured out they are constantly fed distortions, exaggerations, and sometimes outright likes. Cases in point follow. The US public bought into the government and media narrative, that Iraq had WMD, and consequently made war on Iraq which took at least a million lives for no legitimate reason. Many experts knew full well that the intelligence had been altered and shaped to meet the need of the media and government, but their voices were excluded from the debate by mainstream media. In the same way, third parties have been excluded from debates and exposure by mainstream media for years. Progressives such as Dennis Kucinich were marginalized by the corporate media, and in the past election, the voice of Jill Stein was muted by media.
The recent election, I suggest, overwhelmingly proves my point. In the early days of the primary Donald Trump was the media darling. His rivals cried foul because Trump was covered 24-7 by the corporate media, and rivals felt they could not compete with the free publicity and exposure Trump was given. Indeed, FAIR, a reliable media watchdog, calculated Trump received about 2 billion dollars worth of free air time, proving the cry of foul by his rivals to be legitimate. Media did not care; Trump was so outlandish he was making money for the media moguls. At some point, however, media realized they created a Frankenstein, and quickly reversed their course. Trump instantly became the devil incarnate, and negative stories about him and his candidacy prevailed. The turning point developed when Trump announced he had no reason to fight Russia, and saw no reason why we could not peacefully work with Russia, improving relations for both countries, and therefore the world. Mainstream media, the corporate pro war voice, could not take this kind of insolence. Their narrative was Russia and Putin were a threat, and should be treated that way, so they turned their pens and cameras on Trump and tried to bring him down. Media promotes war. The New York Times with Judith Miller, helped lie us into a war with Iraq, and has been pushing us into a confrontation with Russia, along with the Washington Post. For two years, Russia has been blamed for everything, despite the absence of proof for any of the accusations. Russia had been thoroughly demonized by the media in the same way that Manuel Noriega, Muammar Gaddafi, and Saddam Hussein, had been demonized. The demonizing has proven itself to be the first step in setting the stage for war, and it appears with the complete vilification of Putin and Russia by corporate media, we are on the way to a war. A horrible thought.
Meanwhile, Trump won the election. Hate him or like him, give him credit for winning the election with the entire establishment against him. His own party would not contribute to his campaign, corporate media was solidly behind Hillary, and gave her a complete pass on the content of damaging e-mails from within her campaign. Media chose to gloss over the illegal Clinton team tactics of sabotaging Sanders, and focused on those nasty Russians. Almost every major newspaper endorsed the Clinton campaign, yet Trump prevailed. Corporate media was truly shocked; not that Trump won, but because they had lost control. They controlled the narrative, but lost control of the voters. The voters voted the wrong way! Make no mistake; this writer is not, nor will ever be, in the Trump camp, nor am I a Hillary supporter. I did not have a dog in this fight, so I watched it as an outsider or spectator, who saw things that others, who might have been emotionally committed, did not see. It is clear that media tried to promote Hillary, and was horrified that they had lost the ability to control the narrative and the public.
The fake news controversy is nothing more than corporate medias attempt to slander alternative media, because corporate media finally realized they lost control, and no one takes them seriously. By and large, people do not read newspapers, nor do mainstream news outlets and cable news have any credibility. Corporate media had to do something to regain control of the narrative, and they attempted to do so with the fake news nonsense, and with the assistance of their gal Hillary Clinton. They are trying to convince the public it is only they who can be trusted. This is an effort to recapture the public and regain control of the narrative. They are frightened and shocked; for the first time they lost control of the narrative. Their effort is akin to Chris Cuomo, CNN anchor, telling the US public it was illegal for them to read the contents of WikiLeaks e-mails, and that only news outlets were legally able to read those e-mails. Cuomo entreated the public to let CNN interpret the emails, and tell you what is important. His amateurish attempt, made him a laughing stock. The fake news controversy is Cuomos effort magnified tenfold. Trust us, and no one else, they suggest. Everything outside of corporate media is fake, they insist.
Dmitry Orlov: Trump, Financial Crisis and the New Cold War
Video
Russian-American author Dmitry Orlov discusses the new Trump presidency and what it may mean for the next stage of the Global Financial Crisis and the New Cold War. He also discusses his concerns regarding the threat of GMOs and Russia's recent prohibition on genetically engineered crops, which could lead to a global ban.
Posted December 15, 2016
Dmitry Orlov is a Russian-American engineer and a writer on subjects related to "potential economic, ecological and political decline and collapse in the United States," something he has called permanent crisis. Orlov believes collapse will be the result of huge military budgets, government deficits, an unresponsive political system and declining oil production. Dmitry Orlov Website - https://cluborlov.blogspot.com
A History Of Lies: WMD, Who Said What and When
June 12, 2003 - " Information Clearing House " - Updated December 15, 2016
Intelligence leaves no doubt that Iraq continues to possess and conceal lethal weapons
George Bush, US President 18 March, 2003
Saddam's removal is necessary to eradicate the threat from his weapons of mass destruction
Jack Straw, Foreign Secretary 2 April, 2003
Before people crow about the absence of weapons of mass destruction, I suggest they wait a bit
Tony Blair 28 April, 2003
We are asked to accept Saddam decided to destroy those weapons. I say that such a claim is palpably absurd
Tony Blair, Prime Minister 18 March, 2003
It is possible Iraqi leaders decided they would destroy them prior to the conflict
Donald Rumsfeld, US Defense Secretary 28 May, 2003
Simply stated, there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction.
Dick Cheney
Speech to VFW National Convention
August 26, 2002
Right now, Iraq is expanding and improving facilities that were used for the production of biological weapons.
George "aWol" Bush
Speech to UN General Assembly
September 12, 2002
If he declares he has none, then we will know that Saddam Hussein is once again misleading the world.
Ari Fleischer
Press Briefing
December 2, 2002
We know for a fact that there are weapons there.
Ari Fleischer
Press Briefing
January 9, 2003
"25,000 liters of anthrax ... 38,000 liters of botulinum toxin ... materials to produce as much as 500 tons of sarin, mustard and VX nerve agent ... upwards of 30,000 munitions capable of delivering chemical agents ... several mobile biological weapons labs ... thousands of Iraqi security personnel ... at work hiding documents and materials from the U.N. inspectors."
George "aWol" Bush
State of the Union Address
January 28, 2003
We know that Saddam Hussein is determined to keep his weapons of mass destruction, is determined to make more.
Colin Powell
Remarks to UN Security Council
February 5, 2003
We have sources that tell us that Saddam Hussein recently authorized Iraqi field commanders to use chemical weapons -- the very weapons the dictator tells us he does not have.
George "aWol" Bush
Radio Address
February 8, 2003
So has the strategic decision been made to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction by the leadership in Baghdad? . . . I think our judgment has to be clearly not.
Colin Powell
Remarks to UN Security Council
March 7, 2003
Intelligence gathered by this and other governments leaves no doubt that the Iraq regime continues to possess and conceal some of the most lethal weapons ever devised.
George "aWol" Bush
Address to the Nation
March 17, 2003
Well, there is no question that we have evidence and information that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction, biological and chemical particularly . . . all this will be made clear in the course of the operation, for whatever duration it takes.
Ari Fleisher
Press Briefing
March 21, 2003
There is no doubt that the regime of Saddam Hussein possesses weapons of mass destruction. And . . . as this operation continues, those weapons will be identified, found, along with the people who have produced them and who guard them.
Gen. Tommy Franks
Press Conference
March 22, 2003
I have no doubt we're going to find big stores of weapons of mass destruction.
Defense Policy Board member Kenneth Adelman
Washington Post, p. A27
March 23, 2003
One of our top objectives is to find and destroy the WMD. There are a number of sites.
Pentagon Spokeswoman Victoria Clark
Press Briefing
March 22, 2003
We know where they are. They're in the area around Tikrit and Baghdad and east, west, south and north somewhat.
Donald Rumsfeld
ABC Interview
March 30, 2003
Obviously the administration intends to publicize all the weapons of mass destruction U.S. forces find -- and there will be plenty.
Neocon scholar Robert Kagan
Washington Post op-ed
April 9, 2003
I think you have always heard, and you continue to hear from officials, a measure of high confidence that, indeed, the weapons of mass destruction will be found.
Ari Fleischer
Press Briefing
April 10, 2003
We are learning more as we interrogate or have discussions with Iraqi scientists and people within the Iraqi structure, that perhaps he destroyed some, perhaps he dispersed some. And so we will find them.
George "aWol" Bush
NBC Interview
April 24, 2003
There are people who in large measure have information that we need . . . so that we can track down the weapons of mass destruction in that country.
Donald Rumsfeld
Press Briefing
April 25, 2003
We'll find them. It'll be a matter of time to do so.
George "aWol" Bush
Remarks to Reporters
May 3, 2003
I'm absolutely sure that there are weapons of mass destruction there and the evidence will be forthcoming. We're just getting it just now.
Colin Powell
Remarks to Reporters
May 4, 2003
We never believed that we'd just tumble over weapons of mass destruction in that country.
Donald Rumsfeld
Fox News Interview
May 4, 2003
I'm not surprised if we begin to uncover the weapons program of Saddam Hussein -- because he had a weapons program.
George "aWol" Bush
Remarks to Reporters
May 6, 2003
U.S. officials never expected that "we were going to open garages and find" weapons of mass destruction.
Condoleeza Rice
Reuters Interview
May 12, 2003
I just don't know whether it was all destroyed years ago -- I mean, there's no question that there were chemical weapons years ago -- whether they were destroyed right before the war, (or) whether they're still hidden.
Maj. Gen. David Petraeus, Commander 101st Airborne
Press Briefing
May 13, 2003
Before the war, there's no doubt in my mind that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, biological and chemical. I expected them to be found. I still expect them to be found.
Gen. Michael Hagee , Commandant of the Marine Corps
Interview with Reporters
May 21, 2003
Given time, given the number of prisoners now that we're interrogating, I'm confident that we're going to find weapons of mass destruction.
Gen. Richard Myers , Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff
NBC Today Show interview
May 26, 2003
They may have had time to destroy them, and I don't know the answer.
Donald Rumsfeld
Remarks to Council on Foreign Relations
May 27, 2003
For bureaucratic reasons, we settled on one issue, weapons of mass destruction (as justification for invading Iraq) because it was the one reason everyone could agree on.
Paul Wolfowitz
Vanity Fair interview
May 28, 2003
It was a surprise to me then Eit remains a surprise to me now Ethat we have not uncovered weapons, as you say, in some of the forward dispersal sites. Believe me, it's not for lack of trying. We've been to virtually every ammunition supply point between the Kuwaiti border and Baghdad, but they're simply not there.
Lt. Gen. James Conway , 1st Marine Expeditionary Force
Press Interview
But for those who say we haven't found the banned manufacturing devices or banned weapons, they're wrong, we found them.
--George W. Bush
Interview with TVP Poland
5/30/2003
You remember when [Secretary of State] Colin Powell stood up in front of the world, and he said Iraq has got laboratories, mobile labs to build biological weapons ...They're illegal. They're against the United Nations resolutions, and we've so far discovered two...And we'll find more weapons as time goes on And we'll find more weapons as time goes on
--George W. Bush
Press Briefing
5/30/2003
The Nigeria Army on Wednesday said it had rescued additional 605 women and children during its operation in Sambisa forest.
The Theatre Commander, Leo Irabor, stated this during a press conference at the headquarters of the 7 Division of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri.
Mr. Irabor, a Major General, said that troops have continued to record remarkable progress in the fight against counter terrorism operation in Sambisa forest.
He added that 69 male adults, 180 females, 227 male children and 129 female children, were rescued during the operation between December 7 and December 14.
The victims are in our custody for further investigation and interrogation.
On the operation, our troops are determined to wipe out the terrorists from their hideout. I can tell you that the counter terrorism operation is already yielding positive results.
In spite of repeated calls by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, calling on all police commands in the country to withdraw mobile policemen serving as personal guards, a 49-year-old estate consultant based in the United States of America, Mrs. Toyin Momodu, has raised the alarm over the invasion of her property by armed policemen on the instruction of one of her her tenants, names withheld.
She alleged that the said tenant is colluding with a senior police officer, who has dispatched policemen with guns to the building for a 24-hour surveillance, in a brazen attempt to take over the property from her.
The house is a five-apartment building on Adebola Street, off Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, Lagos, which Momodu said she bought from the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) 15 years ago.
Momodu is not alone in her fears about the sudden appearance of policemen. Other tenants have also expressed fear about the activities and intentions of the said tenant, who has mobilized, at least, six policemen to stay in the compound as his bodyguards everyday.
Momodu told The Guardian that she got hint of the unusual police presence in her compound some days ago when a tenant sent her an email to inform her that heavily armed men had taken over the house.
Explaining how the tenant came to live in her house, she said: I rented out all the four other apartments in the house and left one to be used by me and my family when we are in Nigeria. It is fully furnished with a large generating set. I was advised to sublet it so that everything would not lie fallow for the period I am abroad. So, my brother informed me that he had found someone who, wanted to rent it for an initial period of three months.
I didnt even ask what he did because I believed his stay was just temporary. We agreed on the payment of N8,000 per night, which amounted to N240,000 per month. In March 2016 when he came, he first paid N168,000 and later paid N400,000, totaling N568,000 for 71 days rent.
But since the last N400,000, he stopped paying. I called him to find out what was wrong but he said he promised to pay his debt, which is now over N2 million. After that, he issued cheques, which the banks said were dud. It was after I got wind of the policemen in my compound that I was forced to come to Nigeria to find out what was actually going on.
When I got back to Nigeria and went to my house, I asked the six policemen what they were doing and they said they were guarding one of my tenants. I have told him to leave my house. I even told him to forget the money he owed because I just wanted him out. But he has refused to move. I am actually afraid of going into my own home now, she said.
Momodu said she had reported the matter at the Bode Thomas Police Division, where the Divisional Police Officer had ordered the said tenant to immediately vacate the house. When our correspondent visited the house on Tuesday, two armed police sergeants and a corporal were sitting in the compound.
One of them, Sergeant Odetola Victor, challenged why anybody would want to take the picture of the house while he also threatened to get our reporter arrested before the intervention of passersby prevailed.
When contacted, the man simply said he had nothing to say.
Source: Guardian
Nigerian newspaper headlines December 15, 2016.
Punch
Nine months after it lost Africas top oil producer status to Angola, Nigeria has seen its crude oil production surpass that of the southern African country, data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries have shown.
Vanguard
As the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) lost three corps members within 21 days, stakeholders, especially parents are questioning the conditions of living in the camp.
Guardian
A Lagos High Court, sitting in Badagry Judicial Division, has fixed January 25, 2017, for further direction in the hearing of trial of an alleged claim of fraud committed by United Bank for Africa (UBA) against a businessman and chairman, L.I. Ayomumoye Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Lasisi Ishola Ayomumoye.
Thisday
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will meet in Abuja on Saturday to continue discussion on how to resolve the impasse in The Gambia.
Leadership
Eight years after they were first arraigned, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission yesterday re-arraigned a former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, alongside one of his aides, Waheed Akanbi before the Federal High Court in Lagos for an alleged fraud of N4.7bn.
Daily Trust
The 2017 budget of N7.298 trillion presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly yesterday will be funded more by non oil revenues.
The Sun
The Senate has called for the suspension of the Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr David Babachir Lawal over what it described as gross abuse of office.
The Nation
Two heads are better than one so goes the popular saying. But there are times when two heads are a big problem, such as with a new born baby delivered on Tuesday at a hospital in Ogudu on the outskirts of Lagos.
A notorious international jewellery thief, aged 86 years, was arrested on Tuesday for shoplifting at a mall.
Doris Payne, whose criminal career spans at least two continents and five decades, was arrested by Dunwoody Police in the US and charged with shoplifting for trying to steal two diamond necklaces worth $1,995 from Von Maur a department store.
Payne was booked into the DeKalb County jail, and no bond information was listed on the jails website, according to 13WMAZ.
The elderly Payne is seen as a celebrity among thieves.
She was the subject of a documentary, The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne, which is available now on Netflix.
Her thieving career has spanned five-decade, earning over 20 arrests in countries around the world, including Greece, France, Britain and Switzerland.
In a jailhouse interview with The Desert Sun in May 2014, Payne said she began stealing watches to save her mother from an abusive relationship, but continued into her golden years so she could live a glamorous lifestyle, a far cry from her childhood of poverty in West Virginia.
The factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ali Modu-Sheriff, said he was ready to return to negotiating table with the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction.
He, however, stressed that the Makarfi-faction must be willing to make peace for that to happen.
Mr. Sheriff stated this when he received some members of the PDP in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who paid him solidarity visit on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mr. Sheriff said he had on several occasions tried to resolve the party crisis with the Makarfi faction.
He said he suggested that both the Caretaker Committee and his National Working Committee be dissolved, to give way for a new independent leadership.
I have made several peace moves but the caretaker committee has refused to agree.
We have therefore resigned our fate to the decision of their Lordships of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Courts.
However, we are ready to return to the negotiation table today, if Sen. Makarfi sees reason to do so, he said.
Mr. Sheriff said he was committed to returning the party to the grassroots in spite of the several blackmail he had been receiving.
Our task is to return the party to the grassroots.
To this end, we shall continue to review all the states chapters that are affected before the Convention.
We are discussing with key stakeholders willing to return to the party and we are making steady progress, he said.
Mr. Sheriff added that if the talks would yield positive result, the party would hold its national convention in the first quarter of 2017 to elect new leaders.
Hopefully, we shall conduct a free and fair convention in the first quarter of 2017.
In the cause of the last six months, we have worked assiduously to reposition our great party, the PDP, through harnessing of the enormous potential of the party at the grassroots.
Police caught up to a suspect several blocks away as he reportedly ran out of the delivery van and fled on foot. He was apprehended by a police officer within moments and taken into custody.
YouTube Screen icon displaying Donald Trump and Nostradamus behind a chaotic environment. (Photo : YouTube/ Abiz - Entertainment Buzz)
Nostradamus predictions and Baba Vanga prophecy for the next year have been highly sought online, especially after concerns regarding Donald Trump's rigged election win and potential war were reported recently.
Over the past weeks concern for an impending World War III has been expressed online, especially with the constant terror threats and gradual shifting of superpowers occurring in the background. Perhaps one of the most prominent names being associated with such concerns is U.S. president elect Donald Trump.
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In the context of Nostradamus predictions and prophecies, Trump has been highly associated as the Third Antichrist that will ignite war and the world's ending. In a separate report, he has been linked as the "shameless, audacious bawler" being referred to by Nostradamus in one of his prophecies.
That being the case many believed that Trump's death or actions will be the fuel that will inspire a World War III. However, recent reports online suggest that the alleged assistance of Russian hackers in Trump's election win, as NewYork Times reported, could be absolute catalyst for war.
Granting that a war, regardless of its nature, will indeed breakout due to the alleged Russian influence in the recently concluded U.S. elections, Baba Vanga prophecy may likely come true. The prediction of the blind prophet concerning the US having Barrack Obama as their last US president may be included in the equation as war has been predicted to break out.
Baba Vanga has long prophesied of Obama as the last U.S. president. In view of the prediction, some people believed that it would mean that the world will end or the role of the president ceases to exist, according to News.com.au.
Although there have been no strong connection to the latest Trump controversy concerning his victory, it cannot be helped to somehow connect the predictions set forth by Nostradamus and Baba Vanga. Guess we would just have to wait and see how things will turn out for the United States and the rest of the world come 2017.
About today, Chuddy Ugorji, the number person of MMM Nigeria, shared this message to MMM participants on his Facebook wall:
Goodday great mavrodians
This week has not been easy for all of us due to the news update on our POs
As we all know ,the media has been a tool used by anti-MMMites and pessimists to fight against the growth of MMM Nigeria. Unfortunately some ignorant Nigerians who dont understand what MMM is all about have been brainwashed by the information broadcasted by the media and social networks
Regarding the frozen mavro.
It is clearly stated on the news section on the website Confirmed Mavro will be frozen for A MONTH .
The reason for this measure is evident. The system needs to prevent any problems that might arise during this festive season and this measure will be cancelled once the festive season comes to an end Frozen of mavros does not mean MMM has stopped operations or crashed rather the system has adopted this measure to avoid any mishaps. The support system are working on issues to enhance the effectiveness of the community.
Also lets note that contrary to what has been published by cheap bloggers, Am not the Admin of MMM but one of the top guiders of this great community. And non of us has access to the site, I woke up on Tuesday and saw the News on my PO like every other person.
The MMM website is been managed in Russia by their control and supervisory team .They are responsible for every decision made,like pairing of participants to provide help and get help,resolving issues on the platform etc.
I have always been passionate about tutoring members and guiders about the ideology of MMM , the rules and the risk; I have encouraged members to provide help only with their SPARE MONEY and also get help at the end of 30 days. The reason members have to continue in this pattern of provide help and get help process is to ensure the sustainability of the system, because the platform is a peer to peer system ,members knows that they own the system and pay only to themselves, There is no CENTRAL ACCOUNT.
.
Regarding getting help,every guider in the MMM community has a limit to withdrawal and I have never made withdrawals above my limit ,rather have always helped to ensure the growth of MMM Nigeria community.
Instead I have given more to the community through charity works and teaching of the ideology of MMM.
Bloggers who get paid for promoting rumour, when ignorant Nigerians click on their blogs , Google Ad sense pays them per click. Hence they seized this opportunity to enrich themselves even when most of them are participants and have taken more from the community ,many of them are involved in uploading Fake Pops and multiple accounts all in the bid to frustrate the programme of the community and that is part of what is been looked into and it would be stop so that we have a healthy and stronger MMM NIGERIA in 2017. MMM founder is a Russian Sergey Mavrodi not a Philippines .i have never been to Philippines ,the stories about going to the Philippines are untrue.
i stand for the true ideology of MMM which is anchored on providing and getting help willingly. Lets hope the best and STOP the PANIC! We shall overcome by Gods grace .
From Chuddy Ugorji Facebook wall.
A police officer in the Peruvian capital disguised himself as Santa Claus to raid a home where officers arrested four people and seized a large amount of cocaine paste.
BBC showed a video of the operation in Lima, where an officer dressed as Santa bust in a door with a sledgehammer, allowing he and other members of the National Police of Perus anti-drug unit, most of whom were dressed in police uniform, to raid the home.
Police arrested four alleged drug dealers and seized 4,564 small packets of cocaine paste.
Police said the officer wore the Santa suit to the neighbourhood so as not to raise suspicions and he concealed his gun and other gear in his sack. They said undercover officers in festive disguises had been monitoring the area for several days prior to the raid.
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno on Wednesday called for prosecution of persons who allegedly diverted 50 bags of rice meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
Mr. Shettima gave the directive in a statement by his spokesperson, Isa Gusau, in Maiduguri.
The directive followed report that hundreds of IDPs apprehended some officials of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday morning for alleged theft of food meant for their upkeep.
Four officials were said to have been arrested by the police after IDPs held them.
Mr. Gusau said Mr. Shettima was very bitter about the development and has vowed to ensure anyone found wanting amongst those arrested was prosecuted.
Governor Shettima approved funds for the foodstuff at the IDP camp and he is deeply pained by this development, he said.
He added that the governor regarded diversion of food meant for IDPS as a crime against humanity which must not go unpunished.
He pointed out that the food in question was part of those bought by the Borno State Government for feeding of IDPs in December.
2016 has been a year of major events both around the world and in Nigeria from the Rio 2016 Olympic games to the US presidential elections.
For Nigerians, the highlight of the year was Donald Trump becoming President-elect of the USA, at least if their Google search history is anything to go by. Trump topped the list of people searched on Google in Nigeria in 2016. Second was Stephen Keshi, who was also the person trending the most in Google searches in Nigeria for people in sports, while Mohammed Ali was third. But what are the questions Nigerians asked the most in 2016? In the HOW TO category, Nigerians asked the search engine: 1) How to DJ a party 2) How to stop auto-renewal on Glo 3) How to know an original Iphone 5S 4) How to style twist braids 5) How to munch on Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge 6) How to take care of Pigs
While in the WHAT IS category, Nigerians asked mostly:
1) What is in the newspapers today?
2) What is the latest Manchester United news?
3) What is the meaning of love?
4) What is Public Relations?
5) What is telecommunications?
6) What is MMM?
To find out more on what Nigerians searched mostly on Google, you can go to Google Trends.
A woman delivered a two-headed baby on Tuesday at a hospital in Ogudu on the outskirts of Lagos.
The baby was delivered around 6:30pm on Tuesday through an elective cesarean section by doctors at Med-In Specialist Hospital, Osogbo Street, The Nation reports.
The mother, surgeon and nurses were shocked to discover the anomaly, as various scans underwent in the course of the pregnancy indicated a set of twins.
According to one of the nurses who was in the delivery room, they had prepared two cots for each of the twins but were shocked when they saw that they were conjoined.
This is the first time I am seeing anything like this. I have watched it in movies but seeing it in real life was such an experience for me. Thankfully, the surgeon ensured that they survived, said the nurse.
The baby was resuscitated and then transferred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for advance care on Wednesday.
As I speak to you, the mother doesnt know the condition of the babies. She still believes and expects to carry her twins. We havent told her yet. Only her husband was brought into the theatre to see his children and he was the one who went with the doctors to LUTH, the nurse added.
Med-In Hospital Manager Dare Moses said the baby was taken to LUTH so that tests can be conducted to ascertain if they share also vital organs like hearts and lungs.
He said: There is need to find out if they share major organs together. They may have to be flown abroad for separation if they have separate hearts and other vital organs. It is possible for them to survive. I have seen cases of twins like this in movie surviving and living normal lives.
Normally, when we have cases of pregnant woman expecting twins, we usually go for elective caesarean, which was what the mother opted for.
But when the doctor was trying to extract one of the babies (first one), it got stuck and when he examined further, he discovered that there were two heads in one body. We are happy that the baby was delivered alive and placed on oxygen. Both heads were alive.
It was really amazing. I am proud and thankful that we delivered the baby alive. Yes, several scans were done by the mother in the course of pregnancy at different places, but none discovered any abnormality. We are thankful that the operation was successful.
The Nation also reports that a doctor, who refused to be named, said the babies were meant to come as identical twins and must have shared the same sac and placenta.
She said: Nobody can specifically say the reason for the condition. At different stages during pregnancies. Twins divide but these ones didnt divide fully. We cant really say if they have only two pairs of legs and hands, theres a possibility the other pairs are inside. But we dont know yet.
There are so many things we cant really determine physically. Thats why several scans would be conducted, including CT Scans, to know their exact condition and the best option.
It is a situation that would be best managed abroad because it requires the putting together of a team of paediatric surgeons who must have the best facilities, which we do not have presently on Nigeria.
We have good doctors but the materials are not there. Specialists in different fields would be working on them at the same time if they are to be separated. Chances of their survival in Nigeria are very poor giving the realities of our society.
If they cant be separated and are left to survive, people might ridicule them or see them as curses, which isnt good. But in other climes, some conjoined twins have survived to adulthood and they are doing fine.
You should also know that it would be very expensive to foot the bills, and it isnt what any parent can handle alone. The government and good spirited individuals would have to assist them so that the kids stay alive. All we want is to give them as much chances as they can possibly get to survive.
Our medical system in Nigeria is in poor shape. Even at the teaching hospitals, chances are that they may not even have those necessary equipment to support survival of children like this. There is need for a multi-specialist team, drawn from various teaching hospitals, to handle cases like this and they should be provided the right equipment.
In medical terms, the condition is known as Parapagus a rare form of partial twinning where there are two heads and two necks side by side on one torso.
Such cases are rampant in India and doctors say they cannot be separated since they have only one pair of arms and one pair of legs and one heart.
This disorder is different from conjoined twins as the baby has only one set of internal organs. The extremely rare case is thought to be brought on during the early stages of pregnancy as a result of genetic mutation.
The Ministry of Health is said to have been notified of the development.
The hospital also plans to inform the babys mother.
Brian Adler is director of enterprise architecture at RightScale. He has more than 20 years of technology experience in the aerospace, defense, automotive, messaging, and SaaS industries. For the past seven years, Adler has helped RightScale enterprise customers design and build scalable and resilient cloud solutions spanning a wide array of industries and use cases.
Back in the olden days (early 2007), there was one player in IaaS: Amazon Web Services (AWS). And AWS had one instance family, the M1. It was good. But as tech years move faster than dog years, the landscape has changed quickly and dramatically. There are new players -- notably Azure, Google, and IBM SoftLayer -- and new offerings. Even when you consider only the compute offerings of the IaaS providers, the options are vast and varied. Granted, compute is at the core of what these providers offer, and as such they look to differentiate those items. The result has been an explosion in the number of options in the compute realm of IaaS.
Because the underlying hardware and virtualization mechanisms vary among providers, apples-to-apples comparisons are not always possible. As such, in the discussion below, I will focus on describing each vendors offerings, with references to similarities and differences in the competing services. I will not go down the rabbit hole of pricing as it can get quite convoluted with varying pricing tiers for on-demand, spot, and preemptible instances, as well as sustained usage discounts and reserved instance pricing, enterprise license agreements, reseller discounts, and so on. I will touch on pricing at a high level, but Ill leave the gory details for another article.
With those caveats behind us, lets evaluate the compute offerings of AWS, Azure, Google, and IBM SoftLayer. For a high-level view of the differences (in compute, network, storage, database, analytics, and other services) among these cloud providers, check out the free RightScale Cloud Comparison tool.
Amazon Web Services
AWS was first to market with a cloud compute offering, and it gained a sizable head start. Today AWS Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) has approximately 40 different instance sizes in its current generation (instance is the term AWS and Google use for what others call a virtual machine, VM, virtual server, or VS). The previous generations of instance types (including the aforementioned M1) are still available, although they are not above the fold on any AWS price sheets or product description literature. There are about 15 instance sizes in the previous generations. While they are currently fully supported, it would not be surprising if AWS looks to sunset these instance types at some point in the future.
Focusing on the current generation, some of these instance types come with attached ephemeral storage (storage that is deprovisioned when the instance is terminated), while many others come with no attached volumes and instead specify EBS only with regard to storage. This means you must separately provision, attach, and pay for the storage. (EBS is AWSs Elastic Block Storage offering, which will be discussed in a future article in this series.)
The current generation of instances is organized into instance families that are optimized for certain use cases. Some of the current instances address general-purpose workloads, while others are tailored for computationally intensive applications. Still others are optimized for workloads with high memory requirements or for applications that require high amounts of storage (up to 48TB). Some instances provide GPUs that can be used for video rendering, graphics computations, and streaming.
Additionally, some instance families support burstable performance. These provide a baseline CPU performance, but can burst to higher CPU rates for finite periods of time provided by CPU credits that the instance accumulates during periods of low CPU utilization. Evaluate your use case and workload carefully before deciding upon burstable instance types.
It is important to benchmark your application to ensure that on average it stays at or below the baseline. Not only that, you want to ensure that the CPU bursts are not so long they exhaust your credits, and the CPU valleys are sufficiently long to allow for credit replenishment. If you exhaust your CPU credits, your application may run in a CPU starved state that will obviously hinder performance. Burstable instances are a great tool for the right application, but they can prove very problematic when used incorrectly.
AWS instance types can be optionally configured to meet specific use cases, performance targets, or compliance regulations. For example, certain instance types can be configured in an enhanced networking model that allows for increased packet rates, lowers latencies between instances, and decreases network jitter. Additionally, instances can be launched into high-performance computing (HPC) clusters or deployed on dedicated hardware that allows for single-tenant configurations, which may be required for certain security or compliance regulations.
There are also different pricing structures and deployment models that can be used within AWS EC2. The standard deployment model is on-demand, which means, as the name implies, you launch when you need them. On-demand instances run for a fixed hourly cost (fractional hours are rounded up to the next hour) until you explicitly terminate them. There are also spot instances, which allow you to bid for any excess compute capacity AWS may have at any given time. Spot instances can often be obtained for a fraction of the on-demand cost (savings in excess of 80 percent are not uncommon).
However, they come with the caveat that they may be terminated at any time if the current spot price exceeds your bid price. It is a real-time marketplace in which the highest bid (the price you are willing to pay per hour for the instance) wins. You can achieve tremendous cost savings with spot instances, but they are only suited for workloads that can be interrupted (processing items from an external queue, for example).
AWS offers spot blocks, which are similar to spot instances in that you specify the price you are willing to pay, but you also specify the number of instances you want at that price, and a duration in hours up to a maximum of six. If your bid is accepted, your desired number of instances will run for the time specified without interruption, but they will be terminated when the time period expires. This deployment model is useful for predictable, finite workloads such as batch processing tasks.
AWS offers discounts through reserved instances (RIs), which require you to commit to a specific instance type running a specific operating system in a specific availability zone (AZ) of your desired AWS region. You must commit to a one- or three-year term, and in return your hourly cost for the instance will be greatly reduced (up to 75 percent for a three-year commitment).
However, you are generally constrained to the instance type, operating system, and AZ that you selected for the duration of the contract, so careful planning is essential. You can request modifications within certain limitations, but those requests are subject to approval by AWS based on available capacity. Clearly, committing to one or three years of reserved instances isnt for everyone. Other providers have similar discounting policies that are far simpler to implement and dont require having years of visibility into your workload (Googles Sustained Use Discounts, for example, which will be described shortly).
AWS has the most complete set of offerings in the compute arena, but it doesnt have a lock on unique and interesting features. Other vendors are continually adding new compute options that make them attractive alternatives for many use cases.
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft takes a similar approach to compute instance types with Azure, but uses slightly different nomenclature. Instances are called virtual machines (VMs), although you will see the word instance sprinkled throughout the online documentation. VMs are grouped into seven different series with between five and a dozen different sizes in each group. Each series is optimized for a particular type of workload, including general-purpose use cases, computationally intensive applications, and workloads with high memory requirements. An eighth group (the N series), which is composed of GPU-enabled instances, were recently released for general availability this month.
All told, Azure has approximately 70 different VM sizes, covering a wide array of use cases and workload requirements. All VM types in Azure come with attached ephemeral storage, varying from about 7GB to about 7TB. (Azure measures attached storage in gibibytes, not gigabytes, so the numbers dont come out as neat and clean as we are typically used to.)
As the maximum capacity of attached storage for an Azure VM is considerably less than for an AWS EC2 instance (the aforementioned 48TB, for example), you may want to provision additional storage. This can be allocated from an Azure Storage account associated with your Azure subscription (subscription is the Azure term for what is generally known as an account). Azure provides both a standard storage option (HDD) and a premium storage option (SSD). Ill discuss these in more detail in a later post in this series.
Azure also provides a VM size (the A0) that is intentionally oversubscribed with regard to the underlying physical hardware. This means the CPU performance on this VM type can be affected by noisy neighbors running VMs on the same physical node. Azure specifies an expected baseline performance, but acknowledges that performance may vary as much as 15 percent from that baseline. The A0 is a very inexpensive VM, and if a particular workload can tolerate the variability, it may be an attractive option.
Azure charges for VMs on a per-minute basis instead of on an hourly rate like AWS. Thus, a VM that runs for 61 minutes on Azure is charged for 61 minutes, whereas AWS would charge you for a full two hours. Azure has an offering similar to AWSs reserved instances. Called the Azure Compute prepurchase plan, this allows you to reap significant discounts (as much as 63 percent) by making an upfront prepurchase, with a one-year commitment, on a particular VM family, size, region, and operating system.
However, the prepurchase plan is available only to customers holding an active Enterprise Agreement (EA) with Microsoft. Because an EA can greatly influence your pricing model, VM pricing on Azure is kind of like the pricing of airline seats on any particular flight: No two people pay the same price, though they are all sitting in the same type of seat and going to the same place. If you have an EA with Microsoft, be sure to speak to your sales representative about your Azure usage.
Microsoft has made great strides in IaaS over the last few years. Azure has started to close the overall gap with AWS, particularly the gaps in its compute offering. As many enterprises are already engaged with Microsoft on some level (or multiple levels), it would not be surprising to see this trend continue.
Google Cloud Platform
Google Compute Engine (GCE), the service within Google Cloud Platform that manages IaaS compute resources, also provides numerous options for launching virtual machines. Like AWS, GCE calls the VMs instances and the different options machine types. These are grouped into several categories (standard, high CPU, and high memory), with multiple sizes within each category.
Currently youll find approximately 20 different predefined machine types in GCE, with available memory ranging from 600MB to 208GB. None of these predefined machine types provides ephemeral storage, which is a change from the early days of GCE when ephemeral storage was an option. Ephemeral storage was a casualty of GCEs live migration (or transparent maintenance) service, which enables a VM to be migrated from one physical node to another without any interaction (or even knowledge of the process) by the customer. This feature is unique to GCE and a powerful differentiator to AWS.
Another unique feature of GCE is the ability to create custom machine types. That is, you can specify the configuration of virtual CPUs and available memory if none of the predefined machine types fits your needs. There are limitations to what can be configured, and prices for custom machine types are higher than for predefined instances, but for certain use cases and workloads, custom machines may be an attractive option.
GCE also provides a few shared core machine types, which are similar in concept to the oversubscribed VM sizes in Azure. These machine types provide opportunistic bursting, which allows the instance to consume additional CPU cycles when they are not being consumed by other workloads on the same physical CPU. GCE does not use a CPU credit system such as AWS uses to balance peaks and valleys of utilization. Instead the bursts occur whenever the stars of application need and CPU cycle availability align.
Last month, Google surprised everyone when it detailed plans for Angular 3 to be released a short six months after Angular 2's arrival. Now it turns out there will be no Angular 3 release after all. Instead, Google will go right to version 4 of its popular JavaScript framework in March.
Google's Igor Minar said at the recent NG-BE 2016 Angular conference in Belgium that Google will jump from version 2 to version 4 so that the number of the upgrade correlates with the Angular version 4 router planned for usage with the release.
Minar, in fact, laid out a road map that has eight beta releases of Angular 4 coming out between December and February, followed by two release candidates in February and the general release on March 1. But Minar cautioned against getting too hung up on numbers and advised that the framework simply be called "Angular" anyway. "Let's not call it AngularJS, let's not call it Angular 2," he said, "because as we are releasing more and more of these versions, it's going to be superconfusing for everybody."
Angular is on an aggressive schedule that would have Angular 5 arriving in September/October 2017, followed in six months by Angular 6, with Angular 7 coming six months later in September/October 2018.
Google's goals for Angular 4 are to be as backward-compatible with Angular 2 as possible and to improve compiler error messages. In November, Google talked about the next version of Angular, then known as version 3, emphasizing improvements in tooling as well as reduced code generation.
Angular's upgrade plan also includes moving to TypeScript 2.1 as a baseline, away from TypeScript 1.8. While this means there are breaking changes, Minar was reassuring. "It's not going to be a big deal. We did these migrations across the whole Google and it was quite trivial, but it does require [some interventions]." Angular 2 was rewritten in TypeScript, Microsoft's typed superset of JavaScript.
Earlier this month, Google earlier this month released Angular 2.3, a minor upgrade featuring Angular Language Service, which is designed to integrate with IDEs and provide type completion and error-checking with Angular Templates. Object inheritance for components is featured as well. Angular 2.2 arrived in November, featuring ahead-of-time compilation compatibility.
Olam hits back
Olam has issued a statement in response to a report that it believes will be issued soon by Mighty Earth and Brainforest that is critical of the company.
Olam has issued the following statement in response to a report that it believes will be issued soon by Mighty Earth and Brainforest that is critical of the company.
Olam International is a global listed agri-business, operating in multiple food supply chains that is committed to its core purpose of Growing Responsibly. By adhering to this core purpose Olam is able to earn the trust of its shareholders, customers, suppliers, farmers, creditors, employees and many other partners. We know that we need to maintain that trust for the well-being of our business and the millions who depend on us for their own reputations, livelihoods and food security.
Companies working in agricultural production and trading are sometimes accused of hiding behind complexity. But participants and well-informed observers of the sector know that this complexity is very real. Olam does not claim to get everything 100% right. But we do 100% stand by what we commit to. And where we get it wrong, we own up and see how we can correct these mistakes and improve.
We have been made aware of a report that will be released on our palm operations. In recent months we have responded to questions from the US-based communications and lobbying company, Waxman Strategies, working as Mighty Earth (Mighty) and with Brainforest, a Gabon-based NGO.
We appreciate the vital role played by NGOs and civil society to keep the industry in check and working in partnership to drive best practice. The Mighty Earth report acknowledges some of Olams responses, especially where the authors feel progress has been made. The report has also provided a series of recommendations, some of which we will take on board.
However, we are disappointed to see some important factual errors, and several key misinterpretations of Olams policies and implementation. Considerably more fundamental though, is the basic principle of how Mighty views a country like Gabon and its sovereign right to develop sustainably, with the assistance of a responsible company, in a Public Private Partnership arrangement.
If planted responsibly, oil palm is the most efficient of the oil seed crops, requiring approximately 10 times less land than other vegetable oils such as soy and sunflower. When we first began our palm business in 2011, we made it a condition that our plantations had to be developed sustainably, both from an environmental and social perspective. This also applied to our palm trading operations in some ways much more complex, as Olam is not in direct control of the farming operations.
Sunny Verghese, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Olam International said: Gabon has a right and an essential need to develop its agriculture sector to diversify its economy, improve food security to feed its people and create new livelihood opportunities, while also protecting its natural forests. Olams palm plantations in Gabon are being developed in an environmentally and socially responsible way to contribute to each of these objectives. Our approach balances palm plantation establishment with natural forest protection. In fact we are conserving and protecting areas of verified high conservation value forest within our concessions greater in size than our plantations.
For our third party palm sourcing, we are still a small player, accounting for only 0.4% of global palm volumes in 2016. We already expect full compliance to our Sustainable Palm Oil Policy and Supplier Code, and have absolutely zero tolerance for the burning of forests. All of our current suppliers have either signed this code or have their own codes consistent with ours. We are also now releasing our full supplier list.
Professor Lee White CBE, Head of Gabons National Parks Agency and UNFCCC Forest and Agriculture coordinator for Gabon said: I have worked closely with the Olam and SOTRADER3 senior management from the development stage of both programmes4 because Olams oil palm activities have an important bearing on Gabons commitment in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to reduce carbon emissions by 50%. We have mapped out low carbon and low biodiversity areas suitable for oil palm development and we have constrained the projects within these zones, providing a case study to enable us to develop a methodology to apply across all sectors through our National Land Use Plan. By working exclusively in savannahs, regenerating farmland and degraded logging areas, we have minimised the ecological impacts of the developments. Furthermore, researchers from Gabons Tropical Ecology Research Institute have mapped out community use of the areas to ensure there is no conflict with traditional land rights.
It is a shame that Mighty and Brainforest did not take the time to sit down with us and understand the methodology used before launching this critique.
Sir Jonathon Porritt, Co-Founder Director of Forum for the Future and co-chair of the High Carbon Stock Study said: When I visited Gabon in 2015 with the leading team of scientists involved in the High Carbon Stock Study, I was hugely impressed by the overall approach adopted by Olam in developing its concession areas, by the level of engagement with local communities in implementing the RSPOs new Planting Procedures, and by the methodology it used to minimise emissions of greenhouse gases from forest conversion. I saw for myself how Olam is developing a new model for palm plantations in the 21st century. One that is climate positive, and ecologically and socially integrated.
Within Olams plantations there are huge swathes of regenerating forest under Olams protection, whilst around the plantations we saw villages where Olam had provided lighting, water, schools and much needed, fairly paid work. For critics who insist that Gabon cannot earmark even the least valuable 1% of its vast forest landscapes for farming, to alleviate deep levels of rural poverty and provide jobs and food security, I would say: your position would be met by anger and disbelief by the people and government of Gabon.
We see the Mighty Report to be levelling two main areas of criticism towards Olam which we address below.
To answer this, we have to travel to Gabon.
In Gabon 32.7% of people live at or below the poverty line (World Bank), it has 20% unemployment overall and 35% youth unemployment and the country imports 60% of all its food. It has relied on an oil and gas economy (60% of its budget revenue) that is not viable in the long-term. And 90% of its land area is forested. The Government therefore has a justifiable imperative to grow the agricultural economy beyond just subsistence farming. Its medium term goal is to establish 300,000 ha of agriculture, which will amount to about 1% of Gabons total national land area.
Minister Yves Fernand Manfoumbi, Gabons Minister of Agriculture said: Through our PPP the Republic of Gabon and Olam are working to create jobs for rural people, diversify the economy of Gabon and contribute to global food security. Through capacity building the GRAINE programme5 is working to improve yields by modernising agricultural methods to take advantage of improvements made throughout the tropics and to fix people on one piece of ground. In doing so we are able to formalise rural land tenure, raise incomes, invest in fencing to protect crops from elephants and reduce CO2 emissions from shifting cultivation 10-fold.
We have been working in a PPP with the Government, in the form of 2 Joint Ventures, Olam Palm Gabon (OPG), and a smallholder palm and food cash crop farming project called GRAINE.5 This will create what we believe to be a different and a more sustainable model for palm plantations:
+ Selecting broad areas in landscapes which are far from national parks and where the natural environment has already been significantly degraded.
+ Within specific sites, ensure that we identify the land that is of High Conservation Value (HCV) for biodiversity, community or cultural reasons.
+ Prioritise the least value land for development and invest heavily in conserving the highvalue areas.
+ Discuss and engage the local communities to ensure that they agree with our analysis and with the project.
+ Validate our assessments through broad-based consultations with NGOs and experts.
+ Create positive social and economic impact in the local communities through employment, capacity building, and rural infrastructure development.
+ Ensure we are 100% RSPO certified from new planting through to mill completion with no burning for land clearance.
Olams first palm plantation went from being the first in Africa to receive the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) New Planting Procedure verification to also becoming the first-ever new development in Africa to have its working plantation RSPO certified, including the mill.
Getting high-yielding plantations up and running requires an appropriate initial land base. Given much of Gabons non-forested land is infertile savannah or swamps, there simply isnt enough available non-forested land to start up such a development. It is therefore necessary to include some highly degraded forest lands. Therefore, Olam cannot sign up to the no deforestation commitments that adhere to the HCSA approach6 on the basis of available land in Gabon.
We agree with Gabons sovereign right to convert a tiny percentage of its least valuable forested land for agriculture, so long as it is responsibly and transparently done. Our plans and progress for developing sustainable palm oil plantations have been shared transparently with stakeholders and put in the public domain from the start and we always welcome any initiative that will help us to improve further.
If we look at it in numbers:
+ 58.8% (25,735 ha) of the planted palm area was originally highly logged and degraded secondary forests (detailed analysis using LiDAR mapping) = 0.1% of the total forested area of Gabon
+ 41.5% (18,265 ha) of the planted area was originally in savannah
+ 55,000 ha of HCV forest conserved by Olam (more than our total planting area of 44,000 ha) which we retain and protect against ongoing incursions by illegal loggers, commercial hunters, and other forms of encroachment
+ 6,500 people employed from the local communities who are paid fair wages, with significant capacity building through new skills / training
+ US$750 million will be the total investment by Olam Palm Gabon
+ US$900950 million is the estimated investment for project GRAINE
This refers to our palm trading business in Asia.
In 2016 we sourced 250,000 metric tonnes from third parties, the majority of which came from Indonesia. This is 0.4% of global production (62 million metric tonnes MT). As stated in our October Interim Progress Report, these volumes have been sourced from 14 suppliers. 90% of the volume is from suppliers who are RSPO members who have a committed road map for 100% certification. All suppliers must ensure that their suppliers uphold the principles of the Sustainable Palm Oil Policy, the Olam Supplier Code or their own Codes which have been approved by Olam. As part of our commitment to sustainable sourcing we have discontinued many suppliers who did not conform to our Supplier Code (reducing our supplier list from 48 in 2014 to 14 today).
The Report states that in 2015 we sourced 1.53 million MT but in fact 73% was paper traded volume.7
Furthermore, the Sustainable Palm Oil Transparency Tool (SPOTT) compiled by ZSL, an independent third party, ranks us as the 4th most-transparent company globally (above all the companies highlighted by Mighty for their transparency).
Our Sustainable Palm Oil Policy was updated in October to make our commitment to no Peat and No Burning more explicit, especially for our third party supply chains. Similarly whilst we have always practiced No Exploitation in both our own plantations and our third party sourcing, we will update our policy to say explicitly No HCS, No HCV, No Peat and No Exploitation in line with other leading companies in the sector.
If any supplier is reported to be in breach of our Sustainable Palm Oil Policy, then we will investigate. If any non-compliance is seen or brought to notice which suggests a supplier is not following guidelines, corrective action is taken, which may also include eliminating suppliers from the list. In the main, our belief is that we have to be in the supply chain to help change it, otherwise the plantation owners or smallholders will simply sell to a less responsible buyer. However, remedial action is not an option for any supplier who uses burning for land clearance. We will absolutely not tolerate the burning of forests and it will result in supplier expulsion from our supply chain.
The report states that our deadline for supplier compliance to our Sustainable Palm Oil Policy is 2020. This is a misunderstanding. Compliance to our policy, from all our 14 suppliers from Indonesia and Malaysia is expected even today. It is the verification process of our suppliers supply chain, (both the mills and third party suppliers that they buy from), that takes the traceability roadmap to 2020. Eleven of our third party suppliers have also signed Olams Supplier Code while 3 have codes consistent with ours. We have, in fact, disassociated Olam from suppliers in the past who did not strictly align with our Supplier Code requirements. Each of our suppliers must commit to not negatively impact human rights or the environmen Due to the potential for misunderstanding highlighted in the report, we will review and amend our Palm policy to clarify this fact, with immediate effect.
We are partnering with the World Resources Institute (WRI) to identify environmental risk associated with our suppliers mills, and their supply base, within a 50km radius. Given that a few of our suppliers have a sourcing network of over 800 mills, this is an immense task. Hence our year-on-year targets which are listed in the table (Progress of specific targets in road map) on page 4 of the Interim Progress Report.
We are enclosing the list of our 14 suppliers as at our October 2016 Interim Progress Report in Annex1.
Jean-Paul Pinard, Chairman of our Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (CR&S) Board Committee said: Olam International adheres to the highest standards of transparency and welcomes efforts to help us improve our sustainability policies and their implementation. Olam has engaged with great openness on its operations in Gabon, and has navigated a very responsible course between the need to provide economic growth, jobs and food security in a country which needs urgent economic diversification, and the non-negotiable requirement to protect Gabons priceless natural heritage. It is an achievement of which Olam should justifiably be proud. We are also committed to achieving end-to-end sustainable supply chains, which is a complex and challenging task where palm oil is concerned. We must, however, not be complacent and I will encourage Olams management team to continue to improve our policies and their execution, and work with our suppliers and stakeholders to ensure the integrity of all our supply chains.
Indianapolis, Indiana Cook Productions, LLC of Los Angeles, California filed a lawsuit accusing unnamed Doe Defendants of copyright infringement. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Indiana, mirrors another lawsuit filed by Cook Productions in the Northern District of Indiana.
The copyrighted work at issue is the motion picture Mr. Church, which features Eddie Murphy and Britt Robertson. The movie has been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office under Registration No. PA 2-002-851.
In this litigation, filed by a copyright lawyer for Plaintiff, the ten unnamed Doe Defendants are accused of having participated in a BitTorrent swarm to disseminate illegal copies of the movie. Plaintiff states that it used geolocation technology to trace Defendants to the Southern District of Indiana.
The complaint alleges willful and intentional copyright infringement and seeks injunctive relief, damages, costs and attorneys fees.
The case was assigned to District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt and Magistrate Judge Debra McVicker Lynch in the Southern District of Indiana and assigned Case No. 1:16-cv-03158-TWP-DML.
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Dragon Ball Super is a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation and the sequel to the Dragon Ball manga and TV series. (Photo : YouTube/ Animegames)
The latest details and spoilers for "Dragon Ball Super" will feature the return of Ultimate Son Gohan and Android 17 in an upcoming story arc, along with a possible plot and release date.
It seems that a new story arc for "Dragon Ball Super" will be revealed on Feb. 5, 2017 as a leaked image for February 2017 issue of Shueisha's V Jump magazine revealed a line-up of characters that will be appearing in the next arc.
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These characters include returning characters like Son Goku,Vegeta, Master Roshi, Majin Buu, Krilin, Android 18, Tien Shinhan and Piccolo. What makes the line-up interesting is that the photo also featured Son Gohan possibly in his base or Ultimate form and the return of "Dragon Ball Z" villain Android 17, who is now on the Z Warriors side, Saiyan Island reported.
Past episodes of "Dragon Ball Super" revealed that Gohan has been training with Piccolo in order to better prepare for battles incase the Earth is in danger against the likes of Frieza, Zamasu or other evil beings who want to harm his home, friends and love ones.
Android 17's return will likely be a mystery since he has been absorbed by Cell during "Dragon Ball Z". 17 along with his twin sister, Android 18 were the antagonist of the Android saga and played a huge role in Future Trunks' storyline as alternate future versions of Android 17 and Android 18 were wreck havoc in the in Trunks' timeline and killed Future Gohan.
As for the title of the new arc, it is called the "Universe Survival" but no further details were revealed during the announcement with the exception of the character line-ups, AnimeNewsNetwork reported.
However, the title of the new arc and the character line-up might teased that the "Universe Survival" arc could be the upcoming "Omniverse" tournament that Omini King Zen-Oh has been opting to plan after the "Universe 6 vs Universe 7" tournament.
The Omniverse tournament will likely pit Son Goku and his friends against every strong fighters in the 12 Universes.
Zen-Oh will likely host the so called Omniverse Tournament as numerous fan speculations revealed that the Gods of Destruction from all 12 universes will also partake in the contest.
For now, there is no confirmation yet as to when will the anime producers reveal the plot of the "Universe Survive" arc.
The next episode of "Dragon Ball Super" will be called Goku dies! Assassination order that must be performed. and it features the return of Universe 6 fighter and assassin Hit as he clashes with Son Goku once again in order to collect a bounty on him in exchange for his death.
"Dragon Ball Super" returns next week on Fuji TV.
Officials in the District of Squamish, British Columbia, Canada, are considering a series of zoning changes, including a ban on new self-storage developments. The proposal would allow self-storage businesses to expand existing facilities but restrict against new locations, according to the source.
It is a fairly profitable business, but it is not productive. It doesnt create jobs, John Chapman, a district planner said during an open-house meeting last week. We understand there is a demand for it, and we should have mini-storage facilities in Squamish; but rather than expand this one-level, low-density style to additional parcels, if there is extra demand, they can densify and build maybe up higher.
Julie Kelly, owner of Mountainview Storage in nearby Pemberton, British Columbia, also spoke in favor of the plan. Its a good idea. To flood the market with any one business is not sustainable, she said. The success of small businesses depends on it.
Officials are also considering a zoning change that would allow light-industrial uses along Paco Road and changing some definitions to clarify what is meant by common open space and private open space, the source reported. Other changes could include a restriction on drive-through businesses and increasing the requirement for office space in mixed-use buildings downtown.
The district council will consider the changes sometime after Jan. 1. Officials will accept public comment on the amendments until Jan. 3.
Early one November morning on MSNBCs Morning Joe, New York City Police Commissioner James ONeill and host Joe Scarborough (an ex-congressman) were discussing a surprising outcome of Donald Trumps election on city life: traffic.
The situation around Trump Tower in the heart of Manhattan on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street was extremely challenging, the commissioner said. Onerous truck restrictions made deliveries near-impossible. An entire crosstown block was shut. At least one lane of Fifth Avenue a major artery in one of the worlds busiest metropolises had been taken over as a security perimeter for the entrance to the president-elects Tower, atop which sits the populists opulent penthouse. Fifty-seventh is probably the slowest street in New York City, ONeill admitted, but expressed little concern for the resilient Manhattan pedestrian. If Fifth Avenue becomes too crowded, theyll walk down Sixth or Madison.
The commissioner understandably preoccupied with massive daily protests (slogans included Not MY President, This Pussy Grabs Back, Cant Build a Wall, Hands Too Small) overlooked those people who simply couldnt avoid the Trump zone. Tiffany & Co. and Starbucks reside beside and within Trump Tower, respectively, and employees still had to show up for work. Pumpkin spice lattes and $60,000 engagement rings dont sell themselves. Scantily clad young workers of Abercrombie & Fitch began greeting guests across the street at 10:00 a.m. sharp.
And for once, income bracket offered no out from this inconvenience. Asset management employees were uniquely impacted by the president-elects housing situation few streets in Manhattan, or the world, are as laden with money managers as the slowest street in New York City.
If one were to stand under the gold lettering at Trump Towers entrance, drop a pin on Google Maps, and search for asset management, one would discover that hundreds of billions, if not trillions, in assets flow through that one-block radius. To the north are Taurus Asset Management and Pine River Capital Management. To its south, Corsair Capital and Berens Capital Management. Across the road, Pinnacle Asset Management. And around the corner, at 9 West 57th, is a gold mine. The Solow Building houses more megainvestment firms than any other single structure in New York: KKR, Apollo Global Management, Silver Lake Partners, Tiger Global Management, and Och-Ziff Capital Management round out an exhausting, if not exhaustive, list of tenants. Their only stroke of luck was that investors tend not to window-shop for core fixed-income products.
An entirely unscientific survey of these firms found little change from their preelection routine, beyond regular alerts for employees on planned protests and local congestion. What could they do? The companies werent moving, and neither, apparently, was Trump. First Ladyelect Melania and son Baron plan to stay in New York City for some time after the January inauguration, and the future president has indicated that the Tower will be a weekend home. Thus the unofficial policy from neighboring titans of finance: Grin and bear it.
If Trump sympathized with his local asset managers and baristas, he remained uncharacteristically silent on the subject. He did express strong, if bipolar, views on the vast protests taking place 58 stories below his perch. At 10:19 p.m. on November 10, Trump via in-house policy organ Twitter opined, Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair! By the next morning hed changed his mind, or had someone change it for him. Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud! he wrote. The protesters, professional or otherwise, did the same as the asset managers: They carried on.
Half a world away, a clever variation on this strategy was in use. Days after his flip-flop on the merits of picketing his building, Trump turned his online enthusiasm toward the Chinese. Did China ask us if it was OK to devalue their currency (making it hard for our companies to compete), heavily tax our products going into their country (the U.S. doesnt tax them) or to build a massive military complex in the middle of the South China Sea? I dont think so! he wrote on December 4. The Chinese had registered muted complaint when Trump broke with 35 years of government policy and accepted a call from the president of Taiwan following his victory, but in response to his Twitter bait they did nothing. Regional commentators, polled during an early December visit to the area, believed that Trumps rhetorical flourishes masked an inability to accomplish much globally. He was, they said, like a rich drunk uncle at Christmas: all fire and outrage, until he falls asleep on the couch and change falls out of his pockets. Then take his dessert.
As November turned to December on 57th Street, the security burden slowly lifted for investors and shopgirls alike. Protests had become less frequent and voluminous. Security barriers were in place. Traffic on Fifth Avenue once again flowed at its regular New York crawl. And due to a recent pronouncement from on high, a sliver of an opportunity revealed itself to the capital-rich residents of the Solow Building. Trump had recently announced, via Twitter (of course), that legal documents are being crafted which take me completely out of business operations. The Presidency is a far more important task! While few actually believed he would sell the crown jewel of real estate holdings, a glimmer of hope existed. On Twitter, as in life, President-elect Donald Trump is nothing if not capricious, and KKR Tower has a nice ring to it.
Call it an inconvenient truth: President-elect Donald Trump appears to be gearing up for a battle with environmentalists before he has even been inaugurated. Trump has already promised to gut the Environmental Protection Agency and radically shift the Department of Energys focus back to fossil fuels and nuclear power (selecting former Texas governor Rick Perry, who sits on the board of Dakota Access Pipeline company Energy Transfer Partners, to lead the effort) and just named Rex Tillerson, the CEO of ExxonMobil, as his pick for secretary of State.
But several well-known climate change activists are gearing up for a fight of their own and some of them have very deep pockets. Indeed, the Trump climate drama is unfolding just as two separate factions of billionaires have issued reports and calls to action. One of them is the Risky Business Project, an initiative backed and co-chaired by Bloomberg founder Michael Bloomberg, former Treasury secretary Hank Paulson and former hedge fund manager-turned-environmental-activist Tom Steyer, which issued a report this month showing just how much money is needed over the coming decades to change the energy mix and cut carbon emissions 80 percent economy-wide by 2050.
The report titled From Risk to Return: Investing in a Clean Energy Economy estimates that to hit that target, some $220 billion of additional capital will need to be invested per year from 2020 to 2030, with that number rising to $410 billion a year between 2030 and 2040 and falling to $360 billion a year from 2040 to 2050. Such capital investments would, the report contends, significantly reduce fuel costs, resulting in savings of $70 billion per year from 2020 to 2030, $370 billion a year from 2030 to 2040, and a massive $700 billon a year for the decade starting in 2050.
We can reduce climate change with existing clean technologies. We dont need an energy miracle, said Paulson, formerly the CEO of Goldman Sachs Group and Treasury secretary under President George W. Bush, in a statement accompanying the report.
Paulsons view, which is shared by others in the Risky Business tent, is in stark contrast to another would-be climate warrior, Bill Gates, the co-founder and former CEO of Microsoft and founder of the Breakthrough Energy Coalition, which this week announced the formation of Breakthrough Energy Ventures, an investor-led, $1 billion fund whose goal is to build companies that will help deliver the next generation of reliable, affordable, and emissions-free energy to the world, Gates said in a statement.
Investors in the fund include Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com; Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group; Jack Ma, executive chairman of Alibaba Group Holding; and former natural gas trader and hedge-fund-manager-turned-philanthropist John Arnold, as well as venture capital titans John Doerr and Vinod Khosla.
I am honored to work along with these investors to build on the powerful foundation of public investment in basic research, Gates said in the statement. Gates is of the belief that the world needs a new Manhattan Project the U.S. program that developed the atomic bomb to solve the problem of global warming and that current technologies are not up to the task.
Risky Business and Breakthrough Energy are not the only business groups urging greater awareness of and action around climate change. Just last month more than 350 business leaders and investors sent a letter to President Obama and President-elect Trump and other world leaders urging them to reaffirm commitment to the Paris Agreement and the need to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. And this week Paramount Pictures announced it plans to release sequel to former U.S. Vice President and longtime climate campaigner Al Gores 2006 box-office-hit documentary on climate change, An Inconvenient Truth.
Such a steady drumbeat of passionate calls for climate reform from business leaders, entrepreneurs and asset owners does not take away from the fact that the next few years look likely to be very positive for the U.S. coal, oil, and gas sectors. Meanwhile, the burden for funding clean energy solutions will likely fall more heavily on the private sector than ever before.
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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.
One of the largest tech companies in the world is priming itself as a potential competitor in the self-driving car industry.Alphabet Incs Google announced yesterday that its self-driving car project has been rebranded as Waymo; the company will act as an independent entity within Google. Executives have hinted that Waymo is close to bringing its autonomous driving technology to the public.Reuters reported that while no deals were announced, the creation of a self-driving car company signals a desire to finally monetize the companys valuable research amid fierce competition from a score of rivals all vying to be the first to launch production-ready self-driving cars.Googles seven-year foray into self-driving technology has been one of the most pioneering and prolific in the emergent industry. Its dominance, however, has been challenged in recent years by other giants looking to take a piece of the autonomous vehicle pie, such as Uber and Apple Inc., and even traditional car manufacturers looking to take the great leap.Its an indication of the maturity of our technology, said Waymo chief executive John Krafcik in a press conference in San Francisco. We can imagine our self-driving tech being used in all sorts of areas.In October 2015, Google made headlines when one of its autonomous cars gave a ride to a blind man in Austin, Texas. Normally, an engineer sits in the passenger seat during testing to monitor the technology, but during this monumental ride, only the blind man was a passenger in the vehicle.Krafcik said that Waymos technology will be production-ready soon. He also made clear that Waymo is not looking into producing self-driving cars, but rather in developing the tech to drive and direct them. Krafcik said that the possible applications for the technology include ride-sharing, transportation, trucking, logistics, and personal use vehicles.
The human element of cyber risk presents one of the biggest challenges in the security environment, one expert has said.While many businesses will rightly focus on the digital elements of cyber security and attack prevention, such as ensuring server security or malware protection, staff training is just as important.Phishing-type cyber attacks utilising ransomware are now commonplace and the impact they have on Australian businesses can be devastating. The person that receives an email or accepts an online scenario at face-value is often the weakest link in the security chain, said Mario Bekes, managing director of Insight Intelligence, and no IT system can protect a business from ignorance.Bekes said that companies need to invest in their human firewall to help protect against attacks which are becoming ever-more sophisticated in their use of social engineering.We have seen a growing awareness from firms of the need to look at their cyber security from a people perspective and not just an IT perspective. However, there is a long way to go for firms to act on this effectively, Bekes told Insurance Business.For brokers, it is important that their clients remain informed about the changing threat landscape. Relevant, on-going staff training could be the difference between the prevention of a cyber attack or a small business being forced to pay a ransom for their data in the event of a breach.Bekes said that all businesses should consider cyber cover and stressed that the industry has an important role to play in the cyber security market.Im no insurance broker, but I think every business should consider cyber protection and what the consequences are if they get compromised, he explained. Insurance has a big role to play in this and insurers have the opportunity to play a leading role in helping to stop problems in the first place.It is often said that any business with an internet connection is at risk of cyber attacks and experts across both the cyber security and cyber insurance industry have said that ignorance is no longer a defence. This could have a lasting impact on the insurance landscape as it means that directors could be held responsible in the event of a data breach.The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) will see more threats created in 2017 and beyond. One recent attack, which shut down major international sites such as Netflix, Twitter and Paypal by utilising security cameras and other IoT devices, points to the future of cyber attacks around the world.Bekes sees the development of IoT-based attacks as a key issue for the cyber industry over the coming year. By utilising smart devices, hackers will be able to attack more businesses with more frequency, highlighting the importance cyber cover will increasingly have.
A Vermont ski resort owner is suing his insurer in federal court for more than $2 million to fund his legal defense against fraud accusations brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Jay Peak owner Ariel Quiros and former president Bill Stenger were accused by Vermont and the SEC of misusing $200 million raised from foreign investors for developments through a special visa program. Quiros is also accused of improperly diverting $50 million for personal use.
Stenger settled his case with the SEC.
The Caledonian Record reports Quiros filed a lawsuit last week in Miami against Ironshore Indemnity.
The suit says Ironshore is contractually obligated to advance his defense costs and that it breached its contract by failing to do so.
Ironshore couldnt immediately be reached for comment.
Information from: The Caledonian-Record
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Lawsuits Carriers Fraud Vermont
Director Rupert Sanders speaks to the audience during the global trailer launch for Paramount Pictures' 'Ghost in the Shell' at the Tabloid on November 13, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo : Getty Images/ Tomohiro Ohsumi)
The original anime film "Ghost in the Shell" is scheduled to return to the big screen next year in the United Kingdom. It is also planned to run in theaters in the United States.
The classic anime that set the bar for similar productions is scheduled to have a limited showing in cinemas across the U.K. and for only one night. The event will happen on Jan. 25. Fans in the U.S. will also have their chance to relive the adventures of one of their favorite characters, although the date is still undecided, Wired reported.
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The "Ghost in the Shell" anime movie was originally released back in 1995 and was based on the cyberpunk manga creation of Masamune Shirow that was first serialize in 1989. The manga is about a counter-cyberterrorist organization called Public Security Section 9 headed by the protagonist Major Motoko Kusanagi. This is also the character played by Scarlett Johansson in the live-action movie adaptation of the same title that will premiere on March 31, 2017.
Major Kusanagi is a cyborg and has a full body prosthetic. She leads an elite team that tries to locate a malicious hacker called Puppet Master. Batou, her right hand man, is known for his unprecedented strength and power. The duo is able to track down the Puppet Master, but they need to act fast before the villain destroys their virtual and physical worlds.
The original "Ghost in the Shell" anime movie was directed by Mamoru Oshii, who also took the helm for the 2008 "Ghost in the Shell 2.0." The latter is the remastered version of the first film but includes CGI visuals and enhanced audio. However, this version will not be the one to have the English-dubbed theatrical run but the 1995 version. A video trailer was also released for the special move run.
Meanwhile, for the Johansen-starrer movie, fans can get their hands on the "Ghost in the Shell" steelbook set that will be released on March 14, 2017. Not much is known about the upcoming collector item except for an exclusive Mondo key art.
The 1995 "Ghost in the Shell" anime movie will be shown in U.K. theaters only on Wednesday, Jan. 25.
XL Catlins insurance operations announced it has enhanced the wording of its all-in-one solution for collectors, arts and jewelry professionals, called Mosaic.
The Mosaic coverage, which is available in France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain, now includes a number of additional coverages including business interruption and public liability, the company said in a statement.
Mosaic is designed to address the risk collectors, museums, art galleries, jewelers and watchmakers face, with a single policy using a combination of property, liability and transport coverages. The solution allows clients to protect their art and valuables against the risk of loss, theft and damage while on display, in storage and in transit. Mosaic also covers buildings hosting valuables, their installations and content.
Europe has historically been a significant marketplace for the arts and this is true today, explained Yannick Daucourt, EMEA regional manager, Fine Art & Specie.
According to Larrys List, Europe is home to the largest proportion of collectors with 38 percent of the worlds contemporary art collectors based across the continent. Additionally, according to their latest report, a large number of new private museums will open in the near future and collectors will become more engaged with public museums, lending their art for exhibitions, Daucourt said.
The XL Catlin said its Fine Art & Specie team in Europe works with brokers to insure art collections owned by museums, galleries, companies and individuals.
Source: XL Catlin
Topics Europe AXA XL
SCOR announced the launch of a new three-year contingent capital facility, which provides the group with 300 million ($319 million) coverage in case of an extreme natural catastrophe or life events affecting mortality.
SCOR said the facility takes the form of a contingent equity line, which would enable the group to protect its solvency in case of catastrophic events.
This is SCORs third contingent capital facility with its first, pioneering solution launched on Jan. 1, 2011, the company said in a statement, noting that the new solution is consistent with the previous facilities.
The new contingent capital equity line was arranged with BNP Paribas and will replace, as of Jan. 1, 2017, the current contingent capital facility which comes to an end on Dec. 31, 2016. Under the arrangement, SCOR raises its protection by 100 million ($106.3 million) from the current facility.
The transaction will give rise to the issuance of approximately 9.6 million warrants issued by SCOR to BNP Paribas. Each warrant gives BNP Paribas the right to subscribe to two new SCOR shares without exceeding 10 percent of SCORs share capital, the company said.
The issuance of the warrants was authorized by an extraordinary general meeting of SCOR shareholders on April 27, 2016 and was approved by its board of directors on Oct. 26, 2016.
The solution allows SCOR to diversify its ways and means of protecting its solvency, and offers a very cost effective alternative to traditional retro and ILS, the company said.
This new contingent capital facility is fully in line with the active capital management policy at the heart of our three-year plan Vision in Action and helps to safeguard the groups solvency in case of extreme catastrophe events. This facility protects SCORs solvency, at a very low cost for our shareholders, against events such as a global pandemic or a natural catastrophe of historic proportions, commented Denis Kessler, chairman & chief executive officer of SCOR.
As well as being recognized in SCORs internal model, the solution has received substantial favorable qualitative and quantitative assessments from the rating agencies, said SCOR.
In the absence of any extreme triggering event, no shares will be issued under the facility, which means it is highly likely that this facility will reach its term without any dilutive impact for shareholders, according to SCOR.
Source: SCOR
A handful of Democrats in a health oversight committee say they continue to have questions about the performance of Iowas Medicaid program, more than eight months after it switched to a privatized system run by three insurance companies.
Democrats in the bipartisan Health Policy Oversight Committee expressed skepticism about the new healthcare system for poor and disabled residents amid a roughly four-hour meeting at the Capitol that featured results of a quarterly report about the program. The report was released last month by the Iowa Department of Human Services, which oversees the three insurance companies that now run Medicaid.
Despite an assessment by DHS officials that the agency was seeing improvements in the system, Democrats continued to share anecdotal reports about problems regarding patient care and reimbursements for service providers that offer Medicaid. Democratic Sen. Liz Mathis said she was particularly concerned that some providers are reportedly owed hundreds of thousands of dollars.
We want to iron out these difficulties and we want to have the best system we can for the people who are the most vulnerable, she said.
Amy McCoy, a spokeswoman for DHS, noted that some issues regarding coverage or reimbursements also existed under the old state-run system. But she emphasized that the agency continues to address lingering problems, especially as it relates to providers seeking reimbursements.
DHS officials said during their presentation that data collected in their quarterly reports should soon clearly reflect performance trends, a point that Republican Rep. David Heaton reiterated during closing remarks.
The longer we go, the more meaningful the data, he said.
The oversight committee, which first met in late 2015, was formed as Iowa moved its Medicaid program to privatization. Democratic lawmakers have heavily criticized the switch and continue to say it was rushed. Some expressed reservations about an estimate from DHS that the state is projected to save $118 million during the current budget year for privatizing Medicaid. Democratic Sen. Joe Bolkcom called the figure smoke and mirrors because the department did not pinpoint specific areas in the system where savings were achieved.
Jean Slaybaugh, the chief financial officer for DHS, said the department reached its estimate by comparing how much money Iowa would have spent on Medicaid under the old state-run system.
McCoy later pointed out that the new system is helping the state contain costs while offering better care. She noted that a recent budget group released data that shows Iowa will need to plug in about $100 million for its current budget year when the Legislature convenes in January.
McCoy said without privatization, that gap would be even bigger.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Iowa Politics
The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued an interim final rule (IFR) revising pipeline safety regulations to address safety issues related to underground natural gas storage facilities.
The IFR followed recommendations by a U.S. interagency task force in October after a major leak from the Aliso Canyon storage facility in California last year.
It revises federal regulations governing safety issues related to downhole facilities, including well integrity, well bore tubing and casing.
The standards, effective 30 days after the date of publication in the federal register, directly apply to about 200 interstate facilities and serve as the minimum federal standard for about 200 intrastate facilities, the agency said in a statement on Wednesday.
This IFR addresses aging infrastructure and is the first step in a multiphase process to enhance the safety of underground natural gas storage, said PHMSA Administrator Marie Therese Dominguez in the statement, adding that the standard would help prevent incidents like the one at Aliso Canyon.
SoCalGas, owned by California energy company Sempra Energy, shut Aliso Canyon in October 2015 due to a massive methane leak that was not plugged until February.
Aliso Canyon is the biggest of the companys four storage fields and supplies gas to homes and businesses in Southern California, including power plants and refineries.
(Reporting by Karen Rodrigues in Bengaluru; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli)
Topics California USA
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to decide whether to limit where patent lawsuits may be filed, potentially threatening a years-long trend that critics say allows frequent and often-baseless litigants to sue in courts friendly to them.
The justices said they will hear an appeal by beverage flavoring company TC Heartland LLC to have a patent infringement suit brought against it by food company Kraft Heinz Co. moved from federal court in Delaware, where it was filed, to Heartlands home base in Indiana. TC Heartland is challenging a lower court ruling denying a transfer to Indiana.
The dispute has been closely watched by high technology businesses, which are the frequent targets of companies that generate revenue by suing over patents instead of making products, sometimes called patent trolls.
Critics say certain judicial districts, especially the federal court in Eastern Texas, have procedures and rulings that favor patent trolls. Though far from any high-tech center, more than 40 percent of all patent cases were filed there last year.
A decision by the high court in favor of TC Heartland could curtail lawsuits in East Texas even though the case did not originate there.
Pittsburgh-based Kraft, which makes the MiO brand of liquid water enhancers, sued in Delaware in 2014 alleging that TC Heartlands Refreshe-branded liquid enhancers infringed three of its patents.
TC Heartland, a subsidiary of Heartland Consumer Products Holdings, argued that it has no presence in Delaware and 98 percent of its sales are outside of that state. The court denied a transfer to Indiana. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington upheld that ruling last April.
TC Heartland urged the Supreme Court to take the case, saying the appeals courts precedent on where suits may be filed has produced a plague of forum shopping.
The court will hear the case and issue a ruling by the end of June.
(Reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham)
Topics Lawsuits Indiana
The Department of Justice obtained more than $4.7 billion in settlements and judgments from civil cases involving fraud and false claims against the government in fiscal year 2016.
This is the third highest annual recovery in False Claims Act history, bringing the fiscal year average to nearly $4 billion since fiscal year 2009, and the total recovery during that period to $31.3 billion, according to the agency.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Departments Civil Division, said the beneficiaries of the settlements include veterans, the elderly, and low-income families insured by federal health care programs; families and students with federally insured college loans; and taxpayers footing the bill for national security and defense.
Of the $4.7 billion recovered, $2.5 billion came from the health care industry including drug companies, medical device companies, hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories, and physicians, according to the report. The $2.5 billion recovered in fiscal year 2016 reflects only federal losses.
The next largest recoveries came from the financial industry. Settlements and judgments in cases alleging false claims in connection with federally insured residential mortgages totaled nearly $1.7 billion in fiscal year 2016.
The False Claims Act is used by the government to redress false claims for government funds and property under government programs and contracts relating to various areas including health care, defense and national security, food safety and inspection, federally insured loans and mortgages, highway funds, small business contracts, agricultural subsidies, disaster assistance and import tariffs.
In 1986, Congress amended the law by increasing incentives for whistleblowers to file lawsuits alleging false claims on behalf of the government.
Whistleblowers filed 702 suits in fiscal year 2016, and the department recovered $2.9 billion in these and earlier filed suits this past year. The government awarded the whistleblowers $519 million during the same period.
Health Care Fraud
The largest recoveries this past year $1.2 billion came from the drug and medical device industry. Drug manufacturers Wyeth and Pfizer Inc. paid $784.6 million to resolve federal and state claims that Wyeth knowingly reported false and fraudulent prices on two drugs used to treat acid reflux, Protonix Oral and Protonix IV. Wyeth paid $413.2 million to the federal government and $371.4 million to state Medicaid programs.
In another settlement against a drug company, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. paid $390 million based on claims that the company gave kickbacks to specialty pharmacies in return for recommending Exjade, an iron chelation drug, and Myfortic, an anti-rejection drug for kidney transplant recipients. The settlement includes $306.9 million for the federal government and $83.1 million for state Medicaid programs.
Housing and Mortgage Fraud
The Department recovered more than $7 billion in housing and mortgage claims from January 2009 to the end of fiscal year 2016, including settlements and judgments totaling $1.6 billion this past fiscal year the second highest annual recovery in the history of the federally insured mortgage program.
Notable tin the housing and mortgage areas were settlements with Wells Fargo for $1.2 billion and Freedom Mortgage Corp. for $113 million.
The agency also recovered $82.6 million in false claims from BP Exploration and Production Inc. (BP) arising from the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon/Macondo Well explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The department pursued a variety of procurement fraud matters. For example, L-3 Communications EOTech Inc. and its parent company, L-3 Communications Corp., paid the United States $25.6 million for defective holographic weapon sites EOTech sold to the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and FBI. The defendants, including EOTechs president, admitted knowing the sights failed to perform as represented in cold temperatures and humid environments, but delayed disclosing the defects to federal authorities for years.
Regarding for-profit schools and federal education funds, the second largest for-profit education company in the country, Education Management Corp., paid the U.S. $52.6 million to resolve allegations that it unlawfully recruited students, engaged in deceptive and misleading recruiting practices, and falsely certified compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act and parallel state laws that prohibited such conduct, as part of a $95.5 million global federal-state settlement.
Source: Department of Justice
Topics Claims Fraud Training Development Drugs
Kevin McCartys decision to resign as Floridas insurance commissioner at the beginning of the year after 13 years in the position rocked the states insurance world. It also set the stage for a political battle between Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater over his replacement.
McCarty alerted the Florida Cabinet, which consists of Scott, Atwater, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and Attorney General Pam Bondi, in January that he would step down on May 2, 2016. McCarty cited his desire to pursue other job opportunities as the reason for his departure.
Rumored names of his successor began flying and an online application was opened to fill the position. After weeding through the 50-plus applications, the Cabinet interviewed Florida State Rep. Bill Hager and former Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Director Jeffrey Bragg in March. But the governor and CFO couldnt agree and instead reopened the application and interviewed several more candidates.
In a special emergency meeting on April 29, the Cabinet appointed OIRs Deputy Insurance Commissioner for Property Casualty David Altmaier as the new commissioner with the caveat that McCarty would remain for a two month transition.
Altmaier, 34-years old at the time of his appointment, is the youngest insurance commissioner in the country. He has been with the Florida OIR since 2008, spearheading the development of tools to monitor the resiliency of the states property insurance market in light of its exposure to catastrophic hurricanes.
He is a Kentucky native and a 2004 graduate of Western Kentucky University where he majored in mathematics. He spent two years working in a Tallahassee insurance agency, the Peggy Browning Insurance Agency, in customer service before joining the Florida OIR in September 2008 as an examiner in the property/casualty financial oversight unit. He rose in the ranks in that department to become chief analyst in 2012 and director in 2014. In 2015 he was named OIRs deputy commissioner for P/C.
Altmaier said in his cover letter he has developed a deep appreciation for the role insurance plays in the daily lives of Floridians.
Whats Next
Altmaier has tackled several major Florida insurance issues already since taking office, and he said there is plenty of work ahead.
Since being appointed Floridas insurance commissioner the summer and early fall has been filled with significant developments across many lines of insurance. In addition to responding to the first hurricanes to affect Florida in several years, weve also faced supreme court decisions which will change the dynamics of our workers compensation market, challenges in our health insurance market, and rising property insurance rates, Altmaier told Insurance Journal. These issues have helped frame our priorities for the rest of this year as well as for 2017. Im looking forward to addressing these topics with the many interested stakeholders in our state, while continuing to make Florida a leader in consumer protection and market stability.
Each top Florida insurance topic of 2016 will be highlighted this week. Check back Friday for this years changes in Floridas flood insurance market and whats in store for the private market next year.
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Topics Florida Market
Officials say a second worker injured in the Oct. 31 explosion of a major gasoline pipeline in Alabama has died.
Al.com quotes the Occupational Health and Safety Administration as saying the employee died on Nov. 22 from injuries received during the explosion of the Colonial Pipeline in Shelby County.
The federal agency says it was contacted by the workers employer, Heflin-based L.E. Bell Construction. OSHA didnt identify the worker.
Colonial officials say eight members of the nine-member crew working on the pipeline when it exploded were employees of L.E Bell.
Officials say the explosion resulted from a worker who accidentally hit the line while doing excavation work.
The explosion sparked a geyser of fire and shut down a vital pipeline supplying gasoline to millions of people across the Southeast.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Alabama
San Diego, CA, December 15, 2016 Atlas General Insurance Services, LLC (Atlas), a national multi-line program administrator, announced the addition of four more states eligible for workers compensation coverage through their exclusive partnership with an A.M. Best A rated carrier.
Available for new business with effective dates of January 1, 2017, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia join the existing list including California, Arizona, Nevada and Georgia, who are already actively writing workers compensation business with Atlas. While the focus of Atlas workers compensation business centers around niche industries such as construction, transportation, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing and janitorial, over 400 class codes are eligible for Atlas exclusive programs with top-rated carriers. Brokers writing workers compensation with Atlas also have access to GoQuote, the companys easy-to-use online quoting platform for small business.
Atlas is quickly becoming a thriving market for workers compensation and commercial business across the country, said Mike Matthews, President, Workers Compensation. The addition of these four states is just the beginning of the geographic footprint we are creating to meet the needs of our brokers. Atlas goal is to continually provide value-added solutions to our brokers and help them better serve their valued clients.
While this territory expansion further solidifies Atlas reputation as an expert workers compensation market, the company also continues to grow its successful commercial and specialty property lines of business with the goal of becoming a one-stop quoting platform for over 5,000 of its broker partners nationwide.
For more information about this expansion, contact Chuck Holdren, Vice President of Product Development Workers Compensation, at chuck@atlas.us.com or visit www.atlas.us.com/products/workers-compensation/
About Atlas General Insurance Services, LLC
Atlas General Insurance Services is a full-service program administrator that offers a wide range of insurance solutions. Atlas has expertise in developing and underwriting programs with a variety of insurance carrier partners. Atlas provides exceptional service and unique options for clients seeking workers compensation, commercial lines and specialty property coverage. For more information, visit atlas.us.com.
Media Contact:
Nicole Marino
Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications
(858) 529-6750
nicole.marino@atlas.us.com
Topics Workers' Compensation Talent
Hippo, an insurtech startup looking to provide home insurance beginning in 2017, has announced $14 million in Series A funding led by VC firm Horizons Ventures.
Hippo says it is taking a new approach to the home insurance experience with digital distribution and coverage standards that reflect the changes in home contents since home insurance policies were initially developed.
The company plans to use investments for product development and marketing of its official launch early next year. Hippo has been approved by the California Department of Insurance to sell policies in the state and is currently in the middle of a closed beta program.
"We took everything that's wrong with the current state of home insurancethe confusing forms, the outdated policy terms, the agent as middlemanand fixed it," said Assaf Wand, CEO of Hippo, in a statement. The home insurance industry hasn't changed in decades and no longer reflects modern lifestyles. Policies still cover old school items like pewter bowls, stock certificates and furs, but only provide $2,000 of coverage for home electronics. At Hippo, we make sure modern homeowners are fully covered through our online, transparent and affordable policies."
Joining Horizons Ventures in the funding round were RPM Ventures, Propel Venture Partners, GGV Capital and Pipeline Capital. Horizons Ventures has previously invested in companies such as Facebook, Waze and Spotify.
"In the days of technology, convenience and accountability, home insurance still isn't easily available online," said Frances Kang, project director at Horizons Ventures. "We believe Hippo will provide more transparency, efficiency and cost-savings and more importantly, peace of mind to consumers."
Will Smith as Floyd Lawton aka Deadshot in 'Suicide Squad' (Photo : YouTube/ Warner Bros. Pictures)
"Suicide Squad" may have received mixed reviews but it did manage to garner over $700 Million worldwide. A "Gotham City Sirens" film has been green lit, focusing on Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, but Warner Bros. Pictures also announced they were moving forward with a "Deadshot" spin-off.
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According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film will focus on Deadshot (Will Smith) although further details regarding the plot and setting have yet to be released. There have been rumors of Batman (Ben Affleck) appearing in the movie although this has not yet been confirmed.
No director has been announced for "Deadshot" as the "Gotham City Sirens" project is reportedly further along development. The latter will reunite Margot Robbie with "Suicide Squad" director David Ayer and is expected to see her Harley Quinn team together with Catwoman and Poison Ivy.
Smith is currently working with Ayer on a separate project titled "Bright," which is described as a fantasy-thriller which will premiere on Netflix. Smith stars alongside actor Joel Edgerton. Once the project is done Smith is expected to work on the "Deadshot" film as Ayer will move on to "Gotham City Sirens."
However, the "Deadshot" movie is not releasing immediately after "Gotham City Sirens" but after the "Suicide Squad" sequel, Cinema Blend reported. This sequel will be bringing back Ayer, Robbie and Smith and the director aims to make it Rated-R.
It is stated that one of the strongest points reflected in "Suicide Squad" was the relationship between Deadshot and his daughter as well his connection to Batman. These elements are expected to be explored in the spin-off but no villain or other superhero cameo has yet been confirmed.
The DCEU is also preoccupied with "Justice League," "The Flash," "Wonder Woman" and "Aquaman." There are also the films still in early development such as "The Flash" and "The Batman" and the studios will need to announce where the "Deadshot" movie will be squeezed in.
The insurtech space -- the growing number of startup technology companies looking to bring latest-generation technology innovations to the insurance innovation -- is booming. The unlikely marriage between venerable insurance institutions and Silicon Valley's next-generation approach is paying dividends, experts said in a panel discussion at the startup accelerator Plug & Play Tech Center.
[Meet the 22 insurtech startups in the Plug & Play cohort]
Insurtech companies are standing out for their flexibility, says Robert Mozeika, executive for innovation strategy for Munich Re Silicon Valley. has been based in the Bay Area for two years, and says he's "surprised, but not shocked" about how quickly insurtech has come to the forefront.
At the same time, he notes, "the startups aren't always going to give you the solutions on a silver platter."
"You have to collaborate with them -- they are learning about the insurance industry and are willing to pivot," Mozeika explains. "It's about quickly getting to what is the value: Is this idea really going to swing our loss ratio at the end of the day?"
Jacob Rothfuss, head of commercial property, liability, and auto lines for Farmers Insurance agreed with his fellow panelist. He adds that insurers also have to learn how to talk with startups. Insurers should also understand the fast-fail approach common in Silicon Valley and begin to adopt it themselves -- there isn't always a lot of time to make a decision.
"Carries have to be very disciplined in the approach you take around insurtech in particular," Rothfuss says. "Know what you're trying to solve for and seek those firms. You have to decide quickly whether it's something you want to move forward with or isn't for you right now."
From Farmers' perspective, Rothfuss says, the company is looking for innovative solutions to help mitigate losses and improve the claims experience. Panelists all recommended identifying leaders within the insurance organization who are willing to be a champion for new technology options, and be ready to take action quickly.
"There's not a shortage of ideas, but some of our organizations are very large, and my job is to find a champion in this global company that will be the best partner for [a startup]," Mozeika explains.
Tim Attia of Slice Labs, representing the startup voice on the panel, said that it "does take a lot of energy" to find the right partner. That's what makes organizations like Plug & Play valuable, he adds: "From a startup perspective being part of the ecosystem is really important. The ability to have access to a lot of global carriers is critical."
UPDATE: a more recent version of the Global Tax 50 is available.
Methodology The members of the Global Tax 50 represent the choices of the International Tax Review editorial team, who decided who or what they thought has had the biggest impact on taxation during the past 12 months. Breaking down the entire 50 individually according to the impact they made in 2016 would require too granular an approach, so the magazine list is ordered alphabetically for ease of navigation, while online you can view the top 10 influencers, set apart for their particular contributions.
The number one spot on the Global Tax 50 has been retained by Margarethe Vestager for a second year after she announced the landmark state aid decision concerning Apples tax rulings with Ireland. She has been surrounded by media attention as a result of the decision and has faced a backlash of criticism from the parties involved and US politicians, among others.
In 2016, the Global Tax 50 was topped by Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission president, who found himself in a maelstrom of media attention and calls for his resignation over accusations of hypocrisy and conflict of interest in relation to European Commissions investigations into tax competition and state aid, following the LuxLeaks scandal. A year earlier, the top spot was a shared entry, with Amazon, Google and Starbucks collectively after the public outcry over their tax affairs.
The increased scrutiny of the multinationals tax affairs - and of the tax rulings multinationals have with jurisdictions around the world, though particularly in Europe - have driven the changes that were witnessed in 2016. Through Vestagers role, more tax rulings were deemed illegal under state aid rules, while many countries made changes that boosted corporate transparency and tackled profit shifting practices.
As in previous editions, politicians and policymakers make up a majority of the list, though it also recognises academics, authors, campaigners, CEOs, and judges, among others.
The full list of the 50 most influential people in tax will be published on December 14.
We welcome comments on our Global Tax 50. Please share your thoughts and reactions. Do you agree with our entries? Who do you think should make up next year's list and why?
Be sure to check out our LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook platforms to take part in these live discussions.
Tweet this #GlobalTax50 LinkedIn group
The Top 10 ranked in order of influence
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Margrethe Vestager
European competition commissioner
The EU competition commissioner has had a busy year scrutinising the tax affairs of multinational enterprises and member states. She has topped this year's Global Tax 50 list for her most notable decision concerning Apple's tax rulings with Ireland.
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The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists
Network of journalists
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has established itself as a major player in the world of tax with leaks of confidential information leading to substantial legislatives changes worldwide.
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Brexit
Geopolitical event that has created unprecedented tax uncertainty
The narrow vote by the people of the UK to leave the European Union in a referendum on June 23 took the world - and much of the UK itself - by surprise.
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Arun Jaitley
Minister of finance, India
Arun Jaitley has pulled a hat-trick and remained in the Global Tax 50 for the third year running for his continued efforts to overhaul India's tax system and rid it of corruption and opaque policies.
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Jacob Lew
Secretary of the treasury, US
Jacob Lew returns to the Global Tax 50 this year due to his influential tax changes that saw big business deals collapse. He has also been vocal in calling for US tax reform in the wake of the state aid investigations by the European Commission.
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Antoine Deltour and Raphael Halet
Former PwC employees and whistleblowers
Antoine Deltour and Raphael Halet are new entries to this years Global Tax 50 for their involvement in the infamous tax scandal, the LuxLeaks, which has been influential in political dialogue to tackle tax avoidance, improve transparency and protect whistleblowers.
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Operation Zealots
Court reform in Brazil
Operacao Zelotes, or Operation Zealots, was a two-year police investigation into court corruption in Brazil that resulted a complete closure and overhaul of the tax courts, with the ramifications still being felt today. While the police investigation ran from 2013 to 2015, its aftermath has been felt most keenly by taxpayers in 2016. Since the courts reopened, they are far more likely to find in favour of the tax authorities.
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Guy Verhofstadt
Lead Brexit negotiator for the European Parliament; Chair of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
When former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt was appointed as the lead Brexit negotiator for the European Parliament, dismay rippled through the halls of Westminster - at least among UK politicians hoping for an easy process in negotiating its exit from the EU.
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Theresa May (and the 'three Brexiteers')
Prime Minister and Brexit negotiation chiefs: Boris Johnson, Liam Fox and David Davis
Theresa May became the UK Prime Minister on July 13 2016 and, given the scale of the challenge that Brexit poses, she faces perhaps the most difficult tenure of any UK premier since the Second World War.
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Donald Trump
US President-elect
President-elect Donald Trump sits high on this list after winning November's seismic US election, which means that the Republic party holds the House of Representatives, the Senate, the executive Court and the Supreme Court. A clean sweep.
What do you think of the top 10? Is there anyone missing from the top 10? Have your say on Twitter (#GlobalTax50) or LinkedIn. Share this article on twitter.
The remaining 40 in alphabetic order
Kemi Adeosun
Kemi Adeosun
Piet Battiau
Piet Battiau
Elise Bean
Elise Bean
Monica Bhatia
Monica Bhatia
Allison Christians
Allison Christians
Tim Cook
Tim Cook
Rita de la Feria
Rita de la Feria
Caroline Flint
Caroline Flint
Judith Freedman
Judith Freedman
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland
Pravin Gordhan
Pravin Gordhan
Orrin Hatch
Orrin Hatch
Meg Hillier
Meg Hillier
Mulyani Indrawati
Mulyani Indrawati
Lou Jiwei
Lou Jiwei
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson
Stephanie Johnston
Stephanie Johnston
Chris Jordan
Chris Jordan
Pravind Jugnauth
Pravind Jugnauth
Wang Jun
Wang Jun
Jean-Claude Juncker
Jean-Claude Juncker
Kathleen Kerrigan
Kathleen Kerrigan
Christine Lagarde
Christine Lagarde
Werner Langen
Werner Langen
Jolyon Maugham
Jolyon Maugham
Angela Merkel
Angela Merkel
Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi
Will Morris
Will Morris
Michael Noonan
Michael Noonan
Grace Perez-Navarro
Grace Perez-Navarro
Platform for the Collaboration on Tax
Platform for the Collaboration on Tax
Donato Raponi
Donato Raponi
Pascal Saint-Amans
Pascal Saint-Amans
Heather Self
Heather Self
Robert Stack
Robert Stack
Tax Justice Network
Tax Justice Network
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Transparency International
Transparency International
US Committee on Ways and Means
US Committee on Ways and Means
Rodrigo Valdes
Rodrigo Valdes
The fate of the merger between T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS) and Sprint Corporation (S) will soon be in the hands of Senior United States District Judge Victor Marrero, who presided over a December trial brought by 14 state attorneys general seeking to block the well-publicized hook-up. Opinions of Wall Street analysts are evenly divided on the court's decision, which may come later this month. U.S. government agencies have already stated they won't block the merger, so a "thumbs-up" here could finally end the legal battle.
T-Mobile US CEO John Legere triggered a stock decline in November when media outlets reported that he was seeking the CEO job at WeWork, the troubled start-up. That didn't happen, but the executive announced his resignation just one week later, effective when his contract expires on April 30. Unfortunately for shareholders, the drama unfolded right in the middle of the merger approval process, triggering an unneeded distraction while raising legitimate questions about his fiduciary obligations.
Even so, T-Mobile US stock is holding support at the 200-day exponential moving average (EMA) in the $70s ahead of the court decision and could gain ground regardless of the final outcome. Sprint's share price performance has deteriorated since the start of merger discussions, and many investors will be happy if the deal fails and T-Mobile gets a golden opportunity to walk away. However, volatility is likely to spike higher in the short term regardless of the outcome.
TMUS Long-Term Chart (2007 2020)
TradingView.com
The 13-year price history combines a number of mergers and acquisitions, as well as accounting changes by parent Deutsche Telekom AG (DTEGY). T-Mobile US stock charged higher after opening in the mid-$20s on the first day of trading in April 2007, entering a modest uptrend that topped out just above $40 in July. The subsequent downtrend hit new lows in September, signaling the next phase of a bearish period that finally ended at an all-time low in the single digits in February 2010.
A bounce into 2011 failed in the upper teens, giving way to renewed selling pressure, followed by a successful retest of the prior low in the second quarter of 2012. That price action completed a large-scale double bottom reversal, setting the stage for a new uptrend that stalled within five points of the 2007 high in 2014. The stock ground sideways around that level into the second quarter of 2015 and broke out, but upside momentum failed to develop until the first quarter of 2016.
That rally impulse posted impressive gains into 2017, stalling in the upper $80s, ahead of a broad and volatile trading range that persisted into a February 2019 breakout. The rally posted an all-time high at $85.22 on July 26, giving way to choppy sideways action between that resistance level and range support in the mid-$70s. The holding pattern remains in force this January, while market players patiently await the finalization of the merger process.
The monthly stochastics oscillator reached the overbought level in September 2019 and crossed into a long-term sell cycle in November, predicting at least six to nine months of relative weakness. The indicator is now accelerating through the panel's midpoint, suggesting that market players believe that the merger will get blocked. Even so, underlying accumulation remains exceptionally strong, and bears should stay on the sidelines as long as price continues to hold above 2017 breakout support in the upper $60s.
The Bottom Line
T-Mobile and Sprint shareholders are awaiting the outcome of a lawsuit brought by 14 state attorneys general, which is seeking to block their well-publicized merger.
Disclosure: The author held no positions in the aforementioned securities or their derivatives at the time of publication.
Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-Wook and Yook Sung-Jae star in the tvN drama 'Goblin.' (Photo : YouTube/598,676 views)
New rumors claimed that the hit "Goblin" Korean drama will have an American remake.
International Business Times reported that some producers are eyeing the Korean drama to create an American version in the future because of its unique story. The report added that Keanu Reeves will star the rumored TV series. However, there is no official confirmation pertaining to this news.
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Following the reports that "Train To Busan" will have a Hollywood remake catapulted Gong Yoo to stardom. The film garnered success, not only in South Korea, but in international market as well.
Gong Yoo's popularity is thanks to his hit movie "Train To Busan". The movie has garnered acclaim from various countries worldwide and bagged a Hollywood remake. His role of being the hero in the film catapulted his celebrity status.
"Goblin" actor Gong Yoo also surpassed Lee Min Ho in popularity in local and international scenes. It seemed that Gong Yoo is giving Hallyu actor Lee Min Ho a run for his money as the former's drama has taken over the latter's in terms of ratings. For the last three weeks, Lee Min Ho and Jun Ji Hyun's drama held the top spot, but was immediately replaced by "Goblin" with its pilot episode showing the star power of the actor.
Not only that "Goblin" has surpassed "The Legend Of The Blue Sea," it shockingly doubled its rating score. This means that it also overtook Park Bo Gum's "Moonlight Drawn By Clouds" and "Reply 1988" and Song Joong Ki's "Descendants Of The Sun".
Bravo Blog to dish on this week's episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Cynthia Bailey reacts to Peter Thomas' appearance on The Wendy Williams Show and weighs in on Kenya Moore's drama with Matt Jordan. Check it out! Cynthia Bailey is taking to herto dish on this week's episode of. Cynthia Bailey reacts to Peter Thomas' appearance on The Wendy Williams Show and weighs in on Kenya Moore's drama with Matt Jordan. Check it out!
Cynthia Bailey: I didn't see anything wrong with Kenya's Instagram post. It was a throwback -- part of her history, and before his time. There was nothing inappropriate about it. I thought that Matt's reaction was a bit childish and immature.CB: No, I was not surprised. I knew he was upset that I mentioned we were moving forward with our divorce in an interview for Cynthia Bailey Eyewear and Cargo. In that moment, I was just speaking my truth. We had already been separated for months, and that was the direction the relationship was going. I honestly didn't think at that time that I was saying anything that wasn't already out there or was breaking news. Unfortunately, it ended up being the headliner for the article instead of my Cynthia Bailey Fashion Accessories. Everyone picked up the story, and it was everywhere. I would have been completely fine with making the announcement together with Peter. I actually would have preferred to do it that way as well. I was a little disappointed that he felt blindsided and felt the need to go on The Wendy Williams Show to discuss our situation specifically. I will always have love and respect for Peter. It was never my intention to hurt him.CB: The food at Kandi's OLG tasting was awesome! My favorites were the fried chicken and the banana pudding dessert.CB: I don't ever like to hear any of my girlfriends crying and upset. Kenya is a very strong woman, so when she breaks down and cries about anything, it really upsets me. I was very concerned about her.What do you think about Cynthias blog?airs Sunday nights at 8/7c only on Bravo. For International TV ListingsSource/Photo Credit: Bravo
Gardai have arrested two men during raids on 11 premises in connection with an organised crime investigation in Limerick.
The officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau, and local Gardai, carried out the searches today as part of CAB's Operation Oakleaf, which is investigating an organised crime gang in Rathkeale, Co Limerick.
Gardai in Dublin have carried out a series of raids targeting the Kinahan gang this morning.
A 34-year-old man was arrested as part of the 'Operation Thistle' raids in the South Dublin City area.
Master Edmund Honohan, who deals with administrative matters for cases on their way to the High Court, said that about half of the 98 cases on Tuesday were taken by AIB and he asked aloud whether the banks largest shareholder was aware of this.
Of the banks cases, most related to debts exceeding 75,000, while 11 concerned possession proceedings. The same list included four debt-collection cases brought by Bank of Ireland and two by Ulster Bank.
In the weeks since the presidential election, Google has ramped up efforts to hire Republican lobbying firms and in-house lobbyists to change the composition of its Washington office, according to three lobbyists with knowledge of the matter.
The company also posted an advertisement for a manager for conservative outreach and public-policy partnership, seeking a liaison to conservative, libertarian and free-market groups.
While the position is not new, it gives Google a chance to make a hire that reflects the new political climate. Conservatives already are represented in the office. A Google spokeswoman declined to comment.
Larry Page chief executive of Alphabet, Googles parent company was expected to be in the room yesterday when Trump convened a gathering of leaders of some of the largest technology companies in his New York headquarters.
The session, organised by Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, adviser Reince Priebus and supporter and tech financier Peter Thiel, was billed as an introductory meeting that would not result in any job or investment announcements, according to sources.
Others attending were Apple chief executive Tim Cook; Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg; Amazon boss Jeff Bezos; Tesla Motors head Elon Musk, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Oracle boss Safra Catz.
The Information Technology Industry Council, a trade group whose members include Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon, had a conference call last Friday to discuss policy objectives it could agree on to present to Trump.
Trump clashed with Silicon Valley on several issues during the election campaign, including immigration, government surveillance and encryption. His surprise victory alarmed many companies, which fear he might follow through on his pledges.
Trump has also opposed the Obama administrations net neutrality rules, ordered in 2015 by the communications regulator to reclassify broadband internet services to treat them more like public utilities. The rule is now said to be headed for a reversal.
Liberal-leaning Silicon Valley had bet heavily on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton winning the White House, and many technology companies have found themselves scrambling in the wake of Trumps election.
However Google, which forged deep ties to the Obama White House and was the largest corporate contributor to Clintons campaign, appears to have been caught especially off guard, Washington insiders said.
Only 33 employees of Google and its parent company Alphabet donated $201 (188) or more to Trump, for a total of $23,300. Clinton received donations from 1,359 Google or Alphabet employees for a total of $1.6m.
Google NetPAC, the companys political action committee, made 56% of its contributions to Republicans in the 2016 election cycle, according to data from the Centre for Responsive Politics.
During Obamas presidency, more than 250 people moved between jobs at Google or related firms and the federal government, national political campaigns and Congress, according to a report this year by the Campaign for Accountability, a watchdog group. The company notched several wins during the administration, including favourable policies on net neutrality.
Google seemed poised to have similar treatment under a Clinton administration. However, those ties are now something of a liability as the company tries to reposition its presence, lobbyists said.
The company still has to reconcile the lobbyists it hires with its liberal-leaning existing staff.
A survey of 100 export-focused SMEs who regularly use short-stay visas for business travel found that while 50% feel Donald Trumps presidency will impact negatively on Ireland, a more significant 65% said the same regarding Brexit.
The survey was conducted by Irish migration services firm VisaFirst.com.
It was revealing to find that 42% of people didnt see Mr Trumps office as affecting us at all. Just 21% of respondents held that same view in relation to Brexit, said VisaFirst managing director Edwina Shanahan.
That said, only 8% of firms welcomed Mr Trumps election.
The survey found 48% of SMEs believe the Irish workforce is experiencing a skills shortage in a number of sectors.
Another survey, jointly produced by the Institute of Directors Irish and UK chapters, showed that business leaders in the Republic and UK both believe Brexit will negatively affect their business.
Over 90% of respondents disagreed with Brexit, while nearly 50% said the move will negatively impact investment in the North.
Despite this, Belfast City Council yesterday announced the city has been ranked in the top 25 for foreign direct investment attraction by fDi magazine in its biennial Global Cities of the Future ranking.
There is widespread consensus among Institute of Directors Ireland members that Brexit holds nothing positive for Ireland, in general terms, and that it will negatively impact the Irish economy, said the institute.
It will seem fanciful to many that so soon after a bust that forced hundreds of skilled construction workers abroad, and with unemployment above 7%, that anyone would be talking of an economy that could again be entering territory dangerously marked overheating.
Outside of sky-high rents, house prices and soaring insurance premiums, most signs show that prices across the economy are flat.
The action plan for rural development will act as a framework for co-ordination of initiatives across Government to support rural development, in keeping with programme for a partnership government commitments for delivery across government relating to rural development.
Ms Humphreys said her departments funds for rural development in 2017 will total 79.27m 12m for the town and village regeneration scheme, 8m for national rural development schemes, 40m for the LEADER rural development programme, and local authority funds to prepare for rural broadband.
The Staldmaeglerne company showed its Aquatop water-filled top mattress for cow cubicles, which was evaluated as a two-star new product exhibit by Agromek judges.
The Aquatop mattress can be fitted on top of existing cow mattresses, or direct on to uneven flooring.
These three cancers are the most common in Irish men and from 1994 until now, the likelihood of developing them had been increasing steadily.
However the research, completed by analysing data over 21 years, also shows lung cancer rates amongst women continue to rise significantly. Lung cancer is now the second most common cancer in Irish women, says the National Cancer Registry 1994-2014.
According to the NCR, current lung cancer rates reflect the prevalence of smoking in previous decades.
Lung cancer incidence rates in males declined steadily over 1994-2014, while the female rate increased significantly over the same period. As in other developed countries, it is likely that the period of peak smoking prevalence in females occurred some years later than that in males, which would help explain the contrasting lung cancer trends, the report said.
The chances of men being diagnosed with any kind of cancer has also plateaued however, after nearly 20 years of increases.
But overall, the risk of developing cancer still remains higher for men than for women. There have been significant decreases in breast cancer rates in women, since 2008. The latest figures show this fall continuing in 2014.
Overall, the number of cancers continues to rise nationwide because of an ageing and growing population. Up to 37,600 new tumours were registered annually in 2012-2014. Of these, 30,700 were malignant. There were 16,800 cases of non-melanoma cancer of the skin which, while the most common cancer, is rarely fatal.
Despite improving survival rates, cancer is the second most common cause of death in Ireland, after diseases of the circulatory system 30% of deaths in Ireland are due to cancer. About 8,700 cancer deaths per year occurred during 2011-2013.
Lung cancer was the most common cause of cancer death, about 21% of the total.
The risk of dying from cancer was about 36% higher for men than for women.
Over four consecutive periods, five-year net survival for all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) increased. Between 1994 and 1998, 44% survived. Between 1999-2003 that rose to 51%, by 2004-2008 to 57% and by 2009-2013 to 61%. Ten-year survival figures show a similar trend. At the end of 2014 there were 139,526 persons still alive whose cancer had been diagnosed over the previous 21 years (1994-2014), equivalent to 3% of the Irish population.
The largest number of cancer survivors over the past 21 years had been diagnosed with breast, prostate, bowel cancer, and melanoma of the skin.
Director of the registry and professor of cancer epidemiology at University College Cork, Kerri Clough-Gorr said: The incidence trend in male cancers is encouraging, as we no longer see an increase in rates for the three main male cancers. Whether these improvements will be sustained remains to be seen. There is a large and growing number of cancer survivors in our community which will need to be facilitated by expansion of cancer support services.
Cancer facts
- The risk of an invasive cancer diagnosis, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, in anyone aged up to 75 is one in three for men and one in four for women.
- The invasive cancer rate in Irish men was 10% higher than the EU average partly due to increased diagnosis of prostate cancer. Our diagnosis rate is 52% higher.
- The top five most common invasive cancers in men were prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer, lymphoma and melanoma.
- The top five cancers in women were breast, lung, colorectal cancer, melanoma and uterine cancer.
Under the deal announced early yesterday, Irish fishermen secured 233,500 tonnes of quotas worth 280m for next year.
The deal, announced by Marine Minister Michael Creed following days of negotiations in Brussels, represents an increase of 17,390 tonnes compared with the quota allocated for 2016.
Highlights include a 9% rise in the 74m prawn quota and a 14% increase in the 86m mackerel quota. There were other increases, alongside reductions to haddock in the north-west and megrim in the Celtic Sea, which Mr Creed said was in line with scientific advice.
Both the Killybegs Fishermens Organisation, based in Donegal, and the Castle-townbere Fishermens Co-Op in Cork gave a broad welcome to the new deal.
John Nolan of the Castletownbere group said: Obviously, in our industry in Ireland and within the confines the minister is working at the moment, we consider he has done a very good job.
Mr Nolan said any fresh deal given to Ireland is still affected by the legacy of the disgraceful quota allocated in the 1970s, the reversal of which was a long-term battle.
I do believe our European partners have to accept that they rolled us over in the 70s, he said, adding that the quotas afforded to boats from France and elsewhere dwarf those afforded Ireland, which has to sustain coastal communities.
Mr Nolan said Brexit would increase the proportion of EU fishing grounds within Irish waters a development which should result in a tougher negotiating stance in future.
We should nearly be threatening that our industry is so important and so much was wrong [in the past] that we are considering leaving, he said.
Mr Nolan said smaller boats of between 10m and 25m would still struggle to get by at a time when supertrawlers can land huge catches, something he described as a joke.
Specifics in the deal include:
For the south and west coasts and the Irish Sea, a 9% increase in the 74m prawn fishery;
For the south-west, a 9% increase in hake and reversal of cuts proposed for monkfish;
For the Celtic Sea fisheries, a 21% increase in whiting, a 7% rise in haddock, and a 15% cut in cod;
For the Irish Sea, a 25% increase in haddock, plus retention of cod and sole quotas;
In the north-west, a 20% increase in monkfish quota, a 9% increase for the megrim quota, a near doubling of the Rockall haddock quota and no change in whiting.
Mr Creed called the deal a balanced package.
He said: I am satisfied that I have managed to turn an extremely worrying set of proposals from the commission into a much-improved outcome for the Irish fishing industry.
Killybegs Fishermens Organisation said it was satisfied that Minister Creed has, for the most part, delivered on our call prior to the council to ensure that the commissions proposed cuts for key Irish stocks are reversed at the Fisheries Council.
However, the groups chief executive, Sean ODonoghue, said: The 20% reduction in haddock in the north-west is not warranted as the reduction is due to scientific error and changing the fishing mortality rate.
It is likely that this reduction will cause problems with possible early closures of fisheries during next year in the north-west as haddock is under the landing obligation.
Cllr Dan McCarthy says Christmas partygoers in Kerry are being forced to eat too much turkey at this time of year and should be given a choice of beef or lamb.
Mr McCarthy, who is the manager of the mart in Kenmare, said local farmers and businesses are losing out by the exclusion of Kerry lamb and beef and he feels the public would also like more of a choice at this time of year.
Lamb and beef is off the menu in most hotels and restaurants now. There is no beef or lamb on Christmas menus, he said.
He said Kerry County Council, which funds Taste Kerry, a directory promoting food producers in the county, should insist beef or lamb is on the menu at parties in the lead up to Christmas.
A motion calling for an advertising campaign to encourage the sale and use of local produce was backed by his fellow councillors.
However, Killarney chef Paul Trevyaud says that while his restaurant is probably the only one in Kerry not to feature turkey and ham at the moment hotels and restaurants are simply catering to peoples tastes.
We associate turkey and ham with Christmas and its probably what the majority of people are looking for at this time of year. But I am a traditionalist, I reserve it for Christmas Day, and I refuse point blank to put turkey or ham on the menu, he said.
Mr Treyvaud, who is also a food writer and presenter of a food programme on Irish TV, said peoples tastes in Kerry, and tourists tastes, are still very much in favour of red meat.
Steak and rack of lamb are the two most popular choices all year round in his restaurant in High St, Killarney, and the meat is all sourced locally.
Why forgo it this time of year? he asked.
William Gilsenan, aged 24, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of 29-year-old Edward Fitzgerald in a car park outside the killers home at The Green, Larch Hill, Oscar Traynor Road, Santry, Dublin 17.
The jury of seven women and five men took two hours and 35 minutes to come to their unanimous verdict, following a 10-day trial at the Central Criminal Court.
While hospitals had received a modest funding increase, it was highly unlikely to make a meaningful difference or help them meet the targets set for them, he noted.
Of the 119m increase in the hospital budget, just 9m is for expanding existing services or developing new ones. While it appears that the overall goal for emergency departments is for 100% of attendees to be discharged or admitted within nine hours, the actual target for 2017 is just a 5% improvement on the 2016 outturn.
Mr Flanagan said George Hamiltons comments were not well-founded. Earlier this week, Mr Hamilton told a Westminster committee that controls in the Republic of Ireland did not have the same resource or focus as those in Northern Ireland.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) chief constable was being questioned by MPs as part of an inquiry into the future of the Irish border, post-Brexit.
Twenty-nine athletes including 18 from the UK and Ireland set off under cloudless blue skies from La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, yesterday, bound for Antigua, in the Caribbean.
The crews are all raising money for charity. They are rowing the 3,000 miles (4,828km) of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, battling extreme fatigue, sleep-deprivation, and crushing waves.
While many of the athletes are in teams, four are soloists taking on the challenge without assistance on board.
They include Elaine Hopley, an outdoor instructor from Dunblane, in Scotland, who will be missing both her childrens birthdays while she is at sea.
The 43-year-old, who won the inaugural womens Scottish mountain bike cross country series in 1990, said: Guy turns seven on the 23rd of December, and Harvey is going to be nine on January 21, so I am missing their birthdays I will be calling them both from on board.
Fellow solo rower, Gavan Hennigan, 35, from Galway, has become an endurance challenge veteran after recovering from a heroin dependency and a suicide attempt, while living in a squat 15 years ago.
The professional diver said: I would wake up in the morning and smoke heroin and then go back to sleep. It was a pretty dark place I just couldnt deal with the fact I was gay.
But I feel like, having come back from the brink, that dark place in my mind, I dont feel like something like this challenge could faze me too much this is just for fun.
Angus Collins, from Burnham, in Berkshire, is hoping to make it back-to-back wins, having set a new record in last years challenge, with a time of 37 days and nine hours.
His Anglo-American foursome, Latitude 35, is tipped to be among the first to arrive in English Harbour.
The 27-year-old said: When I was halfway across last time, I said to my girlfriend, if I ever say I wanted to do this again, kick me in the shins. And then Jason, who did the race last year, said he wanted to do it again and asked me to get on board.
It was an opportunity I couldnt turn down. The hardest part of rowing an ocean is getting to the start line. It would have been stupid to say no.
Id love to win. Theres some things Im very relaxed about in life rowing is the one thing Im really competitive about.
To follow the race, visit TaliskerWhiskyAtlanticChallenge.com
After Judge Jacqueline Linnane threw out Ireneusz Laruss second claim, Frank Martin, counsel for the defendants, told the Circuit Civil Court he would be seeking to seize the earlier award of 12,500 to meet his clients legal costs.
Judge Linnane, accepting an undertaking from Mr Laruss solicitors that they would hold on to any cheque payable to him to settle the earlier case, said the cost of false claims was one of the reasons insurance companies put forward for insurance premiums going up.
Mr Martin, for lorry-driver Brendan Downey and his employer Dpf consultants Ltd, trading as Alltrans, of North Ring Business Park, Cloughran, Dublin 17, told the court Mr Larus, aged 50, of 94, Crumlin Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, had presented false and misleading evidence on oath about the accident and his health.
Mr Larus had also sued his wife Barbara (Barita) Larus for up to 60,000 in another Circuit Civil Court appearance earlier and had told Circuit Court president, Mr Justice Raymond Groarke, that the case had been settled in his favour together with his legal costs.
Less than an hour later, Mr Larus told Mr Martin in Judge Linnanes court he had settled the case against his wife for 12,500 with costs. He said he had been a passenger in his wifes car when she had to swerve to avoid a cyclist.
Her foot had slipped off the brake onto the accelerator and they had crashed at 40kph into a stone wall. In the second incident, he said he had been driving along Dolphins Barn, Dublin, when Mr Downey had swerved into his lane, causing him to swerve against a kerb to avoid a collision.
And you claim that after the arrival of an ambulance, two fire tenders and two garda cars you were taken on a stretcher by ambulance to St Jamess Hospital, Mr Martin said.
Mr Martin said the defence would call evidence that his car was not damaged nor even the tyres scuffed despite Mr Larus seeking to recover 3,324 for repairs to his car four months after he had sold it allegedly as an unsafe vehicle because of inner damage to the chassis.
Judge Linnane told Mr Martin she would accede to his request to have Mr Laruss case dismissed on the basis there had been false and misleading evidence given to the court.
She said Mr Larus had sought in a sworn affidavit to back up his 3,324 repairs claim despite the car never having been repaired. He had sworn in evidence to the court that he had no physiotherapy despite having told two doctors he did have.
I have found he has given false and misleading information and I have dismissed his case with costs against him and I am refusing a stay to facilitate consideration of an appeal, Judge Linnane said.
When Mr Martin applied for leave to bring a motion for the appointment of a receiver over the 12,500 settlement against his wife, Judge Linnane accepted the undertaking by Mr Laruss solicitors to hold on to any money forwarded to them until further order of the court.
Yesterday he was jailed for six months as the judge rejected his explanation.
Joseph Cuddigan, defence solicitor, stated that Michael McDonagh, aged 26, from An Sruthain, Castlebar, Co Mayo, was visiting the grounds of St Stephens Hospital, Sarsfield Court, Glanmire, when he found the axe lying on the grass.
Judge Marie Keane said: I do not accept his explanation that he found this on the grass.
The judge sentenced McDonagh to six months in jail at Cork District Court.
This a very serious offence and the circumstances giving rise to his arrest were dramatic indeed, the judge said.
Mr Cuddigan said the accused was pleading guilty to possession of the implement on the occasion. The solicitor said: The only explanations open to the defendant are that he had it for recreation or work. By no stretch of the imagination could either of those explanations be given for walking around the grounds of Sarsfields Court with a sword.
The judge was previously told that armed gardai went to the scene on the afternoon of September 29 in response to a call from the garda control room at Anglesea St.
Garda Laura OConnor arrived and found that armed gardai from the emergency response unit were already present. One of those officers handcuffed McDonagh because the accused was carrying an axe.
Mr Cuddigan submitted at the first court hearing following McDonaghs arrest the defendant was not properly before the court on the basis of the solicitors allegation that McDonagh had in effect been arrested twice.
Inspector John Deasy said in that court hearing there was no evidence of a member of the emergency response unit arresting him. Judge Marie Keane agreed.
Mr Cuddigan called his client, who then testified that a member of the unit told him to drop the axe and get on the ground. He said he did as he was told and his hands were cuffed behind his back. McDonagh said the only person who told him he was under arrest was Garda OConnor.
Judge Keane said the accused was properly before the court. Judge Keane remarked at the outset of yesterdays hearing that she recalled Mr Cuddigan had indicated he was going to bring the matter before the High Court in relation to this aspect of the case. Judge Keane said this was the kind of thing one remembered. Mr Cuddigan said the matter had not been taken to the High Court.
The man who made this comment was before the district court yesterday for sentencing. Kyle Duggan, aged 28, pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in threatening or abusive words or behaviour on June 4. Inspector Brian ODonovan said there had been an assault on a man at Coburg St on the night, and the assailant Duggan was held down and restrained until the gardai arrived.
A garda arrested the defendant and put him into a Garda van.
As he was being placed in the van he shouted, I will fucking kill you, you foxy c***, I will rape your wife and do your kids, Insp ODonovan said.
Earlier this month, Duggan was jailed for 18 months for the assault that gave rise to his arrest in the first place.
Yesterday he was given a 100 fine for the threatening behaviour towards the arresting guard. He was given similar fines for several other incidents where he engaged in threatening behaviour.
In the assault case related to June 4, Duggan, of St Vincents hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing harm and producing a broken bottle during the attack.
Judge Sean O Donnabhain sentenced him last week to three years with the last 18 months suspended yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
Judge O Donnabhain said, This was an alarming attack. It was all the more extraordinary because it was unprovoked. The victim was traumatised and extremely upset and worried that this would happen again.
The probation service finds he is a high risk of re-offending in the coming 12 months, he said.
The probation officer was concerned about the defendants addiction difficulties, mental health problems and peers. While the defendant made efforts in the past to address his difficulties it appeared that when the attempts did not work out he plunged back into drug addiction and homelessness, exacerbating his mental health difficulties.
Michael ODonovan, aged 56, of 5 Emmett Place, St Joseph St, pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Court to a charge of arson at nearby Wolfe Tone St intending to endanger life and property.
Judge Tom ODonnell was told that ODonovan carried out the attack on April 2, 2015, after going to a shed where he got white spirits and brake fluid.
On soaking tissues with these substances, he lit and stuffed them in the letterbox of a house in nearby Wolfe Tone St.
The owner of the house was alerted when a smoke alarm went off. No damage was caused as the lighted tissues fell on tiles inside the front door.
Mark Nicholas, defending, said ODonovan developed a nervous condition due to antisocial behaviour in the area during which his car was attacked and the windscreen smashed on two occasions. He installed CCTV at his home due to the attacks.
ODonovan eventually snapped and reacted in an extraordinary way.
Mr Nicholas said after heavy drinking, ODonovan got into a state of crazed delusion and carried out the attack on a house in a nearby street at the home of people who were completely innocent.
ODonovan, he said, had a good history of hard work adding: He behaved in a very dangerous way. At the time he was a very different man because of pressure on him which had nothing to do with the victim. The mind can be convinced of things and he could not take any more and he struck out. It was like a kettle coming to the boil, a pressure cooker. The injured party was completely innocent. Antisocial behaviour can erode sleep with noise at night and this can fray the nerves. All these matters came together in a perfect storm when the windscreen of his car was smashed two times. He snapped and he can thank his lucky stars that an alarm went off in the house.
Judge Tom ODonnell adjourned the case to February 8, 2017, and remanded the accused on continuing bail.
Accused carried out attack in state of crazed delusion, says defence counsel
Figures from the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) showed the Naval Service, which carries out all inspections at sea for the SFPA, conducted 1,207 inspections in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone so far this year, of which 633 were fishing vessels registered outside Ireland.
A spokesperson for the SFPA said there were no incidences of non-compliance in the case of the 13 inspections of the large pelagic factory freezer vessels.
Fishing organisations were yesterday absorbing the detail of the new deal for 2017 on quotas, news of which came a week after the screening of the documentary Atlantic which featured Irish fishing communities, including Arranmore, off Co Donegal.
One of the participants in the documentary, Jerry Early said some of the detail provided in Atlantic was very stark, not least claims from a whistleblower of illegal dumping of fish in Irish and Scottish waters in order to maximise profit.
The ignorance of it is that it belongs to each and every one of us, Mr Early said of Irish fishing waters, adding that the Government needed to be asked questions about rowing back arrangements first put in place in the early 70s which has curtailed the overall Irish fish take.
Responding to the screening of the documentary on RTE last week, a spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said more would be done to monitor compliance.
The minister shares the concerns expressed in the film that illegal fishing in excess of quota limits and high grading the discarding of smaller less valuable fish is completely unacceptable and must be effectively ended, the department spokesperson said.
There has been a focus on risk-based controls by our control authorities the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Naval Service in recent times in order that the State resources are concentrated on those fishing vessels that are considered to be doing the most damage, the spokesperson said.
The minister believes that we need to do more in this area and he is working at EU level for additional tools for Ireland to strengthen our control capability in respect of all fishing vessels operating in our 200-mile zone, the spokesperson for the department added.
Editorial: 12
Writing in todays Irish Examiner, Jonathan Hourihane describes the views of retired consultant paediatric oncologist, Fin Breatnach, who favours a site off the M50, next to Connolly Memorial Hospital, as egregiously incorrect.
Dr Breatnach, who wrote in this paper on December 5, said the St Jamess site was chosen without a single report ever recommending it and without the involvement of either parents or staff.
However, Prof Hourihane said this was incorrect, that the Dolphin Group, of which he was a member, visited every site. The only reason it did not recommend St Jamess was because it could not, by its terms of reference, make a recommendation to cabinet.
The group heard from children themselves as well as parents groups, including the Jack&Jill Foundation (loud critics since), said Prof Hourihane.
The children told us they didnt care if they couldnt see trees and deer while in hospital they wanted the best hospital Ireland could build, wherever. Children fighting for their lives in ICU and their parents dont care about views either, he said.
Prof Hourihane also challenged Dr Breatnachs claim that the Government was lying when it said there would be ample parking at the new hospital.
Dr Breatnach said the parking provided will be relatively less than what was available at Crumlin alone in 2010 and no one would suggest that that was ample.
However, Prof Hourihane said Crumlin has very little bespoke parking.
Its neighbourhood is choked by parked cars and Temple Street has no dedicated car parking either. Im not aware of any other inner city (or suburban or rural) tertiary childrens hospital that has more than 1,000 reserved parking spaces [earmarked for the new hospital] and a tram running actually alongside the site, that connects the hospital with the two biggest national network train stations in the city, Prof Hourihane said.
He said the opinions of paediatricians who are retired must be respected but only if they are based on correct analysis of evidence and if they will forward the cause of childrens health.
He said Dr Breatnach should leave the field to the current players, who are getting done what was never even imaginable under the on-field and off-field leadership of former staff.
The delivery of this hospital has been long delayed and the project surely is not childs play. We agree on that, at least, he said.
Fr Nicholas King, aged 73, is charged with using money belonging to the elderly woman to fund a lifestyle beyond his means, according to police in Brevard County near Orlando.
The priest, who officially stood down as pastor of the parish he led for over 20 years just days before his September arrest, was a public supporter of Francis Guinan, one of the two Irish clerics propelled to nationwide and international infamy over their plundering of church coffers to fund gambling trips, rare coin collections, and homes.
Guinan, from Offaly, spent over three years in jail after being found guilty by a jury of stealing some $100,000.
The other, Kilkenny-born John Skehan, aged 81 when sentenced in 2009, served just under a year of a 14-month sentence after pleading guilty to stealing close to $400,000.
Fr King, who had told reporters at the time of the trial he was a friend of Guinans for 45 years, gave evidence in defence of the accused priest. According to court documents, Fr King testified that a parish priest has discretion to pay for a past employees child to attend a Catholic high school and to pay for vacations for the pastor out of the parishs operating account.
And Fr King, speaking after Guinan was convicted and sentenced, stated: Obviously, were devastated, but this should never have happened in a public forum.
Fr King, however, now faces felony fraud and theft charges with claims he moved money to his own personal account from a money trust account set up to help the parish. He spent hundreds of dollars on restaurant meals, made a $9,000 down payment on a car, gave $6,000 to his sister, and spent $900 at a gourmet chocolate shop.
The former pastor of St Marys Catholic Church in Rockledge was arrested on charges of grand theft from the 79-year-old woman in excess of $50,000 and organised fraud involving funds over $50,000. He was alleged to have taken $88,000 in total.
Donna Seyferth, spokeswoman for the Rockledge Police Department, said the priest had three residences, including a beach condominium, and lived far above his annual $28,000 salary. Fr King recently returned from a trip to Ireland, police said.
In a statement read to parishioners following Fr Kings arrest, Orlando Bishop and Limerick native John Noonan said the diocese is co-operating with Rockledge Police Department and that Fr King has been removed from ministry pending the outcome of the investigation.
Fr King studied at St Marys College in Galway, St Patricks College, Thurles, and All Hallows College.
He moved to Florida in the 1960s.
The proposals are part of an Oireachtas Justice Committee report which includes recommendations about gardai as well as a general oversight of the criminal justice system.
TDs and senators have also proposed a new criminal justice inspectorate should be set up.
Ms Cullinane, who was in her mid 50s, was found dead at home in Cobh, Co Cork, yesterday. Concerns for her welfare mounted when she failed to attend two council meetings since Monday.
Ms Cullinane, who once taught deportment and modelling in Cork City, was very involved in the community. She established the Cobh Animation team - volunteer reenactors who dressed in period costume as part of a living-history initiative. They welcomed cruise passengers to Cobh terminal, they played a key role in local and national Titanic centenary celebrations in 2012, in Lusitania commemorations in 2015, and they travelled all over Ireland and Europe.
Ms Cullinane was elected to Cork County Council in May 2014 as an independent in the Cobh Electoral Area. She was a key member of the Ireland 2016 Committee, which facilitated over 500 events across the county, with the animation team central in many, including at the Dail, in Belfast, Germany and New York.
County Mayor Seamus McGrath said there was a deep sense of shock following her sudden death, and that she will be sadly missed. Council chief executive Tim Lucey described her as an incredibly dedicated public servant who contributed enormously to the council.
FF Cllr Frank OFlynn said her contribution to the 1916 events was immense while FGs Cllr Sinead Sheppard described her death as a massive loss to her family, the council, and the Great Island community. Claire loved tourism and loved displaying everything Cobh has to offer, Cllr Sheppard said. The Animation Team is a huge credit to her.
Cllr Declan Hurley, for the independent councillors, described her as a wonderful, fun-loving character who had a great vision for Cobh and the harbour. Her energy, good humour and positiveness are written all over the work she did since her election, he said.
Hendrick Verwey, of Cobh Tourism, said: Everything positive that happened in Cobh in the last 10 years, Claire was either at the forefront of it, or involved.
Ms Cullinane is survived by her children Chris and Kate. Her remains will repose at Cobh Community Hospital Mortuary from 5pm Friday, rosary at 8pm, followed by removal to St Colmans Cathedral, with the funeral at 12noon on Saturday.
In Person Leon de Riedmatten: You Cannot Talk About Nationwide Ceasefire if You Dont Include Everyone
Leon de Riedmatten
Leon de Riedmatten is no stranger to Burma. In 1999, in the heyday of the former military regime, he was head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Burma, struggling to negotiate with the army generals for access to political detainees at prisons across the country. In 2002, he was the first liaison officer of the International Labor Office (ILO) in Burma.
De Riedmatten facilitated the reconciliation process between the generals and their opposition, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. As the country representative for the Swiss-based Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, he pushed forward the talks initiated by Razali Ismail, the UN Special Envoy to Burma in early 2000s. When Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was under house arrest between 2000 and 2002, de Riedmatten was allowed to visit her every fortnight. Until 2004, he was the diplomat who visited her the most.
Since October 2012, de Riedmatten has worked in Burma, acting as an independent adviser to the peace process between the government and the ethnic nationalities. Currently, he is a senior advisor at the Peace Nexus Foundation, which helps communities develop small business projects in post-conflict areas. In this interview with The Irrawaddys founding editor-in-chief Aung Zaw, Leon de Riedmatten talks about prospects for genuine peace in the country going forward.
The NLD government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi have set peace as a top priority. She initiated the much anticipated Burma peace conference. Similarly, in 1947, Gen Aung San, the independence hero, also tried to reach out and sign a ceasefire with some ethnic groups.
But the situation now is much different from 1947. We see in our society that our unity has become very fragmented. And the trust between ethnic groups has been broken down again and again. Leon, you have a lot of institutional memory. What are your thoughts on the peace process now?
I can give you my personal views and obviously its my own perception. I represent only myself in this exchange of views.
In 1947, it was more or less the end of the colonization period. And Gen Aung San tried to gather together different autonomous countries and to create a union between these different entities. But, if you look at the reality, at the end of the day, there were only three ethnic states that agreed to be part of the union. And it happened only because Gen Aung San agreed to put in the new Constitution an article that gave the right of secession after 10 years if these other autonomous states were unhappy with the situation.
When we talk about trust, you can see that already at that time, there was very little trust between these ethic nationalities and Burma proper. This is quite important for today because I think its great that the new government, like the previous one, puts peace as a priority.
Everyone has to realize that its a very complex issue. You cannot solve it in a few days. It will be a very long process. When people talk of building trust, I have some reservations because, as I have said, it was already difficult to gain trust in 1947. How about today, when there has been fighting for decades? Those ethnic states lost their autonomy and were under the control of the central government. In the eyes of ethnic people, the Burma Army occupied their territory, and the central government was favoring the settlement of Burmese nationals in their own states.
It is obvious that reaching peace today will be much more difficult than during the last century, but pragmatism has to prevail because there is no alternative to a peace solution.
The NLD-led government seems to be pushing ahead. But since the Panglong conference, weve seen renewed fighting. Even at the Panglong conference, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, spoke about six principles, and he did not mention anything about a federal democratic union, something that Daw Aung Suu Kyi has mentioned.
It may be important to look back and remember what was called tripartite dialogue in the old days. Tripartite dialogue was seen as talks between the Burmese democratic forces as one party, ethnic nationalities as another, and the military as the third.
At this time, I was persona non grata and then blacklistedbetween 2006 and 2012and living in Thailand. The main objective of my discussions with ethnic leaders, members of the democratic opposition, and representatives of civil society was to try to find a consensus on how to approach the military, how to build up a platform that could include democracy and federalism.
This was the past. If you look at the peace process initiated by former President Thein Sein, the aim was to move forward through a dialogue between different stakeholders. It started with bilateral ceasefire agreements between the central state and the ethnic armed groups at the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012. As an observer, I attended the talks with two of the ethnic groups. I was amazed by how the ethnic leaders were well prepared for the negotiations.
There was a good start with the bilateral ceasefire agreements. Then talks about what became the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord [NCA] went well too. All the people around the table, all the ethnic nationalities, as well as the government, the army, parliament, and political parties agreed on one text, which is the text of the NCA. So it means that there was a document that all of them agreed upon.
Unfortunately, before the end of its mandate and prior to the elections, the government tried by any means to have the NCA endorsed and signed by the ethnic armed groups. This was the wrong step. At the last briefing of the MPC [Myanmar Peace Center], the audience was asked for comments about the performance of the center. I took the floor and said it was a mistake to push for the signing of the NCA. The best legacy of Thein Seins government would have been to succeed in creating a document that everyone agreed upon. It was the best product to hand over to the next government.
If you look at whats going on today, there are only eight ethnic armed groups who signed the nationwide ceasefire. And among them, two are very relevant, two others are partially relevant, and a few others are maybe less relevant. So when you talk about nationwide, this representation is not enough on the side of the ethnic armed groups. Another side effect is a split between signatories and non-signatories
My second point is related to the tripartite dialogue. Today, the structure is different than in the old days. One pillar is the central state, another is ethnic armed groups, and the last is political parties. In the central state, the army and the government are together.
Then comes your point, which is very relevant: do the army and the government share the same vision of the future for the country, since they comprise the same pillar? The first thing that has to be observed today is to see if the two partners can find common ground, one that fits with the aspirations of the ethnic nationalities.
I want to circle back to the previous peace deal under former President Thein Seins government. It seems like within the five years time, they wanted to achieve a credible process which was backed by the international community, the UN, and neighboring countries. There was a lot of excitement about this.
In the end, I found there were two problems: One is that U Thein Seins government didnt have strong public support. Second, ethnic groups do not trust them. U Thein Seins government rushed [the NCA] because he wanted to build his own legacy. But in the end, there was no substance to it.
Let me disagree. Because what I have said before is that the NCA document is there. And everyone at the tablethe Kachin, the Chin, and others, had agreed upon the documents substance. I think it was good grounds for dialogue.
Where I agree with you is that it was certainly a mistake to push for signing the NCA in October 2015, just in order to possibly get more votes in the election. This created the situation today and the split between the groups who signed [the NCA] and those who did not. Furthermore, apparently if you do not sign, you cannot participate in political dialogue. This is the wrong approach. I think it would be better to go back to what was the positive outcome of the peace process under the previous government: the document of the NCA. All stakeholders must have a seat at the table and discuss the framework of political dialogue. The key is that there must be common ground within the central state components.
A lot of observers and supporters thought that among ethnic groups there would be more trust, and that it would be easier to build trust with a government under [Daw Aung San Suu Kyis] leadership. But the criticism now is that the government, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the army are acting together. Do you agree with that? Do they share the same vision?
I dont agree with this. But I understand that there is this ambiguity that could be conducive to creating doubts about the real intention of the central state entities involved in the [peace] process. It is positive that there are talks because if you want to end hostilities, you have to sit around the same table and talk about solutions. It will be a long process, and people will have to show their true face at some point.
Pragmatism means that the peace process should not be an exercise that moves parallel to the activities of the government. What is included in the interim arrangements of bilateral and nationwide ceasefire should be part of government policies when it concerns development and investment in post-conflict areas. In addition, I believe in empowering communities. Due to the cessation of hostilities, communities may start to improve their livelihood through small businesses and also keep their identity, their language, their culture, and so on.
This is complementary to dialogue and can make it successful.
So its not just about big talk. I think youre also suggesting that we go on the ground to build.
Yes, a bottom-up approach. If you do this with communities, at a certain point, maybe they will feel comfortable enough to say, Okay, why are there still people thinking of antagonism, or fighting, and so on, while our situation is acceptable? You cannot have 100 percent of what you want, but at least you can try to get close.
If this goes at the same time as the talksand if there is also an understanding at all levels of government that when a company, for instance, is going to move into these specific post-conflict areas that there should be a special approachthese will be practical steps toward building trust. There should be an approach where donors and investors dont just work with the government, but other stakeholders are included in the preparatory discussions, too. It can mean armed groups, civil society, and communities, and when a kind of overall understanding is reached among [these groups], projects may start. From the ethnic groups side, communities could get some dividends from the cessation of hostilities in certain areas, but at the same time, ethnic armed groups dont want to see big development projects that may transform the existing landscape in areas of mixed control while a durable peace has not yet been reached.
Going back to the question of livelihood and community development in [ethnic] areas, look at Kachin [State]. The KIO and KIA have good support within their constituency. But some ethnic armed groups dont have this kind of support. They have their guns, their armies, but they dont have support within their communities.
This is difficult to judge. I remember a high-ranking Karen civil servant I introduced to one of the KNU leaders. He told him, I am so pleased to see you because thanks to you, the Karen entity is still alive. So its a notion thats difficult to measure.
What is also interesting to notice is how things have evolved over all these years. Today, you have heavy fighting in Kachin and northern Shan states. As you said, the KIO and KIA are involved by defending themselves. In the old days, the KIO was the closest group to the military government. The KIO signed a ceasefire in 1994. At the national convention, from 2004 to 2007, it was the KIO that was the leading ethnic group. The Kachin were accused by others of being too close to the military government. At that time, the KNU was the bad guy. And now the situation has completely reversed. So nothing is permanent.
There have been accusations from other groups, Burmese groups, that [the KIO, KIA, KNU] dont have a unifying position with which to approach the establishment and central administration, whether the government or the military and that the military is ready to exploit these divisions and fractures.
Yes and no. During the years I was outside the country against my will, what I tried the most to do was to find common ground between ethnic armed groups. Even if they could not agree on everything, they could agree on what was essential to build a platform that would allow them to negotiate with the central state later. And I would say that I didnt see huge differences between the aspirations of the KIO and the KNU, they were more or less the same. They are looking for a federal nation. Maybe there was a certain kind of competition for having a leading role within the ethnic armed groups but what they were looking for was the same.
What is your advice to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi? You have known her since 2000. And you have been involved in private or secret negotiations between the regime led by Sen-Gen Than Shwe and the government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. What is your advice to fix things, to rebuild things, to bring them back?
It was a long time ago I was involved in this, Id say, politics. Ive met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi only once recently about this, in February 2011. It was the last time we talked about the situation. Since then, weve had occasions to meet from time to time, but there was no discussion about the situation. I think Ive already said more or less what was needed. You cannot talk about nationwide ceasefire if you dont include everyone. So I believe that its time to rethink the approach, and to try again to really have everyone sitting around the same table and having the central state coming with a concrete proposal about federalism. Then, ambiguities will be gone. And then maybe a genuine discussion about the future can really start.
Without ceasefire, without stopping the fighting, how can we sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement on the table?
Its something I cannot answer for others. But obviously, there should first be a real truce in the field. And then they can sit and talk. Their second request was inclusiveness, meaning that every ethnic armed group participates in the talks. So I think these are genuine demands. These should be agreed upon. I think that it doesnt contradict what Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has said.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Asia Report: Burma Army Postponed Meetings with Counterparts in Bangladesh
Burma Army soldiers march during a parade in Naypyidaw, March 27, 2016. / Soe Zeya Tun / Reuters
RANGOON The Burma Army postponed scheduled meetings with its counterparts in Bangladesh in mid-October while it was conducting anti-insurgency operations in northern Arakan State, according to Reuters.
Regarding the Army to Army Talk between Bangladesh Armed Forces and Myanmar Defense Services I deeply regret to inform you that our authorities would like to postpone, said Lt-Col Aung Zaw Linn, head of foreign relations for the Burma Army, in a letter to Bangladesh officials on Oct. 13 that was seen by the news agency.
The military cited unforeseen commitments as the reason to postpone the nearly weeklong talks scheduled to start in Bangladesh on Oct. 16.
The letter was sent four days after nine Burmese police officers were killed in attacks on border posts. Since then, security forces have flooded northern Arakan State, hunting a Muslim Rohingya insurgent group that the government says was responsible.
Five days later, the head of Burmas police division against transnational crime also pulled out of talks with the Bangladeshi border guard force planned for Oct. 25-27 in Dhaka, citing the security situation in Arakan State.
One document that was scheduled for discussion was a memorandum of understanding on security dialogue and cooperation between Burma and Bangladesh. Another document, reviewed by Reuters, would have created border liaison officers (BLOs) on both sides of the frontier and other collaboration measures including joint patrols.
Bangladeshi diplomats said last month that Burma pulled out of bilateral foreign ministry consultations seen as a preparatory step before a meeting of heads of state, according to Reuters.
Bangladesh is the only neighboring country that State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmas foreign minister and de facto government leader, has not yet visited.
The Burmese militarys press office and presidential spokesman Zaw Htay did not respond to an emailed request for comment from Reuters.
Aye Aye Soe, an official in Burmas foreign ministry, said there had been an earlier meeting between the two militaries on the current refugee issue but (that) also involved other border related issuesdrug trafficking and other trans organized crimes. She said she had no other details.
Bangladesh Army spokesman Col Rashidul Hasan said he could not comment because he was not aware of the meeting. Gowher Rizvi, an external affairs advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also declined to comment.
Burma Arakan Attacks Linked to Group in Saudi Arabia
Border guard security forces on patrol along the Burma-Bangladesh border in Maungdaw, October 2016. / Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy
RANGOON The International Crisis Group (ICG) said that militant attacks in northern Arakan State were linked to a Muslim insurgent group based in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and were aiming to secure the rights of the Rohingya as citizens within Burma.
In an article published in Time magazine on Tuesday, the ICG said that a group called Harakah al-Yaqin, or Faith Movement in Arabic, was involved in the attacks against Burma government forces in Arakan State in October and November, based on interviews the ICG conducted with members of the armed group.
This new armed group is overseen by a committee of Rohingya emigres based in Mecca. The public face of its operations in northern Arakan, also called Rakhine, is Ata Ullah (known by several aliases), who is the main speaker in several videos released by the group. He was born in Karachi to a Rohingya father and grew up in Mecca. He is part of a group of 20 Rohingya who have international experience in modern guerrilla warfare and are leading operations on the ground in northern Arakan, the article reads.
The ICG is an international NGO based in Brussels, Belgium. Tim Johnston and Anagha Neelakantan, the directors of ICGs Asia Program, wrote the report.
The story added that, It [the Faith Movement] has spent at least two years training hundreds of local recruits in guerilla warfare and explosives. Several hundred Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have also traveled to Arakan in recent weeks to join up.
On Oct. 9, militants attacked three border guard posts in Maungdaw Township in northern Arakan State, killing nine police officers and stealing weapons and ammunition.
On Oct. 14, the government announced that the attacks were assisted by foreign funding and the support of members of foreign terrorist organizations, based on the interrogations of four captured militants.
Burmese authorities also accused Havistoohar, the leader of the Aqa Mul Mujahidin group, of carrying out the Maungdaw attacks. Havistoohar had completed a six-month Taliban training course in Pakistan and received funding from Middle Eastern organizations, authorities claimed.
It is not clear if Havistoohar is related to Harakah al-Yaqin, the organization mentioned in the latest ICG article.
Burma Govt Pilot Project Introduces Digital ID Cards
A pink paper National Registration Card. / The Irrawaddy
RANGOON The Burmese government is conducting a pilot project to substitute paper National Registration Cards with smarter digital identification cards in Naypyidaw and Mandalay.
The National Registration Cards, also known as citizenship scrutiny cards, are issued to Burmese citizens by the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Populations national registration department.
Minister U Thein Swe provided background information on the project after a Lower House lawmaker inquired about the ministrys plan for smarter national ID cards during Wednesdays parliamentary session.
The plan to replace National Registration Cards with Smart Cards is a priority in the e-government system the minister told lawmakers.
U Thein Swe said that after the pilot project in Naypyidaw and Mandalay is finished, the project will be implemented in other states and divisions.
The pilot project launched in some townships in Naypyidaw last week and in Mandalay on December 13.
In order to carry out the initiative, immigration officers record citizens fingerprints, eye scans, and take a photo of each individual, according to the ministry.
The minister added that they also welcome suggestions and insights on the process from local and international experts, including those from IT companies in neighboring countries that are already using digital ID cards.
The minister said that currently approximately 37 million people out of more than 53 million people in Burma hold the pink paper National Registration Cards.
Burma Rape and Murder of 5-Year-Old Stirs Outrage
A photo campaign against child sex abuse in Mandalay calls for harsher penalties for the offenders. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy
RANGOON A 61-year-old man raped and choked to death a 5-year-old girl in Sarni Taung village, Thandwe Township, southern Arakan State on Tuesday evening, according to the Thandwe police.
The little girl went outside of her home around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, and by 8 p.m., her parents began to search for her. The parents discovered their daughters dead body in the house belonging to their neighbor, U Han Maung, according to the Thandwe police.
The police arrested the suspect on Wednesday morning as he was riding his bicycle on the Thandwe-Taungup highway. Investigators believe that the perpetrator was trying to flee.
He confessed his wrongdoings to the investigator. We transferred him to Thandwe prison yesterday, said a Thandwe police officer.
Police charged U Han Maung with sexual abuse and murder, in accordance with articles 376 and 302 of Burmas Penal Code.
This rape marks the second notorious case in Arakan State this year.
In February, a man raped a 7-year-old girl in Kan Seik village, Pauktaw Township. That case concluded on Dec. 12, when the judge sentenced the offender to 20 years in prison with hard labor.
The total number of reported rape cases in 2016 is significantly higher than in previous years, and social activists have been voicing their concerns.
On Wednesday, lawmaker Daw Khin San Hlaing of the National League for Democracy (NLD) asked in Parliament whether the government was willing to assign the harshest possible penalties to the culprits.
Gen Aung Soe, the deputy minister for home affairs, responded that his ministry would be drafting new laws to protect childrens rights and to prevent violence against women.
The deputy minister also said that child rape statistics are rising in Burma. In 2016, child rape cases made up 61 percent of all reported rapes. In 2015, that number was only 46 percent.
Since the start of the year, authorities have sentenced 206 offenders to prison after they were convicted of rape. Of those 206 cases, 24 were sentenced to 10-20 years in prison, 72 were sentenced to 8-10 years, 46 were sentenced to 6-7 years, and 65 were sentenced to 1-5 years.
Gen Aung Soe said the courts have received 517 total rape cases in 2016.
News China Military Tells Burma to Ensure Border Stability
People's Liberation Army soldiers march in Hong Kong, July 1, 2016. / Bobby Yip / Reuters
BEIJING China hopes Burma will ensure peace and stability along their border and keep stray bullets out of its neighbors territory, the defense ministry said on Wednesday, after a senior Chinese military commander visited Burma this week.
A series of attacks by ethnic armed groups on Burmese security forces last month sent thousands of people crossing into China to escape the violence, with minor damage reported from stray shells and bullets.
During the four-day visit that began on Sunday, Zhao Zongqi, commander of Chinas western military district, met senior Burma military officials, Chinas Defense Ministry said in a short statement.
China is concerned at the armed clashes in northern Burma injuring Chinese border residents, and hopes Burma can strengthen border management, prevent stray bullets entering into China and maintain the peace and tranquility of the border, it said.
In response, Burma said it would appropriately handle the border issue and ensure stability to prevent injuries for Chinese residents, it added.
The attacks have dealt a major blow to Burmese leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyis key goal of reaching peace with ethnic minorities, while China worries about the risk of violence spilling over as it did last year, killing five Chinese people.
China is already involved in the peace process, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi telling a Burmese delegation last month that China was willing to play a constructive role.
Politics Burmas Parliament Ratifies Asean Anti-Trafficking Convention
Migrant domestic worker Suay Ing, 31, wipes a window of a clinic in Bangkok, Thailand on May 25, 2015. Ing was nine when she was first employed as a domestic worker, cleaning for a family and sleeping in their laundry room in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai for US$10 a month. The eldest of four children of migrant construction workers from Myanmar, Ing was 14 when she was trafficked to Bangkok by a broker who promised her a job and abandoned her. / Athit Perawongmetha / Reuters
Burmas Union Parliament approved ratification on Thursday of the Asean Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP). The move was an attempt to strengthen regional collaboration in combating trafficking, as was proposed by President U Htin Kyaw.
The Convention will take effect on the 30th day after submission of the Instrument of Ratification by a sixth Asean member state. Burma is the fourth: Cambodia, Singapore and Thailand ratified the convention earlier in 2016.
Twenty lawmakers supported the Presidents proposal to ratify the convention, particularly since Burma holds a unique position as a country of origin, transit and a destination in human trafficking. It is among the Tier 3 worst offenders, according to the United States Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report released in July 2016. The country was on the Tier 2 Watch List from 2010 until 2015.
Included in the regional convention is an action plan. One of the US governments criticisms of Burma in the TIP report was the countrys lack of an action plan to tackle trafficking, said U Aung Myo Min, the human rights educator and the director of the Equality Network.
We would be able to reduce many cases of trafficking against women and children in Myanmar if we really followed the three action plans imposed, which include more controls placed on the border regions security, taking action on transnational crimes and regional collaboration, he said.
U Aung Myo Min said he welcomes the move by lawmakers and shared their view that transnational human trafficking casesoften rooted in poverty and quests for jobs in neighboring countriescould be confronted with immediate action once the convention becomes effective.
Thus far there has been a lack of collaboration in cases of transnational crime, he added, but speculated that the ACTIP convention could result in more legal cooperation.
Yet both lawmakers and rights activists expressed concern regarding the implementation of the legislation as Burma lacks a strong adherence to rule of law.
Shwe Shwe Sein Latt, an Upper House lawmaker from Bago Constituency No. 3, described the role of law enforcement in advancing rule of law in the country as being as important as the governments political will to collaborate at the regional level to fight trafficking.
She emphasized strengthened cooperation between all stakeholders in order to combat trafficking, using CEDAW (the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) as an example of a missed opportunity for Burma. The military government signed the convention in 1997, but there has been little implementation of its guidelines since then.
When we ratify international and regional conventions, we must prepare to implement them with full responsibility and accountability, Shwe Shwe Sein Latt said in the Parliament.
The lawmaker also urged the public to study such conventions, which are crucial for national development, respect for human rights and the alleviation of poverty.
The police force and the judicial officials who are leading the programs against trafficking in persons and in victim support, as well as civil society members and business people, should thoroughly be empowered by these mechanisms and related knowledge, so that it will help them in implementation, she explained.
Ratifying the ACTIP convention shows the governments political commitment to combating trafficking in persons, echoed May Sabe Phyu, the director of the Gender Equality Network. But we will have to see how it can help fight for it in practice [once it takes effect], she added.
Laws alone are not enough to fight trafficking, she explained: raising awareness on existing laws and services available to trafficking victims must be done in parallel to the drafting of new legislation.
Trafficking is happening not only to women and girls, Mae Sabe Phyu also pointed out, but to men as well. Burmese men are known to have been trafficked into Thailands and Indonesias fishing industries. Burmese women who are victims of trafficking are frequently forced into domestic labor and sex work in neighboring countries; in China in particular, Burmese women have been trafficked and then sold into forced marriages.
Burma enacted a law against trafficking in persons in 2005. Maj Gen Aung Soe, the deputy minister of Home Affairs, told the Parliament on Thursday that the police department under his ministry has been reviewing last years law and drafting bylaws.
Despite the presence of national laws, when trafficking cases are filed, many remain unresolved, with local law enforcement often citing a lack of bylaws, said May Sabe Phyu.
U Aung Myo Min added that national level actions against human trafficking and the existence of programs in support of the victims should be expanded in order to be more effective.
In Burma, laws prohibit women under age 25 from traveling cross-border alone, forcing them to find someone who can take them, and often leading to incidents of trafficking.
If the government creates a safe migration system, said U Aung Myo Min, we would be able to avoid trafficking in persons.
News Rebels Kill Two Indian Policemen near Border with Burma
A member of the security forces stands guard along a roadside in the Manipur region, Jan. 24, 2012. / Rupak De Chowdhuri / Reuters
GAUHATI, India Heavily armed rebels on Thursday killed two Indian police officers in an ambush on a highway they were guarding hours before the visit of the top elected official of an insurgency-wracked northeastern state, police said.
Another five officers were wounded in the attack in Lokchao area in Manipur state close to Indias border with Burma, according to the police control room.
Manipur state Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh postponed his visit to the region following the attack. Last month, Singh escaped unhurt after shots were fired at him and his entourage as he was getting out of his helicopter at the Ukhrul helipad in a nearby district.
The militants opened fire on the police patrol with assault rifles, killing one officer on the spot. Another officer died in a hospital, police said. An exchange of gunfire lasted several hours in the region, 70 kilometers (45 miles) south of the state capital Manipur.
Police blamed a faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland for the attack. Separatist groups accuse Indias government of exploiting the regions rich natural resources while neglecting local development.
Most of the main rebel groups in Manipur state are not engaged in cease-fire talks with the Indian government, unlike those in other remote northeastern states.
The mountainous region, known for its natural beauty, has been battling insurgencies for decades.
Thursday, December 15th, 2016 (4:46 pm) - Score 1,662
A recent debate in the House of Lords on the forthcoming Digital Economy Bill has raised significant concern that the Government may be trying to censor social media websites (Twitter etc.), unless they adopt Age Verification. Otherwise ISPs might be forced to block them.
Last month we reported on the Governments highly controversial decision to introduce a radical, if somewhat expected, change into the DEBill that would force broadband ISPs into the mandatory blocking of all adult websites (here); specifically those that fail to offer an adequate method of age-verification for their visitors.
Under the new approach the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) would be given powers to make Internet Service Providers (ISP) restrict access to pornographic sites that fail to put tough age verification measures in place to protect children. At the time we warned that the vague definition of adult content extended beyond porn and left open the possibility of mission creep.
Sadly Tuesdays debate appeared to confirm that the Government may indeed be on the verge of adopting one of the most bonkers approaches to overzealous Internet censorship.
The situation began after a Bishop and several others called on the Government to clarify whether its porn blocking stance would also apply to naughty pictures / videos and abusive behaviour on social media platforms. The Bishop explained it best.
The Bishop of Chester said: Finally, I have a question for the Minister. I would like him to comment on what the expectations are for social media sites like Twitter, which can themselves host user-generated pornographic content. The expectations on commercial pornography websites are set out pretty clearly in Clause 15, but will the Minister please clarify how the Bill as drafted will impact on social media sites? Clause 22 starts to cover this with its reference to ancillary service providers, but in Clause 22(6) the reference is restricted to business activities so provided. Evidence from the Government to the Communications Select Committee on 29 October was as follows: Twitter is a user-generated uploading-content site. If there is pornography on Twitter, it will be considered covered under ancillary services.
In response Lord Ashton, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), admitted that discussion on prohibited material is a complicated area and said that free speech is vital, before adding that we must do more to ensure that children cannot easily access sexual content. Unfortunately do more seems to equal going too far.
Lord Ashton said: The Government believe that services, including Twitter, can be classified by regulators as ancillary service providers where they are enabling or facilitating the making available of pornographic or prohibited material. This means that they could be notified of commercial pornographers to whom they provide a service but this will not apply to material provided on a non-commercial basis.
In fairness there has been some understandable unhappiness at Twitters decision to allow members to post porn on its network, while other social networks (e.g. Facebook) do have rules against the posting of such material or to prevent certain levels of hate speech / personal abuse. Even Twitter has some rules when it comes to the latter, although its very difficult to enforce such things when you have millions of members.
At present anybody can view Twitters content, which is much the same as every other public website on the Internet. The platform is also used by far more business people, celebrities, news media, politicians and ordinary folk than the tiny minority using it to spread boobies or penises. But in terms of free speech, Twitters influence is not to be underestimated or trivialised and thats true of almost all social media.
The suggestion therefore is that Twitter could be blocked by ISPs unless it suddenly starts requesting a significant amount of additional personal data from users, at least enough to help them pass the Age Verification requirement (either that or they stop showing porn).
This is assuming that anybody can actually figure out how to make a reliable Age Verification system work, preferably one that doesnt include having to hand over personal details to potentially untrustworthy sites in order to gain access.
All of this is unlikely to go down well on Twitter, where members went into a virtual riot when asked to input their phone numbers, which is hardly a surprise given the endless news stories about hacks and personal data breaches. Todays news of Yahoo!s 1 billion accounts hack is a good example of why giving away too much verifiable data online can be very dangerous.
Jim Killock, Executive Director of the Open Rights Group, said: The Government started with age verification, moved onto web censorship and now wants to block Twitter accounts. While these proposals are damaging for free speech, they are also absurd. Some Twitter accounts could be blocked for being associated with a porn site while others will be freely able to share pornography to Twitter users of any age.
Forcing users down the Age Verification path, even on websites that arent commercial or porn focused, is also a very good way to go about killing off a modern Internet content business. No doubt the protectors of old media (printed newspapers etc.) may well celebrate and those who hate Twitter might join them, at least until their favourite websites go the same way.
Google also shows naughty pictures on its website and you can stop this by enabling safe search, although that is incredibly easy to circumvent and the safe search feature may not meet the Governments new BBFC linked requirement. But many people do not want to be forced into handing over more of their personal data to Google or any other site, just to get access.
The Government would do well to temper their approach with a dash of reality. As the UK Internet Service Providers Association said, Instead of rushing through this significant policy change, we are calling on government to pause and have a substantive discussion on how any legal and regulatory change will impact the UKs dynamic digital economy and the expectations and rights of UK Internet users.
What if a giant asteroid makes its way towards Earth? Are humans prepared for a catastrophic event like this? NASA does not think so, and if a killer space rock threatens to hit our planet, we may just have to nuke it.
The Earth Is Overdue For An 'Extinction-Level' Cosmic Event
During an annual meeting of American Geophysical Union, Dr Joseph Nuth, a researcher with Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Center, said that humans are not ready for an asteroid or comet attack. "The biggest problem, basically, is there's not a hell of a lot we can do about it at the moment," Nuth said.
According to Nuth, the Earth is overdue for an "extinction-level" cosmic event. Just a few months ago, scientists spotted an asteroid which narrowly missed hitting Earth by just a few hours. Experts concluded that if there are any last-minute asteroid deflections needed, nuke is the only option.
Kinetic Impactor Is Pacifistic Compared To Nuclear
Catharine Plesko, a researcher at Los Alamos who uses supercomputers to model asteroid deflection scenarios, said that kinetic impactors are a more pacifistic idea for asteroid deflection, but if the target is very large, nuclear would be a better option because it encompasses the largest amount of energy.
"A kinetic impactor is basically a giant cannonball," Plesko said. "Cannonball technology is very good, because you're intercepting the object at a very high speed. But if you really need a lot of energy, a nuclear burst is the way to go."
Right now, there are currently no looming threats that NASA detected and the idea of deflecting asteroids exists in supercomputers only, but astronomers say it's better to be safe than sorry. Galen Gisler of Los Alamos National Laboratory, said: "Natural disasters happen all the time. This is one natural disaster we can see coming and prevent."
Despite the fact that SpaceX had already made their announcement earlier this year that the company is still on track for the 2017 launch, NASA authorities have recently confirmed that the commercial space taxis being developed by SpaceX and the Boeing Co. will start carrying astronauts to the International Space Station no earlier than 2018, and there's a chance the schedule could slip even further.
SpaceX 2018: Is It Still A Go?
Recently last September, in one of their statements revealed by Yahoo News, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said that NASA wasn't presently looking at any additional seats beyond those that they have already purchased. Thus, experts are convinced that any further schedule delays is more likely to create further complications, considering that NASA hasn't purchased seats aboard Russia's Soyuz spacecraft for flights past 2018.
Furthermore, as per NASA spokeswoman Stephanie Martin, the current schedule calls for uncrewed test flights to the space station in November 2017 for SpaceX and June 2018 for Boeing. According to Florida Today, SpaceX was found to have been aiming for the return of its Falcon9 to flight in early January with a launch from California, after completing an investigation into a rocket's explosion during a Sept. 1 test on the pad at the Cape's Launch Complex 40.
SpaceX authorities have revealed that they are already carefully assessing our designs, systems, and processes taking into account the lessons learned and corrective actions identified. The company further adds that one of their primary focus next year will be on wrapping up final testing of the Crew Dragon's propulsion and parachute systems, building the first flight vehicle and completing the first test flight. Ultimately, it was found that during their latest shuttle crew in July 2011, astronauts have allegedly left an American flag which, in turn, will be captured by the first commercial crew to visit the space station, that is, of course, if all goes according to plan.
A new discovery of footprints that is believed to have belonged to a group of early humans that roamed Africa more than 3.6 million years has recently been revealed in Laetoli, Tanzania. Researchers believe that the said footprints were made when five of our ancient ancestors known as Australopithecus afarensis, have walked across wet volcanic ash, which has solidified and made a mark over the period of time.
Can Footprints Tell Something About Sex Lives?
According to study findings revealed by Daily Mail, researchers are allegedly convinced that the footprints may have suggested that members of Australopithecus afarensis may have had a gorilla-like social arrangement of one dominant male mating with several females. The researchers, led by Sapienza University in Rome finds that they belong to five members of Australopithecus afarensis, the prehuman species best known for the fossil skeleton, which was known for its popular nickname 'Lucy.'
As per study lead author Professor Giorgio Manzi, due to the fact that the footprints were surprisingly larger than anyone else is in the group, it was believed that he was indeed a large member of the specie. Furthermore, it was found that the findings have been different as compared to the past studies suggesting that Australopithecus afarensis males only had one sexual partner.
Meanwhile, National Geographic reports that it was the Tanzanian archaeologists Fidelis Masao and Elgidius Ichumbaki, both of the University of Dar es Salaam, who found the new footprints while they were on the process of evaluating the potential impacts of building a museum on the Laetoli site.
On the other hand, despite the many versions of interpretations of other researchers, Marco Cherin, a paleoanthropologist at Italy's University of Perugia and a study co-author of the study, together with Professor Manzi, was found to have stood behind their interpretation. Currently, the two are already said to be on the move in making their return trips to Laetoli to look for more prints.
Johnson Country officials warned all parents to have a second mumps vaccine shot for their kids even if they are just in pre-Kindergarten aged. This is because many cases of mumps are reported in the county that involve school-aged children. Denton, Dallas, Collin and Tarrant counties have also reported mumps cases, but Johnson County has been hit the hardest.
Children Need A Second Mumps Vaccine, Health Officials Warned
Parents should get a second mumps vaccine shot for their kids even if they are pre-Kindergarten aged, health officials in Johnson County have recommended. According to Asian Tribune, at least 36 cases of mumps reported in the county involve school-aged children. The total number of children infected by the disease has jumped to 48. Denton, Dallas, Collin and Tarrant counties have also reported mumps cases, but Johnson County has been hit the hardest.
In Cleburne, employees at Grumps restaurant said that they have been instructed to constantly scrub counters and tables and use hand sanitizer many times an hour. This is to warn all people that the mumps disease has become a real fear throughout the county. I still hear about it on a day-to-day basis, said server Chandler White. At first, he said, people are thinking that the mumps outbreak are just hoax, "Oh my God! This is not a hoax."
In Dallas, eight adults reported having mumps. Six were all tied to the same Halloween party. But all those adults had been vaccinated, as reported by CBS DFW. Health officials say its important adults talk to their doctors about a booster shot. In regard to whats going on in Dallas County, were seeing across the country, the last time we had something similar was back in 2006, said Christopher Perkins with Dallas County Health and Human Services.
Understanding Mumps And Mumps Vaccine
As Kiro7 described it, mumps is an illness caused by a virus that can cause fever, headache, and swelling of the cheeks and jaw. Most people recover from mumps in a few weeks. In rare cases, mumps can lead to more serious complications that may require hospitalization, including inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and deafness. Up to 30% of people with mumps infection will have no symptoms.
Mumps vaccines are vaccines which prevent mumps. When given to a majority of the population they decrease complications at the population level. Effectiveness when 90% of a population is vaccinated is estimated at 85%. Two doses are required for long term prevention. The initial dose is recommended between the age of 12 and 18 months of age. The second dose is than typically given between two years and six years of age. Usage after exposure in those not already immune may be useful.
Yankee Candle is recalling 31,000 candles as part of the Luminous Collection fragrance candle line. The candles are said to have a laceration hazard when lit. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, when the candle is lit, the glass jar can crack and poses a laceration hazard.
Yankee Candle Recalls Due To Possible 'Laceration Hazard'
According to Chicago Tribune, Yankee Candle is offering a voluntary recall of more than 31,000 of its scented candles after at least 16 people reported that, when heated, the square rippled glass holding the wax can crack. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) called it a "laceration hazard." All the voluntarily recalled candles are a part of the companys Luminous Collection fragrance candle line.
As reported by Fox5, the affected fragrances include: Sea Salt & Coral, Blackberry & Sage, Apple Blossom & Melon, Sugarcane & Honey, Pine & Sandalwood, and Cinnamon & Cedar. CPSC said that they have received reports of the glass jar cracking, however no injuries have been reported. The items were sold exclusively at Yankee Candle stores nationwide and online store from September 2016 through November 2016.
Yankee Candle Official Statement
"We have recently received consumer feedback regarding our new Luminous Collection candles which has indicated that when the candle is lit, the glass jar may crack, posing a possible laceration hazard. At Yankee Candle, we pride ourselves on having the highest standards of quality. Out of an abundance of caution and a firm commitment to safety, we have decided to request the immediate return of all Luminous Collection candles."
The statement, from chief executive Hope Margala, said those who return a candle from the Luminous Collection will receive a full refund plus one free candle of their choice for the "inconvenience."
As a warning, consumers should stop using the recalled candles immediately and contact Yankee Candle for a full refund. Call toll-free at 877-803-6890 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Saturday & Sunday or online at their website and click on Luminous Candle Collection: Safety Notice at the top of the page for more information. You will be given a procedure on what to do with your bought candles.
On Wednesday, an announcement was made to appoint the heads of two major players in the car industry as part of the United States president's advisory team. Founder and CEO of the SpaceX program and Tesla Motors, Elon Musk, along with Uber CEO Travis Kalanick will be part of the president's Strategic and Policy Forum. Entrepreneurs cannot help but wonder how this decision will affect the business world as both have criticized Donald Trump in the past.
Trump Will Gather Major Key Players In The Business Industry
The announcement was made by the president's transition office to gather the top tech leaders at the Trump Tower. Other key players that are expected to join the forum are Cheryl Sandberg of Facebook, Google Alphabet's Eric Schmidt and Larry Page, and Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post, and Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi. The members of the Strategic and Policy Forum will personally meet with Donald Trump to share and discuss their experiences and knowledge to work with the president's economic agenda.
First Impressions Does Not Need To Last
"America has the most innovative and vibrant companies in the world, and the pioneering CEOs joining this Forum today are at the top of their fields," said Trump in a statement. Elon Musk, however, made criticisms about Donald Trump in the past and told CNBC "He doesn't seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States," Uber's Kalanick has also mentioned before elections, "Oh my god, Donald Trump's gonna win. I'm going to move to China if Donald Trump wins." Other tech companies were also known as non-supporters of Trump before the election, which is probably the reason why Hillary Clinton received a majority of votes from Silicon Valley.
The President And CEOs Set Aside Differences For Success
The decision that Donald Trump shows how mature and professional he is in keeping his promises to America. Putting criticisms behind and moving forward by touching base with the people he knows he can rely on. Fortunately, Elon Musk seems to be in the same plane of professionalism and knows that he needs to open his options if he wants to keep his status as a visionary. Travis Kalanick will also need to work with the current administration and get on their good side if he truly wants to make his car sharing business more viable to as the future of transportation in the United States. These are also true, not only tech companies but for everyone in the United States. Everyone should work on a common goal to ensure that the country stays on its feet.
President Donald Trump also said in a statement "My Administration is going to work together with the private sector to improve the business climate and make it attractive for firms to create new jobs across the United States from Silicon Valley to the heartland." That statement alone clearly represents Trump's motivation to set aside differences in order to, like he said, "make America great again."
Lucifer Season 2 is now on a break but it is bound to show a lot of shocks when it proceeds. One these surprises is the conceivable advent of God. God is Lucifer Morningstar's dad.
Latest gossips claim that Fox is presently looking for the best male actor to play the role. It will be motivating to see how the charisma will be introduced in the series. Spoilers claim that God will be presented as a patient in a psychiatric ward. It is ventured that people thinks he is rationally ill for claiming that he is the Lord Almighty. God seeming in the second-year season is most likely. Could this man that claims to be God be him or is he just delusional?
The Arrival Of God
Executive producer Joe Henderson beforehand mentioned that they do not aim to introduce God very early in the show. He said their urgency was Lucifer's mom. It was she who they wanted to be in the sequence. Announcing God was not a priority for the show at that time.
Fans can recall that Lucifer's mother, Charlotte Richards, already appeared on the show. Tricia Helfer was picked to play the role. Richards wanted to blow up Detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German). She was hoping that it would persuade his son to leave Earth. Amenadiel, a character played by D.B. Woodside, appeared to stop her.
Fans can suppose to see some memories when Lucifer Season 2 returns. It was formerly reported that season 2 will focus on how he skillful to arrive at Los Angeles. The flashbacks also answer some questions about his individuality and his real intent in L.A.
Lucifer Season 2 episode 11 is scheduled to air on FOX on Jan. 16 at 9 p.m. EST. Tune in only here at iTechpost.com for more Lucifer Season 2 news and updates.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is coming and that's already been confirmed by the company's top brass. But what will the smartphone look like? We have rounded up rumors about the Samsung Galaxy Note 8's release date, specs, features, and price.
Following Samsung's epic Galaxy Note 7 issue there's no shortage of tension in the company to get the Galaxy Note 8 right. Everyone can agree that the best result for the next phone will be that it doesn't immediately ignite or for the battery to burst into sudden flames. And with Samsung expected to announce its findings of the Galaxy Note 7 imminently, there's a good chance this will all be resolved. We're also anticipating and expecting a powerful hardware, software, and a sleek design too, of course.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Release date
Samsung's traditionally releases a new Note flagship each year at the IFA tech show in Berlin, which offer that the Galaxy Note 8 will make its entrance in early-September 2017. Given that its release is almost a year away, there's no word as to how much the Galaxy Note 8 will cost. If anything like the phased out Note 7, expect it to cost around $700.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Specs
Samsung's Note family is well- known for its large displays, and it's likely that next year's release will continue this way. While no specs have yet leaked, it's most likely that the Note 8 will flaunt a display around the 5.7 inches mark, while speculations surrounding the Galaxy S8's screen suggests it could give a knock in resolution.
Support for Samsung's S Pen likely still included, as will the firm's upcoming artificial intelligence or AI assistant that's set to launch on the Galaxy S8. Unlikely Apple's Siri will be able to respond to complex, layered query.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Note 8 will likely pack the newest and powerful processor, potentially powered by Qualcomm's 10nm Snapdragon 835. We'd also expect at least of 6GB RAM, and a massive, we'll hopefully non-exploding battery.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Extra Features
We can also anticipate the handset to sport all of the usual sensors, which includes an iris scanner and fingerprint sensor. If rumors surrounding the Galaxy S8 are everything to go by, this sensor could come embedded in the smartphone's display. Also, you'll regularly be docking your Note 8 next to your face, either with a Gear VR or Google Daydream View headset
The Galaxy S8 will most likely run Google's Android 7.0 Nougat software, USB-C connectivity, support for wireless charging and IP68 certification and all that fun extras. Samsung needs to win us back so it'll be more likely no price hike. Hopefully.
Price. The price tag for the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is $733.33. The price tag of the Vivo V5 is $261. The Vivo has a lower price and affordable price, making it the winner for this round.
Network. The networks featured on the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro are GSM, HSPA, and LTE. The networks featured on the Vivo V5 are GSM, HSPA, and LTE. Both phones have the same number of featured networks, making this round a draw.
Design. The body dimensions of the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro are 7.08 x 3.49 x 0.42 in and body weight is 259 g. The body dimension of the Vivo V5 are 6.06 x 2.97 x 0.30 in and weighs 154 g. Most people don't find large phones attractive, because due to its size, it makes it hard to carry around. This round goes to the Vivo V5.
Display. The display type of the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors. The display screen size and resolution are 6.4 inches and 1440 x 2560 pixels. For the Vivo V5, display type is IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors. The display screen size and resolution are 5.5 inches and 720 x 1280 pixels. This round goes to the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro, because of its higher screen resolution.
Platform. The Lenovo Phab 2 Pro runs on Android OS, v6.0 and is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652. The Vivo V5 runs on Android OS, v6.0 and is powered by a MediaTek, MT6750. This round goes to the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro.
Internal Memory. The internal memory storage of the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is 64 GB with 4 GB of RAM. The internal memory storage of the Vivo V5 is 32 GB with 4 GB RAM. The winner of this round is the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro.
Camera. The MPs of the primary camera and secondary camera for the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro are 16 MP and 8 MP. As for the Vivo V5, the MPs are 13 MP and 20 MP. This round goes to the Vivo V5.
Features. One of the most notable features of the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is its "Tango" technology. On the other hand, aside from the 20 MP front camera of the Vivo V5, it is just common features found in most phones today. This round goes to the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro.
At the opposite end of the spectrum to the HTC Vive and other VR hardware that requires high-end PC configurations, the good news is that you won't need a very powerful PC to run VR headsets on Windows 10.
Windows 10 VR Requirements
According to Tech Radar, Microsoft has revealed the PC specifications required for Windows 10 VR headsets on Wednesday night, Dec. 14, at its Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in Shenzhen, China. The company has co-developed the specs for the headsets together with Intel. These gadgets will be able to run on a very affordable PC.
The Windows 10 VR specs call for a minimum of a dual-core with hyperthreading Intel Core i5 mobile processor in case of the presence within the system of a dedicated graphics card. For PCs with only integrated graphics such as Intel HD Graphics 620 (GT2) or better (DX12-capable) it is required at least a Skylake processor or better.
Users of VR headsets under the Windows 10 operating system will also need 100 GB SSD (an SSD is labeled as preferred, but a hard drive is also fine) and 8 GB of system RAM. When it comes to connectivity, it is required a DisplayPort 1.3 with 2880 x 1440 and 90Hz, a HDMI 1.4 or HDMI 2.0 port with 2880 x 1440 and 60Hz.
The PC will also need a Bluetooth 4.0 for accessories and USB 3.0 Type-A or USB 3.1 Type-C port with support for DisplayPort Alternate Mode. Surface Studio is one such example of PC that is VR ready, passing all these requirements.
Contrast With Requirements For HTC Vive And Oculus Rift
Overall, these requirements under Windows 10 are in contrast to the demands of the high-end VR headsets like the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. However, users need to be aware that Microsoft's published VR requirements represent only a bare minimum spec that could just ensure running Windows VR stuff. They will likely not be enough for running much more demanding games.
Among the VR hardware supported by Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system are included headsets coming from HP, Acer, Dell, Asus and Lenovo. These VR gadgets expected on the market in 2017 are very much designed with accessibility in mind. This will be reflected in the pricing as well as in the requirements.
Microsoft's Project Evo
With these low VR able PC requirements, Microsoft aims to help virtual reality to reach the mainstream. The company also introduced Project Evo at WinHEC in Shenzhen. According to the company's blog, the project represents a partnership with Intel with the goal to push forward in the field of mixed reality, as well as to make progress with Cortana, AI, advanced security and gaming.
Project Evo aims to bring in a broad range of innovations that will encompass elements such as better defenses against hacking, eSports and game broadcasting, "far-field" voice capabilities and advances in biometrics with Windows Hello.
According to PC World, Microsoft's WinHEC event was paused between 2008 and 2014. Now Microsoft, Intel and the PC manufacturers have started again to actively talk about their shared priorities.
The industry aims to redefine how we interface with computers and the PC's basic intelligence and that's what Project Evo is all about. On the other side, Microsoft and Intel have some virtual reality plans together that might inspire a return to the premium priced PCs.
A bag from the historic Apollo 11 to the Moon has been ruled to belong to a woman who unknowingly bought it. Items from the Apollo 11 mission are considered as a US national treasure. Now the buyer keeps the Apollo 11 bag sold by mistake.
The bag originally was part of the property seized from Max Ary. Ary was a director of the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center. He was convicted of stealing and then selling museum artefacts. The bag has been in his possession when it was seized by the government in 2003.
However, the bag has been misidentified and then sold it off to auction. Nancy Carlson was able to buy the bag for $995. Carlson didn't know from what space mission the bag came from, though she was aware that it came from some space mission.
NASA contends that it wasn't aware or agreed to have the bag sold, according to Phys Org. Carlson has sent the bag to the NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to have it identified. The bag has not been returned to her yet.
In the court ruling, Judge J. Thomas Marten of the US District Court in Wichita said that he doesn't have the authority to reverse the sale of the bag. The judge though has stopped short of saying that NASA should return the bag to Carlson. In essence, though Carlson legally owns the bag, NASA still has the bag in its possession.
For the bag to be returned, it has been suggested that Carlson must file a motion from where the bag was seized. In June Carlson has filed a suit against NASA in Illinois to have the bag returned. The Apollo 11 mission bag has a lunar material embedded in its fabric, as KMBC News reports. The US government considers the bag to be a rare artifact.
For now, the bag stays with NASA until a ruling is made on whether the bag should be returned to Carlson. But then the buyer keeps Apollo 11 bag sold by mistake in some way. Earlier one of the pioneers of the US space missions, John Glenn, has passed away.
Microsoft has teamed up with audio tech giant Harman Kardon to develop a smart speaker that will give Google Home and Amazon Echo a run for their money.
The software company made the announcement at an event in San Francisco held last Dec. 13.
With Harman Kardon on board, be assured that the smart speaker will provide the best quality audio possible. Add Cortana to the mix and consumers will have a great time listening to her soothing voice as she spews out joke after witty joke.
Aside from Cortana's many amusing replies, she was also given a new Skills Kit. Cortana Skills will let third-party developers add more 'skills' to the digital assistant through the Microsoft Bot Framework. Amazon's Alexa currently has thousands of skills from developers within and outside of the company. Microsoft figures to follow suit with this new announcement. Among those already working with Microsoft to create skills for Cortana are Capital One, Expedia, Knowmail, and TalkLocal.
Aside from this bit of good news, Microsoft also announced in the same SF event that it is giving Cortana the ability to help its owner with his or her schedule.
The AI bot, Calendar.help, will allow Cortana to schedule meetings on the owner's behalf. The owner needs to sign up to link to Outlook.com, Google Calendar, or Office 365.
Cortana will send an email to attendees informing them of a meeting and will later follow them up if it receives no replies within 48 hours. Once the date of the meeting has been agreed upon, Cortana will send a virtual invitation to everyone with a sign off of "Warmly yours, Cortana. Scheduling Assistant of [owner's name]".
Thos who want the bot may wait a little while. The beta service requires an invitation. The waiting list is quite long and mostly favors people "who frequently schedule meetings with people outside their organization".
Microsoft recently announced that Cortana, its artificial intelligence, will be brought to the Windows IoT Core as part of the Windows 10 Creators Update.
According to recent reports, Nintendo Switch fans will finally be able to find out the console's official price and release date during an upcoming event being held in Tokyo on January 13, 2017. As of recent news, Nintendo has finally revealed exactly what time the event will take place, including how UK fans can watch it.
Details will be announced on January event
According to a recent Nintendo statement, the company will be announcing the Nintendo Switch price, release date, games and more detailed specifications at exactly 4 A.M. UK time on the said date. Fans hoping to be able to watch the event live can do so by visiting the Nintendo Switch website during the day of the event.
Statement from Nintendo
A recent Nintendo statement says that "It's the moment you've all been waiting for! Find out more about the Nintendo Switch by watching the Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017, live from Tokyo. "To be able to tune in live, visit http://www.nintendo.co.uk/switch on the 13th of January, Friday, at 5 A.M. CET / 4 A.M. GMT to hear about the new Nintendo Switch details."
More games added to the Switch
The Nintendo Switch games lineup is growing more and more as we approach the upcoming January event. Last week it was confirmed that THQ was planning to release three more games for the console. The gaming company has recently acquired the rights to the Cursed Mummy and Sphinx, as well as turn-based strategy games Legends of War and War Leaders: Clash of Nations.
Rumors to consider
Despite rumors that the console would be delayed, Nintendo has already confirmed an official March 2017 release date for the Nintendo Switch, having the exact date to be announced at the Tokyo event. In terms of the Nintendo Switch price, rumors have said that it will be in between 200-220 and that 300 would be the best price to start with for Nintendo.
Mercedes-Benz has set its sight on being the first ever car manufacturer to let its vehicles talk to an artificial intelligence.
The well-known automaker announced at the Mercedes innovation center in Silicon Valley that it will integrate Google Home into its vehicles in the near future.
The announcement precedes the actual demo which is expected to be done during the 2017 CES tradeshow though it did give a glimpse of what the tech could do.
Slash Gear was lucky enough to be at hand when Mercedes previewed the Google Home-integrated car system.
After triggering it with the "Ok Google" wake word, Google Home was told to "Let me talk to my Mercedes". The phrase initiates the digital assistant specific to the car.
From then on, the owner can ask the digital assistant, which has a slim difference in voice compared to the Google Assistant, any question like "Is my car locked?", "What's the mileage on my car?" or "When is my car's next service?". Another way the Google Home integration will help the car owner immensely is when he or she needs an address. The owner can ask the car's digital assistant through Google Home to look for the address of a certain place or the directions to that address. When the driver gets in the car, the address or directions will be ready.
Google is putting its feet on the pedal in its effort to get the better of its closest rival, Amazon Echo and its AI Alexa. Amazon's Alexa so far is the AI with the most skills but Google's Assistant has some qualities in itself that is better than Alexa's.
As for Mercedes-Benz, it has long been interested in the future of the car industry in terms of technological advances. In fact, it has been ... the Merced-Benz Future Talk for four years now. In the recent one held in Berlin, experts from the company discussed the role of artificial intelligence on the future of the company.
"Artificial intelligence is a key future topic for Mercedez-Benz, in-car and beyond, such as in the fields of mobility services or in development and production," explained Daimler group head, Anke Kleinschmit.
In the aim of bringing Michael Muhney back to The Young and the Restless, his huge fan base launched a petition to call the attention of CBS especially the showrunners. Despite the networks consistency on being silent amid various speculations of Muhneys alleged return in the drama, his fans are not losing hope that the day will come that they will be able to watch Adam Newman role played by their favorite actor. In fact, the campaign has already earned almost 2,000 signatures and is anticipated to ink 5,000 more names in the coming days.
Overwhelmed by the love and support of his long-time followers, Michael Muhney responded to the petition on Twitter. His statements are but filled of warm gratitude, hence strengthening his comeback in the popular soap opera.
I've been on a journey for several years. Moved away from the me that fought too many battles and covered up insecurities with ego. Michael Muhney (@michaelmuhney) December 14, 2016
The dashing actor is a fan favorite. His unexpected termination in 2014 caused dismay and anger to the audience. He is said to be the most incredible star who played the crucial role of Adam Newman in the series for 5 years.
One incident presumed to have caused his exit are allegations that he didnt get along with his co-stars on the set and the claim of Hunter King that the actor groped on her multiple times. The suspicions were vehemently denied by Muhney leaving his supporters divided but as years passed by, they came to realize that Muhney is the best candidate so far for the character.
It is noteworthy that the actor feels humbled with the desires of his avid fans to bring him back in the program. He greatly appreciated that despite his years of absence in TYTR, the viewers badly want him back. One of his tweets say, I just read through all the comments in this petition. Brought tears to my eyes. So blown away by people's passion for my work.
Should CBS remain deaf and mute on this matter? It is high time that they let the original Adam Newman reprise his role. They will not only satisfy the wishes of their audience, their ratings will be madly affected as well in a positive way.
After all, Newman was not proclaimed dead. The cabin explosion he got involved in the past episode did not show his wake nor burial. It was even reported that his demise is a hoax. It is also said that his character is not written off from the storyline. He will never be killed because Newman is one big name in the series that the show cannot afford to lose.
The future of Adam Newman and Michael Muhney are exciting. Despite the bad memories etched in the past incidents among the cast members, their years of friendship will find a way to heal their strained relationships. It wont hurt to give away chances, especially to a self-confessed changed man in Muhney. It is rare to see a famous celebrity admit his mistakes and vows to renew his credibility brought by the challenges that he had encountered in the past.
President-elect Donald Trump has called upon the leaders of the tech industry to join him for a sit down to discuss the industry's role in his presidency. One tech leader was conspicuously missing.
The meeting held on Dec. 14 saw some of the biggest personalities in technology join Trump at his famous Trump Tower located in New York City. Apple's Tim Cook, Elon Musk of Tesla, Google co-founder and Alphabet CEO Larry Page, Eric Schmidt also of Alphabet, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, among others.
Absent from the meeting was Jack Dorsey of Twitter. The CEO of the social networking service was not invited and many speculated that his refusal to create the emoji for the CrookedHillary hashtag is the reason for his exclusion.
During the campaign period, Trump's campaign team was supposed to pay Twitter to have an emoji created that may be used when someone tweets the #CrookedHillary phrase. The emoji was a picture of "small bags of money being given away or stolen". Even with $5 million on the table, Dorsey blocked the deal.
According to a Fortune report, the president-elect's camp claims the reason why Dorsey was left out was because Twitter is a "small company". Twitter has a market capitalization of $13.85 billion.
The media first got wind of the summit after invitations were sent out by a trio of Trump's closest allies in the campaign, manager Reince Priebus, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and PayPal co-founder turned presidential tech adviser Peter Thiel.
It must be remembered that Trump was a staunch critic of Silicon Valley, particularly a number of tech companies. He even went on record to accuse Apple and Amazon of dodging taxes and negatively affecting employment by hiring overseas workers. He also mentioned that he will veto any merger such as that of AT&T and Time Warner.
The feeling is actually mutual as many of the tech leaders have voiced their opposition on a Trump presidency. Bezos, in fact, tweeted that he will gladly send Trump to space onboard the Blue Origin rocket. Apple, meanwhile, declined support for the 2016 Republican National Convention because of Trump's controversial comments on immigrants and other groups.
At the meeting, Trump assured everyone in the meeting that he's "here to help you folks do well". The meeting progressed to discuss policies regarding corporate tax rates, job creations and economic growth, in general.
US president-elect Donald Trump recently a meeting with some of the greatest tech minds in the world at the Trump Tower in Manhattan. There, he met with Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, Tim Cook of Apple, Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, Larry Page and Eric Schmidt of Alphabet and Satya Nadella of Microsoft - to name a few. After months of berating these same companies, Trump cleared the air and confirmed he would be there to help.
"This is a truly amazing group of people," Trump as quoted saying by The New York Times. "There's nobody like you in the world. In the world! There's nobody like the people in this room." He then went on to assure these same people that if there was anything the US government could do to help them, that he would make sure it was provided. "I'm here to help you folks do well," he said.
Many feared that Trump would bring up the creation of a Muslim database, which he spoke about during the election. However, the publication made no mention of this. Instead, the business mogul and tech executives discussed vocational education - that there should be more of it - as well as the perils and promise of trading with China. Trump also brought up the possibility of using technology to detect and solve government waste.
But even if Trump brought up that infamous Muslim database and if - a large if - a tech company were to accept the project, hundreds of employees have already vowed not to work on it. As USA Today reports, over 600 tech employees, some of whom are employed at Google and Twitter, have pledged not to get their hands dirty with a Muslim registry.
"We are choosing to stand in solidarity with Muslim Americans, immigrants, and all people whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by the incoming administration's proposed data collection policies," it reads. "We refuse to build a database of people based on their Constitutionally-protected religious beliefs. We refuse to facilitate mass deportations of people the government believes to be undesirable."
Some might argue that such a pledge is too much, that believing each of Trump's statements is a little illogical. But while setting up a profiling system like that is far fetched, the fact is that it has already been a reality. As PRI.Org notes, there was a profiling system in place following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.
The National Security Entry-Exit Registration System kept tabs on men, who were aged 16 to 45 from 45 different countries - all of which held a large Muslim population, except for North Korea. These men were required to present themselves to government officials if they were given non-immigrant visas. This included students and workers.
The possibility of this being brought back is not impossible. However, the pledge of hundreds of tech employees creates some distance from that and reality. "What's important to me is that individuals who care about the ethical use of technology can step forward, show how many of us there are and say that there are lines we will not cross," said Ka-Ping Yee, a software engineer at Wave.
"Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 is considered to be one of the longest-running television series on primetime. With the show currently on its mid-season break, many were quick to voice out their thoughts about having Meredith Grey as the main focus of the show throughout its thirteen-season run.
It is undeniable that actress Ellen Pompeo's character, Dr. Meredith Grey, played a huge role in "Grey's Anatomy's" success. Her impressive portrayal of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital's renowned surgeon has skyrocketed the show's success.
However, not everyone seems to be pleased with Meredith Grey anymore. In fact, some fans were very vocal about being fed up of the character. According to reports, fans are now sick and tired of her storyline and want to have someone new to take the spotlight.
Fans were quick to point out that throughout the thirteen-season run of "Grey's Anatomy," they've seen almost all possible angles in the drama, especially in Meredith Grey's storyline. The fact that Ellen Pompeo's character narrates every single episodes and event in Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital is a becoming too repetitive and predictable to the audience.
With the spotlight being on Meredith Grey in "Grey's Anatomy" for so long, there were speculations that her appeal already died down and lost its edge. There were even claims that fans are now concerned as to how the series can attract more viewers, especially since Grey's storyline, has been used over and over again.
After thirteen long seasons, does Meredith Grey still has a new story to tell? Apparently, fans are now doubtful. However, this does not stop Ellen Pompeo from pursuing her coveted character in "Grey's Anatomy." In fact, the actress has been very vocal that she has no plans to hang her scrub suits anytime soon.
In an interview, Ellen Pompeo opens up about the show's continuous success after being in the industry for years. The actress also shares that she doesn't take "Grey's Anatomy's" success lightly and that it is something she has been very thankful for.
"You go through a journey of 13 years and at this stage, you're just so grateful that we've had the support that we've had," the actress said. "I mean, can you imagine the audience has supported us for 13 years? Some movie stars don't get a career that long. And we're on every week, and people are still watching. We don't take it lightly. It's unbelievable."
Ellen Pompeo also clarified that as long as there are viewers who enjoy watching the show, then there's no reason to put a stop into it. In fact, the actress wants to keep on doing it, saying, "I don't want to walk away from the golden goose. I want to put a leash around it and take it everywhere with me."
So far, there has been no confirmation whether or not "Grey's Anatomy" will be renewed for another season. As it seems, fans of the show might still be able to see more of Meredith Grey in the upcoming years - whether they like or not.
Since early 19th century West Africa, the word Zombie has struck fear into the hearts of people. With the evolution of technology, and the rise of hit shows like The Walking Dead, zombies are more popular than ever, but the most terrifying thing about the world of
The Walking Dead isnt "Walkers", its other people: Walkers, as they are referred to on the show, are predictable; theyre hungry, and they want to eat your brains. Humans on the other hand, often can and will be unpredictable, and thats exactly what makes them dangerous. Here are some tips to learn from the popular show.
Predictability is just as dangerous as unpredictability
Perceived cyber threat expectations among companies and corporations, from mom and pop shops to mega conglomerates shouldn't base cybersecurity protocols on trends, let alone implement new cybersecurity techniques, technologies and procedures without a full understanding of them.
The vetting of various new implementations on any network comes down to knowledge of its most critical weaknesses, and even the most well run networks and business are only as strong as the weakest link.
[ MORE: 7 security lessons learned from Game of Thrones ]
"Walkers" in the world of The Walking Dead are a serious threat, but it's the living, whose primary motivations are to "survive at all cost" that pose the greatest threat to others.
From departmental staff changes and the changing of passwords, to the full overhaul of security protocols and procedures; staying ahead of the various threats to network security in today's world requires the certainty of uncertainty, and a better understanding of antivirus software, hardware and storage than possible attackers is imperative.
New people should be vetted
On The Walking Dead, before allowing anyone access to the group's hard earned resources, the protagonist asks newcomers three simple questions,
"How many walkers have you killed?"
"How many people have you killed?"
"Why?"
The first question aside, thorough background checks, psychological evaluations and surveys of and about new employees can give companies a leg up in the long term.
It seems obvious, but many companies give relatively new employees access to highly sensitive information. Access to networked passwords by people with little knowledge of cybersecurity may lead to phishing threats from outside the company, worse yet is access to networked passwords, procedural protocols and other sensitive information by disgruntled employees who have knowledge of coding, may dabble in, or otherwise be experienced hackers.
Bad management often leads to issues from lower-level employees, and anonymous surveys by lower-level employees may lead to restructuring, or even firing of managers who shouldn't be holding their positions to begin with. Periodic and random psychological evaluations can be needed of employees within various sectors.
Though the use of screening employees through psychological evaluations must fall within the legal precedence set by the Supreme Courts decision in the 2005 case of Karraker v. Rent-A-Center Inc. which found that the employers use of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) as part of its testing process for managers violated the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
Checks and balances at every level of employment should be put in place to prevent any and all threats rising up the chain: from new hires to high-level executives. Security protocols and procedures may help curb these issues, but they should begin at the beginning.
Walls help, but not enough
From the CDC in Atlanta, the West Georgia Correctional Facility, the hospital in Atlanta, from Woodbury to Alexandria, and even the Saviors camp, one or two, or even a dozen walkers may become a piece of cake for the grizzled veterans of The Walking Dead, but a thousand walkers herded together can and most often will breach the walls of any safe zone, no matter how secure it may seem.
On Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, a coordinated DDoS attack shut down DNS servers through Dyn Corporation, located in Manchester, NH. Dyn wont speculate as to the identity of the attackers, but recent reports and further analysis suggest that a Mirai botnet attack perpetrated by a group of amateurs calling themselves The New World Hackers was at least partially responsible for the attack.
These attacks used compromised consumer devices such as routers, IP cameras and DVRs to target Dyn's network servers. As previously stated: the overall security of any business is only as strong as its weakest link. Much like The Walking Dead, sturdy walls may prevent small groups from threatening the safety of any community, just as a good series of firewalls may prevent one, two, or even 10 drive-by-downloads containing packets ready to unleash malware in the hundreds of thousands to the millions. Just as one walker can breach a wall and cause an outbreak of walkers in seconds, Zombie Botnets may unleash a horde of DDoS attacks through something as simple as one to a few well placed phishing emails. Even major DNS service providers such as Dyn have proven unable to prevent these packets from breaching their firewalls and running rampant through their networks.
Securing the most trivial of systems within a network is paramount when something as simple as a malicious email may contain links to a horde of Zombie Botnets waiting to wreak havoc throughout a network and DDoS it to its knees.
Clear
Security begins and ends with situational awareness: an awareness of the immediate as well as long-term perceived threats must be handled with an absolute certainty of the uncertain. In the post apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead, from stringed together tin cans, sharpened spikes and barbed-wire, to tripwire triggered explosive devices, booby-traps are often the first, as well as the last line of defense against invaders, whether alive or undead.
The characters on The Walking Dead often gather intelligence of future threats through both scouting and catching people attempting to scout or invade their territory. On more than one occasion, the characters have hidden in plain site by either disguising themselves as their living enemies, or by covering themselves in the blood and guts of walkers to mask their smell against the immediate threat of being eaten alive. In both The Walking Dead and in the real world, deception is a valuable tool against threats. Honeypots have become an incredibly useful resource against cyber-threats. Hackers often bypass network defenses by using encryption or IPv6 tunneling.
Honeypots wont gather the data of every perceived threat, because they only report the connections they receive, and almost all of these will be from real attacks. While honeypots rely on well thought out deceptions and stories to lure bad actors into traps, which in turn, covertly gather data from the source of any intrusion, they do so by using IPv6 or SSH, which are able to capture every action by bad actors, including toolkits, keystrokes and communications.
Honeypots contain no valuable data, nor applications a company would deem as critical. But they hold enough data which at first or second glance would be perceived as interesting, that hackers are lured in long enough to occupy themselves with a web of lies, as data is gathered by the honeypot. It can be used to analyze the methods, tools and techniques, as well as their skill level.
So whether your company is brand new, and as fresh to threats as Dr. Eugene Porter, protecting your company's data can seem as complex as traversing a maze of walkers, Or, if your company is well established, and as seasoned to threats as Morgan Jones and Rick Grimes, guarding your companys data against attacks can seem as simple as carrying a big stick, as weve learned from The Walking Dead: the devil is in the details.
IBM today made its serverless computing platform named OpenWhisk which is also an open source project generally available in the companys BlueMix cloud.
Serverless computing is one of the most discussed emerging technologies in the IaaS public cloud market, so IBM making its flagship serverless product generally available marks a milestone for the technology.
+MORE AT NETWORK WORLD: Serverless use case: How this company runs its app without provisioning any servers or virtual machines +
The idea of serveless is slightly nebulous: Developers write applications that are deployed on to the cloud, but they dont have to provision any infrastructure resources to run them. No virtual machines instances to choose from or operating systems to spin up. Instead, the serverless computing platform responds to event triggers: if a user does one thing, then the serverless computing platform will execute a function and do another. Think of an app that is programmed to automatically grab weather forecast data each time a user clicks a button, or a system that automatically resizes or reformats images uploaded to a database.
Amazon Web Services was first to the market with this technology when it released Lambda last year. IBM with OpenWhisk and Microsoft with Azure Functions soon followed.
In addition to GAing OpenWhisk, IBM also announced a handful of customers it says are using OpenWhisk atop its cloud, headlined by European bank Santander Group. OpenWhisk provides the instant infrastructure we need for intense tasks and unexpected peaks in workload, and is a key building block as we move to a real-time and event-driven architecture, Luis Enriquez, Head of Platform Engineering and Architecture at Santander Group is quoted as saying in a press release announcing OpenWhishs GA. It adds that Santander is designing and testing new apps using OpenWhisk. IBM also names Netherlands-based startup SiteSpirit, LogitBot (a New York based financial technologies firm) and Altoros, a software consulting firm as OpenWhisk customers.
With the GA launch, IBM has added new features to OpenWhisk, including support for runtime languages Java, Node v6, Python and Swift v3, an integration with BlueMixs MessageHub real-time streaming platform and an extension for Visual Studio code.
Microsoft announced the GA of Azure Functions last month. At its AWS re:Invent conference earlier this month Amazon made a number of advancements to Lambda, including new support for the C# programming language, and a way to execute Lambda functions in the companys CloudFront content delivery network (CDN).
Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ordered on Thursday the renovation of St. Peter and St. Paul Church, the site of 11 December's devastating bomb attack, to be completed before Coptic Christmas on 7 January.
The president announced the renovation during the inauguration ceremony of the four highways project, saying that the Armed Forces Engineering Authority will be responsible for executing the project.
Head of the Armed Forces Engineering Authority Kamel El-Wazir has said that the church will be restored to its original condition within 15 days.
At least 25 people were killed and 49 injured on Sunday in a suicide bomb attack on the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, which is attached to Cairo's main Coptic cathedral in Abbasiya.
The explosion caused severe damage to several parts of the church.
Egypt observed three days of mourning after the attack.
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Microsoft's sending a strong message: You don't need high-end hardware to plug most VR headsets into PCs.
The company has established an amazingly modest set of minimum hardware requirements for upcoming VR headsets to be used with PCs. Microsoft believes mixed reality is the future of computing and wants to bring VR as many PCs as possible.
The requirements for Windows 10 PCs for tethered VR headsets do not apply to fully integrated headset computers like Microsoft's HoloLens. Companies like Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, and Lenovo plan to come out with headset accessories for PCs, and Microsoft has said prices for those VR headsets would start at US$299.
Microsoft's requirements are much lower than those for the high-end HTC Vive and Oculus Rift headsets, which require top-class GPUs and CPUs. By comparison, Microsoft's minimum hardware requirements make space to plug low-end VR headsets into PCs for movie watching, casual gaming, and basic applications.
The specifications are just a starting point, but the more loaded a computer, the better the VR experience will get, Mingfei Yan, senior program manager at Microsoft, said during a presentation at last week's WinHEC show in Shenzhen, China.
To support a VR headset right now, a laptop will need to have the equivalent of Intel's Core i5 7200U CPU based on Kaby Lake, Intel's HD 620 integrated graphics, and 8GB of dual-channel memory.
The hardware requirements get a bit more demanding next year, when Microsoft releases its Creators Update for Windows 10, which is built around 3D gaming, virtual reality, and 4K movies. There's a bit more flexibility in the CPU requirements, but a computer may need a discrete or powerful integrated GPU.
For Creators Update, the minimum laptop requirement will be an Intel Core i5 chip -- Microsoft provided the example of a Skylake-based Core i5 6200U. The laptop GPU will need to be an Nvidia GeForce GTX 965M, AMD RX460, or DirectX 12-compatible GPU. A desktop will require a minimum of a Core i3 or an AMD FX4530 CPU equivalent, and a Nvidia GeForce GTX 960/1050, AMD Radeon RX460, or a DirectX 12 compatible GPU.
PCs will also require a minimum of 8GB of dual-channel RAM and more than 10GB of storage. Additionally, PCs should have HDMI 1.4 for 60Hz head-mounted displays and HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort for 90Hz VR headset displays. Alternately, a PC could have or USB 3.0 Type-A or USB 3.1 Type-C port with DisplayPort Alternate mode.
Other specs include Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connection for accessories like controllers. Faster storage like SSDs and DDR4 memory will provide a better VR experience.
AMD's mobile chips are still being tested for the specification, Yan said.
Microsoft is using tracking technology to establish a "safety zone" to allow people to move when roaming VR worlds or playing games. Microsoft will prompt users to set up an active space in which to move, with the goal for VR users to avoiding crashing into furniture or other objects.
Ultimately, Microsoft hopes VR headsets will be able to communicate with PCs wirelessly. That will provide users with more freedom to roam around larger areas, Yan said.
The company also believes audio will play an important role when interacting with 3D worlds via a VR headset. For example, Cortana could be an important feature for VR apps in Windows 10. For the VR headset, Yan recommended putting in dual microphones, a headphone jack, or an audio array so users can enable the Cortana experience.
By the next Creators Update, Microsoft will support Universal Windows Platform apps on its mixed reality platform. Microsoft's Edge browser will have VR capabilities with support for the WebVR standard.
Microsoft's goal is to provide the largest catalog of apps and content for VR headsets, Yan said. The company will add new a movie and TV catalog with the Creators Update as a one-stop shop for videos that can run on VR headsets.
In rejecting a $335 million damage award to Cisco, a California jury gave Arista Networks a key verdict in part of the expansive patent infringement lawsuit the two networking companies are fighting over.
While the jury found Arista had copied some of Cisco Command Line Interface it declined to award in damages. The jury also found that Arista did not infringe the single patent remaining in the case as well as Ciscos asserted copyrights in its user manuals.
+More on Network World: Cisco Talos: Zeus spawn Floki bot malware gaining use, cyber-underworld notoriety+
We would like to thank the jurors and [U.S. District Court Judge Beth Labson] Freeman for their tireless efforts. Todays verdict represents an important victory not only for Arista but for the entire industry, said Marc Taxay, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Arista.
Cisco Senior Vice President, General Counsel Mark Chandler didnt hide his disdain for the verdict saying in a blog post: I cant pretend not to be disappointed that a jury in federal court, having found that Arista copied Ciscos user interfaces and that the copying was not justified by the fair use doctrine, applied the little known principle of scenes a faire to deny Cisco relief for Aristas action. In laymens terms, justification by applying scenes a faire means the jury excused Aristas copying because they believe that external factors dictated the selection and arrangement of some infringed features. We believe they misapplied, or misunderstood, this narrow doctrine developed to make sure copyright infringement does not extend to using commonplace elements from literary works such as a plot device, a character or a setting.
Chandler went on to say Arista copied despite the fact that other competitors have developed user interfaces in a wide variety of ways that do not copy. Ciscos user interface is well-known and successful, and while it has often been referred to as an industry standard meaning a popular benchmark none of Ciscos technology in this case has been incorporated in any actual industry standard; in fact, no CLI standards body actually exists.
+More on Network World: Arista infringes on Cisco networking patents, trade agency says; Cisco: US Trade Rep. backing Arista product import ban+
We will look to Judge Freeman to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to warrant the conclusion reached by the jury, as well as other grounds for setting aside the trial result, Cisco stated.
The Arista victory comes a week after a US trade judge ruled that Arista Networks infringed on two other Cisco switch patents. A U.S. International Trade Commission judge issued the so-called initial determination on the case which now must be reviewed by the ITC. In the end should the ITC find against Arista its switches could once again be banned from import into the US. The ITC you may recall ruled against Arista in another part of this case and between June and August the company could not import those products. In November Arista announced that US Customs has given it permission to resume importing its networking gear in the United States.
+More on Network World: Cisco whacks its Secure Access Control System
At the time Arista stated the companys current products which contain redesigned software -- Extensible Operating System (4.16 or later) are not within the scope of the limited exclusion order issued by the United States International Trade Commission in Investigation No. 337-TA-944 and therefore may be imported into the United States.
These patented technologies are required to improve the operation of networking products, and to protect the control plane of a router or switch. These are core switch functionalities, and are included in Aristas entire line of switches. Once again, Aristas customers will need to bear the risk associated with any import ban and cease and desist orders, said Chandler in a blog post about the ruling.
For its part Taxay said the Arista strongly believes that its products do not infringe any of the patents under investigation and looks forward to presenting our case to the full Commission.
The judge also found no infringement of four other patents Cisco originally asserted in the case, Arista stated.
Arista intends to request a review of the full Commission of the [judges] findings. If granted, the full Commission is expected to issue a final determination on this matter in April 2017. While still subject to review, Arista intends to fully address the infringement findings with design-arounds for its products, Taxay said in a statement.
Security researchers are disturbed it took Yahoo three years to discover that details of over 1 billion user accounts had been stolen back in 2013.
It means that someone -- possibly a state-sponsored actor -- had access to one of the largest email user bases in the world, without anyone knowing. The stolen database may have even included information on email ids of U.S. government and military employees.
It is extremely alarming that Yahoo didnt know about this, said Alex Holden, chief information security officer with Hold Security.
Yahoo said back in November it first learned about the breach when law enforcement began sharing with the company stolen data that had been provided by a hacker. At the time, the company was already dealing with a separate data breach, reported in September, involving 500 million user accounts.
However, this hacker was apparently sitting on another mother lode of stolen Yahoo data, but it's still unclear how the theft occurred.
Holden, who investigates online black markets, said there was always chatter among underground dealers that someone had made away with a massive trove of information from the internet firm.
Hackers allegedly had small samples, but they had never seen the full data set, Holden said.
But the stolen data never appeared to be widely circulated to make a major profit, he said. It suggests that state-sponsored hackers may have been behind the breach, and wanted to keep the data secretly to themselves.
This information would have been distributed widely if cyber criminals were involved, Holden said. But right now, that seems not to be the case, even two or three years later.
Private security firm InfoArmor may have actually discovered details about the Yahoo data breach earlier this year. In September, the company claimed it had found a stolen database allegedly belonging to Yahoo that was obtained from elite hackers-for-hire.
Yahoo, however, didnt comment on the companys finding, making it unclear if the data was legitimate.
InfoArmor has claimed that a hacking team called Group E, likely out of Eastern Europe, breached Yahoo and sold the data in three private deals. At least one of the buyers was a state-sponsored actor, said Andrew Komarov, InfoArmor's chief intelligence officer, in an email on Wednesday.
The security firm has shared its findings with law enforcement agencies in the U.S., U.K., Australia and Europe. It said the stolen database it found also has information relating to over 150,000 U.S. government and military employees. Backup email addresses included in the discovered dump contain .gov and .mil domain names, said Komarov, who called the Yahoo breach a "matter of national security."
The stolen data "may allow the threat actors to identify government employees very quickly," he said.
The FBI has only said its investigating the Yahoo hack, and on Wednesday, the agency didnt provide any new details.
Yahoo also hasn't mentioned who might have pulled off the intrusion, except to say an "unauthorized third party" was involved.
Still, the recent data breaches at the company highlight the need for the tech industry to constantly be on guard against cyber threats, a security expert said.
The lesson is clear: no organization is immune to compromise, said Jeff Hill, director of product management for security provider Prevalent, in an email. Criminal actors can do significant damage in days and weeks; give them years, and all bets are off."
Today
Partly cloudy. Windy during the morning. High 69F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
Tonight
Clear skies. Low 46F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunshine and some clouds. High 72F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Egypts civil aviation ministry said on Thursday that traces of explosives were found on the remains of the victims on the EgyptAir Paris-Cairo flight that crashed over the Mediterranean last summer.
The investigative committee looking into the crash will refer the matter to the Egyptian general prosecution, the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
Since there is criminal suspicion, the committee will put its expertise in the hands of the prosecution, the statement added.
On 19 May, EgyptAir flight MS804 crashed into the eastern Mediterranean, killing all 66 people on board.
There were 30 Egyptian passengers on board, including the crew members, as well as 15 French citizens, two Iraqis and one passenger each from the UK, Canada, Belgium, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Sudan, Chad and Portugal.
The commercial flight left Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport at 11:09pm GMT, and was due to land at Cairo International Airport at 01:15am GMT.
The aircraft disappeared from radar over three hours into the flight.
No one has claimed responsibility for the crash.
Following the deadly May incident, Egyptian authorities opened an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
French aviation authorities as well as Airbus, the manufacturer of the plane, have contributed to the Egyptian investigation.
In July, the investigative committee said the flight data recorder showed that a fire erupted on board the plane shortly before the crash.
Investigators analysis of the flight data recorder indicated there was smoke in the lavatory and avionics bay. Recovered wreckage also showed signs of damage because of high temperatures.
On the day of the plane crash, Egyptian aviation minister Sherif Fathy said at a press conference that the possibility of a terror attack is higher than that of a technical error.
Fathy told reporters at the time that he reached this conclusion based on what I read and from my expertise, but this remains assumptions and possible scenarios.
Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov said at the time that a terrorist act was a likely cause of the crash.
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Feds laud $83M to better Pell Bridge The congressional delegation of Rhode Island was in Jamestown to celebrate an $82.5 million grant to upgrade the bridge that connects Conanicut Island to Newport. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, a...
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The French authorities said on Thursday that they remain committed to helping their Egyptian counterparts investigate the causes of the 19 May crash, which killed all passengers on board including 15 French nationals
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday evening that France and its experts remain at the disposal of the appropriate Egyptian authorities to contribute to the investigation into the causes of the crash of EgyptAir MS804 last spring.
The French ministry stressed that the investigation to determine the exact causes of the EgyptAir MS804 crash will continue.
The French statement comes hours after Egypt's Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that traces of explosives were found on the remains of the victims of the 19 May crash, suggesting a criminal act.
Following the deadly May incident, Egyptian authorities opened an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
French aviation authorities as well as Airbus, the manufacturer of the plane, have contributed to the Egyptian investigation.
France hopes that the transfer of the report [by the Egyptian investigative committees] to the Egyptian prosecutor-general's office will open the way to returning the [French] victims remains to their families as quickly as possible, said the French foreign ministry's statement.
"That is the wish that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Jean-Marc Ayrault, has expressed several times to his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry," the French statement read.
There were 15 French passengers among the 66 passengers killed in the crash.
Last week, the families of the French victims launched an online petition demanding that Egyptian authorities return the remains of their relatives.
The Paris prosecutor-general has not so far designated the crash as a terrorist or criminal incident.
Meanwhile, the French air safety agency BEA reacted with caution to Thursday's announcement in Egypt.
"In the absence of detailed information on the conditions in which samples were taken and measures which led to the detection of traces of explosives, BEA does not consider it possible at this stage to draw conclusions on the origin of the accident," a BEA spokesman told AFP.
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Fake news have been proliferating the internet, particularly during the recent US elections. A 17-year-old Macedonian reportedly earned thousands of dollars by engaging in such activities.
Last month, it was revealed that there were over 100 pro-Trump websites which mainly produce fake news. According to BuzzFeed, they are being managed by people in the town of Veles in Macedonia. These sites generate articles to get traffic by using Facebook.
By just producing lies about the election, Dimitri, who asked BBC not to use his real name, is just one of the few residents in Macedonia to earn millions in just months, as reported by the Huffington Post.
"Nothing can beat Trump's supporters when it comes to social media engagement," he said. "So that's why we stick with Trump."
The teen produces stories that make no sense or are baseless just to negate the opposing parties of Trump. These include Clinton's emails, the famous Benghazi tragedy, and her rumored illness. He doesn't only target Clinton but Obama as well. This kid also made the news that Obama sends DOJ money to assist Clinton's campaign.
They don't really care about Trump, they just produce news that trigger Trump supporters He also stated that the most hit topics include "anti-Hillary posts."
After the elections, Dimitri said that their websites are still doing well and have still high profits because of course, they can adapt to the trending news. Some of the news they publish were just copied from another site with them just citing the URL, which produce money for their site.
Despite influencing many people by his fake news and affecting the public opinion, Dimitri wouldn't show any conscience and refuses to show his site on Google AdSense, which allows sites to make money per click and views. The reason he doesn't want to get caught is to protect the other four kids who assist him in this fraud job. He said he pays the kids $10 each per day to help him boost his site's views and that what he pays the kids are enough to let them each buy their own laptop and stuffs.
It's not surprising that Macedonians are into this kind of job because of their country's weak economy, average unemployed citizens and an income of $5,000. Also, teenagers like Dimitri weren't allowed to work. Dimitri said that just earning in this kind of work is enough for people like them and that he also knows someone who bought a BMW with just this job.
In addition, he still insists that producing fake news is not a negligent job, saying, "I didn't force anyone to give me money." Further explaining, he said, "People sell cigarettes, they sell alcohol. That's not illegal, why is my business illegal? If you sell cigarettes, cigarettes kill people. I didn't kill anyone." He argued that it is better to do this job than engaging in the drug business when he was asked if he is worried that his kid would do the same job.
This kind of news triggered Facebook Mark Zuckerberg to take countermeasures to avoid this kind of hoax. Hillary Clinton also urged people to be aware of fake news following the Pizzagate incident.
Since the web-slinging superhero movie trailer was released a few days ago, fans are going crazy about the movie. We can give credit to high hopes for this movie from its star-studded casts and super villains. The casts are an ensemble of fantastic talents and proven crowd-getters. Here are the star-studded casts and the super villains that will wreak havoc in the movie:
Tom Holland (Peter Parker). His name may not ring a bell yet but it doesn't mean that he is new. He has been around for quite a while before Tony Spark recruited him to join the battle with veteran superheroes in Leipzig-Halle Airport in Captain America: Civil Wars. He was the comic relief in that movie. This lucky young Brit already starred in other big-budgeted films like "The Impossible" alongside Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts. He is also in the movie "In The Heart of the Sea" with Chris Hemsworth.
Michael Keaton (Vulture)
He will be playing Adrian Toomes, an electric engineer who invented a special flight suit. After being betrayed by a friend, he turned into a criminal a.k.a The Vulture. He is the main antagonist in the movie. The trailer has already shown his amazing costume. More of him in a report fromScreenrant.com.
Marisa Tomei (Aunt May)
She will still be the very protective, loving and caring Aunt May. Though younger than the previous Aunt May characters, it is expected that Peter will continue fooling her by not letting her know his superpower abilities.
Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/ Iron Man)
His movie credits in almost three decades of acting career are never ending. Everybody knows him as Iron Man. He will provide Peter the do's and dont's og being a superhero. Enough said.
Bookem Woodbine( Herman Schultz/The Shocker)
Another villain who will wreak havoc in the movie. His power comes from his gauntlets which can produce vibrational air explosion. In the comics, his character is called "The Shocker". Logan Marshall-Green will also play a super villain but his character is still yet to be identified, says Cinema Blend.
Jobs & Hire reported that "Spider-Man: Homecoming" will be shown on July 7 this coming year.
Just a few blocks away from Louvre Museum in France where his famous works are on display, another Leonardo Da Vinci masterpiece has found its way to a French auction house. The drawing is one out of eight "The Martyred St. Sebastian" art pieces created by the Renaissance genius who lived from 1452- 1519.
The drawing was from a retired doctor who also acquired it from his father. Tajan, the French auction house that takes care of Da Vinci's work put a $16 million price tag on it. It is the first masterpiece of Da Vinci to be discovered in the last 15 years.
When the director of the auction house laid his sight on the artwork, he knew that there is something special about it. He asked the help of an art enthusiast, Patrick de Bayser, for a second opinion. De Bayser noticed that the artist who drew it is left-handed( similar to da Vinci). According to New York Times, De Bayser also discovered two-minute scientific drawings at the back of the paper, with small notes on them.
To confirm its authenticity, Tajan got in touch with Carmen C. Bambach, curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A report from GZ.com revealed that Bambach couldn't believe what she saw. "My eyes jumped out of their sockets," she said. She believed that the discovered sketch is the most beautiful among other St. Sebastian drawings. It is one of the eight sketches of the martyred saint listed on da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus notebooks.
The spokesman for Tajan confirmed that the public auction for da Vinci's sketch will be on June this coming year. Louvre Museum might participate in the auction as mandated by French laws. The law in France requires Louvre Museum to participate in the auction to keep work of arts inside the country.
Da Vinci is also the artist behind the smiles of Mona Lisa. In a report by Jobs & Hire, one organization claims that the Italian genius created a Mona Lisa before painting another Mona Lisa which we know today.
The US National Security Council will limit its arms sales to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to illicit use of US-manufactured weapons in the Yemen conflict. Saudi airstrikes against Yemen rebel forces have killed 140 civilians in a funeral in the country. White House National Security Spokesperson Ned Price warned Saudi Arabia that its arms cooperation with the Middle East superpower was not a "blank check."
According to BBC, Saudi sales of precision weapons used in airstrikes will be halted but sales of other arms including a $3bn military helicopter supplication deal will still push through. The US - bound by its US-Saudi cooperation - said it would continue to provide border security intelligence and supplementary training for Saudi's troops.
According to ABC News, 4,000 civilians have died in the conflict with over 3 million seeking refuge inside safe zones in Yemen or outside their own country. The news website also cited an investigation by the humanitarian organization the Human Rights Watch and its uncovering of fragments that killed civilians and first responders after a Saudi -led air raid in one of Sanaa's towns named Arhab as US-made.
The arms sale limit to Saudi Arabia could sour US-Saudi relations. Many analysts speculate it could turn for the worse after the Obama Administration ends if US President-Elect Donald Trump would strongly stand by his campaign's foreign policy.
According to the Houthi government - which Saudi Arabia and several other Arab nations view as a revel government - the UK is also involved in its peoples' continuing despair. Self-appointed Houthi Prime Minister Abdulaziz bin Habtour said the UK is also "guilty of war crimes" for having sold "cluster bombs" to Saudi Arabia while knowing they would use it against them.
Last October, about 60 people have died after Saudi airstrikes hit a security complex in Houthi-dominated Al Hudayah. According to Saudi Arabia, the area is the stronghold of Houthi rebel operations and is a key target to thwart their advance in the region.
Syrian activists say pro-government forces have shot at ambulances trying to leave eastern Aleppo, wounding at least 3 evacuees.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the ambulances were still in opposition territory when they came under small-arms fire from the government side on Thursday. It says three people were wounded.
Local hospital director and opposition activist Hamza Khatib says no ambulances or buses have been able to leave eastern Aleppo yet.
The Syrian Civil Defense responders posted on social media that two of its members were wounded when government forces fired on ambulances leaving the opposition's remaining sliver of land in Aleppo.
The activist-run group says they were evacuating wounded civilians and rebels as part of an agreement to return the city to government control. The group says one person died and two were wounded but the fatality could not immediately be confirmed.
The evacuation is part of an agreement between rebels and the Syrian government for the pullout from opposition-held neighborhoods of fighters and civilians in what is effectively Aleppo's surrender to the government.
The rebels have held to the eastern part of the city for four years but their enclave rapidly evaporated in the past days in the face of a fierce Syrian government onslaught.
The Russian military says it's preparing for the rebels' withdrawal from Aleppo.
The military's Center for Reconciliation in Syria says that 20 buses and 10 ambulances are prepared to carry the rebels to Idlib on Thursday.
The center says it's preparing for the rebels' exit together with the Syrian government. It says Syrian authorities have given security guarantees to all rebels willing to leave Aleppo.
The Russian military also says it's monitoring the situation using drones.
A previous attempt to arrange a rebel withdrawal failed Wednesday when a cease-fire deal between the rebels and the Syrian government collapsed, with the government and the rebels blaming each other for its failure.
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A group of eight General Snus styles will not be allowed to remove a consumer warning that the products can cause gum disease and tooth loss, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.
The agency has delayed action on removing or revising two other consumer warnings.
Snus are teabag-like pouches or loose tobacco that users stick between their cheek and gum, but that dont require spitting. They are marketed in part for use in places where smoking is prohibited.
The warnings are required to be displayed on smokeless tobacco packages and in advertisements.
The application has been watched closely by both the public health community and tobacco companies. Camel Snus, made by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., dominate the American market.
The FDA said that the scientific evidence provided in the applications, as well as other available data show these products can cause gum disease and tooth loss.
The lessons learned through these first applications provide key insights moving forward, Mitch Zeller, director of the FDAs Center for Tobacco Product, said in a statement.
For example, companies should carefully consider how they plan to present and substantiate a modified risk claim. While the FDA is not authorizing modified risk orders for these products at this time, our guidance to the company will enable it to amend its applications if it chooses.
Swedish Match also requested to revise a third required warning statement to say the General Snus products present substantially lower risks to health than cigarettes.
The FDA said it believes that the applications could be amended to support issuance of modified risk orders.
It has asked Swedish Match to amend its applications within two years.
The decisions come about 13 months after the FDA approved Swedish Match as the first tobacco company to have a product innovation complete its rigorous regulatory gauntlet for pre-market tobacco application.
The regulatory pathway was established as part of the FDA gaining regulatory authority as part of the 2009 federal Tobacco Control Act. That standard requires the FDA to consider products risks and benefits to the population as a whole, including users and non-users.
In June 2014, the Swedish manufacturer submitted 10 General styles as a modified risk product in an application that contains more than 100,000 pages. The styles are available in more than 20,000 U.S. retail outlets.
Gerry Roerty, general counsel for Swedish Matchs U.S. division, said the premarket pathway is a very challenging one, despite our recent success, because the data needed clinical, non-clinical and other data is expensive and time consuming to generate.
For the eight General Snus styles, the FDA said in November its decision reflects evidence showing that these products, marketed as described in the manufacturers application, would result in a low likelihood of new initiation, delayed cessation or relapse.
The FDAs review also determined that these products would likely provide less toxic options if current adult smokeless tobacco users used them exclusively.
Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Association, said the FDA decision on General Snus should put to end any doubt that the FDA was openly hostile to tobacco harm reduction.
Swedish Matchs application extensively documented the decades of epidemiology backing the act that snus presents only a tiny fraction of the risk of smoking.
Conley said the decision is more evidence of Zeller providing a transparent giveaway to his former employers in the pharmaceutical smoking-cessation industry. Zeller worked for as a vice president for PinneyAssociates, who had as a client GlaxoSmithKline that makes leading nicotine-replacement therapy products.
Dr. Michael Siegel, a professor at the Boston University School of Public Health, has expressed concern that the FDAs goal with the pathway requirement will drive most small businesses, vape shops and e-cigarette companies out of business due to the high regulatory cost combined with a lack of resources and scientific expertise.
Scott Ballin, past chairman of the Coalition on Smoking or Health, said that while the ruling is specific to Swedish Match, it is instructive for any company wishing to file a modified risk tobacco product application.
It has long been accepted that snus is more than 90 percent less harmful than the deadly cigarette, and yet the Tobacco Control Act makes it virtually impossible for truthful information to be provided by the public, Ballin said.
Zeller has talked about regulating products based on the continuum of risk (of tobacco products), but has not followed through in trying to achieve that goal.
Syrian activists say residents in eastern Aleppo are starting to board buses and ambulances, the first step in an evacuation that is part of the rebel enclave's effective surrender.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group says ambulances and municipal buses crossed from the government territory and arrived shortly after noon on Thursday in the last rebel area in Aleppo.
Syrian state TV has broadcast footage showing a convoy of green-colored municipal buses rumbling toward the agreed-on evacuation point inside the opposition-held area.
The spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross, Ingy Sedky said their staff has arrived with Syrian Arab Red Crescent ambulances and workers to evacuate the wounded. The ICRC says it's preparing to evacuate 200 wounded people, some in critical condition.
A Palestinian-born Danish volunteer helping out with evacuations in rebel-held parts of Aleppo says he is part of a six-vehicle ambulance convoy that will head to a nearby hospital with "about 2,000 of those wounded."
Khalid Alsubeihi spoke to Denmark's TV2 channel on Thursday from the besieged city where the pullout of rebels and civilians from the eastern enclave is expected to start later in the day.
Alsubeihi says the convoy "will be one of the first groups that are being evacuated" and expressed hope that everything will go smoothly and that the Syrian government and the Russians will abide by their pledges "this time."
Syrian activists say pro-government forces have shot at ambulances trying to leave eastern Aleppo, wounding at least 3 evacuees.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the ambulances were still in opposition territory when they came under small-arms fire from the government side on Thursday. It says three people were wounded.
Local hospital director and opposition activist Hamza Khatib says no ambulances or buses have been able to leave eastern Aleppo yet.
The Syrian Civil Defense responders posted on social media that two of its members were wounded when government forces fired on ambulances leaving the opposition's remaining sliver of land in Aleppo.
The activist-run group says they were evacuating wounded civilians and rebels as part of an agreement to return the city to government control. The group says one person died and two were wounded but the fatality could not immediately be confirmed.
A Pan-Arab TV station is broadcasting live from a crossing point in eastern Aleppo, where ambulances are on hand to evacuate the wounded and sick Syrians out of remaining rebel area of the city.
The Al-Mayadeen TV footage shows the Ramouseh crossing point on the southern edge of the rebel enclave and ambulances belonging to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent parked and waiting on Thursday. A green-colored government bus is also seen in the footage.
The evacuation is part of an agreement between rebels and the Syrian government for the pullout from opposition-held neighborhoods of fighters and civilians in what is effectively Aleppo's surrender to the government.
The rebels have held to the eastern part of the city for four years but their enclave rapidly evaporated in the past days in the face of a fierce Syrian government onslaught.
The media arm of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group says overnight negotiations have reinforced a cease-fire deal to allow Syrian rebels and tens of thousands of civilians to leave the besieged eastern city of Aleppo.
It says Syrian rebels will likely begin leaving their last holdout in Aleppo "in the coming hours."
Thursday's announcement by Hezbollah's Military Media came after the cease-fire deal, mediated by Ankara and Moscow, unraveled amid fighting the previous day.
Shia Hezbollah militiamen are fighting in the Syrian civil war on the side of President Bashar Assad's forces.
Damascus and its allies have not commented on the cease-fire being back on. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the fighting stopped in the city around 4 a.m.
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Berkshire Hathaway Media Group is the parent company to BH Digital Marketing Services and The Winston-Salem Journal. BH Digital Marketing helps small business owners understand all the digital and marketing options available to them. We will consult with you and create internet marketing solutions for your business, including Pay Per Click (PPC), SEO, social media, e-mail marketing, display advertising, website development, video, geo-targeting and retargeting options. BH digital Marketing offers Digital Service throughout the entire state of North Carolina, with offices in Winston Salem, Concord, Hickory, McDowell, Morganton, Mooresville, and Statesville.
Winston-Salem police officers are trained to stop people they believe to be dangerous criminals, but not necessarily to kill them, police Chief Barry Rountree said Wednesday.
We dont shoot to kill, Rountree said. We are trained as police officers to stop the threat.
Rountree spoke Wednesday to a small group who attended the trust talk between police officials and the current Leadership Winston-Salem class and its alumni at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art at 750 Marguerite Drive. In total, about 60 people attended the event designed to improve the relationship between police officers and city residents.
Leadership Winston-Salem is a nonprofit organization that educates local leaders to improve the community.
City officers are trained to shoot at the largest target on a suspects body, Rountree said he pointed to his upper torso. He acknowledged that the person might be killed in the encounter with officers.
That may be the consequence, but thats not the goal, he said.
The police chief spoke further about officers nationwide using deadly force at a time when police involved shootings of unarmed black men and teens have fueled controversy and protests in several American cities.
Nationally, officers dont use deadly force when they could, Rountree said. Officers are not cowboys. We dont shoot guns out of peoples hands despite what you might see on TV. We are not trigger happy.
Rountree spoke to the small group who shared their perceptions about police on the auditorium stage at SECCA. Three officers were part of the group.
Detective Bobby Hatcher told the group that news medias reports, including those in social media, are biased against police officers in controversial cases.
They are willing to jump on a thing without knowing all of the facts, Hatcher said of the news media. They blame police and point fingers without a full investigation of what happened. It makes things very tough on us.
Lamaya Williams, a current class member in Leadership Winston-Salem, said that news media has perpetuated negative stereotypes about young black men in the country since the 1920s. Those stereotypes place fear among other Americans and racially divides the nation, she said. Those perceptions lead to officers racially profiling young black men.
However, Hatcher said that police profiling of potential criminals is good police work, and is not racially motivated.
Selene Johnson, a member of the 2014 Leadership Winston-Salem class, said she has never been profiled by police as a white woman.
I guess I have white privilege in that way, she said.
Shirley Fry, a 2000 alumna of Leadership Winston-Salem, questioned whether white people enjoy privileges that black people dont have.
Not all white people are privileged, Fry said.
Regardless of perceptions and stereotypes in society, the public tends to have fixed views about the police, police Sgt. Mark Snow said.
The majority of the public has decided that either they like the police or they dont like the police, Snow said. I believe that police officers are fighting a losing battle.
WASHINGTON The Obama administration suggested Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally authorized the hacking of Democratic officials' email accounts in the run-up to the presidential election and said it was "fact" that such actions helped Donald Trump's campaign. The White House also assailed Trump himself, saying he must have known of Russia's interference.
No proof was offered for any of the accusations, the latest to unsettle America's uneasy transition from eight years under Democratic President Barack Obama to a new Republican administration led by Trump. The claims of Russian meddling in the election also have heightened already debilitating tensions between Washington and Moscow over Syria, Ukraine and a host of other disagreements.
"Only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, repeating the words from an October U.S. intelligence assessment.
Obama's deputy national security adviser, Ben Rhodes, connected the dots further, saying it was Putin who was responsible for the Russian government's actions.
"I don't think things happen in the Russian government of this consequence without Vladimir Putin knowing about it," Rhodes said on MSNBC.
The explosive accusation paints Putin, the leader of perhaps the nation's greatest geopolitical foe, as having directly undermined U.S. democracy. U.S. officials have not contended, however, that Trump would have been defeated by Hillary Clinton on Nov. 8 if not for Russia's assistance. Nor has there has been any indication of tampering with the vote-counting.
The Kremlin flatly rejected the claim of Putin's involvement, with Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissing it Thursday as "laughable nonsense."
The dispute over Russia's role is fueling an increasingly public spat between Obama's White House and Trump's team that is threatening to spoil the delicate truce that Obama and Trump have forged since Election Day.
Although the president and president-elect have avoided criticizing each other publicly since Trump's win, their aides have been more openly antagonistic. Kellyanne Conway, Trump's senior transition adviser, said it was "breathtaking" and irresponsible that the White House had suggested Trump knew Russia was interfering to help his campaign.
That led Obama spokesman Josh Earnest on Thursday to unload, arguing that Trump, who has dismissed the CIA's assessment of Russian interference, should spend less time attacking the intelligence community and more time supporting the investigation that Obama has ordered.
Earnest said it was "obvious" Trump knew what Russia was doing during the campaign, pointing out that Trump had encouraged Moscow during a news conference to find Clinton's missing emails. Trump has said he was joking.
"I don't think anybody at the White House thinks it's funny that an adversary of the United States engaged in malicious cyber activity to destabilize our democracy," Earnest said. "That's not a joke."
U.S. intelligence officials have linked the hacking to Russia's intelligence agency and its military intelligence division. Moscow has denied all accusations that it orchestrated the hacking of email accounts of Democratic Party officials and Clinton's campaign chief, John Podesta, and then leaked them to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks.
Trump and his supporters insist the Democrats' outrage about Russia is really an attempt to undermine the validity of his election victory. Rep. Peter King, a Trump ally and New York Republican, called it "disgraceful" as he spoke to reporters amassed in Trump Tower after meeting with the president-elect.
"Right now, certain elements of the media, certain elements of the intelligence community and certain politicians are really doing the work of the Russians," King said.
Still, Democrats pounced on the latest suggestions of Putin being connected to the daily drip of emails during the presidential race from some of Clinton's closest advisers.
Putin was "clearly involved," said outgoing Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.
"Having been the former head of the KGB, does that surprise you?" Reid said. "And does it surprise anybody today when he denied it?"
Reid's comments echoed those of Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, who said Wednesday it's hard to think that Putin didn't know about the operation. She called suggestions that he was aware of the hacking "very credible."
There has been no specific, persuasive evidence shared publicly about the extent of Putin's role or knowledge of the hackings. That lack of proof undercuts Democrats' strategy to portray Putin's involvement as irrefutable evidence of a directed Russian government plot to undermine America's democratic system.
Secretary of State John Kerry defended Obama's handling of the issue during the heat of the presidential campaign a stance now criticized by some Democrats as too weak but said he wouldn't comment on whether Putin was involved.
"People need to remember that the president issued a warning," Kerry said. "But he had to be obviously sensitive to not being viewed as interfering on behalf of a candidate or against a candidate or in a way that promoted unrealistic assessments about what was happening."
RIVERSIDE According to FeedingAmerica.org, one in five North Carolinians struggles with hunger.
To help combat hunger in the state, the Farmers and Communities Manage Deer program enables hunters to efficiently utilize legally harvested whitetail deer for use as food.
Deer are an abundant natural resource whose numbers have increased to more than 1 million across North Carolina, affecting everything from agriculture to insurance rates to homeowners' flower beds.
According to a news release from the N.C. Wildlife Federation, the program is a sponsored project of the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission and a collaborative effort between the N.C. Wildlife Federation, N.C. Hunters for the Hungry, hunters, farmers and local community groups.
The Pollocksville Volunteer Fire Department Annual Big Game Hunt provides participants an opportunity to donate deer harvested during the two-day event.
Riverside Meats, Inc. in Trenton handles the processing of the deer during the annual hunt and throughout deer season.
"The Hunters for the Hungry program gives someone a chance to donate a whole deer or half a deer," Riverside Meats owner Robert Small said. "Once they donate it, they fill out the right forms and we ask that they at least field dress them and we process it into burger."
Meat processed at Riverside helps feed people in Jones, Lenoir, Craven, Pamlico and Onslow counties.
During the Big Game Hunt, 33 deer were donated to the program, providing almost 1,300 pounds of deer burger. The processed meat is donated to local food pantries, shelters and religious organizations for distribution.
Small has been participating in the program since the early 1990s.
"If you give a person, whether they're young or old, something they can eat, it goes a long ways," Small said. "When this first started, I said, 'OK, I'll try it,' but by the second year, when I saw what it was doing for other people, to help them, it made an impact and made me want to keep going."
One deer can provide 160 servings of protein, and hunting has been found to be the most cost effective method of controlling and maintaining a stable deer population in the state.
"Thank goodness we've got this, especially for the elderly community," Small said. "This may make it possible for people to not have to choose between buying their medicine or buying groceries. I hope people realize how much this affects everybody to the good."
Small will be accepting deer donations through the end of the year. For more information about donating a deer, call Riverside at 252-448-4047.
For the month of December, Beaufort County's Old Ford Ruritan Club is hosting a deer collection drive in which the hunter who donates the most deer does or bucks to the program, receives a $250 grand prize. For more information, call Acre Station Meat Farm at 252-927-3489.
RALEIGH Legislators chose Wednesday to call a special fourth session and submit a smorgasbord of 25 pieces of legislation some divisive and others that drew bipartisan support.
None of the bills 19 House and six Senate included a proposal to expand the state Supreme Court from seven to nine justices by adding two conservative-leaning members.
The potential for such legislation drew the most pre-session ire from Democratic legislators and left-leaning advocates, even though Republican leaders, such as House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, stressed there were no such plans.
The most noteworthy bills involved legislators wanting to wrest more authority from an already weak executive branch. That includes:
Altering how the UNC Board of Trustees members are appointed, taking authority away from the executive branch;
Requiring the advice and consent of the Senate for governor appointments as state department heads;
Making the state and county election boards larger and bipartisan;
Reducing the number of exempted state employees from 1,500 back to 300 the same level as in the months before Gov. Pat McCrory was elected.
The deluge of bills guaranteed that the fourth session would extend beyond today, even as Rep. David Lewis, R-Harnett, said there would be attempts to accelerate the normal committee and full chamber processes.
Lewis was asked why the special session was necessary for legislation that would normally take weeks, if not months, to address, particularly when Republicans hold super-majority margins in both chambers.
Lewis said the opportunity presents itself and we intend to address these issues before Jan. 1
Jan. 1 is when Gov.-elect Roy Cooper takes office.
Make no mistake, the legislation we are seeing are attempts to usurp power from Gov.-elect Cooper after losing the election, said Jamal Little, a spokesman for the state Democratic Party.
Republicans should be ashamed of these unprecedented power grabs that have no place in our democracy.
Other potentially contentious bills involved terminating the controversial I-77 toll contract in Iredell and Mecklenburg counties, and reviving the Regulatory Reform Act that failed to move out of concurrence at the end of the regular 2016 session.
Fight over the session
Republican legislative leaders struck an adversarial tone in arguing that a fourth special session was necessary.
After all, the ink was not even dry on the disaster relief House Bill 2, which the General Assembly cleared unanimously on Wednesday just minutes before the fourth session was called. Gov. Pat McCrory is set to sign the bill at 9 a.m. today.
You will see the General Assembly look to reassert its constitutional authority in areas that may have been previously delegated to the executive branch, Lewis said before the bills were introduced.
We are going to continue to be a relevant part of governing this state. We consider ourselves the body closest to the people of the state and most responsive.
The state Democratic Party cited six bills as representing GOP power grabs.
The most egregious, the party said, was the attempt to make 1,200 McCrory appointees as career state employees with as little as 12 months on the job. House Bill 17 would reduce the number of exempt employees from 1,500 to 300.
The legislature is trying to violate the will of the people by declaring that Gov.-elect Cooper will only be able to declare 300 state employees exempt, Little said.
The language in HB 17 that would require the consent of the Senate for the governors state department chief appointments is an unprecedented infringement on the discretion given to North Carolinas governors to pick their own cabinets, Little said.
HB 17 also would remove the governor from the appointment process for the state universities, reducing the trustee boards to 13 members eight appointed by the UNC Board of Governors and two each by the House speaker and Senate president pro tem; and the student body president in an ex officio manner.
It would take away the governors two appointees to each universitys board.
Board of Elections
Senate Bill 4 would alter how the State Board of Elections is appointed.
Currently, appointments are set on a 3-2 majority, held by the governors party.
The bill would expand the state board to eight members: four appointed by the governor (two Democrat and two Republican) and two each (one Democrat and one Republican) appointed by the Senate president pro tem and House speaker.
County elections boards would have four members, two from each party, serving two-year terms;
Although Lewis said the bill has bipartisan support, he may be overly optimistic given that Republicans would be given the state and county boards chairman seat in election years.
Senate Bill 4 would restore partisan affiliation to Supreme Court races.
Some political analysts have said it is possible that Mike Morgan, a registered Democrat, defeated incumbent justice Bob Edmunds, a registered Republican, because Morgans name was listed first on the ballot. Morgan want several right-leaning rural counties in the election. In the state Court of Appeals races, the candidates were identified by party with Republicans listed first.
Other bills
Other noteworthy bills:
House Bill 4 would direct the N.C. Transportation Department to terminate the I-77 toll lane contact affecting Iredell and Mecklenburg counties by July 1.
That bill could gain bipartisan support. The bill would not relieve the state from paying damages for breaking the contract, which is likely to be in the hundreds of millions.
House Bill 8, sponsored by Democrats, would prohibit discriminatory profiling by law-enforcement officers.
House Bill 11, sponsored by Republicans, would allow public school systems to coincide the start of their school year with community colleges.
House Bill 12 would put a cap on how many students could be added to a kindergarten through third-grade class during a school year.
House Bill 3 includes changes in which counties are required to conduct motor vehicle emissions inspections (keeping Davidson, Forsyth and Guilford, but removing Stokes, Surry and Wilkes);
HB 3 also would reduce or eliminate annual environmental reports on state government employees use of certain motor vehicles, such as ending biennial state of the environment, solid water, and state of N.C. Beach and Inlet management plan reports by the Department of Environmental Quality; and end vehicle emission reports and fuel savings reports on new purchases.
Rep. Larry Hall, D-Durham, called the decision to hold a fourth special session an historic move ... one that the public should be aware of, that this is how the legislature is choosing to do business.
WASHINGTON Good lord. We are about to inaugurate as president a man whose election, according to the CIA, was aided by a Russian intelligence operation. Try as we might, we cannot pretend this didnt happen.
We cant ignore outrageous interference by an adversarial foreign power because President-elect Donald Trumps actions question his own legitimacy, or at least his fitness to hold the nations highest office, virtually every day.
He jets around the country holding adulatory victory rallies in the manner of an authoritarian strongman, preening like some latter-day Juan Peron. Does this worry you? It worries me.
He cant be bothered to sit through the regular intelligence briefings that have been a vital part of every modern presidents job. Im, like, a smart person, he explained Sunday. Are you reassured? Im not.
He has nominated as secretary of state a man Exxon Mobil chief executive Rex Tillerson whose most relevant qualification seems to be his long and cozy friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Does that sound like a good idea to you? It doesnt to me.
The president-elect appears to be assembling not a government but an anti-government. He said Sunday that nobody really knows whether climate change is real, though 97 percent of climate scientists say it definitely is, and he intends to appoint a fervid skeptic as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. He seeks to install a labor secretary who does not believe there should be a minimum-wage increase, an education secretary who shows little or no commitment to public education and a housing secretary whose only relevant experience is having lived in houses. Is this a recipe for American greatness? Or for incompetence and failure?
Now we have the CIAs conclusion of Russian meddling on Trumps behalf. I think its ridiculous, Trump said in an interview with Fox News Sunday. But what about this weird and disturbing transition has not been ridiculous?
Trump notes that the CIA is hardly infallible, citing its flat-wrong conclusion that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. He has a point. But there is little or no dispute within the intelligence community that operatives linked to the Russian government tried, at the very least, to sow doubt about the U.S. electoral process.
To that end, the Russian government directed the hacking of emails to and from Democratic Party organizations and Hillary Clintons campaign chairman, John Podesta, and then selectively disseminated this material through WikiLeaks and other outlets. The Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence reached that conclusion months ago, and said so in a public statement on Oct. 7.
The only real question is whether Russias aim went beyond creating confusion to actually helping elect a specific candidate: Donald Trump.
The CIA says yes. The FBI is reportedly unconvinced.
President Obama has ordered a full review that could settle the dispute, with a final report to be presented before he leaves office. Why wasnt this investigation ordered before the election, since the fact of Russian hacking was known in October? Good question. Perhaps Obama worried about the perception that he was using the tools of state power to influence voters.
Putin apparently had no such qualms.
The hacking, after all, was aimed at Democrats and their party institutions. If the Russians goal was simply to undermine confidence in the political process, surely there would have been embarrassing releases of Republican emails as well.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell confirmed Monday that there will also be a Senate investigation. The starting point for both inquiries is that the aim is not to challenge the legitimacy of Trumps victory. But just such a challenge may be the inevitable result.
After all, this was a very close election. Clinton won at least 2.8 million more votes than Trump; she lost in the electoral tally because Trump narrowly won Rust Belt states that were thought to be Democratic strongholds. Would she have won if she had spent more time in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania? Did the last-minute intervention by FBI Director James Comey tip the balance? Did she lose because of the original sin of conducting State Department business on a private email server?
Maybe, maybe, maybe. But also: Maybe she would have won if Russia hadnt been avidly helping her opponent.
Our president is supposed to be chosen in polling places across the United States not behind the imposing walls of the Kremlin.
A total of around 50,000 people are expected to be evacuated from eastern Aleppo in Syria in an operation expected to be completed within two to three days, a senior Turkish official told Reuters on Thursday.
An operation to evacuate thousands of civilians and fighters from the last rebel bastion in Aleppo is under way, part of a ceasefire deal that would end years of fighting for the city and mark a major victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
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A president-elect who willfully ignores the unanimous conclusion of our intelligence community regarding Russian hacking; who appointed a conspiratorialist temperamentally and intellectually unqualified for the national security adviser post; who expresses abnormal admiration for Russia; who threatens the stability of NATO; and who seems infatuated with starting a trade war with China presents unique challenges to the U.S. military, intelligence community and Congress.
The military may be confronted with conflicting demands, illegal orders and nonsensical policies. Civilian control is a long-held principle of our system, but there are limits to compliance with orders from civilians. The military will need to learn to deflect, absorb, push back against and at times refuse Donald Trumps dictates.
The intelligence community has already gotten a taste of a president who will ignore its conclusions and publicly attack its integrity. These are substantial, unique challenges in many cases.
Congress has its hands full as well. As we know from the Obama years, Congress has limited tools to restrain the commander in chief. Confronted with a president bent on accommodating a hostile power (Iran, Russia), Congress finds it difficult to spur the executive branch to action.
Even more than the power of the purse (which generally presents Congress with the unpalatable choice of cutting off funds during a conflict), its main tools are the power of confirmation and of oversight. Congress has generally afforded wide berth to presidents in selecting their advisers, but that has been premised on the assumption that the commander in chief has a level of foreign policy sophistication, respect for foreign policy professionals, appreciation for U.S. values and reverence for constitutional limits. If literally none of these is a given, Congress should rethink its practice of deference to the president.
Trumps announced indifference to intelligence findings and refusal to take regular briefings, his lack of understanding of U.S. obligations (e.g. NATO), contempt for human rights and affection for dictators, requires a different approach. It may be too much to hope that every nominee will look like James N. Mattis, but both parties have an unusual responsibility to exercise extreme caution in considering Trumps nominees. Republicans, especially on national security, need to take off their partisan hats and concern themselves not just with policy, but with the preservation of American values and institutions.
Without even addressing matters of ideology, Congress should demand that national-security-realm nominees demonstrate a deep understanding of their assigned responsibilities, bring some experience in government and, most important, exhibit good judgment and a refusal to bend with political winds and ignore reality. Some considerations that normally dont enter the discussion need to be raised:
Will they speak sense and truth to the president?
What would provoke them to resign?
What guarantees have they been given about their ability to hire their deputies and assistants?
What principles of U.S. foreign policy are inviolate?
What is their view of policy consultation with Congress?
In short, we should be looking not merely for qualified men and women, but courageous ones whose dedication to the country, honesty and conscience will take precedence over blind loyalty to the president. We should be looking to prevent careerists those whose greatest ambition is to remain in positions of power from dominating the ranks of Trumps political appointees. In other words, character must play as much a role as experience for those who will work for a president who is bound by no intellectual, moral or legal norms. Republicans have yet to appreciate this fully.
After seven theatrical films devoted to the Skywalker family and the Jedi Knights, the latest Star Wars film shifts its focus. In the process, it fleshes out events that were only hinted at in 1977.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a standalone spin-off, ably directed by Gareth Edwards and largely focusing on new characters we have not heard of before. The story takes place just before the events of the 1977 Star Wars, and sets up that film. But even knowing how things turn out in a broad sense doesnt diminish the experience.
This is the first of several planned spin-off movies that will expand the history of the Star Wars universe, with a prequel about the younger years of Han Solo already in the works. Disney plans to release these stand-alone films, alternating with installments of the primary Star Wars story arc. The next one of those is due in December 2017.
Last-minute re-shoots led some to worry that Rogue One was in trouble while it was in production, but the story holds together solidly and the film should appeal to fans and general audiences.
The story revolves around young woman, Jyn (Felicity Jones), who has grown up on the run because her father, Galen (Mads Mikkelsen), was abducted by the Empire and forced to design their new super weapon: the Death Star. Recruited by the Rebel Alliance that opposes the Empire, she has to help them find a way to defeat her fathers invention.
Diego Luna co-stars as Cassian, a Rebel spy who works with her but doesnt fully trust her. Alan Tudyk provides both muscle well, metal and humor as the voice of K-2SO, a hulking Imperial droid reprogrammed by Cassian to be a loyal, if at times sarcastic, sidekick. The cast also includes Forest Whitaker as a resistance fighter whose tactics are too extreme even for the Rebel Alliance; Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen as two aging warriors who join in the struggle; and Riz Ahmed in an underused role as a pilot vital to the mission.
Ben Mendelsohn plays the main villain, the Imperial officer behind the Death Star project.
The most scene-stealing performances belong to Tudyks droll droid and Donnie Yens blind but exceedingly confident warrior, a believer of the franchises mystical Force. But hes not a Jedi.
The film eschews some elements from the original films theres no opening crawl to establish the premise, and theres different opening music. But it does begin with the A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away logo.
There are homages to the original films, from repeated quotes, musical stings and small background details to appearances by characters we have seen before. Those include one surprisingly substantial role, which I wont spoil, that took amazing digital trickery and is pulled off almost perfectly. That such technology can be so convincing could be a game-changer in Hollywoods future.
But the film doesnt just rely on nostalgia, something that last years The Force Awakens was sometimes accused of.
This is a darker story, and not knowing that the characters will have to stick around for later installments leads to a sense of dread that our heroes may not all make it. Though its still a big sprawling space opera, Rogue One is a less playful, more intense tale. Its also a solid debut for the ambitious line of stand-alone films in the Star Wars universe.
FXs The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story has claimed the lead in Golden Globes television nominations with five nods, followed by another miniseries, AMCs The Night Manager, with four.
The Globes nominations include among the years best comedies FXs freshman Atlanta as well as the established series ABCs black-ish, HBOs Veep and Amazons Mozart in the Jungle and Transparent.
Best drama nominations include HBO juggernaut Game of Thrones plus a crop of new arrivals: HBOs Westworld, Netflixs The Crown and Stranger Things, and NBCs This Is Us.
This Is Us, a gentle family drama that proved to be an instant sensation this fall, also has scored two supporting-actress Globes nominations, for Chrissy Metz and Mandy Moore.
With the Globes generally favoring edgier cable fare, This Is Us and black-ish are tied for most nominations among all series on traditional broadcast TV, with three apiece.
Among networks overall, HBO leads with 14 nominations, while FX is runner-up with nine. AMC, Amazon and Netflix are joined by ABC with five nominations apiece. The big under-performer: Showtime, with just one nomination.
Best limited series or TV movie nominees include The Night Manager, The People v. O.J. Simpson, HBOs The Night Of, ABCs American Crime and Starz The Dresser.
FXs spy drama The Americans, completely overlooked by the Globes in its previous three seasons, has landed a double whammy this year: nominations for both its stars, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys.
Along with Russell, best drama actress nominees include Caitriona Balfe (Starz Outlander), Claire Foy (The Crown), Winona Ryder (Stranger Things), and Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld).
Joining Rhys in the best dramatic actor category are Rami Malek (USAs Mr. Robot), Bob Odenkirk (AMCs Better Call Saul), Liev Schreiber (Showtimes Ray Donovan) and Billy Bob Thornton (Amazons Goliath).
Seemingly a permanent fixture in the comedy actress category, Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus this year is joined by Sarah Jessica Parker (for her new HBO series Divorce), Tracee Ellis Ross (black-ish), plus Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) and Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) scoring the CW networks lone pair of nominations and Issa Rae (HBOs new Insecure).
In the best comedy actors category, Atlanta star Donald Glover and veteran Nick Nolte (Epixs Graves) represent their respective new series along with Anthony Anderson (black-ish), Gael Garcia Bernal (Mozart in the Jungle) and Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent).
Hundreds marched through Ankara Thursday in protest at Russian and Iranian involvement in the siege of Aleppo, the latest in a series of demonstrations in Europe over the Syria crisis.
Up to 800 people joined the demonstration, with some chanting "Aleppo is the world's shame" outside the Iranian embassy before protesting at the Russian embassy.
Protesters held flags of the Syrian opposition as well as placards saying: "Massacre in Aleppo, theatre at the UN", according to an AFP photographer at the scene.
A day earlier, more than 1,000 people had gathered outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul to demonsrate over what they said was a "massacre in Aleppo".
Turkey has provided support to the opposition fighting against Assad and the Islamic State group, and repeatedly called for Assad to go.
Protests have been staged in several European cities as the horror in Aleppo has unfolded, with reports of atrocities including summary executions.
On Wednesday night, Danish police said as many as 7,000 people braved sub-zero temperatures in Copenhagen to protest against the operations in Syria.
"I'm here tonight to show my (solidarity) with the Aleppo people. And this is the only thing I can do," Calle Henriques, a retired restaurateur, told AFP.
Two banners reading "Save Aleppo" and "Stop the killing" were hung on a stage where speakers and performers were standing, as hundreds of demonstrators carried torches handed out by the protest's organisers.
Several hundred marched in Paris and the lights of the Eiffel Tower were switched off to show support for the people of Aleppo.
And several thousand marched in Sarajevo, which itself suffered the longest siege in modern times being pounded by Bosnian Serb forces for 43 months during the 1992-1995 war.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that he discussed the situation in Syria's Aleppo "several times" with his Russian and US counterparts Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama.
Erdogan's statement came as hundreds of civilians and rebels left eastern Aleppo on Thursday under an evacuation deal negotiated by Russia and Turkey that has effectively handed back control of rebel areas of the city to the Moscow-backed regime.
"During the Aleppo ceasefire and evacuation process, first I spoke with Mr Putin many times," Erdogan told reporters.
He said he also spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel by phone, to discuss how Berlin could provide assistance to people in the north Syrian city.
The German leader said her government "was ready to help in any way regarding humanitarian aid," the Turkish president said, without specifying when exactly they had spoken.
Erdogan added that he had a "long call" with Obama earlier, during which they discussed both Syria and Iraq.
"He asked how he could help (in Syria) and I told him how," he said, without elaborating.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu spoke with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif six times on Thursday.
While Turkey has been a key backer of the revolt against President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, Iran has supported the regime.
Erdogan added that approximately 1,150 civilians and wounded had been evacuated from rebel-held eastern Aleppo and arrived in the neighbouring province of Idlib.
The evacuation is part of a ceasefire deal initially agreed on Tuesday, which collapsed after renewed clashes but was revived late Wednesday.
It comes after months of bombardment followed by a fierce regime offensive, supported by Russian warplanes and Iran-backed militias.
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A bid from Pulte Homes to rezone and add 465 residences and possibly a school near Sandy Run Creek on Jedburg Road wasn't met with open arms at a Oct. 26 community meeting on the part of local homeowners seeking to preserve the area's rural characteristics. Read moreJedburg Road residents tell Pulte Homes: 'Keep it rural'
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People have felt a call to arms. We need to be outspoken, said Adam Campbell, a researcher at Ross Ice Shelf of Antarctica.
High on the list of threats posed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump have to do with his outright denial of climate change. In the wake of his election, scientists from all over the country and of different backgrounds have mobilized to defend science. And in the weeks before Trumps inauguration, many are fervently copying U.S. climate data onto other servers out of fear of it will be permanently disappeared under his administration.
The frenetic efforts include a guerilla archiving event in Toronto that will see experts congregate to copy irreplaceable public data, gatherings at the University of Pennsylvania that will focus on copying federal data and the setting up of an online database for storing reams of valuable, vulnerable information, the Washington Post reported.
Something that seemed a little paranoid to me before all of a sudden seems potentially realistic, or at least something youd want to hedge against, said Nick Santos, an environmental researcher at the University of California at Davis, who is a part of the movement, told the Washington Post. Doing this can only be a good thing. Hopefully they leave everything in place. But if not, were planning for that.
Michael Halpern, deputy director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the advocacy group Union of Concerned Scientists, argued that Trumps cadre includes a band of climate conspiracy theorists.
They have been salivating at the possibility of dismantling federal climate research programs for years. Its not unreasonable to think they would want to take down the very data that they dispute, Halpern told the outlet.
There is a fine line between being paranoid and being prepared, and scientists are doing their best to be prepared Scientists are right to preserve data and archive websites before those who want to dismantle federal climate change research programs storm the castle.
One law group that works on the frontlines of defending researchers that face lawsuits for their work on climate change has stockpiled copies of its Handling Political Harassment and Legal Intimidation: A Pocket Guide for Scientists.
We literally thought about it the day after the election, said Lauren Kurtz, the Climate Science Legal Defense Funds executive director. I have gotten a lot of calls from scientists who are really concerned So its intended in some ways to be reassuring, to say, There is a game plan; were here to help you.
Indeed, there is a concerted effort to band together to preserve the volumes of data. When meteorologist and self-proclaimed climate hawk Eric Holthaus tweeted one evening, What are the most important .gov climate assets? he was swarmed with responses. Scientists added links to government databases to a Google spreadsheet, investors said they would fund efforts to copy the data and lawyers offered pro bono legal help.
The preservation of data isnt the only way scientists are preparing for an incoming Trump presidency.
Soon after his Nov. 8 victory, 11,000 women scientists came together to pledge that they would commit to build a more inclusive society and scientific enterprise.
Another contingent of more than 800 Earth scientists, organized together by Geoffrey Supran, a climate scientist at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, sent a letter to Trump on climate policy.
Climate #DataRefuge update: 83 datasets identified, 6 archived. Scientists, help us: What would you back up next?https://t.co/URMLRV4d2y Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) December 14, 2016
An additional open letter sent to Trump organized by the Union of Concerned Scientists and signed by 2,300 scientists including 22 Nobel prize winners urged for a strong and open culture of science in the executive branch of government.
Some scientists have also taken their protests to the streets. On Monday, researchers gathered for a meeting of American Geophysical Union in San Francisco, where they held a rally and chanted, Ice has no agenda it just melts!
People have felt a call to arms, Adam Campbell, a researcher at Ross Ice Shelf of Antarctica said. We need to be outspoken.
Via TeleSur
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By Coral Dando | (The Conversation) |
The US president-elect Donald Trump has on several occasions insisted that torture is a good idea and that procedures such as water-boarding are not tough enough when dealing with terrorist groups like Islamic State.
The view is clearly morally and ethically questionable. But if we put that aside, does he have a point? If we need to get information out of someone who is plotting to kill lots of innocent people, is it a necessary evil? Well, theres some psychological research on the subject that can help us answer this question.
Torture can be defined in many ways but it is always intentional and concerns inflicting psychological and/or physical pain to gain information, a confession or simply to punish. There must exist an asymmetrical relationship of power a dependence and vulnerability where victims realise that they are at the mercy of their tormentors.
Torture has a long history, and despite being prohibited worldwide (in 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations inserted the prohibition against torture in the landmark Universal Declaration of Human Rights), the use of torture appears to be increasing worldwide. The reason for this is unclear, but the current threat from international terrorism is severe or high in many countries. So, when dealing with those who threaten our security and who appear committed to withholding information, the pressure to get results is significant.
The most commonly cited reason for justifying torture is the hypothetical ticking time bomb scenario. Here, a terrorist knows where a bomb is concealed, and when it will go off. If the bomb goes off, then thousands of people will be killed and injured. So torture in such a circumstance is argued as appropriate because the ends justify the means. On the face of it this is a compelling argument. Indeed, even those who are against torture might be persuaded to waver.
Fact and fiction
But we have to ask ourselves a series of questions. For starters, if our terrorist does know the information we are seeking (the individual may not), will torturing that person really make him or her talk? Finding out is not as simple as it may sound. For obvious reasons, observing torture being carried out and testing whether it works is not legally possible in the real world or in the laboratory. Rightly, there are ethical codes of conduct that prohibit psychologists involvement in torture. The evidence that torture works appears to be anecdotal. Recently, a classified CIA report, which cited eight real cases of torture as evidence that the technique had thwarted plots and led to the capture of terrorists, was branded inaccurate and speculative by the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
But the effects of pain, stress, and coercive behaviour on our ability to think and make decisions are well known. In fact, the published science is very clear extreme stress and pain (physical and psychological) can bring about false memories, reduce our ability to remember information and seriously affect our decision-making and memory performance in general. Recent research has found stressful interrogations and isolation brought about false memories in upwards of 80% of trained military personnel.
In fact, criminal justice research on false confessions provides irrefutable evidence that even less coercive techniques than torture have brought about verifiable false confessions and continue to do so. The Reid technique, a method of questioning suspects to try to assess their credibility, is one such example. The technique, banned in some countries, is accusatory, psychologically manipulative, assumes guilt and prevents denials. Yet we know that the more aggressive the interrogation method the higher the probability of eliciting false confessions. Recent, and historical examples of miscarriages of justice as a result of aggressive, manipulative interrogation methods are easy to find.
Psychologists and governments have been working together for a number of years to develop science-based, non-coercive interrogation methods for persuading detainees to reveal information. One example is the US High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group, which develops new interrogation techniques and supports scientific testing of existing ones. The UK government also supports similar research.
Alternatives to torture
I am one one of many researchers who develops non-coercive, science-based intelligence interviewing methods. But what are they and how do you go about it?
A starting point is that we always have to accept that, even if a person knows the information we are seeking, we may never be able to make him or her reveal it. Even if we torture, some information may be offered, but it might be false, simply to stop the suffering.
Much of our knowledge comes from laboratory experiments and research in the criminal justice system, where the stakes are high, but not necessarily as high as for terrorists. We do know that aggressive behaviour does not help, but effective rapport building, and the way in which questions are presented and framed can bring about cooperation and persuasion.
A non-judgemental mindset on the part of the interrogator, and the use of psychologically-based methods such as framing questions to manage the mental distress that typically comes about when we try and change a persons attitude also helps bring about cooperation. Other effective techniques are managing the context and displaying empathetic behaviour associated with understanding the information holders perspective. In this way, we can maximise the chances that information might be revealed.
Framing involves presenting questions differently in an attempt to get a desired answer. For example, I can ask was anyone else was there with you?, or I could say, who else was there with you?. An even better option would be I appreciate this is very difficult for you, but I need to know who was there with you. Others who have fully explained what has happened, and who was there, have agreed with me that this was the right thing to do. Would you agree?
Indeed, all things considered, the available science simply does not support the argument that torture is effective. Whats more, new research shows it isnt just a case of avoiding being nasty actually being fair and nice may be a far superior way of getting information out of people.
Psychological research has impacted on real world practice in the past. The PEACE investigative interviewing model an acronym that spells out the stages to follow in an information gathering interview was introduced in the early 1990s and was driven by research investigating miscarriages of justice. It is now used in a number of countries.
Changing hearts and minds is challenging. But, if we start by considering interrogations more like a game of chess against a very able opponent, rather than a fight, governments and policymakers might begin to understand the importance of brains over brawn.
Coral Dando, Professor of Psychology, University of Westminster
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
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Moha Ennaji | (Project Syndicate) |
FEZ The escalation of radicalism, violence, and civil wars in the Middle East since the so-called Arab Spring revolts began in 2010 has exacted a massive toll in human lives and welfare. The need to build effective states that support peace, provide greater opportunity and prosperity, and protect human rights could not be more urgent.
Already, the violence that has surged in the last few years has left more than 180,000 Iraqis and 470,000 Syrians dead. Moreover, 6.5 million Syrians have been internally displaced, and another 4.8 million driven from the country altogether. They have often been tortured in prisons and humiliated in refugee camps. An estimated 70-80% of the victims are civilians, most of them women and children.
As the US president-elect fills his administration, the direction of American policy is coming into focus. Project Syndicate contributors interpret whats on the horizon.
In fact, according to the Syrian Center for Policy Research, half of the refugees and internally displaced people are under the age of 18. This has a major impact on their future prospects. UNICEF reports that 2.1 million children in Syria and 700,000 Syrian refugee children are out of school. A total of 80,000 child refugees in Jordan lack access to an education.
But all of these human costs are symptoms of a deeper problem and, contrary to popular belief, that problem is not Islam. The fact that radical Islamists or jihadists are Muslim does not mean that their religion, not to mention their ethnicity or culture, is inherently violent.
Watching Western news, it is easy to see why so many blame Islam. From the brutality of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria and Iraq to the terrorist attacks carried out by al-Qaeda to the stoning of adulterous women under Sharia law in Afghanistan, Middle East violence is almost always attributed to the religion. As a result, Islam is often viewed primarily as a threat.
But, as the Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor explains, the real threat is not Islam itself, but block thinking. Islamic extremists comprise less than 0.5% of the global Muslim population, yet their worldview dominates media coverage not just of Islam, but also of political developments in the Middle East. By erasing the huge differences among Muslims, such coverage reinforces a single, simplistic perception of Islam. That is block thinking. And, as Michael Griffin documents in his book Islamic State: Rewriting History, such thinking is gaining ground in the United States and Europe.
As a result, many have embraced Samuel Huntingtons theory of a clash of civilizations, which assumes that Islam is at odds with modernity. But that assumption ignores the ideas and impact of Islams early reformers figures like Muhammad Abduh and Jamaleddin al-Afghani who continue to influence Muslims everywhere.
The most lasting impact of the first reformist wave was the establishment of a salafi (conservative traditionalist) movement, which came to regard the modern state as a means to improve the lot of Muslims. Today, Muslim thinkers such as Irans Abdolkarim Soroush, Tunisias Tahar Haddad, Pakistans Fazlur Rahman, Moroccos Fatema Mernissi, Egypts Qasim Amin, and Sudans Mahmud Muhammad Taha continue to explore the connections between Islamic thought and modern values. While radical Islamists strongly oppose their work, these thinkers have had a huge influence on generations of Muslim intellectuals worldwide.
None of this is to say that religion does not play a role in Middle East violence. On the contrary, such violence including sexual assault and arbitrary deprivation of individual and public freedoms is widespread and multifaceted, owing to the combination of religious beliefs, cultural tradition, race and ethnicity, war, and politics that influences it. Even the recruitment of jihadist fighters can be viewed as a form of religion-based violence, much like child marriage and honor killings.
But none of that means that Islam is inherently violent. Resorting to fuzzy and often bigoted cultural, religious, or ethnic explanations is a recipe for ill-advised action, or no action at all.
What the Middle East needs are effective social and economic strategies and policies that tackle the complex non-religious reasons behind the violence and its decidedly non-religious effects. While cultural, ethnic, and religious factors may need to be considered, they are not the main causes of unemployment and marginalization.
Middle Eastern governments must commit to pursuing bold and creative policies that address the inadequate education, high unemployment, and pervasive corruption that are helping to fuel violence and unrest in the region. Such efforts should aim to advance democratization, economic development, and the emergence of a strong civil society and progressive media. The key is not to Islamize every issue, but rather to develop real policy solutions that meet peoples needs.
Moha Ennaji is President of the South North Center for Intercultural Dialogue and Migration Studies in Morocco and Professor of Cultural Studies at Fez University. His most recent books include New Horizons of Muslim Diaspora in North America and Europe and Muslim Moroccan Migrants in Europe.
Licensed from Project Syndicate
Beijing dismissed concerns Thursday over recent reports of Chinese military aircraft manoeuvres near Japanese territory and in the South China Sea, state media said, calling them routine exercises.
Chinese planes recently passed through the Miyako Strait between Japan's Miyako and Okinawa Islands, China's defence ministry said in a statement on its website Saturday.
In a separate incident, US broadcaster Fox News reported last week that a Chinese bomber circumnavigated a disputed area of the South China Sea, a move seen as a message to US president-elect Donald Trump who has attacked Beijing's actions in the region.
China insists on sovereignty over virtually all the resource-rich waters, despite rival claims from its Southeast Asian neighbours.
The flights were "routine", Chinese Air Force spokesman Shen Jinke said, according to the official Xinhua news service.
"The overflight is about the mission and responsibility of the Chinese Air Force, and is legitimate, reasonable and justified," it reported him as saying.
"The Air Force will continue to conduct regular high sea drills and further improve its capabilities in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests."
Chinese officials on Sunday accused Japanese fighter jets of firing flares at China's planes as they passed through international airspace near Japan's islands.
But Japanese officials denied the accusations, describing them as "clearly untrue".
The strait is a pinch point in Japan-China relations because it is one of the few egresses into the Pacific Ocean for Chinese ships and aircraft that avoid Japanese airspace.
Beijing's growing military is keen to flex its muscles and push further afield as it develops a "blue water" navy capable of operating far from home waters, but is hemmed in by the Japanese archipelago.
It is also eager to show its strength in the South China Sea, where the US claims its activities threaten freedom of navigation and overflight.
Last week, Trump blasted Beijing's South China Sea policy on Twitter, criticising its decision to build what he described as a "massive military complex" there.
Newly released satellite imagery shows China has apparently installed "significant" defensive weapons on a series of artificial islands in the region.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |
I belong to no organized political party. I am a Democrat.
After it was confirmed that Donald J. Trump will appoint former Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson Secretary of State, the shape of the Trump cabinet and team has become clear. Neofascist Steve Bannon is White House Strategist. Openly racist Jeff Sessions is Attorney General (guess how many civil rights actions he is going to initiate). General James Mad Dog Mattis is Secretary of War (call it what it is). Notorious Islamophobe and conspiracy theorist, who denies that Islam is a religion, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn is National Security adviser.
But Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, when they came to power (and both were very popular and had real mandates) did not go left in the way that George W. Bush and now Trump have gone right.
In fact, the anecdote is told that in 1993 Clinton and his cabinet looked around the room at each other and observed, Here we are, Eisenhower Republicans. Why?
In fact, the Dems had a Republican serve as Secretary of Defense, which is more a Trojan Horse than a sign of bipartisanship and which exposed Obama to Bob Gatess vitriol in his memoir after his term. In contrast, when W.s first Secretary of the Treasury Paul ONeill was fired and then set out to write a damaging memoir, the Bushies openly threatened him with jail time on the trumped up pretext that he was using classified documents (he wasnt; he never had access to any).
What kind of signal does it send that a popular Democratic president has to turn to a Republican as Secretary of Defense? That we are wimps? Put an anti-war person into that job. I guarantee you, the GIs wont mind one little bit. It is the chickenhawks who will squawk.
It seems obvious to me that if this country is going to survive, we need to nationalize the electricity grid and re-do it to promote a quick turn to renewables. We need to get rid of coal and natural gas plants. Call it socialism if you like. Hell, call it Menshavikism. I dont care. I dont want my grand-nieces and grand-nephews drowning in a storm surge or being cooked to death. Enron and those big energy companies anyway were nothing but scams. Exxon Mobil spent millions to convince you climate change is a hoax, and now theyve taken over the Federal government. They are not your friends.
Next time, assuming the Neonazis around Trump let us have a next time, I say we go big or go home.
The equivalent of the Bush and Trump picks would be if Obama had appointed Bill McKibben Secretary of the Interior, Michael Mann head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Barbara Ehrenreich Secretary of Labor, Frida Berrigan as Secretary of Defense and Paul Krugman Secretary of the Treasury. Im not saying that President Obamas cabinet members were unqualified. But with a few exceptions, most of them were right of center Panetta, Lew (former COO at Citibank), etc.
It seems fairly clear that had they won, the Clinton Corporate Democrats would not even have been gracious enough to offer Bernie Sanders or any of his prominent supporters a high-powered position. Too far left?
Too far left.
Why cant the Democrats ever throw caution to the wind and be themselves? Is it because they are beholden to the same big-money donors as George W. Bush was? But Bernie Sanders showed that you can now crowdfund a presidential campaign. Is it because they are afraid of the gerrymandered Permanent Republican Majority in the House of Representatives? But what can they really do about a presidents cabinet? As for the Senate, surely there are things they want from a president that they wont get if they completely shut him out. Not to mention that Obama actually briefly had a Democratic majority and squandered it. A Republican president would have had several major pieces of legislation ready to go and given it to Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi and said, Here, go pass this while we have a bare majority.
Is it because they are worried about being called socialists or about public opinion turning against them? But W. and Trump werent worried about those things when they appointed loony tunes Neoconservatives who told us Iraqis would drape garlands around the necks of invading Western infidel troops in gratitude for being occupied. Half of Trumps proposed appointees could probably be committed to insane asylums if their relatives cared enough about them to get them help. And the Dems are worried about reputational damage from appointing people who are merely left of center?
I can remember when Scott Brown won a senate seat from Massachusetts, and Obama said he didnt want to push through Obamacare in Browns absence. What is this, a game of lawn croquet? What did President Obama get from being gentlemanly? Not a single Republican senator voted for the ACA, despite demands that it be reshaped in ways that hurt ordinary people, and now they will destroy it and toss 30 million people out of health care.
Im not asking for Democrats to be ruthless. Im asking for them to be assertive and principled. If they ever win another election, they should be unafraid to go as far left as Trump has gone right (but without the conspiracy nuts, please). OK, as I think about what the Trump crew are about to do to Americans quality of life and standard of living, maybe Im revising as I write.
Im asking for the Democrats to be ruthless.
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The Amsterdam District Court ruled on Wednesday that Crimean gold artifacts are to be returned to Ukraine [judgment, in Dutch; press release, in Dutch] and not Crimea. The artifacts, including gems, helmets and scabbards, were on loan to Amsterdams Allard Pierson Museum when Russia annexed Crimea [BBC timeline] from Ukraine [BBC profile] in March 2014. Russian authorities argued [Guardian report] that the artifacts should be in the possession of Crimea since they were discovered in the Crimean peninsula. In its decision, the court ruled that only sovereign countries could claim objects as cultural heritage. Therefore, since Ukraine, and not Crimea, is sovereign, the treasures must be returned to Ukraine. Crimean museums have three months to appeal the ruling.
Russia and Ukraine have been in conflict since the annexation of Crimea [JURIST backgrounder] in March 2014. In July Amnesty International and Human Rights released a 56-page report detailing how Ukrainian government officials and Russia-backed separatists in the Ukraine have subjected citizens to [JURIST report] prolonged, arbitrary detention, torture, or other forms of inhumane treatment, including refusing necessary medical attention. In June the UN human rights office reported that the human rights situation in Ukraine remains troublesome [JURIST report] following two years of conflict with Russia. In February Russia filed suit [JURIST report] against Ukraine over Ukraines default on $3 billion in bonds. A Ukrainian official said in January that the nation plans to sue Russia [JURIST report] in the International Court of Justice on claims of financing terrorism. In August of last year a Russian military court sentenced [JURIST report] two Ukrainian activists to substantial jail time for the charge of conspiring to commit terror attacks. In March of last year the EU committed to stand by its policy of refusing to recognize Crimeas annexation [JURIST report].
A Malaysian federal court on Wednesday rejected a final appeal by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim [BBC profile] to set aside his sodomy conviction. Anwar was convicted [BBC report] of sodomy in 2014 and sentenced to a five-year jail term. This came less than a year after he led a three-party opposition alliance to massive electoral gains in 2013. A panel of five judges ruled unanimously that Anwars appeal was without merit [Reuters report]. Anwar claims that his conviction for sodomizing a former aide was politically motivated to end his career. Anwars prison term ends in 2020, but he is expected to be released in 16 months for good behavior. However, this conviction disqualifies him from seeking political office of contesting the 2018 election.
Wednesdays ruling comes after the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention determined [JURIST report] that Anwars imprisonment was political and urged his immediate release. Anwar has continually denied [JURIST report] the sodomy charge. The Kuala Lumpur High Court acquitted Anwar in January 2012, but an appeals court overturned the acquittal [JURIST reports] and sentenced Anwar to five years in prison. The opposition leader was arrested in July 2008 after he filed a lawsuit against his accuser [JURIST reports] a month earlier. In December 2010 Anwar filed a complaint [JURIST report] in a Malaysian court over a WikiLeaks cable published by Australian newspapers stating he had engaged in sodomy. Anwar was Malaysias deputy prime minister under former Mahathir Mohamad until he was fired in 1998 following earlier sodomy charges of which he was initially convicted but later acquitted. He reentered Malaysian politics following the expiration of a 10-year ban [JURIST report] against him for unrelated corruption charges.
[JURIST] Ohio Governor John Kasich [official profile] signed a 20-week gestation limit [text, PDF] for abortions into law Tuesday, while also vetoing the Heartbeat Bill [text, PDF], which would have banned abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detectable. The Ohio Legislature had passed the bill [JURIST report] earlier this month, but Kasich has expressed concern over its constitutionality.
As governor I have worked hard to strengthen Ohios protections for the sanctity of human life, and I have a deep respect for my fellow members of the pro-life community and their ongoing efforts in defense of unborn life. Certain provisions that were amended into Am. Sub. HB 493, however, are clearly contrary to the Supreme Court of the United States current rulings on abortion. Similar legislation enacted in two other states has twice been declared unconstitutional by federal judges, and the Supreme Court declined to review those decisions. The State of Ohio will be the losing party in that lawsuit and, as the losing party, the State of Ohio will be forced to pay hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to cover the legal fees for the pro-choice activists lawyers. Furthermore, such a defeat invites additional challenges to Ohios strong legal protections for unborn life. Therefore, this veto is in the public interest.
Ohio Right to Life, an anti-abortion group, released a statement [press release] supporting the governors decision: The 20-week ban was nationally designed to be the vehicle to end abortion in America. Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, raised issues [press release] with the 20-week bill: The 20-week ban will force women to travel long distances and cross state lines in order to access safe, legal abortiona barrier that many women simply cannot afford.
Abortion and reproductive rights issues have been prominent issues in the US courts and states. The Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) filed a lawsuit earlier this week challenging new Texas regulations[JURIST report] that would require the burial or cremation of aborted fetal remains. Also, Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and other womens groups filed suits challenging abortion laws [JURIST report] in Alaska, Missouri and North Carolina. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in October [JURIST report] that a state law adding new licensing and inspection rules for facilities that perform abortions is unconstitutional.
The US Supreme Court [official website] granted certiorari [order list, PDF] in four cases Wednesday. The court consolidated the cases of Turner v. United States [docket; cert. petition, PDF] and Overton v. United States [docket; cert. petition, PDF], limited to the question of [w]hether the petitioners convictions must be set aside under Brady v. Maryland [opinion]. Both cases involve the 1984 murder of Catherine Fuller. Petitioners were convicted of the murder but learned years later that the prosecution had failed to turn over potentially exculpatory evidence to the defense as required under Brady.
In Lee v. United States [docket; cert. petition, PDF] the court will consider the case of a non-citizen who was advised to plead guilty to drug charges even though a guilty plea would result in his deportation. The government concedes that Lees attorney provided bad advice when assuring him that a guilty plea would not result in his deportation, but the lower courts found that Lee was not prejudiced by this advice because of the overwhelming evidence against him. The question before the court is whether it is always irrational for a defendant to reject a plea offer notwithstanding strong evidence of guilt when the plea would result in mandatory and permanent deportation.
In TC Heartland LLC v. Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC [docket; cert. petition, PDF] the court will rule on the appropriate venue for patent suits. TC Heartland is organized and does business in Indiana but was sued for patent infringement in Delaware. The patent venue statute [28 USC 1400(b)] provides that patent infringement actions may be brought in the judicial district where the defendant resides. The general venue statute [28 USC 1391] takes a broader approach, allowing corporations to reside in more than one jurisdiction. While the Supreme Court ruled [opinion] in 1957 that the patent venue statute should not be supplemented by the general venue statute, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled here that subsequent amendments to the general venue statute should allow its application. The question before the court is [w]hether 28 USC 1400(b) is the sole and exclusive provision governing venue in patent infringement actions and is not to be supplemented by 28 USC 1391(c).
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein [official website] warned [statement] Wednesday that South Sudan teeters on the brink of a disaster. Speaking before the Human Rights Council Special Session on South Sudan [pres release], Zeid called for urgent action. The highest priority must urgently be given to protection for those most at risk from killings, sexual violence and other serious human rights violations. And it is time for all national and regional actors to advocate decisively for a political process that is both inclusive and implemented on the ground. Zeid also urged the Council to call on South Sudans leaders to refrain from incitement to violence and ethnic hatred. Yasmin Sooka, Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, said the international community could prevent a Rwanda-like genocide by immediately deploying 4,000 peacekeepers to protect civilians. The Council concluded the session by adopting a resolution [press release] condemning the ongoing violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and reaffirming the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, has spent most of its short history in civil war. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned last week that ethnic cleansing [JURIST report] is taking place in some areas of the country. Several South Sudanese organizations co-authored a letter [JURIST report] to the African Union Commission (AUC) [official website] last month concerning the creation of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan. The Hybrid Court, in conjunction with targeted sanctions and arms embargo, could aid in averting the armed conflict. South Sudan officials have said the country will take legal action against the US-based advocacy group, The Sentry [advocacy website], after a report [JURIST report] published by the group accused the nations leaders of profiting from the countrys violent three-year conflict.
Antiquities authorities are tightening security measures at archaeological sites in the aftermath of Sunday Cairo church bombing
Mostafa Amin, general secretary of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, has ordered on Thursday security tightened at all archaeological sites and museums across Egypt in the wake of Sunday's deadly bombing in the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Cairo, which left 25 dead and more than 40 injured.
Amin told Ahram Online that he ordered all top officials in the ministry to coordinate efforts with the Tourism and Antiquities Police, National Security Agency, the Armed Forces, and the Civil Defense Authority in order to respond to any potential attack at heritage sites.
All archaeological sites and museums are safe and well protected by police and security personnel, Amin asserted.
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South Korea has lifted an embargo on chicken from Thailand introduced 12 years ago due to an outbreak of bird flu.
Twelve exporters have been approved to start shipments to South Korea.
General Chatchai Sarikulya, Thailands agriculture and cooperatives minister, said South Korea is allowing imports frozen Thai chicken products thanks to bilateral trade negotiations between the two countries. We expect that the re-exporting to South Korea will increase chicken export industry to grow by 3% this year, said General Chatchai.
Charoen Pokphand Foods is among the Thai companies granted an export licence. Virachai Ratanabanchuen, chief operating officer for the livestock feed business of CP Foods, said the company has been able to win back old customers.
The re-importing this time of South Korea will encourage the Kingdoms chicken export image. CP Foods is confidence in our world-class processing standard focusing on quality and food safety. Our old customers are also replacing orders to us, Virachai said.
The Ministry of Antiquities officially received on Thursday two Islamic-era Egyptian lamps that were recovered last week from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The antiquities ministry received the lamps in a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters on the Nile Corniche in Cairo.
Shaaban Abdel-Gawad, general supervisor of the Antiquities Repatriation Department at the antiquities ministry, told Ahram Online that the lamps were stolen from the store gallery of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) in 2015, along with two other lamps.
The thieves replaced them with replicas.
Abdel-Gawad explained that one of the two lamps recovered from the UAE belonged to the 19th century Prince Soleiman Agha Selehdar, while the other belonged to The Mamluk Sultan Al Nasir Hassan (13341361).
The third of the stolen lamps belonged to 14th century Mamluk Sultan Barquq and was recovered from London in 2015. The fourth lamp is still missing.
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Habara was given final death sentences in 2 cases for his role in terrorist attacks against Egyptian security personnel
Egyptian prison authorities executed Thursday morning Adel Habara, a Sinai militant who was convicted of murder in relation with terrorist attacks that killed dozens of Egypt's security personnel.
On Wednesday evening, Egypt's president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ratified Habara's death warrant according to the law.
Habara was handed final death sentences in two cases for his involvement in terrorist attacks against Egyptian security personnel.
On Monday, Egypt's Court of Cassation upheld the second death sentence against Habara for killing a police detective in Sharqiya governorate in 2012.
The same court rejected Habara's final appeal against the other death sentence he'd received for plotting the execution-style killing of 25 soldiers in an ambush in North Sinai in August 2013, known as the "Second Rafah Massacre."
Habara was arrested in September 2013 and first stood for trial in November that year.
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The withdrawal of seven Arab countries from the recent Arab-African Summit in Malabo furnished more proof that burying one's head in the sand is not an effective strategy in international relations
Everyone is in one boat and instead of moving forward, some parties are insisting on remaining at square one. These contradictions and disparities among Arabs have today become commonplace.
Naturally, differences in approach on issues do not mean the end of the world. What is a topic of difference and dispute today could become a beneficial matter where interests and principles converge in the future. What is important is for differences not to escalate into sanction and miscalculation.
Disparity creates polarisation and attracts supporters, which triggers a cycle of push and pull to create two rival axes instead of becoming two camps for stability, security and common interests. The most recent attempts at polarising the Arab world was not from within the Arab realm, but on the African stage. I am referring to the withdrawal of seven Arab countries including four Gulf countries, alongside Jordan, Djibouti and Morocco from the summit in Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.
The official reason is because the African Commission did not take into consideration Moroccos request that the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) which Rabat does not recognise should not participate. It was supported by the abovementioned countries, on the basis that the so-called SADR is not a member of the UN.
The reality is that the withdrawal of those Arab countries was primarily the result of a Moroccan-Gulf understanding that was confirmed in April at a meeting in Riyadh linking the future of the Gulf and Morocco, but not necessarily creating a united Arab position.
Accordingly, it did not impact the Arab-African summit that traditionally meets with the participation of 11 Arab countries and Palestine. This saved the summit, gave weight to its work and served as evidence that there are Arab countries, including Egypt, Kuwait, Mauritania, Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan, Lebanon and others that believe that participation is important, and that propelling the Arab-African bloc forward is the correct decision. They also believe that raising the SADR flag which was not even invited to the summit is not justification for collective Arab withdrawal that would certainly negatively impact Arab-African relations for years to come.
A positive outcome is that the fourth Arab-African summit, the first to be held in an African country after three previous gatherings (Cairo 1977; Libya 2010; Kuwait 2013), concluded its meetings with the attendance of 10 Arab countries and the secretary general of the Arab League.
It issued the Malabo Declaration that expressed support for the Palestinian cause as one for national liberation by a people seeking their legitimate right to an independent sovereign homeland. The declaration also highlighted the importance of focusing on an effective African-Arab partnership to serve the goals of sustainable development in a balanced and comprehensive manner.
The important point here is that African recognition of SADR does not mean Arab recognition of the state except by Algeria, as a form of political pressure on Morocco to agree to the demands of the Polisario Front to hold a referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people as a final solution to the battle between the front and the Kingdom of Morocco. On the other hand, Rabat believes in the unity of Moroccan territories and only granting the front or Sahrawi people extensive autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
In Africa, there is absolute support for what they view as the right of the Sahrawi people to establish their own state, which they have recognised and is a member of the African Union, viewed as a co-founder of the union. Almost all AU members view the Sahrawi issue for Africans as the Palestinian cause is for Arabs in terms of importance as a principle of conscience and humanity.
For Africans, it is an issue of national liberation and self-determination. The irony is that Morocco, after withdrawing from the African Union 32 years ago, is now asking to rejoin the AU and its institutions, and views the move as an expression of Moroccos desire to restore its natural place in the organisation, but without abandoning its rights in the Western Desert.
Morocco, of course, knows that accepting its membership would require a vote by the AU Commission after confirming that Rabat upholds all AU documents that affirm the right of Sahrawis to establish their own country. This is something Rabat rejects outright.
The question is: how will Morocco play a developmental role in Africa if it rejects key clauses in AU documents? It is a perplexing question, but confirms that withdrawing is not a solution to any problem. It is a serious risk for those taking it, and will lead to one chasm after another that will be difficult to bridge as time passes by, such as Moroccos return to the AU after 32 years.
Thus, calculated engagement on any issue, no matter how complex or diverse, is the best and worthwhile path. Accompanied by a readiness to defend principles to the limit, but also to show flexibility in movement and action as much as possible.
The writer is a political commentator.
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Teri Kanner, executive assistant at the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank, stands amid the donation boxes set up at the Kelowna International Choirs annual Christmas concert that benefited the food bank. The concert took place Sunday afternoon at the Delta Grand hotel.
Anastasia Lin, 26, Canada's entrant to Miss World beauty pageant, answers questions during her interview with the Associated Press, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Md. Miss Canada will be vying for more than the winnerAos tiara when she competes in the annual Miss World pageant in Washington this weekend. Lin wants to tell a global TV audience about the evil of organ-harvesting. Lin was due to compete at Miss World last year when it was hosted by China but was barred from entering the country due to her activism against persecution of Falun Gong, a meditation practice that she follows and ChinaAos government has outlawed. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Rebecca Saha looks at sentimental Christmas tree ornaments as her and family try to be disciplined in scaling back on Christmas with more meaningful things in Toronto on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Hopping on the Amtrak bound for Maine this past fall I knew I was in for a serious treat. Not only was I getting the opportunity to enjoy a spontaneous mid-week getaway with my girl Catherine (further emphasizing my good fortune was the hubbys work schedule at the time, the poor guy was working until 10pm most nights thanks to a little thing called month end dont ask me, its a finance thing!) but I was getting to enjoy said getaway in some of New England oldest seaside communities, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel A.K.A. the Kennebunks which people have been telling me are a must-visit ever since I moved to Boston.
Driving the short distance from train station to our inn there was a point at which the somewhat embarrassing question Sh*t, am I in Stars Hollow right now? suddenly occurred to me I kid you not! While there are plenty of similarities between the Kennebunks and the idyllic (if fictional) Connecticut town Lorelei and Rory Gilmore inhabit however it wasnt long before I realized that the beauty and charm of the former far outweighs the latter.
What exactly makes this little pocket of New England so great you ask? Go ahead, get cozy and let me tell you all about it
* * *
The Beauty: the Kennebunks possess a kind of inherent beauty that needs to be seen to be believed. In other words, Im convinced accurately describing this little slice of heaven-on-earth would require a wordsmith much more talented than I. That being said, I can tell you that the area boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, majestic coastlines, absorbing vistas and picturesque villages youll ever see. A personal favorite of mine? Laudholm Beach which requires a short trek through beautiful Wells Reserve and is delightfully secluded this time of year trust me, the views here are more than worth braving chilly temps.
The Legacy: History buff? Steeped in tradition and proud of it youll absolutely love exploring this regions connection to the past. Cant miss attractions include the sea captains homes lining Kennebunks Summer Street, the White Columns Mansion of Kennebunkport and perhaps my favorite of all (I am an Irish gal after all!) the antique farmhouses of Arundel.
The Booze: Craft beer enthusiast? You dont need me to tell you that Maine boasts some of the best breweries in The US. Not a big beer drinker myself I really didnt know what to expect when I heard wed be hitting Federal Jacks for a tour and tasting with Shipyard Brewing Co. Over 20 years old, this award-winning, family owned brewery is one of the most popular on the East Coast and now that Ive experienced it for myself I can honestly say its easy to see why. If you ask me, it all boils down to the people. Beer-snobs minus the snob these guys are passionate about their craft and have managed to do what so many others havent; strike a balance between tradition and innovation that leaves you with a deliciously drinkable yet distinctive beer. Then again, Im sure the fact that Federal Jacks overlooks beautiful Kennebunkport Harbor doesnt hurt either.
The People: Having moved from Ireland to The U.S. I frequently find myself having the following conversation.Person: Oh wow, youre from Ireland, what part?
Me: Galway originally but Dublin for the last few years.
Person: I did the west coast with my family last year and loved it. Its so beautiful and the people are just so nice
Obviously I think were pretty alright but honestly? Kennebunks locals are giving us a serious fun for our money. Warm, friendly and incredibly down-to-earth theyll have you feeling like family in a matter of minutes. Of course you could also keep an eye out for The Bushes (Republican or Democrat you know you want to snap a pic of their Walkers Point compound) and celebs like McDreamy who are frequent visitors
The Inns: When it comes to accommodation it really doesnt matter if youre looking for something chic, historic or cozy in the Kennebunks youll undoubtedly find the hotel, resort or inn for you. This time around, Catherine and I made the Vermont suite at The Captain Jefferds Inn our home-away-from-home and Ill be honest, Im still dreaming about. A charming two room suite with a four-poster bed, cozy sitting room and antique claw foot tub that also happens to be puppy-friendly? Lets just say I already know what Teds getting me for my birthday this January!
The Food: Think youre going to have nothing but greasy little diners to choose from? I dont blame you, after all thats exactly what you find in most small communities and that certainly isnt all bad (FYI; Im a total sucker for a good corn beef hash) but sometimes a girl wants more. Lucky for us, theres nothing expected about the food scene here which means you can enjoy fresh lobster rolls while watching local fishermen at work, crab veloute at a restaurant voted one of the most scenic in America, wild blueberry pancakes at a sun-filled favorite specializing in locally sourced ingredients and even specialty cocktails in one of the most relaxing little nooks.
Another truly unique cant-miss experience for foodies? The EPIC Progressive Dinners hosted by some of the areas best loved and most critically acclaimed restaurants. For those of you who dont know, a progressive dinner starts with appetizers at one location and ends with dessert at another. The one I was fortunate enough to experience this past fall started at chef Rebecca Charles Spat Oyster Cellar, progressed to celebrity chef and Food Network star Shannon Bards Toroso which specializes in Spanish tapas and eventually came to a whimsical end (gourmet candy floss anyone?) at a restaurant fans of Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay might just recognize, Shanna OHeas Academe talk about girl power!
* * *
Photography by Catherine Threlkeld
Police arrest a man they say is behind a robbery at an 8-liner business.
Laredo Police were called out to the 7100 block of San Bernardo Avenue from an 8-liner center on Wednesday afternoon.
When they arrived, employees said a man had gone into the business, pointed a gun and demanded money.
Police canvassed the area and businesses, and saw a vehicle in the area at the time of the robbery.
The vehicle led them to an apartment complex where Clinton Newkirk lived.
Police were given consent to search Newkirk's apartment. They say they found clothing, money and the handgun inside the water tank of the toilet.
Police arrested Newkirk and charged him with Aggravated Robbery with a Firearm.
You may have an eagle eye for spotting good deals in day-to-day life, but zeroing in on schools that best fit your child's interests and offer the best bang for your educational buck is no small feat. To help you sort through the choices, from tiny schools to mammoth institutions, and from small college towns to campuses intertwined with major cities, we give you our annual list of 300 best-value colleges and universities. These 300 schools top our rankings because they best meet our definition of value: a quality education at an affordable price. As we have in recent years, we present a combined list of colleges as well as separate lists of the best values in private universities, private liberal arts colleges and public colleges.
For each list, we start by examining academic measures, including how competitive admission to a school is and how efficiently it gets students to their degree. (The majority of schools on our lists have four-year graduation rates that are above the average of 33% for public schools and 53% for private schools.) From there, we look for schools with reasonable price tags, generous financial aid or both. Because the best value for your family may be a public college or university outside your state, we use out-of-state cost figures for public colleges on our combined list but rank the schools using in-state costs for our public schools list. As with last years list, weve also included future earnings data alongside each school to give you an idea of what attending a particular institution may mean for your childs post-graduation salary.
Topping our combined list this year is Swarthmore College, a small, competitive liberal arts college outside of Philadelphia. Princeton University, in Princeton, N.J., leads the private universities list for the third straight time, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hilla perennial winneronce again takes top honors in our rankings of public colleges.
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Calculating the Cost
The rise in the cost of a college degree may seem unstoppable, but it has slowed in recent years. In 201617, the average sticker price at an in-state, four-year public institution, including tuition, fees, and room and board, rose 2.7%, to $20,090 a year, according to the College Board. The average published cost of attendance at private colleges and for out-of-state students at public colleges rose 3.4%, to $45,370 and $35,370 per year, respectively.
As you look over our lists of best values, youll notice that many of the schools ring in with an annual total cost of $60,000-plus, and a few post an eye-popping sticker price of more than $70,000 a year. That hardly sounds like a best value, but most families dont pay the full amount. These schools offer generous need-based financial aid, often reducing the schools net price to between one-third and one-half of the published price.
Because private schools typically offer more-generous financial aid and have a higher graduation rate than public colleges, they dominate the top spots on our combined list. And the institutions with the highest price tags often do the best job of slashing them down to size after financial aid. For example, at Columbia University (number 28 on our combined list and number 12 among private universities), nearly half of the students receive need-based aid, and the average award slashes the schools annual $70,048 price tag to $22,558. Many schools in our rankings also offer non-need-based aid.
Across the country, the average annual financial aid award hasnt kept pace with growing sticker prices, according to the College Board. But six of the top 10 schools on our combined listincluding top-ranked Swarthmore, with an average net price about $1,800 lower than last yearpost a lower average net price than they did in our 2016 rankings, as do about five dozen other schools on our full list. (Use our tool: Find the Best College for You)
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The average debt of student borrowers continues to climb. At four-year private colleges in 2015, student borrowers racked up an average of $31,400 in debt; those attending public colleges borrowed an average of $26,800. How much strain repayment puts on students budgets after they graduate depends on how much they borrow, their career path and, in some cases, where they went to school. A glance at our sortable rankings tables show that no loan schools, such as Swarthmore, Princeton (number 3 on our combined list), Pomona College (number 12) and Bowdoin (number 18), do a fine job of keeping student borrowing to a minimum. Students from schools with a heavy concentration of engineers, such as the California Institute of Technology (number 19 on the combined list) and the Georgia Institute of Technology (opens in new tab) (number 9 on the public school list), boast some of the highest post-graduation earnings, as do graduates of the Ivy League schools.
Planning for financial aid awards is slowly getting easier. Recent changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is used to determine financial aid awards from the federal government as well as from colleges, allow students and their families to file the form three months earlier in the academic yearas early as October 1. And instead of using estimated data from tax returns not yet filed, families will now use earlier returns to report income and assets. As a result, some colleges may send financial aid offers (which now typically arrive in March or April) earlier, helping you determine how much your family will be expected to pay.
Blue-Ribbon Values
Swarthmore College moved to the head of our combined list this year in part because of generous financial aid awards and a competitive 12% admission rate. It also leads our list of liberal arts colleges for the sixth time. Most of its idyllic 425-acre campus, 11 miles outside of Philadelphia, is set on an arboretum. Swatties can hop a train at the station at the edge of campus for the 30-minute ride to Phillys Center City.
Swarthmores annual sticker price ($64,840) is sobering at first glance. But more than half of its students receive need-based aid, and the average award slashes the total cost of attendance by 68%, to $20,584. Like many of the institutions in the upper tier of our rankings, the schools financial aid awards keep loans off the table. All aid is in the form of scholarships and grants. One-third of students still borrow, but the average debt among recent graduates was $18,262, about 40% less than the national average for borrowers at private colleges.
Among private universities, Princeton continues to lead the pack for the third time in as many years. A slim 7% admission rate and the highest four-year graduation rate (90%) among our top 10 private universities help this Ivy League institution solidify its spot. Nearly 60% of studentsincluding many from families with an income of $250,000 a year or morereceive need-based aid. Like Swarthmore, Princeton keeps loans out of the financial aid mix. Roughly one in six families report borrowing on their own, but the average debt among 2015 graduates who borrowed was a modest $8,577, among the lowest of all 300 colleges on our list. Princeton has been in the top three on our combined list of best college values since 2015.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill deserves special kudos because it tops the public colleges for the 16th straight time (a clean sweep of Kiplingers public college rankings). The Tar Heels also claim the best out-of-state value and the ninth spot on our combined list. Solid academics, including a 30% admission rate and an 82% four-year graduation rate, combined with modest cost increases and generous financial aid awards, help this public research university continue to be a sweet deal. Carolinas in-state sticker price is comparable to that of other public colleges, but the average net price for in-state students after need-based aid is a bargain at $4,250 a year. The average need-based aid award of $17,244 also brings the annual net price for out-of-state students to less than $30,000. Carolina and the University of Virginia (number 2 for in-state and out-of-state value; number 46 on our combined list) are the only two public colleges in our rankings to meet 100% of students demonstrated financial need.
Something for Everyone
You dont have to stick to the top of our list to find great values. Among our 300 schools are large universities with a broad array of programs, as well as small liberal arts colleges that represent the ivy-covered ideal. For example, Bowdoin College, a classic liberal arts college in coastal Maine, has ascended 10 places on our combined list this year (see our story Bowdoin College: A Bright Star Downeast).
Students interested in a single-gender school will find great values here, including 10 schools for women and two for men. Among them: Wellesley College, a womens college near Boston (number 10 on our combined list) and Wabash College (number 192), a men-only school in Crawfordsville, Ind.
Youll also find schools with a religious focus or a classical curriculum. Thomas Aquinas College, a Catholic liberal arts college located 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles on the edge of Los Padres National Forest, has both. Number seven on our combined list, this pint-sized school combines a great books education that focuses on analyzing the works of Aristotle, Homer and Shakespeare, among others, with the morals and traditions of the Catholic Church. An impressive 75% of students receive need-based aid, and the average award brings the schools net price to $17,523. A tuition freeze that began during the 201314 academic year has kept the schools annual sticker price from climbing.
HANOI, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official market and indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi at 0220 GMT.
Dec 15 Dec 14 USD/VND mid-point 22,135 22,124
USD/VND interbank 22,710/22,720 22,725/22,730 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.85/36.47 36.03/36.55
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 15 (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 0415 GMT.
Dec 15 Dec 14 USD/VND mid-point 22,135 22,124 USD/VND interbank 22,700/22,780 22,725/22,730 USD/VND unofficial 22,270/22,320 23,230/23,270 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.80/36.42 36.03/36.55
Interbank offered rates Overnight 4.7-5.4 4.7-5.4
1 week 4.8-5.4 4.7-5.4
1 month 5.0-5.4 5.0-5.4
3 months 5.0-5.3 5.0-5.3
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)
* Vietnam's discount narrows to $50-$60/T to ICE March
* Continuous rains hurt supply, beans quality
* Indonesia's premiums widens to $40-$60/T
By My Pham
HANOI, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Asia coffee supplies are seen low as torrential rains in Vietnam continued to hurt crop and beans quality while harvest season has ended in Indonesia, traders said on Thursday.
Vietnamese exporters quoted discounts of $50 to $60 a tonne below the ICE March contract for robusta grade 2, 5 percent black and broken beans, narrowing slightly from a week ago, but buyers bid at $80 discount.
"The market is quiet; there is not much supply while buyers are not really keen," said Le Tien Hung, general director of SIMEXCO, an exporter in Daklak, Vietnam's largest coffee growing province.
Vietnam's coffee exports last month fell 2.3 percent from October to 114,700 tonnes, but exports in December are expected to increase to 150,000 tonnes during the cherry picking process. In Indonesia, Vietnam's rival producer, supply remains low since the harvest season has passed, while demand is normal.
Traders quoted robusta grade 4, 80 defects at $40 to $60 premium a tonne to the ICE January contract, slightly widening from a week earlier, traders in Bandar Lampung said.
(Reporting by My Pham; Additional reporting by Mas Alina Arifin in BANDAR LAMPUNG, Indonesia; Writing by Mai Nguyen; Editing by Keith Weir)
BRAZZAVILLE, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Congo Republic launched a 5-year 150 billion CFA francs ($250 million) bond at 6.5 percent interest to diversify the economy and fund infrastructure projects, Finance Minister Calixte Nganongo said on Thursday.
Congo's economy is expected to grow at 3.5 percent this year, according to World Bank figures.
The economy grew at 2.4 percent in 2015, down from 6.8 percent the year before due in part to lower oil prices. The slump has particularly affected the construction sector, Nganongo said.
Ecobank will be lead arranger for the bond, which will be offered through a public auction.
($1 = 600 CFA francs)
(Reporting by Christian Elion; Writing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
By Joshua Franklin
ZURICH, Dec 15 (Reuters) - There will be at least three initial public offerings in Switzerland in 2017, a senior Credit Suisse investment banker said on Thursday.
These transactions could come from the health, financial, industrial, consumer, service and technology sectors, Marco Illy, the bank's chairman of corporate and investment banking in Switzerland, told reporters.
"I would say definitely three, but it might also very likely be five," Illy said.
There have been five new listings this year on Switzerland's SIX stock exchange, the largest of which was VAT Group with a transaction size of 621 million Swiss francs ($603 million).
The total IPO transaction volume in 2016 was around 900 million francs, Switzerland's lowest since 2011, Credit Suisse said.
Credit Suisse expects that to rise next year to more than 4.5 billion francs, which Illy described as a "conservative prediction".
Swiss IPO volumes will likely be boosted by Credit Suisse's own partial flotation of its domestic unit, Credit Suisse (Schweiz). It plans to sell a stake of 20-30 percent in the second half of 2017 subject to market conditions. Illy, who is leading the IPO process, said there will be investor demand for a bank which generates recurring income, is nationally focused and offers an attractive dividend.
Credit Suisse is also working with two other unnamed financial institutions which are considering IPOs, Illy said.
($1 = 1.0294 Swiss francs)
(Reporting by Joshua Franklin; Editing by Ruth Pitchford)
NEW YORK, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Japan became the largest holder of U.S. Treasuries for the month of October, outpacing China for the first time in nearly two years, data from the U.S. Treasury Department showed on Thursday.
Japan held $1.131 trillion in U.S. Treasuries, while China's holdings declined to $1.115 trillion, a drop of about $41 billion. China has been dipping into its reserves, selling Treasuries to support the yuan.
Data also showed foreigners bought $9.4 billion in long-term U.S assets in October, after selling $64.8 billion the previous month. Including shorter-dated securities, overseas investors purchased $18.8 billion in October, after selling a massive $154.4 billion in September.
(Reporting by Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss; Editing by Sandra Maler)
MILAN, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Popolare di Vicenza and Veneto Banca are preparing to sell 8 billion euros ($8.3 billion) in bad loans, the head of credit manager Credito Fondiario said on Thursday, as the two Italian regional banks study a possible merger.
Popolare Vicenza and Veneto Banca are in merger talks after being rescued by banking industry bailout fund Atlante earlier this year. Atlante took them over when they failed to find buyers for initial share issues needed to keep them afloat after loan losses and impairment charges burnt through their capital.
The two lenders held 8.5 billion euros in bad debts at the end of June, out of a total of 17 billion euros in doubtful loans - which represent 38 percent of their overall client loans.
Credito Fondiario CEO Panfilo Tarantelli told a press briefing the loans could be sold in the course of next year in a securitisation deal.
"On behalf of Atlante, Credito Fondiario has completed the due diligence on the loan portfolio worth around 8 billion euros," he said.
Credito Fondiario also carried out due diligence on the 28 billion euro bad loan portfolio that Monte dei Paschi di Siena is trying to offload with the help of Atlante as part of a rescue plan to avoid being wound down.
Popolare Vicenza and Veneto Banca must submit their merger plan to the European Central Bank in coming weeks outlining proposed bad loan disposals and the ensuing capital shortfall. Atlante has already pumped 2.5 billion euros into the two lenders.
Newly appointed Popolare Vicenza CEO Fabrizio Viola told reporters on the sideline of a separate event on Thursday he aimed to have the plan ready by the end of January.
Also on Thursday, consultancy PwC forecast transactions on Italian problem loans next year could total 50 billion euros in terms of gross book value as lenders in the country strive to shed problem assets that grew during a harsh recession.
Credit Fondiario, which belonged to Morgan Stanley until 2014, is a credit manager which currently services 4.7 billion euros in loans. It also has a banking licence and on Thursday launched its first savings account to broaden its funding tools.
($1 = 0.9605 euros)
(Reporting by Valentina Za and Elisa Anzolin; Editing by Mark Potter)
RPT-TABLE-Norway's central bank cuts 2016-2017 growth forecasts
(R) OSLO, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Norway's central bank issued the following economic forecasts in a monetary policy report on Thursday after keeping rates unchanged at 0.50 percent, as expected. The forecasts are shown in comparison with the figures given in the bank's previous monetary policy report in September. Figures (percentage change unless stated):
2016 2017 2018 2019 Dec Sept Dec Sept Dec Sept Dec Sept Mainland GDP 0.7 0.9 1.5 1.8 2.2 2.1 2.2 2.1 Core CPI* 3.1 3.3 2.4 2.7 1.8 2.1 1.7 1.8 Deposit rate 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.7 Oil invest. -15.2 -15.5 -11.4 -4.2 2.7 0.0 5.3 3.0 Unemployment** 4.8 4.7 4.8 4.7 4.6 4.4 4.2 4.1 Annual wages 2.3 2.5 2.8 3.2 3.2 3.4 3.5 3.7 Import-weighted FX (I-44) index 105.3 105.9 102.0 103.7 102.6 103.0 101.8 102.2
NOTES: * Core CPI is the consumer price index adjusted for tax changes and excluding energy products. ** Unemployment as calculated by Statistics Norway.
(Reporting by Oslo newsroom)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
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Slovenian c.bank urges reforms to ensure long-term growth
LJUBLJANA, Dec 15 (Reuters) - The Bank of Slovenia on Thursday urged structural reforms, which include cutting red tape, enhancing privatisation and reducing bad loans in local banks, saying reforms are needed to ensure long-term economic growth. "The situation of the economy and the financial sector in Slovenia is stimulating in 2016. Economic acivity continues to grow, the banking sector is resistant to possible shocks," the bank said in a report. "However, structural reforms are needed to retain good trends," it added.
(Reporting By Marja Novak; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
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HONG KONG, Dec 15 (Reuters) - UBS AG's co-head of equity capital markets (ECM) for Asia, Damien Brosnan, will leave the Swiss investment bank at the end of the month, IFR reported on Thursday, without saying where it got the information.
Peihao Huang, the other co-head of ECM for UBS, will become the sole head of the team, said IFR, a Thomson Reuters publication.
UBS declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.
The bank fell to fourth place in ECM league tables in the region in the first nine-months of the year from second in the same period a year earlier, Thomson Reuters data showed.
UBS had been a perennial leader in the region for several years, fighting for the top spot with rival Goldman Sachs.
(Reporting by Fiona Lau and Thomas Blott of IFR; Writing by Elzio Barreto; Editing by Tom Hogue)
The Herald reports:
Two Green Party MPs have announced they will retire from politics after next years election.
Catherine Delahunty and Steffan Browning said they would not seek reelection in 2017.
Delahunty, who is the Green Partys education spokeswoman, said she was proud of her eight years in Parliament.
I feel particularly proud of the work Ive done around building a quality, more inclusive public education system, leading our partys nationwide campaign for swimmable rivers, speaking up for the people of West Papua, and working for a national register of contaminated toxic sites.
I intend on spending the coming months campaigning hard on these issues, which I know many thousands of New Zealanders care deeply about. After that, I am looking forward to continuing my lifelong commitment to activism and community building, as well as spending more time writing and being with my family.
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Shenandoah, IA (51601)
Today
Mostly cloudy and windy. High 76F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..
Tonight
Cloudy skies early, then thunderstorms developing late. Low 43F. S winds shifting to NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
The man accused of kidnapping and shooting Winnsboro woman Kelly Longoria and leaving her for dead in a cemetery was back in court today.
Kevin Mathis appeared heavily guarded in a Franklin Parish courtroom this morning.
Mathis' defense attorney had asked for a commission to be appointed to determine his sanity at the time of Longoria's abduction.
Today, the hearing was delayed, because the court did not have the proper reports from doctors to determine his sanity.
"There will be no further action in this case until the sanity commission - the doctors' appointed sanity commission - make their reports to the court," says Mack Lancaster, District Attorney of the Fifth Judicial District of Louisiana. "Then the court makes its finding of whether he is insane or capable of standing trial.... The law says there will be no action until that is done."
Mathis returns to court again on February 14, 2017. His trial date is scheduled for February 21, 2017.
Children skate in an ice rink installed in Yeouido Park in southern Seoul, Thursday.
/ Courtesy of Development Bank of Korea
By Kim Tae-gyu
The Korea Development Bank (KDB) has established a reputation as an exemplary financial entity for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs through carrying out various goodwill activities.
This week, the state-run bank released pleasant news that it built a spacious skating rink at the center of Yeouido Park along with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Kiwoom Securities, a Seoul-based brokerage house.
The 1,800-square-meter rink, which will accommodate up to 400 people, will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. until Feb. 17.
The KDB, which first installed the popular skating rink in the heart of Yeouido last year, upgraded it this year by adding an 800-square-meter sledding hill site and other facilities.
"There are rest areas, washrooms and an ice skate rental station. Plus, food courts and food trucks are available so people can have a fun time," a KDB official said.
"In particular, we plan to hold a series of events in time with Christmas this month and Valentine's Day in February."
Visitors pay 1,000 won for admission and 1,000 won for skate rentals for 90 minutes of skating. The admission fee for sledding is also 2,000 won.
Full-day tickets are also available for 5,000 won and season tickets are available for 20,000 won including rentals.
The KDB made a proposal for the skating rink to the Seoul government last year in a move to contribute to the local community, as the bank is situated just next to it.
On top of its CSR activities, the KDB plays a pivotal role in corporate banking _ it has provided a vast amount of industrial capital over the past six decades and of late it has focused on tech companies.
In particular, KDB President Lee Dong-geol iterated that the bank should lead efforts to galvanize the economy at a time when Korea Inc. struggles due to unfavorable domestic and global conditions.
"Drawing upon the KDB's corporate, investment and technology banking expertise, we will lead efforts to nurture next-generation growth engines and boost recovery momentum in a bid to establish a virtuous cycle in the national economy," he said.
"We will also further expand our global presence to raise the global profile of KDB and bolster the competitiveness of the financial industry. I and all of our staff will dedicate ourselves to contributing to the Korean economy's strong performance."
By Park Hyong-ki
The Bank of Korea said Monday that the increase of the country's household credit moved in tandem with the prices of real estate rather than with economic growth.
This indicates that households have been taking out loans to refinance their housing purchase and personal credit, further raising concerns over the quality of their loans.
In its assessment of the concordance index (CI) measuring the relations between household credit, economic growth and real estate, the index stood at 0.73 for household credit in relation to real estate over the last eight years from 2009-2016.
An index closer to 1 indicates a stronger correlation. This means that the increase of household credit had more to do it with the prices of real estate, as the index measuring the relations between household debt and economic growth stood at 0.53 over the last eight years.
This is in stark contrast to the years from 2000-2007 when the index for household credit in relation to economic growth was at 0.97, while it was 0.69 for credit and real estate.
By Yoon Ja-young
Concern is growing over the move to implicate the National Pension Service (NPS) in the political scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her long-time confident Choi Soon-sil. While an investigation by the prosecution should reveal whether the pension fund succumbed to political pressure or not, there is growing anxiety over whether its investment managers can concentrate on their jobs.
According to sources at the pension fund's investment management service, 28 of its fund managers already quit or plan to leave this year, or 13 percent of the total.
"We are scheduled to move to Jeonju next February. Many managers who don't want to leave Seoul were wondering what to do, and the recent political scandal is getting them down," said a manager at the NPS requesting anonymity.
Due to the government policy for balanced growth among regions, state-run enterprises and organizations are relocating to provinces. The NPS investment management service's move to Jeonju has prompted some young managers to quit; but now those in key posts are also leaving.
Recently, head of the management strategy division, who is in charge of setting up a roadmap for management of the 550 trillion won fund, tendered his resignation. This came as a shock as his predecessor also resigned this year. A manager who is heading the fund's London office also told the company that he will quit. Both of them are experts in alternative investment. The exodus of key managers has led to concern that the fund may see a collapse of its investment service which is supposed to make the best decisions to guarantee a stable life after retirement for pension subscribers.
According to insiders, the recent political scandal is also behind the exodus. The prosecution as well as the National Assembly are examining the investment management service, regarding the NPS support of a merger between Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries at a general shareholders' meeting. There have been allegations that Cheong Wa Dae pressured the pension fund to vote for the merger despite it causing huge losses for the NPS in return for Samsung's support for Choi and her family.
While the allegations are being investigated by the prosecution, managers are complaining that they can't concentrate on their work or make decisions on time.
Market watchers also point out that the managers are turning passive in investment. The NPS has recently been hesitating over some investment deals which had been regarded as profitable in the industry. The pension fund is expected to surpass 100 billion won in 2023, but due to the rapid aging of the population, it is crucial for the pension fund to pull up investment returns.
Chairman Moon Hyung-pyo has reiterated that the NPS should do its best for the interests of the people by making it an agency everyone trusts, cares for and respects.
"Since its inception, the NPS over the last 28 years has become the world's third largest pension fund amounting to over 500 trillion won ($427 billion), serving 21.59 million insured persons and 3.98 million beneficiaries, thanks to the trust and support received from the public," Moon said.
"We will strive to achieve inclusive growth of the fund, by consistently challenging ourselves to new changes and innovations based on our past achievements. The NPS will commit itself to become a comprehensive global welfare service provider with the aim to provide the essential foundation of post-retirement security for all Koreans."
Toward that end, Moon came up with three principles.
"Firstly, the NPS will do its utmost to gain stronger trust from the people. Secondly, we will devote ourselves to ensure that everyone will receive pension benefits through the establishment of a pension per person. Thirdly, we will dedicate ourselves to build an organization structure and advanced investment management system that is commensurate to the size of the fund."
"Will You Be There?"
Su-hyeon (Kim Yun-seok) gets magic pills that that can take him to the past. With the pills, he goes back to 1985, meets his past self (Byun Yo-han), and strives to change one thing which has been his biggest regret in life. Directed by Hong Ji-young.
"Pandora"
A strong earthquake hits South Korea, followed by a nuclear power plant explosion. Jae-hyeok (Kim Nam-gil) and his fellow workers at the power plant desperately try to prevent a radiation leak. Directed by Park Jung-woo.
"La La Land"
Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) is a jazz pianist, and Mia (Emma Stone) is an aspiring actress, both of whom are living in Los Angeles. They fall in love, and inspire each other to achieve their dreams. Directed by Damien Chazelle.
Missing'
Ji-seon (Uhm Ji-won), a single mother, realizes her daughter has gone missing along with the nanny, Han-mae (Kong Hyo-jin). Ji-seon frantically tracks down her daughter, and discovers the shocking truth about Han-mae. Directed by E.oni
Captain Fantastic'
Ben (Viggo Mortensen) raises his children in a remote forest, educating them in a unique way. To fulfil his wife's last will, Ben and the children move to the big city and face incidents that challenge their values and ideas. Directed by Matt Ross.
By Park Si-soo
The Presidential office looked into the private lives of Supreme Court Chief Justice Yang Sung-tae and other senior judges, including their recreational activities and people they met, a former CEO of Korea's vernacular daily Segye Ilbo claimed on Thursday, citing leaked classified presidential documents.
Cho Han-gyu dropped the bombshell during a parliamentary investigation of a corruption scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil.
Cho made the claim without visible evidence to back it. But if it is true, it will constitute a serious violation of the Constitution that guarantees freedom of the judiciary.
Cho is believed to have eight classified presidential documents that the daily obtained exclusively in 2014. Based on some documents, the newspaper first shed light on the shadowy link between President Park and Choi in November 2014. That means there are documents that remain undisclosed.
Ahn Hee-jung Sohn Hak-gyu Kim Jong-in
By Ko Dong-hwan
Korean foods are so rich in variety and taste that people like to compare them to public figures based on their characteristics, or simply their appearance. And some subjects of such fun cross-references enjoy the scrutiny and take measures to liken themselves to certain foods before their fans do.
The hottest presidential candidates are no exception. As President Park Geun-hye faces the sack if the Constitutional Court accepts parliament's impeachment motion voted on Dec. 9, the next Korean president is likely to be decided as early as in four months.
Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung is the second-most powerful contender, based on recent polls. His popularity was boosted when he was one of the first politicians to demand that scandal-ridden Park step down as people nationwide began anti-Park demonstrations in late October. He became popular for his acerbic comments targeting the scandal and people gave him the nickname "Sprite," referring to the popular soda.
Moon Jae-in, the former chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea and leader in popularity polls, earned the nickname "(steamed) sweet potato" because he has appealed to the public as more "stuffed" and less unequivocal than Lee.
"People suffer digestive congestion when eating sweet potatoes hurriedly," joked Lee, against whom Moon quipped, "At least sweet potatoes can be a hearty meal. Sprite is not even a meal."
The food-analogy race heated up when Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said on Dec. 8: "Some citizens referred to me as seasoned kimchi. Some things are just better when seasoned longer like grape wines or friends. You cannot just feed on sweet potatoes and soda."
The less-favored South Chungcheong Governor Ahn Hee-jung dubbed himself on a Dec. 14 radio show as "a bowl of steamed rice," because people "would not get tired of me."
Media outlets likened the candidates to other Korean dishes in largely a cynical tone. Ahn Cheol-soo, a former co-chairman of the second-largest opposition People's Party, was compared to chicken breast, because he "seems healthy but not enjoyable on a daily basis."
Sohn Hak-gyu, a former opposition leader who came back to political circles after a hiatus, was likened to deodeok looking similar to but much cheaper than wild ginseng because he can never become the people's "precious restorative herb rarely found on mountains."
Kim Jong-in, a 70-something interim leader of the former largest opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, was referred to as ginseng liquor because the alcoholic beverage, often stored in transparent glass containers and more perceived as an interior decoration than an edible, "looks awesome but no one cares to look inside."
By Lee Kyung-min
Testimony from government officials and close associates of President Park Geun-hye have disclosed that she is a "loner," rarely meeting people unless absolutely necessary and sometimes even when it is necessary.
According to multiple accounts presented during the National Assembly hearing into the influence-peddling scandal involving Park's confidant Choi Soon-sil last week and this week, Park only rarely met with high-ranking government officials and also preferred having meals alone at her residence inside Cheong Wa Dae.
Given that the main job as head of a country is to listen to people and understand their concerns to better lead it, criticism is inevitable that her lack of communication has resulted in the failure of many policies and eventually of her presidency.
Some internet users have even called her a kind of "hikikomori," a Japanese term referring to a person who avoids meeting others and isolates themselves usually at home.
Ambassador to China Kim Jang-soo, who was the National Security Office chief on the day of the Sewol ferry sinking on April 16, 2014, said Wednesday that he sent a written report about the sinking to both her residence and office at the main building of Cheong Wa Dae, indicating he was not aware of where she was exactly until she appeared in public at 5:15 p.m.
By Yi Whan-woo
The two largest opposition parties were divided over acting president, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn's counter-proposal, Thursday, regarding the opposition bloc's offer to hold a joint meeting between Hwang and the leaders of the political parties.
Earlier in the day, Hwang proposed that he meet with party leaders separately first because the ruling Saenuri Party is currently engulfed in a deep factional feud.
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) rejected the offer, claiming that Hwang is merely trying to strengthen his grip on government affairs despite his temporary position in the aftermath of the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.
But the minor opposition People's Party accepted Hwang's offer. It agreed with Hwang's argument that the deepening leadership struggle at the Saenuri Party made it difficult for him to hold a joint meeting.
They parties had said such a meeting was critical to settle the political crisis while ensuring Hwang must consult the opposition-led National Assembly in advance while running the government.
The opposition have been criticizing Hwang for excessively intervening in state affairs, including personnel management since he took the interim job Dec. 9. They argued that Hwang must keep his role "as minimal as possible."
"Our party cannot accept Hwang's counter-proposal," DPK chief spokesman Yoon Kwan-suk said. "The party plans to discus forming a consultation body between the government and the National Assembly and such a discussion can't be possible if the party leaders meet Hwang separately."
Regarding the Saenuri Party's leadership struggle, Yoon said Hwang is "exploiting it as an excuse to avoid a joint meeting."
"We can't take the Saenuri Party's situation into account because it's uncertain when it will end. It would be wrong if Hwang made the counter-proposal in order to control state affairs," Yoon added.
People's Party floor leader Rep. Park Jie-won said his party can meet Hwang separately if the joint meeting is not possible.
"It would the best for Hwang and the rival party leaders to meet together but Hwang's idea can still be accepted," Park said.
Meanwhile, Hwang, citing a state of emergency, has also refused to comply with the opposition bloc's call to attend an interpellation session scheduled from Dec. 20 and 21.
The DPK and the People's Party asked Hwang to accept the call, saying they have been "showing leniency" toward him concerning his schedule.
"Hwang is not an elected leader. He must act accordingly and should be faithful to the National Assembly," DPK lawmaker Rep. Yun Ho-jung said.
Rep. Kim Sung-sik of the People's Party said the parliament initially scheduled the interpellation session for four days but shortened it after considering Hwang's workload.
"We have done Hwang a favor. In return, he must be active in communicating with the people," Kim said.
Choi Soon-sil ordered an associate to distort testimony to investigators of the political scandal surrounding her, a record of the conversation reveals. / Yonhap
By Hong Dam-young
Choi Soon-sil ordered an associate to distort testimony to investigators of the political scandal surrounding her, a record of the conversation reveals.
Rep. Park Young-sun of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea disclosed the file during the National Assembly investigation into the scandal on Wednesday. The recorded conversation between Choi and her unidentified associate allegedly dates to Oct. 27, before Choi returned to Korea from Europe on Oct. 30 to attend the prosecutors' questioning, according to the lawmaker.
A transcript of the first part of Choi Soon-sil's conversation with her associate in Europe is shown Wednesday, during the National Assembly investigation into the scandal. / Screencaptured from the Internet
Choi says in the first part of the conversation: "If they (investigators) ask a question how Ko (Young-tae) and I first met, don't mention that I paid for bags he made for Park. Just tell them my friend introduced me to Ko because he and I shared the same interest in sports, and that I helped him in many ways. Actually, don't even mention the name of the company related to us (Ko and Choi)."
Choi was instructing her associate to deny her close relationship with Ko, who served as a director at Choi's Germany-based paper company. Ko also had made bags and clothes for President Park, which were delivered through Choi.
The second part of the conversation Choi Soon-sil had with her associate in Europe is shown during the National Assembly investigation into the scandal. / Screencaptured from the Internet
The conversation continued: "This is a mess. Tell Ko to get the gravity of the situation. Make it look like they (JTBC reporter) stole it' (her tablet computer) and everything is a lie. Also tell them that it was all Lee Seong-han's ploy, and that he requested money from me. Otherwise, we will be FXXXED UP."
The lawmaker assumed the "it" Choi was referring to was her tablet computer, on which cable TV channel JTBC reportedly found advance drafts of the President's speeches. Choi also allegedly attempted to falsify that Lee, the whistleblower in the scandal and the former general secretary of the non-profit foundation controlled by Choi, made up the story and blackmailed her by demanding cash.
At Thursday's hearing, Rep. Park exposed another recorded conversation between Choi and her associate during Choi's stay in Europe. In the conversation, Choi blamed the associate for failing to deter her business partner from disclosing that Choi allegedly forced Korean conglomerate SK Group to donate money to a non-profit foundation she controlled.
Kim Jang-soo, right, former National Security Office chief, speaks during a hearing at the National Assembly, Wednesday. He said he initially didn't know where President Park Geun-hye was during the critical first seven hours after the Sewol ferry began sinking on April 16, 2014. / Yonhap
Park's Sewol absence remains mystry still
By Kim Se-jeong
Expectation was high that the National Assembly hearing Wednesday would discover what President Park Geun-hye was doing during her "seven missing hours" on the day of Sewol ferry disaster.
However, no clear answers were given, with skepticism rising over whether the Assembly hearing, an independent counsel's investigation or a Constitutional Court review will ever be able to find out the truth.
The main question was whether the President received cosmetic treatment during those hours. Lawmakers grilled 13 witnesses, but no testimony gave a clue, and all denied they performed any treatment or saw that happening.
"I visited Cheong Wa Dae several times to see the President about skin problems, but didn't on April 16, 2014," said plastic surgeon Kim Young-jae, who had been long suspected of performing a cosmetic procedure on Park that day.
As all the involved figures said they did not know anything about what Park was doing on the day, new allegations are emerging that there could be another doctor who has not yet been mentioned.
Shin Bo-ra, a former army nurse who worked for the President, said she had visited Park's residence at Cheong Wa Dae that day to bring mouthwash to the President. Rep. Sohn Hye-won of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea raised suspicions about cosmetic treatment again, saying mouthwash is often recommended for after-surgery patients.
Kim Jang-soo, who was the National Security Office chief at the time of the disaster and the first person to report the incident to the President, started out by saying "I didn't know where Park was on that day."
Kim said he sent a written report at 10 a.m. both to her office and residence because he did not know where she was between the two places. He said he received calls from Park at 10:15 a.m. and 10:22 a.m.
The next time Kim spoke with Park was 2:50 p.m. "I called the President and said the number of rescued passengers was miscounted. She then called me back at 2:57 p.m. and asked how come the report had the wrong information."
In response, he recommended she visit an emergency response team near the Cheong Wa Dae complex. "This was my last phone conversation with her that day."
Park showed up at the team's office two hours and 15 minutes later, while it takes only 10 minutes to walk from Cheong Wa Dae to the office.
A recent allegation states that she spent 90 minutes having her hair done before joining the team. Cheong Wa Dae said it was only 20 minutes.
Kim defended the President. "I don't think the allegation is true. I don't believe, and I don't want to believe that she spent the time having her hair done. Usually, it takes time to prepare to receive the President. The response team might have needed time to update reports and take care of other protocol details."
By Yi Whan-woo
North Korea test fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) this month, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK, Thursday.
Quoting U.S. officials, the broadcaster said the U.S. had detected a "ground test" of an SLBM in North Korea.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it cannot verify the report, although, "South Korea and the U.S. are working closely to monitor North Korea's development of SLBMs."
If confirmed, the test will be Pyongyang's latest violation of the U.N. Security Council's (UNSC) nuclear sanctions against the Kim Jong-un regime, including UNSC Resolution 2321 imposed Nov. 30.
NHK said the latest test is believed to be aimed at fully acquiring the technology necessary to launch a missile out of the water and put it on a trajectory toward a target.
According to U.S. military sources, North Korea has been making rapid progress on SLBMs following its test Aug. 24.
The missile then flew about 500 kilometers on a high-arc trajectory before landing in the East Sea under Japan's Air Defense Identification Zone.
It was significant progress compared with tests April 23 and July 9 when the missiles exploded in the air.
NHK said the U.S. is analyzing whether North Korea collected data for deployment of SLBMs through its latest test.
Meanwhile, the JCS refused to say whether it received data about North Korea's SLBMs this month from Japan after Seoul and Tokyo signed a General Security of Military Information Agreement, Nov. 23.
Despite public protest, the Ministry of Defense struck the deal to obtain intelligence on North Korea's military activities, including SLBMs, directly from Japan, without going through the U.S.
"It's a security-sensitive issue and we can't disclose any details," a JCS official said.
Lee Soon-ho, the grand master emeritus of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA), speaks about the fundamental basics of the Korean martial art, in an interview in Seoul, Wednesday.
/ Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung
By Lee Min-hyung
Lee Soon-ho, the Grand Master Emeritus of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA), hopes to raise awareness of the spiritual side of the Korean martial art in more countries.
The 77-year-old Korean-American taekwondo instructor has dedicated more than four decades to introducing the martial arts in the United States, since he moved to the country in 1970.
Even after retiring from the top post at the largest taekwondo organization there in 2011, he remains passionate over his plan to spend the rest of his life promoting the way forward for taekwondo.
"The fundamental basis for taekwondo comes from balancing physical and mental training," he said in an interview, Wednesday. "To create a great balance between them is the core value behind taekwondo. We do not want to build people into bullies."
The ATA was founded by his older brother Lee Haeng-ung in 1969. Soon-ho moved to the U.S. the next year to help his brother and promote the taekwondo spirit for the American people.
As the martial art became more popular in the country, he organized an annual trip for ATA members to Korea where taekwondo originated.
"Our American students wanted to know more about Korea, as we have stressed the importance of the origins of taekwondo," he said. "In 1987, we visited Korea with our 200 American instructors. We have since visited Korea every year before I retired in 2010, holding exhibition matches at some of the country's historic landmarks such as Haeinsa Temple or Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province."
After passing on his Grand Master title to his younger brother Ho-in in 2010, he has devoted himself to educating instructors to sustain the organization for more generations to come.
"I am giving seminars for instructors in not just the U.S., but other ATA-licensed locations in such countries as Canada or Australia," he said. "My current goal is to support and educate ATA instructors, making sure they can also hand down their role to the next generation one day."
By Lee Min-hyung
KT said Thursday it has signed a deal with Sungkyunkwan University over establishing a smart campus focusing on cloud technology and a super-fast network system.
Under the partnership, both sides agreed to establish a single campus infrastructure, connecting network systems of the two campuses of the university in Seoul and Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, into one by taking advantage of KT's industry-leading network expertise, the mobile carrier said.
KT also plans to provide its gigabit-level internet service, featuring a 10-times faster network speed than the existing long-term-evolution (LTE) service, across the university to minimize any spatial constraints between and inside the two campuses.
The company said its cloud infrastructure will be incorporated into the university's virtual desktop infrastructure, guaranteeing more secure information management for students there.
Both sides agreed to expand more partnerships to establish the leading smart campus ecosystem and take an upper hand in the information and communication technology education industry.
"KT's GiGA network is expected to reduce any potential setbacks coming from spatial constraints, offering more creative solutions for our leadership in research and development as well as education," Sungkyunkwan University President Chung Kyu-sang said in a statement. "The partnership will also help foster the importance of academic-industrial collaboration, raising our brand value on the global stage."
By Lee Min-hyung
With the arrival of Amazon's video streaming service, Amazon Prime Video, the global industry-leading streaming giants Netflix, Amazon and YouTube are in a tight race to capture a larger share of the country's video subscription industry.
Amazon launched the streaming service in more than 200 countries including Korea, Wednesday, in a bid to lead the fast-growing subscription-based video service market.
The U.S.-based e-commerce giant has drawn the spotlight with its aggressive marketing tactics, offering a 50 percent discount that allows subscribers to stream content for only $2.99 (3,520 won) per month for the first six months with a seven-day free trial.
This came about a week after YouTube's paid streaming subscription service, YouTube Red, landed here, Dec. 6. The service comes for a monthly subscription of 7,900 won in Korea with one month free. Korea was the fifth market for YouTube Red, following the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Mexico, but the first in the Asian market.
But the first mover for the Korean market was Netflix which debuted in January. Due to its massive influence in its home country, expectations were that Netflix may bring a paradigm shift in the country's pay streaming service industry.
But the firm has so far failed to meet those expectations, even if it is slowly expanding its presence by teaming up with local content and media firms, including local cable TV operator D'Live.
For this reason, many predict that YouTube Red and Amazon Prime Video may follow the footsteps of Netflix, as internet users here are reluctant to pay for video content.
Despite the gloomy outlook, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings previously expressed confidence for the long term, saying the firm will generate profits in at least seven years once its membership size grows enough here.
The remark comes as the firm is generating little profit in most non-American territories due to such factors as the lack of local content.
"Global video-streaming players such as Netflix, Amazon and YouTube are on a path to increase their market share on the global stage, backed by their outstanding success in their home country," said an industry source. "For them, global expansion is not about making a short-term profit, but raising their profile and brand value to build a foundation for more stable sources of revenue in the future."
That is why they are focusing on establishing more partnerships with media industry players and content creators in each regional market, including Korea's, according to the source.
Another source from the cable TV industry said: "The over-the-top content industry does not require massive investment, as it is based on the internet, rather than physical infrastructure."
"That is why players such as Netflix and Amazon can expand into many countries at one time," he said. "On top of that, Korea boasts one of the world's fastest internet infrastructures. This serves as the best test-bed for global IT titans."
SAP Korea CEO Hyoung Won-joon, fourth from left, poses with employees after receiving an award naming SAP as one of the 100 best enterprises to work for at the Grand Hilton Hotel in Hongeun-dong, northwestern Seoul, Thursday.
/ Courtesy of SAP Korea
By Yoon Sung-won
SAP Korea said Thursday it has been chosen as one of the 100 best companies to work for, for the second year in a row.
The Korean subsidiary of the German enterprise software provider said it has established a corporate culture that highlights empathy and respect between executives and employees.
"At SAP, I came to have confidence in the belief that a humane company can attract happier and more talented workers compared to ones that boast of easy jobs," SAP Korea CEO Hyoung Won-joon said. "Based on the employees' endeavors, their shared view on design thinking and respect, we are pushing to become a good company that can pursue the growth of both individual employees and the company, as well as society at the same time."
The award, "100 Best Companies to Work For" has been chosen and presented jointly by the Korean branch of the Great Place To Work (GPTW) institute and Fortune magazine during the last 15 years, by ranking businesses based on the happiness and perks of the employees. The institute has evaluated companies in six industrial sectors such as finance, public works and manufacturing in 50 countries including Korea, China, Japan and the United States.
According to SAP Korea, the institute has evaluated the candidate enterprises in nine aspects such as "inspiring," "speaking" and "listening," based on the employees' perspective. The company said it has received favorable evaluation particularly in encouraging its employees to share the perspectives of the company.
SAP ranked No. 10 in the 2016 Empathy Index by the Harvard Business Review (HBR) with 94.7 points in an evaluation of 170 multinational enterprises, following Facebook, Google Alphabet and Microsoft. Apple and Cisco ranked 15th and 33rd in this index, according to the company.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says he personally killed suspected drug traffickers during his two-decade tenure as mayor of the southern city of Davao.
Duterte made the admission Monday during a speech before a group of businessmen, boasting that he would ride around Davao on his motorcycle and "just patrol the streets... looking for a confrontation so I could kill."
The president said he would kill drug suspects just to show police "that if I can do it, why can't you?"
Duterte's shocking admission came amid defense of his all-out crackdown on suspected drug dealers since taking office in June. Nearly 6,000 people have been killed by police and vigilante squads during that time, drawing criticism from human rights groups, the United Nations and U.S. President Barack Obama.
Duterte vowed to ignore the criticism and continue with the crackdown, and even dared his opponents to remove him from office.
"You arrest me, oust me? Go ahead. So, God said that you are mayor but you have given a mission to do something but it's only up to them. So, fine. Oust me, good. Assassinate me, better. I have this migraine everyday," Duterte said.
Lawmakers on Wednesday failed to lift the veil on President Park Geun-hye's notorious seven-hour absence in the midst of the worst disaster in Korea's modern history.
A National Assembly committee probing the massive influence-peddling and corruption scandal that has engulfed Park asked witnesses where Park was when the ferry Sewol sank with hundreds of teenagers aboard in 2014.
Suspicions range from a tryst with a lover to cosmetic surgery that kept her from the TV screens, but witnesses were only able to say that she was at her official residence during the critical hours of the ferry accident.
Lawmakers became so engrossed in Park's whereabouts on the fateful morning of April 16, 2014 that they failed to move on to the larger question why she did not take a more active role in dealing with the accident as soon as she found out about it.
Minjoo Party lawmaker Do Jong-whan latched on to rumors that Park was laid up after some kind of cosmetic treatment from a clinic linked to Choi Soon-sil, the president's longtime confidante who is at the center of the scandal.
Nine out of the 13 witnesses summoned to the hearing were doctors or medical professionals, including the heads of the clinics frequented by Choi.
Choi Soon-sil, the longtime confidante of President Park Geun-hye who is at the center of the massive corruption scandal, told cronies to give false testimony to prosecutors.
Minjoo Party lawmaker Park Young-sun on Wednesday published taped phone conversations between Choi and an unnamed person prior to her return to Korea in late October.
Choi is heard telling the other person to instruct her drinking buddy Koh Young-tae what to say to prosecutors. Koh is a former fencer and part-time gigolo who designed arrestingly ugly handbags and ill-fitting suits for Park.
In another recorded phone call, Choi mentions Lee Sung-han, a former head of the dubious Mir Foundation she established to bilk donations from major conglomerates.
"We have a big problem," Choi is heard to say. "Tell Koh to stay alert and make it look like everything has been fabricated and that they stole (a tablet PC with damaging evidence) to do that."
"Make it look like Lee Sung-han was also very manipulative and demanded money," she adds. "If you don't do that, we're all going to die."
Koh, who had already tipped off reporters, famously did not comply and instead spilled the beans in excruciating detail.
The Gambias President-elect, Adama Barrow, has told the BBC he will declare himself president on 18 January despite incumbent Yahya Jammehs rejection of the election result.
He said his team was preparing for his inauguration and he urged Mr Jammeh to respect the will of the electorate.
The election commission declared Mr Barrow winner of the 1 December poll.
Mr Jammeh has launched court action to annul the result after initially accepting defeat. He even turned ing down African leaders who had flew to his country to ask him to obey the law by stepping down.
Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates
When UC San Diego student Skylar Rains started a petition to protect the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, she had no idea it would gather more than 90,000 signatures in less than two weeks. Ive been astounded by the amount of support it got, I never expected to get this, she told La Jolla Light.
Rains said she started the online plea titled Protect La Jollas Native California Sea Lion Population at change.org to counteract the petition to rid The Cove of sea lions that was started by the La Jolla Community Task Force on California Sea Lions, sponsored by the La Jolla Town Council (LJTC) in November. The task forces petition garnered 1,500 signatures and was sent to San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, urging him to act on the issue.
Rains said, After I started at UCSD, I fell in love with going to watch the sea lions. I came across a story saying that they were trying to kick the sea lions out of La Jolla Cove, and I decided to do something to save them, so I started the petition.
For the student, observing the marine mammals in their wild state is a wonder. Once I watched this sea lion mom give birth to her baby. I got to see that sea lions first swim in the ocean and that was just a really amazing experience, she said.
Dan Simonelli, president of the La Jolla Cove Swim Club and member of the sea lion task force, pointed to some inaccuracies in Rains petition to protect the marine mammals. For example, her petition states that LJTC wants to push the sea lions to a different settlement.
However, LJTCs Call to action is to deter the pinnipeds from areas where their presence creates a severe public health and safety problem. This is, according to Simonelli, just the sandy beach and the stairs leading up to the street. If they go out on the rocks, there is no plan to disperse them from there, but just where the people are on the beach.
He also pointed out that many of the 90,000 signatures on Rains petition are not from San Diegans. In that regard, Rains said she started to circulate the petition among UCSD students, and she suspects a lot of its support is coming from campus.
This is an animal rights and a global issue, because if we remove the sea lions of La Jolla, where are they going to go? Its definitely a matter of significance to more than just the community of La Jolla, Rains said.
Simonelli continued that spraying the sea lions with water, as mentioned in the petition, is a harrassment method approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. He added, A statistic from NOAA has found 1,000 more sites where they have determined the sea lions haul out in the California coast, and we only want to disperse them from one small area Its not selfish, is that we dont let the wild animals take over everywhere they want to go.
In a statement about Rains petition, LJTC president Ann Kerr Bache insisted that the motive behind deterring the sea lions from contact with humans is public safety. She writes, There is no question that a threat exists. The issue is what to do about it. There are two choices remove the sea lions or remove the people. The community users want to retain these treasured beaches by moving and excluding the sea lions. Rains petition deals with the threat by demanding the people be moved and excluded.
And indeed, Rains petition suggests just that. It reads: As an easy alternative, they should instead focus on rerouting swimmers, residents and tourists to nearby city beaches. Residents of La Jolla and tourists are able to visit La Jolla Shores beach as a safe and favorable alternative.
What makes La Jolla different from other California towns is that we have the sea lions, there are so many people commenting on the petition that they came to La Jolla to see the sea lions, that eco-tourism really draws people in.
Rains said she plans to send the petition to Mayor Faulconer, just as LJTC did.
Simonelli commented, When you play this out in front of the Mayor, (hell see) that her petition has 90,000 signatures and hes not going to want to do anything (to deter the sea lions).
They are cute marine mammals and were previously endangered they no longer are and that pulls the heartstrings of some people but its really a matter of contamination and safety issues, he said.
One of the safety issues at The Cove is water quality, which lately has seen high levels of bacteria present, allegedly from sea lion waste.
One month without bacteria at The Cove
Since the last High Bacteria Advisory issued by the San Diego County Environmental Health Department was lifted Nov. 12, no notices have been posted for The Cove as of this writing. For the first time since the bacteria advisories started in the summer, the swimming spot has been bacteria-free for 30 days, confirmed Keith Kezer, program coordinator of the Land & Water Quality division of the County Health Department.
Simonelli had an explanation for the halt in water bacteria: There has been a drastically lower number of sea lions at the beach and we attribute that to high tides, which they dont like. They want to go out to dry areas, and that pushes them off of the beach. Its another piece of evidence that the contamination is related to the presence of the sea lions, he said.
To learn more, read the petition here.
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...
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The Annual Hope Center Chili Supper, Friday Nov. 18, was another well-attended event that raises money for the project.
Attendees dined on some great chili with all the fixings, and bid on fun items being auctioned off from people who support the kids.
Hope Center Director Lori Hammer said it is a lot of work to get the event done.
When you put on an event like this there are so many people who will help us out, she said.
She didnt have time for the chili.
Ill probably wait till the very end, she said. I get a little nervous for all this stuff.
She likes visiting with the parents.
I love having the parents here, she said. Its not just about the kids we want the families to feel comfortable to come in whenever they want.
Jane Felter and Connie Jacobson made the chili, server Gayle Schroeder said, but she hadnt sampled it.
Im being good, she said.
She enjoys raising money for the Hope Center.
Its such a good program, she said. The friends of the Hope Center just really do a great job and it needs money to continue. I really believe in the program.
Rupps truck is and Trailer Repair is a long time sponsor of the Hope Center and presented the kids and Hammer with a donation.
The business will continue to support programs that make more effective instruments of individualized educational programs that will foster success for students, local farmers, OTR companies and walk in customer efforts are being significantly linked to make the school experience more successful and improve the educational climate of the community.
Roman Rupp said the company is located right over the bridge next to the UPS building.
I have been doing it for many years and I am all about kids and the community, he told the ledger.
They usually donate to the American Childrens Network, and this year they donated straight to the Hope Center.
This year we decided to donate straight to the community, he said.
They donated $2,500.
It is collections and the money Rupps Truck and Trailer Repair raised for the Hope Center, he said. There were customers involved and everybody pitched in.
He is raising a child, Alexander Rupp, on his own and his child attends the Hope Center.
Hes been coming and likes helping, he said. He is following in his dads footsteps and is trying to be grateful about what the teen center gives him for love, education and tries to return the favor.
He was ready for some chili.
I like it mild, he said.
Jaxi Mireles was going through the auction items with her mom and having a good time.
I like the drone, she said.
She doesnt attend the Hope Center.
I think its a great thing to help kids out with, she said.
She attends Alta Vista Charter School and loves it.
I love the rodeo unit and the horses come, she said.
Commissioner Wendy Buxton Andrade was the cheese girl on the chili line.
I absolutely love these kids and give them the love and support they need, she said. I think this is a wonderful program for our community. I am very well invested in the Hope Center and help them in any way I can.
Student Ellen Ferris thought the chili had big pieces of meat.
It should be little, she said.
Shes belongs to One Step Up.
There are pictures that Ive taken (on display) all around here, she said. I like the encouragement (from One Step Up).
Patricia Cadenas supports the Hope Center because they do a lot of good things and have activities for the children.
They help the grandparents and kids, so they have a safe place to go after school and it gives them lot of structure and helps them with their schoolwork, she said.
She enjoyed the chili.
I was the first one done, she said. It was very good. I had the Fritos and she cheese.
Tonya Chavira said her girls go to the Hope Center every day after school.
They have a great time and I think its a good opportunity for them to hang out with different kids, get their homework done, she said.
She thought the chili was great.
Cheese is on there with Fritos and I have a cookie, she said. Im good to go.
Riley Chavira, 11, goes to Parkview Elementary School and attends the Hope Center.
I like to play outside with my friends, she said. Were all from Parkview.
Commissioner Ron Cook said his grandson wanted a remote control car.
My wife, Lonna, is bidding on a basket, he said.
Lonna said the basket has embroidered towels and things to bake with.
Its cool, she said. Ive been outbid on Colorado Mills. Ive got to decide if I am going to bid on it again.
She loves how the Hope Center helps the children.
Ron also loves how the Hope Center supports kids in the area.
It gives them something to do and the dedicated things they do for these kids, he said.
Grandson Kedron Cook enjoyed the event and attends Alta Vista.
I like going to the library, doing exercises at PE, singing songs and doing programs, he said.
Rick Robbins said Colorado Mills donated a Christmas box to the event.
It has all our SWAG inside, a Colorado Mills cup and a hat and a bottle of oil and all kinds of stuff in there, he said.
He enjoys donating to the Hope Center.
Its the opportunity to see what these kids can become, he said. Thats whats neat about this place.
Emily Nieschburg said the chili was delicious and the cause was even better.
Its amazing to see the community here because thats what the Hope Center is all about, she said. They are growing leaders to lead our community for many years.
She sees it every day.
Its a pretty magical place and if you havent seen the magic of the Hope Center you have to step in the front door, she said.
She said there is Inspire at the event as there were photos of nature all over the walls.
All of these photos are from Inspire proposed places and this is a really cool moment, she said. There is really some beautiful things right here in Lamar Colorado.
Photographer Jill Smith loves the photos.
Each week the kids would submit no less than 10 images and I had to select from 400 images each week about 25 that really had impact, stood out and they had a lesson with each one, she said.
Gavin Garivay, 11, attends Lamar Middle School.
I like the food, he said.
He likes the questions at the Hope Center.
They ask us what we want to do with the community and we answer that we want more playgrounds, he said.
Sue Crites said she was bragging on the Hope Center earlier that day.
We dont have school in Lamar on Friday so it gives them something to do, she said. Its nice they have such great leadership things going with the kids. Its a good project worth supporting.
Rick Akers said it is all about the kids.
Hopefully being a positive influence, he said.
Sue Portner loves the children and was impressed by the photographs.
Its amazing what they learned from week one to week six, she said.
She said the Hope Center is where its happening.
These kids are making a difference in Lamar, she said. When I think back to when Emily and I started at the Hope Center and we saw they all could be leaders.
She added that kids were shy at first.
Now they raise their hands and they want to talk about what they are doing, she said. These kids have become really outspoken and great leaders
Anita Zavala said it is a busy day.
We got here at 8 a.m. and were still here, she said. Its a good day for a good cause.
Tasha Spencer brought her checkbook and was ready to bid.
If I see something I like, sure, she said.
Alumni Jessica Hernandez loves to visit and fondly remembers her time at the Hope Center.
Lori was there, very helpful, and we just enjoyed it, she said.
The lesson she learned during her time at the Hope Center was to get your homework done.
It will take you on through your career, she said.
Chris Frost: 719-336-2266, cfrost@lamarledger.com
Applications for the 2017 Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award are now available from the Zonta Club of Prowers County by contacting: Jane May at 719-688-2883 or going to http://www.zonta.org/GlobalImpact/Education/Young-Women-in-Public-Affairs-Award to download the application.
The goal of the Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award Program is to encourage more young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing a young womans commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the empowerment of women.
Applicants are asked to reflect on their voluntary commitment to their school and to their community and the problems limiting the empowerment of women in their own country and worldwide. The Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Award Program looks to the young women of today for the leaders of tomorrow.
Applications are due to: Jane May. PO Box 1124, Lamar Colorado, 81052 by February 1, 2017. Applicants of age 16-19 on 1st April each year, living in a Zonta district/region, or a citizen of a Zonta country at the time of application are eligible to apply. Note that applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district/region where no clubs are located will be considered and also eligible to apply for the district/region Award. Z and Golden Z club members are also eligible to apply. Classified members and employees of Zonta International and Zonta International Foundation, and their family members, are not eligible to apply for the Awards.
The Arkansas River Power Authority (ARPA) emerged victorious and was awarded $4.19 million in damages from its lawsuit with B&W (The Babcock & Wilcox Company) over its dispute about the ill-fated Lamar Repowering Project.
The boiler failed to meet emission standards and did not improve after the company made modifications in 2010 and 2011. ARPA filed its lawsuit in Feb. 2014.
Rick Rigel said the two groups went to trial.
I was a two week trial in Federal Court in Denver and the jury came back with a verdict in our favor, he said.
B&W breached their contract, he said, on three different elements.
They didnt provide a boiler that would make emissions, they didnt provide a boiler that would make their off-power performance guarantees and they didnt provide a corrective action plan to fix the boiler, he said.
B&W made a counter argument.
They said we had breached the contract because we had held $575,000 of retention back, he said. They said we owed them that and the jury found against them.
They also maintained that ARPA had not done fair dealing with them for the 2012 modifications.
The jury ruled against B&W in that matter, he said.
There were also two fraudulent concealments and misrepresentations.
We had made claims for that and the jury did not award us any damages on one of those claims, he said.
ARPA was awarded $4.19 million, plus its retention money.
With the retention, it was going to be in excess of $4.75 million, Rigel said.
The original lawsuit was for $171 million.
That was for the entire plant, he said. With lawsuits, you go for all the damages.
ARPA claimed fraud in the inducement.
In other words, they fraudulently induced us to purchase their boiler because they used Turkish coal for modeling the boiler, as opposed to the coal we had specified, he said.
B&W admitted they used Turkish coal as a comparative for design, but it was not used in the actual design.
So the judge, she dismissed those claims that would have allowed us to go for the entire price, he said.
The most they could get was the day of contract price, $20 million.
We pushed for that, but that would be our best day in court at that point, he said.
Rigel said B&W has the opportunity to appeal the decision, but he has not heard if they are going to.
They have 30 days to appeal it, he said.
ARPA does have some post-trial motions to clean everything up and B&W has 30 days until after the post-trial motions are done to appeal.
Well try to collect pre-judgement interest and post-judgement interest and some costs like that, he said. If there is an appeal and it goes to the 10th Circuit Court theyll have to put up a bond for the amount of damages the jury found.
Rigel said an appeal is more of a time issue rather than a cost issue.
You dont retry everything, he said. You just take the record from the court case and you submit that to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, he said.
They review the records.
There is no discovery, no additional depositions and none of that kind of stuff is involved, he said.
ARPA also has an ongoing lawsuit with the city.
Weve probably spent between $1 million to $1.5 million this year, he said.
He noted the B&W decision validates some of ARPAs position.
B&W made a big thing out of it was operations, he said. The fact of the matter is that at the end of the day you didnt provide a boiler that can make emissions, you didnt provide a boiler that could do the ops power guarantees and you didnt provide a corrective action plan to fix stuff.
The board has talked about where the award will go a little bit.
Quite honestly, we havent delved into that because it wasnt known, he said.
One plan of action might include retiring the 2003 bonds.
That would save us a couple of hundred thousand dollars in debt service payments and they are all callable, he said. There is some additional bond retirements we can do and we may look at that.
Rigel said the board may also look at a rate stabilization fund.
We havent had to raise our rates since 2011, but our costs have increased, he said.
That will allow ARPA to keep the rates stable for a longer period of time.
The boiler and turbine coal handling facility is still being marketed overseas.
Weve had several site visits and we have a couple of different active purchasers, he said.
One thing theyve learned is that its a slow process.
Youre dealing with companies overseas, he said. Its a slower process that we had at first anticipated, but we have continued interest in the plant.
There will be an impact on the bottom line in 2017.
This is the first time we havent had B&W related costs since 2014, he said. Our legal budget for next year is not as high as it has been for the past couple of years.
Rigel is hoping to see the matter resolved with the City of Lamar.
That would reduce both our legal fees, he said.
He sent of a quick report to Lamar about the verdict.
I visited with Houssin Hourieh (from Lamar Light and Power) just a little bit, but there is a lot of stuff we are trying to catch up on, he said.
He has also heard from other ARPA cities, he said, and they said it is good they got the verdict.
We all would have like a bigger award, but the fact that we prevailed on the breach of contract was really important for us, he said.
ARPA continues to look at how to control rates moving forward.
We think we can past the debt once we get past the litigation, he said. I think well see some significant savings if we can do that. This is one of the issues we needed to address, it is done and we need to resolve our differences with the City of Lamar.
If that happens, Rigel thinks there can be some savings.
Combined with the award, we look at being able to stabilize our rates, he said.
Chris Frost: 719-336-2266, cfrost@lamarledger.com
The Hancy Foundation, a philanthropic organization, is on the ground in Lamar and is seeking sponsors for students in Haiti so they can fulfill their dreams and live rewarding lives.
Prowers Medical Center physician, Dr. Jim Smith is leading the effort and heard about it from his friend in Haiti, named Hancy.
He is a very, very dear friend, he said.
These prospective students are truly disadvantaged.
These are the poorest of the poor of the areas that we go to, he said. The man who sponsors them has built a club for kids.
Its a very poor neighborhood.
A lot of these kids dont even have parents, he said. They are very hard workers and have managed to get themselves, in a few of these cases, all the way through high school or into high school.
Theyve been able to get through all the normal grades, he said, up to now.
Theyre good students, they just need money to complete things, he said.
There are 100 kids in the program and the seven selected are the most motivated.
The students need $350 each per year to meet their expenses.
We have an Episcopal priest that we work with down there, he said. He has agreed to screen them and process them.
Smith has been doing this work in Haiti for 15 years.
My 15 years has been doing medical care, he said. This is the first request of me to do this type of help.
The priest has been helping Smith for 15 years.
Several years ago he made it known to us that he had this project on the side in the poorest neighborhood in town, he said.
The priest brought his medical team over there and he started doing medical care on homeless kids.
Now we have a regular association with him to help out his medical kids with our medical care whenever were down there, he said.
He has met some of these kids but not all.
They so just want the opportunity to improve their lives, Smith said. School is the most important thing to them.
Students are not just trying to improve their lot in life but the lives of their children as well.
Families put the education of their kids at the highest level, he said. All grades have to be paid for.
He is familiar with the kids he takes care of medically.
These kids are not without motivation and resources of their own, he said. They get whatever part-time jobs they can find to help themselves.
Each child who is sponsored will pursue their own interests. When they are done with their education they will each contribute to society in Haiti.
Among the interests the students want to pursue are agronomic science, economic administration, faculty of science for economics and another student wants to be an English teacher.
Donations are needed by the start of the next school year.
As soon as we find sponsors that want to help, well start plugging them in wherever they are in the school year, he said.
People who are interested in donating should call 719-250-4343.
With something of this type nature, we would organize some feedback, Smith said.
Sponsors will probably receive a letter.
There is no minimum donation required, Smith said and he plans on following these students through school.
Well see them all in January, he said. Every year well see them.
This will be something new for these seven.
When we get this going, well have regular communication with the priest, he said.
They get a new priest about every two years.
Were on about our fifth one, he said.
The current priest is Father Diegue.
He is a very capable administrator of our medical clinic down there, Smith said. He is a good communicator and were able to talk to him via email. Hes one of the best priests weve had down there.
This group is not part of Help for Haiti.
Chris Frost: 719-336-2266, cfrost@lamarledger.com
Lamar Rotary and Prowers County Rotaract members are working hard to prepare for an exceptional family event, our Rotary Kids Christmas, on Saturday, December 17th at 10:00 a 3:00 p. The adventure will begin with a ride through the Enchanted Forest (Beech & Main east of the Train Depot) then continue at the Shore Arts Center (117 N. Main Street). Starting with a visit and photo with Santa, there will be multiple activities appealing to kids and families.
Children of all ages are encouraged to join interactive stations where they can stretch their creativity.
They include opportunities for kids to decorate their own Christmas cookies and ornaments as well as bookmarks and photo frames (to put their free pictures with Santa in). Kids may also get their faces painted.
Parents can assist kids with their crafts or relax with a hot chocolate and listen to holiday music, including: 11:30 11:45 Alta Vista Choir (outside Shore Arts Center) 1:00 2:00 Holiday Carolers (Downtown Lamar) 2:30 3:00 Take 5 (Shore Arts Center) Camilla Northrup Iunds students will play piano selections throughout the event.
Each child will receive a treat bag from Lamar Rotary & Prowers Rotaract at the Shore Arts Center.
Chartered in 1921, Lamar Rotary has been a part of the Southeast Colorado landscape for 95 years. The professional organization of men and women serves Lamar and the area, giving back to its community.
One of its special interests is literacy. Its major annual project is distributing dictionaries to third grade students in Baca, Kiowa, and Prowers counties and McClave School. A significant fundraiser for the club is it annual Ducky Dash. It recently sponsored the Prowers County Rotaract club.
A new service club for community-minded young adults aged 18-30 years, Prowers County Rotaract is actively working with Rotary to make this holiday season a special time for our youngest community members. The Rotaract Club is also planning a winter fundraising event a masquerade ball. More
information will be forthcoming soon. The group plans to lend its energies to upcoming community improvement activities and further energize residents of Lamar and Prowers County to engage and change the regions future.
For more information on the Rotary Christmas event, please contact Rotarians George Gotto at 688.9338, Judy Turpin at 648.9111 or Rotaractor Chris Payne at 616.617.5282.
The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary
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PRESS RELEASE
U.S. Intelligence Agencies Dont Agree on Election Hacking
Dec. 14, 2016 (EIRNS)U.S. Intelligence agencies are backing off from the assertion that there was a Russian cyber intervention in the U.S. election, if any of them actually ever entertained it.
As the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS) Dec. 12 statement points out, if there were hacking, it would be easy to trace who carried it out, what was hacked, and where it went.
Director of the Office of National Intelligence (ODNI) James Clapper, who oversees the 17-agency-strong U.S. intelligence community, believes there is no conclusive evidence that Russia was looking to help Trump. Three American officals told Reuters, "ODNI is not arguing that the Agency [CIA] is wrong, only that they cant prove intent," said one of the officials. One of the DNI officials said the CIA conclusion was a
"judgment based on the fact that Russian entities hacked both Democrats and Republicans, and only Democratic information was leaked. [It was] a thin reed upon which to base an analytical judgment,"
the official said.
On Dec. 11, NSA Director Adm. Mike Rogers said at the Halifax International Security Forum, that the release of hacked emails did not affect the 2016 presidential election: "I dont think in the end the DNC document dump had the effect [the hackers] had hoped it would," The Hill reported.
U.S. Homeland Security Director Jeh Johnson said U.S. authorities
"did not see anything that amounted to altering ballot counts or degrading the ability to report election resultsnothing out of the ordinarywe see no evidence that hacking by any actor altered the ballot count or any cyberactions that deprived people of voting,"
Johnson told the Washington Post Tuesday, Sputnik reported.
On Dec. 9, CIA chief John Brennan told the Washington Post that there was evidence that Russia had interfered in the election to boost Trumpthough the Agency did not have any specific intelligence showing Russias involvement.
CNN reported that the FBI did not believe that there had been Russian hacking.
On Dec. 9, Sputnik reported that Obama had ordered a review of cyberattacks and "foreign intervention" in the U.S. Presidential election. Obamas Homeland Security Advisor, Lisa Monaco, said the Administration would undertake a full review before Obama leaves office.
On Dec. 12, House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) rejected bipartisan calls for his panel to open a new investigation on the matter..
PRESS RELEASE
Is the U.S. Getting Ready To Tear Up the Montreux Convention?
Dec. 14, 2016 (EIRNS)Vice Adm. James Foggo, director of the U.S. Navy staff, told Sputnik last week that the Navy is considering extended patrols of up to four months in the Black Sea. The 1936 Montreux Convention, to which all the countries that border the Black Sea are party, limits foreign navy presence to 21 days at a time and total aggregate tonnage of non-Black Sea naval vessels to 30,000 tons.
"The negative impact of this decision is hard to miss, as most Europeans believe that America has done a poor job as a world leader since the 1991 Soviet breakup,"
says Sputnik. Sputnik also notes that both the United States and NATO have been seeking to expand their presence in the Black Sea following the 2014 reunification of Crimea with the Russian Federation, an move that NATO views as a violation of international law.
Moscow has reacted to this possibility rather sharply.
"We are firmly committed to the inadmissibility of any violations of the Montreux Convention," Russian Foreign Minister Segei Lavrov said on Dec. 12. "We have Turkeys assurances that the convention will be complied with." He further urged the U.S. not to erode the convention.
Lavrov also addressed plans for NATO-Ukraine joint patrols of the Black Sea, reports the Kyiv Post.
"The idea of Ukraine, as well as of our Romanian Black Sea neighbors, of creating here a permanent NATO group, we see it as being provocative,"
he said.
A law that would have settled disputes between growers and farmworkers over lost wages could come unraveled, after two fruit growers persuaded a federal court to review whether it is constitutional.
Gerawan Farming Inc. and Fowler Packing Co. contend that state legislators deliberately crafted provisions in Assembly Bill 1513, signed last year by Gov. Brown, to exclude them from protections afforded to companies that agree to compensate piece work laborers for their time spent on breaks, training, and other nonproductive activities.
Those provisions denied the growers their constitutional right to equal protection under the law, they argued.
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A U.S. District Court rejected that claim, but on Friday, a three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals asked the court to reconsider.
The move is unlikely to change much for growers who may have opted to repay workers by a Thursday deadline.
The author of the bill, former Assemblyman Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara), touted the legislation as a grand bargain that would shield growers from penalties and lawsuits and compensate workers who had struggled for years to recoup payment for time not spent picking and packing.
Williams justified the carve-outs as aimed at placating labor interests, including the United Farm Workers union, who might blow up the deal because it would protect bad actors.
Appeals Court judge Paul J. Watford, however, suggested during a November hearing that a political bargain doesnt strike me as a rational reason to create a class of citizens that would be excluded from protections afforded to everyone else.
These are bizarre carve-outs, Ill grant you that; everyone looking at them will kind of scrunch up their face, Watford said during a Nov. 16 hearing.
At issue are two last-minute provisions that in effect excluded the two companies.
The first excludes any company that was sued over back wages before March 1, 2014. It applies to Gerawan, which had been sued by the UFW three weeks before that cutoff.
Fowler, which would have been protected under the March deadline, was in effect carved out by a second exemption setting a limit of April 1, 2015. Any party sued before that date over wage theft related to allegations of fictitious or ghost workers is exempted.
A class action suit filed against Fowler two weeks before the April cutoff date includes those allegations.
A third exemption relates to any wage claim asserted in an amendment to a claim before July 2015.
Delano Farms was sued by the UFW and other parties in 2009. Those plaintiffs requested permission to amend their complaint three weeks after the carve-out was added to the bill, and eight days before the July deadline, according to court records.
The request to amend the complaint was rejected by a U.S. District Court three months later.
We have been unable to find other cases which fit squarely within the time parameters, said David Schwarz, attorney for the growers, who said the provisions were an act of retribution on behalf of the UFW.
UFW attorney Mario Martinez could not be reached for comment.
Pressed by Judge Richard Clifton to justify the cutoff dates, Deputy Atty. Gen. Thomas Patton acknowledged there was scant evidence in the legislative record to explain the dates.
I think the Legislature did not want to disrupt pending litigation, Patton said. I think thats a legitimate reason.
Patton said the state Labor and Workforce Development Agency had found only two court cases, one of which had been resolved, that would exempt any other company from the safe harbor provisions.
Clifton puzzled over why a provision for allegations of wage theft based on ghost employees had anything to do with the bills intention of recovering pay for idle time.
Theres no requirement that there be proof that these ghost names were used, Clifton said Suppose that the grower established that he didnt engage in wage theft?
Patton said the ghost employee issue could affect how employers calculate how much they owed to actual workers, because the formula would be based on an average across a payroll that includes fictitious workers.
Clifton seemed unconvinced. The explanation that seems to scream out is that [the provision] is part of the gerrymander, Clifton said. It permits the denial of safe harbor to certain parties.
geoffrey.mohan@latimes.com
Follow me: @LATgeoffmohan
Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric Co. must meet with groups critical of an agreement that calls for utility ratepayers to shoulder about 70% of the costs of shutting down the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, the California Public Utilities Commission said.
The directive, issued late Tuesday, orders the two utilities to carefully consider any modifications to the 2014 agreement that would allow greater relief for ratepayers.
The CPUC must ensure the integrity of its processes and that its decisions serve the public interest, Commissioner Catherine J.K. Sandoval said in a statement.
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The ruling orders Southern California Edison and SDG&E to meet with representatives of the Office for Ratepayers Advocates and the Utility Reform Network, who have urged modifications to the $4.7-billion settlement.
The directive also calls on the two utilities to consider an assessment of the agreement by the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility, a San Luis Obispo-based activist group opposed to nuclear power.
Southern California Edison is the majority owner of the plant and oversees its operations. SDG&E, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, owns 20%.
We have just received notification of the ruling and have not yet had a chance to review it to provide further comment, SDG&E communications director Christy Ihrig said in an email Tuesday. Efforts to get a comment from Southern California Edison on Tuesday were unsuccessful.
The state commission signed off on a settlement in 2014, but revelations emerged later that there had been a secret meeting between an Edison executive and the commissions then-president, Michael Peevey before the settlement was reached. Normally, ex parte or back-channel meetings are supposed to be disclosed to other interested parties within three days to protect the openness and fairness of commission deliberations.
In May of this year, Sandoval and an administrative law judge decided to give the agreement another look.
Tuesdays announcement takes the review process a step further.
The ruling sets out a timetable for meetings between the utilities and the groups wanting changes in the settlement. A deadline of April 28, 2017, has been set to reach some sort of agreement.
If an agreement is not reached by then, the commission will look at summaries from each party and then decide how to proceed.
The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station has not produced electricity since January 2012 after a steam generator tube leaked. The facility located near Oceanside in San Diego County is well into the third year of a 20-year decommissioning process.
Nikolewski writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com
In a year in which a woman won the popular vote and almost became president of the United States (Im doing glass half-full here), female theater artists galvanized our stages. The producing landscape is still far from a level playing field, and the fight for equality undeniably suffered quite a few setbacks during the ugly election season, but all the more reason then to celebrate these theatrical triumphs.
Suzan-Lori Parks Father Comes Home From the Wars, Parts 1, 2 & 3 (nimbly directed by Jo Bonney), Karen Zacarias Destiny of Desire and Bess Wohls Barcelona found new sources of vitality in American history, the telenovela and that old standby, the one-night-stand, respectively. Phylicia Rashads sensitive revival of August Wilsons Ma Raineys Black Bottom turned the plays monologues into blues riffs on race in America. Kathleen Marshalls staging of Loves Labors Lost transformed Shakespeares comedy into a frolicsome dance that was as modern as it was Elizabethan.
An alternative highlight reel of female talent could easily be put together. Playwright Lynn Nottage illuminated the rising anger and racial tensions of working-class Americans left behind by globalization in the exceptionally timely (and now Broadway-bound) Sweat, directed by Kate Whoriskey at New Yorks Public Theater. Brazilian artist Christiane Jatahy examined through a modern lens August Strindbergs classic Miss Julie in the hypnotic multimedia original performance work Julia at REDCAT. Playwright Julia Cho, on a tear with two wise and stylistically distinctive new plays, gave us the slow cooking Aubergine (a moving meditation on food, family and mortality) at Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Office Hour (starring a top-form Sandra Oh in this tense, highly compact drama about race, identity and gun violence) at South Coast Repertory.
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Finally, in what may be the most impressive feat of acting in 2016, Harriet Walter portrayed Brutus in Julius Caesar, the title role in Henry IV and Prospero in The Tempest in the Donmar Warehouses all-female Shakespeare trilogy. This London bill, directed with fluid imagination by Phyllida Lloyd, made the equal opportunity case for performing classical roles more eloquently than any editorial could.
Here are some of the most memorable moments of my theatergoing year:
Barcelona, Geffen Playhouse. In this beautifully observed two-hander by Wohl, Betty Gilpin and Carlos Leal (under the crack direction of Trip Cullman) played strangers in the night who have to surmount differences of language and culture after a drunken pick-up leads to a menacing and ultimately mournful confrontation with their true identities.
Casa Valentina, Pasadena Playhouse. Harvey Fiersteins comedy-drama, set in the 1960s at a fictionalized version of the historic transvestite Shangri-La in the Catskill Mountains, found the ideal director in David Lee to tease out not just the glamorous wigs but the plays deeply felt sexual politics.
Disgraced, Mark Taper Forum, and Junk: The Golden Age of Debt, La Jolla Playhouse. A fiery production of Ayad Akhtars Pulitzer Prize-winning debate drama about Muslim identity in the post-Sept. 11 era and the world premiere of his play about the earthquake of junk-bond financing in the 1980s that prepared the way for the more recent economic collapse left no doubt that Akhtar is one of the most talented, intelligent and public-minded dramatists of his generation.
Dave Register as Rodolpho and Frederick Weller, as Eddie, in Arthur Millers A View from the Bridge at the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times )
A View From the Bridge, Ahmanson Theatre. How welcome it was to experience Belgian auteur Ivo van Hoves laser aesthetic at the Ahmanson in this modern operatic take on Arthur Millers combustible drama.
Destiny of Desire, South Coast Repertory. Director Jose Luis Valenzuela magnificently animated Zacarias ebullient homage to the telenovela in a play that delights in its own outrageous plotting while zanily offering up nuggets of wide-ranging wisdom from the narrative joyride.
Endgame, Kirk Douglas Theatre. Beckettian veterans Barry McGovern and Alan Mandell (who also directed) brought all their eloquent expertise to Samuel Becketts absurdist masterpiece in what was the best staging of the play Ive seen.
Father Comes Home From the Wars, Parts 1, 2 & 3, Mark Taper Forum. Composing jazz in theatrical poetry, Parks explored the subject of freedom in its personal, historical and philosophical dimensions in this Civil War odyssey of a slave named Hero whos on a quest for emancipation.
Loves Labors Lost, Old Globe Theatre. Marshalls graceful outdoor staging of Shakespeares most Elizabethan comedy infused a summer night with ecstatically choreographed romantic bliss, no matter that the wooing gentlemen (as the title suggests) are deprived of their victory at the end.
August Wilsons Ma Raineys Black Bottom. (Kirk McCoy / Los Angeles Times )
Ma Raineys Black Bottom, Mark Taper Forum. A fine ensemble cast, directed with supple musicality by Rashad, rebirthed the play that catapulted Wilson to national prominence.
Safe at Home: An Evening With Orson Bean, Pacific Resident Theatre. A master raconteur with inexhaustible wit and unerring comic timing, Bean captivated his audience with tales from the difficult childhood that led to a career in showbiz that hes still happily improvising today. (Millennials have nothing on this spry octogenarian: A video of the show can be seen on YouTube.)
Bonus: Shuffle Along, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, Broadways Music Box Theatre. In a year in which Hamilton once again eclipsed all other musicals, it would be a shame if George C. Wolfes reworking of this African American Broadway landmark got lost in the shuffle. The production, though shorter-lived than anticipated, was a marvel of virtuoso showmanship and revealed tap dancing to be one of Audra McDonalds lesser-known superpowers.
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charles.mcnulty@latimes.com
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On a warm summer night in July, artist Tanya Lucia Bernard stood in the middle of the cavernous galleries at the Museum of Contemporary Arts Geffen Contemporary and softly sang a refrain from a civil rights anthem: We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.
As she sang, fellow artist Patrisse Cullors read the names of African Americans shot by police, including Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, both whom had been killed in the days prior.
Afterward, the pair exchanged a series of poetic questions.
Tanya, what does black sound like to you? Cullors asked.
Black sounds like raindrops, Bernard responded. It sounds like trumpets and drums. It sounds like green grass. Yes, green grass has a sound.
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Cullors is the co-founder of Black Lives Matter; Bernard, the networks art and culture director. The event was part ritual, part town hall, part work of performance art and a stirring piece of activism.
It stayed with me for months and months, says MOCA chief curator Helen Molesworth, who helped arrange the event and wrote about it for Artforum. It hasnt left me.
Performance allows for a level of direct intervention. ... It forces people ... to see and interact with the black body in a way that is very powerful. Naima Keith, deputy director California African American Museum
In its short, three-year lifespan, Black Lives Matter has helped transform small gestures into indelible political acts: There have been choreographed die-ins at crowded train stations and piano concerts. This summer, a single human chain, fists raised, blocked traffic on the 405 Freeway as an act of protest.
And there is Hands up, dont shoot! the plaintive pose of surrender that emerged in the wake of Michael Browns death in Ferguson which has become a national symbol of police shootings. It is now so ingrained in the popular consciousness that it has made its way into art and onto red carpets and, quite famously, the video for Beyonces Formation.
Molesworth likens Black Lives Matters tactics to Act Up, the AIDS advocacy organization, founded in the 1980s, which was known for its operatic acts of protest. (Members of the group once created a concentration-camp-themed float for New Yorks gay pride parade as a way of making a statement about government inaction on AIDS. On another occasion, they dumped human ashes on the White House lawn.)
They are both organizations that include the participation of a lot of artists, she says. And they understand that to occupy the public space isnt to only occupy the street its to occupy the Internet, the meme, the hashtag. Act Up street activism was designed to be caught on a camera. Black Lives Matter has understood how to be received on the Internet, on social media.
And it has done so through physical actions that play with performance, with theatricality and rite.
In early September, a group called Black Women Artists for Black Lives Matter staged a daylong intervention and performance at the New Museum in New York City as part of a project orchestrated by installation artist Simone Leigh, who was then the museums artist in residence.
The piece included a public prayer, titled A Litany, composed of bits speech from victims of police violence, and a procession that featured women carrying banners that bore the words joy and grief. The performance offered the memorable sight of clutches of black women, all dressed in red, parading around the streets of Lower Manhattan.
Nina Angela Mercer, a Bronx-based writer and performer who helped stage the event, says that performance connects quite viscerally with the political issues at hand.
The idea of people linking arms and closing up the subway train in Oakland in response to the shooting of Oscar Grant, or using bodies to shut down a bridge its directly connected to dealing with state violence in our lives, she says. Its the body being violated, so using the body as part of the movement, I think its a direct response to that.
These gestures have emerged as Black Lives Matters most profound political art more so than any graphic or poster.
Performance allows for a level of direct interaction that two-dimensional work does not, says Naima Keith, deputy director at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles. You are directly dealing with the public. You are getting feedback. It forces people, for lack of a better word, to see and interact with the black body in a way that is very powerful. Its a way of claiming space.
And it has trickled down to even the smallest, most mundane acts. Over the summer, some activists were using the name Black Lives Matter when placing their orders at coffeehouses, requiring baristas to shout the phrase out in public settings.
Giving your name to the Starbucks guy, Molesworth says, thats an understanding that small gestures accrue over time.
Those gestures, large and small, are now shifting the nature of the cultural discourse as some museums offer themselves as sites of protest-performance.
One of the things that really strikes me about American art is that its often overwhelmed with this coy, joking, ironic tone, Leigh says. There has been a disgust at work that speaks of community until very recently.
That is changing. And will likely continue to change. Performance and protest have a long-running bond. Expect it grow deeper over the coming four years.
Find me on Twitter @cmonstah.
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Media as art. Artists at Standing Rock. And an afternoon of music by Leonard Cohen . Plus paintings that riff with collage and a pair of innovative reading series. Here are six events to check out in the coming week:
Breaking News: Turning the Lens on Mass Media, at the Getty Center. An exhibition that couldnt be timelier: Curator Arpad Kovcs has put together a show that looks at the ways in which artists have turned bucolic magazine images and fragments of news programming into sharp political statements against events such as the Vietnam War and the so-called war on terror. The show features work by Martha Rosler, Alfredo Jaar, Catherine Opie and Robert Heinecken. Opens Tuesday and runs through April 20. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, Los Angeles, getty.edu.
The Contenders, at the Hammer Museum. The Hammer has once again teamed up with New Yorks Museum of Modern Art to showcase the most innovative films of the last year. The final screening of the series, David Mackenzies Hell or High Water, takes place tonight at 7:30, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, Los Angeles, hammer.ucla.edu.
Leonard Cohen: A Celebration at the Getty Center. Music producer Hal Willner has organized a celebration of the late musicians work that will consist of four hours of Cohens music with nary a speech or performance in sight. A good opportunity to go marinate in his legacy. Sunday at 1 p.m., 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, Los Angeles, getty.edu.
Singer and poet Leonard Cohen in Paris in 2012. (Joel Saget / AFP/Getty Images) (JOEL SAGET / AFP/Getty Images)
Report from Standing Rock, at Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions. Artists Molly Larkey and Jen Rosenstein are presenting a slide show from their visit to the Oceti Sakowin Camp at Standing Rock, where they interviewed participants in actions against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Sunday at 2 p.m. 6522 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, welcometolace.org.
Ramsey Dau, An Ocean Beneath the Sea, at KM Fine Arts. The Echo Park-based artist is known for hyperrealist paintings inspired by collages of cut paper and photographic imagery. Through Dec. 23. 814 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, kmfinearts.com.
Ramsey Dau, Sad Moment, from 2016, at KM Fine Art in West Hollywood. (Ramsey Dau / KM Fine Art)
In Real Life: 100 Days of Film and Performance, at the Hammer Museum. This 4-month program is bringing a series of screenings, performances, film and video to the museum during a remodel. Sunday, the Poetic Research Bureau, a storefront library and publishing collective, is hosting a pair of readings one of which features multimedia elements and another that focuses in on concepts of deep listening. Through Jan. 25. Check the schedule for events and times. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood, Los Angeles, hammer.ucla.edu.
LAST CHANCE
Betye Saar, Black White, at Roberts & Tilton. The grand dame of L.A. assemblage art (who was recently the subject of 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 are the abstract paintings of Evan Nesbit. Through Saturday. 5801 Washington Blvd., Culver City, robertsandtilton.com.
Betye Saars Serving Time, 2010, left, and Searching for a Vision of Truth, 2016. (Brian Forrest and Robert Wedemeyer / Betye Saar, Roberts & Tilton) (Brian Forrest / Betye Saar and Roberts Tilton; Robert Wedemeyer / Betye Saar and Roberts Tilton)
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, 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 Saturday. 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 Saturday. 622 S. Anderson St., Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, chimentocontemporary.net.
Thomas Hirschhorn: Stand-alone, at the Mistake Room. In his first solo installation in L.A., the Swiss artist transformed the gallery into a chaotic, immersive environment crafted from cardboard, old armchairs and sofas and stocked with a carefully chosen selection of books. Hirschhorn is known for reconceiving the idea of monuments into often humbly crafted installations (think: duct tape) that require the participation of a viewer to complete. Through Saturday. 1811 E. 20th St., downtown Los Angeles, tmr.la.
An installation view of Thomas Hirschhorns Stand-alone at Arndt & Partner Gallery in Berlin. (The Mistake Room / Coleccin Isabel y Agustin Coppel, CIAC) (The Mistake Room / Coleccion Isabel y Agustin Coppel, CIAC)
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 Saturday. 1452 E. 6th St., downtown Los Angeles, jasonvass.com.
Sleep and David Adamo: Untitled, at Ibid Gallery. The gallery debuted its new space in Boyle Heights this season with several 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. Through Saturday. 670 S. Anderson St., Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. ibidgallery.com.
ONGOING EXHIBITIONS
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. In his review, Times critic Christopher Knight describes this as a must-see. Through Dec. 23. 1062 N. Orange Grove, West Hollywood, matthewmarks.com.
Paul Sietsema, Figure ground study (50/50), 2016, at Matthew Marks Gallery. (Christopher Knight / Los Angeles Times)
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.
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.
Maria Lassnigs Lines of Fate/Re-lations VIII, 1994, a Hauser Wirth & Schimmel. (Mumok, Vienna, Lisa Rasti, Lena Deinhardstein) (Test)
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.
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.
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.
An albumen print of a Nez Perce baby by Edward Curtis, c. 1899, at the Depart Foundation. (Edward S. Curtis / Depart Foundation)
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.
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.
Michael Lift, Sidereal Lift, at Craig Krull Gallery. In his latest solo exhibition, the artist explores 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. Through Jan. 14. Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., B-3, Santa Monica, craigkrullygallery.com.
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.
A still from Doug Aitkens Migration video installation from 2008, part of Doug Aitken: Electric Earth, at MOCA. (Doug Aitken / MOCA) (Doug Aitken/MOCA)
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.
The Human Beast: Art of Maxine Kim Stussy & Jan Stussy, at WUHO Gallery. A midcentury art couple who first met at UCLA in the late 1940s, Maxine Kim and Jan Stussy became known in Los Angeles for figurative works that revel in the animalistic. Organized by independent curator Michael Duncan, the show gathers 20 sculptures, paintings and works on paper by the artist pair. Through Jan. 22. 6518 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, wuho.architecture.woodbury.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.
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 (a piece that Times art critic Christopher Knight describes as enthralling.) Through Feb. 19. 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles, caamuseum.org.
A microphone stand in front of Hank Willis Thomas psychedelic video projection invites visitor participation. (Christopher Knight / Los Angeles Times) (Christopher Knight / Los Angeles Times)
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.
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.
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. Through April 16. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, lacma.org.
Picasso and Rivera: Conversations Across Time, at the L.A. County Museum of Art. This exhibition compares the artistic trajectories of two of the 20th centurys most towering Modernists: Pablo Picasso and Diego Rivera. This covers the period from the 1920s to the 50s as they explored Cubism, classical forms and ancient cultures in innovative ways. The shows features 150 paintings, etchings and watercolors. Through May 7. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org.
Diego Rivera, Flower Day, 1925, on view at the L.A. County Museum of Art. (LACMA) (photo Museum Associates/LACMA)
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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20th Century Women is inspired by the real women in my life who helped me figure out the world: my mom, my two older sisters, the young women I knew as a teenager. As a kid my father was around, and was a kind man, but for complicated reasons he just wasnt really present. I knew him little and chose not to rely on him.
It was the women in my life who I could trust, who taught me how to be a man, taught me what women want and like, what relationships should be like, tried to help me figure out what me was. I wanted to make a portrait of these women, and tell the story of what it was like to be a boy raised almost solely by women in the transitional historical moment of 1979.
The women I grew up with were very strong, unique people. My mom, born in 1925, had me when she was 40 (very rare in 1966). I often describe her as a combination of Bogart and Amelia Earhart a Depression-era kid who wanted to be a pilot during WW2 and ended up raising a punk rock-skateboarder in the 70s. My sisters are 10 and seven years older than me, and they lived heady 70s lives that were fascinating to me. They turned me onto art and music and the joys of disobedience. They shared some of their loves and struggles and happiness with me, and I was always trying to figure out the parts they werent telling me. It was women who were open with me about the complexities of being a person in America in 1979. And being a woman just seemed much more complex than being a man.
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Annette Bening discusses her 20th Century Women character and working with young costars including Greta Gerwig and Elle Fanning.
I knew from my previous film, Beginners, that I loved working from memory of real people and events. And I love integrating real historical figures and moments into my fiction. So for Annette Benings Dorothea character, I began with my actual memories; the way my mom was kind of alone in parenting me, how the pilot in her loved my skateboarding, how she tried to understand punk rock, how she smoked, invited everyone to dinner parties, and liked saying In my next life Im going to marry Bogart. Greta Gerwigs character, Abbie, is partially based on my sister, who did go to NYC and found a more liberating, wild and accepting world in the 70s punk-art scene, only to discover she had cervical cancer and had to return to small town Santa Barbara and start over. Elle Fannings character, Julie, is an amalgamation of girls I knew, who went to therapy and snuck into my room at night to tell me all the rules theyd broken.
The great difficulty, which became a theme of the film, is how even the people we love and are interwoven with are mysteries to us. My mom did not let us see her vulnerabilities, doubts and fears. And as a straight, cisgendered man, I could never truly have access to the experiences, the troubles and joys of being a 55-year-old, or a 28-year-old or a 17-year-old woman.
And then there are all the historical gaps I tried to understand my mothers time and culture, what it was like to be a teen in the Depression and have her 20s shaped by WWII America. I started watching lots of films from the 30s and 40s and was struck by how strong the female characters were. I fell in love with Stage Door (1937), filled with wisecracking women who reminded me of my mothers slightly-socialist-anti-authoritarian-proto-feminist-underdog-loving and inclusive way of being. Bogart also helped. When I got stuck I asked What would Bogart say? and low and behold, I heard my mom. For Gretas and Elles characters I interviewed my sister a lot, and women who were the same age in 1979. They generously shared their lives with me and small concrete nuggets came from those conversations that gave shape to their characters.
But I will always be outside looking in on these women. So I tried to make that limitation part of the story. And you can never really capture people you love in a film. Theyre just too paradoxical and changing, theyre too many different things at once to be a single linear story. You can only point toward their universe.
Whenever I think about this script, Im so grateful Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig, Elle Fanning, Billy Crudup and Lucas Jade Zumann all signed on because the viewers experience of my writing is really a deep collaboration between my words and these actors. Their intelligence and heart and soul are what bring it all to life.
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calendar@latimes.com
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Revealing the real Jackie Kennedy took decades to accomplish
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Jackie is the first screenplay I ever wrote, but its been in development for over three decades.
Ive been fascinated by Jacqueline Kennedy since I was a child. My mother grew up in a small, two-bedroom apartment in Scranton, Penn. Not a lot of breathing room, let alone storage space for memorabilia. And yet, she saved one box filled with yellowing newspapers and crumbling magazines, printed in fall 1963.
Over the years, visiting that apartment with my mom, Id leaf through the fading images of the presidents veiled, heartbroken widow. I didnt really understand why my mother had saved them. But I knew that this moment in history and this woman mattered deeply to her.
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Jackie follows First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, played by Natalie Portman, after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Ive always loved movies but found a career in journalism. Chris Matthews gave me my first job out of college, writing and producing for him on Hardball. Chris is a Kennedy historian, author of two books on the subject, and one of the great raconteurs of all time. Through long days and nights in the office, suffice it to say we talked a lot about the Kennedys.
Jack is fascinating. Bobby, more so. (Id still love a crack at his story.) But Jackie I kept coming back to Jackie.
I couldnt shake the feeling that, like so many women in history, her story had never really been told. Sure, shes been portrayed on the page, on television, even in film. But always as a mannequin, a fashion icon, a beleaguered spouse suffering the indignities of her husbands infidelities. Never as a fully realized human being. Further, my time covering politicians had taught me one thing there is almost always a gaping chasm between a persons public persona and who they really are. And history is often mythologized to the extent that it rarely resembles actual events.
So when I finally mustered the will to leave the news and make a go of it in Hollywood, I had this vague notion rattling around in my head. The opportunity of an untold story.
Searching for a way in, I dove into the research. Books, articles, primary sources stored at the Kennedy Library. And I discovered something (I found) truly extraordinary. The Kennedy years werent always described as Camelot. In fact, the first time the reference appears is in an interview Jackie gave one week after her husbands assassination.
With that discovery, I knew I had a movie. Seven days. A woman whos just witnessed her husbands murder. (Not just witnessed showered in his blood and brains!) In one week, with the entire world watching her every move, she has to comfort her two small children. She has to vacate her home. She has to plan a funeral. And yet, somehow, miraculously she has the presence of mind to recognize this is her last and only chance to define not only her husbands legacy, but her own place in history. And, oh, by the way, she was only 34 years old.
For her role as Jackie Kennedy, Natalie Portman says, Its not a fashion story, but the clothes do tell a story.
Three feverish weeks later, I had a rough draft. I sent it to the only person I knew in the movie business Franklin Leonard. He assured me it wasnt embarrassingly bad. Soon thereafter, I sold the project with Darren Aronofsky attached to direct. I thought to myself it cant possibly be this easy.
And, of course, it isnt. Not even close. The ensuing six years of false starts and every variety of Hollywood calamity are best summarized by the following email exchange with Darren.
Me: Why the hell hasnt Jackie been made yet?!
Darren: Im sorry for your disappointment. But filmmaking, as you know, is full of em.
Darren was not only right about that, he was right to be patient. Having moved into a producer capacity, he assured me he was waiting for the right director. And he did me the best favor of my creative life by finding Pablo Larrain.
Once Pablo boarded the project, he encouraged me to dig deeper into every scene, find more emotional depth and take more imaginative liberties. Every note helped me elevate that original draft.
And then he convinced Natalie Portman to play Jackie.
From those old magazines in a box in Scranton to this films premiere on a movie screen in Venice, its hard for me to believe my good fortune. Its been a dream. Its been Camelot.
See the most read stories this hour
calendar@latimes.com
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When does a books author help or hurt the screenwriters vision?
Taylor Sheridan delves into personal and social themes with Hell or High Water
Eddie Murphy returns and remembers being ahead of the curve on #OscarsSoWhite
Shortly before a Screen Actors Guild Q&A for his most recent movie, Mr. Church, Eddie Murphys emotional state is total, absolute chill. I really have such a small amount of stress, Murphy says as, around him, a room buzzes with anxious publicists and SAG personnel. Ive always been aware that I have a charmed life. Im from the Tilden Projects of Brooklyn. This is all gravy.
Murphy didnt have too much to say about Bruce Beresfords Mr. Church, repeatedly calling the film in which he plays a longtime cook to a woman dying of cancer and her young daughter a teeny-tiny movie, a character piece where hes but one of many players, one that offered him the chance to go to some sad places hes never visited as an actor. Released in September, it has grossed just under $700,000.
On other subjects, though, Murphy offered plenty.
There was a story about you in the New Yorker recently with the headline: Why Is Eddie Murphy in Cinematic Exile? Does it feel that way to you?
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Exile? No. A few years back, I took a break from grinding out movies. I stepped back, took a breath and gave the audience a break too. After 35 years in movies, I dont care who you are, people get sick of looking at you. But Im always writing a script, a song.
I stepped back, took a breath and gave the audience a break too. After 35 years in movies, I dont care who you are, people get sick of looking at you. Eddie Murphy
What about standup material? Youve said in the past youd like to do another tour.
Yeah. One day Ill go full circle and do it. Im curious to see what will come out of me. Im so different. I stopped doing standup when I was a kid. I was 28 years old. Thats another lifetime. Times have changed. Im not edgy at all. And I dont want to be one of those middle-aged comics who go out and say (adopting old-timer voice), We had this and you guys have that.
What about the scripts you mentioned? Are you like Prince with a vault?
[Laughs] I have a vault with a bunch of scripts, yeah.
Will we see any of these made soon? Like I heard about one, Buck Wonder, Super Slave.
Now thats very edgy. I play a slave called Buck Wonder. And I also play the slave master, as well as Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Its a bedtime story that an old man is telling his grandson about the true story of slavery and the Civil War. Its a parody of superhero movies and slave movies. Its pretty funny.
I also heard about an R-rated, animated talking-animal movie.
Thats The Misadventures of Fluffy. I was in New York years ago and there was a show dog that got loose in Central Park overnight. And they did a news story and the dog was laying on the couch traumatized. I was wondering: What happened to that dog in Central Park? So I wrote Fluffy. How do you know about Fluffy?
Its out there. Buck Wonder, Fluffy and a movie about two brothers inheriting a black circus.
We actually might be getting ready to do that one. The Jenkins Brothers Fabulous Mystical Magical Right-On Circus. I think Im going to do that with Tracy Morgan. And Beverly Hills Cop is actually closer than its ever been. Theyve got a good screenplay from the guys who did the last Mission Impossible movie. Jerry Bruckheimer is producing it. So theres a bunch of things that could happen in the next year or two.
That same New Yorker story said that Norbit deserved to be hailed as a masterwork.
[Laughs for half a minute] Yeaaaah.
It went on: Instead critics treated it like a plague. Its hard to imagine the effect the tin-eared, hard-hearted, oblivious reviews had on Murphy.
Oh, they have no effect on me at all. I havent read a review in, easily, 20, 25 years. I used to. I remember when Coming to America came out, Siskel and Ebert gave it two thumbs way down, saying it sucked. Then 10, 15 years later, I remember seeing them do a retrospective and they were both, The classic Coming to America blah blah blah. The shelf life of movies changes over the years.
Have you seen that with other movies youve made?
Well, I dont think the New Yorker will be singing the praises of Meet Dave. That was a gem! I dont know if theres some Pluto Nash Appreciation Club out there. The Friends of Holy Man Group. The Vampire in Brooklyn Club.
It was relevant at the time. It made sense. Back then, it was still one at a time. For years, it was one black actor at a time would get in the mix. Eddie Murphy
I recently watched a clip of you presenting best picture at the Oscars in 1988 where you pretty much stopped the show and called out the academy for not recognizing black talent. What was the response to that?
The next day, people were mad. The nerve of him! How dare him! People were trippin, making up stories. [John] Landis called me up. Eddie, you , whyd you say that? Youll never get a nomination now.
You were ahead of the curve with your remarks.
It was relevant at the time. It made sense. Back then, it was still one at a time. For years, it was one black actor at a time would get in the mix. I made 48 Hrs. in 1981. It was me and Gregory Hines and Howard Rollins and Richard Pryor in the movie business. After I got in the mix, that kind of changed.
So, yeah, backstage at the Oscars, I was trying to come up with something to say. I ran it by Robin Williams and he said, Oh. Why you want to go there? [Laughs] He didnt think it was funny. And maybe it wasnt. But that was kind of the point, you know?
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Twitter: @glennwhipp
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The critical accolades bestowed on Moonlight it swept the Los Angeles Film Critics Assn. awards and earned multiple honors at the Gotham Awards and from the New York Film Critics Circle are richly deserved, but director and screenwriter Barry Jenkins achievement is even more impressive when you consider how little time the cast had together to bring the film to life.
That may sound like a problem familiar to any independent production, but the circumstances surrounding Moonlight were decidedly unusual.
Broken into three parts, Moonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from a poor neighborhood in Miami, Chiron, starting with his experiences as a youngster to teenager and, finally, adult. The picture is a true ensemble with nine different actors in key roles.
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In the films third chapter, a grown up Chiron (Trevante Rhodes) visits his estranged mother (Naomie Harris) at a recovery home for former drug addicts. Its a pivotal and emotional scene that both actors went into cold, not having had rehearsal time, but Harris did something unexpected that Rhodes says brought him into the moment.
What Naomie did was genius. She just touches me. Obviously, shes just touching me softly and she changed the whole tone of [the scene] and whatever she said she said it softly and for me, thats because we didnt have any rehearsal and that was jarring for me, Rhodes recalls. So I sat back down and that changed the tone of the moment. And it just put me in this place where she was like, I love you for that time. And being in that moment and understanding that this guy has been wanting that for his entire life. For his mother to accept him for who he was and to actually mean it when she said she loved him as opposed to trying to get five bucks to get her next fix? She meant it. And Naomie is obviously an incredible actress. I felt the truth in that.
Harris appears in all three time periods within the film, shooting all of her scenes in just three consecutive days squeezed into her global promotional duties for Spectre last fall.
The problem and why it only ended up being three days is because I had visa issues, says Harris, who is British. It just got right down to the wire. I was supposed to fly backward and forward and shoot across a total of seven or eight days. But when we couldnt get the visa sorted out it ended up being compressed into just three days.
With no rehearsal time she credits Jenkins flexibility for making it seem so seamless in front of the camera.
She notes, I think because of his fluidity and his experimental way of directing hes like, Lets try anyway. Lets try a scene with you talking to each other. Now lets try talking to the camera. Or, lets try a line here. Its his playfulness with the material and his way of working it means that you as a performer are very free and very safe to experiment as well. I think in the hands of another director the limitations of time would have been a real drawback, but in his hands it was actually something that in fact benefited us. We had to be responsive to each other. We had to be completely grounded in the moment.
Andre Holland, who portrays the adult Kevin, had just five days to film his contributions that included the movies heartbreaking final scene opposite Rhodes.
The first time I met Trevante was the day that we did the car scene, Holland says. In some ways it was terrifying because Im a bit of an actor-y actor and I like to do all the research and have the time, but we didnt have the time to do it. In some ways it served it because it was a scene about these two people getting reacquainted and Trevante and I were getting acquainted. Barry allowed us to improvise a lot, the improvisation didnt make it into the final cut but in doing the improvisation I think that got us a bit more used to each other.
Mahershala Ali was so enthralled by Jenkins script that he filmed his part on consecutive weekends flying to Miami from New York in between his obligations to Netflixs Luke Cage and House of Cards. Ali portrays a drug dealer who becomes a father figure to a young Chiron (Alex Hibbert) and admits he often feels vulnerable when working on a project but, like his co-stars, credits Jenkins for reassuring him that they were in the right place.
Youve got to shoot things so quickly, and its a little bit like working in this trash compactor, Ali says. Everythings kind of closing in on you and youre trying to finish everything up. So, you dont have a lot of time to overthink things and to question things too much. You just have to dive in, get what you need to get, and get out.
See the most read stories this hour
calendar@latimes.com
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In 2005, I visited my home state of Texas, spending time on a ranch outside the town of Post. Then spending some time on a large ranch outside Archer City. I was taken by just how few young people I saw anywhere. Driving through one little town after the next, I couldnt help but notice what each had in common they all had a bank branch, a gas station, a cafe and all seemed virtually uninhabited. I commented on this to my friend who ran cattle in this area. He nodded and said, Yep. You could rob that bank and it would be a secret between you and the clerk. (Pretty good line. Tried like hell to find somewhere to use it.)
In 2011, I was in Hollywood peddling Sicario to constant and resounding nos. Texas was suffering the worst drought on record. Wildfires spread across West Texas, burning some 4 million acres and 3,000 homes. While the urban centers in Texas were experiencing an economic boom, West Texas was collapsing under the weight of drought and fires. The total cattle population in Texas dropped by 20%. Homes in small towns like Archer City could be purchased for the back taxes (if anyone wanted to buy them, which no one does). More than watching friends and families lose everything, I was witnessing the end of a way of life.
Ben Foster, Chris Pine and Jeff Bridges star in Hell or High Water.
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It was remembering my conversation with an old friend in Archer City and this apocalypse on my home state that was the seed for Hell or High Water. I began floating the idea of the movie to even more resounding nos.I was told modern westerns were toxic, and writing leading roles for men in their 60s was a great way to never sell a screenplay. All this gave me tremendous freedom to break a lot of rules with Hell or High Water because I was absolutely convinced no one would ever make it.
As a writer, I like absurdly simple plots. Having to spend almost no time explaining the plot allows me to be more clever in the way its revealed. It also allows me to focus almost solely on character.
I love to play with the notion of who the protagonist is who is the audience supposed to root for? I did it in Sicario and feel it was the strength of the script guiding the audiences allegiance toward the villain because they think hes the hero, until its revealed that hes the villain.
In our heroes here, the brothers Toby and Tanner, I wanted to create characters that were deeply flawed and those flaws all very visible. I wanted the audience to like them in spite of what they were doing rather than because of it, which is the reason I withheld the information regarding the reverse-mortgage until the end of the second act. It also gives me the time to make the landscape a character in the film and give the people who populate the landscape a voice beyond he went that-a-way. Most important, it allows me to truly focus on the three major themes of the film rather than compressing them into one or two scenes:
1) The consequence of poverty and abuse on generations of a family: The consequences of Toby and Tanners childhood are everywhere from the dilapidated home, to Tobys failed marriage and fractured relationship with his children, to Tanners many years in prison. They are the embodiment of a family demolished by poverty and violence.
2) Failure in multiple senses: When Tanner asks Toby how long its been since hes seen his children, Tobys answer is vague, compelling Tanner to do the math calculating its been over a year. Toby uses unpaid child support as an excuse but the real reason is revealed when Toby finally sits with his oldest son: Its shame.
Tanners failure as a member of society is complete in every way from robbing banks, to assaulting the young woman in the casino, to his use of violence without hesitation or remorse.
Texas Ranger Marcus failure is more nuanced and not realized by him until the end of the film. It is his inability to show his friend and partner affection. His pride and insecurity prevent him from expressing his emotions in any meaningful way as their relationship draws to a close. To compensate, he uses superficial and racist insults as a means of showing his friendship. The last thing Marcus says to Alberto is a racist insult, and its not until that moment that Marcus is forced to confront the cruelty of his behavior.
3) The manner in which massive corporate institutions prey on the most vulnerable in society. The last theme is present virtually everywhere in the film from the consequences of a predatory loan on every member of Tobys family, to a single mother working as a waitress (one of the few jobs available to women in rural America even today), to every town we pass through where the only new building is a bank and billboards portraying the perpetrators of the recession as its savior.
While I feel its important for films to examine our society, I dont particularly like watching the films that do it. And so, knowing no one wants to sit through two hours of desperate lives shattering, I decided to coat the pill with a fair amount of sugar. It was perhaps the riskiest element of the script such a steady infusion of humor in a drama can come off as cavalier and insensitive. Likewise, humor in a screenplay is only as funny as its delivery. I was terrified the diner scene would come off cartoonish, but Margaret Bowman as the brusque waitress pulled it off splendidly.
Jeff Bridges talks about learning the world of Texas Rangers for his role in Hell or High Water.
Nothing was riskier and more dependent on the actors handling of the dialogue than the barbs traded by Marcus and Alberto. Had Jeff Bridges as Marcus infused even a hint of malice, insensitive jokes would be mean, and had Gil Birmingham as Alberto allowed himself to be either amused or offended, their relationship would seem false.
When I sat down to write the final scene, it was with the intention of writing a violent end between Toby and Marcus. But as the dialogue unfolded, it felt fitting that the shoot-out in a modern western be interrupted by an SUV and kids coming home from school. It also felt fitting that they both get to admit their guilt without confessing, and that living with the consequences of their actions was more punishment than dying to defend them.
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Not long after Tom Hanks hosted whats arguably the best 90 minutes of Saturday Night Live this decade, an idea began to take hold on social media that Hanks needs to make movie comedies again. Or, more precisely, America needs Tom Hanks to make movie comedies again. Because the nation could use a good, honest belly laugh right about now.
At almost the same time, a photo went viral showing Bill Murray with a mom and her crying baby with Murray mimicking the babys inconsolable expression. Only it didnt look like Murray. It looked like Tom Hanks.
Showing the picture to Hanks, the 60-year-old actor laughs and says, Honestly, that looks more like me than Bill Murray. As soon as you look at the eyes and nose I dont know. Its kind of spooky.
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Tom Hanks stars as Capt. Chesley Sully Sullenberger in Clint Eastwoods new film.
Which leads Hanks, a man always up for pursuing any path that leads to whimsy, to offer this: He and Murray should play brothers in a film. That would be a movie comedy hed be happy to make right now.
Lets get that out there, so someone can start writing it, Hanks says, gathering steam. Would it be brothers that hate each other or brothers that like each other? Bill comes from that kind of Irish drinking family where they all get together and fight and laugh like crazy. So lets start with the hate and end with a hug.
Hes just getting started. Lets put it in the form of a really standard comedy, one the money people would get excited about making. Maybe Moms ashes in an urn and were fighting over what to do with them and hilarity ensues. Maybe one of the brothers loses the ashes? Theres always funny ashes.
Hanks circles back to the idea of comedy often during a lengthy interview on a perfect late afternoon in Santa Monica. Hes in the awards season conversation once again for Clint Eastwoods drama Sully, playing Chesley Sullenberger, the airline captain who became a national hero after making an emergency landing on the Hudson River with all 155 passengers and crew members surviving.
Sully follows many serious turns over the last five years: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Cloud Atlas, Captain Phillips, Saving Mr. Banks, Bridge of Spies, A Hologram for the King, Inferno and the upcoming The Circle, an adaptation of the Dave Eggers novel that has Hanks playing the mysterious leader of an Internet monopoly looking to control just about every aspect of peoples lives.
So, no, not exactly David S. Pumpkins territory. Eastwood says Hanks could easily make a funny movie, citing the one where he dances on the piano keys (a.k.a. Big) as a charming example of Hanks ability to convincingly pull off anything he tries. But Big and Splash and the two romantic comedies Hanks made with Nora Ephron and Meg Ryan, Sleepless in Seattle and Youve Got Mail, had stakes and stories that required an emotional investment.
Tom Hanks talks about his favorite Clint Eastwood movie.
Im not sure that a lot of comedies that are comedies with a capital C have that same brand of stakes involved these days, Hanks says. The comedies that run the business now are these improvisational, get laid or some brand of outlandish behavior comedies. You have to almost buy into a premise thats illogical.
Which is fine, hes quick to add. He has nothing against these types of movies. But he also cant imagine himself playing a part in them either.
The fact is, Im an older guy. An older guy being funny or kooky or nutty in a movie, thats one thing. But its hard to capture, quite frankly. Tom Hanks
The fact is, Im an older guy, Hanks says. An older guy being funny or kooky or nutty in a movie, thats one thing. But its hard to capture, quite frankly.
Hed rather just service his comic chops by going on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and periodically hosting Saturday Night Live, which he has now done nine times. Hanks prepares for these appearances as thoroughly as for his films, I dont shirk my duties, he says. You just dont make that stuff up which isnt surprising given how detail-oriented he is in just about every aspect of his life.
They could be having a discussion on the set about who starred in a Wisconsin regional theater production of Ten Little Indians in 1956, and Tom would probably be able to rattle off the cast, says Hanks Sully co-star, Aaron Eckhart. We always hear Tom is the nicest guy in Hollywood, but when it comes down to business, hes all business. And thats whats impressive to me. Hes in it to win it. Totally concentrated. Totally focused.
Aaron Eckhart, on Sully director Clint Eastwood: Hes a master.
For Sully, that translated to an obsessive commitment to having every action depicted in the cockpit of US Airways Flight 1549 be exact and authentic. (This is right where I end up driving a lot of people crazy, Hanks notes.) No extraneous dialogue was added. (Its on the voice recorder, for crying out loud, he says.) Every movement of the cockpit yoke had to be precisely correct. (Hanks one lament about his hilarious Sully sketch on the recent Saturday Night Live was that the cockpit set did not have connected yokes.)
We have to make a play for authenticity, Hanks says. Otherwise, lets call it anything we want to just not Sully. Thats the job. At some point it becomes some brand of historical document.
Since finishing Sully on Nov. 19, 2015 (see, he does have a memory for detail), Hanks hasnt stepped on a movie set and hes not sure when hes going to again. Or, as he puts it: I dont know when Im going to have to wake up at 4:45 in the morning, jump in the shower and drive to a stage or a location. He loves working. But after six years of uninterrupted movies and a six-month stint on Broadway in Nora Ephrons posthumous play, Lucky Guy, he has been fine not having to set the alarm clock.
But if that Bill Murray brothers movie materializes?
Oh, jeez. For that, Id be out of bed while the stars were still out, Hanks says.
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glenn.whipp@latimes.com
Twitter: @glennwhipp
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When producers Jordan Horowitz and Fred Berger sat down with Damien Chazelle at Hugos in West Hollywood six years ago, they realized the young filmmakers pitch for La La Land was beyond ambitious. An old-fashioned musical that was a love letter to Los Angeles and jazz? There was only one way to describe the potential project.
There is this dirty word in the film business called execution dependent. We love that word, Berger, 35, says. What it means is the concept alone and the package alone isnt enough to salvage it if you dont nail the movie. Anything less than what Damien and our team pulled off here would make original musicals dead forever.
That might seem a bit dramatic, but considering Horowitz and Bergers long journey with what is now expected to be a leading best picture contender, a film that has brought them to the forefront of up-and-coming producers, it makes a lot of sense. Chazelle had made only one small film at the time, 2009s Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench, and both producers suggested he make another to prove he could execute on a larger level. That turned into Whiplash, which went from short to Sundance prize winner to a surprise Oscar player a year later.
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Seeing [Whiplash] beforehand we knew it was going to be a thing, so with La La Land we had this robust package ready to go and Damien knew he wanted to do that as his next picture, Horowitz, 36, says. So when Whiplash hit at Sundance we had that already seeded into all the various companies you have to seed it into and they were able to say, OK, lets take this journey now.
That road including a much-lauded scene in which the films two leads (Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling) perform a musical dance number in the Hollywood Hills as the sun sets behind them. It would have been tough to pull off even had there been multiple edits. But Chazelle wanted it in one shot, which meant one long six-minute take that could be attempted only six times over two days.
It had been so rigorously rehearsed. Its just a crazy shot and a crazy number and at the end of it, after she does the thing with her car and it beeps and she walks [out of frame] there was this amazing cheer from the crew, Horowitz recalls. And every time I see that walk-off on screen I expect to hear it before the cut.
Adele Romanski is also enjoying a breakout year. A 2011 Independent Spirit Award nominee for The Myth of the American Sleepover, producer Romanski, 34, teamed up with fellow Florida State alum Barry Jenkins to bring critics favorite Moonlight to life. That meant coordinating the schedules of an ensemble cast that could only participate on specific days of the 25-day Miami shoot.
Moonlight producer Adele Romanski. (Christina House / For The Times )
Naomie Harris visa thing was difficult. She only ended up on set with us for three days, which was a direct result of her doing her Bond press tour and then Mahershala [Ali] was also shooting Luke Cage and also shooting House of Cards, Romanski recalls says. There were definitely schedule complications, but this is what Im used to on the independent level. Your schedule always becomes like a nasty game of twister.
Romanski ended up co-producing with Plan Bs Jeremy Kleiner and Dede Gardner, who came on right before production began. She says it turned out to be the purest professional creative experience in her career so far.
Everyone was on the same page at all times and had the same vision and the same motivation, which was always love of this project, Romanski says. Love of this script. Love of this director. It was sort of an ego-less environment. I think it was recognized we had a particular skill set, they had a particular skill set and I think everybody was excited about the opportunity to learn from one another. And we did all learn from each other.
Manchester by the Sea has its own newcomer to the scene in Kimberly Steward. The founder of K Period Media had previously financed and produced two documentaries before jumping on board to fund and produce Kenneth Lonergans first film since 2011s Margaret.
Manchester by the Sea producer Kimberly Steward. (Michael Nagle / For The Times )
Sometimes financiers are a little bit shy, Steward, 35, says. If youre only involved in investing the money and kind of sitting back and letting it happen thats a very scary thing. I think in some ways I am grateful that I am interested in being a creative producer from that perspective I am wearing two different hats. Its easier to swallow the pill when you are maybe spending a little extra money here or there or you have to shut down for a few hours because of snow. You are not really looking at the bottom line, you are looking at what you are creating.
Stewards company is 2 years old and with Manchester she may become just the second African American woman after Oprah Winfrey to pick up a best picture nomination.
We are very drawn to elevated material and just love to create, Steward says. It was really about being able to support young and up-and-coming filmmakers but also to go after that difficult material that often doesnt get the spotlight shown on them.
Speaking to all four producers, a consistent thread is their unwavering support of their directors and belief in the creative process. Kerber likely speaks for Horowitz, Romanski and Stewards feelings on all three films when he notes, Its very emotional for us to see the film because even at times when we believed the movie would happen we never really thought it would be the movie we dreamed about, which is actually what is on screen.
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President-elect Donald Trump has taken to Twitter yet again to attack the source of a perceived slight, aiming his arrow this time at Vanity Fair.
On Wednesday, the venerable magazine published a restaurant review that slammed Trump Grill, the Manhattan restaurant inside Trump Tower, declaring it possibly the worst restaurant in America.
The allure of Trumps restaurant, like the candidate, is that it seems like a cheap version of rich, the review asserted. It pointed out its inconsistent menus (literally, my menu was missing dishes that I found on my dining partners), inconsistent name (occasionally spelled Grille on various pieces of signage), unappealing food (flaccid, gray Szechuan dumplings with their flaccid, gray innards) and disappointing drinks (cocktails [that] seemed to be concocted by a college freshman experimenting in their dorm room).
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Trump responded Thursday morning the most effective way he can: in 140 characters.
Has anyone looked at the really poor numbers of VanityFair Magazine, Trump tweeted. Way down, big trouble, dead! [Editor] Graydon Carter, no talent, will be out!
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But can Trumps restaurant really be as bad as Vanity Fair claims?
Potentially, if you believe crowd-sourced reviews online.
Trump Grill boasts an average 2.5 star rating on Yelp (down from the 3 stars it held earlier Thursday), while Google reviewers have awarded the restaurant an average of 3 stars too.
The food was worth the price but the additional time needed to remake some of it was a letdown, wrote one Yelp reviewer. All in all it was definitely an experience since Im not from the area ... I dare say Im pretty happy I voted for someone who can competently run a successful restaurant. Its a hard job but he seems to be doing just fine!
Cafeteria food at restaurant prices, countered another Yelp reviewer, who deemed it worthy of one star. This is a place to avoid for sure. So many great lunch options in midtown. This is not one of them.
Yet another Yelp reviewer (and repeat customer) praised Trump Grills steaks and lobster rolls, but noted on his most recent visit that the lobster roll was smaller then before.
Trump Grills lunch menu features standard fare such as a steak sandwich ($23), a Platinum Label burger ($20), a filet mignon ($31) as well as the infamous taco bowl ($18). And dont miss Ivankas Salad (an $18 Greek-ish salad boasting diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Mediterranean cured olives, feta cheese and romaine lettuce).
New York Magazine and Eater havent had anything especially nice to say about Trumps restaurant, either, and a reviewer on Google called Trump Grill nothing but very expensive Applebees.
Ouch.
As a whole, though, reviews ranged from absolute praise to those that explained, If you have an uneducated palate, you wont mind getting poorly tasting food if you have a sense for quality produce and well-prepared meal, stay away from this place.
Another Google reviewer accused haters of trolling because they are bitter and cant separate politics from a fine NYC restaurant. And, of course, others skewered the restaurant in Trumps own parlance: I heard great things about the taco bowls. I tried it. Easy to eat with my smaller hands. However it was mediocre. Probably will sue for false advertisement, a Yelper quipped.
By late Thursday morning, the Yelp reviews had ignited enough commotion to prompt the site to issue a disclaimer.
This business recently made waves in the news, which often means that people come to this page to post their views on the news, it read. While we dont take a stand one way or the other when it comes to these news events, we do work to remove both positive and negative posts that appear to be motivated more by the news coverage itself than the reviewers personal consumer experience with the business.
Trump and Carter, of course, have a long-standing feud, dating back to the Vanity Fair editors days running Spy magazine; he famously called Trump a short-fingered vulgarian.
Trump Grill aside, the president-elect was no doubt miffed that Vanity Fair recently reported that somebody had finally agreed to perform at Trumps inauguration. The story highlighted how Trumps team has been scrambling to rustle up some big-name stars to perform at his impending presidential inauguration, only to be repeatedly turned down.
That was more than a quarter of a century ago, Carter wrote last year. To this day, I receive the occasional envelope from Trump. There is always a photo of him generally a tear sheet from a magazine. On all of them he has circled his hand in gold Sharpie in a valiant effort to highlight the length of his fingers.
I almost feel sorry for the poor fellow because, to me, the fingers still look abnormally stubby, said Carter.
To quote a food-related adage, revenge is a dish best served cold.
tracy.brown@latimes.com
Twitter: @tracycbrown
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To interpret cinema through the lens of current events has long been the critics prerogative, challenge and occasional Achilles heel. But by the end of a year like 2016, it also felt like an obligation.
When the elegant, mind-bending sci-fi thriller Arrival opened Nov. 11, three days after the most painfully divisive presidential election in recent memory, it was widely embraced as a movie of the moment. In the skilled, empathetic hands of director Denis Villeneuve, the story of a UFO invasion took on the solemnity of a pre-apocalyptic warning: a bracing look at the dangers of xenophobia and a hopeful defense of cross-cultural empathy.
We need to be talking to one another! insisted Amy Adams heroine, a linguist tasked with decoding the visitors otherworldly tongue. She might well have been speaking to Americans across the political spectrum, especially those who suddenly found themselves regarding the other half of the country as a hostile alien species, and who were left uncertain how to engage, or whether to engage at all.
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So many of the years noteworthy films seemed to initiate a similar line of inquiry to speak to the difficulties of human connection in moments of great social and political confusion. O.J.: Made in America, a nearly eight-hour ESPN documentary that was shown in theaters, offers a stark reminder of the furious racial divisions that threatened to tear Los Angeles asunder in the mid-1990s. Mountains May Depart, an undersung gem from Chinese director Jia Zhangke, traces the steady unraveling of family, language and cultural identity over decades of globalization.
Silence, in chronicling the travails of 17th century Jesuit priests in feudal Japan, engages the problem of communication human as well as divine with a spiritual and intellectual rigor that almost defies understanding. Another resonant portrait of faith in crisis, Last Days in the Desert similarly hinges on the successful transmission of a message of hope and so, of course, does Arrival.
The movies themselves remain a profoundly communicative medium not just because theyre in the business of storytelling but because they demand a watchful and attentive audience. The darkness of the theater offers a fleeting but meaningful respite from the shouting matches of cable news, the contentious back-and-forth of our social-media diatribes. The sheer size and grandeur of the screen before us compels us in theory, if not always in practice to momentarily cast our own smaller screens aside.
There will of course be time to argue and debate afterward, but for two or three (or eight) hours, at least, our minds and senses are engaged, and the movie has the floor. The rest, as they say, is ...
1. Silence. How do you dramatize Gods presence or, for that matter, His absence? Martin Scorsese comes as close as any filmmaker to answering that question with his grave, wrenching adaptation of Shusaku Endos 1966 novel. Approaching a demanding text with masterly authority and deep humility, he has pulled off not only one of the greatest films of his career but also an astonishing act of transfiguration: To watch Silence is to witness the soul of one great artist merging with another.
2. Moonlight. The tenderest of landmark achievements, Barry Jenkins exquisitely directed drama demystifies a black gay mans coming-of-age from within. Pulsing with lyricism and delicately filigreed emotion, it rests on the shoulders of three distinct performances by Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders and Trevante Rhodes that somehow breathe as one.
3. Toni Erdmann. Sandra Huller and Peter Simonischek make the years most eccentric screen duo in Maren Ades splendid, sprawling third feature, which has no serious rivals as the finest German-made, Romanian-set father-daughter reconciliation comedy-cum-corporate satire ever made.
4. O.J.: Made in America. Ezra Edelman plunges headlong into the strange case of O.J. Simpson and emerges with a monumental consideration of race, class, sports, celebrity, masculinity and violence. By the end, it feels like an incontrovertible argument in the ongoing trial of the American Dream.
5. Everybody Wants Some!! After the dramatic rigors of Before Midnight and Boyhood, Richard Linklater leaned back and casually pitched his third masterpiece in a row a sun-splashed, note-perfect 80s college flashback that plays like a dream. A very, very funny dream.
6. My Golden Days. A traumatic childhood, a spot of amateur espionage, the first stirrings of young love: In this gloriously romantic memory piece, a prequel to his 1993 tour de force My Sex Life or How I Got Into an Argument, the great French filmmaker Arnaud Desplechin is at the laid-back peak of his powers.
7. Paterson. After his oddball vampire romance Only Lovers Left Alive, Jim Jarmusch has made another entrancingly lovely portrait of marital contentment and the pursuit of artistic fulfillment. The movie is predicated on an ingenious visual scheme of rhyme and repetition, but Adam Drivers performance is the source of its most evocative poetry.
8. I Am Not Your Negro. Speaking of poetry: The words of the late writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin provide a stirring foundation, but its the dense, impressionistic weave of sound and image brilliantly assembled by the director Raoul Peck and the editor Alexandra Strauss that gives this documentary its excoriating power.
9. Manchester by the Sea. Kenneth Lonergans third feature is a seething New England symphony, set to the quotidian rhythms of working-class life. Amid its swirl of angry, hectoring and often-hilarious voices, Casey Afflecks performance rises like a silent but emotionally overwhelming aria.
Justin Chang reviews Certain Women. Directed by Kelly Reichardt. With Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart, Laura Dern, James Le Gros. Video by Jason H. Neubert.
10. Certain Women. One of the finest American independent filmmakers working today, Kelly Reichardt achieves a kind of brittle, melancholy perfection with this superbly acted triptych adapted from the stories of Maile Meloy but rendered with a fluency and truthfulness all Reichardts own.
And 15 honorable mentions (in alphabetical order): American Honey (Andrea Arnold), Arrival (Denis Villeneuve), A Bigger Splash (Luca Guadagnino), Cameraperson (Kirsten Johnson), Cemetery of Splendour (Apichatpong Weerasethakul), Elle (Paul Verhoeven), The Handmaiden (Park Chan-wook), Jackie (Pablo Larrain), Krisha (Trey Edward Shults), La La Land (Damien Chazelle), Last Days in the Desert (Rodrigo Garcia), Love & Friendship (Whit Stillman), Mountains May Depart (Jia Zhangke), The Neon Demon (Nicolas Winding Refn), Things to Come (Mia Hansen-Love)
justin.chang@latimes.com
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Would that it were so simple. This line from the Coen brothers film Hail, Caesar!, in which a film director attempts to prompt a specific delivery from an actor, is one that my mind has gone back to over and over again. This year, as much as any I can think of, movies provided a focus point to at least try to make sense of a complicated, conflicted, confusing world. Would that it were so simple.
Within the context of the movie, that line is about two people technically speaking the same language but completely failing to understand each other. I can think of fewer things that sum up 2016 better.
As I was pulling together this list I was very surprised by recurring themes examining the pressures of how to be a man, the everyday hassles of being a woman and the gaps of understanding that so often exist in between the two.
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I also cant think of the last year that such a clear theme seemed to emerge from my own top 10. None of these films were made with the scrum of toxic contentiousness that marked the election season directly on filmmakers minds, and yet they are nearly all marked by explorations of empathy, misunderstandings and the struggles of finding the right path forward.
This year, as much as any I can think of, movies provided a focus point to at least try to make sense of a complicated, conflicted, confusing world.
The trailer for Moonlight.
Moonlight
Its tough to say if the film is more audacious formally or emotionally, as it tells a new story in a new way. The unusual triptych structure of writer-director Barry Jenkins film, as three actors portray the same character at different turning points in his life, leads to a final section that is among the most spellbinding, soulful moments Ive ever seen on-screen, a breathtaking interplay of seduction, friendship and self-discovery.
The Lobster
An absurdist allegory on men, women and society-building. The English-language debut of Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos is this bittersweet sci-fi romantic comedy starring Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz as people seeking the most basic connections in a world determined to keep them apart.
Silence
Few other filmmakers would be able to marshal the forces of top-shelf, high-class commercial filmmaking to craft something as genuinely spiritual, inquisitive and deeply uncertain as this new work by Martin Scorsese. His sense of adventure as a filmmaker and storyteller has led to a tale of Jesuit priests in 17th-century Japan, a saga of religious faith and personal interrogation that asks the question Why am I here?, with all its multitude of meanings.
Justin Chang reviews Certain Women. Directed by Kelly Reichardt. With Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart, Laura Dern, James Le Gros. Video by Jason H. Neubert.
Certain Women
To call filmmaker Kelly Reichardt the biggest maker of little movies in America isnt intended as some kind of slight, yet phrases like portraitist or in miniature that attempt to convey the patient, attentive details in her work also fail to capture the large-scale ideas and emotions that form their foundations. Set in small-town Montana, this trio of stories starring Laura Dern, Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart and discovery Lily Gladstone survey the difficulties of getting from here to there.
Things to Come
French filmmaker Mia Hansen-Lve has often had a hazy, emotionally uncoupled aspect to her work as she grappled with hard-to-define feelings and moods, looking to convey a vibe as much as tell a story. Here, through an earthy, grounded performance by Isabelle Huppert as a woman forced to grapple with unexpected changes after she thought all in her life had already been settled, Hansen-Lve discovers a new clarity and sharpness.
Manchester By The Sea stars Kyle Chandler, Michelle Williams and Casey Affleck.
Manchester by the Sea
Grief and guilt collide in writer-director Kenneth Lonergans tale of a man who has to finally reconcile with the worst thing that will ever happen to him, struggling to find a way out of the maze of his own moral confusion. Casey Afflecks tender, bruised and interior performance captures Lonergans affinity for nuances of language and behavior, how awkward pauses can speak volumes.
WATCH: Justin Chang reviews 'Elle directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Isabelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte, and Anne Consigny. Video by Jason H. Neubert.
Elle
With this movie that ran right at everything most #problematic about 2016, director Paul Verhoeven showed that he still has a singular knack for wild provocation. Featuring another powerhouse performance by Isabelle Huppert something of a greatest-hits set of her screen persona, by turns enigmatic, damaged, sensual, terrifying the film pushes through its bizarre rape-and-revenge setup to become an intense character study and story of unlikely self-possession.
Christine
This was one of the strongest, most visceral emotional experiences I had with a movie all year and I personally find it unbelievable that actress Rebecca Hall is not more of a contender in the year-end awards-giving rituals of Hollywood. Directed by Antonio Campos with an alternately cerebral iciness and spasmodic fury, Hall stars as Christine Chubbuck, the Florida newscaster who shot herself on the air in 1974, giving a fearsome performance that often seems more an act of spiritual possession than mere acting.
O.J.: Made In America
I include Ezra Edelmans epic documentary meditation on race, celebrity, culture and the American justice system, broadcast on television in five parts and released to theaters in two, not despite any conflict over whether it should be classified as cinema or TV, but rather in part because of those very issues. Along with the likes of the limited television series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story or the visual album of Beyoncs Lemonade, many recent works demand that we broaden our own definitions, as what we watch and how we watch it becomes increasingly fluid.
20th Century Women
Mike Mills crafts a multifaceted story of empathy and understanding with Annette Bening as a single mother in late-70s Santa Barbara doing her best to raise her son among a circle of well-meaning misfits and amid changing times. One of the emotional pinnacles of the film is a group of people watching President Jimmy Carter deliver his 1979 Crisis of Confidence speech on television, transformed into one of the most unexpectedly moving moments of 2016.
Any one of these following movies could easily have also made this list, and frankly, it surprises me that some of them didnt. (And another 10 films after that!) In alphabetical order: A Bigger Splash, Dont Think Twice, Hail, Caesar!, Hell or High Water, The Handmaiden, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, I Am Not Your Negro, Love & Friendship, Paterson and Toni Erdmann.
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Mark.Olsen@latimes.com
Follow on Twitter: @IndieFocus
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The Boatman is an absorbing, intriguingly told dramatic thriller set on the U.S.-Mexico border that seems especially well-timed given the fractious state of Americas immigration debate. Yet this haunting, often dreamlike film, confidently directed by Greg Morgan from a script by Morgan and Duke Addelman, also exists in a world of its very own making, lending it a compellingly elusive sense of time and place.
Above all, however, this is an affecting character study of Miguel (Oscar Torre), a mysterious coyote with a 100% success rate smuggling immigrants across the Rio Grande River into Texas. Miguel, nicknamed El Maldito (The Cursed One), is both an angel and an antihero, a saint and a sinner, on a collision course with fate.
Meanwhile, Elena (Noemi Dunbar), a young car crash survivor, shows up claiming to be Miguels daughter. Although he staunchly denies this possibility, Elena sticks around and is soon assisting Miguel and a feisty bar owner (Yvonne Delarosa, excellent) on his payroll. But can Miguel and Elena dodge dubious drug dealers and encroaching members of a Juarez gang who want in on El Malditos territory?
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Despite an atmosphere of simmering violence and criminal wrongdoing, Boatman is more art film than action film; deliberately paced, skillfully shot, emotionally challenging. Its all capped by Torres powerful, darkly charismatic presence as the single-minded Miguel. Take this ride.
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The Boatman
Not rated
Running time: 1 hour, 41 minutes
Playing: Arena Cinelounge, Hollywood
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In the grim crime story City of Dead Men, Diego Boneta plays Michael, a cash-strapped, globe-hopping American who makes the mistake that so many gringos do in genre pictures: He trusts an exotic lady promising something too good to be true. Michael gets involved with a group of rebellious Colombian kids who provide him with a home and a purpose before revealing a darker motive.
Producer Alejo Arango, screenwriter Andrew Poston, and director Kirk Sullivan based City of Dead Men on the experiences of actual young folks who grew up in Medellin under the threat of being shot by drug-lords and responded by becoming more decadent. At its best, the movie captures the real-life fearlessness of an entire generation, as experienced firsthand by the awestruck Michael, who becomes a willing disciple of a good-time guru named Jacob (Jackson Rathbone) and his beautiful right-hand woman, Melody (Maria Mesa).
But perhaps not trusting the dramatic potential of truth, the filmmakers layer in elements of psychodrama (via Michael sharing drugs with his new friends) and supernatural horror (via an abandoned psychiatric hospital where a lot of the action takes place).
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So while City of Dead Men has an appealingly polished look and uses its unusual locations thoughtfully, it teeters on the edge of pretension. It seems to want to be an artful social statement when it might have been better had it been trashier and more overtly terrifying more Hostel than City of God.
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City of Dead Men
Not rated
Running time: 1 hour, 27 minutes
Playing: Arena Cinelounge, Hollywood
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The final year of Barack Obamas tenure in the White House brought with it two remarkably sensitive cinematic portraits of the president as a young man: Vikram Gandhis Barry, which opens this week in theaters and on Netflix, and Richard Tannes Southside With You, newly out on DVD.
Inspired by Richard Linklaters walking-and-talking Before trilogy, Southside With You follows Obama and his future wife, Michelle Robinson, on their first date in Chicago in the summer of 1989. Featuring understatedly superb performances by Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpter, the film is a feast of warm, vivid and unexpectedly pointed conversation, overflowing with ideas about African American progress and the tricky balance of idealism and compromise. All in all, there are far worse ways to say goodbye.
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A classic from a bygone era, The Lion in Winter has got some years on it, but it can still roar when it counts.
A literate epic that utilizes both pageantry and splendid language, Lion now digitally restored was nominated for seven Oscars, including best picture, in 1969.
It took home three awards, including one for writer James Goldman, who adapted his own play involving power games and passionate verbal jousting within Britains royal Plantagenet clan in 1183.
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As directed by Anthony Harvey, Lion is structured to favor the actors, and no wonder. The cast (which included future James Bond Timothy Dalton in his screen debut as Frances King Phillip II) was so strong that Anthony Hopkins, in his first major film, was billed sixth.
Good as those two are, the focus here, and the element of the picture that has aged not even a little bit, is the spectacular lead performances by Katharine Hepburn and an on-fire Peter OToole, two master battlers going at each other hammer and tongs like a 12th century version of Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Its OToole we see first, energetically encouraging his youngest son, the whiny teenage John (Nigel Terry), to come at him harder as they engage in a spirited bit of familial sword-fighting.
Burly, with a dark, full beard, OTooles character is considerably different than the wispy Lawrence of Arabia hed played six years earlier. Playing Henry II for the second time (after costarring with Richard Burton in 1964s Becket), OToole almost defines larger than life as he strides through the film with energy and verve.
When Henry II exults in being the greatest power in Europe in one thousand years and exclaims, I do love being king, we absolutely believe him.
Delighted with his life though he is, the king does have a problem. Like Lear, he has three children and only one kingdom, an inheritance he complains I cant cut into bits. Each of his three sons would like to succeed him, and he has to decide which one is to get the crown.
OToole is such a force as Henry that its hard to believe anyone could convincingly stand in his way, but thats where Hepburns Eleanor of Aquitaine, his estranged queen, comes into the picture.
Estranged is actually a mild word for the relationship between these two. In fact, Henry is so fed up with Eleanor that he has kept her imprisoned in a tower for 10 years and has now taken up with Alais (Jane Merrow, best known for her TV roles), the sister of Frances Phillip II.
A Christmas event at the castle of Chinon is in the offing, including a visit from the French king to discuss which of Henrys sons Alais is to marry to cement the relationship between the two countries.
Henry allows Eleanor to leave the tower to take part in the festivities, and once she shows up, the royal couple go at it fiercely as to who the new king is to be. Henry favors the scrawny John, Eleanor the brawny Richard (Hopkins), with third son Geoffrey (John Castle) having to be content with a possible behind-the-scenes role.
The dark fun of Lion in Winter is that, as impressively played by Hepburn (who won at Oscar for the role), Eleanor is fully Henrys equal. We are invited to sit back and watch as these two and their offspring plot and scheme and verbally flay the skin off each other.
Lion in Winter boasts an Oscar-winning score by John Barry and is beautifully photographed by Douglas Slocombe in a series of striking castles, but its always the language, even at its self-consciously theatrical moments, that makes the most lasting impression.
If you oppose me, Henry says darkly, I will strike you as only I can, while Eleanor follows up a telling verbal blow with a waspish, I was afraid that wouldnt hurt. Its the queen who finally sums it up nicely. What family, she asks rhetorically, doesnt have its ups and downs.
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The Lion in Winter
Rating: PG
Running time: 2 hours, 14 minutes
Playing: Landmarks Nuart, West Los Angeles.
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Neruda, an intoxicating puzzle of a movie directed by Pablo Larrain, chronicles a strange, harrowing episode from the late 1940s, when the Chilean governments crackdown on communism drove the great poet and politician Pablo Neruda underground. Specifically, the film unravels the tricky game of cat-and-mouse between Neruda and an ambitious police inspector named Oscar Peluchonneau, who sought to track down the dissident artist whose writings had struck a dangerously resonant chord with the working class.
There was, in fact, no Oscar Peluchonneau or at least, none who fits the description blithely concocted by Larrain and his screenwriter, Guillermo Calderon. The charm of Neruda lies in its insistence that there may well have been, and that it scarcely matters if there wasnt. Drolly and persuasively, the movie demonstrates that when it comes to evoking the artist and the nature of his art, historical fidelity and literal-minded dramatization go only so far. Fiction, lovingly and imaginatively rendered, can bring us much closer to the truth.
We must dream our way, Neruda once wrote, and it is nothing short of enchanting to encounter a biographical drama that, rather than merely shoving that quote into its protagonists mouth, treats it as a guiding aesthetic and philosophical principle. Like (and yet completely unlike) Im Not There, Todd Haynes fragmented 2007 cine-riff on Bob Dylan, Neruda is less a straightforward portrait of a great contemporary poet (and eventual Nobel laureate) than a rigorously sustained investigation of his inner world.
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Although informed by the busy workings of history, politics and personal affairs, Neruda proceeds like a light-footed chase thriller filtered through an episode of The Twilight Zone, by the end of which the audience is lost in a crazily spiraling meta-narrative. Who exactly is the star and author of that narrative is one of the films more enticing mysteries.
Initially it seems both roles must be filled by Pablo Neruda, played with prickly, preening brilliance by Luis Gnecco (Narcos), who donned a wig and gained more than 50 pounds to achieve his remarkable physical resemblance to the real deal. The key to the performance is that, despite the shimmering inspiration of Nerudas poetry, neither Gnecco nor Larrain seems to feel any obligation to make Neruda himself a particularly inspiring figure.
From the opening scene, a political gathering wittily set in an enormous public lavatory, Neruda, a senator and member of the Chilean Communist Party, is shown to be a proud and vociferous critic of his countrys leadership. But in the very next sequence, a lavish party crammed with half-naked revelers, the film presents the idea of Neruda as a Champagne socialist a vain, hedonistic hypocrite who, like so many left-wing elites, loves to soak up other peoples sweat and suffering.
That damning bit of mockery is delivered by the aforementioned detective, Oscar Peluchonneau (played with mustachioed elan by Gael Garcia Bernal), who slyly complicates the films notions of authorship and agency. When Chilean President Gabriel Gonzalez Videla (Alfredo Castro) outlaws communism in 1948, responding to mounting Cold War anxieties, Peluchonneau eagerly leads the manhunt for Neruda, who has gone into hiding in the port city of Valparaiso with his second wife, the painter Delia del Carril (Mercedes Moran, excellent).
Many of the individual scenes in Neruda serve a fairly clear narrative purpose. We see the poet consorting with his allies, arguing with his wife, and disobeying his party-appointed bodyguard (Michael Silva) to slip out for a frolic at a nearby brothel or bohemian enclave. We rarely see him writing, though his poems are shown being secretly distributed and playing a huge role in keeping the communist movement alive underground. But even these relatively simple moments are transformed and complicated by the sheer audacity of Larrains stylistic conceits.
In the hands of the editor Herve Schneid, an extended conversation between two people might span three or four different locations, transporting the viewer without warning from a private room to a perch overlooking the Chilean countryside. Elsewhere, Sergio Armstrongs sensuous digital photography evokes the mood of the past even as it encourages us to view the film as a formalist construct, from the faded, purplish coloration of the images to the use of phony-looking rear projection in the driving scenes.
In one of Larrain and Calderons most telling flourishes, it is Peluchonneau who provides the films running voice-over commentary, often in contrapuntal harmony with Nerudas journey. The two men are almost never seen in the same frame, and yet the ever-mobile camera seems to ping-pong restlessly between them, as though blurring them into one shared, active consciousness.
Peluchonneaus words may be sardonic and self-flattering, but as the film advances and his own footing in the narrative begins to shift, they also take on their own mysterious, downright Nerudian poetry. (A few verses from his posthumously published For All to Know might seem appropriate here: I am everybody and every time/I always call myself by your name.)
Nerudas formal spryness and nontraditional appreciation of history will come as little surprise to admirers of Jackie, Larrains other great bio-experiment of the moment, or his 2012 drama, No, a compelling snapshot of the end of the Augusto Pinochet regime that also starred Bernal (with Gnecco and Castro in prominent supporting roles). His filmography, which includes such festival-acclaimed favorites as Tony Manero, Post Mortem and The Club, has sealed his reputation as one of the most distinctive and continually surprising talents in world cinema, though nothing hes done to date has forced him to take such intuitive leaps, to abandon realism so completely, as Neruda.
Unspooling the picture earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, Larrain confessed that, even after making the movie, he wasnt at all sure he knew who Neruda was. And in a typically counter-intuitive gesture, Neruda doesnt pretend to know, either. It keeps the man at a playful distance, firm in its belief that the art will sustain our interest, long after the passing of the artist and his historical moment. Its possible that Pablo Neruda himself would have concurred with this sentiment, though Oscar Peluchonneau might have begged to differ.
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Neruda
In Spanish with English subtitles
Rating: R, for sexuality, and nudity and some language
Running time: 1 hour, 47 minutes
Playing: Laemmles Royal Theatre, West Los Angeles
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Despite the media and fan excitement generated by the consecutive casting of a female lead in the two most recent Star Wars movies, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story star Felicity Jones seems politely unsurprised.
Im asked a lot, Oh, my God. Its a female lead. I sort of feel like, if it was a giraffe leading it, then that would be a weird point of conversation, Jones says. While the rest of Hollywood is still struggling to diversify their call sheets, Jones has already moved on to the next phase, where casting a woman in an action movie is old news.
It would be very unusual to have a giraffe as the lead, Jones repeats with such calm sincerity that it makes the listener unsure if its OK to make jokes about how a giraffe would fit into the Millennium Falcon.
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In the midst of a whirlwind Star Wars press tour, Jones has stopped for a brisk tea at the Hotel Bel-Air, just a few hours before she, and the rest of the Rogue One cast, will climb out of a life-size X-Wing spacecraft on Jimmy Kimmel Live. For someone who is mere moments from climbing out of a giant spaceship in heels on television, shes collected, focused and unafraid to challenge the very premise of my questions.
Watch the trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Will the world ever stop being amazed when Hollywood builds a blockbuster action film around a female character? Jones leans forward, gently insisting, Were there now. Were there now.
The English actress warm earnestness is a refreshing turn from the canned answers that often tumble out from actors on the promotion trail. Shes cheery but real. Kind but candid. When asked what she took with her from the Rogue One shoot she offers, precisely, my characters [Jyn Ersos] boots. I wore those boots even before shooting. I would wear them for weeks before to kind of get the feel of them. I felt very close to those boots.
But when pressed if there was anything emotionally she took with her after months of running, jumping and explosions in Jordan and the Maldives, she tactfully disagrees with the basis of the question itself. I think, as an actor, you have to have quite a strong sense of self, Jones says. Its not that I change from role to role. My job is to take on different characters for that time. Even if youre crying or doing emotional scenes, youre actually having a really good time. Contrary to the stereotype of the actor, you have to be quite stable, quite solid and consistent.
Up until now, Jones has been known for her dramatic work playing characters like Anne Franks older sister, Miranda, in The Tempest, Anna in the the improvised romance Like Crazy culminating in an Oscar nomination for the role of Jane Hawking in Theory of Everything. All very different from the word of blasters, Stormtroopers and Death Stars.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times )
Weve been doing these fan events for Star Wars. The atmosphere is like being at a birthday party because there is so much excitement. Felicity Jones
How do the two differ? There are less lightsabers on the awards circuit, She jokes. However, the perks of being a member of the galaxy far, far away is not lost on Jones. Weve been doing these fan events for Star Wars. The atmosphere is like being at a birthday party because there is so much excitement and its so infectious. You say Yoda, and people just cheer.
No doubt people will be cheering at the name Jyn Erso soon. After a flurry of mostly positive reviews, Disney and Lucasfilms Rogue One is on track for a global box-office opening between $300 million to $350 million. And this is with a band of entirely new characters with a little help from Darth Vader.
The first film in this latest cycle of Star Wars movies, J.J. Abrams The Force Awakens, had the luxury of introducing new faces through the lens of the original players and the narrative George Lucas put in motion more than 30 years ago. Rogue One is the first Star Wars spinoff separate from the Episode movies.
As such, Jones Jyn doesnt have to carry the same narrative burden that Daisy Ridleys The Force Awakens character Rey does. Instead, Jyn gets to set the world on fire as an ex-con who leads a band of Rebel scum into the belly of the beast (the Empire) to steal the plans to the Death Star. It is one of the more violent Star Wars offerings to date. Half heist movie, half war story, Rogue One appealed to Jones because of Jyn Ersos skeptical nature.
She doesnt believe in anything, Jones says. Shes a little bit lost. Shes actually on a search for, in many ways, an identity. Shes lost both her parents. I liked how, true to Star Wars, its someone finding their destiny in the galaxy and finding their place. Someone who, actually, without being aggressive, finds her true leadership skills in appreciating what everyone else in the team has that could contribute to their mission.
Jyn becomes a reluctant Rebel and joins tortured rogue Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), the droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), a blind warrior named Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen), his cohort Baze Malbus (Wen Jiang), and Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed) on their mission to steal those schematics which puts them in the crosshairs of the ambitious Imperial thug Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn).
But at the end of the day, even though its an ensemble, its Jones character who emerges as the films hero something that was baked into Rogue Ones DNA from the beginning.
Having three daughters, it was very plain to me that they could use more strong female characters in Star Wars that they could relate to. John Knoll,
Having three daughters, it was very plain to me that they could use more strong female characters in Star Wars that they could relate to, said John Knoll, the chief creative officer of Industrial Light & Magic and the person who hatched the idea of Rogue One. And he pushed for Jyn to be cast as a female. Thats sort of where Jyn came from a feeling that it was right for Star Wars.
Jones likens Jyn to Sigourney Weavers Ripley from Alien, but her real-life inspiration came from American mixed martial artist Ronda Rousey.
A lot of the way I built [Jyn] was through her walk, I used to watch Ronda Rousey, Jones reveals. In terms of getting that kind of energy and that sort of physicality.
But Jones is quick to explain that Jyn (and the rest of the characters in Rogue One) are just ordinary people. That despite the running, jumping and shooting blasters, the story behind Rogue One is grounded in a sense of reality.
Nobody has any bit of special, magical powers, she says. I think thats what makes it very different from other Star Wars films. They are coming with quite a lot of baggage, all of them. Thats part of it. Theyre not clean and tidy.
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Comic-Con 2016 On Now Cast of 'American Gods' drop divine secrets on the new Starz series On Now Liam Cunningham and Isaac Hempstead on finding the humor in 'Game of Thrones' On Now Acting opposite a giant Hollywood monster on 'Kong: Skull Island' On Now Luc Besson takes us inside his next space odyssey 'Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets' On Now Norman Reedus on the secret Walking Dead' cast Comic-Con ritual On Now The cast of 'Orphan Black' reveal what they want to see resolved in the series finale On Now 'Supergirl' cast on inspiring little girls to pick up a cape of their own On Now Video: Comic-Con: Wishing there could be a body swap between Fitz and Mac on 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'... On Now Charlie Hunnam on the hyper-stylized antics of 'King Arthur: Legend of the Sword' On Now Comic-Con: Ana Gasteyer and Wyatt Cenac on 'People of Earth'
meredith.woerner@latimes.com
Twitter: @MdellW
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After a fractious election year that saw misogyny and bigotry woven into the political discourse, some took comfort in the hope for art becoming energized in the years ahead with the fire of resistance.
Some of the most memorable albums of 2016, however, offered magnetic expressions of a musicians personal journey, whether via guitarist Jeff Parker finding inspiration in his homes of Los Angeles and Chicago in the The New Breed or JD Allen reexamining the broader significance of the blues with his trio album Americana. More topically, it was a 2011 recording of the late Charlie Hadens Liberation Music Orchestra released this year maybe spoke most passionately for the protection of the natural world with Song for the Whales.
Where will the voices behind these albums and others from this year take us going forward? Stay tuned.
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Jack DeJohnette, Ravi Coltrane, Matthew Garrison In Movement (ECM) An unquestioned jazz master, DeJohnette offered a multi-generational summit meeting that reflected two of his early collaborators, John Coltrane and Jimmy Garrison. Teamed with the sons of the longtime bandmates, DeJohnette leads a lush survey that includes Coltranes Alabama, Miles Davis and Bill Evans Blue in Green and a stormy take on Earth, Wind & Fires Serpentine Fire.
Jeff Parker, The New Breed (International Anthem) Heard through his work in the post-rock ensemble Tortoise as well as across the Chicago jazz scene, this recent L.A. transplant was inspired by his new home citys beat-centric musical hybrids for this album, which flirts with woozy, free-form funk and barbed soul-jazz with a mix of sampling and in-the-moment creation.
Jonathan Finlayson & Sicilian Defense, Moving Still (Pi Recordings) A fixture in bands led by recent MacArthur winner Steve Coleman as well as Henry Threadgill, Finlaysons sophomore album firmly establishes him as a composer to be reckoned with. Finlaysons band takes its name from an chess maneuver, and with a sound full of swift moves, thoughtful parries and counterpoints, its easy to hear why.
Henry Threadgill and Ensemble Double-Up, Old Locks and Irregular Verbs (Pi Recordings) Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in April for his epic 2015 double-album, this influential composer continues forging a distinctive new language of jazze. Paying tribute to the late composer Butch Morris, Threadgills knotty compositions swell and recede like natural elements in the hands of a free-flowing group that includes cello, tuba, two saxophones and a pair of standout pianists in Jason Moran and David Virelles.
Mary Halvorson Octet, Away With You (Firehouse 12) One of the most distinctive voices in jazz for a number of years, this guitarist added a new one to her group in expressive pedal steel guitarist Susan Alcorn. Already possessing a slippery tone, Halvorson explores new melodic avenues within a nimble group that includes saxophonists Ingrid Laubrock and Jon Irabagon.
Greg Ward & 10 Tongues, Touch My Beloveds Thought (Greenleaf) A tribute to the collective sound of Charles Mingus and his masterpiece The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, this set from the prolific Chicago alto saxophonist calls on a raucous big band to build new, expressionist layers upon one of the richest legacies in jazz.
Vijay Iyer/Wadada Leo Smith, A Cosmic Rhythm with Each Stroke (ECM) An elusive, immersive duet between a pair of longtime collaborators, the bulk of this contemplative set looks to the works of Indian abstract artist Nasreen Mohamedi for its central suite. Though only composed of trumpet, keyboard and the occasional wash of electronics, Iyer and Smith are capable of summoning and exploring entire worlds.
JD Allen, Americana: Musings on Jazz and Blues (Savant) A saxophonist who started out backing vocalist Betty Carter, Allen examines the blues as the roots of jazz, folk and popular music, breaking the form out of any preconceptions of barriers and reclaiming it as the bedrock of musical creation. On one hand the record is a continuation of a generations-old tradition, but on the other its one of the most timely records of the year.
Brad Mehldau, Blues and Ballads (Nonesuch) Its become easy to take Mehldaus capacity for invention behind the piano for granted, but this contemplative venture is one of his trios loveliest, most immediate outings yet. In 2016 you could argue the last thing we needed was another jazz recast of the Beatles, but then Mehldau pulls at all the spaces and destinations within And I Love Her and proves you wrong.
Steve Lehman, Selebeyone (Pi Recordings) Lines separating jazz and hip-hop have been eroding for years, if not decades, and here one of the most distinctive saxophonists working today erases them entirely with the help of HPrizm (formerly known as High Priest) from Anti-Pop Consortium and Senegalese rapper Gaston Bandimic. Intricately woven with crackling, complex rhythms and rhymes in both English and Wolof, Lehman conjures a world that walls can no longer divide -- and its the better for it.
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Ten more also well worth a listen: Charlie Hadens Liberation Music Orchestras Time/Life, Kris Davis Duopoly, Andrew Cyrilles The Declaration of Musical Independence, Yussef Kamaals Black Focus, Logan Richardsons Shift, Donny McCaslins Beyond Now, Nels Clines Lovers, Marquis Hills The Way We Play, Jeremy Cunninghams Re: Dawn (From Afar), and Stephan Crumps Rhombal.
chris.barton@latimes.com
Follow me over here @chrisbarton.
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In celebration of her fashion brands 10th anniversary, designer Heidi Merrick opened the doors to her flagship H. Merrick of California boutique last month at 115 W. 9th St. in downtown Los Angeles.
I did not intend to do this with my life, said Merrick, who pretty much grew up at Channel Island Surfboards, the ultimately California-cool Santa Barbara business founded in 1969 by her parents, Al and Terry Merrick.
When they opened the shop, there was a sign that said, Custom-Made Surfboards & Clothing, said the 41-year-old designer who lives in Silver Lake with her husband and two children and owns a 55-acre apple farm close to surf spot Rincon Pointe, where she enjoys riding the waves. My mom sat in front sewing board shorts and Hawaiian-print shirts, while my dad was in the back shaping surfboards. Starting when I was 9 years old until I went to college, I did the buying with my mom, ordering from [brands like] Quiksilver.
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While Merrick didnt ever design for Channel Island, she did collaborate with her mother to create her own prom dress and, in 2003, her wedding gown.
At my wedding, my friends said, You are totally wasting your life; you need to make dresses, said Merrick. So I went to Los Angeles Trade Tech College to learn how to make patterns and sew. I started out as Heidi Merrick Dresses in a closet-sized [300-square-foot] office in the Cooper [Design Space] building [in L.A.], and then I moved to an upper floor in this [other] building eight years ago.
Merrick runs production entirely in-house despite the high costs of making clothes in the U.S. and uses leftover fabric for her home decor pieces. Every item from her label is created on-site in the downtown studio by herself and a team of six, including three sewers and a cutter.
I realize that the margins for made in America just dont compete; what I make for $70 cost, others make for $10.50 and sell at a higher price point, said Merrick. Something needs to change. My parents taught me to run a sleek, honest business and do things from the ground up. So Ive tried to put that same sort of ethic into what I do.
Merricks line has a relaxed vibe; think sequined sweatshirts, easy oversized muscle tee sleeves on dresses, and button-free blazers designed to be worn open.
The brand has expanded into a full ready-to-wear collection including T-shirts and blouses, skirts, trousers, swimwear and outerwear (from $75 for a tank top to $935 for a long wool flannel coat) as well as home and beauty items.
The new home collection features sequined, embroidered or vegan leather pillows ($95 to $225), tea towels (two for $25), beach towels ($65) and napkins (four or five for $25, depending on size) all crafted from leftover fashion fabrics. Silk pajama sets ($295) and robes ($550), also cut from repurposed fabrics, can be monogrammed in the store during atelier hours (1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays), when Merrick is available for fittings and custom gown orders. The boutique also peddles vintage Moroccan wedding blankets ($550 each) and a made-to-order teak canopy bed by L.A.-based MASHstudios ($4,400).
Merrick will soon introduce a signature soy candle ($45) with notes of sage, lavender and wood that smells like California chaparral. Up next are 2017 collaborations with California-based natural beauty brands Sea Bottle and Earth Tu Face. Menswear pieces, board shorts and T-shirts, are also in the works.
The aesthetic of the store circles back to Merricks surfer roots. Her brother, Britt, who has taken over design at Channel Island Surfboards from their father, created a series of sculptural, lacquered surfboards ($1,750 to $1,850), mimicking a shape originally designed for pro surfer Dane Reynolds and in colors to match Merricks fall/winter 2016 fashion collection, a boutique exclusive. Walls are also adorned with blown-up photos of Merricks favorite Pacific beach haunts (framed prints start at $350), a collaboration with local photographer Sharon Montrose.
Surfing is understanding the cadence of the ocean when to paddle out and when to paddle in, said Merrick, who is teaching her 6-year-old daughter the sport. When youre riding a wave, its like life. Its all intuitive.
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Before working as a fashion designer, Christian Dior owned an art gallery, and he maintained close friendships with Salvador Dali and other artists throughout his career. So its no surprise that one of the latest projects for French fashion house Dior continues its founders longtime association with art.
In June, Dior released a 10-piece line of limited-edition Lady Dior Art handbags and small accessories reimagined with orchid photo prints and petal textures by British artist Marc Quinn.
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Now, the luxury brand has teamed up with six more artists to reinvent the signature Lady Dior bag, famously carried by Princess Diana, for every style of woman. Theres the sculpturally molded metallic leather by Jason Martin; the geometric patterned mink from Daniel Gordon; the butterfly photo prints on velvet by Mat Collishaw; the metallic paint-drop patterns from Ian Davenport; a flying muscle car motif by Matthew Porter; and vibrant abstract patterns and a frog print by Chris Martin.
Unveiled at Art Basel Miami Beach on Nov. 29, the pieces hit Los Angeles on Dec. 6 with the debut of a Dior Lady Art pop-up shop in the brands Beverly Hills boutique (the only one of its kind in North America), open until February.
While the Lady Dior Art bags (the designs come in three sizes) are the focal point, the limited-edition collection ($360 to $11,500) includes pouches, silk scarves, key rings, wallets, card holders, cellphone cases and a bracelet, each produced in runs of 100.
Set up like a gallery, the space is adorned with paintings by the artists and the paint-splattered floor boasts a gold Lady Dior star in a nod to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A cluster of white mannequins, with one in gold to reference an Oscar statue, tote the art bags and don Diors iconic 1947 New Look, a full skirt with a waist-whittling Bar jacket.
Los Angeles is a very important city for us; Mr. Dior came here in 1957 to give a fashion presentation at the Beverly Hilton, Renaud de Lesquen, president of Christian Dior North America, said at the Dec. 6 celebration of the new Rodeo Drive pop-up. We thought this collaboration with artists would be a perfect fit with our clients and the scene here in L.A. It was so interesting for the artists to work with leather, a new canvas. The pieces are very limited and special, and the line already has been very successful [many medium-sized bags have nearly sold out].
Rihanna has been photographed carrying one of the small silver Lady Dior bags designed by Quinn.
Among the guests at the Dec. 6 Lady Dior cocktail party were actress Jaime King, model Destry Allyn Spielberg (daughter of Stephen Spielberg and Kate Capshaw), actress Britt Robertson, celebrity stylist Elizabeth Stewart, Wear LACMA founder Katherine Ross and florist Eric Buterbaugh.
Gorgeous. I like the butterfly bags the best, said King. Art and fashion have always been good friends, and its really fun when you see artists get to take a spin on such a classic shape like this Dior bag and make it their own. L.A. has really become an art hub. So many of my artist friends have moved here from New York. The museums and galleries are incredible, so it makes sense that fashion and art would come together in this way in L.A. Everybody can find a style that represents who they are.
I think what theyve done is amazing the colors, said Buterbaugh, who custom-designed centerpieces with hellebores, herbs and mood moss in wire handbag-shaped holders for the private dinner that followed at Spago. When brands do things like this, its changing the world. Its so exciting because when I moved here 20 years ago from London, L.A. was a bit of a one-horse town. It was movies, movies, movies. But now its art and fashion and becoming more international. It makes me so happy to live here.
image@latimes.com
About a month from now, Melania Trump will succeed Michelle Obama as the free worlds focus-puller in chief. Each time she appears by the presidents side, alights from Air Force One or attends a state dinner, her relationship with and influence on the world of fashion will solidify a tiny bit more.
Over the course of her husbands administration, the world will gradually learn her personal preferences, go-to designers and decipher her coded wardrobe messages. An outfit or two will, inevitably, have fashion critics wringing their hands and gnashing their teeth in despair.
Just as inevitably, other wardrobe choices will come to epitomize the look of the incoming first lady, fix her forever in the amber of pop-culture consciousness alongside Jackie Kennedys iconic pillbox hat, Nancy Reagans famed fondness for red and Barbara Bushs omnipresent strand of pearls.
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Thats the way it has been with the current first lady too.
Introduced as a sartorial blank slate during the early stages of her husbands campaign for the White House, Obamas look would come to be defined by bare, sculpted arms (which, you may recall originally caused quite a kerfuffle), a preference for boldly patterned florals and cardigan sweaters. Although she has been photographed wearing nearly every color under the rainbow, her closet has a deep bench of black and white, with shades of yellow deployed to punctuate important occasions.
(It should be noted that the first lady had some help in wowing us over the years, specifically in the form of fashion and wardrobe advisor Meredith Koop what the rest of the world would call a stylist and longtime hairstylist Johnny Wright.)
As far as specific looks that might define the current first lady for the ages, the last eight years have served up plenty of suitable candidates. So, before the final glossy page-flip from Mrs. O to Mrs. T, we thought it would be worth highlighting some of the looks that will factor into how history (well, fashion history, at any rate) will regard the Harvard Law School graduate and wife of the 44th U.S. president.
President-elect Barack Obama, Sasha, Malia and Michelle Obama during an election night gathering in Grant Park on Nov. 4, 2008 in Chicago. For the occasion, the first lady chose a red-and-black firecracker of a dress by Narciso Rodriguez. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images )
Black and red and seen all over
What do you wear to a history-making moment? If youre Michelle Obama taking the stage in Chicagos Grant Park alongside the freshly minted president-elect and their two young daughters, its a dress with the potential to become as instantly indelible as the occasion itself. And the straight-off-the-spring-2009-runway, red-and-black sleeveless sheath dress by American designer Narciso Rodriguez (paired with a black cardigan) was that indeed, splashed across newspaper front pages around the world.
With black fabric crisscrossing the front and spark-like speckles of red across the bust and hips, former Times fashion critic Booth Moore hailed it as a major statement, the patriotic red bursting out of black like a firecracker out of the night sky. (An early indicator of how polarizing Obamas outfits could be, everyone seemed to have an opinion. Some readers liked it; others most decidedly did not, and one of the latter actually likened it to an abortion.)
At left, the first lady wears a Naeem Khan for a state dinner honoring Indias prime minister. At right, she wears a top from ASOS Africa during visit to South Africa. (Charles Dharapak / Associated Press )
Here comes the sunshine
For her next high-profile appearance that was Inauguration Day in January 2009 Obama accompanied her husband along the parade route in a matching Isabel Toledo lace-over-wool dress-and-coat ensemble in a retro Mad Men silhouette and strikingly optimistic shade of yellow that fell somewhere between lemon and freshly churned butter. To complete the outfit she wore olive green leather gloves and teal Jimmy Choo pumps making a memorable look even more so.
There was no way of knowing it then, but the yellow-orange slice of the rainbow would become the wardrobe equivalent of an exclamation point for the first lady, most memorably in January 2016 when she wore a sleeveless, banded-bodice, marigold-colored wool crepe midi dress from Rodriguezs fall 2015 ready-to-wear collection to her husbands final State of the Union address.
At left, the first lady wears a yellow Isabel Toledo dress while walking with the president on Inauguration Day 2009. At right, she appears on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Oct. 27, 2008, in a J. Crew ensemble that sells out online the following day. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times left, Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press )
Wardrobe diplomacy
Another important clue to M.O.s wardrobe M.O. would come when the Obamas hosted their first state dinner in November 2009 in honor of Indias Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife, Gursharan Kaur. For the occasion, Michelle paid homage to the worlds largest democracy by choosing a dress created by Mumbai-born, New York-based Indian American designer Naeem Khan (whose name would end up becoming very familiar to FLOTUS fashion fans over the years). The champagne-colored strapless gown gleaming with silver floral applique was the first of many elegant shoulder-baring looks to come and made successive state dinners there would be a dozen more must-follow events for the fashion flock.
For a Sept. 25, 2015, state dinner honoring China, First Lady Michelle Obama chose a Vera Wang Collection gown. (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press )
Another state-dinner stunner was the custom-made inky black silk crepe mermaid gown she wore to the September 2015 dinner honoring Chinas President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan. The choice made headlines not just because it oozed old-school Hollywood glamour or that it was from Vera Wang Collection (the U.S.-born designers parents immigrated from China), but also because some saw it as a diplomatic do-over for the first ladys choice of British label Alexander McQueen for the 2011 state dinner honoring Jinpings predecessor, Hu Jintao.
Obamas efforts in wardrobe diplomacy extended beyond high-profile affairs as well as U.S. borders. In 2014, for example, she touched down in Beijing wearing a black wool dress covered in bold, cream-colored leather-and-suede patchwork by Derek Lam, an American designer of Chinese descent. And on a trip to South Africa in 2011, she paired a J. Crew vest and trousers with a Kitenge print blouse from ASOS Africa, a collection from U.K. online retailer ASOS that helps fund sustainable business-building in underprivileged African communities.
Running with the J. Crew
Speaking of J. Crew, no recap of Obamas fashion legacy would be complete without highlighting her influence on that label. A staple of her casual wardrobe (sometimes paired with upscale or statement pieces for a high/low look), sales of particular pieces routinely spiked after she wore them even before her husband took office. After she name-checked the brand during an October 2008 appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, the yellow-gold Pembridge-dot pencil skirt ($148), boldly patterned yellow-and-brown-printed silk Italian Deco tank top ($148) and mustard-yellow Crystal-button colorblock cardigan ($118) sold out online the next day.
By the time the brand accompanied her into the pages of the March 2009 issue of Vogue magazine (she wore a pink Jason Wu sheath for what would be her first of three cover turns), J. Crew was ready to capitalize on the FLOTUS fashion fascination, posting a first-look photo from the shoot and advising customers that the cashmere V-neck cardigan, rumpled satin cami and tweed pencil skirt from the fall 2009 collection were available for preorder. When the Obamas made their first official trip to London in 2011, the cream-and-silver J. Crew cardigan, which the first lady paired with a mint-green version of the aforementioned pencil skirt, sold out just hours after photos were released.
One final mic-drop moment
If the Narciso Rodriguez dress from election night 2008 was the first red-and-black firecracker in the night sky, then the outfit Obama chose to wear for the last state dinner, on Oct. 18, was the over-the-top, sparkly Roman candle go-out-with-a-bang fireworks finale that brought everything to a close. The evenings honorees were Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife, Agnese Landini, whose home country was reflected in Obamas choice of a glittery and glamorous, floor-length, form-fitting gown from Atelier Versace that felt like the wardrobe equivalent of a mic drop.
Italys first lady Agnese Landini, from left, Michelle Obama, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and President Obama at an October state dinner. The Atelier Versace rose gold chainmail dress gets our vote as one of Mrs. Os most memorable looks. (Shawn Thew / EPA )
It could have been because the rose gold chainmail gown with an asymmetrical, off-the-shoulder neckline and draping details is the same sort of soft armor worn by the warrior women who filled the runways of Paris Fashion just a few weeks earlier. Or maybe it was the powerful-women-helping-powerful-women symbolism of wearing a dress custom-designed for her by Donatella Versace in the weeks before a U.S. presidential election could have resulted in the first female commander-in-chief in our nations history. (Powerful women in general and feminism in particular was a big take-away from the same Paris shows.) Or maybe it was simply the fact that she looked, in nonprofessional parlance, damn fine. Full stop.
Or maybe its all of the above. Whatever the reason, well wager that that rose gold chainmail gown will rank among Obamas most-remembered looks during her eight years as first lady right up there with the J. Crew pencil skirts.
For more musings on all things fashion and style, follow me @ARTschorn.
Youd think that craft beer fanatics would be easy to shop for a few bottles or cans of craft beer or maybe some fancy Belgian imports are foolproof gifts, right? But as with any borderline obsessive connoisseurs, finding a gift thats more thoughtful than, say, a bottle, can be a challenge.
Here are some stocking stuffers, perfect for the beer fans on your list.
A waiters corkscrew
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The humble bottle opener isnt an item than any beer lover really needs. They tend to amass branded key chain openers until drawers are overflowing with the inadvertent collection. But a bottle opener is also an item that a beer drinker uses, and uses often. A waiter-style corkscrew will quickly become any beer geeks favorite way into their beloved brews. Besides simply getting a cap off, the foil knife will cut through wax seals on specialty bottles, and, of course, theyll open the odd bottle of wine (or the tony Belgian beers sealed with corks). You can spend a few bucks on generic waiters corkscrews or drop well over $100 dollars for a Laguiole-branded version available in all manner of handle materials, from French oak to antler. These boozy multi-tools arent exciting, but theyll get years maybe a lifetime of use.
A Champagne bottle stopper
Another wine accessory that beer drinkers will find unexpectedly useful are the stoppers built to reseal a bottle of bubbly. Though an open bottle of beer doesnt often sit around long enough to go flat, the proliferation of large-format bottles of potent barrel-aged stouts or acerbic sour ales that demand slow sipping on small pours makes preserving the carbonation of a half-bottle for an evening a useful trick. Typical wine bottle stoppers dont hold muster for beer as the carbonation will still slowly escape (and the vacuum sealers are a total no-go as theyll rapidly draw carbonation from the brew). The best option is the type of Champagne stopper that clips onto the bottles neck to hold the rubber seal firmly inside the bottle, such as these $6 versions from Crate and Barrel.
Brewery socks
One marker of achieving official adulthood is when you stop rolling your eyes at getting socks as a gift and start appreciating a gift of fun, funky or otherwise characterful stockings. Many large craft brewers, and a few smaller local brewing companies, sell branded socks, and now Etsy, Amazon and even Target offer socks adorned with beer mugs, beer foam or pithy slogans announcing your allegiance to your favorite hops. Wearing a pair of Sierra Nevada narwhal socks under your suit is a delightfully low-key subversion of business-friendly wardrobe.
Tasting journals
The rise of online beer rating sites and beer review smartphone apps means there are a lot less beer-nerds scribbling in paper journals at the local craft beer bars, but theres something about journaling your beer journey in longhand thats more immediate and visceral than tapping on a glowing screen. A dedicated beer tasting journal is a great way to get in the habit of remembering all those new beers youve tried, and theyre especially helpful to drinkers just beginning to explore the world of beer. Try the 33 Bottles of Beer pocket journal from 33 Books Co. These notebooks feature smart layouts and graphics that help you jot down what youre tasting, and they only cost about $5.
Gift cards and beer club memberships
Though not the most original gift, some credit at a beer retailer is often a better stocking stuffer than an actual bottle of beer. Gift cards for the big-box beertailers such as BevMo! or Total Wines are good, but store credit at independent craft-beer-focused retailers such as Sunset Beer in Echo Park, Select Beer in Redondo Beach, Southland Beer in Koreatown or either location of Craft Beer Cellar (Eagle Rock and Torrance) are even better. Many local breweries offer gift certificates, and a branded growler plus enough credit for a fill-up or two is always a welcome gifts for beer lovers.
A few local breweries also offer subscriptions and club memberships, which make great gifts. The $300 annual membership to Phantom Carriages Barrel Guild is a stretch for a stocking stuffer; the $60-per-quarter membership to the Bruerys Preservation Society is a bit easier to swallow. New local breweries Dry River (Boyle Heights) and Cellador Ales (North Hills) also offer membership subscriptions at various price points.
Another membership to look into is an Enthusiast membership to the Los Angeles Brewers Guild. For $50, Enthusiasts get a membership card good for discounts on pints, merchandise and food at more than a dozen bars and restaurants across Los Angeles, a T-shirt or tank top, a printed map and guide to L.A.s beer scene and discounted VIP tickets for the annual L.A. Beer Week kickoff festival and this years inaugural L.A. Beer and Food Festival.
A foolproof bottle of beer
With so many different styles or beer and such varied tastes among beer-lovers, theres no such thing as a one-size-fits-all beer recommendation. But there are a few brews that just about every serious beer lover would be elated to find in their stocking. You cant go wrong with the superlative Trappist brew from Orval the pale ale is not only one of the best beers in the world, Orvals special formulation means its nearly immune to the ravages of time, so you wont have to worry about gifting a stale bottle. Its easy to find at local shops, where the striking bottle should be less than $8. And if you can find a branded Orval glass (said to be designed by the same architect who designed the Orval abbey west of Luxembourg), even better.
To read the article in Spanish, click here
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Tom Wheeler, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, announced Thursday that he would leave the agency Jan. 20, guaranteeing Republicans will have a majority after President-elect Donald Trump takes office that day.
The move makes it easier for Republicans to try to repeal new online traffic rules known as net neutrality, as well as other controversial actions taken by the agencys Democratic majority under President Obama.
Wheeler, 70, a Democrat who has served as chairman since late 2013, was widely expected to leave once Trump became president. The president gets to designate the chairman of the FCC, and Trump would pick a Republican to supplant Wheeler to head the commission.
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But there was a question about whether Wheeler would buck tradition and stay on as a regular commissioner until his five-year term ends in 2018 to try to preserve some of his major policy actions.
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Such a move would have left the five-member commission, which will have one vacancy next year, deadlocked with two Democrats and two Republicans.
That would have kept Republicans from having the votes to reverse Wheeler initiatives.
But Wheeler, who has been coy about his future, ended that speculation Thursday by issuing a news release announcing his plans to leave the FCC.
This is in keeping with the commitments that I have repeatedly made since March that I would cooperate with the wishes of the new administration to assure a smooth transition and that I would follow the precedent that when the White House changes parties, the chairman resigns regardless of the amount of time left in the term, Wheeler told reporters after the FCCs December meeting, his last on the commission.
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Under Republican leadership, the FCC is expected to try to weaken the net neutrality regulations, which were enacted by a partisan 3-2 vote in 2015.
Urged on by Obama, the FCC classified broadband as a more highly regulated service under Title 2 of the telecommunications law. The classification gave the FCC more authority over broadband providers.
It also opened the door for the agency to enact new rules, approved by another partisan 3-2 vote in October, requiring high-speed Internet service providers to get customer permission before using or sharing sensitive personal data.
Republicans on the commission and in Congress strongly opposed the moves, and both are expected to be early targets of the new FCC chairman.
Republicans said they didnt oppose the goals of net neutrality to prohibit broadband companies from slowing Internet speeds for some content such as video streams, selling faster lanes for delivering data or otherwise discriminating against any legal online material. But they strongly objected to classifying broadband providers for the same type of regulatory oversight as conventional phone companies.
Congressional Republicans also could attempt to override the new regulatory classification for broadband providers with legislation, an effort that stalled in 2013 because of a sure Obama veto.
Wheeler said Thursday that he hoped any legislation would not enact weaker net neutrality rules that gutted the FCCs authority to enforce them.
Calling his tenure as chairman the greatest privilege of my professional career, Wheeler downplayed the partisan divides on that and other key issues under his leadership.
The headlines got built around our differences, but the facts are that we accomplished a lot, he said.
Wheeler said he tried to make decisions that benefited the common good and defended government service in the wake of an election in which Trump was elected promising to drain the swamp of Washington.
Those who chant that government is the problem are wrong, and their chant is dangerous, Wheeler said.
Government isnt some faceless them. It is us. It is we the people who govern ourselves, he said. Government is where we come together to collectively address common challenges.
Wheeler admitted he had hoped for another outcome in the election, but said he has had two good meetings with Trumps FCC transition staff.
No clear candidates to replace Wheeler have emerged, and FCC nominations are typically in the second tier of presidential appointments, after Cabinet members and top White House staff positions.
The fifth member of the FCC, Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel, must leave the commission on Dec. 31 after the Republican-controlled Senate failed to approve her renomination by President Obama before recessing last week. That will give Trump two nominations to make, though one would be a Democrat because only three commissioners can be from the same political party.
It has been an honor, a privilege and a wild ride, Rosenworcel said Thursday of her service.
Senate Republicans have said Wheelers failure to formally commit to stepping down from the agency altogether had complicated Democratic efforts to confirm Rosenworcel to a second term.
Outgoing Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has accused Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ken.) of reneging on a deal to confirm Rosenworcel in exchange for Democratic support for the renomination of Republican FCC Commissioner Michael ORielly in 2015.
jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com
Follow @JimPuzzanghera on Twitter
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UPDATES:
10:35 a.m.: This article was updated with more details about the effects on net neutrality rules.
9:50 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, as well as details about possible replacements.
8:10 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details on the politics behind Jessica Rosenworcels failed renomination.
This article originally was published at 6:50 a.m.
Less than three months after reaching a compromise to start the school year later, L.A. Unified has changed course again and will keep its early start schedule.
The lengthy debate over the schedule has hardly been scintillating but it matters to students and parents, who say it affects not only vacation plans and child-care arrangements but summer camps, summer jobs, enrichment programs and even college applications.
School began this year on August 16.
Many families prefer a traditional post-Labor Day school start because it lets them schedule escapes and keep their kids out of classrooms and physical-education classes during the most intense heat of late summer. Some in the school system have pointed out that it also reduces air-conditioning costs. Such views prevailed in September, when the Board of Education voted to shift away gradually from the earlier, August start.
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But then came Tuesday, when school board members had to vote on the actual calendar, which showed which days were vacation and which were not and they changed their minds about making the change.
After details of the new calendar became widely known, they started getting pressure from the unions representing teachers and administrators. Many district employees were not pleased that they would no longer get an entire week off for Thanksgiving and that the winter break would shrink from three to two weeks.
Some parents also let board members know they liked the current vacation arrangements.
In public remarks to the board, United Teachers Los Angeles President Alex Caputo-Pearl said the schedule should not be altered unless there was evidence that students would benefit.
A delegation from Eagle Rock High School also spoke for the current calendar.
In an interview, Eagle Rock college counselor John J. Kim said he was concerned that the later start would create further imbalance between the fall and spring semester, which is longer, complicating instruction in one-semester classes.
Parent Maria Soliman-Laguna said she uses the additional vacation days to schedule doctors appointments.
I used my entire [week-long] Thanksgiving break to do college applications, said Hamilton High senior Karen Calderon, the boards student representative. The extra days off, she said, are the times that we have to breathe.
On the Board of Education, Monica Ratliff led the charge against the change, with strong support from Monica Garcia. Ratliff said she was concerned about financial losses. She was referring to a staff analysis that reviewed student attendance during five days in December 2011. Based on this limited review, staff claimed the later start would cost the district $42 million a year.
I think its going to have a huge impact on us financially, Ratliff said.
Four board members maintained consistent positions: Ratliff and Garcia remained in favor of the early calendar; George McKenna and Richard Vladovic argued for school to start later.
I have not changed my mind, McKenna said. If you ask people, they always want more vacations.
The biggest shift was from Scott Schmerelson, who in September argued strongly for starting school after Labor Day. On Tuesday, he said he had since become concerned, in part, that independently operated charter schools could begin sooner and grab up all the kids before we start.
Board President Steve Zimmer ended up abstaining.
I am a man divided on this issue, he said. I will live with whatever the outcome is.
Ref Rodriguez, the last to vote, said that he, too, saw both sides and he wished the research was more conclusive.
People are very confused, Rodriguez said before casting the deciding fourth vote to stay with the early start.
Were trying to please everybody, he said. Were pleasing no one.
howard.blume@latimes.com
Twitter: @howardblume
An Oceanside woman who plowed into a homeless man and drove for a mile with his body lodged in her passenger seat will face trial for second-degree murder and other charges, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Esteysi Stacy Sanchez faces 15 years to life in prison if convicted.
Following a preliminary hearing at the San Diego County courthouse in Vista that lasted more than two days, Superior Court Judge Blaine Bowman found enough evidence to order Sanchez, 30, to face trial.
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According to authorities, Sanchez was driving east on Mission Avenue in Oceanside around 6:20 a.m. on June 27 when her car struck and killed 69-year-old Jack Ray Tenhulzen.
The impact sent the man through the cars front windshield and into the passenger seat. One of his legs was severed near the foot.
Sanchez eventually stopped the car in the middle of the street and got out in a state of panic, screaming, help me, one witness said. She walked the remaining block or so to her home.
Before the crash, Sanchez had been drinking at a club and with friends at a small after-party, witnesses testified.
Prosecutor Robert Bruce argued that warnings from Sanchezs friends that she not drive, as well as her actions after the crash, showed conscious disregard for human life a factor needed to prove second-degree murder.
Sanchez, who authorities suspect is in the country illegally, is being held on $1.5-million bail and is due back in court on Jan. 11.
teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com
Figueroa writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
A former Los Angeles Times reporter who uncovered a scheme by L.A. County Sheriffs Department officials to interfere with an FBI probe into abusive deputies testified Wednesday that retired Sheriff Lee Baca was aware of the scandal as it unfolded and helped plan part of it.
Robert Faturechi, who spent several years reporting on the Sheriffs Department for The Times before joining another news organization, was called to the witness stand against his will by federal prosecutors who have accused Baca of conspiring with a group of subordinates to obstruct the FBI investigation.
While brief, the reporters testimony dealt a blow to Baca.
Assistant U.S. Atty. Brandon Fox questioned Faturechi about an interview he conducted with the then-sheriff in August 2011 about steps he and other Sheriffs Department officials had taken after learning FBI agents had been looking into allegations of deputies beating inmates in county jails.
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In response to questions, Faturechi told jurors Baca had said he was behind a decision to send a pair of Sheriffs Department investigators to the house of the lead FBI agent in the case in order to question her about the investigation.
He told you he directed it to happen? Fox asked.
Yes, Faturechi responded.
Faturechi also recounted how Baca had talked during the interview about what had first alerted Sheriffs Department officials that something was afoot: the discovery a few weeks earlier that a sheriffs deputy had smuggled a cellphone to a jail inmate who was working as an FBI informant.
Under cross-examination by Bacas attorney, Faturechi said Baca in the interview dismissed the notion that he had dispatched the investigators to the agents house with the intent of intimidating the agent, as prosecutors now allege.
The appearance of a reporter injected an element of controversy into the trial, which has run five days and is expected to conclude early next week. Faturechi, who now works for ProPublica, a nonprofit investigative organization, had tried to avoid testifying. Lawyers for the Los Angeles Times argued on Faturechis behalf that the Constitutions 1st Amendment protected him from having to assist the government in making its case.
U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson rejected the claim, saying the prosecutions need for disclosure outweighed Faturechis protections as a journalist. Anderson, however, agreed to set strict limits on the testimony, ordering that Faturechi only had to answer questions about material he published in the newspaper or elsewhere.
Subpoenaing journalists is a threat to media independence, Faturechi said in a statement. Our attorneys fought back to ensure I would reveal absolutely nothing about anonymous sources or confidential materials.
Foxs decision to call Faturechi to the stand and Faturechis reluctance to testify reflected a point of deep friction for journalists that has become heightened over the past several years as Justice Department officials in the Obama administration have aggressively sought information from news media organizations to aid in investigations.
In one high-profile case, justice officials subpoenaed James Risen, a New York Times reporter, and pressured him to identify his confidential sources as part of a prosecution of a former CIA agent charged with leaking to Risen classified information. Risen refused and, under direction from then-Atty. Gen. Eric Holder, prosecutors backed off, declining to force him to testify.
The cases led to renewed calls for Congress to consider a federal shield law that would establish a reporters right to refuse to testify. While many states have such laws that offer varying levels of protection to journalists, there continues to be no federal law.
On Wednesday, jurors also heard from one of Bacas former aides, who testified to seeing Baca hold several closed-door meetings with top officials in the weeks after the FBI investigation was discovered.
Those officials, including Bacas second-in-command, former Undersheriff Paul Tanaka, as well as a handful of low-level deputies, have been convicted or pleaded guilty for the roles they played in the obstruction. On Wednesday, Tanaka lost his bid to remain free on bail while he appealed his conviction, clearing the way for him to begin serving the five-year sentence Anderson handed down in his trial.
Fox also called Leah Tanner, the lead FBI agent in the case, to the stand. Along with recounting how she and other agents were prevented from meeting with the informant, Tanner discussed voluminous phone records, emails and calendar entries that showed the flurry of communications top Sheriffs Department officials exchanged as they worked to derail the FBI.
At several crucial points, Tanner testified, the records show Baca spoke with Tanaka on the phone or attended meetings with others who have been convicted in the case.
joel.rubin@latimes.com
For more news on federal courts in Southern California, follow me on Twitter: @joelrubin
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Authorities say Francisco Yanes Valdivia married a woman to get his green card; problem was, he already had a wife.
On Tuesday, the Tulare County Sheriffs Office booked Valdivia and his wife, Rosalina Lopez, on suspicion of murder, saying the couple killed Vadivias other wife, Cecilia Bravo Cabrera.
Cabrera hasnt been seen or heard from for more than six months not even on her beloved social media feeds and investigators say theyre sure shes dead.
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The 30-year-old mother of four was last seen just after midnight on June 9 leaving the Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore, Calif., in her gray 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Five hours later, California Highway Patrol officers and firefighters found her car torched in an orchard near the small town of Traver, roughly 17 miles north of Visalia.
Valdivia, who is from Mexico, married Cabrera with the intent to gain legal residency in the United States, according to Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux. At the time of the marriage, Valdivia was married to Lopez, who was also from Mexico.
We do believe the motive surrounds this relationship with three people, Boudreaux said. Its complex, very.
Boudreaux declined to say whether Cabrera knew her husband was married to another woman.
Investigators gathered significant digital forensic evidence to arrest Valdivia and Lopez, Boudreaux said.
Valdivia, 37, and Lopez, 39, were booked on suspicion of murder, he said. The Visalia couple are being held without bail.
Clearly, this is a circumstantial case, but we are both comfortable and confident in our belief that Cecilia Bravo Cabrera was murdered, the sheriff said at a news conference.
After finding her car, CHP officers went to Cabreras home. Family members told the officers that she had gone out with Valdivia the night before, authorities said. The husband and wife had left in her Chevrolet. She had not returned home, so at that point, her family filed a missing person report with the officers.
Detectives from the sheriffs violent-crimes unit decided to take over the case and began digging into Cabreras disappearance, which they deemed suspicious.
Before she disappeared, Cabrera was very active on social media, authorities said. But her social media activity stopped the day she disappeared.
Months passed and Cabreras four children still hadnt heard from her.
Detectives followed numerous tips about her disappearance and spent many hours looking for her, but her body has yet to be located, authorities said.
During the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Valdivia and Lopez had been married in Mexico sometime before 2007. Cabrera was born in Bakersfield, the sheriff said.
Boudreaux said he was confident that Valdivia and Lopez are responsible for her death.
The couple had made threats on her life, he said.
Our hearts go out to the Cabrera family, Boudreaux said. We understand the difficulties they have been facing and what stress the process of court will bring.
Anyone with details about Cabrera is urged to call the Tulare County Sheriffs Office at (559) 733-6218 or email TCSO@tipnow.com.
To read the article in Spanish, click here
veronica.rocha@latimes.com
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It started with a massacre at a hair salon near the Seal Beach Pier and morphed into one of the biggest law enforcement scandals in Orange County history.
Heres a breakdown of the jail informant scandal from the pages of The Times.
What is this scandal about?
The use of informants was first exposed in the prosecution of Scott Dekraai, who killed eight people, including his ex-wife, in the Seal Beach mass shooting.
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On Oct. 12, 2011, Dekraai walked into the Salon Meritage and opened fire, killing his ex-wife, Michelle Fournier, 48, along with salon owner Randy Fannin, 62; Lucia Kondas, 65; Michele Fast, 47; Victoria Buzzo, 54; Laura Elody, 46; Christy Wilson, 47; and David Caouette, 64, who was shot outside in his car.
Dekraai pleaded guilty to eight counts of first-degree murder in 2014. His punishment remains unresolved; he will receive either a death sentence or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Dekraai made incriminating statements to the informant. A judge later disqualified the district attorneys office from the case, saying it failed to disclose evidence about the prolific serial informant. Secret jailhouse computer logs revealed he had been part of a scheme run with jailers to place informants near suspects.
Prosecutors and jailers said that in this case it was a coincidence, but Dekraais attorney insisted it was part of an operation to elicit incriminating remarks from defendants who were represented by lawyers a violation of their rights under federal law.
At least four serious criminal cases including two murder cases have already suffered serious setbacks because of questions over informant involvement.
Asst. Public Defender Scott Sanders, Dekraais attorney, said that during the last five years there were at least 41 cases in which informants were questionably used, and his office is looking further back.
What has been the fallout from the scandal?
Both the district attorneys office and Orange County Sheriffs Department have come under scrutiny for the way informants are used.
Earlier this year, a panel unveiled a highly critical report saying a failure of leadership at the Orange County district attorneys office led to the scandal.
The findings, presented by legal experts on a special committee established by Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas, described the office as functioning as a ship without a rudder and faulted some of its prosecutors for adopting a win-at-all-costs mentality.
The committee called on the office to improve oversight of cases and promote prosecutors who place justice ahead of legal victories.
Hasnt the use of jailhouse informants been a problem elsewhere?
Yes. In Los Angeles County, a scandal more than two decades ago involving jailhouse informants pushed the county to adopt tough policies restricting their use. Now, prosecutors must obtain permission from a committee before using a jailhouse informant as a witness. Other counties have been reluctant to adopt similar policies, experts say.
Whats the latest on the case?
Several weeks ago, an appeals court panel affirmed Goethals decision to toss Orange County prosecutors off a mass-shooting case for their failure to give the defense evidence related to jailhouse informants.
The California attorney generals office appealed Goethals decision, placing the blame for the withheld evidence on the Sheriffs Department.
But the three-judge panel for the 4th District Court of Appeal blasted that contention as nonsense and found that Goethals acted within his authority.
The appeals court found there was overwhelming evidence to support Goethals conclusion that two jailers Seth Tunstall and Ben Garcia had lied or willfully withheld evidence in court about informant records.
How about the families of the victims of the Seal Beach massacre?
At a news conference last weekend, family members of victims called on the California attorney generals office to accept the convicted killers guilty plea in exchange for a punishment of life in prison without the possibility of parole, hoping to expedite a case that has languished for years.
We are exhausted from this continuous pain, and this has got to be over with, said Paul Wilson, whose wife, Christy Wilson, was killed as she worked in the salon. Life will never be the same for us, but we should have the chance to move on and heal.
Wilson sharply criticized Rackauckas for recklessness that he said has further delayed the process and accused him of revictimizing the families.
After Hattie Stretz, the sole survivor of the shooting, read prepared remarks calling on the state attorney general to accept the lesser punishment of life in prison, one of the victims daughters interjected from the row of family members behind her.
Were not all united in that, still, said Chelsea Huff, daughter of Dekraais slain ex-wife, Michelle Fournier. Huff said several of her family members dont agree with the idea of dropping the death penalty and that she had not been made aware of the statement or the news conference until the Orange County district attorneys office called her about it.
I want it to be over, but as a family we need to stick together, said Butch Fournier, Michelles brother. We still believe in the death penalty. We dont want him to have that last bit of control, that last bit of what he wants.
richard.winton@latimes.com | Twitter: @lacrimes
christine.maiduc@latimes.com | Twitter: @cmaiduc
shelby.grad@latimes.com | Twitter: @shelbygrad
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A judge on Wednesday rebuffed a claim of discrimination by tenants of a Highland Park apartment building who are being evicted by an investment company that is renovating the complex and raising rents by 50% or more.
After hearing two days of testimony, Superior Court Judge Rupert A. Byrdsong ruled that the tenants, who organized into a union and stopped paying rent this summer, provided no evidence that the management treated any tenants differently because of their race or ethnicity.
Byrdsong said the tenants testimony showed that the management company and its on-site manager treated all tenants with respect.
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There is no evidence of disparate treatment, Byrdsong said.
The ruling means that five tenants must leave the 60-unit Marmion Royal Apartments. A sixth defendant had agreed to leave in an earlier settlement. Eviction cases are pending against close to 20 other tenants who are withholding rent. But after the defeat, their attorney offered a settlement that would allow them to leave early in 2017 and forgive past rent.
The case marks a setback for neighborhood activists who organized the tenants to counter gentrification in Highland Park, where dozens of low-income apartment buildings have been purchased in recent years as speculative investments geared toward attracting young professionals who are displacing low-income Latinos.
The five tenants had received eviction notices in May, shortly after Skya Ventures purchased the building for $14.3 million. Dozens more tenants received eviction notices after forming a union to fight the rent increases.
Guided by the anti-gentrification group North East Los Angeles Alliance, the tenants had organized in the hope of extending the standards of the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance to the building. That law limits rent increases to 3% per year and requires owners to pay thousands of dollars in relocation fees for anyone required to move for remodeling.
But the Marmion Royal was built in 1987, after the ordinance went into effect, making it exempt.
John Urquiza, an organizer for North East Los Angeles Alliance, described the tenants union as an attempt to exert economic pressure on Skya Ventures by putting the firm through a drawn-out battle that would squeeze its bottom line.
The striking tenants received the eviction notices this summer shortly after they tried to delay the renovation by refusing to leave a courtyard so that a sandblasting crew could not work there.
Tenants who joined the union have been setting aside money orders for the rent but not forwarding them to the owner, said their attorney Elena Popp, co-founder of the Eviction Defense Network.
When Skya Ventures principal Gelena Skya-Wasserman declined to negotiate with tenants who werent paying rent, Popp mounted a defense based on discrimination.
Ted Falk, the fiance of one of the buildings few non-Latino tenants, Hannah Weinstein, testified that he was told by the on-site manager that Weinstein could move to a freshly renovated unit for an increase of about 50%.
Falk said he was initially told it would be $2,700 for a two-bedroom but that the manager later agreed to drop it to $2,100.
Other tenants, who were Latino or black, testified that they were made no offer and instead were told they had to move.
But under questioning by Skya Ventures attorney, Jeffrey B. Endler, and also the judge, the tenants had difficulty remembering dates and articulating why they were withholding rent.
The tenants had gone to court Monday expecting to present their stories to a jury. Instead, Byrdsong ordered a hearing to determine if the evidence merited a jury trial.
At the close of the hearing Monday, Endler asked the judge to end the hearing, arguing that all the defendants had shown was that white people were allowed to negotiate, maybe because they were more aggressive.
Even though Byrdsong said he agreed, he allowed the defense to bring more witnesses Wednesday before ordering the evictions.
Popp, who had hoped to testify, said a representative of Skya Ventures told her the Tarzana-based company sought to bring in higher-caliber tenants.
Byrdsong ruled her testimony inadmissible because it amounted to a negotiation between the parties.
After Mondays hearing, Popp said she planned to appeal.
Hes just wrong, Popp said.
But when the hearing resumed Wednesday, she offered a settlement in which all the tenants would leave by Jan. 30.
Skya Ventures has countered for an earlier date.
The firm is not asking for unpaid rent.
All we want is possession, Endler said.
doug.smith@latimes.com
Twitter: @LATDoug
Even Peter Rauenbuehlers big German shepherd-husky didnt want to mess with this cat.
Thats because the early-morning visitor was no domestic feline munching on some unlucky rodent. Instead, it was a mountain lion gorging on the carcass of a freshly killed deer in the Lakeview neighborhood of Hillsborough in San Mateo County.
The cat had killed the deer in Rauenbuehlers front yard, then dragged it over a 3-foot high fence and onto his darkened porch about 4 a.m. Wednesday.
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My wife went to the door and one of our dogs, the biggest of the three, he backed off and went back into the bedroom, Rauenbuehler said. Hes the toughest one.
Deer sightings are frequent in the Bay Area suburb, and carcasses from a mountain lion are seen in the neighborhood about once or twice a year, Rauenbuehler said. But what was unusual this time is that the feasting puma and its kill were recorded on Rauenbuehlers home security camera system and posted to YouTube.
Wed heard a large cracking sound; we thought it was a tree limb. In retrospect, it was probably the deers neck, Rauenbuehler said in an interview with The Times.
When Rauenbuehlers wife looked through the front door peephole to investigate the sound, she thought it was a coyote and opened the door.
The big cat was only about six feet away from her, Rauenbuehler said. She immediately closed it and the familys biggest, baddest dog, Jake, scampered away to hide.
We were pretty surprised, but it wasnt hugely scary. We were more interested than scared, Rauenbuehler said, noting that he and his wife had recently returned from seeing exotic animals in Borneo. It was pretty strong. He had big paws and big claws.
After the door was closed, the couple turned on the porch light, which startled the predator, the video shows.
The mountain lion grabbed its kill by the neck and dragged it off into the night.
The next morning the hollowed-out deer carcass was found on the neighbors lawn, Rauenbuehler said. The family has since taken to warning their guests to park in the driveway if theyre arriving at night, he added.
joseph.serna@latimes.com
For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.
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A man was fatally struck by a vehicle early Thursday after he fell into the road during a brawl with a security worker outside a North Hollywood bar, police said.
The fight occurred about 1:45 a.m. in the 6300 block of Lankershim Boulevard just after the bar was preparing to close for the night, said Officer Liliana Preciado, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department. She did not know the name of the bar.
The man, who was believed to be drunk, and security worker Ernest Reyes got into a struggle, she said. At some point, the man fell into the street.
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A dark-colored vehicle with dark-tinted windows being driven in the area struck the man, then sped away, Preciado said.
When officers arrived, they arrested Reyes, 34, on suspicion of murder, she said. He is being held in lieu of $2 million bail.
It is unclear whether Reyes pushed the man into the road before he was struck by the vehicle.
On Thursday afternoon, detectives were scouring the area and looking for surveillance videos to get a better description of the vehicle and its driver, Preciado said.
veronica.rocha@latimes.com
For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
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Officials of the city of Pacifica in San Mateo County announced plans Thursday to demolish a second apartment complex sitting on the edge of a crumbling seaside cliff, saying the structure posed a clear danger.
As powerful winds, rain and surf pummeled the coast Thursday morning, city officials said they feared a vacant apartment building at 310 Esplanade would fall due to deterioration of the bluffs. A city building official and geotechnical consultant determined the building posed a threat to public health and recommended it be demolished as soon as possible, officials said. A date for the demolition has not been set.
Storm-driven waves have accelerated erosion of the adjacent bluffs presenting a clear danger to residents, and demolishing this structure is the only way to prevent it from crumbling to the beach below, City Manager Lorie Tinfow said in a statement.
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In January, El Nino-related storms forced city officials to declare the building at 310 Esplanade Avenue unsafe and residents were asked to leave their homes. Portions of the eroding cliff had collapsed into the ocean after rains hammered the coastal Bay Area city.
The building was constructed in the 1960s and contains hazardous materials, city officials said.
In March, a neighboring 20-unit apartment building, which had also been determined to be dangerous for residents, was demolished. The building had been closed since 2010 when city officials declared it hazardous.
The two buildings are owned by Millard Tong, who city officials say has been aware of the bluffs condition and filed for bankruptcy in 2015.
A third building on the same stretch of coast was also demolished by a private owner during the winter.
City officials said beach access near apartment buildings at 100 Esplanade was closed after a 15-foot sinkhole appeared in the bluffs. The city has asked a geotechnical consultant to examine the deteriorating cliff.
veronica.rocha@latimes.com
For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
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A power outage in Boyle Heights affected more than a dozen businesses Thursday, trapping people in elevators and forcing the USC health sciences campus to rely on backup generators until power was restored, officials said.
The outage appeared to start in an underground electrical vault in the 1500 block of North San Pablo Street about 10 a.m. and affected 16 Los Angeles Department of Water and Power commercial customers, said DWP spokeswoman Kim Hughes.
Several transformers in the area were singed, the fire department said. The USC campus used backup generators to power life-support systems and other critical equipment in the hospital during the outage, said university spokeswoman Meg Aldrich.
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Nothing is compromised we can provide power for days, she said.
Firefighters went building to building to free people trapped in elevators and finished the work by 11:30 a.m., said Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart.
The cause of the outage is under investigation. There were no reported injuries.
joseph.serna@latimes.com
For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.
Rapper Soulja Boy was arrested Thursday morning on suspicion of violating his probation after police found a firearm in his Hollywood Hills home, officials said.
Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was arrested about 7 a.m. at his home in the 3200 block of Dos Palos Drive, said Officer Jenny Houser, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department.
It was unclear why police were called to the residence, but while officers were there, they found a firearm, Houser said. Because Soulja Boy is on probation, he is not allowed to own or possess a firearm.
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The 26-year-old Chicago native was on probation for carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, according to Frank Mateljan, a spokesman for the Los Angeles city attorneys office. The two-year probation sentence was scheduled to end this month.
The conviction stemmed from a 2014 arrest in Granada Hills. He was a passenger in a car when police pulled the driver over for allegedly running a stop sign. During the traffic stop, police found a concealed weapon, the LAPD said.
The rapper also was arrested on felony drug and weapons charges in 2011 after a traffic stop in Georgia.
He is best known for his song Crank That, which later inspired a popular dance.
The rapper is currently starring in VH1s reality drama Love and Hip Hop Hollywood, which follows the lives of several aspiring rappers, recording artists and their significant others.
veronica.rocha@latimes.com
For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
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UPDATES:
3:00 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about Soulja Boys probation.
This article was originally published at 11:20 a.m.
Two firefighters were injured early Thursday and dozens of residents were evacuated after a massive fire swept through a Monterey Park strip mall, officials said.
The blaze erupted just after 1:30 a.m. at the strip mall in the 300 block of East Garvey Avenue and triggered evacuations in a nearby apartment building, said Monterey Park police Lt. Gus Jimenez.
Forty residents were forced to leave their homes as heavy smoke filled the neighborhood, he said.
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Firefighters battled large columns of flames and the roof collapsed as the fire raged for more than three hours. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries according to KNBC-TV.
Multiple businesses were destroyed or damaged by the stubborn fire.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
veronica.rocha@latimes.com
For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
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A USC graduate student from La Canada Flintridge has been indicted on a charge that he waged a cyberattack on a San Francisco tech company.
A grand jury handed down the indictment on Dec. 1, accusing Sean Sharma of carrying out a so-called distributed denial of service attack on the web servers belonging to Chatango, according to court papers filed in U.S. District Court.
If convicted, Sharma, 26, faces up to 10 years in prison.
The FBI said Sharma purchased a tool to carry out the DDoS attack and released it on Chatangos servers during a more than two-month period starting Nov. 6, 2014. A DDoS attack functions by overloading a companys servers with a glut of junk traffic, rendering them inaccessible.
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Prosecutors allege Sharma intentionally harmed the companys servers and said the damage exceeded $5,000.
Chatango provides chat services to third-party websites.
Sharma was arrested Dec. 9 in La Canada Flintridge and appeared in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom. Hes scheduled to appear Friday in a San Francisco courtroom for his arraignment.
Sharma remains free on $100,000 bond. As a condition of release, he was ordered not to access specific websites, including hackforums.net, and was barred from using a VPN, or virtual private network, according to court papers.
Sharma could not be reached for comment, and its unclear if he is being represented by an attorney.
According to his resume, Sharma graduated in 2015 with a bachelors degree from USC. His undergraduate studies focused on computer science, specifically gaming, according to his website.
He was enrolled in a masters program in computer science at USC and anticipated graduating in 2017.
matt.hamilton@latimes.com
Twitter: @MattHjourno.
Shirley Hazzard, an award-winning novelist who wrote of love affairs disrupted and intensified by age, distance and war, has died at 85.
Hazzard had been in failing health and died Monday at her home in Manhattan, according to her friend Frances Alston.
For the record: The headline on an earlier version of this article incorrectly said that Shirley Hazzard was 95 when she died. She was 85.
She was a writer of pre-digital tastes who composed on a yellow legal pad and had no interest in computers or even an answering machine. Her novels, too, had a vintage wealth of detail and introspection that drew comparisons to Henry James and some criticism that the sophistication of her prose interfered with the enjoyment of the narrative.
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Peers and awards judges recommended her highly. The Transit of Venus, published in 1980, won the National Book Critics Circle prize. Hazzard also was a three-time National Book Award finalist and won in 2003 for The Great Fire.
Her other books included the short story collections Cliffs of Fall and People in Glass Houses. Hazzard also wrote a memoir about her friend Graham Greene, Greene in Capri, and two books about the United Nations, where she worked in the 1950s: The Countenance of Truth and The Defeat of an Ideal.
Rare was the happy marriage or simple romance in a Hazzard book. From early stories such as A Place in the Country to the novel Bay of Noon, she wrote of strained and cold relationships and the inevitable search for outside comfort. True passion was often forbidden. Hazzard acknowledged that The Great Fire, about a tender affair between a young Australian woman and a British soldier in World War II, was based on her own youthful romance that her parents had ended.
The author did find love in New York in 1963 when she met author and translator Francis Steegmuller at a party hosted by novelist Muriel Spark.
Hazzard, the daughter of a diplomat, was born in Sydney in 1931 and lived throughout Asia as a young woman. The Great Fire was inspired partly by people she knew in the late 1940s in Hong Kong, where she helped monitor the civil war in China on behalf of British intelligence.
The literary atmosphere of that office British officers, linguists, young veterans who were almost innately charged with literary reference was joyful, she later told The Paris Review. For the first time, I could share literature with delight and freedom.
Hazzard never attended college but compensated with self-education reading and traveling constantly. In her early 20s, she joined the United Nations and spent a decade in the General Service division, which she would jokingly call the dungeon.
She did at least have spare time to work on writing. An early short story was accepted by The New Yorker, and Cliffs of Fall was published in 1963 to encouraging reviews. Bay of Noon, released in 1970, found a new readership 40 years later. It was shortlisted for the Lost Man Booker Prize, established for fiction from 1970 that, because of rule changes at the time, was not eligible for the 1970 or 1971 Booker award.
Honors would come quickly for The Transit of Venus, her widely praised novel about two sisters from Australia and their unfortunate love for the brilliant, but self-absorbed playwright Paul Ivory. Hazzard based Paul on a famous writer she met when he was young and relatively unknown. She declined to reveal his identity, but did discuss how she assembled a fictional creation out of the scraps of a real one.
I decided certain things about his ambitions interested me; he was quite hard, although he knew what tenderness was, she told the Associated Press in 2003. And sometimes I encountered something in my life, an action or a remark, and I thought, That goes to Paul. You are starting to build that character, and you begin to observe things that character would embody.
More than 20 years passed before The Great Fire came out. The author worked at a careful pace, with early drafts written on a legal pad, then revised on an electronic typewriter. When an idea arose unexpectedly, she would jot it down on a scrap of paper, then store it with other notes in an envelope. She received many letters about Transit of Venus fan mail early on, then letters asking when her next book was coming.
I felt so embarrassed I had nothing to tell them, she told the AP. It (writing a book) seems an imposition unless you can do something you really believe wouldnt be like what anybody else is doing.
In December 2015, the U.S. government reported that the number of migrant deaths along the border with Mexico fell for the third straight fiscal year, dropping from 308 in 2014 to 240 in 2015.
Officials attributed the decline to better surveillance of the desert and an improved ability to apprehend migrants stranded there. But some immigrant advocates questioned the meaning of the numbers, suggesting that they presented an incomplete and misleading picture.
Now data from Arizona suggest that the advocates may have been right.
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Between 2004 and 2013, the number of deaths in Arizona reported each year by the U.S. Border Patrol was roughly on par with or greater than the number recorded by the medical examiners office in Pima County, which collects the totals for all four counties along the states southern border.
In 2014, however, the state and federal figures began to diverge, with the state reporting 127 deaths and federal officials 110. The spread was far greater last year, with the state reporting 143 deaths and federal officials 68.
That difference alone 75 deaths is more than enough to cancel out the borderwide improvement reported by federal officials between 2014 and 2015.
If this were a plane crash, we would want to know the exact number of people who died. Robin Reineke, executive director of the Tucson-based Colibri Center for Human Rights
If this were a plane crash, we would want to know the exact number of people who died, said Robin Reineke, executive director of the Tucson-based Colibri Center for Human Rights, who was among the first people to notice the discrepancy in the numbers. Thats how we process the magnitude of an event. But we cant understand the impact of our border policy if we dont know how many people it is leading to their deaths.
The wide disparity in Arizona persisted in the first 11 months of this fiscal year, the most up-to-date figures available, with federal officials reporting 75 deaths, 53 fewer than the state reported.
Arizona accounts for 360 miles of the 2,000-mile-long U.S. frontier with Mexico. It is unclear whether the federal counts in other states are accurate, because no other entities are compiling the data. In other words, the federal government has no reliable count of the total deaths on the southern border.
Pima County officials aim to include all bodies that are found on the Arizona border, brought to the morgue and identified as migrants. In contrast, the Border Patrol only counts bodies of migrants its agents discover in the field.
The agency declined to answer questions about why its figures in Arizona have diverged so dramatically from the state numbers in the last two years.
What we can tell you is that we can only represent that which we find, the agency said in a statement acknowledging that its figures were not the final word on migrant deaths.
That has not stopped the agency from lauding its own figures. Border Patrol agents working along Arizonas border with Mexico stepped up their campaign in fiscal year 2015 to save distressed migrants while giving them options to call for help, the agency said in a press release in January. As a result, agents report finding fewer deceased migrants.
Uncertainty over migrant deaths on the border is not new.
Differences among [Border Patrol] coordinators in collecting and recording data on border-crossing deaths may have resulted in the data understating the number of deaths in some regions, the Government Accountability Office said in a 2006 report.
Even with the large gap between the state and federal numbers for Arizona this year, the Border Patrol is set to report an overall increase in migrant deaths this year along the entire southern border. In the first 11 months of fiscal year 2016, federal officials found the bodies of 287 migrants, 47 more than were found last year.
Times researcher Scott J. Wilson contributed to this report.
Follow Nigel Duara on Twitter: @nigelduara
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Army audits find National Guard bonus repayment problems in at least four other states
Pentagon audits found widespread problems in enlistment bonuses given to soldiers in several National Guard units across the country, but soldiers facing repayment demands in those states wont be eligible for waivers under a new federal law that will apply only to the California National Guard.
The bonus mistakes appeared less common than in the scandal that has rocked the California Guard, although the Army Audit Agency looked only at a small sample of the bonuses and only at four states.
Agency audits obtained by The Times found little or no oversight of bonuses and other financial incentives given to soldiers in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2010, the only states reviewed.
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The audits said those Guard units paid incentives to ineligible soldiers and later like the California Guard sought to recover the money. The reports did not say how many soldiers were affected in the other states.
In October, following stories in The Times, the Pentagon suspended an aggressive effort to recover improper bonuses from about 9,700 California Guard soldiers and veterans. Congress last week passed a law that is expected to produce waivers for most of them.
But the provision, part of the $619-billion defense authorization bill that President Obama is expected to sign, applies only to the California Guard. Soldiers and veterans from other states facing repayment demands are not covered.
Among those ordered to repay their bonuses are soldiers who did not complete their enlistments after they were injured in combat.
Dennis Lang, a former Army reservist from Columbia, Mo., said he received a letter from the Pentagon in March ordering him to repay $5,000 of a $20,000 enlistment bonus after he was discharged from the Army because of injuries he received in Iraq.
A civil affairs sergeant assigned to a small outpost in east Baghdad in 2007 and 2008, he was injured in a mortar attack. He was later diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder and memory loss due to his head injuries.
He says he first learned that he owed the Army $5,000 when he got a call from a debt collection agency last year, informing him that he was delinquent.
The Pentagon had turned the matter over to a private collection agency because Lang had not responded when it mailed a letter demanding repayment to an address he hadnt lived at for more than a decade, he said.
The debt stemmed from his failure to attend training with his Missouri unit after he returned from Iraq. The Pentagon then demanded partial repayment of his bonus.
When he refused to pay, they began taking $300 out of his Social Security disability check every month.
I think its just disgusting but I havent really been fighting it, he said Wednesday in an interview.
While Californias bonus fiasco has received the most attention, other states were also lax in ensuring that soldiers were eligible for the bonuses they got, according to the audits obtained by The Times.
None of the audits blamed fraud for the overpayments. In California, state and federal investigations focused on what prosecutors described as massive fraud although only one person who issued improper bonuses was sent to jail.
But the audits revealed other major problems.
In the Indiana National Guard, an audit of 130 enlistment bonuses awarded from 2006 to 2011, totaling $1.7 million, found that 45% were improperly paid to soldiers that didnt meet or maintain eligibility requirements or were paid too much.
Since completion of the audit, an additional 1,132 cases where soldiers received improper bonuses have been found, according to Maj. Benjamin Tooley, a spokesman for the Indiana Guard.
A total of $1,693,975 has been recovered from 443 soldiers, with an additional 469 cases still under review, he said.
Tooley said soldiers are facing repayment demands for several reasons, including failing the Armys physical fitness test or drug and alcohol tests, or because they changed job assignments that invalidated the bonus.
He said soldiers could appeal, and that no instances of criminal intent, to include fraud, have been found.
In the Missouri National Guard, 30% of the enlistment bonuses and 70% of soldiers student loan repayments another incentive used to attract recruits were made to ineligible soldiers or werent properly processed, according to the Army audit.
The audit looked at only 61 payments, a tiny sample, however. It blamed the errors on relatively minor violations of rules, not on systemic problems.
One soldier didnt have a bonus control number, a record-keeping requirement, before he signed his contract, for example. Two others received their bonuses in lump sums, instead of installments, as required under the rules.
Nonetheless the audit recommended seeking repayment of the $45,237.22 paid to the soldiers. The Missouri Guard did not return calls seeking comment on the audit.
In the Pennsylvania National Guard, improper bonus payments were rare. All but four of 60 payments reviewed were properly paid, a 2011 audit found.
Because problems appeared less acute in other states, the National Guard Bureau, the Pentagon agency that oversees state Guard organizations, decided not to order a full audit of incentive payments around the country. It opted instead to tighten internal controls against fraud, officials said.
We saw very early that there was no evidence of systemic, widespread fraud of the level that was found in California, said Jack Harrison, a spokesman for the National Guard Bureau.
Lt. Gen. Timothy Kadavy, the director of the Army component in the National Guard Bureau told a House Armed Services Committee hearing last week on the California bonus scandal that reforms ordered since the audits, conducted between 2011 and 2013, had largely eliminated most improper bonuses.
There are no issues outside of what we know to be normal mistakes in paying bonuses, he said.
But even states that were not audited are continuing to find large numbers of improper bonus payments.
Texas is still trying to recover up to $4.6 million from 2,252 soldiers it believes violated their bonus contracts over the last decade, according to the Texas National Guard.
Bonus recoupment, directly related to contractual violations, is nothing more than the standard ebb and flow of operations with the National Guard, Lt. Col. Travis Walters, spokesman for the Texas Guard, said in a statement.
The Pentagon began offering the most generous incentives in its history in the mid-2000s to recruit and to retain soldiers to help fill ranks for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
But Guard organizations frequently overlooked strict eligibility requirements in handing out bonuses that ranged to more than $50,000 in some cases.
The Army audits found that authority to issue bonuses was held by state incentives managers, who worked with little supervision and were sometimes confused about eligibility requirements.
That was the case in California, where Master Sgt. Toni Jaffe, a relatively low-ranking noncommissioned officer, was the sole person in the California Guard responsible for approving bonuses. In 2011, she pleaded guilty in federal court to filing false claims and was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
david.cloud@latimes.com
Twitter: @davidcloudLAT
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A young Muslim woman in New York who said she was threatened on a subway train by Donald Trump supporters made the story up, according to police.
New York police arrested Yasmin Seweid, 18, on Wednesday and charged her with obstructing governmental administration and filing a false report, according to a statement.
Seweid told police that on Dec. 1 that three drunk white men began shouting, Trump! Trump! to her while attempting to snatch the hijab off her head. The story was widely reported and was featured on the front page of the New York Daily News with the headline Hate and the City.
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New York news media reported Thursday that Seweid made up the story to avoid being punished for staying out past curfew. She appeared in court with a shaved head, which the Daily News said was punishment by her parents for the incident. The Baruch College student faces up to a year in jail for each of the charges.
The Daily News denounced Seweid for wasting the resources of the Police Department and for hurting fellow Muslims. The next time a real victim of real hate comes forward, more cynics will scoff, the newspaper wrote.
Seweids allegation was among a series of reported incidents after the election in which attackers invoked the president-elects name. Since Nov. 8, civil rights groups such as the Southern Poverty Law Center and Council on American Islamic Relations have documented hundreds of incidents around the country that targeted Muslims, blacks, Jews, Latinos, immigrants and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Last month the FBI reported a 67% increase in hate crimes against Muslims in 2015 compared with the previous year.
A few of the more recent reports have been proved to be false.
In one case, police said a female Muslim student at University of Louisiana at Lafayette falsely reported that men attacked her on campus the day after the election, took her wallet and removed her hijab, or head scarf.
In another incident, police said a 27-year-old African American man in Volusia County, Fla., taped a note with KKK and Trump written on it to his girlfriends mailbox this week, then threw a brick through her car window and spilled gasoline on her back seat because he was mad at her over a child custody battle. The man made it look like a hate crime to deter police from investigating him, authorities said.
In New York, Muslim students held a rally Dec. 6 to protest harassment of women in head scarves. Organizers were concerned that Yasmin Seweid did not appear, and thought she felt too anxious to show up.
We will take a strong stand against false reporting, said Rana Abdelhamid, one of the organizers, adding that she had not spoken to Seweid and wanted to hear an explanation of what happened.
The group, Womens Initiative for Self Empowerment, said in a statement that it feared the incident would make it more challenging for all the women we connect with, many of whom do not share their experiences of hate-based violence publicly, to report these crimes.
Kaleem reported from Los Angeles and Demick from New York
jaweed.kaleem@latimes.com
Jaweed Kaleem is The Times national race and justice correspondent. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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Advocates for more state control of public lands and fewer government regulations on energy development hope Donald Trump will be more receptive to their cause, which they say has been ignored during President Obamas two terms. A look at some key questions:
Whats at stake?
Decisions about what activities are allowed on hundreds of millions of acres of federal land, more than half concentrated in 12 Western states. The landscape includes expansive deserts, snow-capped mountains and red rock canyons. The lands are treasured by outdoor enthusiasts and vital to cattle ranchers, oil companies and loggers. States such as Alaska, Idaho, Nevada and Utah, where federal lands account for the majority of their territories, have long complained that regulatory agencies pay too little heed to residents needs.
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Where are the battle lines drawn?
Efforts to wrest control from the federal government are being waged in state legislatures and Congress and might wind up in court.
Dozens of demands for land handovers have surfaced in the West in recent years, with Utah pushing hardest. A law it enacted four years ago demanded that the federal government relinquish control of public lands in Utah by 2014. The deadline passed with no action, and the state has since spent about $2 million on outside attorneys to prepare a long-shot lawsuit. Utahs GOP-controlled Legislature wants to proceed, but the state attorney general has yet to agree.
Rep. Ryan Zinke arrives at Trump Tower in New York on Dec. 12. (Kena Betancur / AFP/Getty Images )
What do proponents of less federal control say?
Supporters, mostly Republicans, say Washington-imposed limits on use of natural resources deprive Western states of growth, jobs and tax revenue, a burden not shared by Eastern states where the federal government owns much less property. They argue that the federal government is a poor manager, citing overgrown forests ripe for catastrophic wildfires. They contend that states can balance conservation with energy exploration to protect outdoor recreation while stimulating local economies.
What do opponents say?
Opponents fear states would sell off lands that belong to all Americans and allow oil drilling, mining and clear-cut logging, ruining cherished landscapes. They consider federal land managers evenhanded protectors of valuable cultural and natural resources. They say state control would limit access for hunting, fishing and other recreation while splintering wildlife habitat. In a warning of what could happen without federal protection, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance ran TV ads this year with altered pictures of oil derricks near the states iconic red rock lands.
Where do the president-elect and his choice for interior secretary stand?
Trumps stance is murky. He has pledged to honor Theodore Roosevelts conservation legacy. But he also promises to unleash energy production on federal property. Trump told Field & Stream magazine in January that he opposed transferring ownership to states because states might sell the land. But that same month, he wrote a guest newspaper column in Nevada endorsing state control, which the GOP platform supports, and vilifying faceless, nameless bureaucrats in federal management agencies.
Trump has offered the job of Interior secretary to Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana, who has not said whether he will accept. Zinke has been critical of federal land management and wants more development of coal, oil and natural gas. But hes an outspoken supporter of keeping the lands in federal hands and resigned as a GOP convention delegate over the platforms opposition.
The slow, painful fall of Aleppo will not, unfortunately, mean the end of war in Syria. It wont even mean the end of the slaughter of helpless civilians. Still, as Samantha Power, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told the Security Council on Tuesday, Aleppo will stand with the 1994 genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda, the 1995 siege of Srebrenica and the 1988 gas attacks against Iraqi Kurds in Halabja as events in world history that define modern evil, that stain our conscience decades later. And it will in all likelihood go unpunished.
Since the Arab Spring protests in Syria descended into civil war more than five years ago, the number of atrocities there has been stunning, from the use of chemical weapons by the regime of President Bashar Assad, to the targeting of civilians by nearly all combatant armies (though overwhelmingly by the Syrian government forces), to the unforeseen rise of the Islamic State with its barbaric executions of innocent people. Since the war began, an estimated 400,000 people have been killed, some 4.8 million have fled the country and 6.6 million more have been internally displaced.
For the record: A headline on an earlier version of this editorial referred to genocide at Aleppo. The erroneous use of the word has been amended.
The siege of Aleppo has come to symbolize the Syrian civil wars numbing brutality. The city had served as a main base for rebel forces since just after the war began, and it became Assads prime target after Russia entered the war on his behalf. Pro-Assad forces, including Iranian-backed militias, surrounded Aleppo in July, shut off supply and escape routes for the rebels (who were lumped together under a broad terrorist label), and, with the help of Russian jets, have turned rebel-held sections of the city to rubble. A Turkey-brokered ceasefire fell apart this week almost before it started. And as the pro-government forces advance, international monitoring groups say, civilians have been murdered indiscriminately.
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The siege of Aleppo has come to symbolize the Syrian civil wars numbing brutality.
Assad clearly shoulders the primary blame for this, but Russia bears a load as well. Russian President Vladimir Putin intervened on behalf of the despotic Assad, a longtime military ally, for strategic reasons: Russias only eastern Mediterranean land presence is a base in Syria. Furthermore, intervening so decisively in Syria signals that Russia is a global power to be reckoned with a message that resonates politically at home, and is in line with Putins global ambitions. Throughout, Russia has insisted that it is interested only in curtailing the spread of terrorism and bringing peace to Syria. But instead of forcing Assad to find a negotiated political settlement to the conflict, Putin has dangled ceasefires that went nowhere while helping Assad regain territory through the use of horrific violence. Russia has saved the regime from what seemed only year ago to be a looming defeat.
The usual place to seek resolution to such conflicts is the U.N. Security Council. But each of the five permanent members has a veto, which means that Russia has been able to block the council from even condemning the atrocities in Syria, much less imposing sanctions or other measures. It similarly will be able to block any efforts to refer war crimes committed during the conflict to the International Criminal Court for prosecution.
So where does that leave those who still hope for peace? Its unclear. With the fall of Aleppo, the rebel groups bargaining position weakens even further. Whether that can lead to more fruitful peace negotiations is unknowable; as the rebels weaken, Assad has less reason to seek a political solution. But he should, if not for the sake of his own citizens, then for the sake of having a shred of a country left. International leaders should increase the pressure on both Assad and Putin to bring the war to a close as quickly as possible, with as few additional deaths as possible, so that attention can turn more fully to eradicating Islamic State.
No one knows what approach President Trump will take, but we hope that his planned re-start of diplomatic relations with Putin will not mean acquiescence. Unless Assad and Putin plan on killing every single person opposed to the Syrian regime, the only solution to this debacle remains a political one. And the longer the world lets it go on, the darker will be its legacy.
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Now that a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags is in place, polystyrene is the next front in the battle against ubiquitous and harmful plastic waste.
Culver City entered the fight this week, joining about 100 cities and counties in California that have enacted some kind of limit on polystyrene use. The Culver City council voted to ban restaurants from using disposable polystyrene takeout containers and retail stores from selling polystyrene foam coolers and other food-related products. Also, food service businesses will be required to ask patrons before handing out any kind of disposable cutlery.
Good for Culver City for trying to stop the flow of trash into the adjacent Ballona Creek and, ultimately, the Pacific Ocean. Polystyrene plastic is one of the most ubiquitous forms of plastic litter found in the oceans, according to environmentalists.
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But what would be even better is a single, uniform ban across the state to replace the growing patchwork of slightly different bans from city to city. Sound familiar? That was the situation with single-use plastic bags when lawmakers decided in 2014 it would be better to adopt a statewide ban. The headache of complying with different rules in 151 different cities or counties is a big part of the reason the California Grocers Assn. signed on to support the statewide bag ban.
Polystyrene doesnt biodegrade the way organic material does, but turns into smaller and smaller bits that are gobbled up by sea birds and other creatures.
As a result, the spigot was turned off on a big source of plastic waste. But the tap is still open for disposable polystyrene in its plastic foam form (which is often referred to incorrectly as Styrofoam, one polystyrene manufacturers brand name) and as hard-plastic straws, sporks and beverage tops. And it is just about as bad for the environment as single-use plastic bags. Maybe worse, because polystyrene products dont get reused as, say, garbage or dog waste bags and are less likely to be recycled than plastic bags.
And theres so much of it. Americans toss an estimated 2.5 billion polystyrene foam cups every year. Thats just cups! The typical takeout meal also comes with an assortment of clamshell containers, plates, straws and beverage container tops, all of which follow the cups into landfills or onto streets. Scientists estimate that some 5 trillion particles of plastic, weighing a total of about 250,000 tons, are floating around in the Earths oceans. Thats unhealthy and unsightly. Polystyrene doesnt biodegrade the way organic material does, but turns into smaller and smaller bits that are gobbled up by sea birds and creatures, much to their detriment.
The main complaint about polystyrene bans is the cost to businesses and to consumers. Though there are many alternatives to petroleum-based polystyrene, including paper and other types of plastic, these replacements can cost several times more per unit. Culver City estimates that its ban will cost each of its 337 food service businesses (including brick-and-mortar restaurants, farmers markets, catering firms and food trucks) $3,000 to $5,000 per year. At least some of the increased cost will likely be passed on to consumers.
But there are hidden costs to everyone embedded in every piece of thrown-away plastic product. In this case, they include the cost of cleaning up the litter on streets and waterways (polystyrene foam is lightweight and has a tendency to float) and the incalculable damage to the marine environment.
Also, the lack of a uniform statewide rule forces businesses to spend more time figuring out how to comply with a growing assortment of local polystyrene bans. On the one end are cities such as Los Angeles that ban the use of polystyrene only at city facilities. At the other theres San Francisco, which earlier this year adopted the nations most extreme polystyrene ban, restricting the use of polystyrene packing materials and the sale of foam retail products (think cheap white foam beverage coolers). This checkerboard of requirements is going to create a nightmare, if it hasnt already, for businesses that operate in multiple cities.
A better way to go is to bring the entire state under the same rules. The state Legislature flirted with a statewide polystyrene ban in 2011. But that effort was shut down in the Assembly after it drew heavy resistance from restaurants and the plastics lobby.
Many things have changed in the intervening years, however. Dozens more cities and counties adopted their own bans, and new studies have shown the dangers to marine life posed by plastic trash in the ocean. Its the right time for state lawmakers to give a statewide ban on disposable polystyrene products another try.
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Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson is by all accounts a shrewd, pragmatic and successful dealmaker. In another administration, he might have made an excellent secretary of State.
Serving a president with a strong moral grounding and certain fixed principles, such as Ronald Reagan or George W. Bush, he might have been successful in sanding off the rough edges and making the compromises necessary to get things done. But under Donald Trump, a man of few if any discernible principles beyond a desire for self-aggrandizement, he would be a dangerous choice because his role will be not just to implement policy but more than most previous secretaries of State to shape it.
As far as most foreign policy issues go, Tillerson is a tabula rasa. What does he think about the U.S. alliance with Israel? The U.S. policy toward Pakistan? The future of NATO? The North Korean nuclear program? Chinese aggression in the South China Sea? Syria and Iraq, Libya and Yemen? No one knows because he seldom has opined in public about non-energy issues.
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If the Senate confirms Tillerson, U.S. sanctions on Russia likely wont survive the administrations first 100 days.
To the extent that Tillerson has a track record, it is as an amoral businessman who has never hesitated to work with some of the worlds most repressive and corrupt regimes in places such as Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Venezuela, Vietnam and of course Russia. Tillerson himself has said that he has a very close relationship with former KGB agent Vladimir Putin. He has negotiated multibillion-dollar oil deals with the state-controlled Rosneft oil company run by Putin crony Igor Sechin, another former KGB man, and he lobbied against the imposition of U.S. sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2014.
Its hard to imagine Putin appointing as his foreign minister someone who received a Medal of Freedom from Americas president, yet Tillerson received the Order of Friendship from Putin. Little wonder that pro-Kremlin commentators see his selection as some kind of Christmas gift from the American people to the Russian people or, more properly, from Trump to Putin.
Its quite possible, as contended by former Secretary of Defense Bob Gates and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (whose consultancy counts Exxon Mobil as a client), that Tillerson has no particular love for Putin and simply was doing what was best for his shareholders. But if Tillerson is not in favor of appeasing Russia, he has given no hint of it in the past. And if he is in favor of appeasing Russia, he will find little pushback from Trump, who has defended the Russian strongman from well-founded accusations that he murders his political opponents and meddled in the U.S. election.
Trumps national security advisor, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, also appears favorably predisposed toward the Kremlin. Last year, he accepted payment to attend a banquet in Moscow for the Kremlins propaganda television station, RT, where he sat at a table near Putin himself.
Both Trump and Flynn seem to view Russia as an ally against Islamist extremism, which they believe is the No. 1 threat to the United States. Trump has even spoken of cooperating with Russia in Syria, where Putins air force is helping the Assad regime slaughter civilians and moderate rebels in Aleppo.
In reality, the U.S. and Russia do not have congruent interests in Syria or most other places. Putin wants to prop up a pro-Iranian, anti-Israeli strongman; the U.S. goal should be to bring the civil war to an end in such a way that neither Sunni nor Shiite extremists are empowered. More broadly, the U.S. should be containing, rather than enabling, Putin as he attempts to resurrect the Russian empire and to dominate American allies in Eastern Europe.
The new secretary of Defense, retired Marine Gen. James Mattis, undoubtedly understands these realities, as does Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the new CIA director, Rep. Mike Pompeo of Kansas. They can be expected to argue against a pro-Putin policy, and they might carry the day if they were to have the support of a secretary of State like former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, retired Gen. David Petraeus or retired Adm. James Stavridis, all of whom understand the nature of the Russian threat and the value of alliances such as NATO. But if the Senate confirms Tillerson, U.S. sanctions on Russia likely wont survive the administrations first 100 days and if they are lifted, Putin will see that as a license for further aggression.
Congress will be able to do little if President Trump pursues a pro-Putin policy, but by rejecting Tillerson now, lawmakers can at least signal that not all Americans are ready to kneel before the Russian strongman.
Max Boot is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is a contributing writer to Opinion.
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To the editor: Diana Wagmans recent visit to Cincinnati left her pondering Ohios rather monochromatic populace and lifestyle. Her return to L.A. re-immersed Wagman in the variegated milieu of our far more diverse society. (I was in mourning, so I went to a funeral for 1,400 people, Opinion, Dec. 11)
She thereupon attended the Los Angeles County annual burial rite for unclaimed remains. Participants in these rites represented a wide range of beliefs; all solemnly gave the 1,430 decedents their due, with moving prayers and tributes.
Wagman related how Cincinnati, by contrast, had summarily buried 86 unclaimed remains in 2011 without a ceremony. Still, she opted not to bash Ohio.
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I think Wagman went too easy on the state. After all, antiabortion activists there are pushing for laws to mandate dignified cremation or burial for all aborted fetuses. Such rank hypocrisy warrants a sound bashing of the Buckeye State.
Betty Turner, Sherman Oaks
..
To the editor: Reading Wagmans piece on the dignified way in which L.A. inters its unclaimed dead has further reinforced my belief that I wasnt wrong when I decided to make Los Angeles my second home.
Notwithstanding its label as a sanctuary county of California, it has proved itself as a cosmopolitan Eden for those of us who have wished to enjoy life the way we wanted it to be.
Randy Altarejos, Carson
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Gov. Jerry Brown had to pick an attorney general faster than he expected
(Susan Walsh / Associated Press)
The phone call that Gov. Jerry Brown made on Wednesday night was unusual. A governor who marches to his own methodical timetable for decisions was having his hand forced by the politics of Capitol Hill, and the job of California attorney general hung in the balance.
In the end, Brown got the man he wanted: Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles). But it was Becerras effort to make a big career move that complicated things.
In interviews with advisers to the governor and those close to Becerra, a portrait emerged of two veteran politicians who have mutual admiration but dont really know each other very well. In fact, the 12-term congressman plans to spend part of this weekend meeting with Brown in Sacramento.
It was Becerras angling for an unexpectedly open high-profile post leading Democrats on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee that sparked the circumspect governor into action.
Nancy McFadden, the governors top staffer, decided she did not want to be attorney general. (Robert Durell / For The Times)
In Sacramento, those close to the governor said that the list of potential replacements for Kamala Harris was short, much shorter than the ones circulated by political watchers. Advisers confirmed that either First Lady Anne Gust Brown or the governors top aide, Nancy McFadden, could have had the job if they had wanted it.
Neither did, perhaps knowing the importance being placed on picking someone who would be willing to run for a full term in the job in 2018 (though Becerra declined to talk about future plans when asked on Thursday).
Becerra, on the other hand, intrigued the governor. Not only did he have the right credentials -- a former deputy attorney general, former state legislator, veteran member of Congress -- but advisers said the governor also valued diversity. And the chance to select the states first Latino attorney general was important.
While few jobs are as important to Brown, himself a former attorney general, the leading contender never came in for an in-person interview. Becerra, who grew up in Sacramento, had been in town just before election day to stump for the reelection of Rep. Ami Bera (D-Elk Grove). He met with McFadden on that visit, but not the governor.
And so the two men, who had no deep personal relationship, made the big decision long distance.
When they talked, McFadden said in an interview, the man matched the resume.
Becerra had been looking for somewhere to land. Out of places to move in House leadership and nearing the limit on how much longer he could lead the House Democratic Caucus, the vocal advocate for Hillary Clinton had spent the last year campaigning for her across the country with hopes it might lead to a new position.
Clintons loss Nov. 8 put an end to that speculation, and for a while Becerras next move didnt seem clear.
Surprise news Tuesday afternoon that the ranking Democrat on Ways and Means, Rep. Sandy Levin (D-Mich.) would not seek the position again led Beccera to quickly announce his plans to seek the position and lobby colleagues to back him. Levin quickly endorsed Becerra over Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Richie Neal, who had sought the job before.
Word of Becerras effort quickly reached the state Capitol and the governors inner circle sprang into action. Perhaps fewer than a half dozen people knew of Browns decision until news began to spread early Thursday morning.
Becerra called the offer sudden and said with Congress in session he hadnt even had a chance to talk with Brown about the job in person.
It went very quickly when it started to move, he said. I was as stunned as you probably were and others were.
In an unexpected reversal, President Barack Obama declined to sign a renewal of sanctions against Iran but let it become law anyway, in an apparent bid to alleviate Tehrans concerns that the U.S. is backsliding on the nuclear deal.
Although the White House had said that Obama was expected to sign the 10-year-renewal, the midnight deadline came and went Thursday with no approval from the president. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Obama had decided to let it become law without his signature.
The administration has, and continues to use, all of the necessary authorities to waive the relevant sanctions lifted as part of the nuclear deal, Earnest said in a statement.
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Under the Constitution, the president has 10 days after Congress passes a bill to sign it, veto it or do nothing. If Congress has adjourned, failing to sign it is a pocket veto that prevents the bill from becoming law. But if Congress is still in session, the bill becomes law with no signature. Although lawmakers have returned home for the holidays, Congress technically is still in session and holding pro-forma sessions this week.
Though Obamas move doesnt prevent the sanctions renewal from entering force, it marked a symbolic attempt by the president to demonstrate disapproval for lawmakers actions. The White House has argued that the renewal is unnecessary because the administration retains other authorities to punish Iran, if necessary, and has expressed concern that the renewal may undermine the nuclear deal.
Iran had vowed to respond if the sanctions were renewed, arguing they violate the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, which eased sanctions in exchange for curbs on Irans nuclear program. Irans government has complained to the United Nations about the renewal, and on Tuesday, Irans president ordered up plans to build nuclear-powered ships and to formally accuse the U.S. of violating the terms of the deal.
Yet U.S. lawmakers argued that renewing the law, first passed in 1996 and renewed several times since, was critical to maintaining pressure on Iran to abide by the deal and to pushing back on Tehrans other troubling behavior in the region. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and the House by an overwhelming margin.
The Obama administration stressed that Iran would be unaffected by the renewal, as long as it continues honoring the nuclear deal. Secretary of State John Kerry said hed told his Iranian counterpart that to ensure maximum clarity, hed issued new, redundant waivers exempting Iran from sanctions lifted under the deal.
Extension of the Iran Sanctions Act does not affect in any way the scope of the sanctions relief Iran is receiving under the deal or the ability of companies to do business in Iran consistent with the JCPOA, Kerry said, using an acronym for the nuclear deal.
President-elect Donald Trump has been sharply critical of the nuclear deal and has threatened to try to renegotiate it, and Israels prime minister has said he plans to lobby Trump to undo the deal. Republican supporters of the sanctions had argued that renewing them would ensure that Trump would have the authority to reinstate penalties that Obama eased.
Under the nuclear deal, the U.S. and world powers suspended sweeping oil, trade and other financial sanctions that had devastated Irans economy. In exchange, Tehran agreed to roll back its nuclear program, though the deals critics say the agreement is flawed because it didnt halt all Iranian activity and because key restrictions eventually expire.
UPDATES:
11:45 p.m.: This article was updated with background information on the deal.
This article was originally published at 10:20 p.m.
Donald Trump promotes himself as a man divorced from party ideology, a president-elect just as open-minded to input from Al Gore as from Newt Gingrich.
But with his Cabinet nearly complete, he has chosen one of the most consistently conservative domestic policy teams in modern history, setting himself up for hard decisions and potential conflict with some of his supporters when he begins to govern.
The internal conflicts have emerged with nearly every pick.
Trump campaigned against the big banks, then chose a former Goldman Sachs partner, Steven Mnuchin, to run his Treasury Department. He pledged to save Medicare and Social Security, then chose Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), who has advocated sweeping revisions in Medicare and Medicaid, to run Health and Human Services.
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Trump has placed the burdens of working people at the top of his agenda, yet chose as Labor secretary an executive, Andrew Puzder, who talked in an interview about the advantages of replacing human workers with machines because they are always polite, they always upsell, they never take a vacation, they never show up late, theres never a slip-and-fall, or an age, sex, or race discrimination case.
And even as Trump aides put out word that the president-elects daughter Ivanka would be an influential administration voice in favor of curbing global warming, Trump named a man who has repeatedly expressed skepticism about the scientific consensus on climate change, Oklahoma Atty. Gen. Scott Pruitt, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.
This is a big mystery to a lot of people, and its going to be one of the hardest things about this presidency, said Elaine Kamarck, a former advisor in the Clinton administration now at the Brookings Institution in Washington, who has written extensively about the inner workings of White Houses.
Trump has so far shown a deftness at drawing attention away from sticky policy debates with bold, attention-grabbing strokes, a tactic that may help him deflect controversies when he moves to the Oval Office. On Monday, he announced he was delaying until next month a news conference at which he had promised to address his business conflicts of interest, then on Tuesday morning, he staged a photo opportunity at Trump Tower with entertainer Kanye West.
He defied some ideologues in his party, and won goodwill from many supporters, by dramatically persuading Carrier Corp. to keep some of the air conditioning companys manufacturing jobs in Indiana rather than ship them to Mexico.
Despite criticism over singling out an individual company with tax incentives and implicit threats to its government contracting business, Trump was able to use the publicity over the deal to promote a message that workers, particularly those in manufacturing, were at the top of his agenda.
We are going to see a lot of symbolic politics, said Lara Brown, a professor of political management at George Washington University. She expects gestures like the Carrier deal to prove effective for some time.
Trumps supporters, Brown said, are more invested in shaking up the system than a particular policy agenda.
But the splashy moves could wear thin if Trump fails to deliver on signature promises, like a jobs boom.
People will give him the benefit of the doubt for a while, but if things have not become different for them by this time next year, they are going to get restless, she said.
Trump has sent conflicting signals about how much direct control he will exert over federal agencies.
Transition officials say Trump will be calling all the shots and giving clear direction.
It is his agenda being implemented, spokesman Sean Spicer said Tuesday. Its not a vice-versa thing where we are buying into their agenda. They are buying into the president-elects vision and his desire to see real change.
Yet Trump has never demonstrated a sustained interest in policy details. By contrast, at least some of his presumed appointees would take office with detailed agendas they have honed for years as well as ties to lawmakers who know the workings of the federal government in much more detail than the president-elect.
A survey that the nonpartisan Pew Research Center released last week suggests voters remain uncertain of Trumps agenda. Just 4 in 10 Americans polled, fewer than for any president-elect since Pew began asking the question during the 1989 transition, said they approved of the job Trump has done explaining his plans and policies.
Trumps Cabinet picks also won approval from only 4 in 10 Americans, another low for a president-elect during the transition.
Kamarck said Cabinet secretaries normally seek guidance on day-to-day decisions by looking to presidents prior government actions and their campaign policy papers two things Trump lacks. In the absence of clear guidance, they may interpret their selection as a mandate to pursue their own agendas. That could lead to conflict if those policies prove unpopular or at odds with Trumps desires.
She pointed to failures in two Democratic administrations President Clintons effort to allow gays to serve openly in the military and President Obamas desire to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay as examples of the difficulties that can ensue when presidents have public disagreements with the people in charge of implementing their policy goals.
You can see it coming, Kamarck said, pointing to the difficulty of delivering on some of Trumps promises.
What happens when the new secretary of [the Department of Homeland Security] discovers that its pretty hard to deport 3 million criminals without deporting people who had parking tickets? she said.
Most every president has the same rule for Cabinet secretaries: Dont surprise.
If one of their decisions make news, then someone in the White House, perhaps the president himself, needs to sign off on it ahead of time. But within that parameter, administrations give leeway, some more than others, to agency heads.
Obama is known to run a particularly centralized operation, for example, which has frustrated some Cabinet secretaries who have felt that White House control slowed the pace of action and got in the way of putting new policies forward.
Christine Todd Whitman, the former New Jersey governor who led the Environmental Protection Agency under President George W. Bush, said all administrations want to retain control of strategy, though they will let Cabinet secretaries make their cases for how best to execute it.
The secretarys job is to tell them whether theyre crazy or not, and if they say they dont care, you salute and go ahead, said Whitman, who ultimately resigned as EPA chief because of a dispute with the White House over how the agency would enforce the Clean Air Act.
Whitman said Trump would be no different in that respect. The conservatives serving as his closest advisors inside the White House say as much about his agenda as his Cabinet choices, she added.
Presidents also differ on how willing they are to back up subordinates who cause political headaches.
Bush was known for his loyalty to his appointees. In one celebrated case, he praised Michael Brown, then the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, who was being criticized for the governments response to Hurricane Katrina.
Trump could be different. Hes going to be quite unpredictable, but I do think he wants to make sure that all the policy is his, said Whitman, a Republican who voted for Hillary Clinton.
He likes to say, Youre fired. Hes going to pull the plug pretty fast on officials whose actions cause problems, she predicted.
Trump has given mixed signals about how long a leash his aides have. A top political advisor, Kellyanne Conway, publicly criticized Trumps decision to consider Mitt Romney as his secretary of State and paid no apparent price. That led to speculation about whether her criticism of Romney, who ultimately did not get the job, had been part of a more elaborate plan by the president-elect.
Yet Trump seems to relish calling fellow Republicans out for perceived incompetence or disrespect. He has also said at times that members of his inner circle, including Vice President-elect Mike Pence, do not speak on his behalf.
Maybe a President Trump doesnt say, Heck of a job, Brownie, said Tevi Troy, a former Bush administration official and author of the book Shall We Wake the President? Two Centuries of Disaster Management from the Oval Office.
Maybe a President Trump tweets out: Mike Brown, falling down on the job.
noah.bierman@latimes.com
Twitter: @noahbierman
evan.halper@latimes.com
Twitter: @evanhalper
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It wasnt so much a reckoning as a reboot.
The nations top tech executives couldnt know what to expect when they headed to Trump Tower in Manhattan on Wednesday for what President-elect Donald Trumps transition team had billed as an innovation summit. They had reason to fear an ambush.
But if Trump holds grudges against Silicon Valley for the way that many of its denizens maligned and ridiculed him at every step of the presidential campaign, he worked hard not to let them show.
If Trumps opening comments were any indication, this was no repeat of that ill-fated meeting he called with broadcast and cable TV news executives days after the election, during which he mostly dressed them down.
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If any grudges were in the air, they were over who was not in the 25th floor meeting room Wednesday.
Trumps favorite social media platform, Twitter, was absent, for example. Politico attributed it to retribution for the company refusing during the campaign to abide Trumps request to generate a #CrookedHillary emoji.
Twitters refusal to create a digital running stick figure holding a money bag is a grievance that his director of digital advertising aired on Medium a few weeks ago.
Trump representatives denied that was why Twitter was left out of the high-tech confab. They said Twitter didnt make the cut because it wasnt a big enough company. It has a market capitalization of about $13.8 billion, less than half that of Tesla, which was included in the meeting.
Trump himself boasted at the top of the meeting about the deluge of requests to attend.
I wont tell you the hundreds of calls weve had, asking to come to this meeting, Trump said. He looked to Pay Pal co-founder Peter Thiel, an eccentric billionaire who was among the lone tech giants to back Trumps campaign and who now is seen by many tech executives as a potential lifeline in the new administration as he sent out invitations.
Peter would sort of say, You know, that companys too small.
Those executives that did make the cut, Trump declared, led monster companies. They included Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Elon Musk of Tesla, Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, and Larry Page and Eric Schmidt of Googles parent company, Alphabet.
Im here to help you folks do well, Trump said, before taking credit for the bump in the stock market that followed his election. And youre doing well right now and Im very honored by the bounce. Theyre all talking about the bounce. So right now everybody in this room has to like me at least a little bit.
It was the get-along side of Trump on full display. The meeting was to be a symbol of an administration that would not hew to ideology but the best ideas.
Trumps representatives spent the hours leading up to the meeting talking to the press about how good Trump is at listening, even to the people who despise him.
Plenty of folks back in Silicon Valley werent buying it. The executives who flew to New York found themselves confronted with letters, petitions and public scoldings from colleagues who reminded them that Trump has yet to disavow any parts of his agenda that most appalled Silicon Valley during the election.
Now, more than ever, tech leaders must stand up for human dignity, and examine their role in public discourse, EBay founder Pierre Omidyar wrote as he retweeted an article that pilloried tech leaders for going to Trump Tower.
Nearly two dozen advocacy groups, including Amnesty International USA and Democracy for America, demanded to know why most of the companies at the meeting are refusing to pledge not to help Trump build any type of registry for Muslims, as he suggested during the campaign.
More than 640 tech workers, many of them from firms represented at the Trump Tower meeting, vowed to undermine any creation of databases of identifying information for the United States government to target individuals based on race, religion, or national origin.
Reports from inside the meeting room suggest that the tech leaders did not heed the call for confrontation. Amazon Chief Executive Bezos, whose ownership of the Washington Post made him an occasional focus of Trumps ire during the campaign, declared the meeting very productive.
I shared my view that the administration should make innovation one of its key pillars, which would create a huge number of jobs across the whole country, Bezos said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, Trump added Uber CEO Travis Kalanick and Teslas Musk to his business advisory council, which previously had only one representative from the tech industry: Ginni Rometty, chief executive of IBM. Both Kalanick and Musk were bitter critics of Trump during the race.
Kalanick said last year that hed move to China if Trump won the election. Musk had called Trump not the right guy for the presidency in a November interview with CNBC.
The Tesla leaders companies are heavily invested in green energy, setting him up for a possible clash with Trump over climate change policy and subsidies for renewables. But Musk can be a nimble political player, building strategic relationships with others who share many of Trumps views, such as House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield).
Trump showered the group with praise. And before reporters were ushered out of the room, he made a point of assuaging the tech leaders concerns about his threats to slap tariffs on companies that manufacture their products abroad, as most big Silicon Valley firms do.
Were going to make it a lot easier for you to trade across borders, Trump told them.
Theres nobody like you in the world, he added. Theres nobody like the people in this room. And anything we can do to help this go along were going to be there for you. And youll call my people, youll call me. It doesnt make any difference. We have no formal chain of command around here.
Halper reported from Washington and Pierson from Los Angeles.
evan.halper@latimes.com | @evanhalper
david.pierson@latimes.com | @dhpierson
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This is the second in a series of three columns chronicling 2016 in local theater.
The Costa Mesa Playhouse was born in 1965, the Newport Theatre Arts Center in 1980. Both enjoyed robust years in 2016, with the Mesa theater receiving at least a years lease on life at its Hamilton Street venue.
Looking back on their past 12 months of activity, both theaters stretched their resources a bit and each came up with some highly enjoyable productions. Lets visit the Costa Mesa Playhouse first:
Best production: The Addams Family, directed by Jason Holland. Runners-up: Rumors, directed by Kyle Myers, and Of Mice and Men, directed by Michael Serna.
Of The Addams Family, this column observed, The Costa Mesa production ... with Stephen Hulsey serving as musical director ... is notable both for its characterizations and its vocal prowess with all boasting exceptionally strong voices.
Best actor and actress: Peter Hilton for Of Mice and Men and Christine Cummings for Rumors. Runners-up: Johnny Fletcher and Jillian Barnett, both for The Addams Family.
Hilton, this column wrote, delivers an outstanding performance. He renders the pathetic Lennie empathetic and believable. In Rumors, our review praised the tall, lanky Christine Cummings, whose comedic moves bring to mind a young Carol Burnett.
And regarding the Newport Theatre Arts Center:
Best production: God of Carnage, directed by Phyllis Gitlin. Runners-up: 1776, directed by Kathy Paladio, and Steel Magnolias, directed by David Moltroni.
Of God of Carnage, this column declared, This devastating dramatic comedy ... brilliantly and imaginatively directed ... is squarely and powerfully on the mark. It might be noted that the same play earned best production honors for the Costa Mesa Playhouse in 2014.
Best actor and actress: Bradley Miller for 1776" and Tiffany Berg for God of Carnage. Runners-up: Mark Coyan for Uncle Vanya and Adriana Sanchez for I Do, I Do.
Miller scores repeatedly as the conscience of the congress, this column wrote, and drives this lengthy but highly satisfying production. Bergs portrayal was described as a devastating performance from a highly skilled actress.
This column didnt visit either the Huntington Beach Playhouse or Westminster Community Playhouse as often as usual because of publication limitations. However, we were impressed with Huntington Beachs M*A*S*H, directed by Jack Messenger, and Westminsters Almost Maine, staged by Karla Franklin.
Next weekend, the column takes a break from year-end activity to review the musical Elf at the Segerstrom Center. Then, on the first day of the new year, the 2016 man and woman of the year in local theater will be announced.
TOM TITUS reviews local theater.
The Newport Beach City Council gave its second procedural approval Tuesday for a planned luxury condominium tower in Newport Center, with one council member abstaining in the midst of reports of confrontations surrounding a challenge to the project.
Councilman Keith Curry, who initially voted in favor of Related Californias 25-story, 100-unit Museum House development on Nov. 29, abstained from voting on it a second time while calling the ongoing battle over the project a most dishonest, deceitful campaign.
As in the first vote last month, Councilman Tony Petros dissented Tuesday in his last meeting on the council after not running in last months election.
The comments by Curry who was at his last council meeting before being termed out of office came amid reports of intimidation of petitioners and signers by supporters of Museum House who have been hired by the developer and are frequently seen outside Newport Beach grocery stores to contest a petition drive seeking a referendum that could potentially overturn the project.
Last week, the Irvine Co. sued Related California, saying some Museum House supporters were creating a hostile environment for shoppers at Irvine Co. properties and had not filed the requisite paperwork for free speech activities on the sites.
It is absolutely disgusting, said Curry, who added that the matter could be investigated by the federal Justice Department.
Mayor Diane Dixon expressed criticism toward all involved: Related California, referendum campaign organizer Line in the Sand and Citizens Against High Rise Urban Towers, a Santa Ana-based nonprofit that opposes Museum House.
Dixon, who later Tuesday was replaced as mayor by council member Kevin Muldoon, urged all sides who are doing combat within the city limits of Newport Beach to cease that type of gutter-level political activity.
On Monday, a new front in the battle emerged when OCMA Urban Housing LLC, an affiliate of Related California, alleged that Mark Rosen, at attorney for Citizens Against High Rise Urban Towers and a part-time county employee, violated state and county ethics rules while representing the group.
Sean Matsler, an attorney representing OCMA Urban Housing, sent a letter to the Orange County Board of Supervisors requesting that the county investigate whether Rosens lobbying efforts with Citizens Against High Rise Urban Towers violate state conflict-of-interest laws and the county ethics code.
Rosen works about 20 hours a week as an executive assistant to county Auditor-Controller Eric Woolery. Rosen said he earns about $3,000 per month advising Woolery on issues related to county finance.
The county code of ethics states that no employee shall engage in any business, transaction or activity, or have a financial interest, which is in conflict with the proper discharge of official duties or would tend to impair independence of judgment or action on the performance of official duties.
Rosen said the complaint against him is incorrect and without merit.
I havent lobbied anyone, he said. "[Citizens Against High Rise Urban Towers] is not circulating any referendum petitions, and I certainly havent lobbied the county.
The letter takes issue with Rosens comments this month that the City Council erred in approving the Museum House project because it voted without receiving requisite written confirmation from the Federal Aviation Administration that the condo tower and aircraft using a nearby Police Department helipad would not pose a threat to each other.
The Airport Land Use Commission, a county-run group, signed off on the development in November with the condition that the FAA and Police Department also determine that the projects proximity to the helipad is acceptable.
City officials have said they received sufficient documentation before the Nov. 29 council meeting from Kari Rigoni, executive officer of the Airport Land Use Commission. In her letter, Rigoni said the FAA was OK with it.
The complaint states that Rosen has engaged the news media and various Airport Land Use Commission employees in an attempt to undermine the decision on the project.
Because the county is responsible for funding of the ALUC, including with respect to employees and operating expenses, there is a likelihood that Mr. Rosen personally, in his capacity as an employee of the county auditor-controllers office generally, has authority and influence over the funding of ALUC, the letter states.
Rosen called that a stretch and said hes often involved in election cases in which he represents people suing Orange County Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley and that theres never been a conflict-of-interest issue.
This is just another attempt by the Museum House people to smear anyone and everyone who gets in their way, Rosen said. Theyre using any kind of slimy, swampy tactic they can use.
bradley.zint@latimes.com
Twitter: @BradleyZint
hannah.fry@latimes.com
Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
More than eight years after first announcing its intention to move from Newport Beach, much remains unsettled about the Orange County Museum of Arts plans to build a new home in Costa Mesa.
Even as the original target date has come and gone, details such as the construction budget and design for the proposed new museum at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts have yet to be finalized.
The museum, commonly known as OCMA, also hasnt submitted plans to the city of Costa Mesa for review, according to Todd Smith, museum director and chief executive.
The museum continues to work with the architect on the details of the final design, Smith wrote in a recent email.
The new building will greatly enhance the museums ability to showcase its permanent collection and special exhibitions and serve the educational needs of students and adults alike, he said.
In June 2008, OCMA announced its intent to pull up stakes from its longtime home at 850 San Clemente Drive in Newport Center. The same year, it engaged an architect to design the new facility.
At the time, officials said they had received legal title to a donated 1.64-acre parcel at the Segerstrom Center.
The agreement for the land originally required the museum to break ground for the new facility no later than 2013 and to open the new museum by 2016, according to an OCMA news release dated June 6, 2008.
The groundbreaking deadline was later pushed to June 2017, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. That report, in April 2015, said the cost of the new building was estimated at $50 million.
Smith said the construction budget is still being finalized.
He said the museum continues to work toward the existing deadline, but he wouldnt say whether its possible to push it back if necessary.
We are very pleased with the progress to date and will be able to unveil the new design in the new year, Smith said.
Terry Dwyer, president of the Segerstrom Center, said in a statement that the center continues to work with the museum to help make its move to Segerstrom Center for the Arts a success.
This will be an important expansion of the communitys cultural opportunities, and we look forward to welcoming them, Dwyer said.
Whatever the final bill of the new museum, OCMA plans to use proceeds from the sale of its current 2-acre site to help cover the costs, Smith said. A fundraising campaign would follow the sale, he added.
OCMA has agreed to sell the land to developer Related California LLC, which plans to build a 25-story, 100-unit condominium tower called Museum House on the property.
Terms of the purchase have not been disclosed and the sale is still pending, with a controversy surrounding Related Californias project complicating matters.
The Newport Beach City Council approved Museum House late last month, but local activist group Line in the Sand has launched a referendum campaign seeking to overturn that decision.
Critics of the project have expressed worries about its possible effects on traffic and argued that the tower would set a precedent for more high-rise residences that could transform Newport Beach into something more resembling Los Angeles.
Project supporters and the developer, however, say the project fits the area, would have no significant effects on traffic and would benefit the city financially through additional taxes and fees.
Opponents need to submit at least 5,800 signatures from Newport voters by Dec. 29 to potentially bring the project to a public vote.
Newport Beach City Clerk Leilani Brown said that if enough signatures are verified, she would bring the matter to the City Council to determine the next steps.
If it does go before the voters, the city would call a special election and the date will need to be determined, she said.
Smith said its encouraging that Newport city officials have supported the Museum House project and that OCMA hopes the sale of the museum parcel to Related California will proceed.
We hope that residents who consider the facts of the proposed Museum House will conclude that the project should go ahead as approved by the elected City Council, he said.
luke.money@latimes.com
Twitter: @LukeMMoney
Costa Mesa fire Capt. Bruce Pulgencio has two passions in life: firefighting and flying.
Pulgencio, 58, was all smiles Wednesday as he walked into Costa Mesa Fire Station No.5 on Vanguard Way for his first full shift after serving overseas as a senior pilot with the California Army National Guard for more than a year. His return marked the end of his third and final deployment for the military.
All eyes were on Pulgencio as his colleagues and Fire Chief Dan Stefano celebrated his return.
Were so proud to have him as part of our family, Stefano said. Hes served our country and he means so much to us. The Costa Mesa fire family is so proud of him.
Since 2004, Pulgencio, a Costa Mesa native, has served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and most recently Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, Operation Freedoms Sentinel in Afghanistan and Operation Spartan Shield in Kuwait.
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FOR THE RECORD
An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed Operation Freedoms Sentinel as Operation Sentinel Freedom.
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But ever since he stepped off a plane at John Wayne Airport from Kuwait in October, Pulgencio has been working 40 hours a week for Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue, mostly in an office, brushing up on new standards and procedures.
Its not exactly the adrenaline rush hes used to when working 24-hour shifts for the fire department or flying in a military operation.
Firefighters love working in the station running calls, Pulgencio said. When they go upstairs and theyre in administration, 40-hour work weeks, its the kiss of death.
But he acknowledged its necessary to bring him back up to speed. On his first day riding on a fire engine shadowing another captain, Pulgencio said, he forgot how to change the engines status after transporting someone to a hospital.
If you dont do it every day, it doesnt stay as part of your thought process, he said. Its just little things like that that are so important, because we need to be Johnny on the spot. We need to be quick, decisive and accurate.
Pulgencio began working for Costa Mesas fire department in 1989 as an intern and steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a captain in 2002.
At the same time, he has pursued his passion for flying, compiling 1,100 combat flight hours during his military tours.
He followed in his father and older sisters footsteps and joined the Navy in 1976 under the delayed-entry program as a student at Costa Mesa High School before transitioning to the California Army National Guard, where he cemented his love of flying.
During his last tour, he was a senior standardization officer in the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, conducting flight evaluations for pilots and crew chiefs and traveling to Iraq to fly missions with UH-60 Black Hawks, AH-64 Apaches, CH-47 Chinooks, fixed-wing aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems.
Pulgencio said he hopes to eventually combine flying and firefighting as a helicopter pilot for a fire department or sheriffs department in California. He said hes been applying for a while, and although positions are hard to come by, hes not giving up.
Thats my ultimate goal, he said. Its been my goal since the first day I started here.
A small team of programmers, doctors and marketers based in Glendale are hoping to transform the way public medical information is indexed, presenting masses of data into a straightforward report, independent of the industrys influence.
The data platform is called MedFax and at the helm is founder and chief executive Gemma Cunningham, who is a medical marketing professional by trade. She was, for a while, the go-to expert connecting media to the healthcare industry when, for example, the public wanted to learn more about a celebrity overdose.
However, she became frustrated with how the medical industry was being evaluated by the public. She would even field endless calls from family members and friends hoping to find the right doctor. So she helped build MedFax to answer a nagging question: Why isnt there something where, at the touch of a button, I can get unbiased information on a physician?
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MedFaxs operation is deceptively simple. Provide a system without the influence of the people it accounts for using only publicly available data aggregated from trusted sources to help insurers and someday soon consumers find the best doctor.
When you have a bunch of facts, you just have facts. When you aggregate the facts, you start to create the ability to have intelligence, Cunningham said. Together, the facts tell us a story.
The system monitors sources with more than 10 years worth of data on every physician in the United States including demographics and licensing as well as disciplinary and legal records.
The primary medical data sources often dont communicate well, Cunningham said, and MedFax can help catch conflicting data from places such as medical boards, the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
I knew this in doing medical [public relations] that all 75 state medical boards speak a different computer language, so nobody talks to each other, Cunningham said. So when a doctor gets in trouble, all he or she does is jump over to the next state and start another license or alternate licenses and no one ever knows.
For example, state medical boards only record complaints or cases that have been finalized, but MedFax can access all 3,200 county courts in the United States and, in that way, inform insurers of pending cases, filling a data gap that might not be captured elsewhere.
Now in its fourth year, the notion of medical transparency in MedFax is rooted in Cunninghams previous work founding the Assn. for Medical Ethics 12 years ago, which advocates that medical-device and pharmaceutical companies should report who they pay and how much.
Currently, MedFaxs core business is in aiding medical malpractice insurers. When a doctor searches for insurance, carriers use MedFax to whittle down key target metrics on physicians (such as the total number of lawsuits) and build a risk assessment.
Matt Bartilson, the companys chief creative officer, met Cunningham while doing medical public relations himself and became interested in her vision. Bartilson said helping insurers by its very nature pushes healthcare in the right direction.
The vast majority of doctors are providing really excellent care and, unfortunately, you can have a group of 20 doctors and one that is a higher risk, Bartilson said. "[MedFax] helps identify that very quickly so that people can make decisions. And its really all about speeding up that decision-making process.
For now, Cunningham is holding off on releasing a version of MedFax to the public until at least late next year. Because MedFax is the brainchild of those with years of experience in the medical industry, Cunningham said she is aware the data could be overwhelming.
It has to be responsible and it has to be able to explain to the average person what the indexed data means. You cant just dump on them 10 years of history, Cunningham said.
I also dont think its fair to rate a doctor. You cant evaluate your doctor the way you do a sandwich shop, she added.
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Jeff Landa, jeff.landa@latimes.com
Twitter: @JeffLanda
As winter descends on La Canada and nighttime temperatures dip down closer to freezing, it may be tempting to throw a few logs in the fireplace and bundle up before a warm blaze.
But before you do, regional air quality experts ask you to check whether your neighborhood might be under a no-burn status that prohibits residents from indoor or outdoor burning, and could draw fines and penalties if not properly observed.
For the past six days, non-desert portions of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, along with all Orange County and most of Riverside County, have been placed under a mandatory wood-burning ban issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to keep particulate matter in check on days when air quality is already unhealthy.
Weve made tremendous progress in cleaning up air pollution in the Los Angeles area. But we still have a lot of work to do, SCAQMD spokesman Sam Atwood said in an interview Tuesday. We still have among the worst air pollution in the United States.
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The districts winter air pollution prevention program Check Before You Burn runs from November through February and issues no-burn alerts by emails and texts to let residents know when they should refrain from fireplace fires or outdoor burning.
Some may consider wood smoke natural or harmless, but air quality officials say the smoke caused by the Southlands wood-burning fireplaces each day can emit more than 5 tons of fine particulate matter (defined as having a diameter of 2.5 microns, 2.5 millionths of a meter, or smaller) that can easily be inhaled, resulting in respiratory and cardiovascular health issues.
Atwood said those emissions amount to more than three times the amount of fine particulate matter emitted from all the power plants in the same area. Such matter is thought to be responsible for an estimated 4,000 premature deaths each year in Southern California.
When you burn a log in your fireplace, its open burning. There is no control of the emissions whatsoever, Atwood said. Most (emission) sources have air pollution controls one of the few totally uncontrolled sources is the home fireplace.
The Check Before You Burn program was made mandatory under the Air Quality Management Districts Rule 445, which set guidelines for wood-burning devices and encourages customers to switch to gas-fueled devices.
Under the provisions of that rule, newly constructed residences may not contain wood-burning fireplaces. Businesses that sell wood for burning are required to label that burning may be restricted, referring purchasers to a no-burn telephone hotline.
While the program is intended to educate residents, penalties may be levied against violators, Atwood said. Rule 445 states fist-time offenses could come with a $50 fine or participation in a wood smoke awareness course. Repeat violators could be subject to fines of $150 and then $500 and could be ordered to replace their wood-burning devices with a gas-fueled fireplace.
Atwood said the benefits of complying with the mandate far outweigh any inconvenience.
Its just a small change in lifestyle during a few days when air pollution is already forecast to be unhealthy, he reasoned.
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To learn whether a no-burn alert has been issued for your area, call (866) 966-3293. To sign up online to receive automatic alerts, visit airalerts.org. More information on the program and incentives available to SCAQMD customers for the installation of gas-fueled devices, visit healthyhearths.org.
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Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com
Twitter: @SaraCardine
It was 6 a.m. and I was traveling in Texas, heading for the Guadalupe. Its a twisty river and its shoreline is dotted with Spanish oaks. The Guadalupe River is the perfect backdrop for a video Im shooting to promote the release of the book Ive been working on for years. Its shoreline gradually kisses the river, making for a pastoral setting. The river and the land depict peace, and that was particularly true as the sun peeked over the eastern horizon.
The metaphor couldnt be more poignant: Christmas is a time for peace.
Just as I came out of a hairpin curve, I was hit by a bolt of lightning, and it was just my fortune that I was traveling well under the speed limit. Im often told that I drive like Mr. Magoo.
My gut told me the bolt was sent by my beloved editor to remind me that my column is due at high noon. Lucky for me, Texas time is two hours ahead of California.
I had assorted ideas of what Id write about; however, if youve read me for past the 13 or 14 years youll note that prior to Christmas I tend to write about distant Christmas memories.
I was in the middle of nowhere between Grape Town and Albert, Texas. Frantically, I searched my map for a place to write, preferably one with an Internet connection. I hoped to find a cafe once I reached Albert.
Traveling at a blistering 30 miles an hour, I pulled into Albert. It was just my luck that Albert was a ghost town population 7. However, smoke and the delicious scent of barbecue were coming from behind an old clapboard structure. I found a man named Greg smoking slabs of beef that had been seasoned with his special rub, a mixture of spices and herbs that he inherited from his granddaddy.
What you doing? I asked.
Barbecue for the dance hall, Greg answered.
Dance hall?
That barn over there, he said.
I told him of my predicament. He opened the door to the Albert Ice House and Dance Hall.
Ill throw some logs in the stove; make it nice and warm, he said.
Greg flicked a switch and assorted Christmas lights shown throughout the bar. There was a Christmas tree, a nativity scene and the melodic din of Christmas carols.
Well, I was going for the ace of diamonds.
Greg, you got Internet? I asked.
Sure do. Were on Facebook, he replied.
Un-doggone believable, I thought.
The bar was a kaleidoscope of pictures of people and the local color of the area that dated back to the 1800s.
I noted a sign hanging on the wall that read: What day is it? Its today, squeaked Piglet. My favorite day, said Pooh. (A.A. Milne).
Im always looking for a sign, and I think I found it.
Over the years, I always wrote about Christmas past. It was time to write about today.
There, in the middle of the Texas Hill Country I experienced the hospitality of strangers. My idea of Christmas is very simple. Its doing something extra special for someone. Greg made me eggs, biscuits and ham, and I wrote about the moment.
I looked about the Ice House, attempting to capture the totality of the moment. My mothers favorite song, Ill be home for Christmas, sung by Perry Como, was playing. Regardless of the moment, Christmas evokes memories of times cherished and I couldnt help thinking of my mom. She always said that no matter where you are, Christmas is a time to be home with your mother.
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JOE PUGLIA is a practicing counselor, a retired professor of education and a former officer in the Marines. Reach him at doctorjoe@ymail.com. Visit his website at doctorjoe.us.
Caught between rebels and government forces, the Syrian city of Aleppo has largely been cut off from the rest of the world in recent months. But this week, as Syrian forces advanced on rebel-held areas, residents took to social media to send pleas and heartbreaking farewells to a global audience.
As the shelling of the city continued, residents reported on the carnage (Every bomb is a new massacre) or suggested their most recent communication might be their last.
On Tuesday, under the terms of a cease-fire brokered by Turkey and Russia, Syrian rebels were to be allowed to leave for rebel-held territories and civilians were to be evacuated. But after just a few hours of calm, shelling resumed, and the green buses meant for shuttling opposition fighters out have remained empty.
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Aleppo, once Syrias most populous city, has been the focus of intense fighting between anti-government rebels and forces loyal to President Bashar Assad.
The tweets, photographs and videos beaming out of the city in recent days were liked, shared and retweeted thousands and sometimes tens of thousands of times. Often the sounds of warfare can be heard in the background, and the speakers dress even when inside heavy clothing and wool caps is a reminder that utilities have been inconsistent or completely cut off.
Here is what some of them, writing or speaking in English, said:
Lina Shamy, activist
The young woman wearing a hijab and oversize glasses posted a video from Aleppo early Tuesday morning:
To everyone who can hear me, we are here exposed to a genocide in the besieged city of Aleppo. This may be my last video. More than 50,000 of civilians who rebelled against the dictator Al Assad are threatened with field executions or dying under bombingThe civilians are stuck in a very small area that doesnt exceed 2 square kilometers.
With no safe zones, no life. Every bomb is a new massacre. Save Aleppo. Save the humanity.
Two days later, after the cease-fire broke, Shamy asked her followers to continue their efforts. The sound of explosions could be heard in the distance:
Civilians are stuck again in the city. No one could have leaved [sic] the city under this agreement. How can we trust Russia after they have promised that this agreement will occur and that no one would attack the civilians?
Rami Zien, activist and journalist
Lit only by his phone, Rami Zien spoke hopefully Tuesday about the cease-fire.
What we have seen the last two days is indescribable. Anyhow the cease-fire is ongoing and were hoping that the agreement about evacuation in the city and the fighters will reach and will be implemented so we can go all safely. Thanks for everyone who prayed for us, and we still need your prayers and your voices.
Later that night, in a video streaming on Periscope that had over 100,000 views, Zien described his hopes of fleeing to the countryside and then Turkey and maybe one day, London.
#standwithaleppo
A message from besieged #aleppo
We might survive yet
Still need your prayers
Thanks all pic.twitter.com/yqoT2kacfL Rami ZAYAT (ZIEN) (@Rami_Zien) December 13, 2016
Abdul Kafi Alhamdo, teacher and activist
This is a call and might be the last call, Alhamdo tweeted Monday. Save Aleppo people. Save my daughter and other children. #StandwithAleppo.
A few hours later: the last message. Thanks for everything. We shared many moments. The last tweets were from an emotiomal [sic] father. Farewell, #Aleppo.
On Tuesday, in a live stream on Periscope, Alhamdo described the situation:
Now its raining, bombs a little bit calmer, the Assad militias are maybe 300 meters away, no place now to go. Its the last of days. I hope we can speak again. Really I dont know what to say but I hope you can do something for Aleppo people, for my daughter, for the other children.
this is a call and might be the last call.
Save Aleppo people. Save my daughter and other children. #StandWithAleppo @Mr.Alhamdo (@Mr_Alhamdo) December 12, 2016
the last massage. Thanks for everything. we shared many moments. The last tweets were from an emotiomal father. Farewell, #Aleppo @Mr.Alhamdo (@Mr_Alhamdo) December 12, 2016
Ismail Alabdullah, Syria Civil Defense volunteer
On Wednesday, he bid a farewell to the city in a tweet: You are more than a mother to me, you will stay in my heart even in my grave my beloved #Aleppo.
The civil defense workers, volunteers known as the White Helmets for their headgear, are trained in basic first aid and respond to airstrikes and bombings. Some Aleppo residents call them heroes, others suspect them of being rebel fighters.
A few hours later, over what sounded like a steady stream of rain punctuated by shelling, Alabdullah spoke brokenheartedly about leaving Aleppo in a video posted by the Syria Civil Defense organization:
This time maybe it is the last time that I talk to you from Aleppo. Another crime, forcing the people to leave their city. Today we couldnt help the injured people, we couldnt bury the dead bodies because of the situation, because of the bombing before the cease-fire.
All of that because the whole world let us down and we couldnt stay in Aleppo city to help our people, to help our kids, and now you cant help us. You cant help us anymore.
Message from @ishmael12345611 SCD volunteer from inside besieged city of Aleppo.#save_Aleppo pic.twitter.com/hrfbfUcvB4 The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) December 14, 2016
Salah Ashkar, activist
In a video posted Wednesday on Twitter, Ashkar stepped over rubble and appeared out of breath.
A missile just fell on the roof of my building, he narrated as he climbed over debris. Now the people who were awaiting the bus, have to run back for their life again and find shelter.
He panned to the destruction on the roof and looked into the camera one last time before shutting it off.
A missile just fell on the roof of my building
Now the people who were waiting the buses have to run back for their lives again find shelter pic.twitter.com/WGGfc1BEdX salah ashkar (@SalahAshkar) December 14, 2016
nina.agrawal@latimes.com
Twitter: @AgrawalNina
ALSO
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Samsung Group finally makes some drastic changes for Samsung Galaxy S8. Removing some features, the market might be disappointed with the new flagship smartphone. Know the features that will be effaced and new features in store for users potential buyers this 2017.
According to Trusted Reviews, Samsung Galaxy S8 will only release dual curved-edge screens in 2017. The next flagship model is expected to be available in two variants.
One version will have a 5.7-inch screen resolution, while the other will sport a 6.2-inch display. All of which will be a bezel-less display with a screen-to-body ratio above 90%.
The newest Samsung flagship smartphone will have an all-screen design with no "Home" button, dual stereo speakers, built-in storages, front face camera feature, and a male/female version of the unit's upcoming artifical intelligence (AI) digital assistant, Tech Radar notes.
However, it will no longer have it's 3.5mm headphone port, headphone jack and a pricey SRP of $850.00.
Samsung is reportedly offering the foldable phone just to gauge how much demand there is for such a device, and to see how the public responds to the features. Once this is analyzed, Samsung will take foldable phones to the next level by launching one of two designs it is working on. These include an "in-foldable" model or an "out-foldable" model.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to be introduced on February 26, 2017, in Barcelona, Spain during a Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event. The unveiling will take place the day before MWC 2017 is officially open.
However, some speculated that either an earlier launch could be made or it will be delayed until April 2017.
Over the last two years, Samsung Group launched a flat-screen version of its flagship phone, and a model with a dual-curved edge screen. Samsung's decision to stop the production of flat-screen flagship has some tech analysts and experts worried.
Hundred's of millions of years ago, parts of Mars were capable of supporting life for lengthy stretches, new observation by NASA's Mars rover Curiosity suggests.
Curiosity has identified a number of different rocks over an elevation range of about 650 feet (200 meters). This represents a time span of tens of millions to hundreds of millions of years.
As per the report from the American Geophysical Union, The Rover's analyses the environment within Gale Crater changed considerably during this period. But this had never in a way that would preclude life from forming or surviving.
According to SPACE, The Curiosity made the observation by drilling into the rocks on Mars. The scientists have collected resulting samples and determine that Gale Crater harbored a potentially habitable lake-and-stream billions of years ago.
The new findings have painted the most detailed picture of the environment on Mars and give details of how it changed over time. The results are sought ting more finding that Curiosity has performed as it climbs the foothills of Mount Sharp, which rises 3.4 miles into the sky from Gale Crater's center.
The primary observations of Curiosity of lower elevation suggest the lake was first tranquil of fresh neutral-PH water and time to time changed acidic and then a bit saltier.
The lake system on Mars was probably dried at times and then filled back in again, as the groundwater level rose, reported by John Grotzinger, the Curiosity science team member.
The researchers find that, despite all these changes the area remained hospitable to microbial life. The curiosity has also detected Boron in Gale Crater; this element has discovered first time from the Mars.
Curiosity Science Team Member assures, Curiosity will continue climbing up Mounting Sharp lower reaches and also find out the changing behavior of ancient Martian environment.
Curiosity is part of NASA's ongoing Mars research and prepares for human mission to Mars in the 2030s
NASA's curiosity about Mars gives them a chance to wander by using a little bot called Opportunity. The little bot made the greatest discovery of about years of the profession by finding proof that life may have possessed the capacity to get a dependable balance on the Red Planet. Opportunity wanders advance up layered on a mountain of Mars.
According to The Verge, Opportunity finds more signs that the Red Planet was once a habitable place, that conceivably fit for facilitating microbial life billions of years. The rover has been penetrating as it climbs and reveals that the mountain has an assortment of minerals, chemistry, and textures. These various samples are helping the researchers to portray how ancient groundwater cooperated with these stone and changed after some time.
Researchers said that Opportunity rover speckled some clay minerals in an ancient rock on the edge of Mars' Endeavour Crater. It discovered neutral-pH water that once flowed through the area. Since water is a key element for life on Earth, its past presence on Mars may imply that life once flourished there.
Opportunity's younger cousin Curiosity, have discovered solid proof that its landing site could have upheld microbial life. In such perceptions, could help researchers map out Mars' move from a moderately warm and wet world long ago to the cold and dry planet we know today. Prior to this mission to Mars, they have discovered boron.
DAILY GALAXY stated that Patrick Gasda, a postdoctoral scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory said, if the boron that they found in calcium sulfate mineral veins on Mars is what we see on Earth, it would demonstrate that the groundwater of antiquated Mars that formed these veins would have been 0-60 degrees Celsius and in neutral-to-alkaline pH.
Boron has been distinguished surprisingly on the surface of Mars, demonstrating the potential for long-term habitable groundwater in the old past. This finding and others from NASA's Curiosity wanderer science team will be examined in a question and answer session today in San Francisco amid the American Geophysical Union gathering.
The exploration of boron is just a single of a few recent discoveries that related to the piece of Martian rocks. Curiosity climbs at the layered Martian mountain and discovered rock composition as an evidence of how old the lakes and wet underground environment changed, billions of years prior, in ways that influenced their idealness for microbial life.
Samsung is expected to flaunt a high time with its recent C series stunners. The recently launched C 9 Pro already seems to create much buzz with its spectacular look and superlative elements. Now the upcoming Galaxy C7 Pro is making out a large amount of speculations among the tech fans. Within this sharp time, TENAA released an alleged picture of what is said to be Samsung's Galaxy C7 Pro handset.
According to GSM Arena, Galaxy C7 Pro alongside it another partner of Samsung's C series range; C5 Pro was previously thought to release within December 2016. But eventually, the date of its unveiling was officially fetched to January 2017. However, this gap can be regarded as a promotional effort for Samsung's C9 Pro which was revealed in the month of October in this year.
As per a report by BGR India, the photo, which is now regarded as one of the first ever snaps of Galaxy C7 Pro to be surfaced in public by TENAA is said to be taken during the certification process. The alleged snap reveals many similarities of Galaxy C7 Pro with already existing C9 Pro.
At first, the image reveals the front end and the back side of the device which seems to surface a full metallic finishing. ON the front side, the existence of Samsung's conventional Home Button can be seen along with an integrated fingerprint sesnsor. The Galaxy C7 Pro also comes with the new, thin, redesigned antenna lines introduced in Samsung's portfolio by the C9 Pro. The back panel showcases a rear camera in the top-middle position of the device with Samsung's trademark underneath it. There is also a led-back light at the right side of the camera as what it seems to be.
As for the expected specifications, the device is said to sport a 5.7-inch touchscreen display. The RAM capacity is hinted to be of 4GB alongside a 64GB internal storage. The devices is also said to have two 16MP Snapper, one in front and other on the rear end. While in case of processing unit, it is said to boast a Snapdragon 626 chipset. The handset is supposed to run with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow initially. Although, it is not yet clear whether the smartphone will see Nougat update or not.
New festival on nature films
From:chinadaily.com.cn | 2016-12-15 07:46
Earthland-Wildscreen Film Festival screens 15 Panda Award-winning or nominated documentaries and nature films, such as HebridesIslands on the Edge and River MonstersDemon Fish. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Huang Zizhen saw a Global Forest Watch screenshot featuring the planet's forest cover, she felt sad that China's tree density appeared to be less than some of its neighboring countries.
So, aiming to raise public awareness about nature, Huang, a former multinational executive, switched to cinema.
After preparing for more than a year with a budget of almost 2 million yuan ($285,700), she recently introduced Earthland-Wildscreen Film Festival, a Chinese version of Britain's Wildscreen Festival, to moviegoers in Beijing and Shanghai.
The British festival, which was launched in Bristol in 1982, is a biennial event to celebrate the best storytellers on nature. The Panda Awards, its highest honors, are dubbed the "green Oscars".
Up to 15 Panda winners or nominated documentaries and films were screened in Beijing in October and in Shanghai in Novemberthe most significant part of the Chinese event.
From Hidden Kingdoms: Under Open Skies and Leopards: 21st Century Cats to Flight of the Butterflies, most of the documentaries haven't been screened in Chinese theaters.
After every screening at the festival, experts from guokr.com, a popular Chinese social media site on science, held conversations with audience members on the film.
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Amazing Yangtze promotional videos played at Times Square in New York
From:English.news.cn | 2016-12-12 09:59
A video featuring Chinese Yangtze River (Top) is broadcast on Times Square in New York, the United States, on Dec. 9, 2016. A series of promotional videos about the beauty and wonders of the Yangtze River in China started running since Friday on one of the top billboards in New York's Times Square. (Xinhua/Li Changxiang)
NEW YORK, Dec.9 (Xinhua) -- A series of promotional videos about the beauty and wonders of the Yangtze River in China started running since Friday on one of the top billboards in New York's Times Square.
Showcasing the scenery, people and history around the third-longest river in the world, the series consists of seven episodes, including " Pristine Origins," "Diverse Cultures," "Heritage & Growth," "Natural Beauty," "Eco-Cities," "Wildlife" and "Green Economy."
The series will be broadcast until December 31, with a frequency of 14 times each episode per day.
The series' playing period coincides with traditional U.S. holiday season, where a substantial tourist influx was often seen in New York City.
The period will also cover the New Year's Eve of 2016, when up to a million people are expected to converge at Times Square to celebrate the "ball drop" ceremony and usher in the New Year.
"The Yangtze River looks amazing in the video," said Adam Monahan from Texas.
Monahan had been to China but not yet to the Yangtze River region.
"I'll definitely go next time," Monahan said.
Dec 15, 2016, 2:48pm ET
Hyundai-Kia supplier fined $2.6M after robot kills worker
An OSHA official warned Hyundai and Kia that their exclusive suppliers\' production policies were endangering workers.
An Alabama supplier that exclusively stamps parts for Hyundai and Kia has been hit with nearly $2.6 million in federal penalties for safety and health violations.
The enforcement action was prompted by a June accident that killed a 20-year old worker two weeks before her wedding day. She had entered a robotic station to clear a sensor fault when the robot restarted abruptly, crushing her inside the machine.
A subsequent investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration led to citations for nearly two dozen violations including 19 "egregious instance-by-instance willful violations" at the Joon LLC (DBA Ajin USA) plant. OSHA also cited two staffing agencies associated with the factory, Alliance HR Inc (DBA Alliance Total Solutions) and Joynus Staffing Corp.
"This senseless tragedy could have been prevented if Regina Elsea's employers had followed proper safety precautions," said OSHA assistant labor secretary Dr. David Michaels. "In addition, it is unfortunate that Hyundai and Kia, who set strict specifications on the parts they purchase from their suppliers, appear to be less concerned with the safety of the workers who manufacture those parts."
The agency claims Michaels traveled to Korea last year to meet with Hyundai and Kia's top managers to warn them of the hazardous conditions at their suppliers, explicitly explaining that production policies were endangering workers at the suppliers' factories.
"Kia and Hyundai's on-demand production targets are so high that workers at their suppliers are often required to work six and sometimes seven days a week to meet the targets," Michaels claims. "It appears that - to reduce its own costs in meeting these targets - this supplier cut corners on safety, at the expense of workers' lives and limbs."
The specific citations flagged a failure to utilize energy control procedures to prevent machinery from starting up during maintenance and servicing, exposing workers to crushing hazards by allowing entry to a robotic cell without shutting down and securing stored energy, failing to provide safety locks and exposing employees to hazards due to improper machine guarding.
OSHA has placed Ajin USA in its Severe Violators Enforcement Program, suggesting its factories will face additional scrutiny and inspections going forward.
Ajin is an American arm of a Korean supplier, with 700 workers employed in the Alabama facility. The company also operates factories in Korea, Vietnam and China.
Philadelphia's Independence Hall. The pyramids of Egypt. The Great Wall of China.
Bethlehem's 14-acre historic Moravian settlement could one day join the ranks of those UNESCO World Heritage sites because, after 14 years of advocacy, the settlement has landed on the U.S.'s tentative nomination list.
There are only 23 UNESCO World Heritage sites in the United States -- Independence Hall being the only in Pennsylvania -- and just over 1,000 worldwide.
And it is an arduous process to earn the honor.
This month, Bethlehem's Moravian settlement was nominated along with Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park in New York City and Chicago's early skyscrapers. UNESCO stands for United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The selections were announced Dec. 9 in the Federal Register after a two-year vetting process. New additions to the list were last made in 2008 and some sites remain nominees.
The nominees will vie to be one of the two sites the U.S. Department of Interior can nominate each year to be selected by UNESCO to make the list. New additions to the list cannot be nominated for at least a year.
"Isn't this an incredible honor for our 275th year?" said Charlene Donchez Mowers, president of Historic Bethlehem Museum and Sites, at a news conference Thursday to announce the achievement.
World Heritage sites do not receive funding, but the designation signals to travelers that these are must-see tourist destinations. Officials hope inclusion would elevate Bethlehem's reputation as a Colonial-era historic site.
Mowers praised the city, her own organization and Moravian College for preserving and maintaining all of the included historic structures, which span from the Colonial Industrial Quarter, where America's first municipal water system can be found, up Church Street and into God's Acre, one of the nation's oldest Colonial cemeteries.
U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Lehigh Valley, lauded Bethlehem for protecting its history, so visitors today can authentically explore the birthplace of the American industrial revolution. Bethlehem is not re-created like Williamsburg, where philanthropist John D. Rockefeller backed much of the restoration starting in the 1920s, he said.
"That is a tribute to all the people that came before us," Dent said.
Mayor Bob Donchez lauded the latest achievement and praised Mowers for her dedication to earning the recognition.
The mayor announced the formation of a World Heritage Commission "to provide support for this initiative to pursue placement on the World Heritage list, which will have an incredible impact" on the city, Lehigh Valley and the state, he said.
The commission will work to raise the money needed to make the case that Bethlehem's Moravian settlement is a place of international cultural significance. It will review all of the guidelines to determine how to move forward, Mowers said.
Bethlehem will have to produce a lengthy dossier chronicling Bethlehem's Moravian history and justify why it is of international importance. It's been estimated the document could cost $300,000 to $500,000 to produce, Mowers said.
Donchez said he plans to ask city council to approve a city contribution to the commission, but the majority of the money will be raised through corporate sponsorship and donations.
Mowers is hopeful Bethlehem's extensive historic records, ranging from the Moravian archive to her own organization's files, significantly cuts down that cost.
She also hopes to rely on the early Moravian research of Denmark's World Heritage site Christiansfeld, a Moravian community that was the first to earn the designation last year. Its application was 1,000 pages, she said.
As Mowers has fought to get Bethlehem onto the nomination list, she's networked internationally with other Moravian communities and they've joined the effort. A delegation from Denmark visited Bethlehem in 2015.
Bethlehem's work is not done yet, but it's remarkable how far it has come, said Dent, who will sit on the commission and advocate for the city in Washington, D.C.
"Congratulations to everybody involved with this incredible designation," he said. "I'm sure that our forefathers and ancestors would be extremely proud of what you've done."
The U.S. proposed the World Heritage Convention to UNESCO in 1972. The World Heritage Program promotes local and international cooperation with the aim of preserving national and cultural heritage.
Nominations for the U.S. World Heritage site designation are at the discretion of the assistant secretary of the interior for fish and wildlife parks, but there is no set schedule. The World Heritage Committee's rules limit countries to two nominees a year. The earliest Bethlehem could be nominated would be 2018-19.
Since 2011, there has been a prohibition on the U.S. paying dues to UNESCO or the World Heritage fund, which does create uncertainty about American's ability to make nominations.
In 2012, the Moravian settlement was designated as one of the nation's approximately 200 National Historic Landmark Districts.
***
Commission members
Charlene Donchez Mowers, president Historic Bethlehem Partnership Museum and Sites
Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez
Moravian College President Bryon Grigsby
Central Moravian Church senior pastor Bishop Hopeton Clennon
Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Joseph Roy
U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, R-15th District
Bethlehem Area Moravians General Manager David Roth
Daniel McCarthy, Lehigh Valley Partnership
Discover Lehigh Valley President Mike Stershic
Just Born Inc. Co-Chief Executive Officer David Shaffer
Attorney C. Hank Barnette, former CEO of Bethlehem Steel Corp.
Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Easton Hospital CEO John Zidansek
John Zidansek joined Easton Hospital in 2013 after serving as CEO of Lock Haven Hospital and Sharon Regional Health System in Pennsylvania. (lehighvalleylive.com file photo)
Easton Hospital is looking for a new chief executive officer.
John Zidansek, who took over the 254-bed hospital in Wilson Borough three years ago, has resigned.
A hospital spokesman confirmed Zidansek's departure in a statement Thursday but didn't elaborate on the circumstances.
"The search to identify a new CEO is underway," said the statement by Stephen Wilson. "Members of the board, medical staff and administration will be involved in identifying the right individual to serve the hospital and community."
Wilson said Ron Ziobro, assistant CEO at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, will serve as interim CEO at Easton during the transition.
The hospital celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2015.
Since 2001, Easton Hospital has been owned by Community Health Systems, a publicly-traded company based in Tennessee.
CHS's network currently includes 158 affiliated hospitals in 22 states, according to a company overview on its website. The network employs about 123,000 people, including 20,000 physicians, the overview says.
In September, responding to a Bloomberg report that the hospital system was exploring a sale of its business, CHS issued a news release stating it is "exploring a variety of options" but said a sale is far from a foregone conclusion.
Before joining Easton Hospital in 2013, Zidansek was CEO
of Lock Haven Hospital and Sharon Regional Health System.
He replaced Brian Finestein, whose departure in 2013 after three years followed allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination by co-workers. Lawsuits against Finestein were settled last year and the litigation was dismissed with prejudice, meaning the two women who filed the lawsuits agreed they would not pursue future action.
Easton Hospital, Wilson's largest employer, has about 1,000 employees.
Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
An Easton man who spent more than 12 years in federal prison for robbing a bank is in trouble with the law again, city police report.
Roland Bisher, 48, of the 500 block of James Street on the city's South Side, was sentenced in 2001 to 14 years in prison for a 2000 bank robbery on Line Street and wasn't released until Jan. 28, 2013, court records show.
Bisher is now suspected of providing heroin that caused a non-fatal overdose in July, police Lt. Matthew Gerould said.
The suspect has spent much of his adult life in prison, records show. He began robbing banks as a teen and knocked over five financial institutions in 1989 alone, records show.
On Thursday morning, he was again the target of law enforcement.
The Easton police Special Response and Vice units served a search warrant and attempted to serve an arrest warrant just after 6 a.m. at 504 James St. in Neston Heights, Gerould said.
But Bisher went to Easton Hospital overnight with a medical condition so he wasn't home when police arrived to arrest him, Gerould said.
Roland Bisher Jr., seen here in 2000 when he was jailed on bank robbery charges, faces drug charges in Easton. (lehighvalleylive.com file photo)
Police hoped to collect evidence related to the overdose, Gerould said. Unspecified evidence was recovered at the residence, and while others were in the home, they aren't targets of the warrants, Gerould said.
Bisher sold drugs from the home and controlled buys were made there, according to Gerould.
Bisher was in custody at the hospital and was arraigned before District Judge Daniel Corpora on charges of delivery of a controlled substance and criminal use of a telephone, Gerould said. Bail was set at $50,000, Gerould said.
Police got a search warrant for Bisher's belongings at the hospital and allegedly collected additional evidence.
The overdose didn't happened in the home where Bisher lives, Gerould said.
"Mr. Bisher is in the narcotics sales business," Gerould said. "He supplied the heroin for the overdose."
Police are also investigating other overdoses in the city and overdoses in other jurisdictions to see if they can be tied to Bisher, Gerould said.
Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
See how police say they nabbed rooftop Santander Bank burglars
From left, Juan S. Reyes Jr., 35, of the 100 block of Market Street in Bangor, and Clara A. Donovan, 41, of the 1500 block of Birch Street in Reading, were charged Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, in an October 2016 break-in at Santander Bank in Washington Township, Northampton County, in which a hole was cut into the roof to gain access. (Courtesy photos | For lehighvalleylive.com)
A husband and wife are charged in an October break-in at a Slate Belt bank, in which a hole was cut into the roof to gain access, according to police.
Juan S. Reyes Jr., 35, of the 100 block of Market Street in Bangor, and Clara A. Donovan, 41, of the 1500 block of Birch Street in Reading, were charged Tuesday night and sent to Northampton County Prison.
The burglary occurred late Oct. 23, a Sunday, into the early morning of Oct. 24 at Santander Bank, 71 Bangor Junction Road in the Blue Valley Plaza in Washington Township.
An employee reporting for work that Monday morning discovered the break-in and called police, who found significant damage to the interior, including to the ATM and bank vault.
Much of the damage appeared consistent with that caused by power tools, including a grinder, as did the hole cut into the roof, township police officer Amal Brown says in court records. Surveillance images show power tools used in an attempt to access the ATM and vault beginning about 1:28 a.m.
Sgt. James Krome documented several shoe prints from an air conditioner at the rear of the bank, suggesting access to the flat roof was gained by climbing onto the unit.
Investigators developed Reyes and Donovan as suspects thanks in large part to their cellphone communications during the crime, according to court records.
A Sprint cellphone tower in the area showed 27 calls made between midnight and 5:30 a.m. that morning, 13 of which were between two numbers subsequently traced to Reyes and Donovan, police said.
Police on Nov. 9 called Donovan on the number traced to her, and she confirmed the phone number for Reyes, whom she called her ex-boyfriend, records say.
Investigators looked for Reyes on Nov. 20 at his Bangor address. He wasn't home but called them later that day, from the cellphone number traced to him, according to police.
He came into Washington Township police headquarters for an interview about 12:30 p.m. wearing black, size-8 Nike Air Jordans with a tread pattern consistent with that photographed on the Santander air conditioner, police said.
Police continued to investigate and learned Dec. 1 from Pocono Township police that individuals using Donovan and Reyes' cellphone numbers had perpetrated additional nighttime, rooftop burglaries, according to court records. Three were in Monroe County, in addition to one June 27-28 that netted about $10,000 in cash plus more than $3,500 in cigarettes from the Tobacco Outlet at 501 E. Moorestown Road in Plainfield Township.
In the Plainfield break-in, Slate Belt Regional police observed three different shoe-tread patterns at the scene and near the hole cut into the roof, records say.
In rooftop burglaries Sept. 10 at a tobacco store in Scotrun, Pocono Township, and Oct. 15 at a similar store in Brodheadsville, Chestnuthill Township, the perpetrator can be seen on surveillance wearing black Nike high-stop sneakers, police said.
One image shows him using a smartphone. Investigators confirmed the number for the phone seen used in surveillance as that of Reyes' with the call coming in from Donovan's number, records say.
"There are multiple calls back and forth with each other, which corroborates what was observed on the crime scene video," Brown, of the Washington Township Police Department, says in court records.
Reyes and Donovan, identified by police as married, had been charged previously with burglary, according to court records.
Both were arraigned Tuesday night before District Judge Richard Yetter III on felony charges of burglary, conspiracy, criminal trespass, criminal use of a communication facility, criminal mischief and attempted burglary.
Each was sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $125,000 bail with a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled Dec. 22 before District Judge Alicia Rose Zito.
Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Security cameras in Portarlington would record passing criminals and cost less than the salary of a new Garda, says Cllr Tom Mulhall, who argued for funding at the November council meeting, to no avail.
He wants 15k of the 100,000 Town & Village Renewal Scheme cash for Port to be spent on two sets of CCTV cameras either end of main street, at Market Square and Kilnacourt roundabout.
The provision of CCTV cameras is not within the remit of Laois County Council, this is an issue for the Garda Siochana, said the council's director of services Gerry Murphy.
New cameras can pick up registration plates. Garda resources are limited, we dont see them walking on the street. This would be hugely beneficial, said Cllr Mulhall.
The town has a population of over 10,000, with huge traffic from Tullamore, Dublin, Portlaoise and Edenderry. Cameras would pick up people after they committed a crime or going to commit one. Sergeants have been on at me to push this, Ive been on to the local Minister too, Cllr Mulhall said.
We can follow it up with the Joint Policing Committee, we'll have to get a permit, planning permission, and department funding, said Cllr Padraig Fleming.
Cllr Aidan Mullins suggested they use part of their discretionary 3k budgets.
Its great to see money spent in Port. Its essential we get CCTV, but this money cant be diverted, he said.
Port is getting new visitor signage and landscaping, the undergrounding of cables in Market Square and an upgrade to the Barrow bridge among improvement works.
NAAS has lost another great character following the death of Noel Delaney.
Like most people I knew Noel from his barber shop that used to be off Poplar Square. It was an institution but, then, so was Noel.
This shop was a hub of stories, conflicting views and deadly wit. Behind the door of Delaneys and between snips of the scissors you could feel the pulse of the town. Its rhythm. Often, Noel set that rhythm, conducting the conversations with an electric clippers in one hand and a comb in the other.
I couldnt hope to write the definitive piece on a life so rich and varied. I was only treated to glimpses every time I visited for a trim.
I remember one afternoon waiting for a haircut from Noel in 98 after Kildare had beaten Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Inside, everyone was talking about our chances against Galway in the final and then someone asked Noel what he thought.
We all sat up a little straighter.
Oh well win of course, he said. Weve come too far now not to.
And of course we lost.
But that Friday afternoon after Noels stamp of approval, defeat felt inconceivable. Unimaginable.
What Noel said carried great weight. His words had value and they were many. So many and often so funny that on other days youd be sat there in stitches.
Noel knew he could talk and he celebrated that fact when recalling how he completely scalped one customer because hed been distracted by his conversation with other customers.
When I looked again,
all the hair was gone, he
declared.
Im not prone to remembering haircuts but any visit here had the potential to be memorable, entertaining or interesting. On many visits he was all three.
Noel once recalled how RTE came to record him and his customers. They spent the afternoon shadowing him as he moved around the barbers chair like a boxer does a heavy bag, cutting, stopping, talking and then cutting again.
That experience must have been endlessly entertaining and Noel was almost certainly unaffected.
He was authentic, unflappable it seemed and it was obvious too that his way was to treat everyone the same while his ability to connect with everyone was disarmingly brilliant.
All his stories helped and hed an arsenal of them to back up his life.
Arsenal you said I remembering seeing them once when I lived in London...
He could latch onto a word like that and weave a story.
And the tee-ups came from everywhere. Its Christmas week now. But on a Christmas week in years gone by he was telling a story about a game of cards that started in his barber shop on Christmas Eve and ran right through the night and into Christmas Day.
The place was thick with smoke all night but wed run out of fags by the morning so we were left fighting over the dog-ends on the floor, hed said.
It wasnt just the turns of phrase it was the colourful imagery.
One of the best stories I can remember told of a knock on his barbershop door which interrupted another game of cards in the early hours of another weekday morning long ago.
When Noel answered, the stranger explained that he was lost and needed directions for the road to Dublin.
Noel invited him in and under the light, he realised that he was talking to the Middleweight Champion of the World, Paul Pender, now stood in Naas.
Jesus Paul come in...!
The Irish American boxer had been returning from visiting family in Clare when hed lost his way only to stop when he saw the light in Delaneys shop window.
He beat Sugar Ray Robinson twice, said Noel. But no, that night he didnt stop for a haircut!
It felt like Noel Delaney had the personality that could attract this kind of experience and then the ability to weave it into a story with a killer line at the end.
Another day, another haircut and on this occasion he was stood talking about the former Irish boxer and tenor, Jack Doyle aka the Gorgeous Gael.
They said he could punch like Jack Dempsey and sing like Caruso, he announced. But maybe it was more a case of singing like Dempsey and punching like Caruso!
His unique take on things, the depth of his knowledge and his many quips, were part of his immense charm and kept people coming back.
Many customers were friends of course and kept coming for decades and followed him from Poplar Square up to Patrician Avenue when he set up beside his home in recent years.
The location had changed, but side alley off Poplar Square or back street on the side of town, the enormity of Noel Delaneys personality never retreated into the background.
His charisma, his stories, his brilliant way of communicating, they kept him in the foreground right to the end.
A totem of local life, he was Naas really.
He was the best of it.
Its official. The winner of the US presidential elections is Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
I hear you. Putins name was nowhere near the ballot papers. It was Clinton versus Trump and a few also rans.
And, of course, it will be Donald J. Trump who takes the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol building and then moves into the prime piece of real estate at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
But it was Putin, and the corrupt Russian oligarchy, who are the biggest beneficiaries of Trumps election. The appointment of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State confirmed it and the Trump Administrations swing to a pro-Russian foreign policy. Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson is undoubtedly a brilliant businessman. He is also a close friend of Putin and an even closer friend of Putin loyal Lieutenant Igor Sechin. He is also an opponent of Western sanctions against Russia and a man who will become very very rich if those sanctions are lifted.
Of course, Texan Rex still has to be confirmed by the Senate. But Republicans have a solid majority in the upper house and Tillerson has the backing of Republican foreign policy luminaries such as Condoleeza Rice and Robert Gates, both of whom now work for lobbyists retained by Exxon Mobil.
Putins aims are simple. To re-establish Russian hegemony in Eastern Europe as a base for political supremacy in Eurasia; to replace the United States as the major non-Arab power in the Middle East and to stabilise his domestic political power base by engineering the lifting of Western sanctions.
Even before the election of Trump and the nomination of Tillerson things were going Putins way. The two biggest bulwarks against the expansion of Russian influence in Europe are the EU and NATO. The first provides a political and economic alternative and the other protects it with a US-backed defensive umbrella.
European unity was already suffering from its failure to recover from the 2008-2009 banking crisis and the refugee crisis of 2015 when Britain voted Brexit. That was quickly followed by the referendum vote in Italy which strengthened that countrys Eurosceptic Five Star Movement, and the selection of pro-Russian Francois Fillon as the Republican Party candidate in next springs French presidential elections.
As for NATO, from its 1949 start, the European allies have doubted the sincerity of Washingtons commitment to their defence. Moscow under the communists and Putin has consistently encouraged the doubters in an effort to decouple Europe from the United States. Donald Trumps campaign rhetoric about recognising the Russian annexation of Crimea, lifting sanctions against Russia, refusing to come to the aid of a NATO ally who has not committed at least two percent of their GDP to defense spending and now, the nomination of Rex Tillerson, has strengthened the hand of the doubters and increased the vulnerability of Europe to Russian pressure.
If Trumps intention is to annoy and worry Europe then he doesnt need to do any more. He has done enough just by raising questions which have forced Europeans to re-think their relationships with democratic America and authoritarian Russia.
As for the Middle East, well Putin won in Aleppo. Syrias President Assad is now likely to stay in power. He owes Putin big time. The Russians have a solid military presence in the heart of the Arab world and a mountain of political capital.
It would appear that it was Russian military success in Syria that won the amoral heart of Donald Trump. The warplanes of single-minded Vladimir Putin are extremely effective at killing the Islamic Jihadists whose elimination is the stated number one foreign and defense policy objective of the American president-elect. The Russian planes are also remarkably good at eliminating innocent women and children and humanitarian aid convoys.
For President-elect Donald J. Trump it appears to boil down to a simple case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend. The problem is that in this case the enemy of Trumps enemy is also the enemy of his countrys old and established friends in Europe.
* Tom Arms is foreign editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and the author of The Encyclopedia of the Cold War and the recently published America Made in Britain that has sold out in the US after six weeks but is still available in the UK.
Even with the best of resources, the job of a police officer is highly stressful. They deal with the most difficult of human circumstances and often the most dangerous, too.
You would hope that police forces would be mindful of this and would ensure that the mental health of officers was properly looked after. However, research carried out by the Liberal Democrats show that 1.4 million days of police time were lost in the last three years due to mental ill health of both officers and community support officers.
This is worrying both in terms of the impact on the individual officers and on the effectiveness of the force.
Lib Dem Peer Brian Paddick has called for the government to take action to boost the mental health of police officers:
The figures show that mental ill health is widespread among the police service. Frontline officers deal with relentless trauma over years. This issue hasnt been adequately addressed so far and the government must look at how they address this. There is a stigma that is deeply embedded in the culture of the police service and it is now time to break it. Many officers both serving and retired who deal with mental ill health want to be diagnosed and treated more quickly.
Part of the problem is that mental health is not as adequately resourced as it should be throughout the NHS, meaning that it is very difficult for many people to get the treatment they need quickly.
ITV covered this and conducted a hard-hitting interview with an officer who suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He describes how the stigma within the force is as bad as the illness itself.
The information was found by the Liberal Democrats making freedom of information requests to many police forces across Britain. Thats an incredible amount of work for a small team of people, so well done to them for putting the effort in. Its so good to see something that includes Scotland as well as England and Wales, too.
Force Days lost officers Days lost staff (includes PCSOs) Total PSNI 7,901 1,269 9,170 North Yorkshire 13,351 8,757 22,108 Transport Police N/A N/A N/A Northamptonshire 7,261 4,878 12,139 Hertfordshire 17,438 11,043 28,481 Derbyshire 25,037 15,974 41,011 Warwickshire 5,664 3,142 8,806 North Wales 18,958 10,255 29,213 Port of Dover N/A N/A N/A Cumbria 11,042 5,194 16,236 West Mercia 16,334.20 9,734.20 26,068.40 Northumbria 23,053 12,185 35,238 South Yorkshire 21,641.80 15,371.10 37,012.90 West Midlands 118,415 56,599 175,014 Gwent 27,623 17,926 45,549 Durham 11,760.37 4,929.24 16,690 Bedfordshire 11,998 6,737 18,735 Lincolnshire 20,969 Not provided 20,969 Greater Manchester 141097 (Provided data for GMP) 141097 Dyfed powys Police Scotland 99,423 56,946 156,369 Merseyside 139,452 65,560 205,012 Devon & Cornwall 8,185.70 6,189.30 14,375.00 Cheshire 21,515 12,147 33,662 Kent 36,304.40 13,878.57 50,182.97 Humberside 15,387.70 9,554.80 24,943 Hampshire 38,837 21949 60,786 Sussex 19,758 12,217 31,975 Surrey 9,409 5,759 15,168 Gloucestershire 20,468.70 5,775.10 26,243.80 South Wales 19,438 18,279 37,717 Lancashire 27,700 19,668 47,368 Wiltshire 5,098 2,592 7,690 Cambridgeshire 9,125 7,829 16,954 Norfolk 872 649.70 1,521 Suffolk 198 322.00 520 Hampshire 30,388 14,381.10 44,769
* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
A SPOKESPERSON for the Limerick Diocese says it will be looking to replace Moyross parish priest Fr Tony ORiordan straight away.
The popular priest in the northside estate announced to massgoers at Corpus Christi church last weekend that he was stepping down early in 2017.
The news has sparked an outpouring of tributes, with local school principal Tiernan ONeill warning that if the area is left without a priest for an extended period, it will have detrimental consequences for the community.
Although he was unavailable for comment this Wednesday, the Leader understands Fr ORiordan is, as part of his Jesuit vocation, taking a sabbatical to retrain and refocus.
Moving to Moyross in 2011 to replace Fr Frank ODea, Fr ORiordan has been a high profile presence both locally and nationally and has spoken against gangland activity, drug misuse and suicide among other things.
But Mr ONeill said he also worked with the grass-roots in Moyross to provide outreach.
Hell be a huge loss. He would restore your faith in what a priest should be doing on the ground. He brings the church into the community, reconnecting with young people on the fringes of society, he said.
Paddy Flannery, who manages the local community centre, added: He has reached out to people that very few would have been able to get at. He has been excellent in the way he has managed to work with people, and will be an enormous loss.
Jude Meaney, who chairs the pastoral council, said there is a duty now to continue Fr ORiordans work.
Fr Tony had a natural ability for getting the best out of so many people in our community. He has put Moyross in the national limelight for so many positive reasons, he said.
FOR Tony Noonan, winning the title of Irelands Most Christmassy Home 2016 is as good as winning an All-Ireland hurling title.
And he is hugely proud to be bringing a national title home to Limerick and to Templeglantine in the form of Energias annual Christmassy Home competition.
I am delighted, Tony said this Wednesday when he received his prize-winning cheque. Energias original prize was for 2000 for the charity of his choice and 2000 for the family but Tony knocked that idea on the head and told them in no uncertain terms the full 4000 was going to charity.
We are a charity house, he said.
He is not entirely sure how many houses were entered for the Most Christmassy Home but by last week, he knew he was on the 20-strong shortlist.
It was then down to votes, Tony explained.
Last Thursday, he was about 700 votes behind the top choice but thanks to a strong campaign, he rallied and clocked up 1100 votes on Sunday alone.
The Healy Raes and Willie ODea have good voting machines but we had ours, Tony joked. We are proud Limerick people and we have won a national competition.
And the 4000 will be a big bonus for his chosen charities which this year are the Brothers of Charity in Newcastle West and Foynes, the Alzheimers Centre in Adare, Milford Care Centre and CRY Monagea.
But these charities will also benefit from the huge generosity of the hundreds of families who travel to Templeglantine to see his Winter Wonderland, a lights extravaganza which he has been building up over the past 20 years.
In that time, he has raised close to 200,000 for local charities, 19,800 last year alone.
Come and see the spectacle for yourself, Tony added.
The Minister for Housing has confirmed that restrictions on rental increases are likely to be introduced in Limerick early near year in a bid to stabalise the market.
Simon Coveney made his comments in the Dail this Thursday evening during a debate on the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Bill 2016.
Addressing the house, Minister Coveney confirmed that Dublin and Cork City will be designated as Rent Pressure Zones as soon as the bill becomes law.
In those areas, annual rent increases will be limited to a maximum amount of 4%. An area will be designated as a rent pressure zone for a period of three years and the provisions limiting rent increases will apply both at the start of a tenancy and at each rent review, he said.
As had been expected the minster confirmed that other areas of the country, including Limerick, will also be designated as RPZs during 2017.
I have also given a commitment that we will prioritise the areas that are likely to see new rent pressure zones outside of Cork city and the four Dublin local authority areas. We will be looking at counties like Meath, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow and cities like Waterford, Limerick and Galway, and areas contiguous to Cork city as they are the obvious areas that are likely to see new rent pressure zones, as the RTB provides data on the basis of local electoral areas, he explained.
The debate on the proposed legislation is due to resume on Friday afternoon.
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Here's a creepy question to ponder: Do hair and fingernails continue to grow after a person dies?
The short answer is no, though it may not seem that way to the casual observer. That's because after death, the human body dehydrates, causing the skin to shrink. This shrinking exposes the parts of the nails and hair that were once under the skin, causing them to appear longer than before, said Dr. Doris Day, a dermatologist in New York City and an attending physician at Lenox Hill Hospital, also in New York.
Typically, fingernails grow about 0.1 millimeters (0.004 inches) a day. But in order to grow, they need glucose a simple sugar that helps to power the body.
Related: Is faking your own death a crime?
"Once your body dies, there's no more glucose," Day told Live Science. "So skin cells, hair cells and nail cells no longer turn over and produce new cells."
Moreover, a complex hormonal regulation directs the growth of hair and nails, none of which is possible once a person perishes, according to a 2007 study in the journal The BMJ.
Regardless, popular culture often gets this fact wrong. In the book "All Quiet on the Western Front," the protagonist imagines his dead friend's nails growing in corkscrews after death, the researchers of the study said. They also noted that even Johnny Carson got his facts wrong when he joked about it, saying, "For three days after death, hair and fingernails continue to grow, but phone calls taper off."
Original article on Live Science.
SAN FRANCISCO About one-quarter of the world's population lives in coastal areas that will be unlivable by the year 2100 because of rising sea levels, researchers say.
In a special issue of the journal Earth's Future, coastal scientists and engineers detailed projections for sea-level rise for the year 2100, and described their model Monday (Dec. 12) here at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union.
Sea-level rise is a global phenomenon, with more than 130 cities with populations of 1 million people or more along vulnerable coasts, said Robert Nicholls, a professor of coastal engineering at the University of Southampton in the U.K. [Images of Melt: Earth's Vanishing Ice]
"To really understand how this might be impacted by sea-level rise, or other kinds of change, we need to understand all of the different scales and how they interact," Nicholls said. "That's what we've been doing in this big project."
The Earth's Future research project focused on creating a new model for sea-level rise that takes a more holistic approach in considering factors that will impact coastal communities, the scientists said. The traditional "bathtub model" which simply raises water a certain height based on estimated ice melt takes into account only rising water levels. In their new study, researchers built a model that considers not only rising water levels, but also incorporates the impacts of tides, storm surges, coastal infrastructure and defense frameworks (such as dikes).
What they found was a much more dynamic picture of how coastal communities will be affected by rising seas. Predictions typically look 50 to 100 years into the future, when the coastal systems will have changed dramatically, said Scott Hagen, director of the Louisiana State University Center for Coastal Resiliency.
For instance, models show that if sea levels rose 6.6 feet (2 meters) the general estimation by scientists for sea-level rise if if carbon dioxide emissions continue for a salt marsh along the coast of Louisiana, much of the marsh area would become open water by 2100.
"When that marsh is converted to open water, then what we can consider is that a hurricane storm surge can move more freely, farther into that coastal land," Hagen said. "Knowing what's happening at these salt marsh regions is really important for us to understand the ecosystem impacts of sea-level rise in general, and climate change as a whole."
In a developed area, such as Bangladesh (one of the most vulnerable areas to sea-level rise, according to Nicholls), the new model included such systems as pollution and land use, and even poverty and health, to determine risk.
Nicholls said such considerations as the deterioration of dikes will drastically change the sea-level rise prediction. A side-by-side comparison with the traditional model showed that the new systematic model determined there could be much wider, and more devastating flooding.
"You can see that it's a rather different picture from the bathtub model, the area could easily be flooded so much more," Nicholls said. "This is just one realization of what might happen, there are a lot of different pathways. But the point is that you're getting a much richer, more detailed picture of what might happen."
Original article on Live Science.
SAN FRANCISCO The driest desert on Earth may have once been a patchwork of lakes and marshlands that supported the first settlers of South America as they populated the continent, new research suggests.
The new findings suggest that the bone-dry Atacama Desert, which now looks almost as devoid of life as the surface of Mars, may have once been an important stopping point in the colonization of the Americas.
Although the Atacama Desert, although it is a barrier nowadays, it wasn't at the time early people were settling the Americas, Marco Pfeiffer, a doctoral candidate in soil science at the University of California at Berkeley, said here at a news conference today (Dec. 14) at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union. [See Photos of the 10 Driest Places on Earth]
A long and winding route
Currently, scientists believe people from northern Asia holed up in ice-free refuges in the area around the Bering Strait for thousands of years, then spilled out into North America between 20,000 and 18,000 years ago and migrated rapidly along coastlines to occupy South America. The oldest known evidence of human occupation in South America was found at a Chilean site south of Atacama called Monte Verde, which was occupied sometime between 14,800 and 18,500 years ago. Unfortunately, evidence to recreate this early migration is sparse; archaeologists believe most of the first Americans traveled along the coastline, which is now submerged beneath 330 feet (100 meters) of water.
In theory, America's first settlers could have also fanned out into Chile's Atacama Desertduring this early period. But the barren moonscape is one of the most forbidding places on the planet.
Squished between two mountain ranges that block rainfall from both sides, the 600-mile-long (1,000 kilometer) expanse gets just 0.6 inches (15 millimeters) of rainfall a year. The hyperarid conditions produce a salty, cracked crust that today supports almost no plant life. [See Images of the Arid Atacama Desert In Bloom]
Because archaeologists assumed the area was too menacing for early human settlers to have occupied for long, no one bothered looking for evidence of ancient settlements. A few studies have suggested that between 7,000 and 9,000 years ago rainfall in some regions of the Atacama may have been up to six times the current levels.
Then, in 2013, researchers published a study in the journal Quaternary Science Reviewsrevealing something extraordinary: evidence of human occupation at a site in the bone-dry heart of the desert, dating to around 13,000 years ago, Pfeiffer said.
"The only way this site could have happened is that there was a stream nearby that can supply water to this human settlement," Pfeiffer said.
Where there is water, there is life, but the reverse is also true. So Pfeiffer and his colleagues looked for evidence of water in the desert. Soon, they found it: Buried beneath a thick salt crust, they discovered evidence of ancient plants and animals, such as gastropods and phytoliths (tiny structures found in some plant tissues), which are typically found in freshwater lakes. Dating techniques using isotopes of carbon, or versions of carbon with different numbers of neutrons, revealed that the regions were wet sometime between 17,000 and 9,000 years ago.
The new data suggest the Atacama was once covered with a series of wetlands and marshes, including marshlands peppered with grasses and sedges that would have supported ancient camelid species (such as vicuna and guanaco) as well as other now-extinct mammals, Pfeiffer said. Those, in turn, would have provided sustenance for an early population of hunter-gatherers, he said.
They have also found some hints of early human occupation in the region, though the sites have yet to be excavated and no results have been published in a peer-reviewed journal, Pfeiffer said.
Original article on Live Science.
Isaac Newton laid the blueprints for his three laws of motion, still recited by physics students, in 1666.
A bound copy of Sir Isaac Newton's seminal book on mathematics and science was sold for $3.7 million, making it the most expensive printed scientific book ever sold at auction, according to Christie's, the auction house that handled the sale.
The book has a Latin title "Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica," which translates to "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy," but scholars often call it the Principia. After Newton (1642-1727) wrote the book, he gave it to the English astronomer Edmond Halley (1656-1742) for editing, and it was printed and sold in London more than 300 years ago, in 1687.
The book is a pivotal piece of science and history, and theoretical physicist Albert Einstein called it "perhaps the greatest intellectual stride that it has ever been granted to any man to make." Even so, Christie's expected the goat-skin-covered book to bring in between $1 million and $1.5 million, but the unnamed bidder bought it for nearly four times that value at $3,719,500. [Creative Genius: The World's Greatest Minds]
The Principia famously elucidates Newton's three laws of motion, explaining how objects move under the influences of external forces. Physics students today still use the laws, which include:
-An object will remain in a state of inertia unless acted upon by force.
-The relationship between acceleration and applied force is force equals mass times acceleration (F=MA).
-For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
This copy of Sir Isaac Newton's "Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica" sold at auction for $3.7 million. (Image credit: Christie's Images)
In the Principia's preface, Newton thanked Halley for encouraging him to write the book, saying, "Mr. Edmund Halley not only assisted me with his pains in correcting the press and taking care of the schemes, but it was his solicitations that its becoming public is owing; for when he had obtained of me my demonstrations of the figure of the celestial orbits, he continually pressed me to communicate the same to the Royal Society..." (translated by Andrew Motte).In a letter to the king in 1687, Halley wrote, "And I may be bold to say, that if ever Book was worthy the favourable acceptance of a Prince."
Halley also paid for the printing of the book; the Royal Society didn't have enough money at the time to cover the costs because it had just published another book, "De Historia Piscium" or "The History of Fishes" by John Ray and Francis Willughby. Luckily, Halley's contribution paid off: Newton's work was not seriously challenged until Einstein's theories of relativity and German theoretical physicist Max Planck's quantum theory were published in the 1900s. In fact, Newton's principles and methods are still used by scientists today.
Original article on Live Science.
Agreement between ASL Aviation Belgiums management and unions ends threat of industrial action at former TNT Airways
A strike by ASL Aviation Belgium (ex-TNT Airways) staff has been averted following an agreement between management and unions.
The airline serves FedEx-TNTs Liege hub with around 40 aircraft serving 65 airports daily, mostly operating on intra-European routes.
Last week, staff unions issued a strike call covering the peak period up to Christmas, in protest at what they described as deteriorating relations with management since the sale of TNT Airways company to the Dublin-based aviation group earlier this year.
ASL Airlines Belgium is pleased to confirm that there will be no disruption to its services as the notice of possible strike action has been withdrawn, the group said in a statement issued late yesterday. This follows the signing of an accord between the airline and trade unions following conciliation talks in the last few days.
A spokesman for SECTa trade union, which represents the airlines personnel at Liege airport, confirmed the successful conclusion of discussions with management and said the strike call had been lifted.
Weve reached agreement on a number of issues pilot training, the procedures for promotion within the company, work regulations and union representation, he said. From our point of view, a big issue remains the proposed changes to the airline's fleet and that will be something for further discussion.
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A Corpus Christi attorney filed a lawsuit Thursday against Valero Energy Corp.s refinery there less than 24 hours after the city issued a warning to its 320,000 residents telling them not to drink or shower with the water because it may have been contaminated in an industrial back-flow incident.
The suit was filed in Nueces County on behalf of local businesses, including Anthonys Aveda Concept Salon that had to close because of the lack of water. The plaintiffs are seeking more than $1 million in damages.
This case demonstrates the human and societal suffering caused when the drive for corporate profits takes priority over the safety of ordinary people, attorney Bob Hilliard, who filed the case, said in a statement. Hes also suing Valero Marketing and Supply Co., Valero South Texas Marketing Co., the Valero Bill Greehey Plant in Corpus Christi and Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Inc.
Two chemicals may have been released into the public water system Wednesday, according to state officials. The leak first came to light that day when workers at the refinery noticed a sheen to the water coming from its faucets, said Deanna McQueen, a Corpus Christi city spokeswoman.
The contamination warning sent panic through the Gulf Coast town, shuttering schools and local businesses and prompting a rush on water at grocery stores, where long lines formed with people pushing carts filled with packages of bottled water.
Texas officials are aggressively monitoring the situation, calling on state health, emergency management and industry regulators to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to a statement from Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts office. The Texas Department of Emergency Management is coordinating shipments of water to Corpus Christi in the meantime.
Governor Abbotts top priority is a transparent response and the safety of Corpus Christi residents, and our office will continue to provide any and all support to remedy this situation as quickly as possible, the statement said.
Valero spokeswoman Lillian Riojas said the companys refineries in Corpus Christi werent the source of the contamination. The company blamed the problem on Jackson, Mississippi-based Ergon, which has a Corpus Christi location near Valeros West refinery on property owned by Valero Marketing and Supply Co., according to the Nueces County Appraisal District.
While we have been named in lawsuits, we are not the source of the contamination in question. We continue to believe this is a localized backflow issue from Ergon in the area of Valeros asphalt terminal, Riojas said in an email, adding that the company is cooperating with regulators and providing truckloads of bottled water to residents. Valero is offering its resources to assist in isolating the issue and helping to confirm the Citys water supply is safe.
The city identified Indulin AA-86, an emulsifying agent for asphalt, as the main hazard. Its an amber liquid considered hazardous by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that can cause eye and skin burns and severe respiratory tract irritation, according to the chemical Material Safety Data Sheet.
Up to 24 gallons of the chemical may have leaked into the water supply beginning Wednesday, city officials said. City Councilman Michael Hunter told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times that its unlikely the chemicals are concentrated enough to do harm, but officials are taking every precaution that we can.
Resident Lisa Olivares, who lives about five blocks from the Corpus Christi Bay, said she first learned not to drink the water from a local TV news report around 2 a.m. Thursday. Since then, she's heard nothing from the city about the contamination or where it came from
"We can't bathe, we can't do dishes, we can't wash clothes," she said. "Our city is not telling us anything."
H-E-B spokeswoman Dya Campos said the San Antonio-based supermarket chain has been shipping bottles and gallons of water on 18-wheeler trucks to its 10 stores in Corpus Christi since Wednesday night. The company is also bringing in water tankers from around the region to provide clean water for its store operations, Campos said.
Corpus Christi customers are limited to three cases of water per purchase, Campos said.
By putting a limit on case purchases, we can make sure all customers have access to the water they need throughout the day, Campos said.
Valero Energy, the nations largest refiner, has two plants at its Bill Greehey refinery complex in Corpus Christi. The plants have a combined capacity of 325,000 barrels per day and are located along the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. The citys industrial district is located north of Interstate 37 near downtown and along Nueces Bay.
The Port of Corpus Christi said it was complying with the notice to discontinue the use of tap water and is in touch with customers, but it has other water sources available.
Port Corpus Christi continues to notify customers who may be using the Port facilities of the ban and will continue to keep customers aware and updated on the situation as we know more, the port said in a statement Thursday afternoon. Port Corpus Christi has water supply from other sources including San Patricio Water District which is not affected by the ban. Port Corpus Christi will continue its diligence on keeping customers current on the situation and supporting maritime operations as needed.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which enforces federal clean water rules, said its begun sampling the water supply in Corpus Christi to determine the extent of the problem, spokeswoman Andrea Morrow said in an email.
Its not the first time the city has had trouble with its water supply. The TCEQ ordered residents to boil water after low levels of chlorine disinfectant and chlorine were found in the supply in May and September 2015, respectively.
jhiller@express-news.net
Twitter: @Jennifer_Hiller
Staff Writer Madalyn Mendoza and the Associated Press contributed to this article.
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Others, Music, Movies & Entertainment, Arts & Culture
By Phyllis McGuire Published: December 15 2016
The popular British crime drama will be airing on WLIW 21 in January.
"DCI Banks" is back. Stephen Tompkinson reprises his role as Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks in the fifth series of the contemporary crime drama that premiered on ITV in the United Kingdom August 31.
Coming back to Banks is like meeting up with an old friend, Stephen says.
In the newest series, Banks relentless pursuit of justice sets in motion a chain of events that rips at the very core of his life both professional and personal.
WLIW 21, which serves Long Island and New York metro area, will air the fifth series of "DCI Banks" starting January 7.
Stephen Tompkinson, star of "DCI Banks." Image by Helen Turton. Left Bank Pictures Stephen Tompkinson, star of "DCI Banks." Image by Helen Turton.
Stephen is a beloved and popular actor in the United Kingdom, and has garnered fans in the United States for his portrayal of the determined, dogged detective Banks. An extremely versatile actor , Stephen moves freely from comedy to drama on stage, television and film. In his 27 year career, he has worked almost non-stop.
Reading Stephen's CV reveals how much we in the United States have missed out on. Fortunately, DVD's are now available of some of his work, including TV series "Ballykissangel," "Wild at Heart" (which ran from 2006-2013 and was filmed on a game farm in Africa), "Drop the Dead Donkey," as well as "DCI Banks."
Unlike the glum, taciturn Alan Banks, Stephen Tompkinson is affable, charismatic and happy.
We caught up with Stephen shortly after he finished filming Series 5 of "DCI Banks."
Phyllis McGuire: When you embarked on your career as an actor, what was your goal?
Stephen Tompkinson: I think when I first started out as an actor, all I was hoping for was to work. Being a pragmatist I've always been aware of the high percentage of unemployment among actors, consequently I've always been grateful for any job I've been given or asked to take part in.
PM: Have your goals changed as your career progressed, and what are your current goals?
Stephen: I think the older you get, the more aware you are of how youth and 'look' obsessed the industry can be. The wedge gets thinner and the angle more acute as time goes by and the availability of parts available for actors my age are fewer, yet there are still as many actors of a similar age going up for them. So the desire never falters, nor the gratitude.
As much as one can try to plan a career, I've always tried to do something different from the last role, be that in terms of tone or mediums. I was trained at The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, which was stage based, I started off in radio ,joining the BBC's Radio Drama Company and have avoided being typecast or pigeon-holed in how I'm perceived on TV & film, with a consistent variety of parts.
There are no limits to imagination or the creative minds of writers, directors, designers or actors, so I have never wanted to limit myself, if possible, and I hope to continue on that course for as long as I'm allowed.
PM: You have a stellar reputation for convincing an audience you are indeed the character you are portraying whether it be a priest, construction worker, teacher, trucker, journalist, under-cover detective, etc.which of the many characters you have played was most challenging?
Stephen: Of all the characters I've played, I think the part of Phil (a coal miner) in Mark Herman's film 'Brassed Off' opposite Pete Postlethwaite, Ewan McGregor and Tara Fitzgerald was probably the most challenging. It was my first Big Screen role, which does require a different set of disciplines that I had little experience of.
It was also capturing a devastating time in modern British social history that we all felt a duty of care to portray as honestly as possible, and we were working alongside a group of miners and musicians who had lived this story, so we were desperate to get it right, for them.
PM: What character was most fun to portray? Why?
Stephen: I always try to have fun wherever I'm working but the fondest memories were on the set of 'Drop The Dead Donkey,' a satirical sitcom set in a TV newsroom. It used to be broadcast on Thursday nights and we would record it the night before, in front of a live audience, with a quarter of the show being given to us on the day of recording, so it was as topical as possible.
I was deeply proud that the show won dozens of awards, including two international Emmy's, and I'm always thankful for the opportunities it brought.
Stephen Tompkinson, star of "DCI Banks." Image by Matt Squire. Stephen Tompkinson, star of "DCI Banks." Image by Matt Squire. Left Bank Pictures
PM: You have been quoted as saying that being a detective (policeman) such as Alan Banks, whom you portray in the TV series "DCI Banks," based on Peter Robinson's novels, is a vocation not just a job as it takes control over your life. Do you find that your career as an actor is more or less consuming?
Stephen: One of the things I most admire about my character, Alan Banks, created by the brilliant Peter Robinson in his novels, is the man's dedication to his job. It is a true vocation to him and I can't imagine him in any other line of work. It takes a special breed of person to work in the police force or the healthcare industry and I'm not sure my sensibilities would permit me to carry out the amazing and essential work they do.
I can't truly draw any comparisons with my work. I hope I'm as dedicated to my profession and I put as much effort as possible into it, but don't like to bring my work home with me. That is private family time and I wouldn't like the credible spectre of self indulgence to be all-consuming .
PM: You have worked almost non-stop as an actor who has said, "I enjoy mixing and matching the mediums" -theatre, television and movies. Is there any role you rejected only to later regret passing it by. And is there any role you still aspire to play?
Stephen: There are so many different parts to be played out there, that have been written and have yet to be written, in all different mediums and (I) don't want to hold out for one or two specific roles and want to keep myself open to as many things, yet untried, as I can.
PM: Do you follow a process in preparing for a role?
Stephen: I don't have a routine preparation for each role as hopefully, each role is different. Each character is unique, so I like to spend time creating their individual look, sound, costume, profile and back story. If I'm working away from home I like a few days by myself in the area where I'll be working, to feel as settled as I can before starting work.
PM: Do you observe any Do you observe any theatre superstitions? Or have you developed a routine you feel compelled to follow before performing?
Stephen: I find the same with theatre, you tend to develop a routine according to that specific production, director and company of actors. Some require a company warm-up, others benefit from two or three actors speed running individual scenes, other people need their own space and time, so it all depends. I need to really familiarize myself with the building and everyone who works there, front of house and backstage, as you rely on all of them.
I need to get my costume and props routine engrained deep in my muscle memory as early as I can, so I always feel on top of those aspects and can look forward to each different audience who make each show slightly different, from the last.
Stephen Tompkinson, star of "DCI Banks." Image by Matt Squire. Left Bank Pictures Stephen Tompkinson, star of "DCI Banks." Image by Matt Squire. Left Bank Pictures
PM: Would you consider working on a big or small screen production based in the United States?
Stephen: I have great affection for the United States but as yet, I've never been asked to work there. I would dearly like to, no matter what the scale of production, film ,TV or stage, I would simply relish the opportunity.
PM: In your visits to the United States what most impressed you?
Stephen: I've always adored visiting the U.S. I'm a massive movie fan and cities like New York Or San Francisco are just huge movie sets that always excite and thrill.
PM: What would you consider an ideal vacation?
Stephen: I like to travel and am currently visiting Dubrovnik (Croatia) for the first time. The Medieval part of the city, clear Adriatic waters, beautiful climate and restaurants make it an ideal vacation site.
PM: How do you unwind after a performance?
Stephen: I unwind after work by reconnection with my family, who is my real life.
Local News, Business & Finance, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases
By Phil Andrews Published: December 15 2016
On December 3, 2016 the LIAACC and Queens Alumni Chapter of KAPsi collaborated to offer a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) workshop.
Queens, NY - December 15, 2016 - On December 3, 2016 the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and Queens Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (KAPsi) collaborated to offer a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) workshop as a component of KAPsi's Entrepreneurial Workshop Series. Each organization promoted the program well and were satisfied with the enthusiastic response and attendance.
Photo courtesy of LIAACC.
The workshop, Growing Your Business with an MWBE Certification," was a complete success. The event was held at the KAPsi headquarters in Queens, New York. Networking among the business owners continue after the workshop. Both organizations look forward to future opportunities for collaboration.
LIAACC's MWBE Lead Educator, Charlene Thompson, Esq. supported by LIAACC'S MWBE Queens Regional Coordinator and trainer Winnie Benjamin, did a fantastic job covering the following topics in depth:
What is MWBE Certification?
Am I eligible to apply?
What are the benefits of Certification?
What is the Certification process?
Am I ready to do business with the Government?
Photo courtesy of LIAACC.
There were forty attendees consisting of business owners and those considering starting a business. New York State Assemblyman Clyde Vanel, a strong advocate for small business owners, joined us for the networking portion of the program. Attendees showed excitement for the program and many plan to pursue becoming certified. Several also expressed interest in LIAACC membership. Winnie Benjamin will continue to develop relationships with attendees and support efforts to grow their business with certification and government contracting.
Joint collaboration between organizations such as the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and KAPsi is vital to our communities economic future. LIAACC looks forward to developing a long term relationship with quality groups in our community who are setting a high bar for what we can achieve through joint partnerships. Phil Andrews, President, Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Charlene J. Thompson, Esq. of Thompson Economic Development Services, LLC is the Chair of Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.'s MWBE Committee. Erna Blackman serves as the Queens County Director of LIAACC.
The program was supported by the US Black Chambers, Inc. through a grant funded by Wells Fargo.
For more information on the programs and activities of the Long Island African American chamber of Commerce, Inc., visit: http://www.liaacc.org. To join the chamber today log on here.
Local News, Business & Finance, Home & Garden, Press Releases
By Long Island News & PR Published: December 15 2016
Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced an additional $20 million in funding for the fifth year of his Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP), as well as the launch of the Foreclosure Rescue Scam Prevention Initiative.
Brooklyn, NY - December 14, 2016 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced an additional $20 million in funding for the fifth year of his Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP), as well as the launch of the Foreclosure Rescue Scam Prevention Initiative, a new grant program that will enhance outreach, education, and referral services for homeowners at risk of fraudulent foreclosure rescue schemes.
This new $20 million brings Attorney General Schneiderman's total investment in HOPP to $100 million since 2012.
On top of the new $20 million for HOPP, the Office of the Attorney General is committing another $350,000 in new grants through the Foreclosure Rescue Scam Prevention Effort to housing organizations across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, where foreclosure rescue scams such as deed theft have been most prevalent. The grants will allow the Office of the Attorney General and its partners to connect New Yorkers most vulnerable to foreclosure scams with the vital HOPP programs underway across the state.
Since the Office of the Attorney General established the program in 2012, more than 70,000 families have received free, high-quality assistance to avoid foreclosure through HOPP, which has funded a statewide network of nearly 90 housing counseling and legal services organizations over the past four years.
The funding for HOPP and the Foreclosure Rescue Scam Prevention Initiative comes from bank settlements that Attorney General Schneiderman secured through the federal-state mortgage-backed securities working group, which President Obama appointed Attorney General Schneiderman to co-chair in 2012. To date, the Attorney General has secured more than $95 billion in bank settlements nationally, with $5.5 billion coming to New York State alone. That settlement money has been allocated toward a range of initiatives across the state to help communities recover from the housing crisis.
New York has led the nation in developing innovative ways to address the fallout from the foreclosure crisis -- including the Homeowner Protection Program, so folks wouldnt lose their homes because they didnt have access to an attorney, said Attorney General Schneiderman. Now, with foreclosure rescue scams on the rise, we are enhancing HOPPs capacity to empower our most vulnerable homeowners to avoid becoming victims of these scams.
Foreclosure rescue scams target vulnerable homeowners and, for an upfront fee, generally promise to save their homes by negotiating lower mortgage payments or principal reductions with the homeowners mortgage servicers or lenders. After collecting upfront fees, these scam operations fail to provide the services promised, placing their victims at even greater risk of foreclosure. In some instances, scammers actually convince the homeowners to sign over the title to their home.
Thanks to this new initiative from AG Schneiderman, other people wont be victimized the way we were, said Joseph Clarke, whose home was the target of a foreclosure rescue scam. Getting early information out to vulnerable homeowners will help prevent others from experiencing the kind of heartache we went through. AG Schneidermans Homeowner Protection Program has enabled us to receive free legal representation from Brooklyn Legal Servicesour attorney stopped the eviction proceedings against us and is fighting in court to get our home back.
To protect yourself from becoming a victim of a foreclosure rescue scam, the Attorney General offered the following tips. New Yorkers can visit AGScamHelp.com or call 1-855-HOME-456 for more information.
Be skeptical of online ads or telephone callers that promise they can get you a mortgage modification or save your home from foreclosure. Only your bank or loan servicer can approve a loan modification.
Visit AGScamHelp.com to determine if a company is legitimate.
Do not give your personal financial information, such as your bank account number, social security number or the name of your loan servicer, to a caller offering to help save you from foreclosure. Your bank will already have this information.
Never pay an up-front fee for mortgage-related services. It is a violation of New York law to charge upfront fees for such services, and violations should be reported to the Attorney Generals hotline at 1-855-HOME-456.
If you believe you have been scammed by a foreclosure rescue operator or a debt relief organization, submit a complaint to the New York State Attorney Generals Office here
As with the foreclosure crisis itself, New Yorkers have been hit hard by the foreclosure rescue scam epidemic. According to a 2014 report by the Center for New York City Neighborhoods and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, from March 2010 to September 2014 New York homeowners submitted over 2,700 foreclosure rescue scam complaints, which documented at least $8.25 million in losses. On average, each New York victim of a foreclosure rescue scam reported a loss of $4,183. However, these scams often result in a domino effort that raises that dollar figure: Homeowners can end up losing tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars more because their homes fall into foreclosure as a direct result of the scam.
More recent statistics indicate that such rescue scams continue to be a significant problem. As of February 2016, the New York City Department of Finance had 525 open investigations of mortgage rescue scams involving 671 properties across the five boroughs, mostly in Queens and Brooklyn.
The Foreclosure Rescue Scam Prevention Initiative used sophisticated data analysis provided by the firm Civis Analytics to identify the most vulnerable homeowners at risk of being victimized by foreclosure rescue scams. Using reported cases of foreclosure rescue scams collected by community organizations in New York, Civis Analytics built a predictive model identifying residents most at risk for these types of scams. The model incorporates demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic variables, as well as information on homeownership, property value, and length of residence.
This predictive model incorporates sophisticated data analytics tools to identify the communities and residents who are most at risk of being victimized by foreclosure rescue scams. The Foreclosure Rescue Scam Prevention program will support outreach efforts to help prevent foreclosure rescue scams targeted to the most vulnerable communities and families. While such scams are a problem statewide, the initiative is making initial grants in those areas of the state where the problem is most widespread.
We have seen an alarming increase in rescue scams and deed thefts across Brooklyn, which enrich predatory real estate investors at the expense of vulnerable homeowners and communities, particularly communities of color, said Jennifer Sinton, Director, Foreclosure Prevention Project. These frauds are hard to detect, and even harder for homeowners to fight in court. Legal representation is essential for homeowners to have access to legal services attorneys to bring these complex cases in court.
With this new funding from the New York Attorney Generals Office, community organizations will have additional tools to fight back against scammers exploiting financially vulnerable homeowners, said Christie Peale, the Executive Director of the Center for NYC Neighborhoods. When people lose their houses to fraud, there are devastating personal costs, but also repercussions felt across our neighborhoods as more and more affordable homes are taken from the market.
I am especially pleased to see some of these resources coming directly to Bedford Stuyvesant where foreclosure prevention is more important than ever amid rising prices and deed theft in particular has become a serious issue. I am so proud of Attorney General Schneiderman who has displayed a strong devotion to preserving the homeownership of our residents, said Senator Velmanette Montgomery.
For more than two years, we have raised the alarm of property theft in our community and its devastating effects on the lives and livelihoods of our residents and businesses, said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. The Bedford Stuyvesant community, which includes our local development corporations, community and faith-based institutions and my office, has worked in collaboration to create an awareness campaign to protect residents from real estate scams. As such, we are extremely pleased to have the partnership and support of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. This recent allocation of resources will undergird this communitys effort to deal with this on-going issue and serve as a model for the nation.
I am pleased to be here today with Attorney General Schneiderman, Officials and community partners to announce the $20 million grant funding available to organizations throughout the State to assist in fighting deed foreclosure scams, said Assemblymember Annette Robinson. I am equally pleased that one of my local Organizations Neighborhood Housing Services - will receive one of the grants and that other local groups including the Bridge Street Development Corporation and the Bed/Stuy (now Brooklyn) Legal Services have been recipients of grants through the Attorney Generals Homeowner Protection Program. Deed fraud has been an ongoing problem that I and my colleagues have addressed through various forums and workshops. We will continue to fight against those that prey on innocent victims through these scams.
I commend the Attorney General's initiative to assist and protect our most vulnerable constituents through the Homeowner Protection Program, community outreach and education campaigns. Far too many homeowners have been hit with these foreclosure rescue scams, and as these scams grow in prevalence and sophistication, so must our efforts to combat this criminal activity and protect our most vulnerable citizens, said Assemblyman Walter Mosley.
The Office of the Attorney General has taken several steps to combat foreclosure rescue scams. In December 2014, the Office of the Attorney General launched AGScamHelp, a web-based app designed to help homeowners avoid scams and find legitimate assistance. Since the launch, more than 140,000 people have used the site. The site allows a consumer to search the name of an individual or company to determine if that entity is a government-vetted agency (that is, either a member of the HOPP network or a HUD-certified counseling agency); it also allows consumers to enter their zip code and find the nearest HOPP grantee. It provides tips on how to identify signs of a foreclosure rescue scam, and allows consumers to file complaints online.
The Office of the Attorney General has also partnered with publishers and broadcasters to tamp down on illegal advertising of foreclosure rescue scams; pursued civil litigation against foreclosure rescue scammers, putting them out of business, securing settlements, and in some instances obtaining restitution for victims; and created a Real Estate Enforcement Unit within the OAGs Criminal Division to handle complaints including foreclosure rescue scams. Several investigations are currently underway.
Foreclosure Rescue Scam Prevention Initiative Grantees (Nine grants totaling $350,000 to Groups in New York City, Long Island, and Hudson Valley)
Hudson Valley Region
Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc. - $50,000.00
Housing Action Council, Inc. $25,000.00
Rockland Housing Action Coalition $25,000.00
Long Island Region
Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Center, Inc. $25,140.00
La Fuerza Unida, Inc. $24,860.00
Long Island Housing Services $50,000.00
NYC Region
Winter Storm to Create Messy Travel along 1,200-Mile Swath of Central US
Nature & Weather, Local News, National & World News, Travel & Local Attractions, Press Releases
By Long Island News & PR Published: December 15 2016
AccuWeather reports a storm will create dangerous travel conditions across a 1,200-mile swath of the central United States into the weekend.
AccuWeather Global Weather Center - December 14, 2016 - AccuWeather reports a storm will create dangerous travel conditions across a 1,200-mile swath of the central United States into the weekend.
Blizzard conditions could develop in major hubs such as Denver and Chicago.
People from the Rockies to the northern Plains and Upper Midwest are bracing for a new round of snow and travel disruptions on the highways and at airports.
"Motorists and airline passengers may want to explore an alternate or more southern route as confidence is high that there will be widespread, major travel disruptions with this storm," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.
Mostly snow will fall from central and northern Colorado to northern Nebraska, South Dakota, northern Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and central Michigan. Motorists venturing along Interstate 90 should be prepared for snow covering roads, as well as blowing and drifting snow.
The storm also has the potential to spread accumulating snow to parts of the central Plains and the middle Mississippi Valley.
A wintry mix is in store from northern Kansas and southern Nebraska to southern Iowa, northern Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and southern Michigan. These areas along the I-70 and I-80 corridors are to face a combination of snow, sleet and freezing rain. This includes the cities of Omaha, Nebraska; Des Moines, Iowa; Kansas City, Missouri; Chicago; Detroit; Indianapolis and Cleveland.
"Parts of the central Plains could be like a skating rink for a time on Friday, due to the icy mix," Anderson said.
Photo credit: AccuWeather.
In areas from the middle Mississippi Valley to the Ohio Valley, the bulk of the storm will occur as rain. However, the beginning and end of the storm will bring wintry precipitation.
"People should expect treacherous driving conditions for the Friday evening commute around Chicago as snow moves in and becomes heavy," Anderson said. "Heavier snow will reach the Detroit area later Friday night, before changing to an icy mix on Saturday."
Around St. Louis, the worst of the storm is likely to be the tail end, when rain will change to snow and a freeze can occur on Saturday.
The plunging temperatures can cause wet surfaces and slush to freeze rapidly from west to east across the Ohio Valley and lower Great Lakes region during late Saturday night and Sunday.
"The snow, ice and gusty winds anticipated this weekend will likely lead to airline delays and potential cancellations in the major hubs from Denver to Chicago and Detroit," Anderson said.
The plunge of cold air will be rapid and significant as the storm rolls eastward.
"For example, around Denver, the temperature will plummet from the 50s F Friday to below zero by Saturday morning," Anderson said. "The rapid freeze with high winds and heavy snow will create blizzard conditions with major delays likely at Denver International Airport."
During Saturday night, blizzard conditions could also develop around Chicago.
Farther east, the storm will also bring a wintry and icy mix with slippery travel from as far south as the Carolinas to as far north as Maine during the weekend. The storm will bring the first accumulating snow to Washington, D.C. and enough snow to shovel and plow from Philadelphia to New York City and Boston.
By Alex Sosnowski, Senior Meteorologist for AccuWeather.com
Pakistan has a long history of political violence. Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in December 2007 in a gun and bomb attack after holding an election rally in the city of Rawalpindi.
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Columnists Press Releases
As the pro-Syrian government coalition began declaring victory in east Aleppo on Dec. 11, the Islamic State retook the ancient city of Palmyra in eastern Homs and attempted to storm the T4 military air base. The base is near a strategic crossroads of routes that lead to Deir Ezzour, Raqqa, Damascus, and other key cities, according to The Guardian. Following this development, Syrian president Bashar al Assad vowed to retake Palmyra, accusing the West of encouraging the jihadist group to launch the attack in Homs in retaliation for defeat in Aleppo.
Iran has confirmed the deaths of two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces officers in the latest Palmyra battles. Captain Ahmad Jalali-Nasab (photo 2), who was attached to the IRGC-GF Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb unit (Qom province), was announced killed in Palmyra on Dec. 13. The following day Hassan Akbari (photo 3), a Brigadier General or Brigadier General Second Class, was also declared killed. Akbari was a veteran of the Iran-Iraq War and was leading a sabotage battalion in Syria, according to state-affiliated Iranian media.
The IRGC-backed Afghan Fatemiyoun Division has been fighting in Palmyra alongside the Syrian military and pro-Assad militias. The Fatemiyouns special forces were dispatched to the ancient city on Dec. 10 in an attempt to evict the Islamic State, according to Fars News. IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News published a report the same day after speaking with a Fatemiyoun commander, who claimed that units in tandem with the Syrian forces and Russian air power deflected the Islamic States attack. The following day, however, the Islamic State established full control over Palmyra. A photo posted on social media shows Islamic State fighters holding a Fatemiyoun flag (photo 4). Fighters also posted what appears to be a Pakistani Zeynabiyoun flag (photo 5), another IRGC-backed militia.
The Fatemiyoun commander said that four battalions of the Hazrat-e Abolfazl Brigade had been stationed near Palmyra since participating in the operation to take the city in March. In that offensive, Lebanese Hezbollah played a big role, with the support of Iraqi militias. The IRGC-backed Imam Ali Brigade had forces stationed near Palmyra last week, as well (photo 6), according to social media posts.
IRGC-GF officers have been on the ground in Syria since the early phases of the conflict, augmenting the Quds Force and advising and assisting pro-Assad Syrian forces. As the conflict devolved and Assads army dwindled, the IRGC mobilized its foreign Shiite proxies and eventually escalated the involvement of its own regular forces in coordination with Russia in September 2015. As the IRGC drew down its regular forces in May 2016 and relied more on Shiite proxies as foot soldiers, IRGC-GF officers from regular and Saberin special forces have continued to deploy to Syria. They can fill the vacuum of planning complex military operations against battle-hardened insurgents, and leading militias lacking that experience and knowledge. Elements of regular Iranian forces, however, continue to operate to Syria in support and direct combat roles.
The ongoing battle for Palmyra clearly illustrates that while the pro-Assad faction has achieved a significant victory in taking Aleppo, forces are both vulnerable and stretched. The Syrian war will continue to drain IRGC resources. The Guard can sustain its current model only as long as it can find foreign fighters and Iranians to volunteer.
Amir Toumaj is a independent analyst and contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.
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American counterterrorism forces have killed or captured approximately 250 al Qaeda operatives in 2016, according to US military officials.
The jihadists taken off the battlefield include 50 leaders and 200 other members of al Qaeda and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), which is the newest regional branch of Ayman al Zawahiris global network.
The figures were first announced by General John W. Nicholson Jr., the commander of NATOs Resolute Support and US Forces Afghanistan, during a briefing on Dec. 2. FDDs Long War Journal followed up with some additional questions regarding the number of al Qaeda and Islamic State jihadists targeted.
For more than six years, FDDs Long War Journal has warned that official estimates of al Qaedas presence in Afghanistan were too low and inconsistent with publicly available evidence. Officials finally conceded earlier this year that the number of al Qaeda operatives in Afghanistan exceeds the US governments longstanding claim.
Longstanding lowball estimate at odds with evidence
In June 2010, then CIA Director Leon Panetta told ABCs This Week that the number of al Qaeda members in Afghanistan was relatively small. At most, were looking at 50 to 100, maybe less, Panetta said. Its in that vicinity. Theres no question that the main location of al Qaeda is in the tribal areas of Pakistan.
FDDs Long War Journal described this figure as fallacious at the time. An analysis of the raids conducted between 2007 and 2013 indicated that al Qaeda and its closest allies maintained a far deeper and broader presence. [For more information on the number of al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan see FDDs Long War Journal report: US military admits al Qaeda is stronger in Afghanistan than previously estimated.]
In early May 2011, the US killed Osama bin Laden in a daring raid. The Americans recovered a large cache of files in bin Ladens compound. One of the files was a memo written by Atiyah Abd al Rahman, who was subsequently killed in a drone strike, to bin Laden. The memo was dated June 19, 2010 the same month that the CIAs Panetta announced there were just 50 to 100 al Qaeda operatives, or maybe less, in all of Afghanistan.
Rahmans memo told a different story. He reported to bin Laden that al Qaeda had very strong military activity in Afghanistan, and had conducted many special operations that were hitting the Americans and NATO hard. Rahman explained that al Qaeda was closely cooperating with Siraj Haqqani, the leader of the Haqqani Network. Siraj was named one of the Talibans top two deputies in 2015 and he continues to serve in that role today.
Rahman explained that al Qaeda was operating in at least eight of Afghanistans provinces as of June 2010. In addition, just one al Qaeda battalion based in Kunar and Nuristan had 70 members by itself. That is, this one battalion had more fighters than the lower bound of the CIAs figures for all of Afghanistan.
The lowball guess stuck, however, despite the recovery of this primary source evidence.
The US military claimed as recently as June 2015, in its biannual Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan report, that al Qaeda has a sustained presence in Afghanistan of probably fewer than 100 operatives concentrated largely in Kunar and Nuristan Provinces, where they remain year-round.
Another Defense Department report, published in Dec. 2015, claimed that al Qaeda is primarily concentrated in the east and northeast. This erroneous assessment was published despite the fact that US and Afghan forces raided two large al Qaeda camps in the Shorabak district of the southern Kandahar province just two months earlier, in Oct. 2015. More than 150 al Qaeda operatives were found at one of the two camps.
US officials walk back previous assessment
Earlier this year, US generals began to walk back the consistently low estimate of al Qaedas presence in Afghanistan.
In April, Major General Jeff Buchanan, Resolute Supports deputy chief of staff, discussed al Qaedas footprint in the country and warned that previous US estimates on al Qaedas strength were wrong.
If you go back to last year, there were a lot of intel estimates that said within Afghanistan al Qaeda probably has 50 to 100 members, but in this one camp we found more than 150, Buchanan told CNN, referring to one of the camps discovered in Shorabak. US officials revised the estimate to upwards of 300 al Qaeda operatives in the country, but that number does include other facilitators and sympathizers in their network, CNN reported.
In addition to revising al Qaedas estimated strength upwards, US commanders in Afghanistan began to detail the scope of al Qaedas presence. In Sept. 2016, General Nicholson Jr. told the press that the US was hunting al Qaeda members in at least seven provinces.
However, less than seven months after US officials revised al Qaedas strength to upwards of 300 operatives, some US officials began to lowball al Qaedas numbers in Afghanistan once again.
American officials estimate that both the core Qaeda group and the new branch [AQIS] number fewer than 200 total operatives in Afghanistan, The New York Times reported on Dec. 2. The Times added: Afghan officials put the number at 300 to 500.
Obviously, there are more than 200 al Qaeda and AQIS members in Afghanistan (as some officials told the Times), because the US killed or captured 250 in the first eleven months of 2016.
After years of undercounting the members of al Qaedas network inside Afghanistan, US intelligence is due for a fresh assessment.
Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.
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By Katie Lannan
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
BOSTON Senators traveling to Minnesota this week said Tuesday they are eyeing long-term solutions rather than a quick fix to rising health care costs, noting that significant savings have not yet been achieved under a 2012 cost control law.
Spending on health care in Massachusetts rose to $57.4 billion in 2015, marking the second straight year spending growth has exceeded a benchmark set under the cost-containment law. Looking to hold down future growth, a group of senators will spend Thursday in Friday in Minneapolis, where state officials and health care leaders will share their strategies for reining in spending.
"Were not looking for a short-term solution, I dont think," Senate Majority Leader Harriette Chandler told reporters Tuesday. "I think were looking for long term. Theres no magic silver bullet here. Were looking for how were going to maintain lower costs as we move forward."
Chandler joined Senate President Stanley Rosenberg and Health Care Financing Committee Co-Chair Sen. James Welch to discuss expectations for the trip and the research that would follow.
"Its my hope that well measure this research in months rather than years so that we can actually have some proposals to consider during this upcoming legislative term," Rosenberg said.
The trip, paid for and organized by the Milbank Memorial Fund, is the first part of a research project into best practices used by other states to organize and deliver health care services in cost effective ways, Rosenberg said. The New York-based public policy group last year helped organize a trip to Colorado for a group of senators studying marijuana legalization.
Thirteen people are making the trip, including Rosenberg, Chandler, Welch, Senate Ways and Means Chair Karen Spilka, Sen. Jason Lewis, Sen. John Keenan, Sen. Patrick OConnor, Health Policy Commission executive director David Seltz, Gov. Charlie Bakers policy director Elizabeth Mahoney, and staff members.
Welch, a West Springfield Democrat, said lawmakers considering cost containment ideas have several factors to weigh.
"We have to keep in the forefront the fact that the health care market here in Massachusetts is a huge industry and a very important industry here that we depend on and people of the commonwealth depend on, not only from a delivery standpoint of health care, but from an economic standpoint as well," he said. "It employs a lot of people, so whatever recommendations we make, whether it finds its way into legislation or not, we have to take that all into consideration and I think that will be a process that will take a few months."
AUDIO: Sens. Rosenberg, Chandler, Welch brief reporters on Minnesota trip
Signed six years after a reform law that made health insurance mandatory, the cost-containment law takes several approaches, including greater price transparency, adoption of alternative payment methodologies and a requirement that the state set a benchmark for annual health care expenditure growth.
The benchmark for 2015 was set at 3.6 percent, and spending that year grew 4.1 percent, according to the Center for Health Information and Analysis.
"It obviously isnt successful if were looking for ways to contain these costs," Chandler, a Worcester Democrat, said of the 2012 law.
Welch said the law has prompted more conversation on spending growth and expectations in the health care industry, which he described as a "very positive thing to focus on."
"I think the first step of health care cost containment, we havent seen the actual savings right off the bat, but I think in health care thats potentially unrealistic," he said.
On Thursday and Friday, the senators will attend presentations on Medicaid initiatives in Minnesota and Massachusetts; community paramedics; payment and delivery system reforms; long-term services and supports; legislative oversight and performance monitoring; integrated health partnerships; and social determinants of health.
"More than anything right now we have to learn what theyre doing and how theyre doing it and why its being effective and whether or not that would translate to the same market here in Massachusetts," Welch said.
Welch said Minnesota is "a little bit ahead of us" with regard to accountable care organizations and leads the nation in long-term support and services, which he said is a "huge cost driver" in Massachusetts.
The Minnesota trip kicks off a process Rosenberg said will involve studying three to six other states, representatives from which would likely visit Massachusetts. Maryland, Vermont and Oregon are all being considered, Chandler said.
In particular, discussion has touched on a potential visit by Oregon officials who could discuss their states work on controlling pharmaceutical costs, Welch said.
END
12/13/2016
Culture / Art Republik
Dec 15, 2016 | By Vimi Haridasan
Southeast Asias flagship art fair is all set to make its return from January 12 to 15. Art Stage Singapore 2017 will be the seventh edition of the art fair and it promises to bring along with it a stronger Southeast Asian Identity. Guests can look forward to artists and galleries from around the world as well as the second Southeast Asia Forum at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
While the specially curated galleries, consisting of 126 galleries from 27 countries, are set to be a major draw Art Stage Singapore 2017 also introduces the inaugural Collectors Stage 2017. A collaborative effort between Art Stage Singapore and The Artling, it will showcase a selection of artworks from the collections from six leading Singapore based collectors.
The art fair is an opportunity for the growing art world in Asia to exchange ideas and understand the economic and socio political issues today. For the second year, Art Stage Singapore 2017 will host the Southeast Asia Forum that aims to bring about a balance between art, commerce and content. The theme of the forum this year, revolves around capitalism and is titled Net Present Value: Art, Capital, Futures. The issues will be explored through an exhibition and a series of lectures.
The Forums exhibition will use the works of socially engaged artists to highlight the need for cultivating alternative forms of capital and conditions in order to ensure the evolution of societies in a complex global environment. Notable artists who will be included in the exhibition, include Jim Allen Abel, Kent Chan, Yudi Sulistyo and Titin Wulia. The Forums panel discussions will welcome economists, business leaders and policy makers to join the art community to discuss and deliberate the various perspectives held about social inequality.
Art Stage Singapore 2017 will be held from January 12 to 15 at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
NEW DELHI : The Supreme Court on Thursday said that liquor shops will not be allowed on national and state highways across the country. The top court's order was on a public interest litigation filed by an NGO called 'Arrive Safe'. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur also directed that all signages indicating presence of liquor vends will be prohibited on national and state highways. The bench also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao said the existing licenses of liquor shops across the highways will not be renewed after March 31, 2017.
Last week, the apex court had expressed concern over 1.5 lakh fatalities every year in road mishaps, saying it may direct closure of liquor vends on national and state highways across the nation, besides removal of the signages indicating their location. The apex court, while reserving verdict on December 7 on a batch of pleas seeking a direction to amend excise laws to ensure that no liquor is sold alongside highways, came down heavily on the Punjab government for seeking relaxation and permitting liquor shops near highways if they are "elevated" ones and the vend are under or near it.
The excise department is happy, the excise minister is happy and the state government is also happy that they are making money. If a person dies due to this, you give Rs one or 1.5 lakh. That is it. You should take a stand which is helpful for the society," the bench had said. Reminding the state government of its constitutional obligation to prohibit liquor sale, the bench had asked the state to do something for general public considering that nearly 1.5 lakh people were dying every year. The bench had also expressed unhappiness over alleged inaction by various states in removing liquor shops alongside roads which give rise to drunken driving and consequential fatalities. PTI
Blonde tresses, radiant smile, and killer personal style: Nellie Lim is emerging as one of Singapores most likeable fashion talents on social media as evidenced by her 54,000 Instagram followers. And a few weeks back, these followers reacted with a torrent of likes when the influencer said yes to her long time partner Ong Zhe Han on a snowy mount in New Zealand.
Back in town, full of sparkles and radiating happiness, the engaged duo shared a weekend coffee in front of Marie France Asias lens.
As you would expect, both are wearing stylish head-to-toe outfits, complimented by the G-Shock smart watch designed by Jaesuk Kim for UOB Cards. Nellie rocks JSKs signature Susu Girls illustrations, while Zhe Han opts for the manly camouflage version of the watch.
Victims of their own success, the limited-edition watches have already been fully redeemed. But those of you lucky enough to have gotten your hands on them, heres a quick demo on how to use the smart watches in style. Dont forget to SMS in for your UOB Contactless Card before using your watch to pay! (Locals and PRs SMS YesCard